December
2016
Business Connection
Volume 8, Issue 12
Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce
The Home for the Holidays parade draws families to downtown Longview.
Holiday season launches with parade and tree lighting M
Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Team Bill Marcum, CEO Lindsey Cope, Project Manager Amy Hallock, Bookkeeper Kelso Longview Business Connection is published monthly by the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce 105 N. Minor Road • Kelso, WA 98626 • 360-423-8400 kelsolongviewchamber.org To advertise, call Bill Marcum, 360-423-8400 or email bmarcum@ kelsolongviewchamber.org Ad Deadline: 20th of each month
arching bands, dance troupes, horses and the star of the season, Santa Claus, are part of the holiday hoopla planned as part of the Longview 36th annual Home for the Holidays parade and Civic Circle tree lighting at 5 p.m. December 3.
Kelso Tree Lighting Festival features family fun and Santa at Train Depot
Last year, the parade found itself without its longtime organizer when Arlene Hubbel retired. The Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce, Cowlitz PUD and Longview Downtowners decided to continue, with the PUD taking the lead.
The City of Kelso’s annual Tree Lighting Festival will light up downtown Kelso for the holidays on December 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Kelso Train Depot. This year’s theme is "Christmas in Toyland" and headlines another year of music, games, and festivities for the whole family.
“It just seemed liked a duplicated effort by so many people and we felt we could really streamline the process,” said Alice Dietz, communication and public relations manager for Cowlitz PUD As a large, community-centered business, Dietz points out the PUD has resources at its fingertips. Resources to round up more volunteers, pulling from its 160 families, and departments that can produce parade route maps and create an online entry process and database. “Each year it’s going to get easier,” said Dietz, whose committee begins work in July. “The hardest part is Saturday evening.” That’s when Dietz and many of those volunteers go into action to get the parade entries rolling down Commerce Avenue. If parade entries are any indication of bigger and For more Parade, see page 3
Kelso Mayor David Futcher will light the Christmas Tree sitting atop the Train Depot’s clock tower at 6:10 p.m. (courtesy of Campbell Crane). The evening will include Christmas music, refreshments, games along with prizes, crafts, face painting, a hayride, and cookie decorating. Additionally, Santa Claus will make a special pre-Christmas visit early in the evening to tidy up his list of Kelso’s naughty and nice. For additional information please visit the City’s website www.kelso.gov or contact Cindy Donaldson at 360-577-3390 or cdonaldson@ kelso.gov
2016 Holiday Mixer Tuesday, December 13 Lower Columbia College Rose Center 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm $ 25 in advance 35 at the door
$
Ticket includes two beverages - provided by Kendall’s Pioneer Distributing, all the food you can eat - catered by Grounds for Opportunity, entry into some great raffle prizes and celebration with over 200 holiday attendees! Register today at: www.kelsolongviewchamber.org
Presented by:
Applied Applications Int’l
Parade continued from page 1 better than this is the year. Around Thanksgiving, there were already 100 entries. That was just four less than last year's final count. The parade and tree lighting draw about 5,000 people to downtown Longview making it, along with the GoFourth Celebration in July, among the city’s largest events. That’s good for local business, something the Chamber and Longview Downtowners enjoy. “The parade is an opportunity for downtown shop owners to draw people in for the holiday season and then, hopefully, continue to bring them back all year long,” Chamber CEO Bill Marcum said. The parade route begins in front of the PUD office on Commerce Avenue and then heads down Maple Street, 14th Avenue and Broadway Street on its way to Civic Circle where there will be warm cocoa, holiday music and the tree lighting. And, it’s all free.
areas, it really is a community effort.
For those who cannot make it downtown, the parade is broadcast locally by Bicoastal Media and KLTV.
“As a community, we really step up to the plate when it comes to supporting our traditions,” Dietz said in a press release regarding the parade last season.
With an army of volunteers, businesses that step up to sponsor, and community organizations that provide expertise in a variety of
The tradition of the parade and of the community pulling together continue in the spirit of the holiday.
Your Locally Owned and Operated Community Bank • Checking, Savings and CDs • Business Loans • Construction Loans • SBA Loans 729 Vandercook Way, Longview
(360) 414-4101 www.twincitybank.com
There’s a Difference. December 2016 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 3
Lower Columbia College By Chris Bailey
President
Protecting LCC students from bias, discrimination and harassment Recently, I have been asked by several different local citizens what Lower Columbia College is doing in terms of protecting our students from bias, discrimination and harassment. In 1999, LCC adopted its shared values of integrity, respect, collaboration, cooperation, inclusion and innovation. Our Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment policies are specific, transparent and adhere to state and federal requirements. Information about our policies and procedures is readily available to students, employees and the public through our website. Last year, we began to ask ourselves how we could do more on this front. First, we formed a Diversity and Equity Committee to more fully address the issues that our students from protected classes experience in the college environment. Next we invested in an online reporting tool that allows anyone with an Internet connection to quickly and easily report incidents of concern, including incidents related to discrimination, sexual misconduct, or other types of concerning or threatening behavior. The system automatically routes the information to the appropriate administrator or group for timely investigation and/or other follow-up. Anyone can make a report through this system, including a member of the public so long as it concerns LCC in some way. This fall, we convened a Bias Response Team to more holistically address certain types of concerns. The team consists of a diverse group of campus representatives who are available to determine a rapid and effective response to incidents of bias. Their purpose is to
4 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | December 2016
offer broad prevention and educational strategies that fit with the mission of diversity and equity at Lower Columbia College. The word “bias” has a fairly specific meaning in this context. In order for bias to occur, it must be in the form of a particular action taken – based on prejudice toward a particular social identity – that disrupts the learning environment. The list of social identities is diverse, and includes race, color, national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal. You might be wondering how our policies and procedures around bias, discrimination and harassment interplay with constitutionally protected free speech, or in higher education something we refer to as “academic freedom.” The notion of academic freedom is rooted in scholarly inquiry, and provides an environment in which faculty can teach and communicate ideas or facts without governmental or administrative interference. Academic freedom does not shield people from relevant laws, including laws designed to preserve established individual or societal civil rights. At LCC, we are committed to maintaining an environment that encourages free and open exchange of ideas and information in a safe, respectful and inclusive manner. Our mission as an institution of higher education demands it.
Calendar Thursday December 1 – 11:30 am Ribbon Cutting Revive Wellness 1146 Commerce Ave, Longview Friday December 2 – Noon Ribbon Cutting Salvation Army Christmas Center 1409 Commerce Ave, Longview Saturday December 3 – 5 pm Longview Christmas Parade Historic Downtown Longview Monday December 5 – 11:30 am Ribbon Cutting Buddy’s Home Furnishings 840 Ocean Beach Hwy, Longview December 5 – Noon Government Affairs Meeting Teri’s Restaurant 3225 Ocean Beach Hwy, Longview Thursday December 8 – 11:30 am Ribbon Cutting Forever Fit 1211 18th Ave, Longview Saturday December 10 5th Annual Jingle all the Way 5k Merk Building, Longview Rudolph Run: 4 pm Costume Contest: 4:30 pm 5k Run/Walk: 5 pm Tuesday December 13 – 5:30-7:30 pm Business After Hours Holiday Mixer Lower Columbia College 1600 Maple St, Longview Every Wednesday Chamber Connections KEDO/1400 AM – 3-4 pm Stream live at www.threeriversradio.com
Chamber CEO’s Message By Bill Marcum
Chamber runs on the support of its membership It has been an amazing year and I want to give a special thank you to some of our members who have supported the Chamber and its events at an exceptional level. First, the Chamber has four Diamond Members. These are members who have committed in excess of $10,000 per year toward the Chamber and sponsor every event we host. C’s Photography, KUKN-KLOGWave, PeaceHealth and Bicoastal Media have all supported the Chamber in a HUGE way this past year and I want to thank them for their participation, sponsorships, marketing assistance and their full support. THANK YOU. We also had some businesses that always seem to go above and beyond...KapStone and Foster Farms are two of those companies. They sponsor a lot of our events, participate in our activities, and get their employees to participate in events like the Color Dash, the Building Bridges Expo, the Holiday Mixer and the Jingle all the Way 5K fun run/walk, or attend Small Business Boot Camp. Thank you Rosemary Purcell of KapStone and Frank Panarra and Toni Cooper from Foster Farms for your ongoing support. Millennium Bulk Terminals is another company that supports the Chamber yearlong. The company is a Quarterly Membership sponsor, supports our Education Foundation with scholarship funding, and sponsors numerous other events throughout the year. A special thank you to Peter Bennett, Wendy Hutchinson, Gena Ramey and CEO Bill Chapman, you see them at nearly every Chamber event during the year. Gibbs and Olson has been a fabulous member/ sponsor of Chamber events. Gibbs and Olson has been one of our Quarter Membership sponsors for the past three years, and also participates by bringing staff to nearly every event the Chamber hosts. Thank you Rich Gushman and your super team. For the past five years, Stirling Motors has been the Major Sponsor for the golf tournament, and I must thank them for putting up the funds, bringing their vehicles to be placed around the course and supporting one of our biggest events. Your support for this event is unmatched. Thank you. I am sure some, if not most, of the businesses and people listed above have wondered where is their banner? I normally get the call, “Bill, do
still have our banner”? Sometimes I do have it and I am holding it for the next big thing the Chamber is doing. But most of the time I am just making sure they get the publicity they deserve by hanging the banners of all our sponsors at our various events. If you attended the Legislative Forum in November you noticed more than 15 banners in the room and more than 100 people in attendance. A special thank you to our legislators who attended, giving us some insight into the 2017 session and what the BIG issues will be – budget, McCleary and climate control. We also got to hear from Gary Chandler of the Association of Washington Business, who updated us on the challenges facing our legislators and how those challenges and the direction they lead the state will have an impact on your local business. Thank you Gary. And, if you want to follow this session along with our legislators and Gary, we meet every Monday during the session at the Red Lion, 7 a.m. starting January 23, 2017. I added up all the committee and Chamber meetings, and events like Boot Camp, Mixers, Quarterly Membership, Legislative Briefings, Ribbon Cuttings, Business After Hours, expos, golf tournament, Crystal Apple and Pillars of Strength Awards Dinner, Jingle all the Way and the Color Dash, plus all the committee meetings that go along with all those big events, and we have had 2,011 total meetings and events this past year. With just over 500 members, we had between eight and 260 people attending those events. Most of those events involve an Ambassador, who checks in attendees, hands out raffle tickets, distributes drink tickets, assigns name badges, invites new members, and then introduces them to other members, attends ribbon cuttings and in general provides the staff with a HUGE hand in everything we do. Thank you Ambassadors. So that leaves the rest of you who have been a member of a committee, attended an event, hosted an event, sponsored an event or introduced someone to the Chamber. Thank you, for your support, attendance and passion for the Kelso Longview Chamber. With two and a half staff members we could not do 200-plus events without the help of so many of our members. A sincere thank you from all of us. Happy holidays from Lindsey, Amy and Bill
December 2016 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 5
Cowlitz Economic Development Council By Ted Sprague
Executive Director
Grateful for those who serve In our daily lives we often get too busy or too distracted to realize and appreciate the many things we have to be grateful for. The holiday season is an excellent time to reflect on the things we take for granted and acknowledge the people in our lives that truly make a difference. When I first moved to Cowlitz County and began working for the Cowlitz Economic Development Council (CEDC) I realized quickly we did not have participation from all areas of the economy. One of the biggest pieces missing from our membership was the Cowlitz PUD. At that time the PUD’s focus did not include the CEDC as a partner. When I attempted to meet with key staff I was generally brushed off. Lucky for the CEDC, Ned Piper was a Commissioner and he believed there would be great benefit to both organizations to work together. Through Ned’s leadership, a dialogue began with CEDC and the PUD and we were able to show the mutual benefits of working together.
Since that time (probably 2001 or so), because of our relationship with the PUD and other partners, we have brought in more than 60 new businesses, more than $1.7 billion in capital investment and more than 1,500 new jobs. These numbers stack up impressively over many similar sized areas of the State of Washington. Moving forward, we currently have more than $4 billion worth of capital investment investigating locations in Cowlitz County. The only way these projects will continue to move forward is with the assistance of private and public sector partners and the network that has been developed over the years in Cowlitz County. On November 22, Ned Piper attended his last PUD meeting as a Commissioner and I want to take the time and say, “thank you!” to Ned Piper for his decades of service to the PUD and the Cowlitz County community!
Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Julie Rinard, President Community Home Health & Hospice
Joel Hanson, Past Past President KLOG/KUKN/The Wave
Michael Julian Kelso Theater Pub
Lance Welch, President Elect PeaceHealth
Chris Bailey Lower Columbia College
Bianca Lemmons Cowlitz County Title Company
Linda DiLembo Vice President Three Rivers Mall
Clayton J. Bartness, DC Longview Chiropractic Clinic
Neil Zick, Treasurer Twin City Bank
Ken Botero Longview City Council
Michael Claxton, Legal Counsel Walstead Mertsching
Bob Crisman Gallery of Diamonds
Diane Craft, Past President Koelsch Senior Communities
Wendy Hutchinson Millennium Bulk Terminals
6 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | December 2016
Frank Panarra Foster Farms Tom Rozwod NORPAC/Weyerhaeuser Ted Sprague Cowlitz Economic Development Council Steve Taylor Kelso City Manager Dennis Weber Cowlitz County Commissioner
Q
s
uatch Fest
Saturday, January 28, 2017 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. There is the option of being the exclusive for the Kids Cave or the Mount St. Brew Cave 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
Kelso-Longview Chamber
Business Connection Over 5,000 email addresses each month!
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Attention Business Owners
Make
Longview Beautiful
Let’s step up and make our businesses look great to the many friends and guests that visit our community each year.
Mint Valley Golf Course
Does Your Business Have Curb Appeal? Your company’s curb appeal goes a long way toward winning customers over and growing revenue. Even if you are not a retail business your curb appeal sends a message to passer-buyers about the quality of your work. Your business appearance projects an image to potential customers and local residents making them more or less inclined to visit or otherwise support your business.
Win the Mayor’s Award for “Best Curb Appeal” All Longview businesses are eligible to win a Mayors award for Best Curb Appeal Improvement. During the months of June-July 2014, you can nominate a business that has made the be best improvement by posting a “before” and “after” photo. Go to our Facebook page: Make Longview Beautiful. Those visiting this page can “Like” the one they feel has made the best improvement. The one with the most “Likes” wins! Visit this page often and make sure you vote.
Thank you!
Go Here & Vote!
Lake Sacajawea
Japanese Garden
facebook.com/pages/makelongviewbeautiful
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1 - 3 Issues 4-7 Issues 8-10 Issues 12 Issues $110 $90 $70* $50* $175 $140 $105* $75* $205 $170 $140* $100* $325 $290 $245* $190* $625 $570 $480* $400*
Dimensions 2" x 2.5" (*Includes ad on website) 4" x 2.5" (*Includes ad on website) 4" x 5.25" (*Includes ad on website) 4" x 10.5" (V) or 8" x 5.25" (H) 8" x 10.5" (*Includes ad on website)
All ads include full color and any design work. Deadline is the 21st of the month prior to publication. Digital files: high resolution PDF, Tiff and JPEG. Non-Members of the Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce please add 30% to above rates. To advertise or request additional information please contact Lindsey Cope at 360-423-8400 or lcope@kelsolongviewchamber.org or CEO Bill Marcum at 360-423-8400 or bmarcum@kelsolongviewchamber.org
Cowlitz Wahkiakum Council of Governments By Bill Fashing
Executive Director
Intelligent transportation will carry local drivers and riders into the future Technology is changing at a rapid rate and transportation functions are facing significant shifts in the coming years. We may not think much about the diverse technologies involved in the transportation sector, but taking a little time to think about it can easily identify a broad variety of technological advancements in recent years. These recent changes pale in comparison to what is on the horizon. The Fixing Americas’ Surface Transportation (FAST) Act was signed into law almost a year ago, and is impacting the way we approach transportation. The five year, $305 billion Act included an Innovation Title that will fund research and accelerate technology adoption in the coming years. Those technologies will address issues including safety, mobility, tracking of infrastructure condition congestion, and other issues.
Trends in Technology to Watch
According to a US Department of Transportation ITS Primer by Eva LernerLam, F. ITE, M.ASCE and Nathan E. Keyes, A.M.ASCE there are six major trends in technology and Society to watch.
The FAST Act funding will support traveler information systems, pavement monitoring and condition assessment, vehicle to vehicle safety technologies, autonomous vehicle technology, and advanced transit systems. Data collection will be instrumental in the overall process and big data will rule decisions over time. We will also see dynamic ridesharing and new systems to support critical human services for our elderly and disabled populations. The Act also includes funding to address performance management data support to develop and use key data sets to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our transportation investments. Finally, we will see a growing integration between the electric grid and charging systems that could include electronic payment systems that will test privacy issues in the US.
We will see the emergence of more alternative fuels. With the designation of the first alternative fuel corridors, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is establishing a national network of alternative fueling and charging infrastructure along national highway system corridors. The initial nationwide alternative fuel corridors include I-5 through Cowlitz County for compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, electric vehicle charging, and propane fuels. The infrastructure will be coming soon to accommodate the growth in these sectors. In the 1830’s electric powered vehicles outsold gas powered vehicles according to the Electric Auto Association. We are not quite back to that point, but electric vehicle sales are predicted to reach 35 percent
of global new car sales by 2040, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance. This will impact the traditional funding sources for roads and bridges. Alternatives to the gas tax are under consideration today and will work to address the growing needs of the surface transportation network. The growth in electric vehicles will change the amenities needed by each of us throughout our residential districts. How will needing to charge a vehicle change on street parking in the old west side and other parts of town? How will apartment complexes deal with this changing need? Technology changes are, in part, driving the re-emergence of the electric vehicle. We are seeing significant enhancements to batteries and the costs are dropping. The range of the vehicles is increasing dramatically and estimates indicate 200 to 300-mile range totals for electric vehicles in the near future. We are seeing improvements in hybrid technology as well that will encourage adoption by many. Whether people are being driven by a desire to cut carbon and oil dependency or in an effort to save in the costs of operations, sales look to be increasing. Keep your eyes open for the changes on the road, on our transit resources, in your car, and on your wallet in the coming years as the wave of technological advances carries us into the future. December 2016 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 9
City of Kelso
City of Longview
By Mayor David Futcher
By Councilmember Ken Botero
Another boy in blue for our streets I had the unique opportunity recently to attend the graduation ceremony of the newest class of law enforcement officers from the Basic Law Enforcement Academy program in Burien. I wanted to be a part of helping welcome Kelso’s newest officer, Kelly Burgin, to the team, and maybe a small part of me wanted to see if the police academy was anything like the movies portray. (It wasn’t.) Officer Burgin is the fifth hire Kelso has put through the academy in the last year or so. The academy provides excellent training that is only one part of getting an officer hired and on the streets. Now that he’s through the academy, Officer Burgin begins several months of field training. During that period, he’ll be riding with another officer to learn the ropes of the job and become more familiar with the city he’s helping protect. In fact, the total time it takes from deciding to hire an officer to having them on the street working individually generally runs between a year to 18 months. Understanding that, the Kelso council has budgeted for hiring two new officers to make sure we have folks ready to serve in the case of retirements. Roughly a third of Kelso’s police officers are eligible to retire in the next year or so, and since they don’t have to give us 12-18 months notice, we want to have plenty of help in the pipeline. The excellence of Kelso’s police force has been a source of pride for me in my time on the council. While we’ve seen a lot of transition with our experienced officers retiring, the quality of the new hires has helped me remain confident that the performance of our force will remain as solid as ever.
Future looks bright from here Season greetings to all and to all an outstanding thanks for a wonderful year as we look toward a bright future. We can’t help but get excited about our holiday season, and we should all be making our wish list, and checking it twice. After a very interesting, and possibly confusing few months, we need to think about what lies ahead, and in a positive manner. Some may not be excited about the events of the past few months, and some may be overjoyed with the outcome. Remember though, we have never let America slide into the depths of darkness, and we will continue to provide those freedoms and benefits by stepping up to be the true and rewarding citizens we are of our great America. It’s time we show the world that we are a positive and devoted citizenry. So as we make our list of wishes lets think about a wish list that is filled with solutions for the American people and what we have all been asking for, solutions that will create jobs, strengthen our economy and show the world that we, the CITIZENS of LONGVIEW, have something special, each other. In Longview, and our neighbor across the river in Kelso, we have the pride and desire to provide a quality of place for all of our citizens and visitors. My wish for the citizens of Longview and Kelso during this Christmas season, and for my family, is to continue to grow from strength to strength, understanding as a community we can, and will, overcome any and all obstacles that come our way. I believe that Christmas is a season for renewal, and I wish renewal for all, including our nation. We must take the time to renew our faith in humanity, our principals and values. On a positive note, it has been said, let us be our brothers’ keeper, and put an end to the hatred and bitterness we see at times by differences in political affiliation, race, and religion.
CREATE HOPE
If 200 workers are placed we will donate $1000 to Give the gift of employment by joining Express Employment Professionals’ the PaySalvation It ForwardArmy! Holiday
4th Annual Hiring Drive
Hiring Drive as we strive to place 100 job seekers in Cowlitz County during the weeks of November 1, 2013 – December 31, 2013. Being out of work during the holidays can be particularly tough, and we would like to make sure as many people as possible earn a paycheck just in time for the holidays.
November 14 - December 23, 2016 Join Let’ us in s our effort to help put 100 people to work our community in, bringing hope and put Cowlitz County back toinwork! encouragement to them and their families.
360.414.1200 • www.expresslongview.com
HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP
POSITIONS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE 1. HIRE: Express employee duringpeople the weeks To learn more about Pay Join us inHire ouraneffort to help put XXX to workCONSIDER in our community that week, bringing hopethe and 10 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | December 2016 • File clerk of November 1,to 2013 – December 2013. Not It Forward Holiday Hiring encouragement them and their31,families. only will you gain a qualified worker to help meet before the holidays.
• Data entry clerk
• Accounting clerk Chamber Nov. and Dec. 2016
your needs, but that worker will earn a paycheck
• Receptionist
Drive and how you can
participate, contact your local Express office:
As we close out this year of events, let us be thankful that we live in a wonderful community, and we share in the trials and tribulations of the times, however, we stand tall and overcome anything negative. May we continue to provide for each other that quality of place and show the world the positive side of humanity. With respect and wishes from the City of Longview, on behalf of the citizens, the City Council and staff may you all enjoy the wonderful season that is upon us.
2016
10
SATURDAY
DECEMBER
5
PM
At Commerce & Broadway in
Historic Downtown Longview
*Cost: $$25 w/shirt or $20 no Shirt.
$ Company Discounts: 2 off per registration (25+ $
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:
Medallions for top 3 female and male finishers.
Doors open at 3:30pm and Costume Contest at 4:30
registrations) or 5 off per registration (100 or more registrations). Company teams must sign up through the Chamber.
Registration Deadline: Tuesday 12/1/2016 (to get
shirt) Registration for no shirt available through day of the race.
Registration: www.kelsolongviewchamber.org
Brandy Kays
Premier Group
Cowlitz Valley Runners
SERVPRO® of Longview / Kelso Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration™
Retiree Extraordinaire – Rick Johnson Summerland Catering Gallery of Diamonds Three Rivers Christian School Eldon Robbins Auto Sales Human Society
Kelso Theatre Pub & Back Stage Café Longview Chiropractic Shear Warriors
Friends of the Jingle
By Chuck Nau
Retail Consultant and Sales and Managment Trainier – Murray & Nau, Inc.
It’s NOT about perfection... It’s ALL about progress! One step at a time in your adventure In today’s ever changing and challenging economic environment, it’s becoming more and more apparent to all of us the benefits of developing a positive, can do attitude. Yes, you may have bloodied your nose over the past few years, but let’s step back for a moment and get reacquainted with some day to day benefit producing habits.
NOs!... Understand them and use them to your advantage. When a potential client tells you “no”, be sure you understand, asking questions, what prompted the “no”. As for you, guard your time, today (e.g. in the present!) and tomorrow, by giving yourself permission to tell yourself and others “no” so your time, your valuable time, is not carelessly given away.
Let’s review each of these habits and explore incorporating each of them into your day to day activities, helping to assure your ongoing personal growth and business success.
Accept Your Mistakes... When things do not go the way you had hoped or planned, pause for a moment and ask yourself these two questions ... “What did I do right?” and “If all things were the same, what would I do differently the next time?” Build on your successes, rather than learning from your mistakes! Focus on designing the future, NOT redesigning on the past.
As you go forward, consider the process of growth to be an adventure, a journey or an opportunity to learn and practice some different strategies. As you begin, let yourself enjoy the journey, have some fun, allow yourself to stumble now and again, but, most of all, stick with it...the longer the better and the better you’ll get! Here are some guideposts to help you along the way... Relax... Challenge yourself and strive to be the best of the best, but recognize that anxiety is common and is brought on by fear of failure. Overcome this fear by taking action, moving forward a step at a time and remembering…when you are uncomfortable, you are growing! Be Patient With Yourself... Don’t be too critical and don’t give up if your first efforts did not achieve what you had hoped for. Judge your skill acquisition in terms of its continuing improvement, looking for progress not perfection. Michelangelo, when asked about the source of his genius, replied, “Genius is patience.” One Step at a Time... Learn one new skill rather than tackling everything at once. It’s not how many steps...rather it’s the direction you are headed that counts most. Tackle smaller challenges or clients first, then as you gain experience and confidence (...which comes through doing), broaden your challenges or client development It’s better to approach smaller challenges or clients and succeed, and be encouraged to continue, than to approach larger clients, fail and be discouraged and tempted not to continue. Start With Questions... It’s ALL about questions. Don’t tell to sell ASK potential customers questions, questions about themselves, their business, their customers, their goals. ASK questions! Questions help people open up…Questions demand answers...Questions put YOU in control...Questions give you valuable information. Nothing I SAY today will teach me anything, if I am going to learn something today I need to LISTEN! 12 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | December 2016
Use The Correct Tools... Whether it’s your business, your employees, your suppliers, friends, or family...use experience, theirs and yours, PLUS constructive feedback and criticism to enhance and maximize your day to day efforts and success. Don’t rely only on your tools at hand. Invest in yourself with different experiences, looking for the teaching moment (...asking questions), in continuing education and volunteer opportunities outside of your business. Practice your newly acquired skills with friends and acquaintances, so they will become natural to you day in and day out. Lighten Up... Fear of failure may cause you to subconsciously push too hard, to “white knuckle” sell to that customer or client. Anticipate minor setbacks, have fun and laugh at yourself. You can do it! You know you can! Be patient... Good luck? It’s simply where preparation meets opportunity! Don’t Overlook the Obvious... Don’t go too far away from your existing customers and clients in search of the next new bigger client over the horizon. You may just lose your perception of that existing customer or client and not realize that had you asked they would have happily said yes to a larger and larger (dollar) commitment to your business or service. Step Back... Much like an artist, develop your depth perception and judgment. In other words, the longer your view, the smaller things become. Teach yourself to regularly and frequently “step back” and look at the big picture, your overall account customer or client profile rather than always intently focusing on each and every account. Where are you going? What are you trying to achieve? What are you attempting to For more NAU, see page 13
NAU, continued from page 12 manage? Asking yourself similar questions and pausing to take an overview will ensure that you do not stray very far before you realize you’re making a mistake or focusing on the wrong customers or clients or the wrong areas of opportunity. Don’t forget, like some of the best symphonies, some of the best small business careers, are unfinished! Enhancing your strengths... Minimizing your weaknesses is a challenge. It is also hard work. But the rewards are hard earned and well deserved. If you expect the best...you’ll get the best! Have fun!...and good luck!
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© Murray & Nau, Inc. Chuck Nau of Murray & Nau, Inc. is a Seattle area based consultant and sales and management trainer. He is a 25-year veteran of advertising, sales, media and management, who knows and understands the everyday challenges of starting up, growing, and surviving in today’s ever changing retail climate. He has spoken to and conducted workshops for a number of local retail and chamber organizations, national publishing groups, national retailers and manufacturers, state press associations, and newspaper groups. Comments and questions are welcome and may be directed to Chuck via email: murnau@nwlink.com or at 425-603-0984.
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December 2016 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 13
Business Toolbox By Jerry D. Petrick
Certified Business Adviser
Is government contracting in your business’ future You’ve been running your business efficiently; margins are up, costs are under control, and sales are plateaued. Try as you might, you have pretty much exhausted your options to meaningfully grow your sales in the markets your currently serve – AND you have excess capacity. If any of this description fits your situation, you may be at a point to explore the possibilities of expanding into new markets for your company. One of those ‘new’ markets could be government contracting. As you might imagine, the government buys just about anything and everything you can think of: services, products, raw materials, finished goods etc. In other words, the potential business available through selling to government (at all levels – city, county, state, federal) is something you might want to consider. As with any other unique market segment, the government segment has its own idiosyncrasies that can be rather challenging work with unless you spend the time to learn and understand what this set of customers needs and wants in a vendor. It is very uncommon for businesses to start out selling to government as a totally new business; it will probably not surprise you that the buyers/procurement agents with government entities want to see a track record of performance by your company. Thus, it is unlikely your business will be able to focus exclusively on the government sector without having effectively performed successfully in other markets. However, once your company has a track record of performance, it is very possible that your next level of customer diversification and expansion could be selling to government entities. Selling to government is a special situation – because they are collectively the largest buyers in the world, they have invested heavily in standardizing systems and processes for bidding, contracting, invoicing, and payments. YOU NEED TO KNOW AND UNDERSTAND HOW THESE SYSTEMS WORK! Small business owners who succeed in the federal government contracting marketplace for the first time often experience a brief moment of celebration immediately followed by anxiety and questions – lots of questions. Did I bid the job correctly? Are there regulations I didn’t know about? How do I get paid? To answer these questions and successfully perform on the contract, consider the following five steps to federal contracting compliance.
Step 2 – Review the statement of work: As you review, track deadlines for work elements and reporting. Consider setting project benchmarks to ensure the scope of work is completed on time. Step 3 – Understand terms and conditions: Ideally, you have a strong understanding of these prior to submitting the bid, but in the flurry of last minute proposal writing some may have been overlooked. Important clauses may have been incorporated by reference so be sure to look those up as well. Some common clauses that impact costs include Davis Bacon Act, which prescribes labor standards on construction projects in excess of $2,000, and Service Contract Act for service contracts valued over $2,500. Regulations like these can significantly impact your costs and non-compliance could lead to fines, termination, or debarment. Terms and conditions often describe your rights as a contractor (i.e. to get paid promptly), rights of the government (i.e. termination for convenience), how to invoice, how to ship, inspection requirements, Buy American Act, etc. An understanding of these terms and conditions is essential for being the responsible contractor the government requires. Step 4 – Be sure you are ready to be paid: The federal government is mandated by the Prompt Payment Act to pay contractors within 30 days of receiving a proper invoice. To ensure you submit a proper invoice and are set up to receive the electronic funds transfer, your firm must be active in the System for Award Management (SAM), found at www.sam.gov. For contracts with the Department of Defense (DOD), it is likely you will need to submit an invoice online through Wide Area Workflow. First time Defense contractors should set aside several hours to register and learn how to use this system before submitting an invoice. Step 5 – Keeping your pipeline of projects full:
Step 1 – Read the contract:
Now that you won a government contract you may be feeling pretty optimistic about your firm’s future. Businesses that perform well on their government contract work are more likely to win contracts in the future. However, you can win only if you bid. Keep a close eye on federal procurement posting sites like www.
Re-familiarize yourself with the entire contract and your proposal.
For more Business Toolbox, see page 15
14 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | December 2016
Business Toolbox continued from page 14
Innovation is a benefit plan that benefits you.
With a Willamette Dental Group plan, you’ll find a menu of dental benefits that has you and your family in mind. With no annual maximum, no deductible, and predictable, low copays, you won’t need to worry about any unknown costs.
fbo.gov and www.fedbid.com so that you don’t miss out on future opportunities. Questions? Washington Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), a program of the Thurston EDC, provides no-cost technical assistance to help Washington firms compete for government contracts. Visit www.washingtonptac.org for more information about the Washington Procurement Technical Assistance Center or to find a PTAC counselor near you! This article was prepared by Jerry Petrick, MBA, CGBP, SPHR, PMP and Certified Business Adviser with the Washington State University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Longview. Jerry provides no-cost, confidential business advisory services by appointment. He can be reached via email jerry.petrick@wsbdc.org
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Real Estate Broker / Property Manager
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www.PNWR.com December 2016 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 15
Ribbon Cuttings
Posh Push
Posh on Commerce celebrated its ribbon cutting and open house November 19. Posh, specializing in contemporary clothing and accessories, is situated in Historic Downtown Longview. You can follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Welcome Home
Family Health Center has a new location, 784 14th Ave. in Longview, and we helped them open the doors with a ribbon cutting in November. Turn out was excellent with staff, Chamber Ambassadors and partners. Congratulations!
See more photos on the Chamber’s Facebook page or click here.
16 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | December 2016
Ribbon Cuttings
Happy Anniversary Guse's Gourmet Coffee celebrated 30 years in business with a ribbon cutting November 22. Guse's is a very involved Chamber member, volunteering to provide delicious coffee at our events. The shop is located in Historic Downtown Longview and offers gourmet coffee and pastries. Did you know that you can reserve their beautiful room upstairs for private events? Cheers to another 30 years in business!
Hip to be Square
Union Square's ribbon cutting correlated with its one-year anniversary early in November. Since officially joining the Chamber they have donated their space for the Lower Columbia Professional's Season Kick-off, attended the Spooktacular in full force, and are sponsoring our upcoming 5th annual Jingle all the Way 5k! Union Square offers great food, drinks, and new events all the time. Happy anniversary, Union Square, Hollie Hillman Breanna Alleman-Nelson, Todd Bratton, Kathleen Nelson, Amber Holten and the entire Union Square family!
December 2016 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 17
Connect with Legislators Legislative Briefing Breakfast Begins Monday, January 23, 7am, RED LION And continue each Monday throughout the Legislative Session
Each week, contact is made with our local legislators, either in person or by conference call, for an update on the bills and issues currently under consideration. Gary Chandler from the AWB is our main source of information as to what is going on in Olympia from a business perspective. As a business, you often feel the impact from some of the decisions made by our State Legislators on your ability to do business in Washington State. These breakfast briefings give you an opportunity to discuss personally with your elected officials issues that impact your business and seek options that provide for better business operations in Washington. Three major issues to be addressed during this session that WILL affect your business, Balancing the Budget, McCleary and Predictive Scheduling. Come find out? Be Heard?
January, 23 - April 24 Legislative Update Breakfast Monday’s RED LION, Birch Room 7:00 a.m.
May - December Legislative Committee Meetings First Monday of each month Location for 2017—Teri’s Restaurant 12:00/Noon
Mind Your Own Business (at the Library) By Chris Skaugset
Director – Longview Public Library
Passion, perseverance and pop-up popular business reading Books related to small businesses, and entrepreneurship, take many forms: from how-to guides and biographies, to broad overviews and micro-studies. This month’s column I’m going to talk about four very different books that have come out in the last few months that all take a slightly different tack on what they’re discussing but they all have something to add about starting, or running, your own business. There are many ways to do things, and many ways to learn about them, but they all are helpful in their own way. What might work for me might not work for you and that’s why we have a variety of ways to look and explore these ideas. The first title this month is Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. Psychologist Angela Duckworth, and 2013 MacArthur Fellow, describes grit as a combination of passion and perseverance and is something that is needed for someone to succeed in her interesting book. She studied a number of people, including West Point cadets and National Spelling Bee contenders, and famous figures such as Charles Darwin, Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, and educator and activist Geoffrey Canada. In Duckworth’s mind, the path to success is less about innate talent alone but about the willingness to try, practice, and continue to hope and believe that you will succeed. Grit can be fostered and grown in everyone and combined with natural abilities can lead to success in whatever it is you want to do. If you are interested in joining the growing world of pop-up businesses, The Popup Republic: How to Start Your Own Successful Pop-Up Space, Shop, or Restaurant by Jeremy Baras is your comprehensive guide to the new world of pop-ups. There is no doubt that pop-up businesses are a worldwide phenomenon and are changing the way that traditional businesses, and their industries, are doing business and leading to new, innovative entrepreneurs making their mark. This is an excellent how-to guide if you are interested in doing something different than the typical brick and mortar, or even an
e-model business that includes what you need to know and do to be successful and case studies that show the reader successes as well as potential challenges that pop-ups face. If this sounds like something you might want to do, I recommend taking a good look at Baras’ book. For someone who might be interested in getting back to the earth but either don’t live on a farm, or even have property to plant a garden, Rooftop Growing Guide: How to Transform Your Roof Into a Vegetable Garden or Farm by Annie Novak might be the book for you. If you live in an urban area, or a suburban area, you can learn what it takes to create your own garden or even a small farm. While this may not be technically a book about small business, it really kind of is because it tells you how you can do this and it’s up to you to decide what you grow and what you do with your yield. Filled with lots of helpful hints, interviews and expert essays on such thing as best practices for green roofs, container gardening, hydroponics, greenhouse growing, crop planning, pest management, harvesting tips, and much more. Finally, I give you Generation Chef: Risking it all for a New American Dream by Karen Stabiner which discusses another, specific type of business/career that you might be interested in following. Journalist and author Stabiner tells the fascinating, and exhaustive account of 20-something chef Jonah Miller’s life in the culinary world. Everything you want to know about restaurants, and the culinary world, is included in this excellent book. If you are like me and spend way too much time watching the Food Network and Top Chef then this might be the book for you. If nothing else, it shows exactly what it takes to be a modern-day chef and restaurateur: the good, the bad, and everything in between. You can find these books, and many more resources, at your Longview Public Library. Let us help you mind, or start, your own business today.
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December 2016 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 19
Kelso School District
Longview School District
Director Teaching/Learning MaryBeth Tack
Superintendent Dan Zorn
Instructional materials adoption
Thankful and blessed by many
Few topics in education have captured as much attention from policymakers and educators as the connection between teaching quality and student achievement. The research has clearly shown that quality teaching matters to student learning. Teacher quality has been consistently identified as the most important school-based factor in student achievement.
On the heels of a wonderful Thanksgiving spent with my family, I am also inclined to reflect upon my incredibly rewarding 17 months in Longview. There are many things in Longview for which I have deep gratitude; I am so grateful to be a part of a school district and community that is committed to meeting the unique needs of each of the students our schools serve.
In order to support effective teaching and teachers, high-quality materials are needed to support the delivery of rigorous state standards within the classroom. Instructional materials are essential tools. Kelso School District has an intentional materials adoption process that allows for an in-depth review of potential materials for teacher and student use. The importance of having a clearly defined and comprehensive instructional materials selection process is foundational to an effective school system. The cornerstone of consistent, pedagogically sound selection practices is a clear, written policy that supports the selection of all materials. Such a policy not only helps teachers to achieve program goals, but also helps schools protect the integrity of programs increasingly under pressure for achievement and student growth. In today’s educational organizations, what do we mean by “instructional materials”? In the past, the answer might have been simply textbooks and workbooks. Today, however, the range has broadened considerably, including hands-on materials/manipulatives, interactive notebooks, hardback materials, online resources, and technology such as Chromebooks or laptops. The instructional materials adoptions in recent years includes a wide range of materials, both print and digital, that can be used in whole-class study, small-group work, and by individual students in extensive study. The instructional materials adoption in Kelso School District is a comprehensive process that utilizes community members, classroom teachers, and administrators. The team has a clear understanding of an assessment rubric that includes the following areas (1) Content: Alignment to Washington State Learning Standards; (2)Developmental Progression of Standards; (3) Instructional Supports for Teachers and Students; (4) Equitable Opportunities; and (5) Technology Integration. Overall, there are two general requirements in a materials adoption: (1) materials must have a clear connection to established Washington State Standards and (2) materials must address the needs of the students for whom they are intended. Kelso School District Instructional Materials Adoption Forecast Cycle Includes: 2016-17
Secondary Science Adoption
2017-18
K-12 English Language Arts Adoption
2018-19
Secondary Mathematics Adoption
20 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | December 2016
I am convinced that there is no more important work than the work of the public educator and consider myself blessed to engage in this work with the excellent public educators in the Longview Schools. I am also grateful for the support of the Longview/Kelso business community for providing abundant support and encouragement in the work that we do. We have much to celebrate in the Longview Schools! Recently, I had the pleasure of acknowledging RA Long High School’s receipt of Washington’s 2016 School of Distinction Award for improved graduation rates. We have also learned that our district wide graduation rate has risen 8 percent since 2012. Mark Morris High School’s PE department was recently awarded the 2016-17 National Healthy Schools Bronze Award and the 2016-17 Let’s Move Active Schools Award. This is the second year in a row that MMHS has received the Let’s Move award, along with Cascade, Monticello and Mt. Solo middle schools; and Columbia Heights, CVG, Kessler, Mint Valley, Northlake, Olympic Robert Gray and St. Helens elementary schools. Our two high schools had 27 of their 2016 fall athletic teams receive WIAA Scholastic Team Awards due to their outstanding academic performance in the classroom. Our Design for Excellence is providing a focused path forward as we work to improve upon the achievement levels of all of our students. We have an invigorated focus on literacy and are providing extensive support and challenge for our young readers. Through our district's partnership with the Longview Rotary Club we have begun unveiling our Free Little Libraries that will be in front of each of our elementary schools. We have partnered with Columbia Wellness to provide mental health support to our students, and have provided improved emotional and behavioral support to our students through the addition of middle school counselors and climate and culture specialists in our high poverty elementary schools. Our teacher induction and mentoring program is providing supports to our newest teachers, providing them the assistance necessary for them to be effective, career teachers. These are just a few examples of the excellent work that is being done in the Longview Public Schools. I am thankful for the many community volunteers who have given their time to help make our schools better places of learning for our students – traditionally our volunteers amass more than 30,000 hours of service to our students each year. Our Strategic Plan Review Process involved over 20 community members who gave a day of their precious time to learn about the work being done in our schools to improve student achievement. Finally, we are blessed to have a dedicated and supportive board of directors who give tremendous amounts of unpaid time to make things better for the children of our community. I could not be more proud to be a part of the Longview Schools and the Longview community.
County Commissioners By Joe Gardner
A look at County’s Veteran’s Relief Fund Veteran assistance comes in different forms at different levels of government, is somewhat complex, and often doesn’t do enough to serve those who have served. That being said, highlighting veterans programs that do exist is important, because not only are many veterans unaware of services available to them, but if programs do need improvement, transparency is key. Cowlitz County operates the Veteran’s Relief Fund, which is intended for emergency assistance on a temporary basis. (This fund is collected through county property taxes). Applicants must provide proof of veterans status, indicating honorable service, have been a resident of the county for 90 days, and be of indigent status. Areas of assistance are for food, utilities, rent, medical/counseling, natural or catastrophic disaster, death benefits for family members, and miscellaneous expenses such as school tuition, car repair, or clothes for work. The allowable dollar amounts in each category are all less than $1,000 per year, and come with restrictions. For example, rental assistance may only be given once a year, is restricted to one-half of rent due, not to exceed $600, and requires a rental agreement and eviction or late-notice. Food assistance is $100 for a three-month period for an individual not supporting a family. In 2015, 135 individuals were served by the Veteran’s Relief Fund in
the amount of $45,957.65, while approximately $100,000 was available for dispersal. Currently VFW Post 1045 is the only point of contact for veterans applying for assistance from this fund, where trained screening officers are available to assist with and process applications. In order to provide broader access to this funding, the county would like to see more veteran’s organizations able to provide the same service, and will hopefully be entering into agreements with other qualified organizations to provide more trained screening officers (and more points of contact) in the coming year. If you are or know of a veteran in need who may qualify, please contact 360-577-6757 or visit VFW Post 1045 at 4307 Ocean Beach Hwy. in Longview. Additionally, there is currently an opening on the Veteran’s Advisory Board. This advisory board is an important resource for the Cowlitz County Board of Commissioners, providing a voice for local indigent veterans and their families, and how they can best be served. This is a 4-year term that meets the fourth Thursday of January, April, July, and October. Board members must be veterans themselves and should belong to a nationally recognized veteran service organization. Please contact the Health and Human Services department at 360-414-5599 for more information.
December 2016 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 21
PeaceHealth By Cathy Barr
PeaceHealth-St. John Foundation Executive Director
A Star Affaire provides community an opportunity to shine for Foundation I believe that our community hospital is filled with miraculous moments. I believe because I’ve seen it and I’ve experienced it personally. I see our nurses holding the hands of their patients. I see our doctors listening intently to family members and answering their questions with compassion and concern. I’ve seen our emergency room filled with the sick and suffering children and adults who are our friends and neighbors. Each time I see it, I believe it even more. Each person I pass in the hallway or see in our hospital rooms confirms that miracles are happening in the healing of minds and bodies. Each time the Foundation transfers donor dollars to the hospital I see so many faces – the faces of the generous individuals who care enough to make a difference. Please consider joining us on December 10 at our signature fundraising event, A Star Affaire. Since its inception, this event has raised more than $3.5 million from our community, for our community.
This year, Dr. Bill and Deidre Cheslock are chairing A Mardi Gras Gala: A Star Affaire 2016, a night of lively music, delicious food and great company. Our goal for this year’s event is to raise a net amount of $150,000 for the Lower Columbia Regional Cancer Center. I hope that you will join us; we want to fill the room with our community members and support our friends and family that are battling all forms of cancer. If you would like more information on this event, please do not hesitate to contact me at 360-414-7900 or email to cbarr@peacehealth.org. Best wishes for a joyous and happy holiday season!
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22 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | December 2016
Would advertising to the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce audience benefit your business? Now offering a special Facebook advertising package that serves your ads to a unique, targeted audience of business people already connected to the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce. Targeted audience: ■ FB users who like the Chamber page: 1,600 ■ FB users who have visited the Chamber website in the last 30 days (retargeting): 1,200 ■ FB users with profile emails matching KLC email list: 1,000 The total audience will net out less than the combined numbers from above due to duplication.
Basic $200 Package We create a campaign that goes to both targeted audiences over a period of 3-7 days. You receive $100 worth of Facebook advertising. Based on past campaigns and depending on your goals for the campaign, you can expect the following: ■ Up to 100 actions whether that is click to client’s website or some type of FB engagement.* ■ 10,000 to 20,000 ad impressions served to FB users.* ■ 60% to 90% reach penetration of the three audiences noted above.* ■ Campaign creative includes up to three ads in creative format of either single image, carousel or animated slide show. Client provides photos ($10 per photo fee if we provide photos). ■ Client receives a detailed report after the campaign noting the results. Custom campaigns are available. ■ Only two campaigns per week.
Sound good? Contact us! 360-423-8400 bmarcum@kelsolongviewchamber.org lcope@kelsolongviewchamber.org
www.kelsolongviewchamber.org
* There is no guarantee of performance
Workforce Southwest Washington By Cass Parker
Senior Employer Services Manager
Business involvement critical to ensure county’s workforce needs are met The quality of our workforce impacts economic development and the region’s economic health. Workforce Southwest Washington (WSW) helps manage the region’s workforce talent by identifying and focusing on key sectors and industries that are projected to have high levels of growth and, thus, a high demand for new workers.
4. Act: with industry leading the way, we create and publish a qualitative and quantitative actionable workforce development plan. 5. Evaluate: through feedback and reviewing lessons learned along the way, the industry-led group develops ongoing improvements.
In our area, the industries projected to have some of the largest job growth and need for new workers are Advanced Manufacturing, Health Care, Technology and Construction/Infrastructure.
The workforce challenges facing our county are substantial. Only by working together can we have a meaningful and sustainable impact on improving the supply of well-trained workers.
WSW serves as a strategic partner for business and our sector work is led by the industries. Working together, we develop customized solutions aligned with the workforce needs of employers in the industry. Our goals are to connect workers to relevant training and education so they have the skills to obtain jobs in the occupations that will be growing, and to connect companies to the skilled workforce they need to be competitive.
Business and industry leaders must be part of the solution. One way to get involved is by serving on sector-focused industry panels that help identify employment gaps and training needs. Quarterly industry meetings provide employers an opportunity to network and share ideas; identify industry-related needs; and create strategies to identify industry-based training and certifications needed to expand and enhance the available workforce.
To ensure industry needs are met, business involvement in creating workforce development programs must begin in the planning phase and continue through implementation.
We are seeking companies to join these industry panels. If you are interested or would like to learn more, please contact one of WSW’s employer services managers.
As part of our work with industry, WSW generates actionable plans for our high-growth, high-demand industries by following an iterative five-step process that directly involves businesses in the design, development, delivery and oversight of regional workforce services and programs.
Manufacturing and Technology: Contact Cass Parker, Senior Employer Services Manager at cparker@workforcesw.org or 360-5671076.
Our five-step process is: 1. Investigate: working with regional economists and other labor market information we identify industry trends.
Long-term care and Construction/Infrastructure: Contact Melissa Boles, Employer Services Manager, at mboles@workforcesw.org or 360-567-3185.
2. Inventory and analyze: we conduct broad industry surveys and formalize preliminary industry reports.
Workforce plans for manufacturing and long-term care and reports on these industries and also technology and construction can be viewed at WSW’s website at http://workforcesw.org/about-workforce-sw-washington/reports-and-data.
3. Convene industry leaders: this essential step adds practical information and real-time experiences to the data we’ve collected.
Cass Parker is the Senior Employer Services Manager at Workforce Southwest Washington. You can reach her at cparker@workforcesw. org or 360-567-1076.
24 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | December 2016
In The News
A better way to communicate with Employment Security about unemployment By Kristin Alexander – Communications Manager, Employment Security Department The Employment Security Department is making it easier for employers to communicate with the agency about former workers who have applied for unemployment benefits. We know that human resources professionals and small business owners need a way to quickly and easily respond to requests for information. That’s why Employment Security plans to launch a new website called eServices in January that will allow employers to reply online to inquiries about employees who were discharged or quit. Until now, employers have been able to respond only by phone or mail. Employers will also be able to sign up for the Shared Work Program or manage their employees who are currently enrolled in the program, which provides an alternative to laying off workers. You’ll be able to log on to eServices from esd.wa.gov. When you do, you’ll be asked to use your SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account. Use the same SAW account that you use to access EAMS, Employment Security’s service for submitting wage reports, paying taxes and checking your tax rate.
Our new website is one way we are improving customer service to make your job easier.
Ring in the season with the Longview library's Annual Holiday Concert for Seniors The Friends of the Longview Library invite you to the 22nd annual Holiday Concert for Seniors. Join us upstairs in the Longview Public Library Main Reading Room to listen to holiday music performed live by the talented members of the Mark Morris After Hours Jazz Choir and the RA Long Choir. The concert is always a great way to share during the holiday season. The Holiday Concert for Seniors is December 14, 2 to 4 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Refreshments, including homemade cookies, will be provided. (If the weather outside is frightful, the backup date is December 16, same time). The Friends of the Longview Library is a non-profit organization that gives volunteer and financial help to the library. If you are interested in joining the Friends, applications are available at the Longview Public Library. Please call Elizabeth Partridge at 442-5321 for more information.
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November Ambassador of the Month Erika Agren
Futcher Group
Agren earns thank you from Chamber November is a time for thanks, and the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce is thankful for Erika Agren, who was awarded with Ambassador of the Month honors. Erika works at the Futcher Group in Longview. She has a strong commitment to seeing the local community thrive. As an Ambassador, Erika enjoys learning about the diversity of businesses and activities in the local area and is always helping to share that knowledge with others. She enjoys helping promote the community and helping businesses make connections with other businesses and customers. She also enjoys getting out and meeting new people. When Erika is not volunteering her time as a Red Coat, she can be found socializing with friends and family or curling up with a good
book and watching old movies. “We are so happy to have you Erika,” said Lindsey Cope, the Chamber's project manager. “Keep up the awesome work!” 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.
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
26 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | December 2016
A Full Service Civil Law Firm for over 90 Years CIVIC CENTER BUILDING, 3RD FLOOR 1700 HUDSON ST., LONGVIEW, WA
(360) 423-5220 Longview www.walstead.com
Business After Hours
Winner, Winner
Brian Brault, Michael Claxton and Sally Irvine with Walstead Mertsching were all big winners at the Chamber's November Business After Hours hosted by Pacific Tech Construction. Thanks to Three Rivers Golf Course, Wood's Logging Supply Inc, and Convoy Roofing Supply for boosting the morale at Walstead Mertsching. Other winners included: Pat Palmer with Copies Today SpeedyLitho with his Sportsman's Warehouse gift card; Kristin McWain won a gift card to MiLL CiTY GRiLL; Tina TurveyHansen and Kathy Miller with Red Canoe Credit Union and their winnings donated by Three Rivers Golf Course and Allied Building Supply. Check out our Facebook page for more winners!
See more photos on the Chamber’s Facebook page or click here.
December 2016 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 27
Welcome New Members
Accent Ink 1426 12th Ave. Longview, Wash., 98632 360-232-8040
The Color Bar 803 Vandercook Way Longview, Wash., 98632 360-339-3180
Dynamic Energy Solutions 1339 Commerce Ave., Ste. 314 Longview, Wash., 98632 360-751-8887
Ascott Garage Doors 74758 Theis Dr. Clatskanie, Ore., 97016 503-728-5070
Girl Scouts of Western Washington 1000 Davis Place DuPont, Wash., 98327 360-464-7545
Karen Thelin Mary Kay Director Kelso, Wash., 98626 360-430-0206
Master Gardener Foundation of Cowlitz County 1946 3rd Ave. Longview, Wash., 98632 360-577-3014
SAVE UP TO 50% ON
Your Electric Heating Bill!
LeeRoy Parcel Manager/LPO leeroy@cascade-title.com
Ductless heating and cooling systems provide year-round comfort and saves you up to 50% on your electric heating bill. With an $800 rebate from Cowlitz PUD, installing a ductless heat pump has never been this easy and affordable.
Get started now by finding an experienced local installer at GoingDuctless.com 28 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | December 2016
Alison Peters Bonnie Woodruff Diane Kenneway Dennis Bird Escrow Officer/LPO Escrow Officer/LPO Escrow Assistant Senior Title Officer alison@cascade-title.com bonnie@cascade-title.com diane@cascade-title.com dennis@cascade-title.com
Lindsey McTimmonds Marketing/Recording recording@cascade-title.com
1425 Maple St. Longview, WA 98632 360.425.2950 www.cascade-title.com
Connie Bjornstrom Receptionist/Typist connie@cascade-title.com
Join the Chamber Today! Call 360-423-8400 Business Association with opportunities to promote trade through Chamber socials, special events and committee participation.
• Use of Chamber Logo Representation through action committees, candidate forums and up-to-date action alerts.
• Annual Meeting and Banquet • Networking Events
• Legislative Representation
• Committee Participation
• Issues Tracking and Information
• Business Contacts • Quarterly Membership
• Task Forces
Meetings
• Candidate Forums
• Civic Representation
• Legislative Update Breakfast
• Monthly Business After Hours
• Demographics Publication
Business Services include marketing for your business, referrals and access to Chamber publications and research data. • Mailing Labels
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.
• Membership Window Decals • Member Referrals • Ribbon Cutting • Website Links • Member to Member Discounts • Membership Directory • Tax Deduction • Newsletter • Business Card Display
Available for Site Development & Excavation Work Find us on
Dan Frazier
360-749-3107
Licensed & Bonded
mtvcontracting.com
MOUNTVC853D6
1157 3rd Avenue, Suite 218
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 December 2016 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 29
Chamber Connection
Tell Us All About It
It was another great month for Your Chamber Connection. John McMeekan with Stewart Title Longview invited listeners to their open house. Sue Oliver, volunteer coordinator with PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center, is always looking for new volunteers. And, Anna Hulford from Union Square stopped in so we could celebrated its one-year anniversary.
See more photos on the Chamber’s Facebook page or click here.
“Your Chamber Connection” EVERY Wednesday Hosts of the Show: Carey Mackey, Red Canoe Credit Union ; Brooke Fisher-Clark, United Way; and Karen Sisson, NORPAC Would you like an opportunity to be on Your Chamber Connection or to have more information about the qualifications of an open house or ribbon cutting? Contact Bill or Lindsey at the Chamber 360-423-8400 30 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | December 2016
Stream live at www.threeriversradio.com Local guest and current events
Chamber Connection
Give Us More
Patrick Palmer with Copies Today SpeedyLitho discussed some of the great services they provide in West Kelso with Carey and Karen. Charlie Gourde from Children's Justice and Advocacy Center gave us the 4-1-1 on their annual breakfast fundraiser. Lisa Allen from Banda's Bouquets dropped by, as did Michelle Shambo Philbrook from Posh, which just celebrated its grand opening. Janine Manny from the YMCA of Southwest Washington and Heidi Jo Rigsby with Guse's Gourmet Coffee came by the studio to say hello.
December 2016 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 31
Welcome Back!
The Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce would like to give a SHOUT OUT and a big THANK YOU to the following loyal members for renewing their partnership with us. *American Medical Response *Beacon Hill Sewer District *Cascade Title Company *CCS *City of Kelso *City of Longview *Comcast Spotlight *Costco Wholesale *Cowlitz County *Cowlitz County CASA *Cowlitz County PUD *Cowlitz County Title Company *Cowlitz Wahkiakum Council of Governments *David E. Houten, DDS *Diamond Showcase *Document Management Archives *Dorothy Bain Hanson *Emerald Kalama Chemical *Express Employment Professionals *Freddy’s Just for The Halibut *Gordon Sondker *Interwest Benefit Consultants *KapStone *Koelsch Senior Communities *L.G. Isaacson Company *Longview Memorial Park, Funeral Home & Crematory *Lower Columbia College *Miller Paint *Pacific Tech Construction, Inc. *Port of Longview *Rodman Realty, Inc. *Steel Painters/Railco *Swanson Bark & Wood Products, Inc. *The Golden Palace *The Red Hat *Three Rivers Eye Care *Walstead Mertsching, PS *Watkins Tractor & Supply Co. *Columbia River Carpet One *Compendium Consulting *Cowlitz County Guidance Association *Estetica Day Spa *State Farm Insurance – Scott Fischer *Diamond Residential *Applied Application *Broderick Gallery *American Legion *Coleman Cellular
*Port of Woodland *Cowlitz Credit Union *Industrial Packing *Pacific Fibre Products *Errand Girl *American Family Kari-Ann Botero *Guild Mortgage *Hometown National Bank *Island Sun Tanning, Inc. *Kemira Water *Sterling Insurance *U.S. Cellular *United States Army *Lexi’s Pizza *B & B Air Conditioning & Heating *Community Health Partners/Cowlitz Free Medical Clinic *Pro-Caliber Longview Motorsports *Red Canoe Credit Union Washington Way *Red Leaf Coffee *BA Design *American Red Cross *Esteem Salon *Hydraulic Service, Inc. *ProBuild *B & R Mini Storage *Banda’s Bouquets *Be Cause Business Resources, Inc. *Best Western Aladdin Inn *Busack Electric *Calportland *Columbia Security *Copies Today Speedy Litho, Inc. *Cowlitz Container & Diecutting *Edward Jones-Nick Lemiere *H & S Enterprises *Habitat For Humanity Cowlitz County *Hart Radiator *Heartsong Massage *J. L. Storedahl & Sons, Inc. *Kaiser Permanente *Les Schwab Tire Center *Longview Timber Corp *Longview Urology *Ocean Beach Self Storage *P. T. Northwest *Pacific Office Automation *Papa Pete’s Pizza – Longview *PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center
32 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | December 2016
*Pets, Pawns & Imports *SW Washington Symphony *The UPS Store *TSYS Merchant Solutions *Washington State University Vancouver *Zip Local *Berkshire Hathaway *Cowlitz River Dental *Dream Dentistry *Reality Homes *Longview Eagles *Service Master *Ricoh *Planet Fitness *WA Division of Vocational Rehabilitation *Acupuncture Northwest *Budget Blinds of Longview *Columbia Bank - Longview Branch *Columbia Funeral Service *Columbia River Mill Outlet *Columbia Wellness *Continental Investors Services, Inc. *DeFrancisco Lampitt and Brado PS *DSU Peterbilt *Fire Mountain Grill & Summerland Catering Services *G L Booth ~ J G Davis & Associates *Green Hills Crematory - Cascade NW Funeral Chapel *Kay Green *Lower Columbia Contractors Association *Signature Transport, Inc. *State Farm Insurance - Scott Fischer *Teague's Interiors *ASAP Business Solutions *My Agency *Area Agency on Aging Disabilities of Southwest Washington *Dino Doozer *Windemere Kelso-Longview *Advanced Dental Services, LLC *All Out Sewer & Drain Service, Inc. *Baker Lumber Company, Inc. *Brusco Tug and Barge, Inc. *Carl's Towing Service & Repair, Inc. *Carlson's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. *Cascade Natural Gas Corporation *Coldwell Banker Bain
Welcome Back! *Cole's Appliance Repair *Comfort Inn *Community Home Health & Hospice *Cutright Wholesale Plumbing Supply *Family Health Center *Interiors Plus *Life Works *Longview Housing Authority *Longview Orthopedic Associates, PLLC *Longview Public Schools *Masthead Restaurant *McDonald's of Longview *McDonald's of Longview II *Nipp & Tuck Inc. *Ocean Beach Animal Hospital *Pacific Fibre Products, Inc. *Paperbacks Galore, Inc. *Rush Insurance/Financial Services, Inc. *Schlecht Construction, Inc. *Somerset Retirement Home and Assisted Living *T.C.'s R.V. & Mini Storage, Inc. *United Finance *Viking Automatic Sprinkler Company *Wasser & Winters Company *William (B. J. ) R. Boatsman *Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce *Interstate Wood Products, Inc. *Kalama Chamber of Commerce *Lower Columbia CAP *M & R Painting, Inc. *Mint Valley Federal Credit Union *Newrock Homes, Inc. *Northwest Auto Specialist, Inc. *Retirement Strategies *Simpson Timber Company - Longview Lumber Operations *Superior Tire Service, Inc. *Woodland Chamber of Commerce *Longview Outdoor Gallery *The OM Home *Triangle Bowl *Cowlitz County Chaplaincy *Biggs Insurance Services *Clay Bartness *Comcast *Dick Hannah Toyota *Fred Meyer, Inc. *Heritage Bank - Kelso *Heritage Bank - Longview *Longview Engineering And Design *McCord Bros. Nissan Dodge
*Millennium Bulk Terminals *Minuteman Press *Professional Communication Services *Servpro of Longview/Kelso *Sierra Pacific Mortgage *Twin City Bank *Waste Control Recycling, Inc. *Woodford Commercial Real Estate *Bicoastal Media LV DBA KLYK/KRQT/ KEDO/KBAM/KPPK *Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts *Craig Stein Beverage *Dahl McVicker Funeral Homes *Entek Corporation *Frontier Rehabilitation & Extended Care Center *Gibbs & Olson, Inc. *Humane Society of Cowlitz County *Lemondrops Photography *Life Mortgage *Music & More D.J.s *Noelle McLean, PS *Office Depot Max *Pacific Lumber & Shipping Co. *PapĂŠ Machinery *PNE Construction *Red Canoe Credit Union *Red Canoe Credit Union - 30th *Safway Services, Inc. *Searing Electric & Plumbing *Steele Chapel Longview Memorial Park *The Dog Zone *Umpqua Bank *Utilize I.T., Inc. *Walmart *Animal Health Services, Inc., PS *Arnitz, Suzanne *Baxter Auto Parts Inc. *Behrends Body Shop *Bob's Sporting Goods *Burger King - Longview (Main) *Collins Architectural Group, PS *Country Village Nutrition Shoppe and Cafe *Day Wireless Systems *Ethnic Support Council *Fiesta Bonita Mexican Grill & Cantina *Foster Farms *Gallery of Diamonds *Global Images Graphic Design & Marketing *Hilander Dental *Kelso Rotary
*Les Schwab Tire Center *Longview Tire Sales, Inc. *Northwest Motor Service *Overhead Door Company of Southwest Washington *Peter C. Wagner, DMD, PS *Propel Insurance *Shamrock Spirits & Grill *Shirley L. Smith *Stirling Honda *Sweet Spot Frozen Yogurt *Taco Time *The Daily News *The Roof Doctor, Inc. *Twin City Glass Co. *Twin City Service Co. *Weatherguard, Inc. *Wilcox & Flegel Oil Company *WorkPlace Wellness *WorkSource - Cowlitz/Wahkiakum *Brown & Brown Northwest Insurance *Corwin Beverage *Cowlitz River Rigging, Inc. *Educational Service District No. 112 *Emergency Support Shelter *Fairway Collections *Futcher Group *Hart C's Steakburger & Thai Food *Kelso School District *Kelso Theater Pub *Kelso-Longview Television, Inc. *KeyBank *Longview Early Edition Rotary *Longview Eye & Vision *Longview Physical & Sports Therapy *Longview Self Storage * Mobile Mic Entertainment *Northwest Hardwoods, Inc. *Opsahl, Dawson & Company, P.S. *Renaud Electric Company, Inc. *Reprographics, Inc. *Solvay *Southwest Washington Blood Program *United Way of Cowlitz & Wahkiakum Counties *Willamette Dental *Anderson & Anderson Advisory, LLC *Better Business Bureau *C's Photography *Cadillac Island Casino *Cowlitz County Museum *Cowlitz Economic Development Council
December 2016 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 33
Welcome Back! *Cowlitz Indian Tribe *Epson Portland *Erickson Glass Co. *Estetica Day Spa *Fibre Federal Credit Union - Castle Rock Branch *Fibre Federal Credit Union - Kelso Branch *Fibre Federal Credit Union - Ocean Beach Branch *Fibre Federal Credit Union - West Kelso Branch *Fibre Federal Credit Union - Woodland Branch *Guesthouse Inn & Suites *Kellogg Supply, Inc. *Longview Country Club *Lower Columbia Economic Development Council *Motion Industries, Inc. *Mount St. Helens Creation Information Center *N.W. Deli Distribution, Inc. *Pathways 2020 *Prestige Senior Living Monticello Park *Progress Center *Red Lion Hotel & Conference Center
*Riverview Community Bank *Sessions Plumbing & Heating, Inc. *Three Rivers Christian School *Timothy E. Nelson, DDS *Weyerhaeuser *Advanced Message & Dispatch *Beacon Hill Rehabilitation *Bob Beal Insurance Agency Inc. – State Farm *Building Industry Association of Clark County *Cascade Networks, Inc. *Cascade Select Market *Columbia River Reader *Davis & Associates, CPAs, PS *Eldon Robbins Auto Sales, Inc. *Goodwill of the Olympics and Rainier Region *Longview Downtowners *Longview Pawnbrokers & Bail Bonds *North Pacific Paper Corporation/NORPAC *Performance Sheet Metal, Inc. *Prographyx *Snap Fitness *Stageworks Northwest
We look forward to handling your next real estate transaction. Our Escrow Team… Why Our Service is the Difference! Since 1982, Cowlitz County Title has been the trusted company the community turns to when buying, selling or refinancing a property. Whether you need title, escrow or property search information, come in for our exceptionalservice. Leave with the secure confidence that your real estate investment is properly insured and protected. Title Insurance Escrow Service ■ Residential & Commercial ■ 1031 Exchange ■ Locally Owned
Bianca Lemmons VP/Manager/LPO
Deanna Cornelison Escrow Officer
Shelby Caufman Escrow Officer
Linda Comley Escrow Officer/LPO
Leah Stanley Escrow Assistant
Rita Lawrence Escrow Assistant
Kristy Norman Escrow Assistant
■ ■
1159 14th Avenue, Longview, WA 98632 ■ Phone: 360.423.5330 ■ www.cowlitztitle.com 34 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | December 2016
*Stewart Title *Super 8 of Kelso/Longview *Three Rivers Mall *Youth & Family Link OUR LATEST RENEWING MEMBERS *Altrusa International Inc. of Longview-Kelso *Be Cause Business Resources, Inc. *Canterbury Inn *Columbia Ford Hyundai Nissan *Craig Martin The Voice dba Martin Audio Services *Ecological Land Services, Inc. *Eoff Electric Company *Fibre Federal Credit Union - Main Branch *Jansen Flowers & Gift Gallery *KLOG/KUKN/the WAVE Radio Stations *Longview Radiologists, P.S., Inc. *Omelets & More *PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center Foundation *Teri's Restaurant