December 2017 Business Connections

December

2017

Business Connection

Volume 9, Issue 12

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce

Preparations are under way for the Chamber's 6th annual Jingle all the Way event December 9. See pages 2 and 3 for details.

Chamber brings Fierst in to lead Visitor Center P

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Team Bill Marcum, CEO Amy Hallock Project Manager Pam Fierst Visitor Information Center and Office Manager

Kelso Longview Business Connection is published monthly by the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce 105 N. Minor Road • Kelso, WA 98626 • 360-423-8400 kelsolongviewchamber.org To advertise, call Bill Marcum, 360-423-8400 or e-mail bmarcum@ kelsolongviewchamber.org Ad Deadline: 20th of each month

am Fierst’s new job hardly changed her commute. In November, the longtime Red Lion Hotel employee shuffled down the street to the Kelso Longview Chamber office where she will take on bookkeeping responsibilities and serve as Visitor Center manager.

She replaces Amy Hallock, who slid over to fill the Chamber Project Manager position vacated

by Lindsey Cope, who took a job with the Cowlitz Economic Development Council.

“Pam has been a dedicated volunteer of the Chamber for nearly twenty years,” Chamber CEO Bill Marcum said, “It’s about time the Chamber put that dedication to use as a member of the staff.

I could not be more happy to have her running the Visitor Center and managing the books.”

In addition to her dedication as a Chamber Ambassador, she served three years as Ambassador Chair and was Ambassador of the Year, Fierst brings a multitude of skills with her from her 11 years at the Red Lion, where she served as a general manager, worked in accounting and guest services.

“Any aspect of the hotel I had my fingers in it,” she said. Fierst said she is excited to be able to narrow her focus and not be pulled in so many directions.

Pam Fierst is getting comfortable in her new role at the Chamber.

“I will miss working with the guests,” she said, but looks forward to greeting the nearly 1,400 visitors that come through the doors of the Visitor Center each month during the busy summer season and sharing her knowledge of the area.

“Tourism has always been one of my favorite things,” said Fierst, who enjoys fishing, hunting, camping and horseback riding in the area.

She can even lend her first-hand experience and For more Fierst, see page 3

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

Historic Downtown Longview

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

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

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

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

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

by Brigette

Company Discounts: $2 off per registration (25+

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

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

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

by Brigette

Longview Chiropractic

Fierst, continued from page 1

Calendar Monday December 4 – 11am Ribbon Cutting Salvation Army 1400 Commerce Ave, Longview Tuesday December 5 – 11:30am Ribbon Cutting SHRM Chamber Office December 5 – 4pm Ribbon Cutting Tibbetts Mercantile 1215 Commerce Ave, Longview Thursday December 7 – 7:30pm Ambassadors Meeting Columbia Bank Friday December 8 – 10am-5pm Jingle all the Way packet pickup Monticello Hotel Saturday December 9 – 5pm Jingle all the Way Civic Circle / Monticello Hotel Tuesday December 12 – Noon Chamber Executive Board Mill City Grill December 12 – 5:30-7:30pm Holiday Mixer Monticello Hotel $20 in advance, $30 at the door All proceeds to LCC Foundation Scholarship Friday December 15 – 7:30pm Education Foundation Tuesday December 19 – Noon Chamber Board Meeting Mill City Grill Monday December 25 Christmas Chamber Office Closed Every Wednesday Chamber Connections KEDO/1400 AM or 99.1 FM 3-4 pm Stream live at www.kedoam.com

tips to visitors interested in climbing Mount St. Helens. As a former leader of hunters’ education courses, specifically conservation, Fierst is a wealth of knowledge on the forest and its delicate ecosystem.

Although Fierst is not a new face at the Chamber, some may even recognize her around this time of year as The Grinch’s sidekick Max, she is new to the position and working to grasp the Chamber’s office systems.

She also plans to lend a hand to Hallock when she can with the many events the Chamber hosts throughout the year. Some of the hats Fierst wore with the Red Lion were director of sales and catering, operations and bar and restaurant manager.

Admittedly, Fierst said she would like shedding a few hats, so she can spend more time caring for her aging mother and spending time with her 10 grandchildren.

'Tis the season for Max and The Grinch to make appearances.

Civic Circle front and center for Jingle all the Way Amy Hallock wants to make sure people realize the Chamber’s Jingle all the Way 5K run/walk will start and finish at Longview’s Civic Circle, in the heart of historic downtown in front of the Monticello Hotel.

It’s the perfect setting for the December 9 event., which begins at 5 p.m. Civic Circle will be lit up with the tree lighting, the Kelso Jazz band, Bicoastal Media and KLOG KUKN the Wave will be playing holiday music, and there will be special character appearances from Santa, The Grinch and Max, Corby from the Cowlitz black Bears, Dino Doozer, Wildman Steve and Sebastian the sQuatch.

A family-fun event, registration, without a shirt, is available through race day. A portion of the registration fee benefits the

Lower Columbia Professionals Scholarship Fund.

For more information, please see page 2 or go to www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

Holiday Mixer The Chamber also plans to host its annual Holiday Mixer at the Monticello Hotel from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. December 12. The historic landmark, established in 1923, touts that when one swings through its revolving door its like spinning back to the roaring ’20s with modern conveniences.

Tickets include two beverages, food and raffle. Advance tickets are $25. Tickets at the door, $35. For information, or to register, go to www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

December 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 3

Chamber CEO’s Message

By Bill Marcum

Extending our appreciation for a spectacular year at the Chamber 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 of all the Chamber has FIVE Diamond Members. These are members who have committed in excess of $10,000 per year toward the Chamber and sponsor every event we host. Foster Farms, C’s Photography, KUKN-KLOG-Wave, 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, sponsorship, marketing assistance and full support.

The people who make that happen within those organizations get a special shout out – Frank Panarra and Toni Cooper, Foster Farms; Bruce Pollock, Rich Coleman and their staff, BiCoastal; Lance Welch and Kathy Barr, PeaceHealth and the PeaceHealth Foundation; Joel Hanson and John Paul, KUKN, KLOG and the Wave, and Don and Cassandra Cianci, C’s Photography. The Ciancis take all our event photos throughout the year, as well as, the photographs of our board members, our ambassadors and our staff. All of you are special people who we at the Chamber can count on to help us in any way you can. Thank you all.

We also had some businesses who always seem to go above and beyond...KapStone, NORPAC and Three Rivers Mall are three of those companies who sponsor a lot of our events, participate and encourage their employees to participate in events like the Chamber golf tournament, bingo, Building Bridges Expo, Holiday Mixer, Jingle all the Way 5K fun run/walk, and Small Business Boot Camp.

Thank you Rosemary Purcell, KapStone; Tom Rozwod, NORPAC; and Linda DiLembo, Three Rivers Mall.

Millennium Bulk Terminals is another company that supports the Chamber all year long. They are one of our Quarterly Membership sponsors, support our Education Foundation with scholarship funding and sponsor numerous 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 event the Chamber has during the year.

Gibbs & Olson has been a fabulous member/sponsor of events at the Chamber. Gibbs & Olson has been one of our Quarter Membership sponsors for the past four years and participates by bringing staff to nearly every event the Chamber hosts. Thank you Rich Gushman and your super team.

Stirling Motors has been the Major Sponsor of our golf tournament the past six years and I must thank them for putting up the funds, bringing their vehicles down to be placed on the golf course and sup4 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | December 2017

porting one of the biggest events of the year. And in January, Stirling will be hosting our first Business After Hours of 2018 in their brand new, beautiful Honda facility on Washington Way. Please mark Tuesday, January 9, on your calendar, at 5:30 p.m. We look forward to seeing you there.

I am sure some, if not most of the businesses and people listed above, have wondered where their banner is from time to time during the year. And I normally I get the call, “Bill, do still have our banner?” Sometimes I do, holding on to 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 banners from all our sponsors at our various events. If you attended the Legislative Forum this past month you noticed nearly 20 banners in the room and more than 150 people in attendance. Special thank you to our legislators who attended giving us all some insight into the 2018 session and what the BIG issue will be – budget, McCleary and climate control.

I added up all the committee meetings, committee events, Chamber meetings, Boot Camp classes, Mixers, Quarterly Membership meetings, Legislative Briefings (this was a long one in 2017, lots and lots of briefings with three special sessions), Ambassador meetings, Ribbon Cuttings, Business After Hours, sQuatch Fest, Expo, golf tournament, Crystal Apple and Pillars of Strength Award Dinner, Jingle all the Way, the Bingo Bash and all the committee meetings that go along with all those big events and we have had 219 total meetings and events this past year. With 527 members (up 29 from last year), we have between eight and a 1,408 people attending those events in 2017. Most of those events involve an Ambassador or 10, who help with checking in attendees, handing out raffle tickets, distributing drink tickets, assigning name badges, inviting new members, introducing those new members to other members, attending Ribbon Cuttings, and in general, providing the staff with a HUGE hand in everything we do. Thank you to all 25 Ambassadors. And, believe it or not, we could use more volunteers who are willing to wear a red coat and be involved.

So that leaves the rest of you who have been a member of a committee, attended an event, hosted an event, sponsored an event and introduced someone to the Chamber – thank you. 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 Pam, Amy and Bill.

PORT TALK PORT OF LONGVIEW NEWSLETTER

The former Continental Grain Terminal is slated for demolition to make room for future developments.

A LOOK AT MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRESS IN 2017 It has been a busy year for the Port of Longview. Great progress has been made through prioritizing infrastructure projects that will benefit the community both economically and recreationally.

From expanding the rail corridor to improving a community park, the Port of Longview has emphasized growth throughout 2017.

177’ wind blades being discharged in 2017.

5 HIGHLIGHTS OF 2017 Inks Bridgeview Lease: In October, the Port of Longview and International Raw Materials signed a lease for Bridgeview Terminal (Berths 1 and 2) to export bulk mineral products, like pot ash and soda ash.

Recipient of Three National Awards: The Port received three national communication awards for community engagement projects.

Increased Port Tour Attendance: For the fourth consecutive year, the Port’s Summer Tour Series saw a significant increase in attendance.

Largest Wind Blade Operation: In April, the Port of Longview discharged 177’ wind turbines, the longest turbines handled at the Port since beginning to handle wind cargo in 2003.

New and lmproved Website: This year, we launched a new and improved Port of Longview website.

DID YOU KNOW...

•

•

...Infrastructure improvements aren’t limited to just docks and roads? Ports can invest in improvements to rail infrastructure or industrial parks if the Port is affiliated with them. … Ports were initially authorized to collect $2 for every $1,000 of assessed value on taxable property due to the Washington State 1911 Port District Act? The Legislature has since reduced the rate at which a port district may levy taxes to $0.45 cents per $1,000 of a home’s assessed value.

This year, the Port conducted studies to inform key decisions on the expansion of the Industrial Rail Corridor (IRC), including the design of the track and environmental investigation to guide the development of project permitting documents. The expansion project includes adding seven additional tracks to the system, bringing the IRC to a total of nine tracks, in an effort to draw new customers to the Port docks in future years.

The Port also saw great progress toward plans to demolish the decommissioned Continental Grain Terminal silos, focusing on completing environmental studies intended to determine the

2017 was filled with momentum gained on key projects at the Port of Longview. As a result, the Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to lower the Ports overall tax collection.

Reducing the tax collection by 20% for the second year in a row, citizens of the Port District can anticipate a tax of $0.26 per $1,000 of assessed value - down from $0.34 in 2017. This is a significant reduction compared to the legally allowable $0.45 per $1,000 assessed. The Port of Longview will collect approximately $2 million dollars in taxes in 2018. Compared to other ports on the Columbia River, the Port of Longview is collecting far less taxes while working hard to remain competitive.

The Washington State 1911 Port District Act, which authorized citizens to form port districts, also authorized a tax levy to finance port investments.

Overall, the Port of Longview saw significant progress toward long– term infrastructure projects this year. 2018 will see the continuation of these projects, focusing on expansion and improvements to bring increased economic growth to our community.

PORT TAXES AT A GLANCE Port of Seattle Port of Tacoma Port of Vancouver Port of Olympia Port of Everett Port of Grays Harbor Port of Longview

Cents / Total $1,000 Collected $0.16 $0.18 $0.22 $0.19 $0.29 $0.42 $0.26

$72 M $18.6 M $9.9 M $6.2 M $4.7 M $2.5 M $2.1 M

> Above figures drawn from 2018 budgets.

COMMISSIONERS

COMMISSION MEETINGS

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

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

Norm Krehbiel

PORTOFLONGVIEW.COM

To bring increased recreational benefits to the community, the Port prioritized the procurement and installation of new playground equipment at Willow Grove Park. The equipment is commercial grade and can safely accommodate large numbers of children at once, providing a safe place for families to spend time near the waterfront. Additionally, restroom facilities have been improved and new picnic areas have been constructed at the Park.

SUCCESS SHARED THROUGH TAX REDUCTION

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

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construction materials used to build the historic silos. Once the studies are completed, demolition of the silos will be scheduled.

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

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

10 PORT WAY LONGVIEW, WASHINGTON 98632

Life Works

By Debra Westerby Program Coordinator for Vocational Services

Hiring people with barriers good for business Hiring the right employee or even hiring a person that can grow into a great employee is a gamble. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Job Opening and Labor Turnover Summary (JOLTS) states that the United States currently has the highest “job quit rate” since 2008 and the national unemployment rate has dropped to 4.1 percent (Bureau of Labor and Statistics, October 2017). In this type of climate, keeping good employees can be difficult to say the least. There is a great option for your business that not only supports the bottom line but it also is good for the business image and morale – hiring people with barriers to employment.

5. Diversity and Inclusion: A study from the Institute for Corporate Productivity states, “The positive impact on the workforce is brought about in two ways: hiring individuals with (barriers to employment) adds highly motivated people to the workforce (which can lead to increased productivity) and it promotes an inclusive culture that appeals to the talent pool organizations want to attract.” The study continues, “The improved customer satisfaction realized can lead to better sales and customer retention. The enhanced employer brand can translate to a better image in the community.”

Here are five ways that your business will benefit from hiring people with barriers to employment:

Companies like Lowe’s has a corporate philosophy of hiring people with barriers to employment. “Everybody wants to do the right thing.

And everybody’s on a different part of their journey,” said Steve Szilagy, the supply chain executive for Lowe’s Companies, Inc. “It’s not only the right thing to do – it’s right for business. Lowe’s has worked with the National Organization on Disability and many state vocational rehabilitation agencies to assist in hiring and increasing awareness of employment opportunities for people with (barriers to employment).”

1. Job retention rate: According to the U.S. Department of Education, people with barriers to employment have a higher job retention rate than other workers. As an employer, having employees that are eager and ready to join the workforce is a great advantage.

2. Less likely to be involved in work related accidents: A study from DuPont reported “workers with (barriers to employment) had a significantly higher performance in the area of safety than their counterparts without disabilities” (June 2016). The study looked at a variety of jobs, including labor, operational, managerial, clerical, and service areas.

3. Tax credits and incentives: Eligible businesses can receive certain tax credits for hiring employees with barriers to employment. Some of the tax credits can be for purchasing adaptive equipment for workers or covering the costs of any building modifications.

4. Productivity: A 2007 DePaul University Economic Impact study concluded “workers with (barriers to employment) had fewer scheduled absences than employees without (barriers to employment) and nearly identical job performance ratings”.

Workers with barriers to employment can bring different strengths and abilities to help promote your business. Not only will you help your business, but you will help people that are ready to make a positive contribution.

Come and visit us at the Life Works vocational office located at 1524 Third Ave., in Longview.

Debra Westerby is the program coordinator for Vocational Services at Life Works and has more than 25 years of experience in her field. She works with the community and people with disabilities to find employment to fit the needs of employers and employees. Her e-mail is dwesterby@lifeworkswa.org and her phone number is 360-423-2640.

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

Chris Bailey Lower Columbia College

Nick Lemiere Edward Jones

Clayton J. Bartness, DC Longview Chiropractic Clinic

Chris Roewe Woodford Commercial Real Estate

Neil Zick, Treasurer

Ken Botero Longview City Council

Tom Rozwod NORPAC/Weyerhaeuser

Michael Claxton, Legal Counsel

Bob Crisman Gallery of Diamonds

Ted Sprague Cowlitz Economic Development Council

Julie Rinard, Past President

Wendy Hutchinson Millennium Bulk Terminals

Steve Taylor Kelso City Manager

Joel Hanson, Past Past President

Wendy Kosloski Teague's Interiors

Dennis Weber Cowlitz County Commissioner

PeaceHealth

Linda DiLembo, President Elect Three Rivers Mall

Frank Panarra, Vice President Foster Farms

Twin City Bank

Walstead Mertsching

Community Home Health & Hospice KLOG/KUKN/The Wave

6 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | December 2017

Legislative forum sets tone for upcoming session

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

Grand Marshal Craig Dieffenbach will lead this year’s parade. Dieffenbach has led the effort to restore and revitalize the community gem and parade centerpiece, The Monticello Hotel. KLOG/KUKN/The Wave General Manager John Paul will serve as master of ceremonies and the Longview Downtowners will be front and center judging the floats. Santa Claus will turn on the lights and hear children’s Christmas wishes.

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

A prelude to the 60-day session set for next month, the Washington State Legislative Forum, hosted by the Kelso Longview Chamber, KapStone and Cowlitz Economic Development Council November 30, highlighted the gray areas in the capital budget and put a spotlight on the divisiveness of the Hirst issue.

The good news for the more than 180 in attendance – legislators from the 19th and 20th districts said both issues will be addressed, but made no predictions about the outcome – only a persistence to do what is right for those they represent.

Sen. Dean Takko (D-Longview) said the capital budget is critical for jobs.

“I am passionate about the capital budget,” he said, “There is so much in it for our district.”

For example, Lower Columbia College has placed a renovation project on hold, stuck in limbo waiting for the capital budget to clear.

The Hirst decision, which restricts drilling of water wells in rural areas that could impact protected rivers, streams or watersheds, has opened a divide between urban counties like King and Snohomish and those in rural parts of the state like Cowlitz and Lewis counties, where it has the potential to stymie growth.

Rep. Ed Orcutt (R-Kalama) described it as one of the biggest property rights issues of recent times and said regardless of whether property owners have a well or not the issue will become a burden to cities as rural lands remain undeveloped.

Moderator and CEDC President Ted Sprague challenged the group to explain the permitting process, which recently set back the local progress of Millennium Bulk Terminals and NW Innovation Works. Projects considered a big boost to the local economy.

There does need to be a stronger force in Olympia to make the process more consistent, agreed the panel.

The jobs Millennium and NW Innovations would bring to the Kelso-Longview area are more important than those Amazon brings to the Puget Sound, Orcutt noted.

A host of questions from the audience around carbon reduction, mileage tax and tolling for Interstate 5 and the fish industry all highlighted the split between the populated urban areas of the state and the rural, local districts.

Sponsors Foster Farms, Port of Kalama, Millennium Bulk Terminals, Gibbs & Olson, Nippon Dynawave Packaging, Port of Longview, Port of Woodland, NW Innovation Works, Cascade Natural Sen. Dean Takko Gas, Applied Applications Inc., Cowlitz County Title, Lower Columbia Contractors Association, Ecological Land Services, Heritage Bank

Who Was There Dean Takko, State Senator 19th Legislative District Brian Blake, Representative 19th Legislative District Ed Orcutt, Representative 20th Legislative District Richard DeBolt, Representative 20th Legislative District John Braun, State Senator 20th Legislative District Jim Walsh, Representative 19th Legislative District

Get More Watch it on kltv.org Read more at The Daily News http://tdn.com/news/local-legislators-predict-action-on-water-rightsschool-funding/article_d1600589ca24-5453-b449-7286d5424740. html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1 See photos https://www.facebook.com/ pg/KelsoLongviewChamber/photos/?tab =album&album_id=1745481478818555

Rep. Jim Walsh (R-Aberdeen) said there’s a need to be effective and aggressive in the push for what is good for the area to create equal footing between urban and rural areas.

Orcutt reminded those in attendance of the importance to stay in touch with their legislative representatives about issues and solutions.

This article was written by Brenda Sexton for the Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce.

December 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 7

Washington Retail Association

By Mark Johnson Senior Vice President of Government Relations

Board approves session priorities Washington Retail Association’s Board of Directors approved 2018 legislative priorities when it met in Olympia last week.

We survey board members every year in order to ensure that we pay attention to bills that matter the most to them and their companies.

As in most years, the prospect of additional taxes and fees tops WRA’s priorities list for the 2018 session, which begins on January 8. Financial burdens from taxes and taxes disguised as fees hurt the economy by threatening the livelihood of employers and discouraging hiring.

Next on WRA’s priorities is monitoring whether state legislators feel tempted to copy the host of Seattle’s labor-related ordinances to extend the same policies statewide. These issues include: •

scheduling mandates

•

equal pay/pay equity

•

wage theft

These policies can compromise customer service, introduce spikes in employer costs and require maintenance of detailed records that must be kept in some cases years after the related employee has left for another job.

The remaining prime WRA issues include: •

Monitoring legislation to regulate pharmacies

•

A continuing commitment to workers’ compensation reform including lowering age restrictions to allow more injured workers to negotiate financial settlements rather than prolonging pending case files.

•

Better management of unemployment insurances expenses

•

Approval of a back-to-school sales tax holiday

•

Approval of a policy to register paid petition signature gatherers who often operate at retail store entrances.

EmploymEnt law

WALSTEAD MERTSCHING

Attorney Nicole M. Tideman

AT TO R N E Y S AT L AW

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• 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

8 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | December 2017

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Cowlitz Wahkiakum Council of Governments

By Bill Fashing Executive Director

Regional economic development planning

The Cowlitz Wahkiakum Council of Governments (CWCOG), in collaboration with area partners and stakeholders, is working toward the establishment of an Economic Development District (EDD) to serve the Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties. To establish such a district, the CWCOG must apply for designation through the U.S. Department of Commerce / Economic Development Administration (EDA).

The EDA plays a critical role in fostering regional economic development efforts through strategic local investments that promote job creation and attract private investments. The EDA’s grant programs in planning, technical assistance and infrastructure construction are designed to leverage existing regional assets with federal funds to support the implementation of local economic development strategies making it easier to identify new business opportunities and grow the economic base ultimately bringing growth and prosperity to the local communities.

The strategy will take into consideration the plans and interests of the Associate Development Organizations serving the region that include the Cowlitz Economic Development Council (CEDC) and the Wahkiakum Chamber. The interests of ports, cities, counties, chambers and other stakeholders will also be included. Input from the general public and other interested parties will be solicited for the regional economic development needs and priorities of the region. Discussions on the region’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) are critical to plan development. Feedback from these meetings will be combined to create a regional SWOT analysis as well as goals and objectives. The meetings are open to the public and will address economic development from a regional perspective. Input will also be sought on programs and activities that could be implemented to move regional economic development forward.

The EDDs are the conduit through which EDA identifies local and regional priorities and applies funding. Established EDDs made up of private, public, and nonprofit sector members create the forum for establishing a strategic blueprint of a regionally driven, economic development planning process; one that supports the attraction of new businesses, helps existing businesses thrive, promotes entrepreneurship and provides support for infrastructure improvements.

Previously, the CWCOG served as the administrative agency of the former three-county EDD (Cowlitz, Lewis, Wahkiakum); dissolved in August of 2016. As directed by the CWCOG Board of Directors and the previous EDD’s Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties’ stakeholders, the CWCOG is pursuing, on their behalf, a two-county EDD. The proposed application is to be sent to EDA in early 2018.

The strategic blueprint is called a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) and it provides a capacity building foundation by which the regions can create an environment for economic prosperity. The CEDS is comprised of five sections, these include a Summery Background, a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) Analysis of the region, a Strategic Direction/Ac-

tion Plan, an Evaluation Framework, and an Economic Resiliency element.

An approved CEDS document is required for the formation of a new Economic Development District and will be developed through public input and the work of a CEDS Committee. The CWCOG has hosted four public meetings in November with two more scheduled for December. The remaining meetings are planned for Castle Rock and Woodland. The details for both meetings are listed below. Plan to attend one of the sessions to provide your input on the regional effort.

Dec. 6, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Castle Rock Senior Center, 222 2nd Ave. Dec. 12, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Woodland Middle School, 755 Park St. As part of the process and to get business sector input the CWCOG has provided a link to a survey that you are encouraged to take.

Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and provide your thought and suggestions on the regional economic development priorities that should be included in the five-year Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. If you have other questions or want to engage in the formation of the Economic Development District please give me a call at 360-577-3041.

alize peci ng s e W movi in os pian

Residential & Commercial

360-992-8702 ancmovers.com December 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 9

City of Kelso

City of Longview

By Mayor David Futcher

By City Councilman Ken Botero

Legislative unions support Kelso It’s easy to get a little jaded with the state of politics. At the national level, it seems like constant mudslinging is the norm. Party lines seem to define perceived quality of a person, and for all the bluster, little changes. At the state level, gridlock has seemed to extend sessions unnecessarily and even prevented common things like a capital budget from being completed. But while those things may seem to be the norm in the bigger picture, we’re fortunate to have a 19th District legislative delegation committed to making change for our area.

Our representatives James Walsh and Brian Blake, and our state senator Dean Takko have worked together to produce noticeable results for Kelso the last few years. These guys aren’t all from the same party, and some in Cowlitz County will bemoan the fact that two of the three are from the faraway land of Grays Harbor County. They don’t let any of that keep them from working together to take care of the needs in Cowlitz.

In the last few years, the team has been instrumental in providing Kelso with funding for an overpass that will help develop riverfront property along the golf course, providing money for the reconstruction of the Minor Road reservoir, and, assuming the capital budget is eventually passed, a nice chunk of money that will enhance the old parking lots at Tam O’Shanter park.

The key to success in politics is relationships, and we’ve been fortunate to have positive relationships with these legislators. They’ve helped Kelso, and we appreciate it.

Holiday wishes for a bright future This is the time of year we all look back at the wonderful year that has provided many special accomplishments in each of our communities and we can be thankful for the quality of place that we, as community members, have created. In Longview, our community has moved in a positive direction as we have provided a beautiful Commerce Avenue renovation project to brighten up our downtown core. We also welcomed summer activities downtown and look forward to the coming fall and winter seasons with the activities of the Columbia Theater, Stage Works, and the Lower Columbia College.

Our beautiful seasonal decorations in R.A. Long Park and downtown brighten up the holidays ahead, and if you have the opportunity please visit Lions Island at Lake Sacajawea to view the outstanding and beautiful holiday decorations provided by the Longview Pioneer Lions Club. Your Longview Parks and Recreation programs offer a multitude of positive family activities for youth, adults and senior residents. With the holiday season in our hearts and minds let us remember the many organization have helped provide for our quality of place, especially our own Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce, which provides a multitude of programs within our communities. The City of Kelso, our neighbors, are also a major part of this wonderful quality of place and I am sure that the kinship between the two cities is second to none.

With all of these wonderful blessings we thank each and everyone one of our residents for their contributions to our quality of place and invite any and all visitors to join in our celebration of a holiday seasons of Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Ours is a community with a positive vision for the future and our gift to you this holiday season is to welcome you to our home, Longview, Washington. Happy holidays and you are welcome to celebrate the wonderful adventure with all of us. Thank you for the past year and the positive outlook for the coming year.

CATLIN PROPERTIES INC Moving to our new location in 2018

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

10 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | December 2017

360-636-2897

Cowlitz Economic Development Council

By Lindsey Cope Community Engagement Director

Shopping small can have big impact

The Saturday after Thanksgiving has been coined as Small Busi-

click is too convenient, and we are all too busy, but if we could make

ness Saturday. Small Business Saturday started officially in 2010 by

a little more of an effort it would be found that our local businesses

American Express to promote small business shopping amid the re-

can be competitive in pricing and offer something we are missing

cession. In 2011, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution in support and by 2012 all 50 states were participating. Since its inception the idea has spread like wildfire, and in 2016 thousands of champions from individuals, organizations, corporations and municipali-

more often than not, a human connection with our neighbors and friends.

We live in a unique place where you could very well know the own-

ties have united to promote this day, and it shows. Consumers spent

er of an establishment and if not, the employees or someone who

an estimated $15 billion last year alone. That is $15 billion that is

does. Your children may go to school with their children. They may

helping a business owner pay the rent for one more month, put his

be a client or customer at your place of work. We are all intercon-

kids through school, buy more supplies from another business, and/

nected and that is another reason that we have a duty to support

or sponsor a community event.

each other when we can. Let’s all make a commitment to trying to

My hope is that we make every Saturday a Small Business Saturday.

I know we all discuss the need to shop local, but that Amazon one-

find the things we need locally and see how it lifts up our friends, neighbors, community and economy.

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

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

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

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

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

December 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 11

2017 Holiday Mixer

The Monticello Hotel circa 1925

The Monticello Hotel circa 2017

Grand Ballroom 1925

Grand Ballroom 2017

Tuesday, December 12, 2017 • 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm at the historic Monticello Hotel

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

Register today at: www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

25 in

$

$

advance

35

at the door

Presented by Applied Applications Int’l

Business After Hours

Karen Sisson, Stewart Title, and Jessica from Life Mortgage, ham it up while Karen sets out to capture Lonnie Knowles on film and Mike Julian, Kelso Theatre Pub, serves up his new beer label ESB-KTP created by Five Dons.

Giving Thanks

We are grateful to Stewart Title for hosting November's Business After Hours event with good food, great music by Larry Moyer and Desiree Simmons and plenty of giveaways.

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

December 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 13

Business Toolbox

By Jerry D. Petrick Certified Business Advisor

Planning your exit If you’ve never given any serious thought to exiting your business, now is the time to start. Exiting is a multi-step process that can take from weeks to years depending on the size of the organization and the reasons for exiting.

When it comes to planning, how you exit your business is just as important as how you started it. The goal is to maximize the value of your company before converting it to cash and minimize the amount of time consumed.

Getting out of business is a process. The length of time required to complete the process is directly related to the complexity of the business and the circumstances underlying this decision to get out of business. It can range from one week for a home-based, sole proprietorship to several years for a corporation forced into involuntary bankruptcy.

Disputes and litigation add another dimension to the timeframe.

The getting out of business process typically includes the following steps: (You may want to incorporate them in your post-venture plan) 1. Reach Agreement and Obtain Authorization from Owners to Dissolve Your Business Entity. Agreement and authorization to dissolve a business must be established under some acceptable, governing set of rules, such as the bylaws or partnership agreement. It is best to settle disputes quickly and document any terms and conditions that apply.

2. Designate a Leader and Organize a Team. Authority and roles should be clarified. The owner may be the only team member for a home-based business. For a large entity, however, the team may consist of the executive management team and important functional managers whose expertise is not represented: finance, human resources, legal. This group should be as small as possible for efficiency and large enough to include the expertise required covering the basic planning issues. Special consideration is needed if the transition event needs to be kept quiet as in the event of an acquisition.

3. Engage Professionals and Consultants as Team Members. For most small businesses, this group consists of the firm’s legal counsel, CPA, and a business broker or valuation expert. Professional expertise and advice in these areas will contribute to a smooth process and improve the outcome. Perform a thorough review of business and identify problem areas. Establish and maintain a problem list to focus on. Determine the condition of the firm’s records. Review transactions. Problems extend the timeframe and cost money.

4. Prepare a List of Assets and Perform a Physical Inventory. The inventory is very important input to several activities. It is used to establish the value of the business, make decisions, and manage disposition of assets, and it becomes the basis for tax calculations and tax returns.

Perform a valuation of the business. It is difficult to make prudent decisions without knowing the market value of the business and its assets.

Prepare a Detailed Plan and Assign Responsibilities ✓ Develop a Schedule for Implementation. A schedule provides the ability to measure progress, estimate completion of critical steps, and project the end of the process. The schedule is also extremely useful for managing cash flow during this uncertain time.

14 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | December 2017

✓ Release Announcements and Notices. This step is about timing and legal notice. At some point, interested parties must know what is happening: market, competitors, customers, vendors and suppliers, professional service providers, consultants, trade groups, employees, media, creditors, and contractors. The notice should designate an official point of contact for questions or inquiries. ✓ Implement the Plan. This is where momentum and activity builds. Things happen very quickly. Without the planning steps, an important degree of control is lost. When that happens, net value is usually decreased in some substantial way. ✓ Conclude or Transfer Contract Obligations. This process may require approval from contracting parties, and involve negotiation of final terms. Office, car, and equipment leases need to be reviewed, addressed, and terminated. The timing of termination dates for insurance contracts and benefit plans are very important to all involved. ✓ Close Operations. The timing of this step is important. There is a time when manufacturing or production must cease, retail sales must end, and human resources are pared down. Each affects cash flow and net value dramatically. Security and maintenance services may be an important consideration from this point on. ✓ Dispose of and Transfer Assets. This is an important tax event.

Insurance coverage can be reduced or eliminated. Settle accounts payable and debt obligations. ✓ Prepare Final Financial Statements and Tax Returns. Final financial statements for the business are important to establish the tax implications for assets, gains, and losses conveyed to the owners or other involved parties. ✓ File Articles of Dissolution. State licensing departments require a formal filing to terminate the legal and tax status of the business.

Examples are articles of dissolution, certificates of withdrawal, and cancellation certificates. This process also results in a review of tax liabilities and issuance of a tax clearance notice or certificate. ✓ Prepare and Issue Special Filings, Notices, Informational Returns, and Taxes. To develop a checklist, retrace your steps taken during startup. Generally, some action is required with all federal and stage registration, taxing, and licensing agencies contacted to start the business. Final submittal of payroll, unemployment, industrial insurance, and other business tax returns must indicate that the business status is closed or changed. ✓ Receive Tax Clearance Notice. File in financial records. ✓ Close Bank Accounts. ✓ Store Business Records. These records should be kept for at least seven years.

Planning and awareness are crucial. The process, timing of events and tasks must be tailored to the type and complexity of the business. Each case is unique because reasons for dissolution differ, and problems that exist or develop are unique to the circumstance. The following is a For more Petrick, see page 15

Petrick, continued from page 14 checklist of items to consider as early in the process as possible. Most of these issues have some impact on the process of getting out of business:

Human Resources • Disputes and employee grievances (if you have collective bargaining agreements the processes and timeliness for notices etc. will likely be spelled out) • Employee benefit plans: incentive plans, benefits, pensions, deferred salary plans, stock options • Medical insurance • Business equipment in employee possession – home offices, business cars, cellular telephones • Termination notices • Employment contracts and severance arrangements

Finance and Accounting • Condition and completeness of records • Deposits outstanding • Prepaid accounts: insurance, advertising, utilities • Valuation of assets: intellectual property, work in progress, software, project files, R&D • Financial planning: capital gains on asset disposition or sale of business • Bank and investment account(s) • Loans from financial institutions or individual investors • List of creditors • Liens and security interests • Accounts payable and commissions owed • Account receivables (including bad debt risks)

Legal

Owners

• Warranties/Guarantees: product, service, contracts • Contracts and agreements: assignment, completion, non-compete, confidentiality, nondisclosure, franchise • Contingent legal problems: litigation, disputes, judgments • Strategic alliance agreements and obligations • Labor union agreements • Inventory: material, products, work in progress • Physical inventory records

• Stockholders or equity investors • Estate issues

Marketing and Public Relations • Sales representative/distributor/broker agreements

• Professional, trade, and telephone directory listings

• Shipments in transit

Facilities

• Public notice of change

• Financial obligations

• Tradeshow and convention commitments

• Security • Insurance • Modifications to secure plant and buildings • Lender lease

• Samples, price lists, and marketing materials in the field

Website • Transfer/termination of domain names and hosting arrangements

• Storage of assets and equipment • OSHA or EPA filings • Field offices

Administration • Condition and completeness of company records: charter documents, minutes, stock records • Documents of title, mortgages, deeds, security agreements • Business insurance

• Professional support. CPA, attorney, PR and advertising, marketing, internet host, publisher

• Stock option conversions

• Confidentiality

• Proposals submitted

• Purchase orders outstanding

• Cash flow and expenses related to getting out of business

• Audit status

• Applications in progress: intellectual property, licenses

• Proposals in process of preparation

• Asset records and list

• Pensions, deferred compensation plans, benefits

• Tax liabilities: local and state business taxes, payroll, industrial insurance, property, corporate income tax

• Ownership of intellectual property: trademarks, patents, trade secrets

• Key person insurance

Operations

• Outstanding tax claims, audit processes, or IRS action

• Business tax planning

• Dissolution of business entity

• Registrations, permits, licenses • Storage location of corporate records • Continuation of board of directors • Termination of business licenses and tax account

In summary, the process for getting out of business successfully requires the same amount of planning as going into business.

While the process should be easier, it is likely to be less enjoyable and more stressful. The best advice for business owners is to think about the future during the early stages of getting into business. Exert managerial influence to ensure that complications and problems which could affect dissolution and net value do not develop into roadblocks.

When the time for getting out of business comes, engage the invaluable expertise you will need, and prepare a plan.

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

December 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 15

By Chuck Nau Retail Consultant and Sales and Managment Trainier – Murray & Nau, Inc.

Setting goals and the standards for their achievement In this ongoing economic uncertainty, staying focused, committed and upbeat continues to be an everyday challenge for you and your staff. Coupled with the ongoing efforts to retain client, customer and revenue or service commitments, your staff ’s selfconfidence and solid footing may be easily undermined and on shaky ground.

unexpected slow downs and prevent failure?

How can you best help them and in the process help your small business and yourself?

Careful! Do not clutter your measurements of success with unimportant parameters. Will quarterly or monthly revenue goals, average transactions or quarterly “team” achievements be your sales benchmark or should you develop other criteria? How will those individuals in support and non-revenue areas be able to measure successful goal achievement? Are you measuring what you want to accomplish?

Consider pausing for a moment, stepping back and disconnecting from the constant flow of information, and taking a renewed look at your staff, from top (e.g. you) to bottom. No matter the size or the experience of your staff, your people will want to know how they’re doing, where they stand. Are they doing well? How can you tell when and how it needs to be better?

• Where Are You? Identify what you have on hand, today. Carefully review your staff, assessing their strengths, weaknesses, and various talents in relation to your current market positions. What support systems are in place within the entire business or service?

What products and pricing programs currently exist? Which of them are growing? Which are shrinking? What are your business or service’s strongest selling points? What’s your overall competitive advantage? What do you do better than others, both competitors and other small businesses in your market?

• Where Do You Want To Be? What are your business objectives, in terms of profitability, sales, growth and overall market expertise, both short term and long term? What opportunities, threats, or obstacles lie in you and your staff ’s path? How do you envision further developing your individual sales people, your staff overall, yourself and your business or service? New product or service offerings and programs? Is there another segment of the population or market (social media? mobile?) you would like to develop or enhance? Identify what is missing between where you are and where you want to be.

• What Needs to Happen? What must occur to move you from where you are to where you want to be? Enhancing your web site?

Contacting and selling a larger number of your best customers?

What about other small retailers, service providers, or businesses as a possible new target customer market? Launching a new niche product? Establishing a quarterly sales training program? Will enhancing available resources generate the results desired? Making a part time sales support position full time?

Or do new resources and support systems need to be identified, designed and implemented? What benchmarks need to be put in place to identify desired outcomes and results that moves you toward your short term or long-term goals? What red flags or midcourse adjustments need to be identified to assure success, reduce 16 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | December 2017

• Measure and Reward. Are your benchmarks clearly defined as measurements for attaining or not attaining your business or service's objectives? Are they challenging (e.g. a stretch) but not impossible? Are they fair and equitable? Has your sales staff and your staff overall been asked and encourage for some input?

Likewise, are you rewarding your staff for the desired outcomes in a timely and consistent fashion? Do your rewards allow for continued growth and achievement (sell more, earn more)? Do your rewards also take into account excellent customer service, reduced sales adjustments, new creative ideas or strategies, and individual personal career growth in addition to revenue goal attainment?

• Eyes To See, Ears To Hear. Do you continue to fine tune, enhance and develop your resources? Do you encourage your staff to ask their customers, clients, vendors and each other how your small business and its various products or service might consider and subsequently implement ongoing changes to meet the needs of your market? Are you listening to your staff to tell you what YOU can do to fine tune, enhance, and grow the business?

More importantly, are you asking your staff what needs to be done to enhance their success, both internally (systems and environment) and externally (training, sales tools, resources)? Do you continually observe the way your goals are achieved in order to prepare for forming new goals and objectives, so that you can continue the process of growth and development at your business or service in the future?

• Give Honest Feedback. Tell sales staff how they are doing, sharing equally in success and failure, on a timely and consistent basis. Communicate to them so they can understand where you are, where you want to be, and how you are going to get there.

Encourage and support them as you implement midcourse corrections to keep on target.

Support an open dialogue for ideas, suggestions, and observations. Let them know when they have arrived.

Your staff needs appropriate, carefully considered benchmarks to measure their achievement, thereby giving them an opporFor more Nau, see page 17

Nau, continued from page 16 tunity to make adjustment to their efforts quickly and responsibly by themselves or with assistance from you (and your management team). Setting appropriate, well-thought out “points of reference” enables you to measure staff performance and the progress being made towards the achievement of those goals. Clear and well-developed benchmarks help you and your staff stay focused on the "big picture" and on track and on time to achieve it. Good luck! © Murray & Nau, Inc.

Tap Into Success “Fibre Federal has been extremely helpful in all of our banking needs, even before Ashtown opened. We appreciate the member service and friendliness.”

Chuck Nau of Murray and Nau, Inc. is a Seattle area based consultant and sales and management trainer. He is a 25-year veteran of advertising, sales, media and management, who knows and understands the everyday challenges of starting up, growing, and surviving in today’s ever changing retail climate. He has spoken to and conducted workshops for a number of local retail and chamber organizations, national publishing groups, national retailers and manufacturers, state press associations, and newspaper groups.

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

-Jarrett Skreen & Erik Skreen, owners Ashtown Brewing Company

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December 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 17

Lower Columbia College

By Chris Bailey President

College IS for everyone!

Lately, I have been hearing a sort of “bumper sticker” mantra that “college isn’t for everyone.” I couldn’t disagree more.

Generally, the people who utter this are referring to the lack of vocational education opportunities available, even though a large number of our students (perhaps a majority?) would greatly benefit from them. The problem is that many of these students are not going to college — a community and technical college — to get that vocational education necessary to be successful in the workplace.

The problem is that K-12 districts generally do not have the ability to provide sufficient vocational opportunities for its students. This isn’t the fault of the local school districts. The K-12 system is set up for those 20 to 30 percent of the students who will be getting baccalaureate degrees and beyond. There is little room on that pathway for vocational courses. The vocational classes, thus, tend to be more exploratory, than preparatory.

While local school districts are becoming very creative in trying to increase vocational courses and pathways, these programs also come with a significantly higher cost than the typical academic courses.

They require specialized, high cost machinery and facilities.

The obvious solution is to encourage more students to go to college for a 13th (and maybe 14th) year, at the local community college. We already have the quality facilities and instructors to prepare students for high paying, high demand careers. At Lower Columbia College, students can partake in a myriad of programs to give them careers in machining, welding, manufacturing, diesel technology, automotive, nursing, computer science, accounting, and more. And, these programs, which are preparatory, not exploratory, are offered at a much lower cost than those offered at four year colleges and universities.

We do a great disservice if we do not encourage these career options for those who could benefit greatly from these opportunities.

Lower Columbia College also offers “dual credit” opportunities for

high school students, where students can earn college credits while also earning their high school credential. One of these options is “Vocational Running Start” where students can come and partake in a vocational program at the college, such as welding, while still in high school.

Lower Columbia College also serves our need for a strong workforce through a variety of other programs. We offer a high school retrieval program, where students who have dropped out of school, can come to LCC and earn a high school diploma. We even have one, “High School 21+,” specifically tailored for older students.

Note, the average age of our student population is currently 31. So we serve many who return for worker retraining, and others who just want to improve their careers later in life.

We also offer continuing education programs for individuals who want to learn new skills on an individualized basis, or improve and update their current work skills. We offer courses in computer applications, social media, excel, and more.

We also have a reconstituted corporate training program where businesses can use LCC as a low-cost center for its training needs.

This benefits local business and industry, as well as incumbent workers, who can use our trainings to promote and improve their skills.

Finally, our college respects the need to have more baccalaureate and graduate degree programs offered here. Our Lower Columbia Regional University Center, located on our Longview campus, now provides more than 35 baccalaureate, masters and doctoral degrees to serve the adult learners that need a local option due to time and distance constraints.

When it comes to your local community college, college truly IS for everyone!

LCC Proud!

Locally Owned, Family Owned and Here to Stay!

Offering the best in quality and selection.

1157 3rd Avenue, Suite 218

1413 Commerce Ave.

360-575-9804

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18 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | December 2017

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

Mind Your Own Business (at the Library)

By Chris Skaugset Director – Longview Public Library

Great War makes for a great read I was at the grand opening of the new World War I exhibit at the Cowlitz County Historical Museum when the idea for this month’s column became all too clear. We were celebrating Veteran’s Day, which, of course, this year was the centennial remembrance of the day when the Great War, or the War to End All Wars, or which unfortunately, ultimately became known as World War I ended. Armistice Day was a remembrance of the armistice on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month that led to the end of hostilities in that most brutal war which historians recognize as the last great war of the 19th century or the first of the 20th. In honor of this momentous occasion, below you’ll find a number of books both histories and novels that will, hopefully, make this great tragedy come to life for you.

“The First World War: A Complete History” by Martin Gilbert.

Blending contemporary accounts with his own overview narrative, Gilbert has written, perhaps, the best single volume history of The Great War both for its scholarship as well as its readability.

“Guns of August” by Barbara Tuchman. Tuchman is one of the greatest writers of history, hands down. She was one of the first historians that wrote what I would call narrative nonfiction as opposed to what many would describe as dull, musty histories. This work may be the best book written about the first year of the war and well worth anyone’s time.

“First World War” by John Keegan. Keegan with this riveting narrative history has written perhaps the best military history of the conflict. This book added with Gilbert’s and Tuchman’s gives a reader perhaps the best three-book introduction to World War I and all its aspects.

that changed the face of the world. It can be appreciated by armchair historians and academics alike.

“Catastrophe 1914: Europe Goes to War” by Max Hastings. This is a great entry point for reading about the causes and beginnings of the war. Hastings makes what can be a very confusing and complicated subject very understandable and interesting.

“To End All Wars: A Story of Loyalty and Rebellion, 1914-1918”

by Adam Hochschild. Hochschild portrays the war through the eyes of mostly British supporters and detractors of the war. The former group was certainly much, much larger but there is a story to tell in both sides of the question and the author does an excellent job of covering them all.

“March 1917: On the Brink of War and Revolution” by William Englund. Our latest title about World War I, Englund writes about a war that was seemingly never going to end and how in March of 1917 two things were brewing that ultimately led to war’s end: the Russian Revolution and the United States’ entry into the war. While the author doesn’t necessarily bring any new material or analysis, it is a well-written and interesting book nevertheless.

I’m ending this list with what I believe are the two best fictional accounts of the war since I believe that a well-written historical novel can bring history even more alive. Considered by many the greatest war novel of all time, “All Quiet on the Western Front” is Erich Maria Remarque’s masterpiece of the German experience during World War I depicting the humanity of all the soldiers no matter on which side they fought. He tells the tale of Paul Baumer and his friends as they join the army with youthful enthusiasm only to discover the cold, brutal realities of war. Ernest Hemingway’s “A

“King, Kaiser and Tsar: Three Royal Cousins Who Led the World

Farewell to Arms” is the timeless story of love during wartime. This

to War” by Catrine Clay. Clay used newly available documents to

semi-autobiographical work captures the harsh realities of war and

write an ambitious, and excellent, biography of the three rulers who

the pain of lovers caught in its inexorable sweep through the eyes of

ultimately took the world to war. King George V of England, Tsar

an American ambulance driver and British nurse stationed at the

Nicholas II of Russia and Kaiser Wilhelm II grew up together, played

Italian front.

together, and attended family functions together.

As both a historian and a reader, I hope that you will find some-

“The Long Shadow: The Legacies of the Great War in the Twen-

thing interesting from this column. You can find these and many

tieth Century” by David Reynolds. Reynolds has written a fasci-

other titles at your Longview Public Library. And, don’t forget to

nating book that collects decades of research, literature, film, and

visit the new World War I exhibit at the museum; it is well worth

understanding to provide a reasoned, compelling take on a conflict

your time.

December 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 19

In The News

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

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

Community Home Health & Hospice (Community) has cared for Cowlitz County patients and families for 40 years. In 1984, they opened the state’s first freestanding hospice care center in Longview. Grief support is free for everyone in the community, not only hospice families.

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

Millennium to appeal decision on shoreline permits Millennium’s proposal to develop a world-class export terminal in Cowlitz County is consistent with the goals of the Shoreline Management Act and the Shoreline Management Program, the company stated in a November 14 press release. This decision is not consistent with either of those regulations and polices, and seem to focus on the obvious aspect that other permits remain to be granted, which is an inevitable aspect of our current permitting system. Millennium will appeal the decision to the Shoreline Hearings Board.

Millennium is proposing an industrial facility on property designated as an industrial port, the preferred use under the State’s Shoreline Management Act. The permits should be approved since the site has been used for industrial purposes for decades and has had extensive train traffic and vessel traffic in the past. Any suitable use of this shoreline location should be leveraging the existing rail and vessel access. To do otherwise would be patently inconsistent with the Shoreline Management Act and the Shoreline Management Plan.

The decision is based primarily on issues outside the shoreline area applicable to any new terminal or transportation project in the State of Washington. Not allowing Millennium to use this industrial shoreline for a bulk materials terminal simply because there will be more trains on the tracks and more vessels on the Columbia River, makes a bold statement that there is no industrial or port use for this site, or for any other industrial port site in Cowlitz County or anywhere else on the Columbia River System.

2018 budget approval brings tax reductions for port district residents Port of Longview’s Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the 2018 budget, which includes a significant property tax reduction for residents of the Port District, was announced in a November 14 press release. The Commission’s confidence in the Port’s 20 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | December 2017

current financial position allowed the 20 percent reduction from the 2017 lawful levy. This is the second consecutive year the Commission has reduced taxes by 20 percent.

“The Port is in a healthy financial position that allows us to cut taxes again this year,” said Commission President Doug Averett.

“Strong cargo operations and business partnerships have situated the Port in a very favorable position. My fellow Commissioners and I want to share this success with our community.”

Overall, the Port’s 2018 General Fund Operating Budget is $31.1 million and the Capital Projects Budget is $5.1 million. Capitalizing on momentum gained in 2017, the Port plans to invest $952,000 on continued work towards expanding the Industrial Rail Corridor.

Also of note, $300,000 is earmarked for Barlow Point infrastructure developments and approximately $152,000 will be invested into a walking path at Willow Grove Park.

The 2018 budget goes into effect January

Marco Industries leases 30,000 feet facility at Port of Kalama Marco Industries, an industry leader in the manufacture and distribution of quality accessory products for the metal roofing and cladding industry, has signed a lease for 30,000 square feet of warehouse and office space at the Port of Kalama. The Oklahoma-based For more News, see page 21

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News continued from page 20 company will be one of the first tenants in the Port’s new 110,000 square foot industrial building in the Kalama River Industrial Park.

The new building is expected to break ground in December.

Marco Industries manufactures and distributes ventilation, closure, fasteners, flashing, underlayment and other accessories for metal roofs and wall systems and expects to hire eight to ten employees in its start-up phase at the Port. Numerous Marco products will be utilized by the Port in the construction of the new building.

“The Port of Kalama is an ideal location for Marco to expand its presence in the Pacific Northwest and to service its growing customer base in the region because of its proximity to transportation routes and the availability of qualified labor,” said Blake Atkins, CEO and president of Marco.

Marco Industries, which is expected to open its Kalama facility in the summer of 2018, joins a growing number of industries and businesses who have found the Port of Kalama an ideal location to grow their businesses. The Port boasts a state-of-the-art Industrial Park with buildings ideal for manufacturing, technology, storage and many other industry sectors. Sixteen acres of public riverfront parks stand out as popular recreational destinations for both locals and tourists. Port officials cite several advantages for businesses like Marco Industries to expand operations in Kalama including: • No state corporate or personal income taxes • Collaborative, business-friendly environment • Affordable/competitive rates

• Accessibility to all modes of transportation • Quality buildings, land on river/rail/Interstate • Quality of life, slow-paced, beautiful, quiet, hometown feel • Proximity to international airport at PDX – just 30 minutes away

Cowlitz PUD receives ‘A’ from Fitch Ratings Cowlitz PUD Chief Financial Officer Trent Martin announced at the November 14 Board of Commissioners meeting the district has received good news from Fitch Ratings, one of the three top U.S. bond credit rating agencies. Such agencies provide evaluations of a bond issuer’s financial strength and its ability to pay a bond’s principal and interest.

Fitch affirmed Cowlitz PUD’s Revenue Bond Rating of A, with a continued stable outlook. This represents a strong investment grade rating that will help to maintain lower borrowing costs.

The steps Cowlitz PUD staff has taken to reduce debt and manage the budget are recognized as reflecting continued performance that is supportive of the rating, according to Fitch Ratings.

The commission acknowledges General Manager Steve Kern, CFO Martin, Internal Auditor Royce Hagelstein (now retired) and Director of Power Supply Gary Huhta for the good advice they offered which was instrumental to the rating.

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December 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 21

Kelso School District

Longview Public Schools

Superintendent Glenn Gelbrich

Superintendent Dan Zorn

Developing a long-range facility plan

Public education – unique and essential

Over the past year, the Kelso School District has evaluated the condition of its facilities and developed a long-range plan for their improvement. In January of 2017, the Facilities Improvement Team (FIT), comprised of community, staff, parents, and school administration, embarked on a nine-month review and planning process. More than 1,100 community members and staff have provided input and direction in developing this plan.

The beauty of the public education system is found in our mandate to serve all students regardless of their abilities, background, or life circumstance. Meeting this challenging, yet essential mandate requires an unrelenting willingness to adjust our programming and instructional approach to assure that each student grows regardless of their starting point. This requires an instructional staff that is armed with a myriad of

The result is a plan currently in front of the school board for consideration of a February 2018 special election. The last major review and plan was developed in the late 1990s prior to the bond election passed by Kelso voters in 2001. The 2001 bond rebuilt Kelso High School and Barnes Elementary School, with smaller projects completed at every school. The school district also moved to a middle school model sending sixth graders to the middle school and ninth graders to the high school.

instructional strategies and resources upon which they can rely as they

Since the state of Washington requires local school districts to fund the majority of capital improvement projects, it is time for Kelso to consider renewing its expiring bond.

lic education system a unique and essential institution in our free and

Our facilities physical conditions were evaluated and scored by an architectural/engineering team led by local architect Craig Collins of Collins Architectural Group. The physical assessment of the schools show considerable wear and tear, as the average age of the eight schools not receiving significant remodels in early 2000s are 67 years old. Wallace and Catlin elementary schools were originally built in 1942 and 1947.

A demographer, Davis Demographics, was hired to review district enrollment patterns and project enrollment trends moving forward.

As the report shows, enrollment has been steadily climbing since 2013 from 4,779 to currently more than 5,000. The demographer’s report estimates continued growth of 200 to 300 students in the next five years.

The firm Teater and Crocker also evaluated the functionality of our schools. Functionality reflects how well the schools support 21st century learning, and examines the sizes, equipment, supportive utilities, and other features of each space. The functional scores of seven of our eight schools not receiving significant remodels in the early 2000s all scored “poor”, with the other three schools scoring fair and good.

The entire planning process was facilitated by Kelley Wilson, architect and project manager for Construction Services Group out of Educational Service District 112. Financial services and bond planning was provided by Mark Prussing, who specializes in school bond planning across the state of Washington.

The plan recommends the replacement of three elementary schools: Beacon Hill, Catlin, and Wallace. Both of the replacements at Beacon Hill and Wallace will occur on the current school site. A new For more Kelso Schools, see page 23 22 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | December 2017

seek to serve the unique needs of each student. I am grateful for the talented and committed Longview Public School educators that share this commitment to providing a quality education to every student who comes through our doors.

It is this willingness and commitment that makes the American pubdemocratic society. For many of our students, a public education is their best, and sometimes only chance to achieve a life of fulfillment and success. In many respects, public education is the “great equalizer,” providing unfettered access to incredible opportunity.

The expectations of the public educator have never been higher than they are today. The scrutiny under which the public education system is held can sometimes feel overwhelming. However, our mission remains unchanged. We relish the opportunity to serve our community’s children, no matter their life circumstance, abilities, or background. I am grateful to be a part of this most important mission and appreciative of living and serving in a community that continually demonstrates its support of public education and its mandate to serve all.

FIFTH ANNUAL

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Kelso Schools, continued from page 22 school in Lexington will replace Catlin Elementary. The school district purchased 10 acres of property in Lexington as part of the last bond, as the school board anticipated continued growth in the area.

The current Catlin school site would be repurposed for other non K-12 uses, such as early learning/preschool, and other district operations, or could be resold as it sits in a commercial area.

There are six major types of improvements in the plan: safety and security, adding and updating classrooms, school modernizations, traffic and parking, three school replacements, and athletic facilities.

Safety and security was the number one priority mentioned during our Thoughtexchange process with community and staff. Upgrades to surveillance, door access control, lighting and communication systems will be upgraded at a cost of $7.5 million to all schools.

Upgrades to mechanical, plumbing, heating/ventilation, and electrical systems, and siding and roofing upgrades are being replaced at $17.6 million. This amount would be significantly higher if three new schools were not being proposed.

Additional classrooms will be added at each of the three new schools, along with classrooms at Butler Acres to accommodate both enrollment growth and to meet K-3 class size of 1:17. During the past three years, we have added more than 20 new K-3 classrooms to meet this new requirement, which was possible because of our transition to middle schools in early 2000s, which created space at our elementary schools. The extra space is no longer available, and we are struggling to meet the last push to reach class size requirements, and anticipating enrollment growth. The proposal would also eliminate 15 portable classrooms being used at elementary schools.

A new physical education space at Huntington Middle School is being proposed along with updated Career and Technical Education (CTE) spaces at Kelso High School. Modern CTE facilities in the auto, woods, construction, welding, and computer aided manufacturing and design will ensure our students seeking vocational training are prepared for the workforce and other post-secondary opportunities.

Parking and traffic flow issues can be addressed, not only at the three new school sites, but at other sites as well by expanding parking spaces, redesigning traffic patterns, and purchasing additional property to expand school sites to accommodate this need.

Athletic facility renovations are also necessary to our stadium, tracks, and playing fields. Since being built in the late 1970s, Schroeder Field and Ed Laulainen Stadium are in need of upgrades to heating, plumbing, lighting, and the playing field. The proposal replaces the playing field with Field Turf, allowing for practically year

round participation from football, soccer, band, physical education classes, and other community activities. Irrigation will be added to Kelso playing fields, middle schools tracks will be resurfaced, and the original gym floor at Kelso High School will be replaced.

The local cost to Kelso School District residents is $98.6 million.

Should Kelso residents support this bond measure, the State will provide approximately $40 million in additional state matching funds. This is a significant amount of state match, and accounts for nearly one and a half of the three new elementary schools. The approximate increase for the owner of a $200,000 home is $5 a month, or $60 a year from current 2017 taxes.

Additional specifics of the plan and the planning process are available on the school district website, www.kelso.wednet.edu under the Facility Improvement Planning icon, or the facility plan website coming soon at www.

WeAreKelso.org. For additional input or questions, please e-mail facility.input@kelsosd.org.

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Ribbon Cuttings

Smile!

Welcome to the Chamber Longview Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Dr. Cabel McDonald, DDS.

Fresh Face

Brigette Elizabeth Bottorff dropped by our office to open her Rodan + Fields business in the community.

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

24 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | December 2017

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

October Ambassador of the Month Josh Carter KLOG/KUKN/The Wave

In first month, Ambassador earns honor Josh Carter is making the most of his first month with the Chamber. The newly-minted Red Coat was named November Ambassador of the Month.

Networking is a powerful business tool, Josh said, there is always something to be gained from staying connected.

Chamber Ambassadors, known as the Red Coats, are an integral part

In October, Josh who works in sales and marketing with KLOG/ KUKN/The Wave, stepped in for John Paul, who has taken on more responsibilities at the radio station.

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

Josh plans to use his Ambassador role to network with his focus

professional careers while making time to assist the Chamber at a va-

and goal to help local businesses communicate their promotional

riety of events year long. If you would be interested in wearing a red

ideas, or turn what is great about their business into a compelling

coat and representing the Chamber, contact CEO Bill Marcum at the

marketing campaign.

Chamber office.

Choose a plan

that lets you choose

When considering a health plan during this year’s open enrollment, cost is certainly one factor. But it shouldn’t be the only one. Make sure that the health insurance plan you select will allow you to receive care close to home, with access to local PeaceHealth hospitals, doctors and services.

The open enrollment window is closing fast, so don’t wait.

December 15, 2017 is the deadline for January 1 Coverage

Get resources at

peacehealth.org/choose

26 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | December 2017

Chamber Connection

Big Events

Rae and Sarah Rae Davenport and Montana Maichel informed hosts Karen Sisson and Russ Chittock and listeners about Girl Scouts of Western Washington and a free event for girls November 11 at Youth and Family Link. Janine Manny and Les with YMCA of Southwest Washington talked about the 2nd annual Grandparents/Grandchildren Ball November 18.

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

Brooke Fisher-Clark of United Way of Cowlitz and Wahkiakum Counties talks about Giving Tuesday set to take place November 28.

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

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

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 December 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 27

New Members

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

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

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

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

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

Meetings • Civic Representation • Monthly Business After Hours

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

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

28 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | December 2017

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nonprofit Package – $180 or $18 per month.

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.

Altrusa International Inc. of Longview-Kelso Canterbury Inn Columbia Ford Hyundai Nissan Ecological Land Services Inc. Eoff Electric Company Fibre Federal Credit Union – Main Branch Jansen Flowers and Gift Gallery KLOG/KUKN/the WAVE Radio Stations Longview Radiologists PS Inc Office Depot Max Omelettes and More PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center Foundation Suburban Propane Teri's Restaurant Dream Denistry Longview Eagles Sevice Masters by JTs WA Division of Vocational Rehabilition Planet Fitness Kelso Kinetiq Group Lower Columbia School Gardens Sweitzer Drain and Rooter Serice Sharp Property Management Bill Ammons Master Gardener Foundation of Cowlitz Co. Karen Thelin American Legion Post No. 155 Applied Applications Broadway Gallery CalPortland Chase CPA PS Dynamic Energy Solutions Accent Ink NW LLC December 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 29

COME SEE OU R N EWLY RENOVATED LOCATION !

1 1 1 1 WA SH INGTON WAY, LONGVIEW

Ne t work ing Re f re s hm e nt s Prize s To register: www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

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

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