January
2018
Volume 10, Issue 1
Business Connection Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber brings sQuatch Fest to the Cowlitz County Event Center January 27. For more information, see page 4.
Chamber veterans bring feast of experience to the executive table As Julie Rinard and Joel Hanson
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
step away from the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors in 2018, Bianca Lemmons and Marlene Johanson will fill their seats. Both new directors bring years of business experience, leadership and Chamber knowledge to the executive table
“learning more about what goes on behind the scenes as well as supporting Bill to ensure the Chamber is successful in all endeavors.”
“As a returning board member, I look forBianca Lemmons Marlene Johanson ward to stepping into “Marlene Johanson has been a long a more active role on time Ambassador, wearing her “red coat” the executive board in to nearly every event, ribbon cutting and After hopes to bring new ideas to the table and to assist Hours we have had during the past six years,” anwith the growth and strength of the Chamber,” nounced Chamber CEO Bill Marcum. “We also said Lemmons, who serves the community as vice welcome back to the board Bianca Lemmons. president/manager of Cowlitz County Title. Bianca fulfilled her six-year term, sat out one year Cowlitz County Title is a longtime Chamber and decided she missed being engaged in Chamber happenings so she is back and taking on a member. After starting her career in Arizona, larger role as she steps in as vice president – ready Lemmons joined the locally owned and operated to assume the president’s role for the 2020 year. title insurance and escrow company 18 years ago, nine of those years in a management and leader“We have added two huge supporters of the ship role. She specialized in commercial developKelso Longview Chamber to our Board of Direcment in her earlier years. Lemmons said she enjoys tors for the next three years,” Marcum continued. the education aspect of her job where she provides “It is great to have two people now on the board continuing education hours for the company’s who have already committed so much time and employees, along with software implementation energy to helping make a difference in our comand training. munity through the Chamber of Commerce.” The dynamic duo looks forward to the additional Chamber responsibilities. Johanson, who is vice president of community banking for Heritage Bank, said she plans on,
Her arrival in the Kelso-Longview area also brought her to the Chamber, where she has been an active volunteer. For more Leaders, see page 2
Leaders, continued from page 1 “I participate mainly with the Business After Hours, which is a great way to make new connections with other local business owners, and to also retain those relationships which have been very valuable to me personally, and for business purposes over the years,” Lemmons said. Outside her career and Chamber activities, Lemmons enjoys hiking, snowshoeing, golf, tennis, and just about anything that gets her outdoors. Inside, she spends her free time in the arts – theatre and dance – “and it wouldn’t be too uncommon to find me belting out a song (and dance) at karaoke!” Johanson, the Chamber’s 2013 Business Person of the Year, began her banking career in 2001. After 15 years in retail management, she switched gears and joined Heritage Bank. Johanson has been at the Longview branch for 17 years, starting as an on-call teller and working her way up to her current VP position. She joined the Chamber seven years ago. “As branch manager for Heritage Bank I needed to become more involved in the community and have the opportunity to talk about Heritage Bank,” Johanson said. In addition to her Ambassador duties, she has been Ambassador of the Month on several occasions, Johanson has been part of the Jingle all the Way 5K team since its inaugural run, including one particularly memorable year in a drenching downpour.
Marlene Johanson has been front and center as a Chamber Ambassador at most ribbon cuttings. In addition to her executive board duties, Bianca Lemmons finds time to play in the Chamber's annual golf tournament.
“All of us that manned an intersection looked like drowned rats!” Johanson recalled. As busy and involved as Johanson stays, it’s hard to picture her as a wallflower, but that’s where she was not long ago. “Growing up I attended 18 schools before graduating high school,” she said. “Because of this I was actually quite shy before getting my first job as a hostess at VIP’s.” Today, her community activism doesn’t stop at the Chamber, Johanson currently serves as treasurer on the KLTV board, president of the LeTip of Longview, is a member of the Longview Junior Service League and the Asset Building Coalition for Lower Columbia Community Action Program (CAP). She also delivers Meals on Wheels weekly, and, in her free time she enjoys being with her family. As the calendar flips to 2018, the Chamber Board of Directors will see a round of new leadership starting with incoming president Linda DiLembo (Three Rivers Mall). Also on the slate in new roles are: Frank Panarra (Foster Farms), president elect; Lemmons, vice president; Neil Zick (Twin City Bank), treasurer; and Lance Welch (PeaceHealth-St. Johns), past president. “The great part about this is that the Chamber has its executive board and president set for the next three years,” Marcum said reflecting on the leadership roster. 2 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | January 2018
“This provides for great stability and leadership, as each person gets to guide the Chamber down their path, make decisions and plan how to keep the Chamber relevant for years to come. “A special thank you to Lance Welch with PeaceHealth for his leadership and guidance this past year as the Kelso-Longview Chamber president,” Marcum said. “Lance was transferred to Vancouver nearly at the start of his presidential year, but he made a special effort to attend nearly every executive and board meeting, events and After Hours during his term.”
Chamber CEO’s Message By Bill Marcum
A calendar full of events to help you build your business in 2018 January 2018, can you believe it? As of January 23, I will have been
The Chamber will also host four Quarterly Meetings, scheduled for
back in Cowlitz County at the Kelso Longview Chamber for six
March 29, June 28, September 20 and November 14. Locations and
years...really it does not seem possible.
topics for these meeting have not been set at this time.
Below is a list of some of our events for 2018, put them on your
Boot Camp starts up again March 9 with six classes on boardsman-
calendar, plan to attend and plan to have a good time networking
ship, and following the news in the paper it looks like once again
with other businesses trying to do the same thing as most of you –
any new board member should attend this series of classes. If you
improve business in 2018.
are a new board member talk to your agency and the board you are
A few of our major events for the year include the March 7 Building Bridges Business and Tourism Expo. A partnership with Cowlitz County Tourism, more than 90 businesses joined us last year for this joint event. Then on May 2 we host our annual business and education awards night. This year it will be hosted by Lower Columbia College in the Rose Center and the Wollenberg Auditorium. More than 270 local business owners/managers and educators attend this incredible event where we hand out deserving awards to both groups. Next up, we have set June 18 for the annual Chamber Golf Classic, again this year on the Three Rivers Golf Course. This event will have the same great format, outstanding food provided by the Elks Lodge, and similar to years past, very marginal golfing skills on display. On August 16, back by popular demand for a second year it’s Island Bingo at Three Rivers Mall. More than 170 people attended our first, fun-filled bingo night and this year there will be more great
planning to serve to find out how you and other board members can attend. Know your responsibility. We will also sponsor six classes on human resources and the new laws for all businesses. That series begins May 4, and the final six classes begin September 14 with a series of sessions that are yet to be determined. Starting bright and early January 22 at 7 a.m. at the Red Lion Hotel is our Legislative Briefings. This is your opportunity to speak directly to our legislators who represent your business in Olympia. Find out what they see as important pieces of legislation that will affect your business. Know how they stand on those issues and more. There is no cost to attend. Breakfast is available. Hot topics for 2018 will be the budget, predictive scheduling, water rights (Hirst), and of course, McCleary. Make your voice be heard before the decisions are made. We will meet each Monday morning until the session closes – attend, be involved, express your concerns.
prizes given away during our 20 games of bingo. In December our
Wow, I have not even covered the other 11 Business After Hours,
two final major events of the year take place – the annual Jingle all
the Lower Columbia Professionals events for 2018, Ambassadors
the Way December 7 downtown at the Civic Circle. We had a great
meetings, Education Foundation meetings and board committee
turnout and the backdrop of the beautiful Christmas lights really
meetings. I guess I will have to save that for next month. As I have
added to the festive occasion. The year concludes with our Holiday Mixer December 11 at the Monticello Hotel. Just a few weeks ago, more than 250 people attended the 2017 Holiday Mixer at the hotel and with the exception of some long lines it was a fabulous event. We look forward to doing it even better next year.
mentioned your Chamber has more than 211 total events, meetings and ribbon cuttings per year, with more than 525 members there should be something for each of you that can help your business be more successful in 2018. I’m looking forward to helping you accomplish that goal.
January 2018 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 3
Calendar Monday January 1 New Year’s Day Chamber Office Closed Thursday January 4 – 5:30pm Ambassadors Meeting
sQuatch Fest aims to make bigger impression in year two
Year-end party Mill City Grill Tuesday January 9 – 5:30-7:30pm Business After Hours Stirling Honda Wednesday January 10 – 7:30am Education Foundation Tuesday January 16 – Noon Executive Board Meeting Red Kitchen Monday January 15 Martin Luther King Day Chamber office closed Monday January 22 – 7am Legislative Briefings Begin Every Monday through March 12 Red Lion Tuesday January 23 – Noon Chamber Board Meeting Mill City Grill
The Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce plans to leave an even bigger footprint with its 2018 sQuatch Fest set to make an impression from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. January 27 at the Cowlitz County Event Center. Last year’s inaugural event drew nearly 1,400 Sasquatch enthusiasts to the area to listen to experts in the field, purchase souvenirs and sip some appropriately named beers. The Kids’ Cave with crafts and activities was a big draw. Chamber Project Manager Amy Hallock and her crew are planning bigger and better this year. “We have world renowned speakers Cliff Barackman from the show Finding Bigfoot, Ron Morehead from Sierra Sounds, Derek Randles and David Ellis from The Olympic Project, Dr. Jeff Meldrum, professor and author, Thom Powell, science teacher,” Hallock said. And that’s just the beginning. “We have over 50 vendors signed up selling all sorts of Big Foot-themed items from sauces to sculptures,” she continued. “The Kids’ Cave, sponsored by CalPortland, will have performances from Emmy Blue and the Squatchie.” The reptile man also returns along with an opportunity for youngsters to make their own Big Foot mold. Brew Mountain, the beer garden, will host nine breweries – Ashtown, Five Dons,
Saturday January 27 – All Day sQuatch Fest Cowlitz County Event Center Every Wednesday Chamber Connections KEDO/1400 AM or 99.1 FM 3-4pm Stream live at www.kedoam.com
4 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | January 2018
Youngsters can cast molds of Big Foot imprints at The Kids Cave. Rivermile 38, Backwoods, 54-40 Brewing, Elysian, McMenamins, Mill City Brew Werks and Victor-23 Craft Brewery. Funds raised in Brew Mountain go to the Lower Columbia Professionals Scholarship Fund. Hallock has teamed up with Treadway Events this year for some additional fun props to visually excite the attendees. “We are also doing a limited ticket sale VIP night, Friday, January 26 at the Red Lion with the speakers and hors d'oeuvres,” Hallock said. The Chamber picked up 15 sponsors and a multitude of vendors to this year’s line up. Tickets are on sale through the website www.kelsolongviewchamber.org for $20 adults, $5 for children 15 years old and younger. For more information visit the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ events/1643131875983125/ or #klccsquatch on Facebook. The Chamber plans to pack more vendors, more food and more fun for kids with Emmy Blue and the Squatchie into the sQuatch Fest's day.
Saturday, January 27, 2018 Cowlitz County Convention Center • 10 am - 8 pm
Ron Morehead
Kids’ Cave
Author Dr. Jeff Meldrum Researcher Derek Randles from the Olympic Project Cliff Barackman from Finding Bigfoot Kids’ Cave sponsored by CalPortland Food Vendors Craft Vendors Brew Mountain Beer Garden with fire pits serving sQuatch themed Winter Ales from local brewers Lots more for everyone! $20 for Adults, $5 Kids 15 and under Tickets available at www.kelsolongviewchamber.org
Dr. Jeff Meldrum
Your Locally Owned Stations
APPLIED APPLICATIONS, INC.
Cowlitz County Commissioners By Dennis Weber
Budget wrap up for Cowlitz County
Year-end budget decisions point the way to major developments for Cowlitz County in 2018: • Fiscal restraint in staffing growth: Approved staffing levels remain at 85 percent of 2000 on a per capita basis even though our population has grown 14 percent. We also remain below where we were in 2010. We authorized 558 FTEs for 2018, still below where we were pre-recession in 2008 (625 FTEs).
•
Information Technology (IT) has grown 33 percent as we have increased technology tools to help staff improve productivity with relatively fewer FTEs.
•
Juvenile detention staff has gone up 45 percent in view of the increasing mental illness challenges facing youth offenders.
•
Coroner Tim Davidson will see his tiny staff increase by 60 percent as the decreasing life expectancy in Cowlitz County due to opioid deaths and suicides increases the number of investigations annually.
•
Our Office of Public Defense will increase by 16 percent in response to state-ordered case loads that require one additional public defender.
•
Sheriff Mark Nelson will has a 13 percent increase in staff to deal with increasing paperwork being required to meet state legal guidelines.
• Nevertheless since 2014, staffing has jumped in several departments as programs have grown: •
Solid waste (landfill operations) grew 51 percent due to acquisition of the huge regional landfill at Headquarters (which is generating surplus funds to help with general fund expenditures).
•
Building and planning grew 50 percent reflecting the Board’s desire to meet growing construction demands with quicker permit approval rates.
•
911 Communication Center has grown 22 percent as we rebuild the program from severe cuts during recession years.
•
Drug court has grown 57 percent as these therapeutic courts have proven their effectiveness in reforming lives.
•
Administration services, including facilities maintenance and budget, has grown 51 percent in response to recommendations from our Citizen’s Commission on Facilities and Finance (McShane Commission) to increase maintenance, replace the morgue, and hire both a chief of staff and a grant-writing specialist.
Other major decisions to be addressed by your county commissioners will involve new management at the Headquarters Landfill; negotiations with Patriot Rail for “railbanking” their easement over Weyerhaeuser property from Longview to Toutle (per federal guidelines), a new 10-year plan for addressing homelessness (per state guidelines); and continued support for economic development, especially along the Columbia River Industrial Corridor (per constitutional guidelines). Please view our website at www.co.cowlitz.wa.us.
Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Linda DiLembo, President
Clayton J. Bartness, DC Longview Chiropractic Clinic
Nick Lemiere Edward Jones
Ken Botero Longview City Council
Chris Roewe Woodford Commercial Real Estate
Neil Zick, Treasurer
Bob Crisman Gallery of Diamonds
Tom Rozwod NORPAC/Weyerhaeuser
Michael Claxton, Legal Counsel
Wendy Hutchinson Millennium Bulk Terminals
Ted Sprague Cowlitz Economic Development Council
Lance Welch, Past President PeaceHealth-St. John
Marlene Johanson Heritage Bank
Steve Taylor Kelso City Manager
Chris Bailey Lower Columbia College
Wendy Kosloski Teague's Interiors
Dennis Weber Cowlitz County Commissioner
Three Rivers Mall
Frank Panarra, President Elect Foster Farms
Bianca Lemmons, Vice President Cowlitz County Title Twin City Bank
Walstead Mertsching
6 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | January 2018
Workforce Southwest Washington By Alyssa Joyner Cowlitz Wahkiakum Outreach Specialist
Young adults in Cowlitz County unaware of local companies – Career Day aims for change In early 2017, Workforce Southwest Washington (WSW) sponsored focus groups to gain understanding of the perceptions of adults and youth around four key industry sectors – manufacturing, health care, construction and technology.
Space is limited, so reserve your table before February 1 by registering at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2018-castle-rock-toutlelake-career-day-registration-39193431609 or by contacting me at ajoyner@workforcesw.org or 360-921-2966.
One of the most surprising things we learned was that Cowlitz County young adults ages 18 to 24 lack awareness of local companies and job prospects in their county. Compared to other focus group participants, Cowlitz youth had the least familiarity with local companies and the characteristics of jobs in the key industries.
Career fairs are excellent ways for companies to introduce their business and industry to young adults who may not have exposure to these areas and may lack the example of family and friends employed in these fields.
One way Workforce Southwest Washington (WSW) is helping to increase awareness of our region’s industries and employers is by helping to organize career days for high school students. On February 15, the Castle Rock-Toutle Lake Career Day will take place. Our partners in this effort are WorkSource, Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce and the Castle Rock and Toutle Lake school districts. Employers from all industries, including health care, manufacturing, technology, construction, finance, hospitality, retail, apprenticeship and transportation are invited to host a table for free. Companies that want to be noticed and recognized by their potential future employees and customers are invited to participate and engage with high school students: introduce them to your company, your industry, the types of jobs at your company, education and training needed to do the jobs at your company and potential future job opportunities. The event will take place between 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. in the Toutle Lake High School gymnasium, 5050 Spirit Lake Hwy.
Children in smaller communities and rural areas sometimes have limited exposure to what’s available. We must bring the information and opportunities to them, so they have a chance to make informed decisions about work, jobs, education and their future. Youth are eager to meet individuals working in a variety of industries, so they can gain an understanding of local opportunities for jobs and careers. One youth in the focus group suggested, “...Maybe they could have people from different fields come in and just talk about things. Give more specific details about what the job’s going to look like if you come there, because when you read things on the internet it’s not always going to be right. You’d rather have someone come in from that job, so you have more information that’s from the source.” You can help. Come to career day and spend a couple of hours speaking with high school students about the types of jobs and careers that help your company run. Please contact me today. Alyssa Joyner is the Cowlitz Wahkiakum Outreach Specialist for Workforce Southwest Washington. Reach her at ajoyner@workforcesw. org or 360-921-2966.
Locally Owned, Family Owned and Here to Stay! Offering the best in quality and selection.
1157 3rd Avenue, Suite 218
1413 Commerce Ave.
360-575-9804
www.elamshf.com
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 January 2018 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 7
City of Kelso
City of Longview
By Mayor David Futcher
By City Councilman Ken Botero
KPD a source of Kelso pride Before I was ever on the city council, I was impressed with Kelso’s police officers. I had been pulled over a couple times (hey, I used to be in my 20s, you know) and was treated with kindness, professionalism and, most importantly, grace. I got to know Andy Hamilton as we started CrimeStoppers together in the late ‘90s, long before he became our chief of police. As I joined the council in 2005 and got to know more about the department, its staff and its commitment to excellence in service, my admiration only increased. From the chief to the newest recruit fresh out of the academy, our department is filled with quality officers who want to provide great service for Kelso residents and visitors. Some police departments across the country have been defined by problems they have faced, and occasionally by the mistakes they made in facing them. In Kelso, an officer defending himself shot an African man in 2016. The department’s professional response and openness in handling the situation prevented us from facing the negative impacts that plagued other departments at the time. More recently, we experienced a rare homicide when a man was stabbed in North Kelso in December. KPD employees identified, located and arrested the individual responsible for the attack within two days of the incident. It is professional responses like these that make me confident in affirming the department’s excellence. We hired an advisory firm to review the department’s operations and provide any suggestions on how we can make it even better. While we are certain that we have an outstanding police department, we spend more than 40 percent of the general fund on it, and we owe it to the public to make sure we’re running it as well as possible. I’m look forward to receiving that report shortly and working with staff to make things even better. 8 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | January 2018
Neighborhoods heart of caring city As we move into the new year here in our community we can build on experiences of the past year and provide a step forward in our quest for a quality of place. This past year did our Longview or Cowlitz County culture keep us apart as a positive community – with precious little time or inclination to reach out and work, play and talk with people in our community – to really engage with the place we call home, our community? The Co-Intelligence Institute has provided several thoughts toward bringing our communities together and I feel, along with the institute, that we can know a lot more about who we are, as a strong, positive, community. Several of the ideas that have been presented include: • Neighbors do a door-to-door canvasing that does not sell, recruit or educate anyone. Just listen to the ideas and concerns of their neighbors. • Neighborhood e-mail networks and phone trees. People can reach other rapidly and help deal with a crisis or sudden opportunity to be involved with a neighborhood or community activity. We do have a lot of smart and caring individuals in our community, and the questions is can our community, as a whole, exercise this collective intelligence and caring capacity into building a stronger and positive community? The foundation of a strong, wise, resilient and positive community is people knowing and actively engaging with each other simply because it feels good or meaningful to us. Can we take the time to take a time out from our involvement of our own private culture and possibly put together neighborhood dinner exchanges where we have a common bond with our neighbors and community members? Potlucks are always awesome along with monthly soup parties, taking pride in your space, in your neighborhood, and keeping your domain neat and tidy, and also, working as a neighborhood and helping each other when needed. How many of us really know our neighbors, next door or down the street? The days when we sat on the porch and talked with our neighbor are not gone; we still have that opportunity, just do it! If you take a few minutes to think of the positive experience we can have with our neighbors and expand that experience to our community, we will be well on our way to building that quality of place for all of our community and our visitors. Can we do it? Why not? We are living a dream of our future and it’s ours for the taking, JUST DO IT.
Cowlitz Economic Development Council By Ted Sprague CEO
Reflections, well wishes, and Happy New Year! 2017 was a year of growth and change at the Cowlitz Economic Development Council (CEDC) and for Cowlitz County. Our communities saw many successes welcoming new businesses small and large. At the CEDC, we continue to encourage growth of our existing businesses with expansion of facilities, equipment, staff and products. In addition, we continue the fight for employment and business opportunities, appropriate and timely permitting, quality of place, and increased legislative engagement. One highlight of the year was our successful Legislative Forum that we participated in with the Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce. To have all six legislators representing Cowlitz County made for a thrilling and informative evening. At the staffing level we grew with the addition of Lindsey Cope, our community engagement director, Sarah Reeser with AmeriCorps,
and we welcome back Mike Karnofski as a volunteer consultant. Economic development is a marathon, not a sprint and for 2018 we have many of the same goals from previous years that we continue to strive to achieve. We are excited and are looking forward to work toward improved and diversified business recruitment, business start-up expansion and retention, high quality of place, workforce development, and organizational leadership. We are also thrilled to rebrand, and jump start the 40 for 2020 and to work closely with tourism, small businesses, downtowns and our Chambers. We want to thank you all for your partnership and participation. It takes all of us to continue to grow as a community. Let’s make 2018 a year to remember! Happy New Year! – Ted, Scot, Paul, Lindsey, Mike, Joelle and Sarah
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
January 2018 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 9
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
Holiday Mixer
Monticello Magic
The historic Monticello Hotel served as host for the Chamber's Holiday Mixer December 12. More than 280 Chamber members and guests stopped by for food and fun.
Festively-dressed Chamber CEO Bill Marcum congratulates Erik Guttormsen of Fibre Federal Credit Union on his win.
See more photos on the Chamber’s Facebook page or click here.
January 2018 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 11
Cowlitz Wahkiakum Council of Governments By Bill Fashing Executive Director
Highway safety performance measures
The federal Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) legislation set requirements for State DOTs and Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) to establish a number of performance measures. This article focuses on the requirement to establish safety performance measures and targets for the Longview/Kelso/Rainier Metropolitan Transportation Area (MPA). This is the first of several rules establishing performance measures for highway programs. The purpose for establishing safety performance measures is to help State DOTs and MPOs make investment decisions that will significantly reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries on all public roads. State DOTs and MPOs are required to establish targets for five safety performance measures outlined in this article. The Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments (CWCOG) Board, as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) approved required safety performance measures at their December 21 meeting. The measures endorsed are the ones set forth by the State of Washington and the State of Oregon. As a bi-state MPO, the CWCOG was required to consider measures for Washington and Oregon. Both states have general goals of working toward zero deaths on our road system. Specifically, the measures include reductions in: the number of fatalities; rate of fatalities per Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT); number of serious injuries; rate of serious injury based on VMT; and number of non-motorist fatalities and serious injuries (bicyclists and pedestrians). More information can be found on the CWCOG website in the coming weeks.
per U.S.C 23 Section 134(i)(2)(C) as such, the CWCOG will included the performance measure in the 2018-2045 Regional Transportation Plan currently under development. States are also required to develop a Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP). The Washington SHSP is called Target Zero (http://www. targetzero.com). The Target Zero plan is used as the basis for setting safety performance targets. The plan’s goal is to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries on Washington’s roadways to zero by year 2030. Washington prepares an annual Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) report (https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/hsip/reports/ pdf/2016/wa.pdf) which includes information on the state’s progress in meeting safety performance targets. The Oregon SHSP is called the Transportation Safety Action Plan (TSAP) (http://www.oregon.gov/ ODOT/Safety/Pages/TSAP.aspx). Oregon prepares an annual Traffic Safety Performance Plan (http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/Safety/ Documents/2018PerformancePlan.pdf) to measure progress in meeting safety performance targets. HSIP Safety Performance Targets for All Public Roads in the Longview-Kelso, WA Portion of the MPA Safety Performance Measure
2016 Base
2018 Target
(2012-2016 (Rolling Rolling Average) Average) 1
Number of fatalities
2
Rate of fatalities per 100 million 0.527
vehicle miles traveled (VMT)
3
Number of serious injuries
17.4
14.9
4
Rate of serious injuries per
3.28
2.816
100 million VMT
5
Number of non-motorist
6.2
5.3
fatalities and serious injuries
(e.g. bicyclists and pedestrians)
2.8
2.4 0.452
Source: Safety Performance Targets for WA State (Final June 2017), WSDOT
The CWCOG will be working with area public agencies and other partners to promote safety performance in the coming years. Some of the key elements of the program include the following items. The performance target for the MPA is to reduce the five-year rolling average of fatalities from 2.8 to 2.4 by 2018.
The CWCOG will report progress toward meeting safety performance targets annually to the State DOTs. The State agencies must prepare an annual Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) report that includes progress on the safety performance measures. Once the MPO establishes safety performance targets it is required to report on the performance measures in its Regional/Metropolitan Transportation Plan as 12 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | January 2018
• Working with the States and safety stakeholders to address areas of concern for fatalities or serious injuries within the MPO area. • Coordinating with the States and include safety performance measures in the Regional/Metropolitan Transportation Plan (R/MTP). • Integrating into the metropolitan transportation planning process the safety goals, objectives, performance measures and targets described in other State safety transportation plans and processes such as applicable portions of the HSIP, including the SHSP from both Washington For more CWCOG, see page 14
Business Toolbox By Jerry D. Petrick Certified Business Advisor
Six factors to consider before you sign a lease There are countless items that business owners should consider before signing a lease and starting a business, (like making sure the revenues and cash flow support it!) but here are six details to be aware of in negotiating a commercial space. 1. Everything is negotiable. 2. Read and understand the entire lease. 3. Be objective. 4. Two biggest points of conflict. 5. Sign in the name of business LLC or Corporation. 6. What is Triple Net? Everything is negotiable There are a number of variables and sections in a commercial lease; some are fairly simple to understand, like what date the lease starts, other sections can be far more complicated, such as “late charges and what happens if the tenant pays less than the full payment”. It is important to understand that all these things can be negotiable (within reason): rent, base rent, square footage, improvements, lighting, signage, lease terms, options, deposits, possession dates, and more. Granted you can attempt to negotiate and not all property managers will accept. You may have more success if you look for a few important items (parking, HVAC repairs, see Number 4), rather than trying to get them to change everything in your favor. Read and understand the entire lease Important advice before signing anything! The main point of this comment is to understand what you are committing to, and if you don’t understand, to ask for clarification. A lease is a legal document and you should know what you are getting into. Seriously consider NOT entering into leases longer than five years (look at what happened to those businesses that signed long leases in 2008 before the bottom dropped out). Also make sure that tenant improvements are defined, as well as square footage and uses (what if you want to sell coffee in your book store, is it allowed?). Square footage can be calculated by “usable” square footage, rather than actual. The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) Standards provides generally acceptable methods for configuring and calculating square footage. For example, most leases include something about tenant improvements – did you know that if a tenant makes any improvements that are professionally installed, such as lighting, walls, plumbing, those items are considered the property of the landlord upon termination of the lease? This could mean a walk-in freezer, wall sconces or other
things that the tenant added later are in fact considered part of the property and remain. Be objective The broker's job is to sell the lease for the landlord. Brokers are experts at getting the potential tenant emotionally involved in the space – this typically mutes the rational analysis necessary to help the business succeed. We see this quite often. A tenant can be so in love with a space that they fail to see fatal flaws in the location or costly extras. There will always be another option. It might not be exactly what you are looking for, but there is always another choice. Two biggest points of conflict after a lease is signed? HVAC and parking In my experience the biggest source of conflict arises when something happens to the heating or air conditioning (HVAC) system – and who pays for replacing it. This can be extremely costly for a commercial unit and is likely something that a small business owner has not budgeted for. Another source of conflict is if the controls/ sensors are in a separate location for your desired space. Find out prior to signing who will maintain control and who is responsible for repairs. Just think if your massage studio is located next to a commercial kitchen that needs the temperature set at 65 degrees and they control the thermostat? Your massage patients could be freezing and uncomfortable and you may not have any say in the matter if it is not addressed up front. Parking can be a huge issue as well. Before you commit to a property, you need to ensure you, your employees, and your customers have adequate parking. How many spaces are dedicated to your business if there is a common parking lot? Does the building charge for parking? Sign in the name of the business LLC or Corporation This is one item that is often missed and that many brokers will attempt to have the business owner personally sign, and his or her spouse, rather than putting the lease in the name of the LLC or Partnership. It is important to be clear which parties are on the lease. It should include the LLC or Corporation of which the landlord is a part and include the LLC or Corporation that the tenants are a part. It should not include individual names as that would make this contract binding between those individuals as a person or an individual and an LLC or Corporation rather than between the two legal business entities. For more Petrick, see page 14 January 2018 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 13
Petrick, continued from page 13 What is Triple Net?
you to add in some favorable items that your soon-to-be landlord left out and give you the chance to show him or her that you are a savvy business owner.
Triple Net, or the three NNNs are typically: • Common area maintenance charges; • Property taxes passed through; and • Insurance on the overall building and property that is owned by the landlord including common area liability insurance. Make sure you ask any questions about NNN AND who pays for those items if you aren't sure.
Above all...if you have not developed a cash flow, balance sheet and projections, do not sign anything until you are sure that the business revenues can support a lease payment. If you want help preparing for your property search including assistance reviewing your financial condition/putting together cash flow projections etc. please contact your local Small Business Center Advisor for confidential and no cost advisor services.
SUMMARY A typical commercial lease may have 40 sections and clauses, not including riders or addenda – it can be difficult to comprehend what the terms and different options mean. Carefully reviewing a prospective lease can save you time and money in the long run. It may also allow
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
CWCOG, continued from page 12 and Oregon. • Including a description in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) of anticipated effect of the TIP toward achieving HSIP targets in the MTP, linking investment priorities in the TIP to those safety targets. • Support the FHWA 4 Es of safety including: education; enforcement;
engineering, and emergency services. Implementation of the 4 Es is an important tool for improving safety. As always, feel free to call with any questions your might have a bout the CWCOG activities or safety performance issues that impact your business.
Business & Corporation Law
Attorney Michael Claxton Licensed in WA & OR
Attorney Brian Brault LL.M. in Taxation
Walstead Mertsching serves businesses of many sizes and in various stages of development. Whether your company is a small sole proprietorship or a large corporation, we can provide assistance and guidance. Utilizing a solutions-oriented approach toward achieving defined objectives, our goal is to allow our clients to successfully execute their business plans. • Formation, Reorganization, and Dissolution • Mergers and Acquisitions • Purchases and Sales • Succession Planning
14 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | January 2018
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Connect with Legislators Legislative Briefing Breakfast Begins Monday, January 22, 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, Paid Family Leave, Carbon Tax and Predictive Scheduling. Come find out? Be Heard?
January 22 - March 12 (60 day session) Legislative Update Breakfast Mondays RED LION, Birch Room 7:00 a.m.
May - December Legislative Committee Meetings First Monday of each month Location for 2018 - Teri’s Restaurant 12:00/Noon
By Chuck Nau Retail Consultant and Sales and Managment Trainier – Murray & Nau, Inc.
S 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. 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. 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! 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 16 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | January 2018
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. 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. 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 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... For more Nau, see page 17
Nau, continued from page 16 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! © Murray & Nau, Inc.
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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.
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Lower Columbia College By Chris Bailey President
The year ahead; get educated Happy New Year! January is the perfect time of year to choose a
level, major and industry, institution, and field of study. This kind
better future for yourself. For many, adding some additional educa-
of information can be very valuable in terms of selecting the educa-
tion to the mix can make all the difference in terms of income and
tional pathway that’s right for you.
job satisfaction – two things that can definitely contribute to a happier life.
In terms of happiness, job satisfaction can be just as important as earnings. Because of this, it’s really important to pick a program and
Even small increases in income really add up. For example, in 2016,
career that matches your interests and personality. Lower Columbia
the average earnings for a person with a high school diploma were
College’s Career and Employment Services department is a free ser-
$692 per week. Compare that to $819 per week for someone with an
vice open to all members of the community. The center offers a vari-
associate’s degree, and the weekly difference may not seem like much
ety of career planning services in addition to classes and workshops
more than some extra groceries. Over a year, however, the difference
designed to help you improve your skills. A credit-based career plan-
is over $6,600. Over 20 years, the difference is enough to pay for a
ning course is also available in winter 2018 for those that want to do
small house. For those with a bachelor’s degree, the increased earn-
a more in-depth, guided exploration of their options.
ings can be even greater. All degrees are not equal, however, in terms of earning potential. In a recent Seattle Times article reprinted by The Daily News, reporter
If increasing your education is one of your resolutions for the new year, we’d like to be part of the journey. Find out how to get started today at lowercolumbia.edu/future, or call us at 360-442-2311.
Katherine Long pointed out that, for example, a student with an as-
Already have your associate degree? No problem! Visit lowerco-
sociate degree in a health profession earns nearly double what some-
lumbia.edu/university-center or call 360-353-7800 to learn about
one with a bachelor’s degree in English does, a year out of college.
dozens of bachelor’s and master’s degree options available through
Long’s information comes from a new “Earnings for Graduates Dashboard” provided by Washington’s Education Research and Data Center. The dashboard allows users to look at earnings by degree
our university partners in the Lower Columbia Regional University Center. What are you waiting for?
Looking for staff? Express can help! Express can help you find, screen, test, hire, train & motivate your employees. 360.414.1200 • www.expresslongview.com Jan 2017 Chamber Ad 4 x 2.5
18 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | January 2018
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Mind Your Own Business (at the Library) By Chris Skaugset Director – Longview Public Library
2017 best book recommendations As we approach the end of another year it comes the time I write a
haunting story about a teenager with Obsessive-Compulsive Disor-
column about the best books that I read during the past year. I read
der took my breath away with its realistic, and often cringing, por-
a lot of good books this year but not a lot of great ones. Here is a list
trayal of a high school student trying to come to grips with the world
of the ones that stuck with me after I read them. For the first time
around her and the one in her head.
in recent memory, I don’t have one book that stands out so much that I would say it was the best thing I read, so instead you see the list of the best things that I read. You can find all of these titles, and so much more, at your Longview Library. Make a resolution to read more and happy reading in 2018! “Exit West” by Mohsin Hamid. With the importance of current world conflicts and their impact on the peoples caught in the middle to the change in the use of the term refugee and the emotions that term now brings to many, Hamid’s brilliant tale of star-crossed lovers and the appearance of “doors” that allow people to pass through them to another part of the world is a wonderful parable of our modern world. “The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane” by Lisa See. I really love Lisa See’s books about her Chinese heritage and culture, and her latest is no exception. Her picture of rural China in the last century feels like hundreds of years earlier as she tells the tale of love, minority women and the seemingly crazy world of tea. “Glass Houses” by Louise Penny. I’m sure you’re tired of reading my praises for best-selling Canadian mystery author, Penny, but every year she puts out really interesting mysteries that are filled with very real characters that you already know, or wish that you did. I’ve told people before that finding out who committed the murder is
“4 3 2 1” by Paul Auster. Seen by many as a large thought experiment, Auster has written a moving, and beautiful, coming of age novel. Archibald Ferguson’s life, in the multiple-worlds theory of quantum mechanics, is shown in four divergent versions ranging from his birth in 1947. The sentences are complex, the paragraphs often over a page in length and the total nearly 900-page tome is so well written, and Ferguson’s life so ordinarily captivating that you don’t even notice. “Sourdough” by Robin Sloan. If you love food, are interested in robotics and the tech industry, drool over the underground food movement, and don’t mind having a sourdough bread starter almost take on a role as a character in a book, then you should enjoy Sloan’s warm and well-done novel. “Havana: A Subtropical Delirium” by Mark Kurlansky. This is only one of two non-fiction books that I have on my list this year. Kurlansky is the king of the single topic, narrative non-fiction books including “Cod, Salt, and Paper”. In his latest, Kurlansky, a frequent Cuba correspondent, turns his attention to how Cuba (and Havana especially) got to the place that it is today. He doesn’t take sides and writes a beautiful travelogue and when you’re done while you feel you’ve already been there, you want to go again.
fine, but I really just want to get to see what my old friends are up to.
“And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer”
“Lincoln in the Bardo” by George Saunders. This is critically ac-
by Frederik Backman. I read this beautiful and magical novella by
claimed short-story writer Saunders’ first novel. I love his short stories and was very much looking forward to this book. I must confess that the first time I tried to read this book I couldn’t get into it and stopped after about 50 pages. Later this year, after talking to others about the book, I picked it up again. The story of Abraham Lincoln’s dead son who is stuck in a sort of purgatory with a myriad of fascinating characters was well worth the second effort.
the best-selling Swedish author of “A Man Called Ove” in one sitting and my only regret was when I was done. “Cork Dork: A Wine-Fueled Adventure among the Obsessive Sommeliers, Big Bottle Hunters, and Rogue Scientists Who Taught Me to Live for Taste” by Bianca Bosker. Okay, actually I lied earlier. This was my favorite book from last year. I stumbled across it at a bookstore in Cannon Beach and was intrigued by the
“Turtles All the Way Down” by John Green. This was my first
title. I found her oenological stories and adventures fascinating as it
attempt at reading bestselling, critically acclaimed and all around
appealed to both the wine-lover and science geek in me and, in all
super-popular, young adult author John Green. This beautifully
honesty, sent me on a reading binge of related subjects. January 2018 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 19
In The News
Workforce Southwest Washington accepting business award nominations
City finance departments recognized for Excellence in Financial Reporting
Workforce Southwest Washington is accepting nominations of businesses in Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties for its Excellence in Workforce Development Awards. Nominations are due by January 12.
The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada has awarded the City of Kelso the Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016. The certificate is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. The City’s finance director Brian Butterfield has also been recognized with an Award of Financial Reporting Achievement for his role as the primary individual responsible for preparing the award-winning report. This is the 13th consecutive year the City has received this award.
Awards will be given in two categories: Innovation in Workforce Development: The business has demonstrated strong engagement in the community through creation of innovative workforce opportunities for well-paying jobs and/or career pathway exploration for the community’s youth, adult job seekers and/or persons facing barriers to employment. Excellence in Building Workforce Partnerships: The business has demonstrated strong engagement in the community through the development of partnerships with community-based organizations, nonprofits, community colleges, other businesses and/or workforce entities to create employment opportunities for the community’s youth, adult job seekers and/or persons facing barriers to employment. To review and download the Awards Guidelines and Nomination Form, go to www.workforcesw.org and click the link in the “news” section in the bottom right corner of the home page. Awards will be presented during WSW’s board meeting in March.
The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting has also been awarded to the City of Longview by Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for its comprehensive annual financial report. The CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program including demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR. The GFOA is a nonprofit professional association serving approximately 19,000 appointed, elected local, state, government finance professionals with offices in Chicago and Washington, D.C.
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December Ambassador of the Month Nick Lemiere Edward Jones
Lemiere closes out year with honor Longtime Ambassador Nick Lemiere has earned December’s Ambassador of the Month honor. Lemiere, an Edward Jones financial adviser in Longview, joined the Chamber more than a decade ago. Like many Chamber members, he joined to get involved more with the local business community. He is currently serving a three-year term on the Chamber’s executive board. His involvement with the Chamber includes the Lower Columbia Professionals, serving as chair for two years, and he has been an Ambassador since 2007, and served as chair. He has lent his voice as a regular host on Your Chamber Connection radio show. He is also active in the community as a member of Longview Pioneer Lions, the Bridge Church, Community Home Health and Hospice Foundation Committee.
“I’ve loved the opportunities to volunteer at monthly events, and annual events like the Jingle All the Way 5K, and the Chamber Golf Classic,” Lemiere said in an earlier Chamber article. “I decided to join the board to help serve the Chamber in a new role.” Chamber Ambassadors, known as the Red Coats, are an integral part of the Chamber of Commerce. The Ambassador team is made up of active Chamber volunteers whose responsibilities include meeting and greeting at Chamber events, welcoming new members and assisting at ribbon cuttings and community events. Ambassadors juggle busy professional careers while making time to assist the Chamber at a variety of events year long. If you would be interested in wearing a red coat and representing the Chamber, contact CEO Bill Marcum at the Chamber office.
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There’s a Difference. January 2018 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 21
Kelso School District
Longview Public Schools
Business & Operations Executive Director Scott Westlund
Superintendent Dan Zorn
District to seek replacement levy
Replacement levies on ballot
In last month’s edition of the Chamber newsletter we shared with you our plan to build and renovate our school facilities. Additional detailed information can be found at www.wearekelso.org. On December 11, the Kelso Board of Director’s approved a bond measure to appear in the February 13, 2018 special election. The February 2018 election will also include a proposition measure to renew the school district’s education programs and operation levy.
The Feb. 13 election will ask Longview voters to replace two important levies that expire at the end of the year. The Replacement Operations and Educational Programs Levy would help the district to continue providing essential services to our students. The Replacement Capital Projects and Technology Levy would provide the district needed funds for the upkeep of its aging buildings, facilities, fields, and continue to provide computers for teaching and learning. Levy dollars are needed to bridge the critical gap between state funding and the need to provide Longview students with an education that prepares them for the future.
School districts have two separate funding sources, bonds and levies, which are specifically designated for different educational purposes. Bonds build buildings and levies are for learning expenditures. State funding, such as the recent McCleary decision, does not fund school construction, rather leaves it to the local school district to fund capital construction projects and renovate schools. The state does provide matching funds should local school districts pass bond measures. Kelso School District would receive an additional $40 million in matching funds, enough to build almost 1.5 of the three new elementary schools, should voters support the bond measure.
• special education teachers who address our students’ unique learning needs
We have listened to our community and staff in developing this facility plan. Our schools are overcrowded, enrollment continues to grow, and class sizes have been reduced. We simply need more space to educate Kelso’s kids. Our plan provides for the safety and security of our students and staff, and replaces and renovates aging and outdated schools. Our goal is to improve learning opportunities and create a positive and productive learning environment. The replacement Education Programs and Operation Levy also plays a critical role in supporting and maintaining our schools. The replacement levy currently funds teachers, counselors, instructional aides, and other staff and programs the State does not fully fund. This also includes technology, school safety, and extracurricular activities such as clubs, music, and athletics. The replacement levy will continue educational programs and services for the next two years, through 2020, and will generate approximately $3.5 million in 2019 and $3.85 million. Passage of the levy by local voters provides an additional $4.2 million dollars in Local Effort Assistance from the state. Almost $1 out of every $5 of the school district’s budget is tied to the passage of this replacement levy. The state’s four-year implementation of new school funding measure under McCleary does impact our local rate payers, and the Kelso School District has been transparent about the upcoming changes. The first change will be an increase by the state in the state school levy of approximately 92 cents beginning in year 2018. Every school district in the state will see an increase in the State School Levy. The state school levy is collected by the state and returned to local school For more Kelso Schools, see page 23 22 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | January 2018
The Replacement Operations and Educational Programs Levy for 2019 and 2020 would help the district maintain essential student programs and services beyond what is funded by the state. These include:
• regular education teachers who provide instruction for our students • counselors who address our students’ social and emotional needs • custodians who keep our buildings clean and safe • teacher aides and paraprofessionals who help our students learn • coaches who help our students build skills outside the classroom • classroom materials and supplies that help our students learn At $1.50 per $1,000 assessed property valuation, this levy would cost Longview taxpayers less than half the one it is replacing. After the old Maintenance and Operations Levy expires in 2018, overall school-related taxes are expected to decrease, beginning in 2019. The Replacement Capital Projects and Technology Levy for 2019-2022 would provide additional money for maintenance and improvement of district buildings, facilities, and fields, while continuing access to educational technology for students and staff. This request would yield approximately $3 million for each of the four years. Of that, $2.25 million is expected to support facilities upkeep and improvements. Projects funded through this levy would include: safety and security upgrades, roof replacements, boiler repairs and replacements, concrete repairs, efficient electricity and lighting upgrades, grounds maintenance and improvements, and athletic field maintenance and upgrades. This levy also would enable the district to keep its technology for student learning up-to-date and continue its established plan of replacing classroom computers and educational technology on a school-by-school basis. It also can be used to do things like replace worn-out school intercom systems that provide essential communications. At approximately 60 cents per $1,000 assessed property value, this replacement levy would cost more than the expiring capital projects and technology levy. However, combined with the reduced operational and educational programs levy, the total cost of the district’s levy request is less than the current total levy cost. Longview Public Schools has a history of open communication. If you have any questions or would like additional details, please contact me at 360-575-7016 or at dzorn@longview.k12.wa.us
Kelso Schools, continued from page 22 districts for running the state’s approved basic education program. In 2019, Kelso School District rate payers will see a significant drop in the local Education Program and Operations Levy – it will drop from $3.89 in 2017 to $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed property valuation. This significant reduction will help offset the proposed bond measure and the state school levy. The net increase projected for Kelso School District rate payers is approximately $5 month/$60 a year on a property assessed at $200,000 from combined 2017 taxes.
We believe strong schools build strong communities and a local economy. We want to be a part of creating a thriving Kelso community in Cowlitz County. Please learn more about our replacement levy and bond at www.wearekelso.org, and remember to vote on February 13.
Building Bridges EXPO Partnering with the Cowlitz County Tourism: More exhibitors & tourist attractions Open to the public, no charge to attend Advertised in newsprint and radio Same pricing as last year – sign up before February 20th and SAVE!!
BUILDING BRIDGES BUSINESS & TOURISM EXPO Wednesday, March 7th 2018 3 -7pm Cowlitz County Conference Center. Over 90 local businesses showcasing how they can help your business by doing business locally. Booth Space $250* until February 21st $450 after - Table Space $150* until February 21st $250 after Register Online at http://www.kelsolongviewchamber.org/ Or Call 360-423-8400
January 2018 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 23
Ribbon Cuttings
Ring in the Season
The holidays would not be complete without opening our doors to the Salvation Army. This season Ambassadors welcomed Capts. Darryck and Sierra Dwelle, Lt. Brenda Orr and their crew of helpers.
Ho! Ho! Ho!
James Winter with Santa's Fire Department stands front and center with the Chamber Ambassadors for their December ribbon cutting.
See more photos on the Chamber’s Facebook page or click here.
New Shop
The Ambassadors welcomed Marnie Harris and JoAnna Asplund at The Tibbetts Mercantile to the Chamber.
24 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | January 2018
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PeaceHealth St. John – Wellness in the Workplace Susie Griffin
Wellness Services Coordinator
5 steps to a balanced, stress less life Goodbye 2017. Hello 2018. Although we’ve been in 2018 fiscally for six months, January is the month to which most everyone looks forward, wiping his or her plate clean and starting anew. Statistically, the top four New Year’s resolutions make up half of the top ten most common resolutions most Americans make every year: •
Lose Weight/Healthier Eating: 21.4 percent
•
Life/Self Improvements: 12.3 percent
•
Better Financial Decisions: 8.5 percent
•
Quit Smoking: 7.1 percent
behaviors lower depressive and anxiety bouts and reduce the effects of stress. And stress has deleterious short and long-term effects on the mind, body and your business’s bottom line. Its wide sweeping effects can increase workplace injuries and increase sick days taken, resulting in decreased productivity revenue. So, what’s an easy step a business can do to help bring mindfulness into the workplace? Implement the last of the five steps to a more balanced and stress less workplace, breathe. However, before we get into the power of mindful breathing on personal and business wellness, let’s review the other four steps:
This absolution of impure habits has a healthy impact on everyone’s bottom line. Regardless that three of these four resolutions are directly health related, replacing them with more salubrious alternatives has, ironically, the smallest influence on outcome. The biggest bang for your behavior change buck comes from the act of simply making up your mind to be something better than you currently are. That mindset is the driving force that will help you arrive at a healthier destination. Mindfulness, or the act of being mindful, will help fuel you forward. Having made one’s mind up and practicing it every day through mindful acts gives one a sense of control, increases self-compassion, self-empowerment and self-confidence. These
1) STOP: Just, stop. Clear your schedule, your actions, and thoughts and just, stop. Do completely nothing. Think of nothing. Sit still. The energy you save not doing anything gives you space to reflect, refocus and refresh. 2) FORGIVE: Letting go of anger and resentment from past situations in which you felt disappointed or wronged not only gives one an emotional reward of peace and calm, but brings the additional health benefits of reduced susceptibility to depression and post traumatic stress disorder. For more PeaceHealth, see page 27
We double-dog
dare you
to schedule your mammogram. #DoubleDogDare
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PeaceHealth, continued from page 26 3) ASKING: Some in business may perceive asking for help as a sign of weakness and lack of leadership. They would be wrong. Every leader has vulnerability. The greatest leaders have the self-awareness to recognize this fact. They also recognize that showing their vulnerability is a sign of courage and strength. A leader who expresses their needs in a requesting way shows a bit of vulnerability. Being this authentic, genuine and open, resonates throughout the workforce and invites all to reciprocate communication in the same way. 4) GIVING THANKS: Another important tool in effective workplace communication is extending gratitude to your staff and peers. Thank you notes and saying so in person is positively impactful. This deepens the sense of connection, trust and loyalty. And those qualities are helpful to any business’s bottom line.
1) A Simple Sigh of Release: Breathing in deep and exhaling with an audible sigh gives you a visceral and audible cue to reset and refocus your attention. 2) 60 Second Reset: Carve out 60 seconds in your day to time your breath. See how many complete and deep inhales and exhales you can get in 60 seconds. Work toward four or less. 3) Pranayama breathing: Google or YouTube this specific way of breathing. No yoga attire required. Apps: 1) Headspace 2) Smiling Mind
5) BREATHE: It is essential to life. While it is not an option for living, it is optimal in living a healthier life.
3) iMindfulness
Fulfilling responsibilities in our external environments, full of traffic laden commutes, deadlines, meetings and agendas distracts us from paying attention to our internal environment. Nourishing our internal environments of physical and mental needs quickly become a very distant second. This shift in priorities can render physical repercussions such as headaches, migraines, muscle tension, nerve impingement, repetitive stress disorders and reduced range of motion. These physical stressors reduce our capacity to focus, problem solve, pay attention in general and to details, lowering our efficiency and productivity.
Breathe well. Be well.
Breath is our most accessible and uncomplicated tool to construct a bridge between fulfilling both our external and internal needs responsibilities, at the same time. While at rest and moving through life, we utilize only about one third of our lungs capacity. However, when we engage in physical activity or implement mindfulness breathing exercises, the utilization rate jumps up significantly.This increased use of lung capacity helps to bring attention to the body and control of the mind. While it may be difficult to squeeze a quick workout amongst meetings, incorporating mindfulness breathing exercises at work can help increase self-awareness, focus, impulse control and manage stress. Here are some tips and apps to help you breathe, move and thrive through your day:
4) Mindfulness Daily Happy New Year! Resources: https://www.statisticbrain.com/new-years-resolution-statistics/ https://www.huffingtonpost.com/marlynn-wei-md-jd/what-mindfulness-app-is-rightfor-you_b_8026010.html https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/healthy_aging/healthy_connections/forgiveness-your-health-depends-on-it
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 January 2018 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 27
Chamber Connection
Dropping By
Tammy Davies and with Grounds for Opportunity stopped in for an update and Connie Hagen with The Vintage Square on Broadway also took a seat to share the latest.
See more photos on the Chamber’s Facebook page or click here.
Debra Chase from Broadway Gallery joins Gabriel Woodhead from Bloodworks NW and Chamber Connection hosts Carey Mackey and Russ Chittock.
“Your Chamber Connection” EVERY Wednesday Hosts of the Show: Carey Mackey, Red Canoe Credit Union ; Brooke Fisher-Clark, United Way, Karen Sisson, NORPAC, and Lindsey Cope with the Chamber. Stream live at www.kedoam.com Local guest and current events 28 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | January 2018
Would you like an opportunity to be on Your Chamber Connection or to have more information about the qualifications of an open house or ribbon cutting? Contact Bill or Lindsey at the Chamber 360-423-8400
New Members
Add your business to our growing membership – Call 360-423-8400 Today!
Superman Heating and Air Supermen Heating & A/C, IAQ 1340 Vandercook Way Longview, WA 98632 360-342-4552
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
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. January 2018 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 29
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)
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
Freddy's Just for The Halibut
Beacon Hill Sewer District
Gordon Sondker
Canterbury Gardens
KapStone
Canterbury Park
Koelsch Senior Communities
Cascade Title Company
LG Isaacson Company
CCS
Longview Memorial Park, Funeral Home
City of Kelso City of Longview Comcast Spotlight Congressman Brian Baird Costco Wholesale Cowlitz County Cowlitz County PUD Cowlitz County Title Company Cowlitz Wahkiakum Council of Governments
and Crematory Lower Columbia College Miller Paint Music and More DJ's Pacific Tech Construction, Inc. Port of Longview Rodman Realty, Inc. Steel Painters/Railco Swanson Bark and Wood Products, Inc.
David E. Houten, DDS
The Golden Palace
Diamond Showcase
The Red Hat
Document Management Archives
Three Rivers Eye Care
Dorothy Bain Hanson
US Senator Patty Murray
Emerald Kalama Chemical
Walstead Mertsching PS
Express Employment Professionals
Watkins Tractor and Supply Co. January 2018 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 31
Jingle all the Way
Jingle Bell Runners
Santa was on hand to greet participants at this year's Jingle all the Way 5K December 9. Individual and teams, dressed for the holidays, the Kelso Jazz Band entertained onlookers and in the end, there were a number of winners, pictured below, they are: Aria Larsen, Hailey Graham, Nicholas Marly, Rick Jaspers, Heather Slind, Gabe Slind and Tricia Carleton. See more photos on the Chamber’s Facebook page or click here.
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