Klc biz 2 15 by Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce

Volume 7, No. 2

February 2015

Business Kelso Longview

Connection Chamber of Commerce

Calendar Monday

Every Monday – 7 a.m. Legislative Briefing Breakfast Red Lion Hotel

Wednesday

February 4 – 7:30 a.m. Education Foundation Committee Canterbury Park 1335 3rd Ave., Longview

Wednesday

February 4 – 4:30 p.m. Ribbon Cutting Mill City Grill 1260 Commerce Ave., Longview

Thursday

February 5 – 7:30 a.m. Ambassador Committee Canterbury Park 1335 3rd Ave., Longview

Tuesday

February 10 – 5 p.m. Business After Hours PNE Corporation 1121 Columbia Blvd., Longview

Monday

February 16 Presidents Day Chamber Office Closed

Tuesday

February 17 – Noon Board of Directors Longview Country Club 41 Country Club Dr., Longview

Every Wednesday

Chamber Connections KEDO/1400 AM – 3-4 p.m. Stream live at www.threeriversradio.com Local guest and current events

The Lower Columbia Professionals have been charged with raising scholarship money for Kelso and Longview graduating seniors.

LCP raising the roof and funds for education By Brenda Sexton For the Kelso-Longview Chamber Ladies it’s time to invest in sticky hairspray, puffy-shouldered, loud, shiny dresses and big, bold earrings. Gentlemen dust off your linen Miami Vice jackets and dig out those Ray-Bans, it’s time to party “All Night Long,” at the Lower Columbia Professionals’ February 13 Be My ‘80s Valentine Dance. Organizers promise a fun-filled night of hits from Lionel Richie and others who made the 1980s such a memorable era. Doors open at 7 p.m. at the Longview Eagles. The cost is $20 for an individual

and $35 for a couple. Like every event the LCP throws, this one has a good time, for a great purpose, stamped all over it. Current Chairman Shawn Green with SERVPRO of Kelso/Longview said there are two things that make being a part of LCP and its activities great. “One, the events that the LCP put on are fun events. We all work at jobs that can be stressful. It’s cool to do something off the cuff and fun,” he said. “Two, when you get the opportunity to work around cool people and benefit graduating seniors, that’s a win-win.”

Please see LCP, page 4

Kelso Longview Business Connection

February 2015

Community plans fiesta fundraiser Mark your calendar for May 1 and join Community Home Health & Hospice (Community) for its third annual charity care fundraiser. Event co-chairs Kirsten Amrine and Rhonda Sandrettó and their committee are planning an authentic evening of Mexican-inspired entertainment at A lil’ bit of paradise 2015: Mexican Fiesta. The first charity care fundraiser was in 2012 when Community celebrated 35 years of caring for patients and launched Home at Last. Guests enjoyed the theme and many, like Bill and Brenda Marcum at right, came dressed as they were in 1977.

with respect and dignity. She was laid to rest in a donated cemetery plot and her husband received free grief support as long as he needed.

Inspired

Staff and volunteers were inspired to increase awareness of the need to serve patients who have no resources – and raise funds to make this possible. The resulting fundraiser was called Home at Last in honor of these patients and families. A fundraising goal was set at $70,000 and 382 guests attended. Sponsors and guests celebrated the 35th anniversary, took the “charity care challenge” and gave $106,000 to make an extraordinary impact on care for patients and families.

Community support continues

Each year since 2012, the community has generously supported the charity care program through sponsorships, hosting tables, making individual gifts and volunteering at Home at Last. The event has raised more than $290,000 to provide care for patients most in need of critical services. Major sponsors for A lil’ bit of paradise 2015: Mexican Fiesta include Dianne Benefiel; Robert Chace, CPA, ABV; Collins Architectural Group, P.S.; Westby Associates, Inc. and The Winterleaf Group, LLC. All are invited to participate as a sponsor, host a table, purchase tickets or make a gift if you are unable to attend. “This year’s charity care fundraiser will be a Mexican Fiesta. Join us for this party with a purpose! You will enjoy great entertainment, delicious food, mystery gifts, complimentary photos, music and dancing. The dessert dash is not to be missed," said Amrine and Sandrettó. For information, visit chhh.org, e-mail paradise@chhh.org, or call 360-414-5465.

The Home at Last story

The charity care program helps patients and families who can’t afford to pay for hospice and other critical services. In 2012, Community cared for a homeless middle-aged woman in the Hospice Care Center. She suffered from a long-term illness and her husband was unable to work because of his poor health. Together since high school, they struggled to take care of each other over the years. Through the tough times, their love endured. Without a home to call their own, the husband stayed in a borrowed, battered RV which he parked outside the Hospice Care Center. His wife rested inside the center in a comfortable bed under a handmade quilt tended by compassionate hospice staff. Her husband spent his days in a recliner by her side. Hand in hand, they comforted each other in this homelike setting created by donors within our community, volunteers and staff who truly care. The woman died in a safe, serene place where she was treated

Community Home Health & Hospice is a nonprofit communitybased healthcare agency serving Washington and Oregon families since 1977. It is one of the oldest hospices in the nation, having built the Pacific Northwest’s first freestanding Hospice Care Center in 1983. They care for people at home by providing private duty, home health, hospice and grief support services.

Lower Columbia Professionals

present

Friday, February 13, 2015

Longview Eagles 1526 12th Ave., Longview 7-11 p.m. Solo Cost: $20 Couple Cost: $35 (All proceeds go to the LCP Scholarship Fund) Wouldn’t it be totally rad to dress up in your favorite ’80s formal wear and Aqua Net hairspray and boogie to the best tunes of the 80’s, all while raising scholarship funds for local graduating Seniors? We think so too! Bring a date to this cool scholarship fundraising event featuring totally tubular food and beverage and radical entertainment. A King and Queen of the dance will be crowned! (Must be 21 or over to attend)

For tickets go to www.kelsolongviewchamber.org or call 423-8400

Kelso Longview Business Connection

February 2015

LCP from page 1

LCP charges an entry fee for their event, but the venues and prizes are provided by local businesses, making it pure profit for the cause. Since September, LCP has raised more than $7,000. LCP raised $6,000 last year enabling them to award six, $1,000 scholarships. The Chamber, which raises money from members as an optional part of their dues membership, was able to present four, $1,000 scholarships. A total of $10,000 was handed out to 2014 graduating seniors at Kelso Chamber member John Paul rolls the dice and Longview area at the LCP's Bunko night in September. high schools. For more information about LCP, scholarships or the ‘80s dance, visit the Chamber website at kelsolongviewchamber.org or call 360-423-8400.

Started in 2007, the Lower Columbia Professionals consists of about 20 members of the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce whose purpose is to host about a year's worth of events that raise money for scholarships. The Chamber recognizes skills for business today typically demand post secondary education and many students need financial assistance to further their education. In recognition of that they award Maria Harris Scholarship and the Lower Columbia Professionals Scholarship. “It’s a fun group of people,” said LCP member and Chamber bookkeeper Amy Hallock, who sees the events as a networking piece as well. “There’s a lot of energy.” Energy directed at providing affordable, social events that raise money for education. “We’re able to give a lot more away because it keeps getting better,” Hallock said. This fund-raising season started with bingo in September, a Halloween bash in October, Bunko in November, and the Jingle All the Way 5K in December. The group volunteers their time at the race for a percentage of the proceeds. They take January off and are back with the ‘80s dance this month. They plan to finish out the year with bingo again in March and something new in April, Let’s Make A Deal, the former game show where contestants would dress up and then wheel and deal for prizes with the host.

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

Facilitating Growth Through Leadership and Action

We are a membership based not-for-profit organization. Join us today!

Kelso Longview Business Connection is published monthly by the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce. 105 N. Minor Road • Kelso, WA 98626 • 360-423-8400

Resources • Access • Partnerships

To advertise, call Bill Marcum, 360-423-8400 or e-mail bmarcum@kelsolongviewchamber.org. Ad Deadline: 20th of each month.

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

2015 Small Business

BOOT CAMP Friday Mornings ★ Lower Columbia College

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160 Non-Member Price

Tools You Can Use to Help Your Business Lim

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SAFETY & SECURITY Six Pack March 6 Workplace Violence, Safety and the Police. Facilitator: Andy Hamilton, Kelso Police Chief. March 13 Fraud Prevention, Internal and External. Facilitator: David Futcher, Futcher-Henry, CPA

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Sept. 11 What does your window and your store say to customers? Talking about window displays, store displays, signage in the store, dust on the items, poor lighting etc. Facilitator: TBA

May 8 Role of the Board vs. the CEO Facilitated by Rick Winsman

May 15 Financial Accountability. Facilitated by Scott Davis, CPA, Davis and Associates

Sept. 18 Employee Training – are your employees trained to help the customer or just ring up a sale? Facilitator: TBA

May 22 Handling Conflict. Facilitated by Jennifer Leach, WSU Extension Faculty and President of the Longview School Board. Sept. 25 Purchasing Strategies – Do you have a March 27 Employee Theft and Theft from Business. plan? Facilitator: TBA May 29 Working as a Team. Facilitator: Andy Hamilton, Kelso Police Chief Pricing Strategies – Cowlitz County Facilitated by Frank McShane, Cascade Networks Oct. 2 April 3 Protecting Your Image (Social Media). Oct. 9 Promotion Strategies – Advertising: mail, June 5 Facilitating and Leading Meetings Facilitator: TBA radio, online, print. Facilitator: TBA Facilitated by Terry McLaughlin, Cowlitz County April 10 No Class – Spring Break Assessor Oct. 16 Online Sales? Facebook? How to get in April 17 Protecting your Business the game! Facilitator: TBA June 12 Strategic and Succession Planning. Facilitator: Bob Beal, State Farm Insurance Facilitated by Erin Brown, Executive Director LCC Foundation March 20 Technology, Computers and Data Security. Facilitator: Jayson Rogen, Techalytix

BONUS

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NO Charge if YOU have attended at least one Six Pack ! Fri., Oct. 23 Critical Thinking and Problem Solving - Utilize your own think tank to solve Critical issues. Facilitator: Chris Bailey, President Lower Columbia College

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Chamber Members Non-Chamber Members

100 per Six Pack

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www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

Kelso Longview Business Connection

February 2015

CEO’s Message

Grab a calendar the next few months are going to be busy By Bill Marcum CEO – Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce

strikes your business? Kelso Police Chief Andy Hamilton will facilitate discussion about workplace violence, providing a safe working environment for your employees and dealing with police in the event of an incident. Other classes include Protecting your Technology, Computers and Data, Fraud Prevention – Internal and External; Employee Theft and Shoplifting; and Protecting Your Image, with social media and your business online, how do you protect your brand from being used inappropriately? And, finally, Protecting Your Business from any kind of incident or event, whether a fall in the office to fraud, or computer hacking to inappropriate employee practices, we’ve got you covered. The cost is the same as in the past, $100 for all six classes, and three people from each business can come. That makes the price about $5.50 per class. A bargain to gain information that can help your business be more successful.

We have a lot going on right now and in the next couple months at the Chamber of Commerce. Here’s a list of things to put on your calendar. February 10 is our Business After Hours at PNE Corp. An event that PNE wanted to sponsor completely, meaning no member will be charged to attend. Attendees still need to register for this at www.kelsolongviewchamber.org. This is so we can keep track of who is coming for the caterer – we want to have enough great food for everyone. So, log in today it will be a great event. Amy, Karen and I are currently selling advertising space and compiling events and other content for our Visitor Guide/Member Directory. The publication is scheduled to be available by April 30, just in time for the 10,000-plus visitors who wander through our doors at the Visitor Center between May 1 and August 31. Space is still available, so please contact the Chamber if you are interested. Full-color ads for as little as 5 cents per guide!

Membership Lunch and State of Ed – March 19 marks our Quarterly Membership Luncheon with our State of Education presentation from our local school officials, two of whom we have not heard from as of yet. New interim superintendents at both Kelso and Longview school districts replace longtime school professionals. They should provide an interesting, fresh perspective on Kelso and Longview schools and what their leadership may mean to the district, its growth and the impact of the McCleary decision as a major part of the 2015 Legislative Session. Lower Columbia College President Chris Bailey will also be on hand to talk about all the great, new, innovative things going on there. You won’t want to miss this quarterly lunch.

March roars in like a lion with several events members will want to plan to attend. Building Bridges – First, is the Building Bridges Expo, March 4, at the Cowlitz County Conference Center. About 80 businesses will be on hand to network with other businesses and the public about what it is that they do and how you as a business owner can benefit from their products or services. Booth space is $250 until February 20, then it goes to $450. A table is $150 until February 20 and increases to $250 after that date. So, don’t hesitate to get this on your calendar and book your space now. This is one of the top events of the year. Boot Camp is Back – Small Business Boot Camp kicks off its third year March 6 from 7:30 to 9 a.m. in the Heritage Room in the Administration Building on the Lower Columbia College campus. In the past 12 to 15 businesses have participated in these low-cost, educational classes designed to help your business be more successful. There will again be three sessions of six classes each. The first session focuses on the safety and security of your business. Basically are you prepared? Do you know what do to if a major event

See, I told you there is a lot going on in the first quarter of 2015. So, sign up, participate and improve your business knowledge, community knowledge and educational knowledge. You can register for all these events online at www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Set up starts at 9am, Expo 1-7pm Cowlitz County Conference Center

Save the date! Sign up starts next week.

Kelso Longview Business Connection

February 2015

Cowlitz Economic Development Council

Expanding sectors in economic development By Ted Sprague President – Cowlitz Economic Development Council

777 generates $20.1 billion in annual sales and $133.1 million in annual tax revenues for the State of Washington. Had the 777X been built elsewhere, this economic activity would have been lost entirely by 2024 and other Boeing programs would have likely followed. Construction of a new $1 billion, 1.3 million square-foot plant just north of the existing Everett assembly facility demonstrates Boeing’s commitment to Washington’s continued leadership in the U.S. aerospace industry. “It is a tremendous honor that the economic development community at large recognizes the importance of this project to Washington state,” said Governor Jay Inslee. “The new plane, along with the jobs it will create in the state, shows that Washington’s aerospace industry, built around 1,350 companies employing 132,5000 workers, is extremely healthy and will continue to grow and prosper for decades to come.” Congratulations to our partners at Commerce who are often overlooked when it comes to recognition of their hard work.

The Cowlitz Economic Development Council (CEDC) dipped its toe into the aerospace waters last year by accompanying the governor’s office and the Department of Commerce on a trip to the International Farnborough Aerospace Show. The knowledge gained by attending the show and meetings that took place at the show, revealed there is a place in the aerospace sector for all of Washington, but especially for communities on the I-5 corridor. We have work to do here to improve our infrastructure, workforce training and incentives to get into the aerospace game. The state is leading the way in this endeavor and was recently recognized for its work. Efforts to keep Boeing’s next-generation commercial aircraft, the 777X, in Washington state earned Washington’s Department of Commerce the 2014 Economic Development Deal of the Year Silver Award, presented by Business Facilities magazine. Washington was in competition with two dozen other states for the project. The 777 program currently supports 56,900 jobs in the state and $3.5 billion in annual wages. Additionally, the

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Diane Craft, President Koelsch Senior Communities

Chris Bailey Lower Columbia College

Michael Julian Kelso Theater Pub

Julie Rinard, President Elect Community Home Health & Hospice

Clayton J. Bartness, DC Longview Chiropractic Clinic

Bianca Lemmons Cowlitz County Title Company

Lance Welch, Vice President PeaceHealth

Ken Botero Longview City Council

Frank Panarra Foster Farms

Joel Hanson, Past President KLOG/KUKN/The Wave

Bob Crisman Gallery of Diamonds

Tom Rozwod NORPAC/Weyerhaeuser

Neil Zick, Treasurer Twin City Bank

Linda DiLembo Three Rivers Mall

Ted Sprague Cowlitz Economic Development Council

Michael Claxton, Legal Counsel Walstead Mertsching

Wendy Hutchinson Millennium Bulk Terminals

Steve Taylor Kelso City Manager Dennis Weber Cowlitz County Commissioner

s r u o H r e t f A s es n i s u B er A p preciation and

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If you missed on, NE Corporati P y. f it o il c sy e fa rt te u o ra –C corpo wonderful is ss After Hours e th n e si k u a B m is to th t r wan arge fo you. So, come mployees who e to There is no ch ir st e o c th o ll a n t d a n rking Family a know sic and netwo u m the Partridge s, e ber.org so we g ra m e a v h e c b w , ie rs v e g z n ti e olo urs. evening of app register at kels ness After Ho to si u d e B e n is l th il r st fo u Yo arge out and enjoy. t there is no ch u b , re alentine’s Day. a p V r re p fo t to c e d rf o e fo p zes how much ave several pri h l il w e w s a r nificant othe e 10th! See you on th Bring your sig amily The Partridge F E Corporation N P t a s u f o ll a and

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

February 2015

Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council

21st Century Apprenticeships: Grow Your Own By Julia Maglione Communications Manager Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council

Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council (SWWDC) CEO Jeanne Bennett participated in the Brookings Institution’s Global Cities Initiative (GCI) in November 2014, joining 40 business, civic and government leaders from across the United States for a study tour to learn about the dual model of vocational training and public-private collaborations that contribute to the successful advanced industry sectors in Germany. She learned how businesses, including Siemens and BMW, invest significant resources in training their own workforce and participated in discussions on the role of companies, education, government and workforce in developing work-based learning and apprenticeship opportunities in the U.S. Several U.S. states, including Michigan and South Carolina, have robust business-driven apprenticeship programs. A highly-skilled workforce improves productivity, employee retention and your bottom line, but many companies, especially small businesses, lack the resources to invest in workers. Consider apprenticeships. While it might seem like a back-tothe-future concept since apprenticeships have been around for decades, they’re getting a revamp through the American Apprenticeship Initiative. The Initiative will create and support new apprenticeships in industries such as healthcare, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology and information technology. SWWDC and a host of partners throughout the region and the Portland Metro Area are in discussions to determine what an apprenticeship program could look like in our region. To identify business needs and interest in the program, SWWDC is holding a focus group on February 10 to get input from industry leaders in health care, manufacturing, and IT/software/digital technology to explore how the Initiative could work for you and our business. We need your input! If you are a business in the mentioned indus-

Graphics: U.S. Department of Labor http://www.dol.gov/apprenticeship/shareables. htm

tries, contact Lee Ann Lawrence, SWWDC’s Employer Services Manager, at llawrence@ swwdc.org or 360-5673170 to reserve your spot at the meeting. Apprenticeships can and do work in the U.S. and this initiative provides an opportunity for local business, education, labor and workforce to come together and create our own uniquely American 21st Century Apprenticeship programs that will give our companies the skilled workers they need and expand opportunities for individuals in our community to get the training, skills and jobs to put them on a career path to the middle class. Julia Maglione is Communications Manager at the SWWDC. She can be reached at jmaglione@swwdc.org or 360-567-3176. The Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council (SWWDC) is the workforce investment board for Cowlitz, Wahkiakum and Clark counties. SWWDC brings together funding, state agencies, local service providers, colleges and community organizations to provide employment and training services to businesses, job seekers and youth. Learn more at www.swwdc.org.

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

February 2015

Business Toolbox

Have you considered exporting? Use Your Excess Capacity to Open New Markets By Jerry D. Petrick Certified Business Adviser It is very common for me to work with a company that has weathered the economic downturn, exited the other side more efficient than they entered – with fewer competitors and excess capacity to enter new markets. Some of the most powerful markets for companies to consider are foreign markets demanding highly profitable American goods. According to A Basic Guide to Exporting (published by the U.S. Department of Commerce) many companies never explore the possibility of exporting because they think that they are too small/it’s too complex/they don’t know where to start. But did you know that 97 percent of U.S. exporters are small and medium-sized companies? There are numerous resources available for any company that would like to explore exporting as a way to expand and diversify the markets they serve and many of these resources are available at no/low cost. Access to these resources is dependent on some up-front planning and usually includes the following steps: Determine if there is broad consensus among key management to pursue international business becoming an exporter is a commitment that will fundamentally change your company. Consider taking the export readiness assessment which can be found at: http://export.wsbdc.org/ Consider whether it makes more sense to export through an intermediary. With this approach, a company engages the services of an intermediary firm that is capable of finding foreign markets and buyers for products. Once you have decided to export products, whether directly or indirectly, it will be important to develop an export plan. Access services through the Small Business Development Center to identify resources that are readily available for planning purposes and for the resources that you can access once the export plan has been

developed. No company is too small to go global. In fact, nearly 42 percent of all U.S. exporters have fewer than 20 employees. The following facts may also help convince smaller companies that exporting provides huge opportunity: • 95 percent of the world’s consumers live outside the United States. That is a lot of potential customers to just ignore.

Have You Considered Exporting? Foreign competition is increasing domestically. To be truly competitive, companies must consider opening markets abroad. Exporting is profitable. In fact, 60 percent of small companies that engage in exporting derive as much as 20 percent of their annual earnings from exports. Exporting helps businesses learn how to compete more successfully. If your product or service sells well in the United States, there’s a good chance an overseas market can be found for it. What’s more, help is available to test acceptance of your service or product in more than 100 countries around the globe. Trade finance and global banking have evolved to the point where buying and selling things internationally is routine, safe, and efficient. Reliable payment collection methods are numerous. Exporting to some markets, such as Canada, is no more risky than selling in the United States. Exporting could be your next great opportunity! This article was prepared by Jerry Petrick, MBA, CGBP, SPHR, PMP and Certified Business Adviser with the Washington State University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Longview. Jerry provides no-cost, confidential business advisory services by appointment. He can be reached via e-mail jerry. petrick@wsbdc.org

Kelso Longview Business Connection

February 2015

Council of Governments

Place meeting with purpose on agenda By Bill Fashing Executive Director – Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments Over my career I have attended countless meetings and every once in a while there is either a real dud or an extraordinary opportunity to learn and make a difference. What factors lead to these extremes in success? I wish I had the magic answer but am fairly sure it has to do with the engagement level of the participants. A quick search on the topic will provide a number of lists of how to hold a successful meeting. Whether you look to the Six Golden Rules, the Seven Essential Steps or the 12 Tips to Successful Meetings you run the chance of holding or attending a meeting that makes you wonder if you should be somewhere else. Maybe I should have been at the coffee shop reading one of the many books

Welcome to Our Team, Deanna. Deanna Cornelison Escrow Officer deanna@ cowlitztitle.com

on better meetings like Will There be Donuts. I have not read this book and please don’t jump online and buy it because I mentioned it here, but who knows it might help you to get more out of meetings. It seems to me that we each need to set our own expectations for the many meetings we attend and hopefully participate in each week. I try to identify one or two things I hope to walk away with following the meeting. These can be as simple of meeting one new person, or asking that question that no one wants to ask that leads to a better understanding of some element of the business of the committee. I also try to identify things I can do to bring new information, insights or direction to the meeting. By taking these two actions I am hopeful that my meeting filled day will be productive and fulfilling. To me it is important that the meetings I am associated with are as successful as possible whether I am setting the agenda, leading the meeting or a participant. I greatly appreciate and am constantly amazed at people’s willingness to give their time to so many committees, task forces and other miscellaneous gatherings. I hope each of you, will in your own way, work to enhance the quality of the next 30 meetings you attend and create the habit of adding more value to each opportunity. % 20 OFFIDE STOREW

Cowlitz County Title is proud to announce the newest addition to our growing company. Like all of us at CCT, Deanna values the importance of exceptional customer service, and looks forward to having the opportunity to build relationships with our local Realtors® and Lenders.

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

February 2015

Don’t tell, instead coach and A-S-K! By Chuck Nau Retail Consultant and Sales and Management Trainer Murray & Nau, Inc.

Probing or Always Seeking Knowledge (asking) works to narrow the focus, review the situation, identify the problem and its potential impacts, elicits your employee’s or staff ’s input and ideas, and encourages your employee or staff to develop and review various solutions. Feedback helps to clarify new learning, develop and gain consensus on needed action steps, and reinforce your confidence and support of the plan. The need and benefits for coaching on a one on one basis are numerous. Coaching the individual calls for personal contact. On a daily basis, with all the demands on your time, personal contact with your staff can suffer. It's important to remember that your personal contact with your staff members is vital to them. Personal contact conveys a sense of importance, and with the personal contact comes a sense of identity (“congratulations on your service call to...”) which in turn is an entree for positive reinforcement and individual motivation. Coaching affords YOU the opportunity to LISTEN, and foster an atmosphere of open communication. Your people are not the only ones to benefit from coaching (listening). You also get the benefit of free information which, again, has the added benefit of building your sales, management or operations team. Coaching gives your people a regular barometer on their progress, and in some cases, may break their job into various components for reflection, review, revision, and growth. Failure demoralizes an individual and threatens your team and YOU. Coaching enables you to offer direction and guidance and the opportunity to model behavior that BUILDS on successes rather than learning from MISTAKES. Most importantly, it gives emotional support and reinforces the importance of the individual to you and your team. Last but not least, coaching helps YOU. Coaching empowers employees to build their skill level, operate independently, enhance their performance (due to a

“How am I doing”? Remember those moments earlier in your life when you may have asked that question or a similar one of a teacher, friend, or confidant? In many instances, those questions were being asked to open a dialogue, and gather some outside information to confirm that your assessment of your current situation was accurate. In these challenging, tough and, at times, frightening economic times are you being asked these same questions today by your staff or an employee? Then again, do you model and encourage your staff to ASK (Always Seeking Knowledge) you questions? How are they doing, coach? “Coaching” or conversations with your staff are important, particularly in these rapidly changing times, as you develop a concept of team and teamwork. Fostering an “asking” rather than “telling” environment will give support and encouragement to your team. “Coaching” is not talking to your employees or staff. Rather it is a two way dialogue or discussion looking at performance, identifying performance obstacles or problems, and developing solutions and action steps. Coaching helps to clarify goals and priorities; minimizes misunderstandings; increases the sense of teamwork through involvement in planning, problem solving, and increased responsibilities; and develops creativity and innovation while enhancing productivity. All of your staff, both those who are performing well and the rookies, those who are anxious to move to a position of increased responsibility or those who have performance related issues will benefit from coaching. Remember, too, that coaching occurs at a variety of times, in the work environment, in meetings or other group dynamics, in the field, and, of course, one on one. “Coaching” or opening that two way dialogue with your staff involves three action components – preliminaries (listening), probing (asking), and feedback. Preliminaries are typically ice breaker in nature and help to put individuals at ease. They also open the conversation to a give and take by identifying the reason or goal for the meeting.

Please see Nau, page 15

Kelso Longview Business Connection

February 2015

Nau, from page 14

“First Class Service at Fibre Federal.” “Fibre Federal has assisted us with several of our business needs. They are knowledgeable, friendly, and go out of their way in assisting us with our stringent business needs. We appreciate all you do for us; thank you!”

clear understanding of goals, expectations, and needed action steps), work as a team, and take risks. “Coaching”. As the coach, you are the leader. How you work with each 'team' member, the team as a whole as you deal with the day to day problems and setbacks, is watched closely. When you handle all these in a resilient, productive, and healthy manner your team will admire and mirror that attitude with your small business’ customers, clients, vendors and suppliers. © Murray & Nau, Inc. Chuck Nau of Murray & Nau, Inc. is a retail consultant and sales and management trainer. He has been a speaker for and conducted advertising and marketing workshops with retailers, chambers of commerce, community marketing groups, and retail organizations throughout North America. Based in Seattle, Nau is a 25-year veteran of advertising, sales, media and management, who knows and understands the everyday challenges of starting up, growing, and surviving in today's ever changing retail climate. Comments and questions are welcome and may be directed to Chuck via e-mail: murnau@nwlink.com or at 425-603-0984.

-Donna Marko, Owner of Great Escapes Travel Shoppe

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

February 2015

Ribbon Cuttings

Good Foundation Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors welcomed Community Foundation Southwest Washington January 28.

Here to Pump You Up Planet Fitness helped get all those new year's resolutions off to a good start by opening its doors at the Three Rivers Mall January 3.

Kelso Longview Business Connection

February 2015

Lower Columbia College

Your gift could change a life By Erin Brown Executive Director – Lower Columbia College Foundation

these stepping stones is important to the future success of both students and to the community.”

As local business leaders, you are active participants in our local community. In addition to your membership in the Chamber, you most likely also volunteer your time with multiple service-oriented or local-philanthropic boards. Your commitment to our community is inherent in everything you do. As you think about the future of this community, what do you want your legacy to be? I’ve been involved in the community college system for more than 15 years. In that time, I’ve seen first-hand how a financial investment in higher education can transform a student’s life. Whether it be the gift of a scholarship to a returning veteran or first-time college student, or an emergency loan for a struggling single parent trying to juggle work and school, a small amount can make a huge difference – a difference which can last a lifetime. Education is the one achievement that can never be taken away from an individual. As you consider the legacy you want to leave in this community, what better cornerstone to build on than your local community college – Lower Columbia College? Many of LCC’s alumni, retirees and friends came from humble beginnings, but made a better world for themselves, their families, and the community through hard work and persistence. Those individuals have developed a lasting affinity for the college, and they fondly recall instances of guidance and support. As a testimony of their gratitude, they are dedicated to building our campus and making a difference for future generations of students through planned gifts to the LCC Foundation. Most recently, the Foundation honored Steve Vincent as its 2013-14 Benefactor of the Year. In addition to Steve’s service to the college, he and his wife Maxine are also providing for students through their planned giving. “I have found that making provisions for Lower Columbia College as part of my estate planning is a good way to give back to the college and the community,” said Vincent. “Providing

In honor of LCC’s benefactors, the Foundation has established the Wertheimer Society to recognize and honor donors who have generously provided, or plan to provide, gifts to the Foundation through bequests, trusts, and other life income gifts.

LCC has entered a new era of service to the community. With a focus on student success and completion, economic development and international relationships, the college’s spirit of innovation will enable it to meet the challenges of the constantly evolving environment of higher education. As leaders, we spend our energy and resources on making a difference in our community today. A planned gift is an additional step towards building your legacy of tomorrow. Your leadership makes a difference.

Free Energy Audit •Thermal Imaging

•Energy Tips

•Weatherization

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

Kelso Longview Business Connection

February 2015

Kelso Downtown Revitalization Association

Spring Fling and Iron Horse signal seasons for downtown Kelso By Michael Julian President â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Kelso Downtown Revitalization Association

nesses. The 2015 year will mark our seventh annual Spring Fling, usually scheduled in late May beneath the Allen Street Bridge.

The Kelso Downtown Revitalization Association (KDRA) was formed to help promote and revitalize the downtown Kelso area. Our two main flagship events are the Spring Fling and the Highlander Iron Horse Festival.

In the late summer, we have the Highlander Iron Horse Festival, which is a motorcycle rally and ride. This two-day event draws enthusiasts and their families from several states to spend the weekend in Kelso, enjoying contests, vendors, music and more!

First up this year is the Spring Fling, which invites vendors and the community to come together. People can spend time browsing an open-air flea market, while listening to music, enjoying a snack, and supporting local neighborhood busi-

The KDRA also puts on informational seminars for business owners, and supports local parades, Halloween and holiday events. We welcome volunteers, vendors, and potential new KDRA members to attend one of our monthly meetings and follow us on Facebook.

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

The Highlander Iron Horse Festival fills the streets of Kelso for two-days of roaring good fun.

Kelso Longview Business Connection

February 2015

Longview Downtown Partnership

Promoting downtown is in the bag By Alice Dietz President – Longview Downtown Partnership

tising spots and will be printed on 25,000 bags.

Have you been downtown to check out how beautiful the streetscape is looking? With the help of Christmas Parade organizer Arlene Hubble The Longview Downtown Partnership (LDP) is responsible for the famous light pole decorations. The LDP provides the upkeep, maintenance and the putting up and taking down. Thanks to so many of our wonderful community volunteers who come out, rain or shine, to ensure Downtown Longview looked lovely for our holiday season.

The great thing about this project is the paper is manufactured here in Longview and the sponsorships help bring down the cost of each bag so the businesses who are purchasing them will save money by choosing our “Shop Historic Longview” bags.

With the new streetscape we are looking into ways of earning money to buy new decorations that will fit the new light poles. We are excited to announce our Downtown Longview Shopping Bag Project. We have more than 40 advertising spots available (and have already sold a ton) to help cover the cost of the bags. The ads range from $50 to $500. These are yearlong adver-

The Longview Downtown Partnership is working hard to provide great, low-cost programs that help downtown prosper. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Longview Downtown Partnership or advertising on our Shopping Bag Project check us out online at www.myldp.org

Local Bank Means Local Business Canyonview CyClery

I had a plan to fulfill a childhood dream and start up my own business. Just when every bank was saying NO, Twin City Bank said yes. They help me to make that dream a reality. I would not be open today if it had not been for the willingness of Twin City Bank and its priority of helping local businesses succeed. Thank you Twin City Bank. Mark Plotkin Canyonview Cyclery

729 Vandercook Way Longview, WA 98632 1-800-319-2265 | 360-414-4101 twincitybank.com Mark Plotkin, Owner Canyonview Cyclery

Kelso Longview Business Connection

February 2015

Mind Your Own Business (at the Library)

Library’s Project Read serves as literacy model for state and nation By Chris Skaugset Director – Longview Public Library I’m sure there are many services at the library that wouldn’t surprise most people. These include things such as borrowing materials, story time for children, and answering people’s questions. As one would expect, the library tries to focus a lot of time and energy on literacy. Literacy support can take on many different forms depending on the type of literacy. There is of course the standard reading, writing, and mathematics I think most people are aware, but there is also health, financial, technology, and information literacy as well. You might not be aware of some of the literacy-based services at the library so I thought I would discuss a few of them here. Your first question might be wondering what literacy has to do with business in Cowlitz County. And let me tell you that literacy has everything to do with business in Cowlitz County. If you don’t believe me (I might be somewhat biased) ask Ted Sprague the head of the Cowlitz Economic Development Council and Chair of the Cowlitz Literacy Council. He understands how important literacy is to bring business to Cowlitz County. Cowlitz County is well below the state average in the number of people with a bachelor’s or higher degree: 15.9 percent for Cowlitz, 31.6 percent for the state. While some of this is attributable to the types of employment currently available in our county, it does not help us bring students back after college or to lure businesses and industries here. They like to start up in areas where they can hire the people they need for all levels and with our education attainment numbers being so much lower makes us less attractive than other areas. Small businesses also need literate (in all of the ways that I described earlier) people as well in order to start-up, succeed, and grow in the future. There are not too many jobs in the world anymore where literacy, in one form or another, isn’t needed and this number continues to get smaller. I mentioned Microsoft’s IT Academy last month to help with the technology literacy, so I won’t say more other than to mention it again as a free resource to increase your own, or your staff ’s, competence with Microsoft Office products up through Microsoft

certification. The library currently has classes to help people with new e-Readers or pads. We are looking to start some Internet basics classes as well. For more information visit our website www.longviewlibrary.org or call us at 360-442-5300. We also have resume help for those who are just entering the job market, or perhaps re-entering the job market and need to dust off and spruce up what they have. In either case, Leon Lowman is here and is willing and able to help anyone with his or her resume. To set up an appointment, Leon can be reached at 360-442-5308 or leon. lowman@ci.longview.wa.us. What I would really like to focus this month on is Project Read. Project Read is a literacy program that matches learners with tutors who work together one on one to help the learner achieve whatever goal they have set for themselves. These goals can range from learning to read and write, improve English conversation skills, learn English as a second language, pass the GED, or become a United States Citizen just to name a few. The tutors are all volunteers who have committed their time and energy to help others attain their goals. The volunteers are trained and then matched with a learner whose goals meet the abilities and interests of the tutor. It is a hugely successful program and when it began nearly 30 years ago, it was a model for the rest of the state and across the nation for a library-based literacy program. These are partial numbers, but during 2013 Project Read helped 12 people gain their citizenship, three people get GEDs, and seven people get promoted or gain fulltime employment. They also helped people earn their high school diploma, pass job-related test such as the Certified Nursing Assistant exam, phlebotomist exam, CDL exam, and finally they helped 25 people get enrolled in an educational program or moved up in their current program. If you know of someone who could use the service or if you yourself are interested in becoming one of our many volunteers you can contact Elizabeth Partridge at 360-4425321 or elizabeth.partridge@ci.longview.wa.us.

Kelso Longview Business Connection

February 2015

Ambassador of the Month

Active volunteer Knowles selected for January Red Coat honor Stewart Title Marketing Director Lonnie Knowles has been named the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Month for January. Knowles, who has been a Chamber Ambassador for nearly a decade, last earned the Ambassador of the Month award in November 2014. Despite his busy work schedule, Knowles is often seen welcoming new members at Chamber ribbon cuttings and volunteering or attending other Chamber-related events. He also enjoys volunteer work with the Salvation Army, Community Action Program (CAP) Foundation, United Way, Lower Columbia Professionals, Kiwanis, Eagles and other local groups. He was voted the Chamber of Commerce's Business Person of the Year in 2013 and earned the Chamber's 2012 Ambassador of

the Year. Chamber Ambassadors, known as The Red Coats, are an integral part January of the Chamber of Commerce. The Lonnie Knowles Ambassador team is made up of acStewart Title tive 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.

Take Heart Action! February is the best month to love your heart. Take action and get screened. Visit www.peacehealth.org/heart to find an adult or teen screening location nearest you.

Kelso Longview Business Connection

February 2015

Welcome New Members

Chamber membership has its privileges Celebrate new Chamber members with us

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

* ASAP Business Solutions * My Agency * Area Agency on Aging – Disabilities of

• Annual Meeting and Banquet

Southwest Washington

• Networking Events

* Dino Doozer Foundation * Been There, Done That

• Committee Participation • Business Contacts • Quarterly Membership Meetings • Civic Representation

• Legislative Representation

• Monthly Business After Hours

• Issues Tracking and Information • Task Forces

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

• Candidate Forums

• Mailing Labels

• Legislative Update Breakfast

• Membership Window Decals

• Demographics Publication

• Member Referrals • Ribbon Cutting • Website Links

Packages

• Member to Member Discounts

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

• Membership Directory

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

• Tax Deduction

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

• Newsletter

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

• Business Card Display

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

• Use of Chamber Logo

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

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

month.

Join today! Call 360-423-8400 22

Kelso Longview Business Connection

February 2015

Welcome Back!



We at the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce would like to give a SHOUT OUT and a big THANK YOU to the following loyal members for renewing their partnership with us.

*American Medical Response *Beacon Hill Sewer District *Cascade Title Company *CCS *City of Kelso *City of Longview *Comcast Spotlight *Costco Wholesale *Cowlitz County *Cowlitz County CASA *Cowlitz County P.U.D. *Cowlitz County Title Company *Cowlitz Wahkiakum Council of Governments *David E. Houten, DDS *Diamond Showcase *Document Management Archives *Dorothy Bain Hanson *Emerald Kalama Chemical *Express Employment Professionals *Freddy’s Just for The Halibut

*Gordon Sondker *Interwest Benefit Consultants *KapStone *Koelsch Senior Communities *L.G. Isaacson Company *Longview Memorial Park, Funeral Home & Crematory

*Lower Columbia College *Miller Paint *Onthemark Associates *Pacific Tech Construction, Inc. *Port of Longview *Rodman Realty, Inc. *Steel Painters/Railco *Swanson Bark & Wood Products, Inc. *The Golden Palace *The Red Hat *Three Rivers Eye Care *Walstead Mertsching, PS *Watkins Tractor & Supply Co.

Kelso Longview Business Connection

February 2015

Kelso

Longview

High-flying plans for area airport

Speak up, make your vision heard

By Mayor David Futcher

By City Councilman Ken Botero

I talked to someone a while ago who was about 20 years old, lived here all her life, and never knew we had an airport. Yes, it's there, over in the Kelso industrial area, serving our community. Now, it's obviously not the kind of place where you can grab a flight to New York – or even Spokane – but it has been an important part of our transportation and economic infrastructure.

There is an old saying, “a person’s perception is their reality”. Sounds technical, but perception is actually a sensual business. It is touchy-feely without a doubt. The things people see, smell, taste, hear, and comprehend while experiencing whatever it is your selling combine in a person’s mind to create an idea, a feeling, that determines whether they will stay, buy, return, or walk away and never look back. Image, message, product and environment combine in the minds of consumers and have a direct effect on their actions.

The cities of Longview and Kelso, the Port of Longview, and Cowlitz County work together to oversee the airport. Each entity invests $65,000 per year into the airport. People have told me, we need the airport to pay for itself. While that sounds good, it doesn't make sense to me. What other piece of the transportation system is expected to “pay for itself ”? Fares on the transit system pay for maybe 10 percent of the operating costs. Roads don't generate any income and are extremely expensive to maintain. Why hold an airport to a different standard?

The professional practice of marketing has many definitions, approaches, and theories, but it really boils down to this, if we want to be heard, we have to speak. If we want to be seen, we have to become visible. And if we want to become successful, we have to be valuable to our community. The only drawback is everyone has a vision for success, or as someone once said, “many visions equal many paths.”

The airport can be an asset in helping attract and retain businesses to the area. It allows businesses like JH Kelly and Bud Clary to locate their headquarters in Cowlitz County and serve a much larger area. Foster Farms is another frequent user of the airport. Efforts are under way to attract a business that manufactures parts for helicopters to the area, and the airport’s presence is a major factor in their considerations. Heck, the marijuana producers would even love to use it, but aren't allowed to transport their product that way right now.

Watching your talent, resources, time and money take different roads toward the vision cannot only become frustrating; it can actually become a hindrance to the vision. Before a strategy can be developed, our communities, including our businesses, first need to establish a clear picture of our end goal. Once a clear vision is established, a realistic strategy for achieving our vision can then be developed including budgets, tasks, tactics, milestones and check points to make sure everyone is on the same road to achieving the goal.

The joint operating board believes the airport can be most efficiently managed by an entity that already has an administrative structure in place. To that end, the Port of Longview is in the process of considering taking ownership of the airport and bringing operations under their banner. Efficient operations at the airport will help us expand it, serving the community in more and better ways for years to come.

We, in the City of Longview and surrounding communities, have a vision of what we want for our community. The City of Longview has listened to the people concern-

Please see Longview, page 25

Kelso Longview Business Connection

February 2015

Longview, from page 24

about to undergo a beautiful renovation making the entry into Longview more inviting. The new entryway sign welcoming visitors is now installed and has garnered many compliments. The Washington Way Bridge project is well on its way and the R.A. Long Park renovation is moving ahead.

ing this vision and implemented many of the Hyatt/Palma recommendations. Hyatt/ Palma was the study completed several years ago with input from the community. Today the City of Longview has gifted a new and beautiful Streetscape project in the downtown core along Commerce Avenue, making the downtown more a destination for our community and its many visitors. The entryway into Longview from the Interstate 5 exit to the center of town is

So you see, we as a community do have a vision, a plan, and a final goal. It is time for the citizens to step up to the plate and assist in making this a community of positive realities. If you want to be heard, you have to speak. It is time to speak LOUD and CLEAR as to your vision of tomorrow.

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

February 2015

Nonprofit Night

Join Now Who wouldn't want to be a part of the Cub Scouts and the Lower Columbia School Gardens, two of the many organizations that shared information at the Chamber's annual Nonprofit Night January 21 at Mark Morris High School.

See more photos on the Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Facebook page or click here.

Kelso Longview Business Connection

February 2015

In the News

Rivers named Legislator of the Year for encouraging job creation

imated. The success of this organization speaks to the character and resiliency of their members. I couldn’t be prouder to partner with them to ensure that the decisions that are made in Olympia don’t include burdening them with more regulations and risky tax schemes,” said Rivers.

Sen. Ann Rivers has been named “Legislator of the Year” by the Associated General Contractors’ Washington chapter. The recognition of Rivers’ work to encourage job creation came recently during the trade association’s 2015 convention in Seattle. “This award is truly an honor,” said Rivers, R-La Center. “I see it as my job to do all I can in Olympia to encourage your businesses to flourish and grow.” Rivers could not leave the Capitol, where lawmakers are in the second week of the 2015 legislative session, and accepted the award by video instead. “I was so disappointed not to visit face-to-face with the folks who are quite literally building Washington,” said Rivers. “The past seven years has seen the construction industry dec-

AGC of Washington is the state’s largest commercial construction-industry trade association, with more than 600 member companies. “Senator Rivers is a champion of improving the state’s infrastructure to help spur economic growth,” said Jerry VanderWood, AGC government-affairs director. “Plus, she consistently works to improve the business climate in Washington. We are pleased to name Senator Rivers as our legislator of the year.”

Please see News, page 28

Port of Kalama Where business lives

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

360-673-2325

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

www.portofkalama.com

Kelso Longview Business Connection

February 2015

In the News News, from page 27

life, and offer friendship to a visiting student. The dates are February 15 through March 7. Classes, seminars, activities, excursions and field trips are planned. Host families are asked to provide: a furnished bedroom, breakfast and dinner and transportation to and from campus, which may include a reasonable walk, bus ride, or private transportation. If transportation is an issue, International Programs can help. Interested hosts may contact Justin Ford at jford@lowercolumbia.edu or 360-442-2440.

LCC International Programs looking for hosts for cultural exchange program

Lower Columbia College (LCC) International Programs is offering a three-week English and American Culture Program for students from Atomi University, in Japan. Atomi is a private women’s college in Saitama prefecture, near Longview’s Sister City of Wako, Japan. This program is a collaboration between the City of Longview, the City of Wako, Atomi University, and LCC. Six young women (most are 20 years old) will be participating in this inaugural program. LCC needs help welcoming them to the Longview community by volunteering as a host family. This is a terrific short-term hosting opportunity and a chance to learn about another culture, share a bit of your American

SERVPRO cleans up with Entrepreneur magazine award again this year

SERVPRO, a cleanup and restoration franchise company, maintains its hold on the No. 7 spot overall – out of a group of

Please see News, page 29

Business & Corporation Law

Attorney Michael A. Claxton

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. • Complex Litigation • Formation, Reorganization, and Dissolution • Labor/Employment Issues • Mergers and Aquisitions • Purchases and Sales • Succession Planning

WALSTEAD MERTSCHING AT TO R N E Y S AT L AW

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

(360) 423-5220 Longview www.walstead.com

Kelso Longview Business Connection

February 2015

In the News News, from page 28

vices in the Longview/Kelso area,” said Ryan Grady, owner of “SERVPRO of Longview/Kelso. “As a SERVPRO franchisee,

927 franchises that qualified for inclusion in the list—in the recently announced 2015 Franchise 500 rankings from Entrepreneur magazine. This recognition marks the sixth consecutive year Entrepreneur has included the company in its Top 10 list and the 12th consecutive year SERVPRO has earned the top spot on the magazine’s list in its own industry—Restoration Services. Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500 selection process uses “objective, quantifiable measures of a franchise operation” to help would-be entrepreneurs identify franchise investment opportunities. Some of the most important factors considered by Entrepreneur in developing the list each year are “financial strength and stability, growth rate and size of the system.” “It’s very satisfying to represent the ongoing brand leadership of SERVPRO for disaster cleanup and restoration ser-

we have the tools and knowledge—and the responsibility—to provide the best possible service to every customer.” According to Grady, SERVPRO continues to innovate with systems, processes and training designed to deliver faster, more consistent results to their customers. In the past year, SERVPRO customers benefited from the introduction of the following advanced features: •

The company’s DryBook™ proprietary software, which provides franchisees with tools to capture and track the steps of a restoration project according to industry best practices and standards.

•

The Here to Help® Connection, which provides homeowners with 24/7 access to real-time data, allowing them to track progress toward project completion.

•

The Drying Chamber, which uses vacuum freeze-drying technology to vaporize water in water-damaged documents—a technique recommended by the Library of Congress. The process can recover and restore even the most delicate items and preserve the integrity of a variety of media including irreplaceable files, medical files, books, X-rays, photographs and more.

SERVPRO specializes in fire and water cleanup and restoration services, helping both commercial and residential customers recover from property damage emergencies “like it never even happened.” For more information about SERVPRO of Longview/Kelso, contact Grady at 360-703-3884 or servpro9911@gmail.com. For more information about SERVPRO, please visit www.servpro.com.

Kelso Longview Business Connection

February 2015

PeaceHealth

Give a teen a Valentine gift with heart In partnership with PeaceHealth Longview, Spencer's HeartStrong Foundation is pleased to offer its third Youth Heart Screening from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. February 21 at the PeaceHealth Lake Front Clinic. The mission of Spencer’s HeartStrong Foundation is to end avoidable death in children and young adults who suffer from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). These screenings are made possible through charitable donations from the Spencer's HeartStrong Foundation, PeaceHealth St. John, local cardiologists, PeaceHealth nursing staff, medical technicians, medical device representatives and countless community volunteers.

Spencer's Story Spencer's story is one of survival, a miracle, and a true blessing. Unfortunately, too many kids in our communities each year are not as fortunate. On September 9, 2012, Spencer Best, an otherwise

Screenings are provided at no charge, although there is a suggested donation of $25 per teen. No child will be turned away due to inability to donate. Donations will benefit Spencer's HeartStrong Foundation and help us meet our Foundation goals.

healthy 16 year old, went to a basketball workout in his high school gym. Thirty minutes later, he collapsed…his heart stopped working. His coach and a nearby adult began the "chain of survival" by calling 911 and starting CPR. An AED arrived and

Appointments required.

delivered a shock to Spencer's heart approximately

A limited number of walk-ins will be accepted, limited to availability and may not receive full screening examination

5 minutes later. Spencer was rushed by Life Flight to a nearby

Who is eligible?

hospital where he received a medically implanted

Any middle or high school athlete, student, band member or cheerleader from 12 to 18 years old is eligible for a heart screening.

defibrillator in his chest that monitors his heart and will provide a life-saving shock if needed. Doctors are working toward his final diagnosis of Long QT

How can you help?

Syndrome, an electrical problem with the heart.

Support Spencer's HeartStrong Foundation with your secure, online donation. The Foundation is a nonprofit organization and donations are tax deductible.

Because of the actions of adult bystanders, his coach, and medical first responders, Spencer was

Since it's inception, Spencer's HeartStrong Foundation has been able to donate 30 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and screen 262 youngsters.

able to survive his Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA), and have another chance at life. As a result, Spencer’s HeartStrong Foundation was formed.

For registration information, visit the Spencer's HeartStrong Foundation website at http://stopyouthsca.org/ Teen_Heart_Screen.html

– Spencer's story from the Spencer's HeartStrong Foundation website.

lineth ! d a e D h 13 Marc

2015 VISITOR & MEMBERSHIP GUIDE

Let businesses know about your business! ✔ Used year round by hundreds of local and out-of-area companies. ✔ A resource guide for the community. ✔ To provide resources and leadership for business success.

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