Klc biz 12 14

Volume 6, No. 12

December 2014

Business Kelso Longview

Connection Chamber of Commerce

Calendar Wednesday

December 3 – 7:30 a.m.

Education Foundation Committee Canterbury Park 1335 3rd Ave., Longview December 3 – 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Holiday Mixer Lower Columbia College Rose Center

Friday

Geir-Eilif Kalhagen updated Chamber members and others on current affairs at the Port of Longview.

Local ports are prime for economic boom

By Brenda Sexton For the Kelso-Longview Chamber

Three ports – Woodland, Kalama and Longview – with three executive directors who presented similarly optimistic views of their future at the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce and Cowlitz Economic Development Council’s Economic Summit.

“Our three ports are our greatest economic engines that we have in Cowlitz County at this time,” CEDC executive director Ted Sprague said. “With the emphasis on export with our amazing access to natural resource we just have so much happening in the world with our ports at this time we just wanted to share that with the general public.”

Sprague served as host for the annual event at the Cowlitz Regional Conference Center November 19. He also summarized the presentation in his monthly Chamber column on page 6.

Those in leadership positions are excited about the future developing along the Columbia River – locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

Please see Port, page 2

December 5 – 5 p.m.

Kelso Tree Lighting Amtrak Train Station Deadline for Jingle All the Way registration with running shirt

Saturday

December 6 – 5 p.m.

Longview Downtown Christmas Parade And Civic Circle Tree Lighting

Monday

December 8 – Noon Government Affairs Committee Teri’s 3225 Ocean Beach Hwy., Longview

Saturday

December 20 – 4 p.m.

Jingle All the Way 5k Run-Walk Downtown Longview

Wednesday – Thursday December 24 and 25 Chamber Office Closed

Every Wednesday

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

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

Kelso Longview Business Connection

December 2014

The Port of Longview continues to grow.

Port from page 1

includes two marine areas, Martins Bay and Austin Point, three industrial areas and 8,000 feet of shoreline for development.

The Port of Woodland currently has about 15 tenant businesses on site and creates approximately 300 jobs.

Keene, who is relatively new to the port, beginning her tenure in May, said the to-do list for 2015 is long and ambitious at the Port of Woodland. It includes gearing up to master site permit the port’s fourth industrial park along Guild Road. The 15-acre site known as Rose Growers Industrial Park is one of 2015’s top projects. Port staff and commissioners are also working on harbor improvements, a marketing campaign, partnering with the Woodland Rotary on a community park, developing Austin Point and the Schurman Way Industrial Park and, something Keene said she could not discuss.

Port of Woodland

Jennifer Keene kicked off the evening with a review of the Port of Woodland, which has approximately 400 acres of light and heavy industrial property available for development, and a 2015 budget of $1.2 million. It

Jennifer Keene

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Team Bill Marcum, CEO Karen Sisson, Project Manager Amy Hallock, Bookkeeper

Port of Kalama

It’s been a busy year at the Port of Kalama too. Executive Director Mark Wilson noted the port is gaining international recognition and the economic activity it creates spills into the community.

Wilson, who has served as executive direc-

Kelso Longview Business Connection is published monthly by the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce.

105 N. Minor Road • Kelso, WA 98626 • 360-423-8400 To advertise, call Bill Marcum, 360-423-8400 or e-mail bmarcum@kelsolongviewchamber.org.

Ad Deadline: 20th of each month.

Please see Port, page 4

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Mark Wilson

Kelso Longview Business Connection

December 2014

Port from page 2

the Berth 4 redevelopment and plans for Willow Grove Park.

The Port of Longview ranks third in operating revenue among Washington state ports behind Seattle and Tacoma, but it’s the port’s growing reputation and influence in the global economy that Kalhagen took a moment to mention.

Referring to a recent opportunity for a one-on-one conversation with Vice President Joe Biden to discuss the importance of trade and ports and bringing funds and infrastructure to them, Kalhagen said the invitation for such encounters emphasize what the port is doing locally is being recognized on a national level and is part of a much bigger picture.

With a $36 million budget this year, the port looks for privatepublic investments for its projects. As an example, Kalhagen referred to Barlow Point, to put in the basic infrastructure to even start talking to people to do development there, he said, would mean between $500 and $750 million worth of capital.

Getting people here to make those investments is important to the community. Investing in the infrastructure at the port returns to the community as better schools, improved fire service and more.

The Columbia River Gateway, he added, is No. 1 in U.S. wheat export, West Coast wood exports and bulk minerals, and, No. 2 in auto and soy exports. Sixty percent of Washington timber is exported through Longview, he said.

“These are all big numbers, and at the end of the day they mean tax revenue. They mean jobs. They mean benefits for the communities that are fortunate to be in port districts.”

tor since 1989, noted the port's roughly 1,000 acres of property, its approximately 25 clients, and the more than 800 jobs it creates. The Port of Kalama generates between $11 and $14 million in revenue and moves vast quantities of steel products and grain through its waters.

Wilson tossed out some numbers. Approximately 9 to 11 million tons of grain moves through the port a year, he said. The typical grain vessel is 730 feet long and holds 66,000 tons of grain a trip. He put those numbers into portions everyone could chew on.

“So, that works out to about 2.2 million bushels of grain,” he said. “So if that was wheat and you converted it into pasta, this will give you an idea of how much food that really is. So one pound of dried pasta makes eight servings, and when you get down to the bottom line of doing all the math, there’s about 420 million meals of pasta on one ship, and that ship is loaded in about 36 hours, and there’s another one right behind it, and another one right behind it.

“So when you start to talk about the millions of tons of cargo that move and how much that means, our ports are feeding the world.”

The port’s TEMCO grain elevator expansion project will help handle all that grain. It is one of the many projects on the port’s recent agenda.

One of the projects completed this year was the new port offices and interpretive center, which includes historical information about the port and the area in user-friendly visual exhibits.

Among the projects for the near future are the Spencer Creek Business Park, a 260-acre mixed-use development, and Haydu Park, a community recreational facility expected to be complete

by June, both are located off Kalama River Road.

Wilson also spoke briefly about the proposed methanol manufacturing facility, which was recently the topic of a scoping meeting as it continues toward the permitting process.

At the conclusion of the event, Sprague sent the audience home to ponder the future of “little” Cowlitz County. “We have over 3 billion dollars in capital investments looking at locating in Cowlitz County,” he said.

Each executive director fielded questions from the audience and encouraged those in attendance to become involved in their ports.

Port of Longview

For more information visit these websites:

The Port of Longview, which includes eight marine terminals and waterfront industrial property, continues to invest in its future.

Geir-Eilif Kalhagen, Port of Longview executive director since 2012, briefly discussed current projects that included the industrial-rail corridor, the master plan for Barlow Point, Geir-Eilif Kalhagen

portofkalama.com portoflongview.com portofwoodland.com cowlitzedc.com

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NON-PROFIT NIGHT Wednesday, January 21, 2015 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Mark Morris High School (1602 Mark Morris Ct.) $10 advance/$15 at door Students 18 and under ($5) Start off your 2015 year by exploring and interacting with our local Non-Profit organizations! Learn about their services, events and impactful changes made in the community. You may even find the urge to get involved or volunteer with one throughout the year. This event creates a community synergy, and starts your year off with a positive boost!

Chamber Member Non-Profits that wish to showcase their organization at this event pay a $25 participation fee which includes, table, chairs, Mark Morris DECA students will be on hand to assist with set up and admission for two to represent your table. Non-Chamber Member Non-Profits can participate at a rate of $50. Please contact the Kelso Longview Chamber to reserve your space. ksisson@kelsolongviewchamber.org or 360.423.8400 Food and beverages provided by:

Mark Morris High School

Kelso Longview Business Connection

December 2014

Cowlitz Economic Development Council

Our ports are leading the way

By Ted Sprague President – Cowlitz Economic Development Council

with the capital investment and jobs we all desire for our community.

The Port of Kalama took over from there with remarks from Executive Director Mark Wilson. Mark is the longest tenured port employee as he has worked for the port dating back to 1989. Currently, the port is working with NW Innovations (NWI) on a $1.8 BILLION capital investment to construct a methanol manufacturing facility. The work with NWI dates back to this time last year, but has hit the accelerator button recently. The port and county held a scoping meeting in November to discuss with the community areas of concern or highlights that should be considered in the Environmental Impact Statement for permitting the project. The event was lightly attended, but good dialogue took place with citizens and permitting agencies. You can add your input to the discussion by submitting comments to sepa@ kalamamfgfacilitysepa.com. Comment on the importance of this project locating in an appropriately zoned area, providing

The Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce and the Cowlitz Economic Development Council worked together to host our annual Economic Summit on November 19. This year we decided to shake up the format and focused simply on our county’s three port districts. With the help of nine local sponsors underwriting the event, we had more than 150 in attendance to learn more about our ports and what projects they are projecting for the future.

We led off the evening with our newest port director Jennifer Keene from the Port of Woodland. Jennifer discussed the uniqueness of her port district and the challenges of being a first time port director. The comments that gathered the most attention were the necessity of confidentiality when dealing with prospects and clients and the fact that the port controls approximately 8,000 feet of undeveloped Columbia River access.

The potential for development in that area of the county is nearly limitless with that much access. We will work closely with the port and the community to ensure the property is developed

Please see CEDC, page 7

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

Bianca Lemmons Cowlitz County Title Company

Michael Julian Kelso Theater Pub

Chris Bailey Lower Columbia College

Clayton J. Bartness, DC Longview Chiropractic Clinic

Ken Botero Longview City Council

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

Dennis Weber Cowlitz County Commissioner Bob Crisman Gallery of Diamonds

Michael Claxton Walstead Mertsching

Ted Sprague Cowlitz Economic Development Council

Lance Welch PeaceHealth

Steve Taylor Kelso City Manager

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

Kelso Longview Business Connection

CEDC, from page 6

December 2014

our area and the entire northwest. The port is concerning itself with some maintenance and infrastructure repair that is overdue. While doing this critical work they are also developing the Barlow Point area for future development and working with clients in the existing port area for new projects. The one taking the most attention is the Haven Energy project, which is investigating in the location for a $200 million-plus capital investment for a propane/bu-

the largest capital investment in decades, 1,000 construction jobs for more than six years and 240 full times jobs are important to point out to the permitting agencies.

We wrapped up the evening with Port of Longview Executive Director Geir-Eilif Kalhagen. Geir educated everyone on the global reach of our ports and the impressive economic impact the channel deepening project has had on

tane facility.

While we focused this year on the work of the ports, the developments being done by the private sector is equally important. All told, the projects looking to locate in Cowlitz County could total more than $3 billion in capital investment and more than 1,000 full-time jobs for our future. It is important we support these developments in order to get our families back to work and our tax base fully diversified to support schools

and necessary infrastructure for a strong quality of place.

wishing you the merriest of holidays! come visit santa, snap a photo with a simple wish princess or take in a live holiday performance. time to dream. time to shop. photos with “character”

11/29, 12/6, 12/13 & 12/20 | 1pm - 1:45pm | santa’s castle have your photo taken with a favorite storybook character: olivia, spot, frozen princess, grinch.

pet nights with santa

12/3, 12/10 & 12/17 | 6pm - 8pm bring your best friend in for a photo with santa.

YOU HAVE BEEN GOOD ALL YEAR. TIME TO SHOP.

holiday storybook readings

olivia, spot, a “frozen” simple wish princess & special guest 11/29, 12/6, 12/13 & 12/20 | 2pm | near kelso public library hot cocoa and cookies served.

celebrate the season with music 12/6 & 12/13 | 11am | center court come enjoy jazz & community performances.

piano jazz music in the mall

11/29, 12/6, 12/13 & 12/20 | 11am - 3pm | center court all events subject to change without notice

351 Three Rivers Dr. Kelso, WA 98626 | (360) 577-5218 threeriversmall.com |

THR-4220-A97D C2 10x6.125 CRR HOLIDAY PRINT AD.indd 1

11/18/14 12:57 PM

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

December 2014

CEO’s Message

Holiday 5K puts more jingle in scholarship fund, downtown

By Bill Marcum CEO – Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce This great event started when I noticed that 12-12-12 would be the last time for a consecutive date until 0101-2101... do you realize that is 87 years, yes, 87.

You never know WHO will show up to run.

It's a family fun event.

I was looking to hire a project manager for the Chamber and I had two finalist. I asked each of them to come up with an idea for an event downtown on 12-12-12 that would drive people downtown for some holiday shopping and help put funds in our scholarship program.

Brooke Fisher came up with the Jingle All the Way 5K – what a great idea. But, would people come out on a rainy, cold, dark night to run or walk a 5K in December? We decided to give it a go. Brooke and Amy Hallock began organizing the event, finding sponsors and promoting the Jingle Run.

Jingle All the Way 5K Run/Walk Saturday, December 20 Downtown Longview

To our surprise, more than 800 people braved the weather to walk or run in the first Jingle All the Way 5K. In the past, we were only able to give away one $500 scholarship a year. The success of that first Jingle All the Way 5K allowed the Chamber of Commerce to hand out five $1,000 scholarships to local high school students who planned to continue their education. As part of their help during this event the Chamber’s Lower Columbia Professionals group also gets some of the money raised to help with their own scholarship fund, and last year they gave away $6,000 worth of scholarships.

4 pm – FREE Rudolf Run for kids 9 and under 5 pm – 5K Walk/Run begins

creatively dressed, most creative team dress and more...

So, as you can see this is a very big event for the Chamber of Commerce and for high school students in the Cowlitz County area.

A special thank you to our 38 Jingle All the Way 5K sponsors this year, with Kapstone, Express Employment Professionals and Fibre Federal Credit Union serving as our “GRAND BELL” sponsors.

For a complete list of our sponsors see page 9 and make sure you register to participate in the run by December 5 if you want a long sleeve collectors shirt. If you do not care about the shirt you can sign up right up until the race.

It is also important for the local businesses in downtown Longview.

The other goal of the run is to bring people downtown on the last Saturday before Christmas to do some local, last minute shopping.

Local businesses have agreed to stay open during the event and are working on specials that will invite people to come their stores. Our goal this year is 700 runners/walkers, which could mean an additional 1,000 family members and watchers, for a total of about 1,700 people in downtown Longview.

So, on Saturday, December 20, bundle up, do something fun with the entire family, support our local downtown businesses and help provide scholarships for local high school students... all at one fun holiday event – the third annual Jingle All the Way 5K.

It takes about an hour for the last walker to come across the finish line and then we award prizes to the winners, best dressed, most

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Saturday 12-20-14

Saturday, 12-20-14 in Historic Downtown Longview

Saturday December 20, 2014

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

4:00 pm The Rudolph Run/Kids Event

Saturday December 20, 2014

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

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

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

Run, walkAwarded and be entertained by localofmusicians.

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

downtown shops and eateries. Festive

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

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

4:00 pm The Rudolph Run/Kids Event

**Company Teams must sign up through Chamber Office directly

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

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

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

Bronze Bell Sponsors: Company Discounts**: Frontier Rehabilitation & Extended Care, Ashtown Brewing Co., Americana Health & Rehabilitation, Gallery of Diamonds, Cowlitz Valley Runners, Wilco, The Merk,registrations) American Medical Response, Scoops & Sweets $2 off per registration (25-99 employee or $5 off per registration (100+ employee registrations) **Company Teams must sign up through Chamber Office directly

Kelso Longview Business Connection

December 2014

Mind Your Own Business (at the Library)

Program fires up adult readers

By Chris Skaugset Director – Longview Public Library

We’re coming to the end of another year and, as I think almost everyone over a certain age will agree, they seem to be going faster and faster. In this month’s column I want to spend the first part talking about a couple of books that have come out recently that might interest any of you small business owners, soon to be business owners, or even those who are only at the someday I will start my own business part of their life. Later I want to mention some of the exciting things coming up after the first of the year at the library.

Peter Thiel talks about the future of small business in his fascinating and optimistic vision of what it will take to make your own place in the world in his book Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future. Thiel is the creator of PayPal and so knows a little bit about what might be the next new, big thing. In this collection of more abstract, and less practical, musings, Thiel takes the reader on a journey showing his vision of what it will take to create the next Windows, Google or PayPal. To be as successful as these business giants, you won’t be creating a new operating system, a better search engine or a new and improved online payment system because these have already been done. His provocative central idea is that the new successful businesses should actually be striving to be monopolies: they need to bring something new, exciting, and most importantly one of a kind to the world. The book’s title comes from Thiel’s idea that when you create something that already exists, or is simply an improvement to something that already exists, that you go from 1 to n. However, when you create something completely new then you move from zero to one. While, unfortunately, there are no practical descriptions about the steps necessary to make this creative leap and to be this new kind of successful enterprise, what Thiel has presented to the reader is an optimistic view on the future of progress and a new way to think about innovation.

In the tradition of other great business works, Diana Kander’s All In Startup: Launching a New Idea When Everything Is on the Line reads like a novel but is really a textbook on entrepreneurship and

what it takes to create a successful business. Kander is not the first business writer to use allegory to teach business basics (not unlike Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson and The Goal by Eliyahu Goldratt to name a couple) nor do I suspect will she be the last. Nevertheless, Kander has done an excellent job of discussing these topics in a way that makes them more interesting than a business school textbook, though certainly not a classic of literature either. The story, told through a case study approach, follows Owen Chase who has been given the assignment of turning his company around in nine days. A new type of entrepreneurship is shown, revealing innovative business principles and the emotional reality that goes with it that almost always is not part of the curriculum of today’s business schools.

It’s an interesting approach to presenting a lot of useful material on entrepreneurship and business and for many people will be a great way to be exposed, and absorb, the lessons taught here.

Finally, I wanted to give you a little preview of a couple of things that will be occurring after the first of the year. The Fire it Up! Adult Winter Reading Program will begin again in January. This is our third year for this program and is a collaboration by all of the libraries of Cowlitz County encouraging adults to read books, magazines, eBooks, or audiobooks (just to name a few) to win prizes. It is similar to our Summer Reading programs for youth and we are trying to encourage adults to read more not only as a means of promoting literacy but also to have them set an example for the their children, hopefully showing them that reading and literacy is not only fun, but it is critical for future success.

The library has also received a grant through the Washington State Library and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation that will allow us the means to begin technology training classes in the community. Through the laptops purchased through the grant we will be having our first class for seniors at a local senior/retirement center and also a class to help the technology skills of those adults searching for work or simply trying to improve their skills at the Highlands Neighborhood Association Community Center. We hope to be able to continue to provide these classes in the future both here at the library and out in the community. Keep an eye out for more information for both of these, plus a library card campaign using the library’s new logo. It should be an exciting, and busy, year. I hope you all have a safe and happy holiday season.

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We need your help!

Hundreds of lights not working,

lighted displays need repair, Help us continue this wonderful and magical community event. Donate at www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

Please Donate Today!

This year, the event is on Saturday, December 6th. The parade begins at 5:00 p.m., running down Commerce Ave., Maple, 14th, Broadway and around the Civic Circle by the library, ending in front of the Monticello Hotel. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive in their sleigh at the hotel, as a local choir sings “Here Comes Santa Claus.� Santa then turns on the lights inside the Civic Circle park with a little holiday magic. St. Nick will be available for kids to visit with, and hot chocolate will be served by the local Altrusa group. Mark your calendars for this wonderful community event!

Kelso Longview Business Connection

December 2014

Business Toolbox

8 strategies to increase your business’ cash flow

By Jerry D. Petrick Certified Business Adviser Almost daily I hear about cash flow challenges and concerns from my clients. Many tell that sales in their businesses have recovered somewhat from prior years, and they are still struggling with their cash flow. As most of us are aware, cash and cash flow are THE key indicators of business success and growth. Having sufficient cash flow provides you with more flexibility and options with vendors, customers, and creditors.

If you don’t understand the different ways to improve your cash flow, you can get stuck thinking you have no options. If you are having cash flow concerns, chances are it is difficult for you to get a loan from the bank or credit terms from your suppliers.

Business owners continue to develop inventive ways to solve their cash flow challenges. Some of the stories I’ve heard may spark your interest or key you in to options that would be helpful to you. I’ve taken some of the learnings from my clients’ experiences and broken these down to eight ideas to help your business.

1. Develop a Positive Cash Flow Cycle: The cash flow cycle refers to the difference in timing between when you pay for products/services or payroll and when you get paid by your clients or customers. A negative cash flow cycle means you pay out before you get paid (this is more common than you might imagine). A positive cash flow cycle means you get paid before you have to pay out. Sometimes a negative cash flow can be corrected with simple phone calls to your primary vendors/ suppliers – clients regularly report they have asked vendors for 30-day terms and got it. This one step can put your business into a positive cash flow immediately. Other clients have started to ask for half down before they start a job and some clients

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offer small incentives for paying accounts receivable early. As the saying goes: ‘we miss 100 percent of the shots we don’t take’.

2. Increase Your Average Sale: If you can get your customers to buy more of your stuff, for more money, and more often you will increase your average sale. When your average sale amount goes up more dollars go into your bank account. I have a number of retail clients who started carrying more upscale products, increased their prices on some items, and bundled or packaged (great time of year to bundle/prepackage) some products together. They experienced an immediate improvement in their cash flow.

3. Increase Your Sales and Marketing Efforts: The recent past has been a hard time for building supply companies. One client opened a building supply company before the real estate market slow down. Oops! So, he took a gamble and advertised on TV. It was hard to spend the money, but the results have been increasing sales every month since he opened. Another client doubled her sales force and has increased sales every month of the downturn – now that the downturn has ebbed, she has much less competition. There really is a lot of opportunity out there. In many cases you may be facing significantly reduced competition in your markets.

4. Cut Your Costs: This one seems like a no brainer, however, many clients have been slow to do the difficult cost cutting that is required to stay/become profitable. One of my clients was very slow to cut costs. We worked together and talked about each expense and explored other ways to get what he needed without spending so much. We found several creative ways to cut costs without hurting productivity or customer service.

HINT: Your employees can be great sources for suggestions for

Please see Petrick, page 13

Kelso Longview Business Connection

December 2014

Petrick from page 12

business owner to research the prices her competitors charged. We found that her prices were at least 25 percent below those of her competitors. We experimented with pricing and found that some items actually sold faster when they were priced higher. One business owner increased his prices by just $1. It added an extra $3,000 a month or $36,000 annually to the cash flow.

You all know that “cash is king.” It is the key to surviving the tough times and thriving in better times. By working smarter as well as harder you will improve your chances of survival and increase the value of your business. You might want to think of it this way: By improving your cash flow now you will benefit from improved profitability, productivity and positive cash flow.

This article was prepared by Jerry Petrick, MBA, CGBP, SPHR, PMP and Certified Business Adviser with the WSU Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Longview. Jerry provides nocost, confidential business advisory services by appointment. He can be reached via e-mail jerry.petrick@wsbdc.org

process improvements and cost savings. Get them involved!

5. Reduce or Restructure Debt Payments: The payments you make on business debts, because it is money out of your bank account, are an important area that directly affects your cash flow.

One client talked to their banker, the banker was reluctant to refinance or restructure the debt. I told this client that the secret was to talk to a bank other than his own. Banks other than your own view gaining your deposit and loan accounts as a big win. Your current bank may not always appreciate your accounts until they are about to lose them. Needless to say, this client did well in lowering their debt payments and received some other nice perks as well.

(Naturally, this becomes a challenge if your loan is not current or in default – restructuring is not the same as a ‘workout’). HINT: If you take the other steps to improve your cash flow first; then approach a bank you will look more attractive to the new bank because of your stronger cash flow position.

6. Reduce or Defer Capital Expenditures: One business I worked with had a very tight cash flow because her business was growing.

Growth always creates a drain on cash. She needed equipment and trucks to get to the next step. Buying new was out of the question.

She started asking people she knew for what she wanted and got the equipment and trucks for almost nothing. Again, you will never know until/unless you ask.

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

7. Increase the Productivity of Your Team: I worked with a small business with a tight cash flow that was doing about $800,000 in annual sales with very little profit – they were essentially breaking even. We determined through analysis, if we increased sales to $1,000,000 they should add about $100,000 to the bottom line. When they came back the next year they had actually increased their sales to $1,400,000, but there was still no profit. Based on the numbers, analysis of the situation was that they hadn’t increased the productivity of their people. When they added new business, their staff costs expanded with their sales.

The idea is to find ways for your staff to get more done in less time, with less effort and cost.

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

8. Increase Your Prices: No I’m not crazy. Increasing prices is one of the hardest things for business owners to do. I worked with one

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

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

Kelso Longview Business Connection

December 2014

Business After Hours

New Offices Chamber Ambassador Nick Lemiere took a few moments out of the November 4 Business After Hours at the beautiful new civil engineering and surveying offices of Gibbs and Olson to pose with Ken and Marne Botero, Peter Bennett, Brenda Marcum and Vern Foster. Left, Hahli Clark and Vashti Langford were all smiles at the event. Below, Rich Gusman, principle owner of Gibbs and Olson, talks to the crowd about the company's 32-year journey to the new office space.

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

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

December 2014

Business After Hours

Preston Worth and Jacqueline Davis, both from Booth and Davis CPAs.

Gibbs and Olson has more than 25 employees in their Olympia and new Longview offices. Pictured above are, left to right, Kevin Stewart, Annette Gushman, Stephan McWilliams, Mike Marshall and Sterling Smith.

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

December 2014

Council of Governments

COG submitting Projects of National and Regional Significance

By Bill Fashing Executive Director – Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments

ness, improve safety for diverse users of rail and roadway, support a state of good repair for the regional network, improve quality of life and promote environmental sustainability with significantly reduced idling time. Expected outcomes of the project include expanded capacity of the Longview rail network, enhanced truck freight mobility for nearby businesses, improved safety for all travel modes, and reduced travel delay and congestion.

The Columbia River trade route is the second-largest grain exporting river channel in the world. The Port of Longview (POL) is the first deep draft, full-service operating port reached on the Columbia River. Increased demand for export bulk commodities and freight movement was generated from federal investment for the Columbia River Channel Deepening, completed in 2010. The Columbia River is currently only carrying around 60 percent of the historical peak of ship traffic.

The Port of Longview is now the state’s third largest port based on operating revenue. The SR 432 industrial corridor represents a key “last mile” connection between POL and the Great Northern Corridor, connecting Chicago with Pacific ports and Asian markets.

SR 432 is a “T-1” truck freight route (> 10 million tons per year), an “R-1” rail route (> 5 million tons per year) and the Columbia River is a “W-1” economic waterway (> 25 million tons per year).

SR 433 is classified as a T-1 truck freight route.

At-grade highway/rail crossings have the potential for unsafe vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian conflicts. The SR 432 corridor has 28 at-grade crossings; nine of these crossings are with major streets and 19 locations include minor access points, driveways, and industry gates. The project has envisioned several locations where at-grade crossings can be removed, combined with other existing crossing locations, or mitigated with grade separation structures.

The SR 432 corridor is a crucial piece of the region’s transportation infrastructure. The corridor is stressed based on today’s truck, passenger vehicle and rail volume. The improvements outlined in the SR 432 Concept Development Plan will dramatically decrease safety concerns, decrease travel delays and improve the overall transportation efficiencies of the region as they are completed.

The Cowlitz Wahkiakum Council of Governments (CWCOG) has submitted the SR 432 project for consideration as a Project of National and Regional Significance by the U.S. Department of Transportation. This designation may open doors for funding for the series of projects included in the SR 432 Concept Development Plan. A copy of the plan is available on the SR 432 website, http:// www.sr432corridor.org/ Projects of National and Regional Significance (PNRS) improve the safe, secure, and efficient movement of people and goods through the U.S. to improve the national economy. USDOT is required to develop a report to Congress that contains a comprehensive list of each project of national and regional significance that has been compiled through a survey of State departments of transportation; transit agencies, tribal governments, and multi-state or multi-jurisdictional groups. The comprehensive list will enable the Secretary to classify projects of regional or national significance and to develop recommendations on financing for eligible project costs http://www.ops. fhwa.dot.gov/Freight/infrastructure/nat_reg_sig/index.htm This project emerged from a robust regional planning effort to improve rail and highway safety, congestion, system mobility, and freight capacity. Cowlitz County is the lead agency in moving the first phase of the project forward that entails construction of a grade-separated roadway to eliminate three at-grade rail crossings at the intersection of SR 432, the primary east-west thoroughfare connecting the City of Longview, the Port of Longview, and the Longview/Kelso Industrial Corridor to Interstate 5, and SR 433.

Today, the SR 432/SR 433 intersection is one of the five highest truck tonnage intersections in the state and currently operates at level of service D (A being the best). Rail realignment and improvements combined with highway grade separations will improve the existing traffic congestion and safety issues and work to accommodate projected growth.

Freight volume for the Lower Columbia region is projected to reach 82.5 million tons in 2030, with an average annual growth rate of 7.0 percent. The biggest concern among local truck shippers is blockage of roads by trains, even at current rail traffic levels. Corridor improvements to expand rail capacity and eliminate rail/highway conflicts will enhance regional and national economic competitive-

16

Date: Wednesday December 3rd Lower Columbia College Rose Center Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Cost: $25 advance/$35 at door

Ticket to the event includes two beverage tickets, entry in to raffle for over 30 prizes, food catered by Summerland Catering and beverages provided by Kendall’s Distributing. They will have several beers and wines available.

Register at www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

Applied Applications Inc.

Kelso Longview Business Connection

December 2014

‘My advertising did not work ...How do you know?’

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

associates believe, but cannot confirm, poor performance. Ad tracking results are not available. Better competitive offer from some other retailer offered at the same time…the list may go on and on.

In my experience, one of the largest contributing factors to poor sales results from an advertising or promotional campaign is lack of training. A retailer or service provider’s staff was NOT aware of what was on sale or for that matter was not even aware that the advertisement was appearing in their local media.

Have you ever had the experience of TEACHING a retailer or service provider’s staff what’s on sale in THEIR business by showing them the copy of the ad you have in your hand?

Is this happening in your business today?

Here are four simple methods to consider for tracking your advertising campaigns and the RESULTS they generate...

• Revenue – Track your business’ TOTAL revenue by day or by week, two weeks BEFORE the advertising campaign starts, DURING the time the advertising campaign is in progress (e.g. in the newspaper, on the air, etc.) and two weeks AFTER the completion of the campaign.

• Transactions – Track your business’ TOTAL number of transactions by day or by week, two weeks BEFORE the advertising campaign starts, DURING the time the advertising campaign is in progress (e.g. in the newspaper, on the air, etc.) and two weeks AFTER the completion of the campaign.

Counting the number of shoppers in your business is irrelevant...shoppers may be many, but BUYERS build and grow your business.

• Inventory – Track your business’ inventory changes for the week or the month, as noted when you reorder, BEFORE the advertising campaign starts, DURING the advertising campaign and two weeks or for the month AFTER the completion of the campaign.

• Advertised Inventory – Track your business’ advertised

Over the past year...in this space...in your Chamber newsletter, I have reviewed a number of advertising initiatives…

• We explored strategies to overcome the proverbial...“No Money to Advertise...?” by identifying areas within your business or service to invest in, without increasing your budget!

• “When Business is Tough to Get...” outlined the importance of advertising in a challenging, struggling or recovering economic environment.

• We reviewed the WASTE of your time and your business’ ad dollars when you buy or place a single, one at a time ad. We outlined a much better and more successful RESULTS GENERATING advertising campaign...“Once is Not Enough”.

• Last, but not least, we also took a moment to step back and reinforce the value and benefits of shopping locally, in YOUR community...“It’s All About Your Local Community.”

All of these columns and the subject of this month’s column lead us to the frequently asked question…“Why doesn’t my advertising work?”

The real question, simply put, should be “how do you know?” I have asked that question of many of my small business, retail and service provider clients and discovered that many of them, and possibly you and your associates, simply do not know.

So, let’s solve that dilemma and continue to help enhance the growth of your business, the Kelso-Longview community and YOU! But first, let’s clarify one thing...many and varied reasons could and do contribute to a less than successful branding, marketing or promotional campaign – an initial error in identifying target audience, which, in turn, may have lead to incorrect media selection. Poor merchandise or sale offered. Weather. Poorly designed ad copy. You and/or your

Please see Nau, page 19

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

December 2014

Nau, from page 18

“Business is Blooming, Thanks to Fibre Federal.”

Fibre Federal has been great to work with as a partner. They have given us tools and valuable suggestions in starting our business. Thank you, Fibre!

-Victor Cianci, Owner, Bargain Mart

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

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inventory changes for the week or the month, as noted when you reorder, BEFORE the advertising campaign begins, DURING the campaign and two weeks or for the month AFTER the completion of the campaign.

As an example...if two weeks before beginning the advertising campaign, your business sold an average five John Deere tractors, during the campaign you sold nine John Deere tractors and after the completion of the campaign your business sold an average seven John Deere tractors, you know the campaign was successful in increasing the average sales of John Deere tractors from five to seven.

Additionally, using the John Deere co-op advertising funds you have accrued REDUCED the investment cost of your campaign. The campaign’s success also INCREASED future John Deere co-op advertising funds available to your business. A plus on top of another plus in growing your business!

Have FUN and Good Luck! © Murray & Nau, Inc. Chuck Nau of Murray & Nau, Inc. is a retail consultant and sales and management trainer. He has been a speaker for and conducted advertising and marketing workshops with retailers, chambers of commerce, community marketing groups, and retail organizations throughout North America.

Based in Seattle, Nau is a 25-year veteran of advertising, sales, media and management, who knows and understands the everyday challenges of starting up, growing, and surviving in today's ever changing retail climate.

Comments and questions are welcome and may be directed to Chuck via e-mail: murnau@nwlink.com or at 425-603-0984.

TUNE IN every Wednesday Your Chamber Connection

KEDO AM 1400 – 3 to 4 p.m.

Contact the Chamber to schedule YOUR 10-minute business spotlight

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

December 2014

Lower Columbia College

Opportunities available through Lower Columbia Regional University Center

By Chris Bailey President – Lower Columbia College Opportunities available through the Lower Columbia Regional University Center continue to grow!

Recent developments include the arrival of Dr. Heidi Connole of Eastern Washington University to launch the new Business Administration program, addition of the Center’s first master’s level option, and release of a new degree pathways map that clearly identifies the appropriate associate degree needed to prepare for each of the Center’s 10 bachelor’s programs.

LCC’s partners include Eastern Washington University, Washington State University Vancouver, Warner Pacific College, City University of Seattle and Concordia University.

Dr. Heidi Connole is located in the University Center and is the lead faculty for EWU’s new on-the-ground Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration program that begins in Longview in January 2015. Dr. Connole is Assistant Professor of Management and Director of College of Business and Public Administration Programs Longview for Eastern Washington University.

She holds a PhD from Washington State University in Business Management with an emphasis in Management. Previous positions included Professor of Strategic Leadership at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and implementation of the University of Idaho’s Executive MBA program. Her research has focused primarily on strategic leadership of organizations, and most recently on sustainability issues including leadership among non-traditional populations.

The Center’s first graduate degree is the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership offered through Warner Pacific College. The program is structured to help students develop advanced management skills through hands-on learning experiences and analysis of real-world case studies. The Master of

20

Science in Organizational Leadership is designed for working adults with a bachelor’s degree who want advanced managerial skills for leading people, teams and organizations; want to understand the influences of financial and regularly pressures on management; and want to compete for executive-level roles.

The Center’s 11 baccalaureate and graduate degree opportunities are available at a glance on the LCC website, along with the corresponding LCC degree pathway. The Center is located in the Alan Thompson Library near the center of the LCC campus, adjacent to the new Health and Science Building. Geared toward increasing the number of adults in Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties with bachelor’s degrees or above, the primary goal of the Center is to increase the pool of employees qualified to fill supervisory and management positions within the region.

Students seeking more information about the LCC associate degree pathways should contact the LCC Entry Center at 360442-2311 or visit the programs of study page on the LCC website. Specific adviser contact information is available on each program planner.

Eastern Washington University is currently offering three Bachelor of Arts programs through the University Center, including Interdisciplinary Studies (Liberal Arts), Applied Technology (Information Technology), and Business Administration. Individuals seeking more information about any of the EWU programs should contact Geonna Joy, EWU’s University Center Program Coordinator at 360-353-7811 or Dr. Connole at 360-353-7812.

Washington State University Vancouver is providing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree through the Center for students who have earned an associate degree in Nursing. Interested students should contact Natalie Brusseau, Assistant Director of Admissions for Washington State University Vancouver at 360-546-9162.

Warner Pacific’s offerings include a Bachelor of Science in Human Development, a Bachelor of Health Care Administration,

Please see LCC, page 21

Kelso Longview Business Connection

December 2014

LCC, from page 20 and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership through the Center. Individuals interested in any of these programs should contact Vanessa Brown, Enrollment Counselor for Warner Pacific, at 503-517-1557.

City University’s programs include a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems, and a Bachelor of Arts in Education. For more information about City University’s Criminal Justice of Information Systems programs, please contact Daria Lall, Enrollment Adviser, at 360-449-6721.

For information about the education program please contact Paul Dehnert at 360-442-2945 or 1-800-426-5596.

Concordia is providing a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education that meets Washington State requirements for early childhood teachers. For more information about the early childhood program, please contact Concordia’s Office of Admissions at 503-280-8501 or Ann Williamson at 360-442-2892.

Free Energy Audit •Thermal Imaging

•Energy Tips

•Weatherization

To learn more or sign up visit: www.cowlitzpud.org/ee_audit.php

The Sky is the Limit!

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

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

Jon Hansen General Manager Fabricast Valve

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

Creating products to fuel the world

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

December 2014

Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council

Hiring the right person is critical for business success

By Julia Maglione Communications Manager Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council New employees can add much to your business in ideas, improved processes and additional skills. On the flip side, a bad hiring decision can negatively impact a business in time and money lost training the person, damage to your company’s culture and stress on existing employees.

While face-to-face interviews will help you identify and weed out some potentially problematic hires, many of the things you want to know about a candidate such as innate talents, likes, dislikes, how they’ll fit with your existing workers and whether or not they’ll be successful in your organization can’t be found on a resume.

Pre-hire assessments are one way to get in-depth and objective information about job candidates that can help you determine if they’ll be a good fit for your organization.

Some of the things you can find out include: • Preferred learning and communication style • How they respond to conflict and stress • Job performance, skills and knowledge • Integrity, work ethic and reliability While you could spend thousands purchasing assessment tools, WorkSource offers a variety of tools at no cost to local employers.

JobFit, a comprehensive, web-based system, tells you not only who CAN do the job, but who WILL do the job. The tool surveys and measures a job candidate’s innate talents and characteristics: Thinking Style (can they do the job), Behavioral Traits (how they do the job) and Occupational Interests (will they do the job). It also generates questions you can use during an interview to get additional details.

Prove It! assessments cover accounting, behavioral, call center, clerical, financial, healthcare, industrial, manufacturing, legal, software and technical positions. If you wish, WorkSource can customize a suite of Prove It! pre-employment tests, facilitate the tests and provide you with qualified candidates.

WorkKeys series of tests measures foundational and soft skills

and offers specialized assessments to target institutional needs and help you find the right employee.

When employees are matched correctly, your business benefits from: • Improved engagement and job satisfaction • Reduced employee turnover • Increased productivity • Decreased stress, tension and conflict between employees and/ or with managers • Reduced theft • Increased sales performance and customer satisfaction Contact a Cowlitz WorkSource business services representative at 360-578-4219 for help choosing the right assessment tool for your company.

Julia Maglione is Communications Manager at the SWWDC. She can be reached at jmaglione@swwdc.org or 360-567-3176. The Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council (SWWDC) is the workforce investment board for Cowlitz, Wahkiakum and Clark counties. SWWDC brings together funding, state agencies, local service providers, colleges and community organizations to provide employment and training services to businesses, job seekers and youth. Learn more at www.swwdc.org. % 20 OFFIDE STOREW

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

December 2014

Tech Update Hosts Lonnie Knowles, Stewart Title, and Carey Mackey, Red Canoe Credit Union, interviewed Bob Koening, Robotics Club coach and students Avery, Payton and Vicki of the Bits and Bots team during Bicoastal Media's broadcast of Chamber Connections November 12.

Trusted.

Facilitating Growth Through Leadership and Action

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

Join us today!

Resources • Access • Partnerships

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

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

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

Bianca Lemmons Vice President/Manager

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

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

December 2014

Ambassador of the Month

Craft earns November Red Coat honor Diane Craft was named Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce's November Ambassador of the Month.

Craft serves as director of marketing and public relations for Koelsch Senior Communities. In addition to her role as Chamber Ambassador, she currently serves on the Chamber Board of Directors as vice president and will assume the role of Chamber Board president January 1.

Her volunteer work is well known in the community, and is especially noteworthy this time of year as longtime

residents may recall Craft helped begin what is today’s local Salvation Army Angel Tree program where the public buys Christmas gifts for needy children.

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

October

to assist the Chamber at a variety of events year long.

Diane Craft

If you would be interested in wearing a red coat and representing

Koelsch Senior Communities

the Chamber, contact CEO Bill Marcum at the Chamber office.

Port of Kalama Where business lives

• 8,850-20,000 sq.ft. available • 24’ clear height • Truck docks & truck doors in all

360-673-2325

• 480V 3-phase power • $0.35NNN - No common area fees!

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www.portofkalama.com

Kelso Longview Business Connection

December 2014

Welcome New Members

Chamber membership has its privileges Celebrate new Chamber members with us

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

* Mill City Grill * Dream Dentistry * Service Masters * Washington State Division of Vocational

• Annual Meeting and Banquet • Networking Events • Committee Participation

Rehabilitation

• Business Contacts • Quarterly Membership Meetings • Civic Representation

• Legislative Representation

• Monthly Business After Hours

• Issues Tracking and Information

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

• Task Forces • Candidate Forums

• Mailing Labels

• Legislative Update Breakfast

• Membership Window Decals

• Demographics Publication

• Member Referrals • Ribbon Cutting • Website Links

Packages

• Member to Member Discounts

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

• Membership Directory

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

• Tax Deduction

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

• Newsletter

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

• Business Card Display

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

• Use of Chamber Logo

month.

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

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

month.

Join today! Call 360-423-8400 25

Kelso Longview Business Connection

December 2014

Kelso

Longview

2015 should continue positive trend

Thank you Longview and good-bye

By Mayor David Futcher

By City Manager Bob Gregory

The last few years have been positive for Kelso. Our budget picture, while tight, has been improving, producing surpluses in each of the last two years. More importantly, we’ve seen some positive growth in business development, and the trend should continue into 2015.

This message will be my last as city manager for the City of Longview and as such, I wanted to use this opportunity to thank this community for allowing me the privilege to serve as city manager and in several other capacities of public service in Cowlitz County during the past 30-plus years.

Looking back, developments in the last couple years have included the Wilco facility, Starbucks and Jack In the Box restaurants, and additional investments in McDonalds, the Visitor Center and Dutch Brothers…and these are simply the improvements in one block of the city. We lost Sears, which was inevitable given their national trends, but the mall was able to quickly replace that anchor with a new Regal Cineplex and fill in the decade-old Emporium hole with Sportsman’s Warehouse, which is proving to be a great fit for our community.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my years serving Cowlitz County, the City of Kelso, and the conclusion of my public career at the City of Longview. While working for several different agencies, I view this as one “community” and have tried to do my work with the vision as how is our work done to benefit us as one community.

I hope one of my legacies here will be my commitment to collaborate and work with community groups, other local governments and agencies, the business community, state and federal legislators, and our citizens. I have always believed that we need to be mindful that we are a stronger community if we are willing to share our resources and work together to deliver services. Examples include our regional sewage treatment plant, the Cowlitz County jail, Department of Emergency Management, 911 Emergency Dispatch and Operations, Longview/Beacon Hill Regional Water Plant.

In the industrial park, several existing businesses are planning expansions of their current locations, and marijuana growers and processors – oh wait; I’m supposed to call them “I-502 industry” – have helped fill out much of the existing warehouse capacity. While the tax revenue from these processors goes largely to the state, we are excited to see jobs and spending increased in Kelso.

We have public/private partnerships which include the City of Longview and Cowlitz 2 Fire and Rescue providing fire suppression and emergency medical response to our riverfront industries via contract and the City of Longview’s joint venture with Weyerhaeuser Real Estate Development Company at the Mint Farm Industrial Park.

These projects have all come to pass without a full recovery in our community’s economy. With increased rail and other infrastructure investments likely in Kelso and the surrounding areas, and large projects in the works at port properties in Kalama and Longview, it seems inevitable to me that our local economy is heading only upward.

There have been partnerships with the Cowlitz Economic Development Council, the Longview/Kelso Chamber of

Give us a healthy economy, then watch out as we make 2015 a year to remember.

Please see Longview, page 27

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

December 2014

Longview, from page 26

sign or Shay locomotive showing our community pride, donations of money and goods to help those in need, support of our schools, contributions of time and money to stage incredible community events such as Go Forth and Squirrel Fest, this community cares and has made me extremely proud to have been a part of this fabric.

Commerce, the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, our local youth sports leagues, the Highlands Neighborhood Association, Longview Downtown Partnership, Lower Columbia Community College, Lower Columbia Community Action Council, and Longview Housing Authority, to name a few, that collaborate to advance our quality of place, improving education, housing, job creation, the arts, youth sports and recreation opportunities; all of those elements that create a thriving and sustainable community for a diverse and changing population.

It has been an honor and a privilege to serve Longview and our community and I want to thank our public employees, our citizens, community agencies, business community, and our citizens for giving me this opportunity. My wife and I look forward to enjoying this great community for many years to come and to find other ways to contribute and serve.

The fabric of this community lies with its citizens, volunteers, and our businesses. I have always been in awe of how this community supports its needs. Whether it be a new entry way

Wishing you all a joyous holiday season and a tremendous 2015!

EmploymEnt law

WALSTEAD MERTSCHING

Attorney Nicole M. Tideman

AT TO R N E Y S AT L AW

Attorneys in our employment and labor law department represent employers and employees throughout southwest Washington. We handle matters regulated by the Washington State Human Rights Commission, the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Washington State Department of Labor and industries, and the United States Department of Labor. Our attorneys can provide representation in all state and federal courts in Washington, including the Washington State Supreme Court.

• Alternative Dispute Resolution • Disability Accommodation Issues • Discrimination Claims • Employee Training • Employment Contracts and Manuals • Family and Medical Leave • Hiring, Discipline, and Termination • Investigation of Complaints

• Labor Relations • Litigation • Non-competition Agreements • Severance Agreements • Sexual Harassment Claims • Unemployment Compensation • Wage and Hour Disputes • Wrongful Termination

27

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

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

December 2014

Lower Columbia Professionals

Roll of the Dice Lower Columbia Professional members and their guests gathered for a wild night of Bunco FUN-raising November 13 at the Eagles Nest. The “Buncoff ” raises scholarship money for local students.

This is the fifth year LCP has coordinated the event, which included a great prize raffle and plenty of networking opportunities.

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

John Paul, KLOG, KUKN and The Wave. No. 1 in your heart. No. 1 in your radio cast, and apparently No. 1 at the table.

Marisa Keeney, PUD, Karen from Fibre Federal, Theresa Beisse, Red Canoe, and Roberta “Bertie” Jones.

Maxine Rivenes, Amber Bach, Jason Meunier, Twin City Bank, and Shannon Cahoon, Fibre Federal Credit Union.

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

December 2014

PeaceHealth

PeaceHealth kicks off new effort to help young families with gala

By Cathy Barr Executive Director PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center Foundation

PeaceHealth St. John Foundation A Star Affaire's ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas

During the past year, our wonderful generous donors have made our community stronger through gifts to the PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center Foundation, funding many projects and programs.

A benefit for the 2014-15 Pediatric Campaign Saturday, December 13 • 6 p.m.

Cowlitz Regional

In January, thanks to a successful $2.4 million philanthropic campaign, PeaceHealth St. John opened the Kearney Breast Center. The center has since been making a significant difference in the lives of our community’s mothers, daughters, sisters and girlfriends and those they love.

Conference Center ate care each time they enter the doors of PeaceHealth St. John. Phase One will:

Also this year, we funded a coastal van service to bring patients in for services when they otherwise have no transportation. We purchased eight Vital Sign Monitors to gather timely and accurate data for patients in our care.

These are a few examples of how donors and the foundation have made an impact this year. If you’re interested in learning more, please contact us for a copy of our 2014 annual report.

entertainment • auction dinner • dancing register at PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center Foundation

• give our children and their families kid-friendly emergency reception areas • create our first pediatric clinic • purchase equipment needed to track and reduce radiation and ensure healthy fetal growth

Starting next month, we will be kicking off a new campaign to advance pediatric care.

If you’d like to support this work, join us on December 13 for this year’s Star Affaire gala ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, a magnificent evening with entertainment, an auction, dinner and dancing.

The need for enhanced pediatric services has never been greater. Last year alone, more than 8,500 pediatric patients were seen in our Emergency Department. Nearly 18,600 children were seen in our adult clinics and more than 17,000 obstetric patients received care. In 2013, we had 439 pediatric CT scans in our Imaging Department.

We are excited to see where the coming year’s journey will take us, and it is with the help of our generous community that we will forge this new path. Our donors are making a difference, and for that we are truly grateful.

Our three-phase, multi-year pediatric campaign focuses on emergent needs, chronic conditions and wellness from conception to adolescence. Funds raised for the campaign will ensure children receive family-centered compassion-

For more information, please visit www.peacehealth.org/ stjohnfoundation or call 360-414-7900.

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

December 2014

In the News

Applicants sought for Longview drinking water advisory committee

alert during the holiday season. “If you see someone you don’t know grabbing a package from a neighbor’s porch or stealing holiday decorations, call 911 immediately and be prepared to describe the suspect and his or her vehicle as well as the direction the thief headed.”

Werth also discouraged people from storing sacks and bags of just purchased items in their vehicles while they shop in another store.

“Every holiday season we get theft reports from people who return to their vehicles to find windows or locks broken and all their new merchandise stolen,” she said.

Call 30-442-5800 to report a non-emergency, not in-progress incident. Certain types of property crimes with no suspects may be reported online by going to mylongview.com.

Longview City Council and Beacon Hill Water and Sewer District are forming a Customer Advisory Committee to consider options and recommend improvements to our drinking water.

Applicants must be water customers of Longview or Beacon Hill and able to attend approximately seven monthly meetings January through June. Applicants with relevant skills, interest, or experience with the water are encouraged to apply.

For information or to apply, visit www.LongviewWater.org. Applications are also available at Longview City Hall, 1525 Broadway St., and Beacon Hill Water and Sewer District office, 1121 Westside Hwy. Applications must be received by December 10.

Longview Police thank donors for successful K-9 fundraising campaign

Longview Police remind public to be careful regarding package deliveries

The Longview Police Department would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the organizations and individuals who donated to ensure the success of the recent fundraising campaign to buy and train a new K-9 police dog. The efforts raised the $10,500 needed to provide a smooth transition for a new K-9 dog. The Longview Police department’s 8 -year-old German Shepard named Chase is nearing retirement and the department wanted to make sure a new K-9 was purchased and trained before Chase was finished working on patrol, which is anticipated in the next two years.

Holly Bishop, in conjunction with the Kiwanis club, has been instrumental in reaching out to our generous community to put the funds needed to action. Holly donated the money to buy K-9 decals for merchants to post in their window to publicize the effort.

Longview Police Department is reminding the public to be careful about having packages delivered when no one is home to receive them.

As online Christmas shopping kicks into gear this week, the US Postal Service, FedEx, UPS and other delivery services will be dropping off more and more packages. Thieves will be on the lookout for packages left unattended.

“If you’re going to have a package delivered and you know you won’t be home, consider having it delivered to your workplace if that is allowed or to the home of a trusted neighbor, friend or family member who would be home to accept the delivery,” said Cindy Lopez Werth, community service officer.

Werth said although it might be inconvenient, another option is to specify to the vendor to request that the delivery service not leave a package if no one is home to accept it. In that case, the package is usually held at a pick up location. “That means you would have to pick up the package yourself at a storage facility if you can’t be home to receive it or you can’t make other arrangements to have it delivered where someone can receive it,” she said.

Werth said though making other arrangements are somewhat inconvenient, it’s better than having to file a police report and order another item to replace the stolen one. “Plus there’s the time crunch during the days leading up to Christmas that adds to the stress,” Werth said.

Werth also encouraged community members to be especially

Tickets on sale for Comcast Breakfast with Santa sessions December 6

Tickets for Breakfast with Santa December 6 at The Merk Building are expected to sell out quickly. Two sessions are available with meal times at either 8:30 a.m. or 10:45 a.m. This event, for all ages, includes breakfast, crafts, activities and entertainment. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be making a special guest appearance. Photos with Santa are available. The cost is $9 each. Tickets will not be sold at the door.

Register online at www.mylongview.com/reconline, or by phone at Longview Recreation at 360-442-5400.

Please see News, page 31

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

December 2014

News, from page 30

includes demolition of the existing bridge, installation of piles for the bridge foundation, and construction of the new concrete bridge, including sidewalks, street lighting and landscaping.

During this time, Washington Way, between Nichols and Kessler boulevards will be closed to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

Motorists and pedestrians are advised to use alternate routes during the road closure. Detours will be set up along Nichols Boulevard, 20th Avenue, and Kessler Boulevard. Pedestrians may use the Hemlock foot bridge to cross the lake.

Lake Sacajawea pathways under the bridge will also be closed during construction. Pedestrians will be routed to pathways crossing Washington Way at Kessler and Nichols boulevards.

Information about the Washington Way Bridge project can be viewed on the City’s website at www.mylongview.com, and construction updates will be posted regularly on Facebook.

Free holiday bazaar to fill McClelland Center with handcrafted gifts

Longview Recreation’s annual bazaar is scheduled for December 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the McClelland Center, 951 Delaware St. This festive shopping experience features handcrafted and homemade gifts. Admission is free and more than 50 vendors will be in attendance. Parking is close and convenient. Refreshments and snacks are available.

For information call Longview Recreation at 360-442-5400, or visit http://www.mylongview.com/parks_rec/

Fundraising for replacing bronze plaques stolen at Lake Sacajawea begins

In August, at least 14 bronze memorial plaques were stolen from Lake Sacajawea Park. The City of Longview is accepting donations to replace the plaques. The City is working with individuals as well as two groups from R.A. Long High School, the Future Business Leaders of America and the Multicultural Club, to help raise the funds needed to purchase the new signage.

The City’s parks and recreation board has determined the stolen plaques should be replaced with granite to deter future metal theft.

Approximately $5,000 will be necessary to craft and install these plaques. Any additional money donated will be used to repair any future vandalism to the memorials.

City parks staff is attempting to contact all persons or representatives of those whose plaques were stolen to confirm the wording on plaques prior to installation. Persons who have not been contacted but whose memorial was vandalized are asked to contact the department at 360-442-5421.

An account has been set up at the recreation office located at 2920 Douglas St. Donations can be in the form of cash, check, Visa, or MasterCard and can be mailed, dropped off or taken over the phone between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Contact Jennifer Wills at 360-442-5403 or jennifer.wills@mylongview. com for information.

Pickup of leaves from city-owned trees available through January

Leaves from City of Longview maintained trees only may be placed in the street for pick up by the City’s Street Division through January.

“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,” Street Supervisor Chris Collins said. “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.”

Collins asks the following guidelines be followed when placing leaves in City streets, which are considered public right of ways: · Place only leaves from City-maintained trees. Yard debris is 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. · 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. · 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.

New Washington Way Bridge construction now under way

Construction on the new Washington Way Bridge is currently under way and will continue through November 2015. The work

31

Kelso Longview Business Connection

December 2014

Longview Downtown Partnership

The little things add up when shopping local for the holidays

By Alice Dietz Longview Downtown Partnership President

dietz@cowlitzedc.com Business Shout Out! Bulldog

You hear how important it is to shop local. How the local economic impact is much greater because you’re keeping your dollars in the community. I’ve written a lot of columns about shopping local and how seemingly easy it is to accomplish.

Here is the truth, I don’t solely shop local, but what I do is make an effort to buy as much as I can locally.

What’s the most annoying part of the holidays? For me it’s spending way over what I’ve budgeted on those small, stocking stufferesque gifts (iTunes and Starbucks gift cards, those tiny things at the Ulta counter that can end up costing upward of $20). The ones you forgot to get after touting how you’ve finished under budget and on time. The ones that are so small in size they might seem like a drop in the bucket, but can push you over your budget in a major way.

Beginning in September of this year, I have been trying to purchase all my small gifts locally, and just buy a few when I’m out and about. Here are a few must haves for your teacher’s gift, co-worker, or that one person you weren’t planning on getting a gift until they gave you a gift and now you’re scrambling.

•

Dawn at the Soap Factory has some amazing gifts for under $10.

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A Zojo’s gift card!

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Do you know anyone who loves projects? Buy them a sample size Chalk Paint from Teague’s Interiors – it’s enough to finish a small project.

•

Movie lover? How about a gift certificate the The Kelso Theatre Pub?

It may seem weird to some, but recommending great gift ideas or experiences that are unique to Cowlitz County is something I really enjoy doing. It’s not easy to buy everything on your holiday list locally, but it’s easy to start small and it’s a great opportunity to see, first hand, all that our community has to offer. If you need more ideas, feel free to get in touch!

32

Sk8: Shop located at 1409 14th Ave., Longview – open Tuesday-Friday, 12 to 7 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Focused as an outlet for kids (young and old), Bulldog Sk8 is your full service skate shop and encourages kids to get outside by opening their doors and creating resources for them to pursue their passion for sk8!

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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!

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