April
2017
Business Connection
Volume 9, Issue 4
Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber's Boot Camp series on Boardmanship is winding down, but returns in May with a session centered on Social Media Selling 201. See Page 2 and 5 for details.
Chamber gives new president reason to stand up and cheer For anyone who understands professional
soccer and its enthusiastic fan base, when Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Board President Lance Welch states he is a member of The Timbers Army take note.
Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Team Bill Marcum, CEO Lindsey Cope, Project Manager Amy Hallock, Bookkeeper 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
The green-and-white flag waving, chest thumping, sing-song chanting mass that fills Portland’s Providence Park have great passion and pride for their team and their city. Welch carries that same Lance Welch passion and pride across the river into Kelso and Longview. As Director of Specialist Services for PeaceHealth/St. John Medical Center, he knew he was doubling his time commitment when he accepted an invitation on the Chamber Board of Directors in 2013. He’s no stranger to either commitment. Welch earned his bachelor of science degree and masters in health administration from Oklahoma State University. He served as the marketing coordinator for Oklahoma State University’s Wellness Center before taking on the role as Director of Wellness Services at St. Mary’s Hospital in Enid, Okla.
He went through the Chamber leadership process in Enid, Okla., his hometown and where he began his career. And, as part of the KelsoLongview Chamber process, Welch has previously served as vice president and president elect. When his term concludes for 2017 he will serve as past president. The President runs both the monthly Executive Board Meeting and regular board meetings, as well as representing the board at most events. The President also signs all letters of support on behalf of the Chamber for legislative issues, agendas and bills. “I am really looking forward to working with Lance this year as the President, to continue to grow the Chamber, its programs and its importance to our business community,” Chamber CEO Bill Marcum said. The sentiment is mutual. “Bill Marcum and the Chamber team are the best of any I’ve worked with,” Welch said. “We are blessed to have them here working in our community.” Welch said the plan while he serves as President is to continue to move forward the agenda and the strategic plan for long-term financial sustainability; to partner with downtown groups to better meet their needs; to be more relevant for larger industry members; to engage new members and seek opportunities with new generation business For more Board President, see page 3