Klc biz 3 15 by Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce

Volume 7, No. 3

March 2015

Business Kelso Longview

Connection Chamber of Commerce

CEO’s Message

Boot Camp focuses on business security and safety

By Bill Marcum CEO – Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce

Small Business Boot Camp starts up this week, Friday, March 6, at 7:30 a.m. in the Heritage Room in the Admin Building on the Lower Columbia College campus. This marks the start of the third year for the Kelso Longview Chamber to provide business classes designed to help your business be more successful and profitable. The past two years we focused on financial, human resources and sales and marketing classes, designed to bring more importance and awareness to understanding some of the aspects of your business that most of us hate doing but are a huge impact to our success. This year we decided to focus on the safety and security of your business. This means keeping your employees safe and your responsibility in providing a safe place to work. Classes will deal with workplace violence, what a safe environment looks like, and what information the police department will need from you in the event of an incident. Kelso Police Chief Andy Hamilton will facilitate this class.

Last season’s Boot Camp series drew large numbers of local business owners. The second class is on fraud protection, both internal and external. We will examine the signs to look for in determining if you have an employee who might be taking advantage of you, or externally, what to look for if you suspect bad checks, fake purchase order numbers and fraudulent claims. Certified Public Accountant David Futcher from Futcher-Henry CPA Group will facilitate this class. The third class is on protecting your technology, computers and data. Listen, if they can hack Target, they can hack you. So how do you protect yourself from those who might want to steal informa-

tion, crash your computers, lift your customers’ information including credit card, banking and purchasing data? Jayson Rogen with Technalytix will help you have a better understanding about how you can protect your business and your customers. Chief Hamilton returns for class four (March 27) with the topic employee theft and theft from other businesses. Now that you know what to look for, and have your suspicions, what do you do? How can the police help you to prove or disprove what

Please see Boot Camp, page 5

Kelso Longview Business Connection

March 2015

Puttin’ Up a Good Front Thank you City of Kelso and Cowlitz County for putting some finishing touches on the Visitor Center. It looks great. Stop by and take a look. We have had many visitors stop by the Center and several are moving to this area and looking for information. Do we have information on your business? If not please get us a brochure or business card.

Calendar Monday

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

Wednesday

Tuesday

March 10 – 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Business After Hours Mill City Grill 1260 Commerce Ave., Longview

Friday

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

March 13 – 7:30 a.m. Boot Camp Fraud Prevention, Internal & External LCC Heritage Room – Admin Building

Wednesday

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

March 4 – 1 to 7 p.m. Building Bridges Business Showcase Cowlitz Regional Conference Center 1900 7th Ave., Longview

Thursday

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

Friday

March 6 – 7:30 a.m. Boot Camp Workplace Violence, Safety and the Police LCC Heritage Room – Admin Building

Tuesday

Thursday

March 19 – 11:45 a.m. State of Education Quarterly Membership Luncheon Cowlitz Regional Conference Center 1900 7th Ave., Longview

Friday

March 20 – 7:30 a.m. Boot Camp Technology, Computers and Data Security LCC Heritage Room – Admin Building

Wednesday

March 25 – 11:30 a.m. Ribbon Cutting Habitat for Humanity 1323 S. 13th Ave., Kelso

Thursday

March 26 – Noon Ribbon Cutting Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities of SWWD 305 S. Pacific, Suite B, Kelso

Friday

March 27 – 7:30 a.m. Boot Camp Employee Theft & Theft from Business LCC Heritage Room – Admin Building

Every Wednesday

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

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.

Space is limited - Call today! 360-423-8400

E DEAARLY Feb DLINE Save . 13 th

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Ad Sizes

Ad Rates Full Page ...................................$2,230 2/3 Page ...................................$1,595 1/2 Page ...................................$1,235 1/3 Page ......................................$935 1/6 Page ......................................$715 1/12 Page ....................................$505 Additional listings in directory .......$55

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All ads are full color at no extra charge. Premium placement including back cover, inside cover, page 2, 3 and 4: add 15%

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1/3 Page

Mechanical Specifications Electronic Files • Should be emailed to bmarcum@kelsolongviewchamber.org • Please include your company name and publication in the subject line.

5.0833”w x 2.1875”h

2.4167”w x 2.1875”h

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Kelso

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ber of

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Com

merce

Direc

tory

Logos, Images, Photos • Formats: JPG, EPS, TIFF, PDF • Resolution must be 300 dpi. Images from the internet cannot be used. Full Files • PDF format, 300 dpi, with fonts embedded Images for Scanning • Photographs (up to 8.5” x 11”), stationery, menus, business cards, etc. • Artwork for scanning must be clear and unmarked • Digital artwork is preferred as this will give a higher quality result. If you have any questions regarding acceptable artwork, please call 360-423-8400 or email bmarcum@kelsolongviewchamber.org

105 Minor Road Kelso, WA 98626

360-423-8400 www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

2015 Small Business

BOOT CAMP Friday Mornings ★ Lower Columbia College

7:30 am - 9 am ★ Heritage Room at LCC - Admin. Bldg.

Six Pack

100 Member Price

160 Non-Member Price

Tools You Can Use to Help Your Business Lim

it 25 p Cam er p Se ssio n!

Immediately!!

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

BOARDMANSHIP six pack

g Brin r, … p u pe Sign ookkee r, ge rb you r mana you spouse e! r you a charg xtr no e

RETAILING six pack

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

Boot Camp

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

360-423-8400

Chamber Members Non-Chamber Members

100 per Six Pack

or $25 per Camp

160 per Six Pack

or $35 per Camp 25 maximum per Camp Session

www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

Kelso Longview Business Connection

March 2015

Boot Camp, from page 1

ness. The cost is $100 for all six classes, and you can bring up to three people from your business to attend, making the cost in that instance about $5.50 per class. How can you NOT take advantage of this? Where else can you spend $5.50 and gain information that can help your business be more successful?

you think is happening? Andy will be here to help you understand the process and how to move that process forward should you need to press charges. April 3, will be a class on protecting your image. Social media is part of business today. You load photos, logos, sales, event and business information for the world to see, but how do you protect your brand or image when so many have access to your business and the resources you use to attract customers? Have you ever received an e-mail that looked like it was from a business you knew? Only to click on the name and see it came from someone you have no idea who it is? How did they do that? How did they get that businesses e-mail list? How did you get singled out? Learn how to protect yourself, your brand and your image.

You can also sign up for individual classes, they are $25 each, and again you can bring up to three people from your business. So, don’t delay, call the Chamber, 360-423-8400, or go online at kelsolongviewchamaber.org to register. Session Two starts May 8 and it is on boardsmanship for our local non-profit organizations who need some help preparing board members for their role. Session Three starts September 11 and is about retailing, store and window displays, purchasing, pricing, promoting and more. The past two years we have helped more than 100 local businesses improve their knowledge toward business success. The time to grow your knowledge is now.

We will skip the week of April 10 as that is spring break and no one wants to be in class that week. The final class of the first session is scheduled for April 17. Bob Beal, State Farm Insurance, will facilitate this class. Every class this session is about issues that can drastically affect your business. In almost every case there is insurance that is available to protect your business against loss – loss of business, loss from theft, loss from being hacked, loss from employee violence, loss from fraud. Bob will explain what options there are for you and how these options can protect you from losing your business.

We look forward to handling your next real estate transaction. Our Escrow Team… Why Our Service is the Difference!

The most amazing part of all these classes is they are NOT $99 each; they are NOT in Portland or Seattle; and they ARE from 7:30 to 9 a.m. so you can get back to the business of doing busi-

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

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

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.

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

Title Insurance Escrow Service ■ Residential & Commercial ■ 1031 Exchange ■ Locally Owned

Bianca Lemmons VP/Manager/LPO

Deanna Cornelison Escrow Closer

Linda Comley Escrow Closer/LPO

Kristy Norman Escrow Assistant

Leah Stanley Escrow Assistant

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

Melinda Gottfryd Theresa Campbell Escrow Assistant/Typist Order Desk/Receptionist

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

Kelso Longview Business Connection

March 2015

There’s still time to build a bridge Building Bridges, the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce’s regional Business Showcase, happens a month earlier than past years, but the number of participants featuring their goods and services is expected to be bigger and broader. KapStone serves as presenting sponsor for the event, which will take place from 1 to 7 p.m. March 4 at the Cowlitz County Regional Conference Center. “It’s a great networking event,” said Chamber CEO Bill Marcum, not only for the general public, but noting the later hours to accommodate those store owners or small business owners who may not be able to have a table or booth there. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for all business owners and leaders to make connections to see what is being offered in the business communities of Kelso, Longview and the surrounding smaller communities and how we can build bridges between the services and products offered.” The Chamber has beefed up its marketing of the event. “We hope to have a nice turnout from the general public,” Marcum said. “Each year we try to make it bigger and better.” Close to 60 participants took advantage of early-registration covering everything from pets to printing and the Mall to Millennium. And, like past years, there are giveaways. New this year will be a grand prize giveaway of a $1,000 Vegas vacation and two Taste of the Town dining packages – equal to 10, $25 gift cards from various restaurants in Kelso and Longview like the Fire Mountain Grill, Shamrock Tavern and Grill, Mill City Grill, Grounds for Opportunity, Plaza Jalisco, Teri’s Restaurant, Red Lion, Kelso Theatre Pub, Back Stage Café, Lexi’s Pizza and Ashtown Brewing Co. Each participating business will also have a giveaway at their booth or table ranging from gift baskets to dinner certificates. The PeaceHealth St. Johns Medical Center will be giving away a Fitbit that tracks steps, sleep and calories burned. Marcum isn’t doing it on his own in the planning, he has received great support from the committee, especially Cal Dowd with Prographyx and Barb Sudar with Longview Urology and owner of Estetica Day Spa and the many sponsors. This year’s Major and Media sponsors include Bicoastal Media LLC, PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center, Prographyx, Millennium,

Attendees will be able to connect with more than 60 area businesses. Koelsch Senior Communities, onthemark associates, Twin City Bank, KUKN, KLOG and The Wave, C’s Photography, Minuteman Press, Global Images, Columbia River Reader and Valley Bugler. For more information contact the Chamber at 360-423-8400 or go online at www.kelsolongviewchamber.org.

Free Energy Audit •Thermal Imaging

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

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

March 2015

Cowlitz Economic Development Council

Numbers start to add up for Cowlitz County By Ted Sprague President – Cowlitz Economic Development Council

over the previous month, followed by education and health services (+2,100), and finance (+1,100). Leisure and hospitality lost 900 jobs, followed by information services and other services (-300 each). • Sales of new vehicles grew sharply, reaching a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 301,400 in December, which was 11.8 percent above a year prior. • State tax revenue collections exceeded the levels forecast by the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council in September, with levels over the past month 1.4 percent higher. Tax receipts show continued strong growth in retail sales tax (+7.6 percent) and B&O tax (+5 percent). At the Cowlitz Economic Development Council, we are seeing a sharp increase in clients and prospects looking at our area. These prospects not only include manufacturers, but a wide variety of commercial, retail and housing opportunities. Recruitment is a numbers game and with the increase in prospects it is our goal to turn them into successful expansions, relocations and start-ups.

As the economy continues its slow climb out of the deepest recession since the great depression, let’s take a glance inside some of the more relevant numbers for Washington State and Cowlitz County. • For the third quarter of 2014, Washington’s state personal income grew by 1.2 percent, the 7th fastest rate in the nation. Growth was driven primarily by an increase in earnings. Over the last year, Washington’s state personal income has risen 5.1 percent, the 5th highest rate in the nation. • Preliminary estimates show an increase of 7,600 jobs in December, while the unemployment rate was 6.3 percent. November’s preliminary employment figure was revised downward by 1,000, to a gain of 5,800. For Cowlitz County we saw an increase of 80 jobs and an unemployment rate of 8.9 percent. • Washington gained 82,900 jobs over the past year, of which 73,400 were in the private sector. Cowlitz County saw an increase of 590 jobs for the year. • Professional and business services led in job gains (+3,500)

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

Kelso Longview Business Connection

March 2015

Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council

Career exploration program connects health care jobs to future workforce By Julia Maglione Communications Manager Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council Health care is one of the region’s fastest growing industries. The average annual wage is higher than the regional average and provides a variety of career options for local students and workers in hospitals, medical/dental offices and residential care facilities, among others. While the need for health care employees grows, it’s sobering to note thousands of the region’s health care workers are nearing or at retirement age. As these employees leave the workforce, labor shortfalls are projected. To bridge the labor gap, we need to spark interest in the next generation and expose them to career opportunities and job options. Making the connection between industry and our young people is critical to ensuring adequate future workers. Thus was born Business After School, a program created by the Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council (SWWDC) and our partners at the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce, Cowlitz Economic Development Council, Lower Columbia College and partners in Clark County. The goal is to help high school-aged youth learn about and explore high-growth industries and gather information about career opportunities and skills they’ll need to obtain jobs. Business After School Health Care Week is May 4-6. For companies in the health care field, this is an excellent opportunity to open a dialogue with youth and young adults, ages 16 to 21, and let them know about your business and your industry. Health care companies are invited to host a two-hour afternoon event at their location. The business chooses the day and time that suits their needs. The number of events will be limited and companies will be signed up on a first-come, first-served

Business After School Industry Weeks 2015 • • •

Health care Week: May 4-6 Manufacturing Week: October 5-7 (proposed) Computer Science Week: December 7-9 (proposed)

basis. Participating businesses will provide company tours, handson activities and discuss types of jobs available, education and training requirements, salary ranges and opportunities at their company for job shadowing, summer employment, apprenticeships, internships and/or mentoring. Companies choose the sponsorship level that fits their company: $250, $500 or series sponsor $2,500. Companies interested in learning more should contact Chelsea Chunn, SWWDC’s Youth Initiatives Manager, at cchunn@ swwdc.org or 360-567-1066. Julia Maglione is Communications Manager at the SWWDC. She can be reached at jmaglione@swwdc.org or 360-567-3176.

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Quarterly Luncheon Cowlitz Regional Conference Center 1900 7th Avenue, Longview Thursday, March 19, 2015 11:45 a.m. -1:30 p.m. $25 advance/$35 at door

Kelso Schools

Lower Columbia College

Longview Schools

Superintendent

President

Superintendent

Glenn Gelbrich

Chris Bailey

Greg Kirsch

Please join us for our first 2015 Quarterly! Hear from Longview and Kelso School Superintendents and Lower Columbia College President on the current progress, challenges and opportunities with our local education system.

Kelso Longview Business Connection

March 2015

Business Toolbox

Should your business be a ‘benefit corp’? By Jerry D. Petrick Certified Business Adviser In the spirit of helping our local business leaders stay informed about the latest business trends I have chosen to share a little known business entity type that is catching on in various areas of the American economy. As a primer, I invite you to take a look and listen to this TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGnz-w9p5FU Below is an excerpt from the January 2011 edition of the Harvard Business Review article “Creating Shared Value” by Michael E. Porter and Mark R. Kramer. “The capitalist system is under siege. In recent years business increasingly has been viewed as a major cause of social, environmental, and economic problems. Companies are widely perceived to be prospering at the expense of the broader community. Even worse, the more business has begun to embrace corporate responsibility, the more it has been blamed for society’s failures. The legitimacy of business has fallen to levels not seen in recent history. This diminished trust in business leads political leaders to set policies that undermine competitiveness and sap economic growth. Business is caught in a vicious circle. Government and civil society have often exacerbated the problem by attempting to address social weaknesses at the expense of business. The presumed trade-offs between economic efficiency and social progress has been institutionalized in decades of policy choices. Companies must take the lead in bringing business and society back together. The recognition is there among sophisticated business and thought leaders, and promising elements of a new model are emerging. Yet we still lack an overall framework for guiding these efforts, and most companies remain stuck in a “social responsibility” mind-set in which societal issues are at the periphery, not the core. The solution lies in the principle of shared value, which involves creating economic value in a way that also creates value for society by addressing its needs and challenges. Businesses must reconnect company success with social progress. Shared value is not social responsibility, philanthropy, or even sustainability, but

a new way to achieve economic success. It is not on the margin of what companies do but at the center. We believe that it can give rise to the next major transformation of business thinking.

What Is “Shared Value”? A growing number of companies known for their hard-nosed approach to business – such as GE, Google, IBM, Intel, Johnson & Johnson, Nestlé, Unilever, and Wal-Mart – have already embarked on important efforts to create shared value by reconceiving the intersection between society and corporate performance. Realizing it will require leaders and managers to develop new skills and knowledge – such as a far deeper appreciation of societal needs, a greater understanding of the true bases of company productivity, and the ability to collaborate across profit/nonprofit boundaries. And government must learn how to regulate in ways that enable shared value rather than work against it. Capitalism is an unparalleled vehicle for meeting human needs, improving efficiency, creating jobs, and building wealth. But a narrow conception of capitalism has prevented business from harnessing its full potential to meet society’s broader challenges. The opportunities have been there all along but have been overlooked. Businesses acting as businesses, not as charitable donors, are the most powerful force for addressing the pressing issues we face. The moment for a new conception of capitalism is now; society’s needs are large and growing, while customers, employees, and a new generation of young people are asking business to step up. The purpose of the corporation must be redefined as creating shared value, not just profit per se. This will drive the next wave of innovation and productivity growth in the global economy. It will also reshape capitalism and its relationship to society. Perhaps most important of all, learning how to create shared value is our best chance to legitimize business again.

Please see Petrick, page 13

Kelso Longview Business Connection

Petrick, from page 12

Moving Beyond Trade-Offs Business and society have been pitted against each other for too long. That is in part because economists have legitimized the idea that to provide societal benefits, companies must temper their economic success. In neoclassical thinking, a requirement for social improvement – such as safety or hiring the disabled – imposes a constraint on the corporation. Adding a constraint to a firm that is already maximizing profits, says the theory, will inevitably raise costs and reduce those profits.

Blurring the Profit/Nonprofit Boundary The concept of shared value, in contrast, recognizes that societal needs, not just conventional economic needs, define markets. It also recognizes that social harms or weaknesses frequently create internal costs for firms – such as wasted energy or raw materials, costly accidents, and the need for remedial training to compensate for inadequacies in education. And addressing societal harms and constraints does not necessarily raise costs for firms, because they can innovate through using new technologies, operating methods, and management approaches – and as a result, increase their productivity and expand their markets.” Many business owners have gone through the effort to determine what type of entity structure to create for their business. Should it be: LLC, C Corp, S Corp, Sole Proprietorship, etc.? There is an emerging new option to consider…a ‘B Corp’ – a Benefit Corporation.

What is a B Corp? Certified B Corporations are a new type of corporation which uses the power of business to solve social and environmental problems. B Lab, a nonprofit organization, certifies B Corporations, the same way TransFair certifies Fair Trade coffee or USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council) certifies LEED buildings. B Corps, unlike traditional businesses: • Meet comprehensive and transparent social and environmental performance standards; • Meet higher legal accountability standards; • Build business constituency for public policies that support sustainable business. There are more than 1,050 Certified B Corporations across 60 dif-

March 2015

ferent industries. From food and apparel for you and your family to attorneys and office supplies for your business, B Corporations are a diverse community with one unifying goal: to redefine success in business. Through a company’s public B Impact Report, anyone can access performance data about the social and environmental practices that stand behind their products.

Benefits of Becoming a B Corporation

Differentiate Your Brand The B Corp Certification is a third party certification consumers can trust. Show you’re a good company and step above those with just good marketing. B Corporations are reaching more than 17 million conscious consumers through a community brand campaign and are a strong presence at conferences, exhibitions and events. Maintain Mission The B Corp Legal Framework protects a company’s mission. Directors are protected to consider non-financial interests and the mission is preserved throughout changes in management, capital and ownership. Additionally, B Corps have increased accountability to shareholders to uphold a new standard of conduct without increasing liability to non-shareholders. Save money Take advantage of the growing number of partnerships that deliver immediate financial value. B Lab has saved B Corps more than $1MM in annually recurring savings through more than 40 service partnerships (i.e. significant discounts on Salesforce.com, NetSuite, B2B services, Yale SOM loan forgiveness program and more). Generate Press B Corporations are receiving growing attention from the media. The community was featured in more than 150 articles in 2010 across a range of publications. Build a Movement The community of B Corps is leading the movement toward a new economy. B Corps set the example for a better way to do business and are a powerful constituency to create a new corporate form, the Benefit Corporation. For more information on B Corps visit www.bcorporation.net This article was compiled by Jerry D. Petrick, Business Adviser, Washington State University Small Business Development Center in Longview. Jerry can be contacted via e-mail jerry.petrick@wsbdc.org

Kelso Longview Business Connection

March 2015

Council of Governments

Community thoughts welcome as part of transportation planning By Bill Fashing Executive Director – Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments The Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments (COG) has begun efforts to complete a major update of the 20-year transportation plan serving the entire region. The Metropolitan/Regional Transportation Plan (M/RTP) will be considered by the COG Board late this year. The M/RTP is a planning document that establishes the strategic framework for meeting the existing and future transportation needs of our region. This long-range plan serves as a link between cities, county and state transportation planning efforts for the Longview-Kelso-Rainier, Oregon Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and the Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Planning Organization (SWRTPO). The SWRTPO covers a five-county area, including Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Lewis, Pacific and Wahkiakum counties. This M/RTP is a combined document that covers both these urban and rural areas in an effort to provide a comprehensive vision of the entire region. This document meets both the state planning requirements of the Growth Management Act (GMA), where applicable, and the federal requirements of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21). The five counties of the SWRTPO region face a future where success is directly related to its transportation system. The highway, marine, rail and trail improvements are key components for the redevelopment of the economic base of these counties. The need to modernize connections, update safety features and develop the partnerships necessary to be successful is critical. Long-range transportation planning activities will continue to stress the importance of transportation and investment in the regional system that will allow these counties the opportunity to thrive. The plan provides for the consideration and implementation of projects, strategies, and services that will address the following federal metropolitan planning factors of MAP-21. Focal areas include efforts to: • Support the economic vitality of the metropolitan area especially by enabling global competitiveness, productivity, and

efficiency; • Increase the safety of the transportation system for motorized and non-motorized users; • Increase the security of the transportation system for motorized and non-motorized users; • Increase the accessibility and mobility options available to people and for freight; • Protect and enhance the environment, promote energy conservation, improve quality of life, promote consistency between transportation improvements and State and local planned growth and economic development patterns; • Enhance the integration and connectivity of the transportation system, across and between modes for people and freight; • Promote efficient system management and operation; • Emphasize the preservation of the existing transportation system. An intended outcome of the M/RTP process is informed and involved citizens, who have the opportunity to participate in and influence the decision-making process prior to commitments to specific proposals. Another goal is community support for projects and programs through early identification and resolution of issues and removal of potential barriers to successful implementation. We welcome your thoughts and suggestions on the development of the M/RTP over the coming months.

TUNE IN every Wednesday Your Chamber Connection

KEDO AM 1400 – 3 to 4 p.m. Contact the Chamber to schedule YOUR 10-minute business spotlight

LCP St. Paddyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bingo Night Hosted by:

Date: Thursday, March 19, 2015 Location: American Legion (1250 12th Ave., Longview) Time: Doors open at 5 (First game starts at 5:30 p.m.)

Cost: $20 Register at: www.kelsolongviewchamber.org Get lucky at our festive Spring event filled with food, beverage, prizes, 50/50 raffle, and of course 10 games of BINGO! 100% of the proceeds go to the LCP Scholarship Fund to benefit local graduating high school seniors in Cowlitz County.

Kelso Longview Business Connection

March 2015

Developing the Best of the Best By Chuck Nau Retail Consultant and Sales and Management Trainer Murray & Nau, Inc.

new employee or employees... • First and foremost, reiterate to your new employee why she was hired. In some cases, it may be not only to sell but also to assist you as a manager in motivating and encouraging your organization to take risks (...she's high spirited, willing to take risks). Then again, in addition to selling, her role may be to slow down, bring some maturity to a young, impulsive sales team (...she's a seasoned salesperson who has sold in the a variety of small retail and service provider arena). Be sure to share your vision for your team and identify her role within the team. • Clarify that he understands your performance expectations. This is an excellent opportunity for you to review with him a written job description of his new position. Also outline how YOU will support his performance (... are your rewards based on performance, NOT effort?) plus what coaching and training you and your team (whether it's managers or some of his peers,) anticipate contributing to assure his success. Don’t overlook sharing your expectations matched with your contributions to his career expectations for personal development and growth. • Encourage and reassure your new employee that open and honest communication exists within your organization...what's your availability and that of other key managers at your business? When questions or problems arise, be sure she understands and is encourage to bring them forward to you or other managers for timely resolution and feedback. Give your permission to your employees to ask questions, to explore a new opportunity or method, to act on their own initiative. Encourage ALL of your employees to give honest and timely feedback thereby eliminating innuendoes, rumors and confusion while reinforcing excellence. • Outline your business’ structured feedback (e.g. performance reviews) and steps when his performance (your expectations) or his expectations (your performance) are not in agreement. What needs to happen, how, and when? Clarify again that goals are specific, measurable, agreed upon, realistic, and timely. Encourage risk taking by articulating again and again, that support in failure is available on your team. Don’t hesitate to offer direction and guidance and BUILD on your successes, rather than learning from your mistakes!

This month and running through October, YOUR Chamber will be offering the first of three sessions of their 2015 Small Business Boot Camp. This first session titled “Safety and Security Six Pack” offers a variety of tools for you and your employees to consider and use when interacting with your customers, vendors and each other. As an entree into all of the valuable information the Chamber’s upcoming Boot Camp will offer and as a possible prompt for you to consider, if you have not signed up already, to attend and participate in the 2015 Small Business Boot Camp let’s explore some current thinking on hiring and developing the Best of the Best... Why do individuals look to a local small business, your small business, for employment? Although compensation and benefits are important, many new employees joining a small business have indicated that status in the community, opportunity for career development (e.g. training – BOTH onsite and within the industry), flexible hours, an immediate contribution (...and recognition!) to their small business owner and their community are important. In some cases, being passionate about developing and subsequently pursuing a specific career path (e.g. helping people, making a difference, giving forward, being a vital part of the local community) in a small business may be even more important than their interest in small business, retailing or providing a needed service. What do new employees expect with their employment at your small business? Newly hired employees, needless to say, hope to achieve many of those things (as outlined above) that initially interested them in a locally owned small business. As an owner, manager or supervisor you have learned and (long ago!) recognized the importance of fostering an environment of open and honest communication. Along with that two way dialogue comes a strong, supportive, and encouraging attitude that inspires creativity, risk taking and high motivation by building confidence. Helping your employees develop confidence leads to a mutual trust, which in turn generates employee satisfaction. With all of this in mind, allow me to reiterate some strategies for building an open, fair and long lasting relationship with a

Please see Nau, page 17

Kelso Longview Business Connection

March 2015

Nau, from page 16

the Chamber’s Small Business Boot Camps, it’s probably not too

• Reinforce the vision and journey that you, your business and your team (...including, of course, your newest employee!) have embarked upon. Everyday, you and your team are striving to foster an environment of open and honest communication, with a strong, supportive, and encouraging attitude, which inspires creativity, risk taking and high motivation. Share with her that your organization is still learning...when you are uncomfortable, you are growing! Let her know that it is OK for her, as it is for ALL your staff, to openly and honestly communicate to each other...at times, being the giver of constructive comments and at other times, being the receiver of constructive comments. Reiterate again and again that teamwork in planning, problem solving, and increased responsibility enhances individual growth and contribution, thereby assuring your business’ growth and success (e.g. job security for all!) Don’t forget, like some of the best symphonies, some of the best employee relationships we have are unfinished! ...and lest I neglect to mention again. If you haven’t registered for

late to give Bill a call (360-423-8400) and register and participate. Your fellow small business owners would love to learn from you as you learn from them! © 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.

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

March 2015

Ribbon Cuttings

Great Time Chamber Ambassadors took time to welcome Minuteman Press with a ribbon cutting at their new location February 12. The printing business is now located at 402 W. Main St., Kelso.

A Cut Above Mill City Grill received its official opening from the Chamber at its 1260 Commerce Ave., Longview, location February 4.

ď&#x20AC;´ Watch the Video

Kelso Longview Business Connection

March 2015

Ribbon Cutting

ď&#x20AC;´ Watch the Video

Smile! Matthew E. Lesh, DMD, staff and Chamber Ambassadors were showing off their pearly whites at the Dream Dentistry, 950 14th Ave., Longview, open house February 20.

Diane Loback, Diane Craft, Pam Fierst, Lonnie Knowles, Nicole Brooks and Eric McCrandall were laughing under these fake smiles.

Kelso Longview Business Connection

March 2015

Lower Columbia College

The role of the community in LCC operations By Chris Bailey President – Lower Columbia College Community colleges, also called two-year colleges, differ from other types of higher education institutions in many ways. First and foremost, students don’t have to go through a competitive application process before enrolling. Tuition and fees are substantially lower than public universities, and generally located much closer to home. Additionally, two-year colleges provide a comprehensive array of programs and services to meet the needs of the communities they serve. This includes both credit and non-credit offerings in everything from English as a Second Language to advanced mathematics. The role of the community in our operations is critical in many respects, two of which I would like to highlight here. First is the role of community volunteers in our ProfessionalTechnical Advisory Committees. RCW 28B.50.252 says that each college offering vocational educational programs must have local advisory committees to provide the college with advice on current job needs and on the courses necessary to meet those needs. Committee members participate in such activities as determining program goals and evaluating program effectiveness. The law further states that membership should consist of representatives of business, industry and labor who reflect the community. Lower Columbia College (LCC) sees this collaboration with our business, industry, labor and community partners as a critical step in effectively preparing students for success in their chosen career. Advisory committees are made up of volunteers who give their time, talent and expertise to help us improve our programs and services. The “real world” input we receive from committee members is vitally important to maintaining alignment between college programs and the ever-changing labor market. Although our advisory committees have been in place for a long time, we are continuously seeking ways to increase participation and make the input they provide more robust. To that end, we are currently recruiting volunteers to serve on advisory committees for the following programs: Automotive Technology, Business Technology, Chemical Dependency Studies, Com-

puter Science/Information Technology, Early Childhood Education, and Machine Trades/Manufacturing. If you would like to learn more or volunteer, please contact Tamra Bell at tbell@ lowercolumbia.edu or 360-442-2621. The second thing I’d like to highlight is the role of community input in evaluating the effectiveness and quality of our programs and services. We routinely collect feedback from the community in a variety of ways, both onand off-campus. Perhaps the most comprehensive tool we use for this purpose is a Community Perception Survey, administered every three years. Specifically, the Community Perception Survey was developed to help us get a high-level read on our constituents’ satisfaction with each of our mission areas. Let me elaborate on what I mean by “mission areas.” As noted above, we are a comprehensive community college. Our mission can be broken down into four key areas of service that we generally refer to as “Core Themes.” These include: • Workforce and Economic Development. This includes providing workforce education for employment, skills enhancement and career development in addition to partnering with the community to provide customized programs and services. • Transfer and Academic Preparation. Specifically, this encompasses helping students who are not prepared for college level work (including Adult Basic Education) as well as preparing students for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. • Student Access, Support and Completion. This includes offering a comprehensive array of programs and services to meet the diverse needs of our community, in addition to providing the support services needed to help our students achieve their educational goals. • Institutional Excellence. This broadly-named theme includes a commitment to investing in our campus, students and employees. Additionally, it covers LCC’s contributions to the academic and cultural enrichment of the community.

Please see LCC, page 21

Kelso Longview Business Connection

March 2015

LCC, from page 20

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Our purpose in administering the Community Perception Survey is to measure public perception of different elements of our Core Themes. For each of the areas noted above, our goal is a satisfaction rate of 95 percent or greater. The last time we administered the survey was in academic year 2011-12. At that time, we fell below our target in two areas: Adult Basic Education (93 percent satisfied) and customized programs and services (88 percent satisfied). Since that time, we have taken significant actions in both areas. In the Adult Basic Education realm, we were early adopters of a new High School 21+ Program for adults over 21 years of age interested in earning a high school diploma. The program is quite different than traditional high school completion programs, particularly in regard to recognition of life competency as a mode of learning (in addition to classroom time and tests). LCC ran its first pilot of the program in summer 2013 and graduated 107 students by the following spring. The program continues to grow in success and popularity. For more information about the High School 21+ Program, please contact Rachel Mistic at rmistic@ lowercolumbia.edu or 360-442-2580. In the area of customized programs and services, the new Lower Columbia Business & Industry Center just entered its second year of operation. With support from the LCC Foundation, we have provided customized training for such partners as the Cowlitz PUD, NORPAC, KapStone, Swanson Bark, and Cowlitz County. In the near future, we will deliver leadership training to a statewide law enforcement audience facilitated through the Lewis County Sheriff ’s Office. For more information about the Lower Columbia Business & Industry Center, please contact Hahli Clark at hclark@lowercolumbia.edu or 360- 442-2611. My purpose in sharing these developments with you is to demonstrate our commitment to continuous improvement, and to ask for your help. It’s time for our triennial Community Perception Survey. Please click here to take the survey and share your impressions of how well LCC is doing in each of its mission areas. The 24 question survey takes about 5 minutes to complete. To encourage people to respond, we will be giving away a $100 gift card to one randomly selected survey respondent. For questions about the survey, please contact Wendy Hall at whall@lowercolumbia. edu or 360-442-2491.

Kelso Longview Business Connection

March 2015

Longview Downtown Partnership

Glamstruck – designs like you give a glam By Alice Dietz President – Longview Downtown Partnership Michealena Perry moved to the area from Las Vegas and brought with her an undeniable style. She opened Glamstruck Boutique at 1314 Commerce Ave., and if you haven’t been in, you’re missing out on an incredible experience. I have had a number of people request that we recruit highend stores to downtown and Glamstruck is just that. Glamstruck carries a number of unique items to decorate your home including locally crafted items. Stepping inside her boutique you feel like you’ve been transported to another world. Glamstruck’s hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday. We had our Downtown Partnership social at her shop recently and it was in-

credible how many people come in after work and dinner. I’m excited that we are beginning to see this trend of extending the hours of operation because it fits in with the downtown lifestyle and expands the diversity of things to do downtown. It’s nice to see couples come into shop after enjoying a meal at one of the many restaurants in downtown Longview. Please join the Longview Downtown Partnership (LDP) for our social on March 17 at Guse’s Coffee Roasters from 5:30 to 7 p.m. For more information on the LDP, or to become a member, check out our website www.myldp.org

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Apply Now! Deadline March 13th! The Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce recognizes that the skills required of businesses today typically demand post secondary education, and has identified that many students in our area are in need of financial assistance in acquiring additional education after completion of high school. As a business organization, benefiting from the contributions the educational system has provided us; we need to assist students in their endeavor to improve their skills for the workforce of tomorrow. Students can apply for the Maria Harris Scholarship or the Lower Columbia Professionals Scholarship on the Kelso Longview Chamber website: www.kelsolongviewchamber.org/applications/scholarship-information AMOUNT It is the intent of this program to award scholarships in the amount of $500 or more. As the funds for these scholarships are based upon the voluntary contributions of our members, the actual amount is dependent upon the level of contributions to the scholarship fund. CRITERIA  The scholarship is to be used at a post secondary institution for tuition.  The student/applicant must be a resident of Cowlitz County.  The student/applicant must demonstrate financial need.  The student applicant must have a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.25 or better.  The student applicant must submit 3 letters of Character Reference from a parent or family member, a friend or community member and one educator. Letter should address character, personality, and academic or community involvement.  The student applicant must describe future education goals, plans for financing your education and community involvement.  The scholarship award must be used within one calendar year of the following term.

Kelso Longview Business Connection

March 2015

Business After Hours

The Partridges – Ryan, John, Spencer and Todd

Local musician Avi Haviv entertained the crowd.

Good Times More than 180 guests attended the Chamber’s February Business After Hours. The Partridge Family and PNE Corporation hosted a wonderful evening of fabulous food, beverages and music.

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

Tuesday, March 10th 5:30 p.m. To 7:30 p.m.

An evening you won’t want to miss! Parking in back lot 1260 Commerce Ave., LV

Featuring Area Breweries and Wineries Live Music  Door Prizes  Wood Fire Appetizers

Cost: $15 advance / $20 at door Register at : www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

Kelso Longview Business Connection

March 2015

Mind Your Own Business (at the Library)

Books to brighten rainy days and business By Chris Skaugset Director – Longview Public Library With the way the weather has been this winter, I know that it is difficult for any of us to want to spend any time indoors. However, I also know that the rain is coming (if it’s not already here by the time you are reading this column) and when it does here are a few of the more recent titles that a business owner or budding entrepreneur might find interesting and useful. Just remember the library is here to help you in any way we can, whether its books, access to computers and Wi-Fi, or online access to ebooks and online databases such as Consumer Reports, the Automotive Repair Center, or Reference USA. If there are other ways we can be of help to you, please don’t hesitate to contact me and let me know. The first book’s title says it all. “Start Your Own Business: The Only Startup Book You’ll Ever Need” by the staff of Entrepreneur Magazine. If you’re looking to start a small business you can’t go wrong as you are tapping into more than 30 years of small business experience and expertise. This book will take today’s entrepreneurs through the process of getting their doors open and beyond with a look at the first three years of ownership. This newly revised edition of a small business classic has updated sections on choosing what business to open, adding business partners, finding funding, and managing the business and its employees. It also includes help understanding the latest tax and healthcare reform information and the legalities involved in both. This book will help nearly anyone who is interested in starting a small business or even someone who just wants to dip their toe in and find out what is needed to make their dreams become reality. Perhaps nothing has changed more in the last few years than the real estate market, especially with the changes due to the explosion of the online real estate market. There is perhaps no one better qualified to walk you through the changing real estate market than Zillow CEO Spencer Rascoff and their Chief Economist Stan Humphries in their work "Zillow Talk: The New Rules of Real Estate." With the wealth of data at their disposal, the authors debunk

much of the conventional wisdom surrounding real estate. The book is filled with loads of practical and fascinating advice for both the real estate professional as well as the average person just looking to find the right roof to put over their head, this book will help anyone come into the current realities of real estate. The bestselling authors of “Abundance” return with their new book, “Bold: How to Go Big, Achieve Success, and Impact the World,” declaring that the future is now and we all need to figure out how to take advantage of it. Peter Diamandis, the CEO of the educational nonprofit X Prize, and journalist Steven Kotler introduce readers to the concept of exponential technology that applies to any field that is “doubling in power on a regular basis.” Some of the fields that currently fit this definition are robotics, genomics and nanotechnology. They also discuss moonshot thinking, or the idea of thinking big and bold, and the development of crowd-powered tools that can make it all happen. The book is aimed at entrepreneurs, activists and other leaders and to help them learn how to move quickly from idea to execution, all while bettering the world. Ultimately, the authors show that technology gives us some of the greatest tools that we have ever had, but what we still need are the leaders to use those tools to turn ideas into reality. Join me next month when I’ll discuss a whole lot of new things that are coming to your local library.

Looking for staff? Express can help! Express can help you find, screen, test, hire, train & motivate your employees. 360.414.1200 • www.expresspros.com 26

Kelso Longview Business Connection

March 2015

Ambassador of the Month

Chamber spotlights McCrandall and his dedication as a Red Coat Eric McCrandall has been named the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Month for February. McCrandall, who last earned the honor in September 2014, is the facilities manager for Drug Abuse Prevention Center, also known as DAPC. He has been with DAPC for 10 years and in his current position the past six. Originally from Michigan, McCrandall served four years in the Army before moving to Washington state. In addition to his work with the Chamber Ambassadors, he sits on the Community House board and volunteers with the Emergency Support Shelter, United Way, and the local Sandblaster event. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, archery and spending time outdoors. Chamber Ambassadors, known as The Red Coats, are an in-

tegral part of the Chamber of Commerce. The Ambassador team is made up of active Chamber volunFebruary teers whose responsibilities include Eric McCrandall meeting and greeting at Chamber Drug Abuse Prevention Center events, welcoming new members and assisting at ribbon cuttings and community events. Ambassadors juggle busy professional careers while making time to assist the Chamber at a variety of events year long. If you would be interested in wearing a red coat and representing the Chamber, contact CEO Bill Marcum at the Chamber office.

EmploymEnt law

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

March 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.

* The Soap Factory * Longview Outdoor Gallery * Toledo Tel * The Package Depot * Construction Workers Christian Fellowship * Lower Columbia Contractors Association

• Annual Meeting and Banquet • Networking Events • 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 28

Kelso Longview Business Connection

March 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

*The Golden Palace

*Beacon Hill Sewer District

*The Red Hat

*Cascade Title Company

*Three Rivers Eye Care

*CCS

*Walstead Mertsching, PS

*City of Kelso

*Watkins Tractor & Supply Co.

*City of Longview

OUR LATEST ADDITIONS

*Comcast Spotlight

*Acupuncture Northwest

*Costco Wholesale

*Budget Blinds of Longview

*Cowlitz County *Cowlitz County CASA

*Columbia Bank

*Cowlitz County P.U.D.

*Columbia Funeral Service

*Cowlitz County Title Company

*Columbia River Carpet One

*Cowlitz Wahkiakum Council of Governments

*Columbia River Mill Outlet

*David E. Houten, DDS

*Compendium Consulting

*Diamond Showcase

*Continental Investors Services, Inc.

*Document Management Archives

*Cowlitz County Guidance Association

*Dorothy Bain Hanson

*DeFrancisco Lampitt and Brado PS

*Emerald Kalama Chemical

*DSU Peterbilt

*Express Employment Professionals

*Estetica Day Spa

*Freddy’s Just for The Halibut *Gordon Sondker

*Fire Mountain Grill & Summerland Catering Services

*Interwest Benefit Consultants

*G L Booth – JG Davis & Associates

*KapStone

*Green Hills Crematory – Cascade NW Funeral Chapel

*Koelsch Senior Communities

*Kay Green

*L.G. Isaacson Company

*Signature Transport, Inc.

*Longview Memorial Park, Funeral Home & Crematory

*State Farm Insurance – Scott Fischer

*Lower Columbia College

*Teague’s Interiors

*Miller Paint

*Diamond Residential

*Onthemark Associates

*Applied Application

*Pacific Tech Construction, Inc.

*Broderick Gallery

*Port of Longview *Rodman Realty, Inc.

*American Legion

*Steel Painters/Railco

*Coleman Cellular

*Swanson Bark & Wood Products, Inc.

*Port of Woodland

Kelso Longview Business Connection

March 2015

Kelso

Longview

Plenty of needs for extra money

Transportation drives our local economy

By Mayor David Futcher

By City Councilman Ken Botero

We've got strong financial managers in Kelso. We've never been a rich city, but our staff has helped make sure that we rarely get surprised with bad financial news. In fact, we ended 2014 with several hundred thousand dollars more than we had expected. One can debate whether even a “good” surprise like this is beneficial, but I assure you we’d rather find out we’ve got a bit more than we wanted than a bit less.

Transportation’s link to our local economic development is vital to our success. Roadways, ports, and railways are all necessary for a strong economic future, providing access to businesses, jobs, and world markets, as well as moving freight and commerce. Longview is in a prime location for all of the factors facing a strong and improved economy with our Port of Longview, the I-5 corridor, the rail system and the connection between Washington and Oregon with our 432-433 Corridor.

As you might expect, once the surplus was discovered, our departments had plenty of ideas on how it could be used. The council is working on prioritizing requests such as the following: •

Accounting software upgrade to provide more efficient claims processing – $20,000.

•

Adding an administrative sergeant to the police department to help cover work formerly done by a lost captain’s position – $95,000/year.

•

Replacing police radios, allowing a switch to a more dependable digital radio system – $49,000.

•

Developing better public records retention and disposal processes – $25,000.

•

Adding a position at the library, resulting in later and Saturday hour expansion – $49,000/year.

•

Special projects manager in the Community Development Department to help with blight, economic development, and community renewal – $93,000/year.

•

Develop performance management metrics to help gauge efficiency – $30,000.

A report by the Washington Competitiveness Council states: “The most important competitive investment the state of Washington can make is to improve its transportation infrastructure. Washington’s currently overwhelmed transportation system threatens jobs and economic vitality, wastes people’s time and money, diminishes quality of life, and degrades our environment.” Research shows that transportation is linked to the economic health of a locality, state, or region. Transportation infrastructure is a necessary, but not sufficient factor for economic development. Transportation investments alone cannot prescribe the duration or magnitude of a specific economic improvement. Other factors are important and may overshadow the transportation investment. According to the Washington Department of Transportation: “Transportation benefits are grouped into four categories: A) Basic User Benefits/improving safety, reducing delay, and lowering operating and production costs. These are experienced directly by travelers and businesses. B) JOBS, Project Construction, and the Multiplier Effect/ the workforce that designs and builds transportation proj-

Please see Kelso, page 31

Please see Longview, page 31

Kelso Longview Business Connection

March 2015

Longview, from page 30

local or regional economies to compete in larger areas of state and world markets. Producers have greater opportunities to capitalize on their natural assets whether it is labor force, tourism, or other competitive advantages. Transportation access is necessary for the expansion of homegrown industries and the attraction of new industries.”

ects sees a direct benefit as additional funding for transportation projects is secured. Economists also show that there is an indirect benefit, or multiplier effect. Transportation infrastructure investment supports high paying jobs in the professional and construction sectors of the economy as well as additional jobs in the sectors that support transportation construction through the purchase of goods and services.

Please take a few minutes to think about the economic future of our community and our quality of place. How does a transportation package benefit Longview and the surrounding communities including Oregon? If we seriously contemplate the four categories listed by the Washington Department of Transportation, can we see a positive result mainly in the 432-433 Corridor program? Jobs, construction, access to more opportunity to create new markets? Talk to our legislators and keep them informed as to YOUR concerns and hold them accountable.

C) Statewide Economic Productivity Increases/transportation investments have linked producers to new markets leading to statewide productivity increases and economic growth and expansion. Continued investment has contributed to improved business efficiency through new practices such as just–in–time delivery. D) Local and Regional Economic Development/MOST importantly, transportation provides access and opportunities for

Have an awesome month and a positive outlook.

Kelso, from page 30 •

Update city administrative policies and procedures – $25,000.

•

More street repairs – $50,000.

Of course, we first have to decide exactly how much we’re comfortable spending in the first place. That’s a balancing act. The guy who says, keep more and spend less may never be wrong, but he might not be providing the services the community is funding. Facilitating Growth Through Leadership and Action

We are a membership based not-for-profit organization. Join us today! Resources • Access • Partnerships

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

Kelso Longview Business Connection

March 2015

PeaceHealth

Take heart health action steps Every day of your life, you march to the beat of your own special drummer: your heart. To help keep your personal percussionist in tip-top shape in 2015 and beyond, give these suggestions a try. Chill out. Stress can lead to high blood pressure, inactivity, overeating and smoking. All of this is hard on your heart. For healthy stress relief, spend at least 15 minutes a day engaged in a hobby or other activity that makes you happy.

and 1 cup, or about the size of a woman’s fist. Laugh a lot. Laughter lowers stress, reduces inflammation in the arteries and even increases HDL—the good cholesterol. So read a few jokes or watch a funny movie and LOL!

Measure up. Excess body weight, particularly in your belly, can strain your heart. If you’re a woman, work to whittle down your middle if it’s more than 35 inches around. For men, more than 40 inches is a red flag.

Be a social butterfly. Lonely people are at increased risk for high blood pressure. To lower yours, make some new connections: Join a book club, volunteer at a senior center or start a neighborhood hiking group.

Make a fist. Too much of even the best foods can make you pack on pounds. To control portions and avoid overeating, downsize your dinner plates. Then keep individual servings to between ½

Have a pet. Spending time with a four-footed friend may lower

Please see PeaceHealth, page 36

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

March 2015

Chamber Connections

Radio Stars Each Wednesday Chamber members like Josh Gallup from Service Master Restore have the opportunity to join hosts Carey Mackey, Red Canoe Credit Union, and Lonnie Knowles, Stewart Title, on air at KEDO for the one-hour Chamber Connections show.

Kelli Sweet and Christina Marneris from Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities of Southwest Washington.

Diane Craft updated listeners on the happenings at Koelsch Senior Communities. Craft is also currently serving as the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce president.

Susan Brookfield, Altrusa of Cowlitz County, talking about the annual Spellebration March 6 at the Kelso Theatre Pub.

Kelso Longview Business Connection

March 2015

In the News

Head Start celebrates 50th anniversary with friends and April 21 dinner

Join supporters in celebrating Head Startâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 50th anniversary from 5:30 to 8 p.m. April 21 at the Cowlitz County Regional Conference Center. Evening events include special presentations and slideshows, music, a Northwest buffet dinner and no-host bar. Preregistration is required by April 15. If you are interested in sponsoring a table of eight, please call Leeann Curry at 360-442-2840. For more information visit www.lowercolumbia.edu

PeaceHealth helps promote heart health with walk around Lake Sacajawea

Join PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center and the American Heart Association for a walk to inspire healthy behaviors and raise funds to help fight heart disease and stroke. The 5K (3.1 mile) Heart and Stroke Walk, presented by PeaceHealth, Subway and Red Ca-

noe Credit Union, is set for May 9 at Lake Sacajawea. The festival opens at 8:30 a.m. The walk begins at 9:30. Registration is free go to http://portlandheartwalk.kintera.org/phsj for information or call 360-414-7600.

Fibre Federal looking for volunteers to help with student financial reality fair

Fibre Federal Credit Union is hosting a financial reality fair for approximately 500 local high school students and needs your help as volunteers. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a hands-on budgeting simulation that teaches students about saving, prioritizing, credit cards, predatory lenders and more. Volunteers do not have to be a master of their own finances to help. This is an opportunity to use your experience to guide students toward a more successful future.

Please see News, page 35

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

March 2015

In the News

Red Canoe Credit Union welcomes Kelso native Mike Lemmons

News, from page 34 There are three sessions: March 31, volunteers arrive at 8:30 a.m. fair runs from 9:15 to 11:30 a.m.; Session 2, also on March 31, volunteers arrive at 11:30 a.m., fair is from noon to 2:15 p.m.; April 1, volunteers arrive at noon, fair is from 12:45 to 2:45 p.m.; Session 3, April 2, volunteers arrive at 7:30 a.m., fair runs from 8:15 to 10:45 a.m.; Session 2, volunteers arrive at 11:15 a.m. and fair goes from noon to 2:20 p.m. Coffee, pastries and lunch will be provided for volunteers. Volunteers can help with more than one session, but do not have to work both sessions in one day. For information or to volunteer contact Shannon Cahoon at scahoon@fibrecu.com or 360-575-5728.

Red Canoe Credit Union welcomes Mike Lemmons to its Home Lending team. A Kelso native, Lemmons graduated from Kelso High School before earning his bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington. Since returning to Cowlitz County in 1998, he and his wife Bianca have enjoyed being active members of the Kelso-Longview community. For more than 25 years, Lemmons has dedicated himself to providing honest and sound mortgage advice. He’s used his extensive experience, knowledge and passion to save many homeowners time and money. Call Lemmons at 360-578-5309 to discuss financing needs and goals.

Longview Parks and Recreation joins state and others for Kid's Fish-In program

Cowlitz County Community Report Card available for review soon

This statewide program was created to provide more fishing opportunities for youth in the state of Washington. The Martin’s Dock fishing area will be netted with trout. Each participant will receive a Zebco rod and reel. Kid’s Fish-In is conducted by Longview Parks and Recreation, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Cowlitz Game and Anglers, Mt. St. Helens Bassmasters, and Lower Columbia Fly Fishers Association. Along with experienced fishermen, they will instruct and help the participants. Fish-In registration forms are available at the recreation office and online at www.mylongview. com/recreation. Registration will not be accepted at the event, the cost is $8 a child. Space is limited to first 400. Each session starts on the hour beginning at 8 a.m. with the last session starting at 2 p.m. Call Longview Recreation at 360-442-5400 for details.

The 2015 Cowlitz County Community Report Card, and its new electronic version accessible to anyone in the community, will roll out May 19 with an informational gathering. The event will be an evening of food and the latest information on the area's economic viality, health, education, access to healthy food, social cohesion, and new this year, housing. Presenters will also look at trends in the county as seen through the eyes of children, families and the elderly. The event will take place at the Cowlitz County Regional Confer-

Please see News, page 36

Kelso Longview Business Connection

March 2015

In the News News, from page 35 ence Center in Longview. For more details, or an opportunity to help sponsor this event called Pathways 2020, call 360-423-8704.

Grab a shovel and dig into helping Kelso beautify the Allen Street Bridge area

The City of Kelso needs volunteers to help plant flowers, trees, and shrubs around the Allen Street Bridge as part of its ongoing efforts to beautify the downtown area and enhance public spaces. Volunteers are encouraged to bring spades, shovels, and gloves in a display of Kelso pride! Groups will meet at Bridge Market Lane and South Pacific Avenue (public parking lot behind Furness Drugs) for two sessions. The first is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 6 and the second is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 7.

Chamber offers breakfast for business owners to connect with legislators

Begin each work week catching up with discussions and decisions being made in Olympia that impact local business at the Chamber of Commerce's Legislative Briefing Breakfast. Every Monday at 7 a.m. through the end of the Legislative session (April 27) the group meets at the Red Lion Hotel in the Birch Room. Each week, contact is made with local legislators, either in person or by conference call, to update business leaders on bills and issues currently under consideration. These breakfast briefings give local leaders an opportunity to discuss personally with elected officials the issues that impact their business and seek options that provide for better business operations. Gary Chandler from the Association of Washington Business is the Chamber’s main source of information as to what is going on in Olympia from a business perspective.

PeaceHealth, from page 32 your blood pressure and your heart rate. If your best friend is a canine, you’ll be out walking more – and making new social connections. And no matter its species, a pet can fill your heart with joy. Go fish. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish help protect your heart. Twice a week, grill or bake a 3.5-ounce serving. Kick the habit. Did you know smoking can rob you of HDL cholesterol – the kind that helps protect your heart? It’s never too late to try a smoking cessation program. Your doctor can help.

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

Get grainy. Swapping refined grains for whole grains may lower your risk of heart disease by roughly 25 percent. There are plenty of delicious, easy-to-prepare options, from whole-wheat pasta to unsalted popcorn. Take a walk. Brisk walks help your heart just as much as jogging. The more steps you take each week, the greater the health benefits. Try to walk 30 minutes on most days.

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

Sleep tight. Getting enough shut-eye is important to cardiovascular health. For most adults, that means sleeping six to eight hours each and every night. Lindsey McTimmonds Marketing/Recording recording@cascade-title.com

Shake the salt. Most of the sodium that's raising Americans’ blood pressure comes from processed foods. So read food packages, and choose those labeled low-sodium.

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

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

Kelso Longview Business Connection

March 2015

Lower Columbia Professionals

Don’t You Forget About Us Quite a crew turned out for the throwback 1980s Valentine Prom hosted by the Lower Columbia Professionals. The event raised money for high school scholarships. This year’s Prom King, right, was Ryan Merly and his Queen was Darcie Lessante. To the left, DJ Andy Lemiere, aka DJ Lemiericle, and Courtney, kept things rockin’.

Pillars of Strength: Business & Education Awards Accepting 2015 Nominations

It is time to nominate who you feel should be recognized for the following: Education: Top Administrator, Top Teacher, Top Support Person Workforce Best Practice: Company Best Practice, Individual Achievement Business: Business Person, Small Business, Large Business, Large Non-Profit, Small Non-Profit Nominations can be filled out at: www.kelsolongviewchamber.org Deadline for nomination submissions: March 31, 2015