March 2019 Business Connections

March

2019

Business Connection

Volume 11, Issue 3

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce

The Building Bridges Business and Tourism Expo is a great way to make B2B connections and have fun!

Chamber CEO’s Message

By Bill Marcum

Expo Exposure Excellent Way to Create Connections Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Team Bill Marcum, CEO Amy Hallock Project Manager Pam Fierst Office Manager Joelle Wilson Social Media Services

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

This year's event features chili cook-off and after-hours party

I

t’s our Building Bridges Business and Tourism Expo Tuesday, March 12, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Cowlitz County Event Center... who wouldn’t want to be there? Really, as a business that sells anything, and most of us do, why wouldn’t you be there? Okay, I get that you might not be able to be there for the entire four hours, but why wouldn’t you want to see what your competition is doing or discover a business you might not have known was here.

When I worked at The Daily News ALL my salespeople were “required” to attend. Their assignment was to bring back business cards from businesses that were not doing business with us, and to find local businesses we were not buying products from that we could, and should. We made it a competition and when it was all said and done we categorized all those new contacts: A – most likely to be a client; B – next most likely; and C – not very likely. Then, we divvied up the As and Bs among

our salespeople and made sales calls – which was our job, selling advertising and helping businesses be successful through their ads in the newspaper.

It’s hard for me to understand why local business people would not attend this event to showcase to other business leaders, and the general public, what it is they offer, and explain their customer base. Where can you find nearly 80 businesses in a room with an opportunity to talk to them about your business and learn about their businesses in a four-hour period? It would take nearly two months of sales calls to talk to 80 businesses.

And, if you are attending as a vendor why not invite (no cost to attend) your 20 best customers.

Give them a chance to see how they might benefit from buying local or profit from people who might buy from them. I like to say, “I do business with people who do business with me”. If each of the 80 businesses with a table or booth highlighting their business invited 20 people and 10 showed up that’s For more Expo, see page 3

PRESENTED BY

Building Bridges

March 12, 2019 • 3:00-7:00 pm

BUSINESS & TOURISM EXPO & BUSINESS AFTER HOURS • Cowlitz Regional Conference Center

Booth Space (36 Available) Non-Chamber Member

Chamber Member

(any area Chamber Member)

$350 before February 28 $550 after February 28

$250 before February 28 $450 after February 28

For information on joining the Chamber visit: www.kelsolongviewchamber.org/members

Table Space (84 Available) Chamber Member

Non-Chamber Member

(any area Chamber Member)

$250 before February 28 $350 after February 28

$150 before February 28 $250 after February 28

For information on joining the Chamber visit: www.kelsolongviewchamber.org/members

Additional Sponsorship Packages Available Includes booth space, logo on all printed material, logo on website, banner at event and all advertising.

Call today 360-423-8400 or register online: www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

REGISTER NOW!

MAJOR SPONSORS:

Up to $200 off for early sign up.

KOELSCH

COMMUNITIES SINCE 1958

MEDIA SPONSORS:

Expo, continued from page 1 800 people participating in this fun event – 800 people exposed to your business!

New to the Expo We are bringing a couple new things to the Expo this year.

First, we’re going to spice things up with a Chili Cook-Off. We currently have seven restaurants eager to serve up their best chili in an effort to win over the taste buds of our judges and the palates of the public for the People’s Choice Award.

Lined up for the competition so far are: Longview Country Club, Mill City Grill, Kelso-Longview Elks Lodge, Red Kitchen, Summerland Catering, Hop-n-Grape and Creekside Café. The cook off takes place from 3 to 5 p.m. during the Expo. There is no cost to sample the chili and vote for your favorite.

Second, the Chamber will host its monthly Business After Hours at the Expo from 5 to 7 p.m. Typically, we charge $15 to attend a Business After Hours event, but this time its FREE. Summerland Catering is planning a tasty spread of food and we will have a no-host bar available for the final two hours. Like every After Hours event, there will be an opportunity to win prizes including a Las Vegas vacation for two valued at $1,500 when we get all the perks thrown in…thank

you to Frank King at King’s Travel for helping the Chamber secure this fun trip.

There is still time to sign up for a booth or a table, just call the Chamber 360-423-8400.

Of course this would not be possible without the support of our local members as sponsors: Presenting Sponsors, Ilani Resort and WestRock; Major Sponsors, Twin City Bank, Koelsch Senior Communities, Bicoastal Media, Millennium, Elam’s Home Furnishing and Sleep Center, KUKN, KLOG and The WAVE; Media Sponsors, Minuteman Press, Columbia River Reader, May 52 and Prographyx. And of course our Diamond Members PeaceHealth, Foster Farms, KUKN KLOG and The WAVE and Bicoastal Media.

Thank you all for your continued support of the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce.

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Frank Panarra, President

Ken Botero Longview City Council

Cherelle Montanye St. John/PeaceHealth

Bianca Lemmons, President Elect Cowlitz County Title

Bob Crisman Gallery of Diamonds

Bruce Pollock Bicoastal Media

Chris Roewe, Vice President Woodford Commercial Real Estate

Rich Gushman Gibbs & Olson

Tom Rozwod NORPAC

Neil Zick, Treasurer

Wendy Hutchinson Millennium Bulk Terminals

Ted Sprague Cowlitz Economic Development Council

Michael Claxton, Legal Counsel

Marlene Johanson Heritage Bank

Lisa Straughan Express Employment Professionals

Wendy Kosloski Teague's Interiors

Dennis Weber Cowlitz County Commissioner

Foster Farms

Twin City Bank

Walstead Mertsching

Nick Lemiere, Executive Board Edward Jones

Nancy Malone Mayor of Kelso March 2019 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 3

Cowlitz County Commissioners

By Arne Mortensen

Observations and Realizations from the New Kid on the BoCC

In the vision of our founding fathers, government would play a small and typically unseen part in the daily activities of communities. That part would be limited to protection of property rights and life. Well, in a vain attempt to force neighborly behavior and to cure the incurable uneven distribution of outcomes, the people have grown government into the problem it is today. I suppose that is why there is a commissioners’ column to this well-done monthly Chamber of Commerce report. I am fond of the various Chambers of Commerce in Cowlitz County because they work to develop community standards and community actions aimed at addressing local goals. The only admonition I have for the chambers is to be careful not to put themselves above their publicly stated goals.

So, I understand why there is a commissioners’ column in the Kelso-Longview Chamber monthly newsletter. But, most of what I see reported by commissioners in these columns reminds me of the value Paul Harvey’s “the rest of the story.” There is nothing like being on the inside to see the rest of the story.

I have been a commissioner for two full years plus two months; yes, I certainly am the new kid on the block of politics, but chronologically possibly the oldest kid on the block. So, what newbie observations do I have to offer based on my time in office? Let me mention a few.

Lobbying began almost immediately after the election. “Hey, Arne, congratulations on your win. I’d like to meet with you about …” Whenever there is a lobbyist, you can almost be certain that something is wrong. Isn’t the law represented by blind lady justice; shouldn’t regulations also be blind? Shouldn’t the elected official make decisions based on facts?

Somewhat in keeping with the above, early in office I had the equivalent of someone putting a friendly arm over my shoulder and explaining to me how things are done here. The theme was that I should go along to get along. Someone who did not like my many questions told me that they would outlast me because I would be gone after my term was over, while they would remain. Their request was for $250K for a software package. We did not get that package and there was no discernible negative impact by denying the request.

That brings me to the parade of special interest requests that face the commissioners. These requests are characterized by a demand to pass a law to encumber some other group or to fund yet another 4 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | March 2019

worthwhile cause. If I were to side with a special interest group, it is the taxpayer, usually a worker too busy to attend the many meetings in county government.

I am amazed at the approach taken by some citizens as they request something from us. I wonder what Dale Carnegie course they took that taught them that to get their way, it is best to start with insults?

Fortunately for them, I will make decisions based on principle and not my visceral reaction to being abused. Whatever happened to the JFK admonition of “ask not…?”

Many of the requests sadden me because they show that there is little understanding that we are a republic, not a democracy. Citizens ask me to vote against, say, the methanol plant, as if that was an item up for a popularity contest. The simple answer is that there are sets of established rules that govern that process.

Some will note that I always abstain on proclamations. I still can’t figure out what those proclamations do. There are so many proclamations that they have as much meaning as the hallmark cards.

Because typically I sympathize with the cause, I won’t vote against the proclamation, but I cannot condone any proclamation that, by example, says, “June is battered commissioner month.” I guess it is okay to batter a commissioner outside of the month of June? I am least supportive of proclamations that claim to raise awareness of a problem… I don’t know of a real problem about which the public is unaware. If they are not aware of the “problem,” then is it a problem?

Early on, at workshops or commissioner conferences, in response to a department head’s request for a new widget, the first question asked was, “Is it in the budget?” The first question should be, “Is it necessary?” If it is necessary, then the BoCC must figure out how to get it, regardless of whether it is in the budget.

I will likely upset my colleagues on the BoCC. There is reluctance by the commissioners to give clear guidance or to state a clear position on many issues. Whatever the reasoning for this vagueness is irrelevant; what is relevant is that by being vague or noncommittal, the BoCC causes problems. What is a department head to do in those cases? And how can someone provide discourse if there is no stated position? I hope this is getting better.

If you have read this far, I thank you. That is enough for now; I finish with a reminder than my door always is open for you.

Discover!

www.portofkalama.com

Why does the Port of Kalama build amenities like the new amphitheater?

As a key contributor to the Kalama community, the Port elects to provide and enhance public recreational opportunities. In fact, ensuring public recreational opportunities on Port property is explicitly stated in the Port’s mission statement.

And we take that directive seriously! The Port of Kalama has created—and is home to—miles of scenic walking paths, riverfront beaches, a recently renovated marina and acres of public parks.

Over the years, organizations, individuals and groups in our community have looked at our parks as ideal venues to gather, celebrate and host recreational activities. With an increased demand for community events, concerts and public activities at Marine Park, last year the Port carefully considered the community benefits of creating a small public amphitheater to better accommodate those groups.

The amphitheater is now nearing completion and the grassy open space we envisioned offers tiered seating for concerts and special events that already attract us to the Kalama waterfront.

It’s a beautiful natural setting for events, and the area will be open to the public for picnics, gathering, and just enjoying the park.

Special heartfelt thanks go to one of our newest tenants at the Port, Bridger Steel, for their generous contribution of the beautiful metal roofing for the amphitheater. Port businesses contribute so much more to our community than just jobs and tax revenue—and their partnerships are so very welcomed. Thank you to the local team at Bridger!

Why do we contribute these amenities and features to our community? To make Kalama the most livable, prosperous place it can be.

As community stewards our mission is to ensure that the environment, economy and community assets—like the amphitheater— are thoughtfully planned to work in harmony with one another.

https://portofkalama.com/discover-why-doesthe-port-of-kalama-build-amenities-like-thenew-amphitheater/

Cowlitz Wahkiakum Council of Governments

By Bill Fashing Executive Director

Putting Active Transportation in Motion

The State of Washington is working on a statewide Active Transportation Plan to gather information to assist residents and visitors who choose walking and biking options for daily transportation. The state will be collecting and analyzing sidewalk and bicycle network information from across the state. Your input is being solicited to help identify needs and steps to assist in filling the gaps. A group of local cyclists have been working to promote this concept in the community over the last year and has laid out an initial set of possible projects to improve bicycle transportation options in the community.

Active transportation is growing nationwide as more people are choosing to leave their car parked and make needed daily trips using a bike, scooter, or totally on foot. Reasons for this might include anything from wanting to be more active, challenges with parking, to

a desire to save gas costs. Whatever the reason, active transportation is on the rise.

You can sign up for the Walk and Roll newsletter from the state to receive progress updates over the next year as they put together the plan with your input. You can get more information at www.wsdot. wa.gov/tranel/commute-choices/bike/plan.

The Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments (CWCOG) is currently working with the state and local stakeholders to increase our understanding of the existing walking and cycling trends in the Longview-Kelso area. Watch for more information at www.cwcog. org/transporation and feel free to call me at 360-577-3041 if you want to engage in the efforts to improve bike and pedestrian access throughout the community.

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6 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | March 2019

Lower Columbia College

Calendar Friday March 1 – 7:30-9am Small Business Boot Camp Boardmanship Lower Columbia College Wednesday March 6 – 7:30-9am Education Foundation Goodwill Thursday March 7 – 7:30-8:30am Ambassadors Meeting Columbia Bank Tuesday March 12 – 1-5pm Building Bridges Business and Tourism Expo Cowlitz County Event Center March 12 – 5-7pm Business After Hours Cowlitz County Event Center Monday March 18 – Noon Chamber Executive Board Mill City Grill Tuesday March 26 – Noon Chamber Board Meeting Mill City Grill Thursday March 28 – 11:45am-1:30pm Quarterly Luncheon Cowlitz County Event Center Every Monday March to April – 7am Legislative Briefing Red Lion Every Wednesday Chamber Connections KEDO/1400 AM or 99.1 FM 3-4pm Stream live at www.kedoam.com

By Chris Bailey President

Lower Columbia to Offer Bachelor in Teacher Education

Probably from the first days of Lower Columbia College (LCC) in 1934, local residents have been asking, “When are you going to become a four year?” We can finally give those folks an answer: fall 2019.

I encourage anyone interested in learning more about this exciting new program to visit the LCC website at lowercolumbia.edu/bas-te.

Lower Columbia College recently received approval from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities to offer a Bachelor of Applied Science in Teacher Education (BAS-TE) beginning in fall 2019. This is the first degree for LCC at the applied bachelor’s degree level.

This is the first of what we hope will be multiple applied bachelor’s degrees offered by LCC. The need for more bachelor’s degree holders in the area is overwhelming. According to the U.S. Census, about 10 percent of the population in Cowlitz County have a bachelor’s degree. This is significantly lower than the state of Washington (22 percent) and the nation as a whole (19 percent).

The Washington State Legislature granted authority to the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges to pilot applied bachelor’s programs at approved community and technical colleges in 2005, when it passed HB 1794. In 2012, the legislature passed another bill authorizing all community and technical colleges to offer applied bachelor’s programs.

This disparity is important, because there is a direct relationship between educational attainment and economic development. According to a study published in Education Economics and reported in U.S. News and World Report, increasing educational attainment is actually the “biggest single driver of economic development.”

There is an overwhelming need for elementary and pre-kindergarten teachers in the region. LCC developed the program to help meet the ongoing demand for qualified teachers in the area.

There are two pathways within LCC’s new program to prepare candidates for teaching positions in preschool through eighth grade.

Students in the program can choose between certificated and noncertificated pathways.

Certificated students will be prepared to teach in Washington public schools, while noncertificated candidates will be prepared to teach in early childhood education in a variety of nonpublic school settings, including Head Start. The degree combines the knowledge earned from previous degrees, such as an Associate of Applied Science, with upper division (300 and 400 level) Teacher Education courses.

Additionally, in some industries like early childhood education, changing laws and regulations, increased competition, and enhanced technology mean workers need more education now than in the past.

LCC will now become one of the partners in the Lower Columbia Regional University Center, where more than 50 baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral programs are now offered on the LCC Campus. Current partners include Washington State University, City University, and Warner Pacific University.

At LCC, we are proud to grow with the community and help to meet needs as they arise.

Strengthening the pipeline of qualified individuals to teach our young children is just one of many ways we are working to fulfill our vision of improving the quality of life in our community.

March 2019 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 7

City of Kelso

City of Longview

By City Manager Steve Taylor

By City Councilman Ken Botero

Seeing the forest through the trees “The most pathetic person in the world is someone who has sight but no vision.” – Helen Keller The Kelso City Council is pleased to release a new draft vision statement as part of its ongoing strategic planning efforts. Kelso’s Vision incorporates the long-term hopes and aspirations for our community as expressed by councilmembers at its recent planning retreat.

The city welcomes your thoughts on the draft below. Please email your comments to staylor@kelso.gov for the council’s review and consideration at its March 19 regular meeting.

“Founded on the banks of three rivers, Kelso celebrates its rich and colorful heritage of serving the region’s historic natural resource economy. Kelso continues to be shaped and influenced by its role as the ‘Crossroads of Cowlitz County’ that provides access to opportunity along the community’s corridors.

“We are the ‘City of Friendly People’ that welcomes citizen involvement and encourages participation from the entire community. We are committed to maintaining safe neighborhoods, supporting exemplary schools and preserving our beautiful natural environment. A strong and diverse economic base coupled with housing options that meet all levels of affordability makes Kelso the choice community for raising a family and growing a business.

“The bond of trust between Kelso’s residents and public institutions is fostered through transparency and continuous engagement that underscore the strength of the community fabric. We rise to the challenges, overcome obstacles and make the most of opportunities to enhance the quality of life for our current and future generations.”

“We can only see a short distance ahead, but we can see plenty there that needs to be done.” – Alan Turing The council also recently approved the 2019 Budget Goals and Actions Plan, which states the city’s priorities for the year ahead and provides direction for the administration of the adopted budget. The city’s strategic goals are stated below:

City offers a positive lifestyle The City of Longview just completed its 2019-20 city retreat and mission statement, which implements a sustainable environment, economics, and social strategies. The City Council moved to continue down the path to provide a continued quality of life within the community.

Improving the quality of life includes enhancing public safety and emergency response, which will provide for the safe atmosphere for our citizens by conducting outreach programs to our neighborhoods. Improving our streets and roads, making traffic, including pedestrian and bicycle traffic, more efficient and safe for the community and our visitors. Improving the water quality with a new water facility and updated infrastructure.

We are very proud of our financial structure and will continue to be at the top of the technology challenges of the future. The Longview budget process is one of outstanding accomplishments in meeting the challenges of the economy – strengthen our economic conditions while creating new opportunities such as engaging in the regional real estate markets and actively recruiting employee in new businesses, both in industrial and service areas. Promote retention and expansion services for local businesses. Collaborate with economic development partners and keep a positive inventory of possible facilities for new business.

To provide the quality of life for our community we preserve and enhance our neighborhoods by developing and implementing housing and infrastructure improvements.

These are just a few of the directions within our mission statement that show Longview does provide for that quality of place and quality of life so many are looking for. The City of Longview, to this day, offers many exciting avenues for our families, visitors and businesses. The economy of Longview is seeing steady growth and a positive vision of tomorrow through our many attributes such as parks, theaters for the performing arts, education, public services and a positive and safe community. We welcome any and all to enjoy the positive lifestyle in Longview, the Jewel of Southwest Washington.

• Well-maintained, reliable public infrastructure systems that encourage economic growth and enhance community quality.

• Community renewal and economic growth that provides sustainable resources for public services and facilities.

• Consistent, effective delivery of services that meets or exceeds standards of professionalism and accountability.

• Provide proactive and visionary regional leadership.

Priority action items are developed and placed under each goal and then reviewed regularly throughout the year to measure both progFor more Kelso, see page 9 8 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | March 2019

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Kelso, continued from page 8 ress and effectiveness. The complete 2019 Budget Goals document is available at www.kelso.gov/document/2019-budget-goals. I encourage you to take a look at Kelso’s comprehensive approach to its delivery of quality public services and infrastructure.

Running a full-service municipal organization is a complex, often thankless undertaking; however, the more feedback we receive from the public, the better we can shape our priorities to meet customer expectations, achieve our strategic goals, and ultimately realize Kelso’s Vision of a vibrant, resilient community that is prepared to tackle any challenge in front of us.

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2019 Small Business

BOOT CAMP 2019 Series begins Friday, March 1 Friday Mornings ★ Lower Columbia College

7:30 am - 9 am ★ Student Center Conference Room

bOARDMANSHIP six pack

Sponsored by:

Role of the Board vs the CEO Facilitator: Mike Claxton, Attorney, Walstead Mertsching, Legal Counsel for the Kelso Longview Chamber and former YMCA board member.

March 8 Working as a Team Facilitator: Frank McShane, Square Peg Consulting March 15 Handling Conflict (colors of the board) Facilitator: Jennifer Leach, WSU Extension Faculty March 22 Financial Accountability Facilitator: Scott Davis, CPA, Davis and Associates, CPAs March 29 Succession Planning Facilitator: Chris Bailey, President, LCC April 5 Facilitating and Leading Meetings (Roberts Rules) Facilitator: Jennifer Leach, WSU Extension Faculty March 1

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www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

Cowlitz Economic Development Council

By Ted Sprague CEO

Corps Outreach Event Coming in May Last year the Cowlitz Economic Development Council lead the charge with more than 40 other entities and made a request to change the regulatory jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from the Seattle District to the Portland District, for Clark, Cowlitz, Wahkiakum counties and portions of Lewis, Pacific, Skamania, Klickitat and Benton counties of southwest and south central Washington state. This request would align the regulatory and civil works authorities of the respective Corps districts on an appropriate watershed basis.

As you can imagine, this request spurred much needed conversation and attention. It was recently announced the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Regulatory Branch, Southwest Washington Field Office (Corps) will be sponsoring free comprehensive outreach events open to the public. These events are intended to foster and facilitate efficient and effective working relationships with the public, applicants, consultants, local municipalities, and agencies. Each event will provide a thorough understanding/refresher of the Corps Regula-

tory Program processes and application requirements for authorizations under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899. The Corps’ project managers will be available for follow-up questions and discussion as time allows.

Topics to be covered include: Permitting Authorities and Jurisdiction, Permits and Authorizations, Application Submittal and Completeness (Nationwide Permits and Individual Permits), Review Process, Project Drawings, Common Application Mistakes.

I anticipate these events to be well attended and registration is required. Please RSVP to evan.g.carnes@usace.army.mil to attend.

The Cowlitz County meeting will take place on from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 8 at the Longview Public Library, 1600 Louisiana St. Staff kindly asks that you use street parking as the lot is reserved for patrons of the library.

If you cannot attend that day/time please contact me for other meeting times in our region 360-423-9921.

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March 2019 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 11

Kelso School District

Longview Public Schools

Superintendent Mary Beth Tack

Superintendent Dan Zorn

Building a strong support system with SEL There are a lot of buzz words and acronyms in education. Sometimes it’s hard to keep up with all of them, even for those of us in the field. Whether you work in education or not, here’s one worth knowing: SEL. Social and emotional learning (SEL) is being talked about a lot, and for good reason.

More than just a program or lesson, SEL is about how teaching and learning happens. The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) describes SEL as a process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.

That may sound ambiguous, but the process has consistently proven results. Decades of studies confirm that students who participate in evidence-based SEL programs show a decrease in dropout rates, school and classroom behavior issues, drug use, teen pregnancy, mental health problems, and criminal behavior. They also exhibit an increase in academic performance of 11 percentile points.

For these reasons, and more, Kelso School District has been keenly focused on building a robust SEL program for over a year, as part of our Whole Child Initiative. In the summer of 2018, we dedicated a couple staff members to begin putting a foundation in place for work that will continue to unfold and evolve over the next few years.

Although most of the work in these first two years is happening at our elementary schools, everyone in the district has been trained on trauma, resilience, and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).

These trainings give our staff a greater ability to think differently about our students and better understand what they may have gone through before they walk in our doors.

Teachers and staff at our elementary schools have had additional training, and are now looking at students through the lens of SEL’s five competencies: self-awareness, social awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, and relationship skills. Based on where students are at in each of these, positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) are wrapped around them.

Working through a three-tiered system, supports vary in specificity (for the class, a small group, or an individual) and complexity.

For example, 20 teachers are currently piloting a system of supports where they greet each student at the door and spend the first 20 or 30 minutes of the day discussing weekly themes centered on the five SEL competencies. Based on feedback, this system will be adopted by each elementary class in the 2019-20 school year.

Every elementary school in the district now has a Social Emotional Center where students can go for specific or individual supports when needed. Tier-specific teams from each school meet with our district SEL team weekly to review progress and develop additional supports.

All this effort is paying off. Teachers and principals are all telling For more Kelso Schools, see page 15 12 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | March 2019

Capital bond measure update While the November 2019 election season seems a long way off, it will be here before we know it. To prepare for the November capital bond vote the school district is in the process of determining what will be included in the bond measure.

In the last month, Longview Public Schools conducted 10 capital bond information sessions and commissioned a scientific study of the community. The purpose of the information sessions and scientific study are to inform the public about capital bond projects under consideration and to get their thoughts and input. The school board will use the information to help make a decision on the capital bond measure.

The feedback from the 10 bond information sessions has been consistent. People are aware district facilities are in need of repair or replacement. Each input session voiced support for additional career and technical facilities and increasing safety and security measures at all schools. While not everyone put upgrading athletic facilities as a high priority, they think athletic related upgrades should be part of the bond measure.

The scientific community survey, conducted by CFM Strategic Communications out of Portland, shows 70 percent of respondents support a Longview Schools capital bond measure.

The study tracked respondent demographics, which helps to analyze data by issue and segmented groups. Support for a capital bond from males totaled 67 percent, while 73 percent of females support a bond.

The data also revealed backing for the bond measure across age ranges. Support for a bond was strong among all age groups, but specifically people age 18 to 44 voiced 76 percent support, those age 45 to 64 stated 65 percent support people age 65 and older expressed 71 percent support.

Looking deeper into the data 62 percent of parents surveyed were impressed by the school district providing a quality education for children in the community. From a communication standpoint, 52 percent of parents surveyed were impressed with the district’s efforts informing the community about what is happening in school.

If you want to learn more about the capital bond, please come to a board work session or meeting. Meetings are scheduled for March 4, March 11, March 19 and March 25. All meetings start at 6:30 p.m. at the district administrative offices.

During the capital bond information and input process one thing is very clear – our community deeply cares and supports Longview Schools.

If you would like more information about the capital bond measure please reach out – I would be happy to meet with you. Information is also up on the district web site at www.tinyurl.com/LPS-bond2019.

Thank you for supporting Longview Public Schools.

Business Toolbox

By Jerry D. Petrick Certified Business Adviser

3 Easy Tips for Creating Effective Social Media Content One of the most common areas of concern and focus for the business owners I meet with is how to manage their social media campaigns more efficiently. Below are three quick and relatively easy tips to help your social media marketing be more effective and lest costly for you. Let’s get right to it.

No. 1 – USE YOUR KEYWORDS I think most of us have heard about “keywords” – that they are somehow the most important first things to know in social media marketing. WELL… they sort of are! It’s about putting out the right bait to “catch” the right customer.

What is a keyword?

According to Merriam-Webster, a keyword is “a significant word from a title or document used especially as an index to content.”

Amazingly, it was first used in 1762!

SHORT TAIL KEYWORDS Nouns or noun clusters are short tail keywords. For example: If you are a florist: Longview, Washington florist; Best Longview florist; Florist in Longview, Washington; Flower shop Longview; Same day flower delivery Longview; Flower delivery Longview; Flower shop in Longview, WA; Longview, Washington flower shop; wedding flowers Longview, Washington; Mother’s Day flowers Longview Washington; Funeral flowers Longview, Washington LONG TAIL KEYWORDS A long tail keyword is a question or a statement.

Using the florist example: Where can I get the best Mother’s Day flowers? Which flowers are in season for a fall wedding? How can I save money on my wedding flowers? Seven great tips for selecting Mother’s Day flowers. Three insanely smart tips to help you plan your proposal. What are the meanings of the different colors of roses? Five most popular summer flowers.

HOW DO YOU FIND YOUR KEYWORDS? Use either of these websites to find your words: https://keywordseverywhere.com/ https://www.wordstream.com/keyword-niche-finder Once you have identified the keywords you want to use you may want to create an excel spreadsheet of your words. Enter one key-

word on each line of your spreadsheet going from top to bottom.

Put the date you used this set in the column to the right of the keywords.

As you write, you will see which words you have used and which you still need to use. When you are writing social media and website content, you need to be able to link the concepts/ideas of at least two short tail keywords or base your article on one long tail keyword.

Bonus points if you use three short tail keywords or two long tail keywords IF IT MAKES SENSE! reflexology 16-Jan reflexology foot 23-Jan reflexology chart 30-Jan reflexology hand 6-Feb reflexology massage 23-Jan integrated reflexology 16-Jan reflexology points 30-Jan reflexology ear 13-Feb reflexology face 20-Feb reflexology course 27-Feb reflexology school 7-Mar No. 2 – POST NEW CONTENT BOTH ONSITE (YOUR WEBSITE) AND OFF-SITE (SOCIAL MEDIA) BALANCED POSTING MEANS… That within any seven-day period, you post new content onsite which means on your website (e.g., add a new blog post or new web page) and new off-site content such as a Facebook Note or a LinkedIn Update.

Pick a particular day and a particular time of day to post. For instance, since Google can index a blog post in 48 hours, post here first. You might post Tuesday at lunch on your blog and Thursday at 5 p.m. (to catch those who check Facebook at dinner time) on Facebook. Be consistent – whatever days and times you select.

This routine also makes it easier for you to budget your time to keep your social media marketing effort current and vital.

Google used to require weekly postings but seems to have eased off: so long as you post once each month on your website and once each month off-site.

For more Petrick, see page 15 March 2019 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 13

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Petrick, continued from page 13 No. 3 – WRITE IN A 4-TO-1 RATIO

different articles. This will save you lots of time and make your social media marketing efforts less daunting.

Write four articles, which have INformation.

Write “edu-tainment” – information, which entertains and educates.

If you are florist, write about how to save money by selecting flowers, which are in season (rather than being shipped in from deepest, darkest Peru). This will promote interest in your content by surfers and searchers.

Bonus Tips Word Count: 200 words for blog post, Facebook Note, or LinkedIn Update is the goal but…Google wants 100 to 500 words in each article. Google will not give you credit for writing if the article has fewer than 100 words. ✓ Write in 12th grade English.

Write one article, which has MEformation.

“MEformation” tells your reader that YOU are the best place to get flowers for their wedding. This ratio of four INformation articles for every one MEformation will add credibility and avoid being categorized as self-promoting. The emphasis here is on adding valuable content to the web ecosystem – this earns more credit in search results more than shameless self-promotion.

RECYCLING: IT’S NOT JUST FOR BOTTLES… After you write one article, prepare it for the other location. If you wrote your blog post first, then write a Facebook note. Change the title of the blog post. Change the first paragraph or the first 25 percent. Then you can post on Facebook and you haven’t written two completely

✓ Be on the lookout for great ideas – listen to the radio; watch posted videos to get ideas and inspiration to feed your writings.

Social media marketing is merely MARKETING today! The great news is there are many options to control your messages and target your audience. The key is to become a consistent student and user of the tools and art.

This article was compiled by Jerry Petrick, MBA, and Certified Business Adviser with the Washington State University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Longview. Jerry provides no-cost, confidential business advisory services by appointment. He can be reached via email jerry.petrick@wsbdc.org

Kelso Schools, continued from page 12

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us it’s working, and the early data backs that up. We’re seeing a 25 percent reduction in suspensions from this time last year across the district, and in-school suspensions are down by 7 percent.

Next school year, in addition to increased efforts at the elementary level, we’ll widen the SEL program to our secondary schools. We’re excited about this work, what it’s doing for the culture at our schools and, most importantly, how it’s changing the life experiences of our students.

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March 2019 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 15

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

Negotiating in These Tough Times

Negotiating, or the simple art of working with another to reach an agreement, is often challenging in good times. Layer on top of that challenge a tough economic environment, and it’s easy to understand how troublesome seeking resolution, compromise or agreement with another can become.

Very often in your selling and managing career you are called upon to negotiate, and that alone may cause you a certain amount of anxiety. More often than not, many of us might anticipate that any and all negotiations are difficult situations...

To help diffuse your anxiety, minimize some of the consternation, and strengthen your confidence, remind yourself that in negotiating, your objective is not to win or lose at the expense of the other. Don’t look at the negotiation as a problem, but rather an opportunity to excel! Your objective is to seize the opportunity to build a bridge and establish, or re-establish, a relationship, with your client, a vendor, a coworker or a friend.

•

Go or No Go. At what point will you feel it necessary to stop the negotiations or bring in additional support or decision makers? If this situation develops, what would be your next step and will it jeopardize not only the current situation but also your future relationship with this advertiser, coworker or a friend?

•

Walk Softly. Don’t be concerned with how fast you are moving toward a compromise; rather be sure you are headed in the right direction. Small compromises along the way may build to an acceptable overall solution.

•

Thank You. Express your appreciation to the client, vendor, coworker or friend for bringing this, and possibly other (or past) situations to your attention.

•

Call Back. After an agreement has been reached, touch bases with your client, vendor, coworker or friend to see if their expectations or understandings were met, continue to reinforce your resolution and the value you (and your business) place on the relationship with that client, vendor, coworker or a friend?

•

Re-establish Your Relationship and Marketing Partnership. Working through a successful compromise and establishing common goals now will help you re-establish and strengthen a future long term relationship and partnership.

As you approach your client, a vendor, a coworker or a friend in a negotiating mode, consider, if you will, the following...

•

Be Prepared. Prior to meeting with your client, coworker or a friend make every attempt possible in a timely fashion to learn all you can regarding the current situation and any prior contributing factors. Think through your options, objectives and goals in relation to the current circumstances.

What would you like to do? What can you do? Initially begin to prioritize some of your options.

•

Set the Parameters. At the outset, work to establish open and honest communication between all the involved parties, strive to develop trust, and remember that in order to gather information you need to LISTEN. Don’t tell…rather ask questions. Be sure that individuals you are negotiating with are able and willing to make any necessary decisions.

•

Don’t Delay. Procrastinating or putting off the negotiations until tomorrow may not be in ALL of the parties’ best interest. Then again, allowing all parties time to let the emotions subside may, indeed, be of benefit. The key is to communicate in a timely fashion, set a resolution timetable, and be faithful to it.

•

Take the Initiative. Be empathetic. Demonstrate, to ALL individuals involved that you and your small business have a course of action in place to meet and resolve some, if not all, of the parties’ key issues. Be willing to acknowledge an error, but don't necessarily apologize, and be prepared to articulate what steps you will take to prevent its reoccurrence.

16 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | March 2019

Last but not least, remember, again, that in negotiating, your objective is not to win or lose, at the expense of the other. Simply put, it’s the simple art of working with another to reach an agreement, a compromise, and a first step forward. Good luck!

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

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

Our Current Project

Renaud Electic is moving into the Searing Building. They have hired Mountain View Commercial Contracting to do all the improvements.

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The Executive Corner

By Frank McShane Square Peg Consulting

Plan-Do-Check-Act!

My recent articles in this column have focused on regular reviews of important aspects of your business using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). This month, I will put these elements into a repeatable process for achieving improved results called Plan-Do-Check-Act: Some companies excel at certain aspects of this process already, such as companies who are great at planning but not so good at execution. Others are great at execution and firefighting, but not so good at planning. Some don’t have KPIs in place to check progress and identify areas for focused attention and effort. Really well-run companies are good at all aspects of this process. They operate under control with clear and steady progress to specific

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goals, while remaining open to new opportunities. Each part of the process looks like this: Plan: The Plan phase of the process starts with an analysis of where you are currently compared to your vision or goals. This needs to be a data-driven analysis with an honest assessment of the gaps. The Plan is then generated to close those specific gaps. The Plan consists of steps, responsibilities, timelines, and KPIs for measuring progress.

Do: The Do phase is the part where the team goes out and begins implementing the Plan. This is where the work takes place, such as marketing efforts, sales campaigns, policy and procedure changes, organization changes, operations improvements, and capital projects.

Check: The Check portion of the process is where you take time at regular intervals along the timeline to see how things are progressing relative to the Plan. KPIs are very helpful to refer to and determine results-to-date. The estimated timeline from the Plan is also crucial in determining if you are on track, ahead, or behind. The important point is that the Check needs to be based on objective data rather than gut feel or opinions. The timing of each Check should be appropriate for the nature of the goals – for short-term improvements, the Check should be frequent (i.e. weekly). For longer-term goals, the frequency might be monthly or quarterly. The pace is determined by how long you can go without checking and still stay on track.

Act: The Act portion is a very important part of the process. This is the point where, using the data from the Check, you decide which adjustments are needed in order to improve the results. The adjustments might be to the Plan, based on new knowledge that wasn’t available when the Plan was created. You may conclude that the Plan is still valid, but adjustments are needed to the manner of execution (Do). You may also make changes to the KPIs (Check) if you conclude that they aren’t providing the visibility needed.

Sometimes, all three need adjusting.

Following the Act step, the cycle begins again: Verify/refine the Plan, Do (execute), Check at the agreed upon frequency, and Act by adjusting as needed. The process repeats until the goals are reached or exceeded. Then it’s time for a new goal!

computer. tablet. phone. sign up today at 360.423.2210 or https://www.cowlitzpud.org/ebill

18 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | March 2019

Frank McShane is president of Square Peg Consulting. For questions or comments, please contact him at fvm@SqrPegConsulting.com or 360-562-1077.

Kelso Longview Chamber Quarterly Membership Lunch Presenting Sponsor

Cowlitz Regional Conference Center 1900 7th Avenue, Longview Thursday, March 28, 2019 11:45a.m. -1:30 p.m. $25 advance/$35 at door

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Register at: www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

Connect with Legislators Legislative Briefing Breakfast Begins Monday, January 28, 7am, RED LION And continues each Monday throughout the Legislative Session

John Braun

Senator 20th Legislative District

Each week, contact is made with our local legislators, either in person or by conference call, for an update on the bills and issues currently under consideration. Gary Chandler from the AWB is our main source of information as to what is going on in Olympia from a business perspective.

Dean Takko th Senator 19 Legislative District

As a business, you often feel the impact from some of the decisions made by our State Legislators on your ability to do business in Washington State. These breakfast briefings give you an opportunity to discuss personally with your elected officials issues that impact your business and seek options that provide for better business operations in Washington.

Ed Orcutt

Representative, 20th Legislative District

Three major issues to be addressed during this session that WILL affect your business, B&O Taxes, Carbon Tax and Predictive Scheduling. Come find out? Be Heard?

January, 28 - (105 day session) Legislative Update Breakfast Mondays during the Session RED LION, Birch Room 7:00 a.m.

Richard Debolt

Representative 20th Legislative District

Jim Walsh

Representative, 19th Legislative District

May - December Legislative Committee Meetings First Monday of each month Location for 2019 - TBD Brian Blake

Representative 19th Legislative District

Longview Downtowners

By Lindsey Cope President

Rocking Shamrock Saturday

We are thrilled to bring back Shamrock Saturday to downtown Longview!

Shamrock Saturday is a shop local event that we started in 2018 to promote our diverse shopping, restaurants and other services downtown. Participating stores will be decked out in all the St. Patrick’s Day regalia like shamrocks, green balloons, pots of gold, leprechauns and so much more!.

Participating stores will also offer a variety of promotions, sales, door prizes, raffles, partnerships, pop-ups and more surprises. It is a fun day for the whole family.

You can keep up with participating store promotions on our Facebook @Longviewdowntowner!

March 2019 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 21

Mind Your Own Business (at the Library)

By Chris Skaugset Director – Longview Public Library

Pages of Inspiration and Celebration

We are nearing the end of February as I am writing this and I wanted to take this column to reflect on an important event during this month. No, I am not talking about Valentine’s Day, even though I had a very nice time with my wife, I am talking about AfricanAmerican (or Black) History month. It is a month to reflect on the history, the culture, and the many contributions to our great republic that African-Americans have made. While the realities of this history are not, by any stretch of the imagination, all good, this month should, if nothing else, remind us of this reality and, hopefully, to learn from it. I have given you a number of books that reflect on this month both historical and current, fiction and nonfiction. You can find these titles, and many more, at your Longview library.

Last year was the 200th anniversary of Frederick Douglass’s birth.

The escaped former-slave became one of the faces of the abolitionist movement and was a powerful orator and great writer. Two books came out last year to help bring this fascinating and important American to life. David Blight’s “Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom” is the most recent and I believe definitive biography written on Douglass. While much has been written about him, this book goes into greater depth and helps us understand this complicated, and far from perfect, man and his influence both in the 19th century and beyond. If you like something a little more visual, check out “The Life of Frederick Douglass: A Graphic Narrative of a Slave’s Journey from Bondage to Freedom” by David Walker. This wonderful graphic novel introduces the reader to Douglass, his life, and his legacy. It may not have the depth of Blight’s work but it is still a wonderful addition to the Frederick Douglass canon.

Nobel Prize winning novelist Toni Morrison’s latest work is a collection of essays, speeches and meditations entitled “The Source of Self-Regard”. Morrison’s greatness can be found in each of the pieces collected here and is definitely worth checking out by anyone who is interested in her, her experience, or her thoughts on American life and literature.

To much fanfare, former First Lady Michelle Obama published a memoir about her life simply entitled “Becoming”. Obama embodies the American dream, overcoming barriers of race, class, and gender to become one of the most influential leaders of our times.

22 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | March 2019

As one might expect from this wonderful first lady, there is little political overtones, no dramatic revelations, but simply an interesting, inspiring saga of quiet social revolutions.

The next title is novelist Stephen Carter’s book entitled “Invisible: The Forgotten Story of a Black Woman Lawyer Who Took down America’s Most Powerful Mobster”. The author of such great novels as “The Emperor of Ocean Park” and “The Impeachment of Abraham Lincoln” tells the previously untold story of his grandmother Eunice Hunton Carter who rose to legal prominence and successfully prosecuted noted mobster, Charles “Lucky” Luciano. Part social history, part legal drama, Carter gives the reader a fascinating and powerful narrative style that reads much more like his fiction than a work of history.

For sport fans comes basketball legend, Elgin Baylor’s autobiography “Hang Time: My Life in Basketball”. While this is ultimately a book for any fan of Baylor’s or basketball, there are underlying currents related to the civil rights movement that make up much of this fun and enjoyable tale of a man and his love of basketball.

Patrisse Khan-Cullors’ “When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matters Memoir” is the last of the nonfiction books that I am going to present to you this month. After five years, black lives matter’s co-founder tells the story of the formation of the movement.

Earnest and heartfelt, Khan-Cullors tells the story of the movement through the narrative of her own life and experiences. Those expecting a manifesto or something similar may be disappointed by this engaging and interesting look into a movement, and more importantly, a woman.

Finally, I am going to talk about a couple of excellent novels, written by African-American authors who are both great writers and fantastic storytellers. The first is “An American Marriage” by Tayari Jones. The second is “Sing, Unburied, Sing” by two-time National Book Award winner Jesmyn Ward. While these are two very different tales, one is an Odyssey-like journey of redemption; the other examines a marriage’s disintegration they have much in common.

Both are set in the new south, harkening back to classic themes and stories, and are filled with interesting characters, powerful stories, and beautiful writing.

Columbia Theatre

ALWAYS IN MOTION!

MARCH-MAY 2019 EVENT SCHEDULE NEW! Saturday, March 2nd 7:30 p.m. LIBERACE & LIZA! • Stage Door Concert (on stage, only 60 seats) Tickets $50 Friday, March 8th 7:30 p.m. JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR • Main Stage Tickets $35-$40, Students $20 Saturday, March 9th 7:30 p.m. JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR • Main Stage Tickets $35-$40, Students $20 Thurs., March 14th 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE • Classic Film Series Tickets $8 Sunday, March 17th 2:00 p.m. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST • Rainy Months Series for Kids! Tickets $7 each or 6 for $30 Saturday, March 23rd 7:30 p.m. ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL • Main Stage Tickets $35-$45, Students $20 NEW! Saturday, April 6th 7:30 p.m. THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA • Classic Silent Film Tickets $25, Students $10 Saturday, April 13th 7:30 p.m. ONE-MAN “STRANGER THINGS” • Main Stage Tickets $25-$30, Students $20 Thursday, April 18th 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. AGAINST ALL FLAGS • Classic Film Series Tickets $8 Friday, April 26th 7:30 p.m. HOTEL CALIFORNIA: A Salute to the Eagles • Main Stage Tickets $35-$45, Students $20 NEW! Saturday, May 4th 7:30 p.m. HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN: THE MUSIC OF JUDY GARLAND AND BARBRA STREISAND • Stage Door Concert Tickets $50 Sunday, May 5th 2:00 p.m. THE PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH • Rainy Months Series for Kids! Tickets $7 each or 6 for $30 Thursday, May 9th 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m THE MOUSE THAT ROARED • Classic Film Series Tickets $8

Get your tickets today! • 360.575.TIXX (8499) • www.columbiatheatre.com

FEELIN' LUCKY?

Then join us for some LCP St. Patrick's Bingo!

Thursday, March 21 Doors Open at 5pm First Game is at 6 pm Hosted by:

American Legion Post 155 1250 12th Ave, Longview

$20 for 10 Games and Food Raffles Cash No host bar 21 and over

100% of Proceeds Go To Local High School Seniors to Further Their Education #itsforthekids Register online: www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

Wellness in the Workplace

By Susie Griffin Corporate and Personal Health Services

Spring Forward to Give this Season Spring in the Pacific Northwest is usually welcomed by its native inhabitants with open arms…and open umbrellas. March, typically being a very rainy leadoff hitter for the spring season, embodies the first part of the proverb, “in like a lion…”. However, despite the gray skies, unpredictable weather and inconsistent temperature, spring is synonymous with hope. Hope in that, regardless of the three or four previous months of inclement weather, rebirth and growth is showing up in the ground and on the trees – spring plants are starting to bloom, and trees are preparing to bud.

These nature inspired symbols of hope – along with the longer days of sunlight – give the human mind and body a psychological and physical boost. In addition to the length of sunlight and signs of spring, an increased amount of time spent being outdoors can have a positive effect on mood. Additionally, volunteerism, or “the use or involvement of volunteer labor, especially in community services,”1 has been shown, through numerous researches, to decrease the risk of depression and have a stress-reducing effect.2 All these things: being outdoors, interacting with nature and volunteering time can be easily accessed through our own Chamber of Commerce brethren, Lower Columbia School Gardens. While, most of the Chamber of Commerce and Lower Columbia communities are already familiar with the amazing LCSG staff ’s positive effect in “cultivating the values of lifelong learning, sustainability, health, and community,”3 what might

not be quite as known is the ways your business and employees can be positively affected by volunteering at LCSG or other local nonprofits.

Volunteering as a workgroup can be the ultimate teambuilding exercise, opening the door for opportunities: • to improve team communication • to learn new skills and knowledge • to showcase leadership skills • to utilize problem solving abilities • to improve on soft skills, such as empathy and emotional intelligence • to fulfill corporate social responsibility There are a lot of healthful reasons to be hopeful this season: nature blooming, longer days (hopefully more daylight) and volunteer opportunities. May your business and employees spring forward to give this season and receive the unexpected return on investment, healthful opportunities. https://www.dictionary.com/browse/volunteerism

1

https://mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/helping-peoplechanging-lives-the-6-health-benefits-of-volunteering 2

3

http://lowercolumbiaschoolgardens.org/about.php

www.tlnt.com/making-a-difference-how-volunteering-can-help-build-your-workforceteam/ 4

EstatE Planning & EldEr law

Attorney Michael Claxton Licensed in WA & OR

Attorney Brian Brault LL.M. in Taxation

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

Walstead Mertsching provides advice and a variety of estate planning services, including: • Asset Protection • Community Property Agreements • Durable Powers of Attorney • Guardianships • Healthcare Directives/Living Wills • Medicaid and Long-Term Care Issues • Probate • Tax and Retirement Planning • Wills • Will Contests

A Full Service Civil Law Firm for over 90 Years CIVIC CENTER BUILDING, 3RD FLOOR 1700 HUDSON ST., LONGVIEW, WA

(360) 423-5220 Longview www.walstead.com March 2019 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 25

Business After Hours

Big Turn Out Port of Longview played host for our February Business After Hours event. More than 180 people turned out to get one last look at the White House before renovations begin to accomodate the Port of Longview offices.

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

26 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | March 2019

Business After Hours AT BUILDING BRIDGES MARCH

12

5:00 to 7:00 pm Cowlitz Regional Conference Center No Cost to Attend

Bring yourself, your staff, and your friends for a fun evening of networking, food and prizes!

Chance to win a Vegas vacation for two!

2019 January 15: Specialty Rents February 12: Port of Longview March 12: Business and Tourism Expo April 9: Three Rivers Christian School May 14: Life Works June 11: Antidote July 9: Three Rivers Eye Center August 13: Monticello Park Prestige September 11: Cowlitz County Title October 8: Steele Chapel November 12: Silver Star December 10: Holiday Mixer

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2019 VISITOR & MEMBERSHIP GUIDE

Let visitors and businesses know about you!

12,000 visitors will come into the Visitor Center… and they are looking for YOU!

✔ Used year round by hundreds of local and out-of-area companies. ✔ A resource guide for the community.

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

Ad Rates

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Vertical 3.75”w x 10”h 7.83”w x 10.25”h

1/4 Page .................$935 .......... $841 1/8 Page .................$715 .......... $643 1/16 Page ...............$505 .......... $454

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Visitor Guide is also published online.

Premium placement including back cover, inside covers, page 2, 3 and 4: add 15%

Vertical 1.83”w x 4.9”h Horizontal 3.75”w x 2.375”h 1/8 Page

3.75”w x 4.9”h

1/2 Page

1.83”w x 2.375”h

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1/16 Page

Mechanical Specifications

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

Logos, Images, Photos • Formats: JPG, EPS, TIFF, PDF • Resolution must be 300 dpi. Images from the internet cannot be used.

Full Files • PDF format, high quality print setting (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

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360-423-8400 www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

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Ribbon Cuttings

Happy Smiles

Chamber Ambassadors were joined by the tooth fairy at Children's Discovery Museum and Happy Kids Dentistry and Orthodontics grand opening of their new dental exhibit. The exhibit is a great addition to the museum and a place for kids to learn and play!

Looking Good

Fred Bear was front and center for the Fred Meyer ribbon cutting celebrating the store's re-opening after an extensive remodel. The Society of St. Vincent DePaul were big winners for the day receiving a check from the company for its community service.

30 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | March 2019

Ribbon Cuttings

Phone A Friend

Raymond with T-Mobile joined the Chamber and enjoyed a ribbon cutting at their new store at 3202 Ocean Beach Hwy., next to Red Leaf Coffee.

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

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360.425.2950

www.cascade-title.com

Contact your local branch today to learn how we can help you grow your business.

HeritageBankNW.com | 800.455.6126 | Member FDIC

March 2019 | Kelso Longview Business Connection 31

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

Academy Mortgage Corporation Sandy Fromm 209 W Main St., Ste., 103 Kelso, WA 98626 360-577-6000 Sandy.fromm@academymortgage.com

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

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

• Legislative Representation

• Annual Meeting and Banquet

• Issues Tracking and Information

• Networking Events

• Task Forces

• Committee Participation

• Candidate Forums

• Business Contacts

• Legislative Update Breakfast

• Quarterly Membership Meetings

• Demographics Publication

• Civic Representation • Monthly Business After Hours Business Services include marketing for your business, referrals and access to Chamber publications and research data.

• Mailing Labels • Membership Window Decals • Member Referrals • Ribbon Cutting • Website Links • Member to Member Discounts • Membership Directory • Tax Deduction • Newsletter • Business Card Display • Use of Chamber Logo 32 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | March 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nonprofit Package – $180 or $18 per month.

February Ambassador of the Month Carrie Medack Diamond Residential Mortgage

Red Carpet to Red Coat for Honoree The Chamber bestowed Carrie Medack with its February Ambassador of the Month honors. We asked the honoree a few questions: Family: Married to Dave since 1980; two married sons; three bonus grandchildren How long have you been an Ambassador? Since 1991 What prompted you to be an Ambassador? To network and meet new people. It started with the Red Carpet Committee that evolved into the Ambassadors. At first, it was to help with my job, but soon it became fun!

What do you like most about volunteering with the Ambassadors? Getting to meet the new businesses that are coming to town and be part of a great group of people who all want to give back to the community in some way. The Ambassadors is a very fun group of people!

Your favorite Ambassador story? When we welcomed Rick Winsman to the Chamber with a pajama party his first morning on the job.

Do you volunteer with any other organizations? The Kelso-

Longview Elks What are you most proud of? My marriage and my kids.

What do you like to do for fun? Travel. We love to take trips in our fifth wheel and go glamping! Love wine tasting. I enjoy cooking and entertaining friends. Also I enjoy going to the many fun little tasting rooms and restaurants here in town – J Squared. Anecdote, Roland, Red Kitchen, Hop-n-Grape to name a few.

Birthday date: Jan. 4 Favorite snack: Jerky and nuts – especially macadamia Chamber Ambassadors, known as the Red Coats, are an integral part of the Chamber of Commerce. The Ambassador team is made up of active Chamber volunteers whose responsibilities include meeting and greeting at Chamber events, welcoming new members and assisting at ribbon cuttings and community events. Ambassadors juggle busy professional careers while making time to assist the Chamber at a variety of events year long. If you would be interested in wearing a red coat and representing the Chamber, contact CEO Bill Marcum at the Chamber office.

Cool Gift

Congratulations Lorie Bickar for winning the Chamber Education Committee scholarship fundraiser raffle.

Enjoy your Yeti cooler and goodies. Other winners were: Brenda Love, second place; Paul Schevrich, third place, and Destry Fierst, fourth place.

Thank you to everyone who participated!

March 2019 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 33

Business Connection Advertising Rates Effective January 1, 2018 Kelso-Longview Business Connection monthly newsletter is published the first of each month, posted electronically on our website and over 6,400 emailed to local business professionals, city and county officials.

To be included in this monthly email, simply call the Chamber office at 360-423-8400.

Size 1/16 Page 1/8 Page 1/4 Page 1/2 Page Full Page

1 - 3 Issues

4-7 Issues

8-10 Issues

12 Issues

$110 $175 $205 $325 $625

$90 $140 $170 $290 $570

$70* $105* $140* $245* $480*

$50* $75* $100* $190* $400*

Dimension

2" x 2.5" 4" x 2.5" 4" x 5.25" 4" x 10.5" 8" x 10.5"

(*Includes ad on website) (*Includes ad on website) (*Includes ad on website) (V) or 8" x 5.25" (H) (*Includes ad on website)

All ads include full color and any design work. Deadline is the 21st of the month prior to publication. Digital files: PDF (preferred), Tiff and JPEG (high resolution). Non-Members of the Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce please add 30% to above rates.

To advertise or request additional information please contact Amy Hallock at 360-423-8400 or ahallock@kelsolongviewchamber.org or CEO Bill Marcum at 360-423-8400 or bmarcum@kelsolongviewchamber.org.

Advertising Agreement

Date: _____________

Business Name: ____________________________________________ Phone: ____________________ Contact Name: ________________________________________ Cell: __________________________ Address: City: ___________________________________________________________Zip_________ Email: ____________________________________________ Fax: _____________________________

Number of Issues: 12 month agreement

Invoice

Credit card

Check

Plus Web Ad: 300W X 100H. Ads can be changed monthly.

Signature__________________________________

Ad Rep Signature___________________________

Welcome Back!

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

All Out Sewer and Drain Service, Inc. Baker Lumber Company, Inc. Brusco Tug and Barge, Inc. Carl's Towing Service and Repair, Inc. Carlson's Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. Cascade Natural Gas Corporation Coldwell Banker Bain Cole's Appliance Repair Comfort Inn Community Home Health & Hospice DBA Interiors Plus Family Health Center Housing Opportunities of Southwest Washington (HOSWWA) JH Kelly, LLC Life Works Longview Orthopedic Associates, PLLC Longview Public Schools McDonald's of Longview McDonald's of Longview II Ocean Beach Animal Hospital Pacific Fibre Products, Inc. Paperbacks Galore, Inc. Real Living The Real Estate Group Somerset Retirement Home and Assisted Living Strand Insurance TC's RV and Mini Storage, Inc. Viking Automatic Sprinkler Company Wasser and Winters Company William (BJ) R. Boatsman March 2019 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 35

Chamber Connection

Sprint to the Top

Longview Fire Department's Mike Mann showed up fully prepared to promote the Firefighter Stairclimb fundraiser. He and fellow firefighters will race up the stairs of Seattle's Columbia Center March 10 to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

American Workforce Group’s Katie and Christy stopped in to promote their boot drive, which runs through March.

36| Kelso Longview Business Connection | March 2019

Kathryn Millard with MiCo Fiberglass

Chamber Connection

Closing Out the Month

Gian Morelli with Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts made sure we finished up our February broadcasts strong.

Paula with Red Canoe Credit Union and Heather with Fibre Federal Credit Union dropped in to talk about fraud prevention.

“Your Chamber Connection� EVERY Wednesday

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

Hosts of the Show: Carey Mackey, Red Canoe Credit Union; Karen Sisson, Stewart Title; and Russ Chittock, Enlivant Would you like an opportunity to be on Your Chamber Connection or to have more information about the qualifications of an open house or ribbon cutting? Contact Bill or Amy at the Chamber 360-423-8400 March 2019 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 37