April 2020 Business Connection

Business Connection Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Bill Marcum CEO

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Here to help business through virus

April 2020

Volume 12 • Issue 4 Business Connection is published monthly by the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce 105 N. Minor Road • Kelso, WA 98626

STAFF

Bill Marcum, CEO Amy Hallock, Project Manager Pam Fierst, Office Manager Joelle Wilson, Social Media Service

W

e had considered hosting conference calls regarding the public health situation but have decided with the number of organizations locally and statewide already hosting such calls it would be better to direct you to those opportunities rather than compete for your time.

Additionally, we would like to continue to support local as much as we can. Is your business open and contributing to the delivery and takeout adjustments? Are you sharing new options and sales on your website? Tell us what you’re doing during this unprecedented time, and we’ll share it on our social media to get the word out.

By now, you’re probably somewhat of an expert on COVID-19. There’s been a lot of information shared around what businesses can do to accommodate this situation, but not a lot of discussion around how businesses can ensure the continued success of their organization. To help, we wanted to share this video.

We will also be sharing on our Facebook page, our eblasts and website any new webinars and links that will help you and your business progress forward during this crazy time.

Other noncall resources available to you are:

k CONTACT US

360-423-8400 kelsolongviewchamber.org To advertise, call Bill Marcum 360-423-8400 or bmarcum@kelsolongviewchamber.org Ad Deadline 20th of Each Month

• Association of Washington Business Resources Guide • Association of Washington Business – webinars, ongoing web series events • The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division has created a website of information on the HR 6201, Families First Coronavirus Response Act. The website provides information on Employer Paid Leave Rights, Employer Paid Leave Requirements, COVID-19 Fair Labor Standards Act, and the COVID-19 Family and Medical Leave Act. • The U.S. Chamber’s summary of the most recent draft of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (Phase III) to provide emergency economic support during the outbreak. Also note the guidance on Essential Critical Infrastructure provided by the Department of Homeland Security, as well as the U.S. Chamber’s letter urging states to For more Virus, see page 3

Workforce Southwest Washington Darcy Hoffman Director of Business Services

Workforce resources for businesses impacted by COVID-19

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n these unprecedented times, we know many companies are looking for help and information as you contend with potential layoffs and business slowdowns. While on the flip side, some sectors, such as grocery stores and long-term care facilities are scrambling to fill a large number of open positions. Companies considered “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers” are also struggling due to the volume of employees who aren’t able to come to work for a variety of reasons including fear of contracting the virus, or bringing it home to loved ones, and many due to the lack of available childcare options.

Workforce Southwest Washington (WSW) is working closely with our partners at WorkSource to match individuals looking for jobs with open positions.

If you need assistance in the areas below, please reach out to us: 1. Businesses with immediate hiring needs 2. Businesses that need information about special unemployment programs designed to help you retain your workforce such as Shared Work and Standby

2. How does Standby work?

In a temporary layoff when the business plans to rehire a laid off employee or group of employees, companies and workers can request to be placed on Standby for up to 12 weeks. This waives the job search requirements while workers are collecting unemployment benefits during the approved Standby period. It should also be noted that work search is optional until further notice regardless of the type of unemployment program your workers are participating in.

3. Is my industry considered “essential” or “non-essential” under Governor Inslee’s “Stay Home” proclamation?

The Governor’s proclamation has raised questions about what industries or businesses are considered “essential” versus nonessential. See the list of industries and workers deemed essential here.

To clarify status, or to petition to be added to this list, email: business@mil.wa.gov 4. How can my employees estimate their weekly unemployment benefit amount?

• Alyssa Joyner – Manufacturing: ajoyner@workforcesw.org, 503410-0408

An unemployment benefit calculator can help employees estimate how much they are potentially eligible to receive. After employees file a claim, they will receive a Statement of Wages and Hours telling them how much they are potentially eligible to receive.

In Washington state, the maximum weekly benefit is $790. The minimum is $188. No one who is eligible for benefits will receive less than this, regardless of their earnings.

• Sean Moore – Healthcare: smoore@workforcesw.org, 360-7628569

COVID-19 Resources for Business

• Darcy Hoffman – Construction, other sectors: dhoffman@ workforcesw.org, 360-608-4949

For the latest updates on unemployment programs and paid family medical leave, visit the Employment Security Department’s website.

Our business services team has already worked with numerous companies facing potential temporary layoffs. More than 500 employees could be impacted by layoffs from the 27 companies we assisted during the week of March 16 and more have been in touch with us since then.

To help you find the resources you need, we’ve put together a list of sources of information, guidance and assistance available for businesses and individuals impacted by COVID-19. We will update it as more information becomes available.

3. If you have questions about options concerning your workforce – we are here for you.

We are here to help with your workforce needs, please contact us with any questions or concerns:

The top questions we’ve heard so far are: 1. What is Shared Work?

The Shared Work program (videos here) allows employers to reduce the hours of full-time employees by as much as 50 percent while the employees collect partial unemployment benefits to replace a portion of their lost wages.

2 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | April 2020

We continue to work with and advocate on behalf of impacted businesses in Clark, Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties. We are here for you, please reach out.

Darcy Hoffman, Director Business Services for Workforce Southwest Washington can be reached at dhoffman@workforcesw.org, 360.608.4949.

Virus from page 1

❝ “Quality and Personalized Service” “When initially opening a business account, we looked for a financial institution with similar values of quality and personalized service. Fibre Federal Credit Union was a natural fit. They’re known to work really well with local business owners, so that’s where we started.”

Lynne Hopkins, Weatherguard Office Manager

There’s been a lot of information shared around what businesses can do to accommodate this situation, but not a lot of discussion around how businesses can ensure the continued success of their organization. follow this guidance when enacting Stay-In-Place orders.

Washington Nonprofits We are learning fast about how to survive and thrive during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonprofits that typically operate on thin margins are facing unprecedented challenges. Washington Nonprofits is committed to supporting nonprofits through this crisis with timely information and advocacy.

I also want to share this blog post I ran across that lays out what we know about how coronavirus is impacting small businesses, how you can minimize losses, and steps to protect your business.

These suggestions are by no means exhaustive, as there is much we still don’t know about how this situation will play out. But we hope they will be a good starting point for business owners who are overwhelmed and unsure of what actions to take.

Finally, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has made all states in the northwest region eligible for Disaster Assistance Loans. Read more about qualifications and how to apply, here.

Contact your local financial institution or lender for additional information.

This is an opportunity for our businesses – including sole proprietors, independent contractors and 501c3s for federal grant funds.

There are two programs to choose from:

Bring your business to Fibre Federal for Business Plus Checking, Business Online Banking, Remote Deposit, low-cost loans, and incredible member service.

360.423.8750 1.800.205.7872 www.fibrecu.com

• $10,000 grant that you can receive in three business days following receipt of the application by the SBA (also can be part of a loan). This is through the SBA 7b2 EIDL grant program.

Alternatively, businesses with employees can receive up to 2.5 months of payroll expenses as a forgiven loan through the new SBA 7a Paycheck Protection Program. You would apply for these funds through a lender rather than directly from the SBA and it would take longer to receive the funds. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has stated plans to implement a simple process within a week under which loans can be made and disbursed the same day.

The 11-page document is provided by our Washington State senate delegation and delves into the process to receive the funds: Link to the Small Business Owners Guide to the CARES Act here.

Federally insured

by NCUA

Be safe. Be diligent and be knowledgeable Banking made easy

Kelso Longview Business Connection | April 2020 | 3

Kelso Longview Chamber Members Availability Status as of March 27 Thank you for your continued support for local businesses during this crisis. Information changes daily. For a current status update please visit our website at www.kelsolongviewchamber.com or our Facebook page.

Take-Out and/or Delivery/Curb-Side Pickup Open

Open by Appointment Only

Express Employment

Antidote Tap House

Cowlitz County Public Works

Foster Farms

Fiesta Bonita

Cowlitz Black Bears

Guild Mortgage (working remotely)

Focused Nutrition

Cowlitz County Title

Guse’s Gourmet Coffee

Cowlitz Habitat for Humanity Office

Housing Opportunities of Southwest Washington (virtual services)

Hart C's

Crime Victim Advocacy and Hope Project (phone appointments)

Huntington Learning Center (online tutoring only) Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce (working remotely)

Hopscotch Toys

LaPorte Insurance

KeyBank

Longview Orthopedic (extra precautions)

Life Works essential staff

Mary Kay Cosmetics-Sondra Sampson (virtual beauty experience)

Hop N Grape Jansen Floral Effects Jimmy John's (delivery only) Kelso Theater Pub Longview Donuts, LLC Mary's Bar & Grill Minuteman Press (curbside and delivery) McDonald's Kelso (use app) McDonald's Longview (use app) Red Leaf Organic Coffee (will deliver) Roland Winery Teri's Restaurant Thai in Town The Sugar Pearl (pickup and delivery) Drive-Through Open

Lower Columbia Longshoremen's Federal Credit Union Noelle McLean PS (Phone appointments only, working remotely) NW Muddy Puppy SlapShot USA Specialty Rents and Events Summerland Catering

Minuteman Press (order online, curbside and delivery available) People's Injury Network Northwest PNW Metal Recycling RiverCities Transit (some route changes) Riverwoods Chiropractic and Massage

Kelso Treatment Solutions

Roto Rooter Sewer & Drain

Open – With Changes Noted

The Dog Zone (no training classes)

Academy Mortgage (working remotely) All Out Sewer and Drain Service

Sign Print 360 Twin City Laundry (no self-serve, drop off laundry open) Workforce Southwest Washington (virtual services)

Bob's Sporting Goods (temporary hours)

WorkSource (virtual services)

Copies Today

Bob Beal Insurance State Farm (phone, email and online communication only)

Closed

Cowlitz PUD

Cascade Title (in office, closed to public)

Body & Spa Esthetics

Dutch Bros

Cole's Appliance Repair

Broadway Gallery

Fibre Federal Credit Union (Ocean Beach Hwy and Kalama branches closed)

Columbia Wellness

C's Photography

Community Home Health and Hospice (extra precautions)

Children's Discovery Museum

Compass Career Solutions (open but not to public)

Columbia Theatre

CORE Health

Cowlitz Habitat for Humanity Store

Country Village Nutrition Shoppe (online ordering available)

Cowlitz County Historical Museum

McDonald's in Longview

Cowlitz County Master Gardeners (WSU Extension Office closed but still answering phone, email, messages)

Cowlitz PUD lobby

Red Canoe Credit Union (lobbies closed, ATM available)

Cowlitz County Title (in office, closed to public)

Red Leaf Organic Coffee

Cowlitz Tribe (Medical Clinic by phone, only seeing patients with an appointment)

Downtown Nails

Burgerville (10 am to 9 pm)

Heritage Bank (lobbies closed, ATM available) KeyBank (lobbies closed, ATM available) Mary's Bar & Grill McDonald's in Kelso

Taco Time

Darrel and Pam Whittle - Realty ONE Group Pacifica (working remotely) Elam’s Home Furnishings (will deliver)

4 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | April 2020

Cowlitz Valley Moose Express Employment Woodland Office Fibre Federal (Ocean Beach Hwy. and Kalama branches closed) Fire Mountain Grill Gallery of Diamonds

Closed Continued

Longview Public Library

Silver Lake Resort

Grounds for Opportunity

Longview Senior Center

Silver Star Sports Bar & Grill

Happy Kids Dentistry

Kelso Treatment Solutions

Snap Fitness

Ilani

Mill City Grill

Stageworks Northwest

J Squared Barrel House

Mint Valley Golf Course

Storyboard Delights

Kelso city offices

Mint Valley Racquet Complex

Sweet Spot

Kelso Eagles

Mt. St. Helens Creation Center

The Daily News Office (will still publish)

Kelso Longview Chamber Visitor Center/office

Omelets and More

The Office 842

Kelso Public Library

Parks (play structures, restrooms, sport courts, dog park, skate park, community garden)

The Red Hat Thrift Store

Planet Fitness (will do Facebook Live classes)

Triangle Bowl

Kelso-Longview Elks (kitchen and lounge) Life Works Community Service Center Longview city offices Longview Parks & Rec classes & office

Port of Kalama (Interpretive Center, offices, play structures) Posh on Commerce Red Kitchen

Longview is home to one of the safest hospitals in America.

Tibbetts Mercantile Triangle Tavern YMCA

PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center has earned an “A” from the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade. Thanks to the caregivers and providers who made this possible through their meaningful contributions to the delivery of safe, compassionate care every day.

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is an elite designation from The Leapfrog Group, a national, independent watchdog that sets the highest standards for patient safety in the United States.

Learn more about PeaceHealth’s commitment to safety at peacehealth.org/patient-safety-and-quality

Kelso Longview Business Connection | April 2020 | 5

Cowlitz County Commissioners Dennis Weber County Commissioner, District 2

A plea for help from the federal government

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any folks here have noticed increasing numbers of sand bars from the mouth of the Toutle River to the mouth of the Cowlitz. They became very apparent during the recent smelt fishing days, as fat and happy sea lions sunned themselves on many of them. But anyone living along the shores have good reason to be concerned because these sand bars, formed by the continued movement of Mount St. Helens ash since the 1980 eruption, represent an on-going risk to the flood protection promised us by Congress following that disaster when the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument was created.

Authorized by Congress, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACOE) is responsible for maintaining flood protection appropriate to a major flood every 150 years. Their initial analysis described the impact of the eruption as displacing three cubic miles of material (one cubic mile equals one mile by one mile times one mile deep).

One cubic mile was blasted up into the atmosphere with the ash falling as far away as Missoula, Mont. One cubic mile sped down the valleys, causing floods and dumping sediment into the Columbia River where shipping was blocked.

The final cubic mile was headed downstream, too. USA-COE engineers developed a plan to prevent that from happening. That plan basically had three parts: 1) a tunnel west from Spirit Lake designed to relieve pressure on the unstable debris flow blocking the natural outlet of the lake; 2) A 30-story Sediment Retention Structure (SRS) just upstream from Kid Valley east of Toutle; and 3) dredging early debris from the rivers and creating huge sediment disposal sites along the shores. The plan was set to last until 2034, the 50-year authorization given to USA-COE by Congress.

Unfortunately, the time estimate fell short. The SRS was completely full in 2014 and USA-COE began planning corrective measures. However, in 2016, just before the Trump administration took office, the President’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) decided to put a hold on spending authorization for the annual sediment-monitoring USA-COE had been doing. It wasn’t until the County, the Port of Longview, and the cites of Longview, Kelso, and Castle Rock contributed $120,000 in 2019 that monitoring was done by the agency again. And sure enough, a loss of flood protection near Lexington was detected.

In the meantime, the owner of the tunnel, the U.S. Forest Service 6 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | April 2020

(USFS), discovered during its annual inspection of the tunnel that it had cracks along fault lines and repairs were needed. That led to a national academy of scientists to recommend making those repairs along with testing of the debris flow to determine its stability in order to abandon the tunnel.

To make matters worse, USFS has since then reported damage to the tunnel’s intake structure requiring even more repair costs.

A decision to repair the tunnel and to conduct the core-sampling tests on the debris flow requires access to the area, currently a roadless section of the national monument. The choice is to either re-establish the old administrative road across the debris flow built for the original tunnel construction or to rely on a much-more expensive helicopter alternative, actions pitting environmentalists vs. recreationalists vs. the OMB. At the end of February, the county commissioners sent me back to Washington, DC to discuss the need for action. Working with a DC lobbying firm, who also does work for the City of Longview, I met with the Deputy Chief of the USA-COE for the Northwest, who agreed with our sense of urgency. Next we met with the staff of U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell to outline our concerns. Then, we met with the key attorney at OMB and pressed our case, showing aerials of the sand bars and sharing how difficult it has been since the eruption to regain our economic footing. (He appeared to be won over and promised to do what he could to help us out.)

That was followed by meetings with U.S. Sen. Patty Murray and with U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera-Buetler, plus each of their staffs, to share the aerials and outline our strategy in obtaining funding. (In fact, the three recently co-signed a letter to the USA-COE, OMB, and the USFS asking for support for Cowlitz County.) We followed up those visits with ones with the staff of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee as well as the Deputy Forester of the USFS, who actually expressed support to transferring the tunnel to the USAS-COE. All this occurred before the current COVID-19 pandemic emergency was declared by the president – however, it certainly was a topic mentioned at all meetings. Nevertheless, I remain cautiously optimistic that we will get our requests addressed before the spring is over.

Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Frank Panarra, President Foster Farms Chris Roewe, President Elect Woodford Commercial Real Estate Lisa Straughan, Vice President Express Employment Professionals Neil Zick, Treasurer Twin City Bank Michael Claxton, Legal Counsel Walstead Mertsching Nick Lemiere, At Large Edward Jones Christine Scott City of Longview Councilmember John Paul KUKN-KLOG-101.5 The WAVE Rich Gushman Gibbs & Olson Marlene Johanson Heritage Bank Wendy Kosloski Teague's Interiors Nancy Malone Mayor of Kelso Cherelle Montanye St. John/PeaceHealth

Cowlitz Economic Development Council Ted Sprague President

Working to keep community updated and informed

T

he Cowlitz Economic Development Council (CEDC) is doing its best in delivering real time information to its members and partners. Staff is involved in daily communication with the Cowlitz County Incidence Response Team,

the Washington Economic Development Association (WEDA), Workforce Southwest Washington, the Department of Commerce (DOC) and others to stay informed of proposals, new guidelines and programs to assist Cowlitz County business. Our offices in the U.S. Bank building are closed to the public as U.S. Bank decided a few days ago to close the lobby to the public. We are following the Governor’s directive and are working from home. The key word in that sentence is “working”. Please know you can reach out to us by email – sprague@cowlitzedc.com or Lindsey Cope – cope@ cowlitzedc.com. In addition, we are available on our mobile phones, for Ted – 360-430-0848 and for Lindsey – 360-560-3286. Due to the volume of calls, if your question is not urgent, please utilize our email.

Many of you have taken advantage of the Small Business Association (SBA) Disaster Relief Loan program, for details and an application utilize this website – https:// disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Declarations For general updates, the state of Washington has set up a website which covers the latest breaking news for businesses and individuals – https://coronavirus.wa.gov One program we are working with the Governor’s Office and the DOC is a roll out statewide of $5 million from the Governor’s Strategic Reserve Fund. The DOC has been charged with rulemaking for this new program. Nothing is set in stone yet as they are creating the program on the fly, but what is being discussed is some type of

Bruce Pollock Bicoastal Media

grant program where small business could apply for $10,000. It is unclear what the

Tom Rozwod NORPAC

DOC is discussing is who will be the gatekeeper for those dollars locally and there is

Ted Sprague Cowlitz Economic Development Council Michael Vorse Minuteman Press

money could be used for, but those details are being worked out. Another piece the speculation that economic development councils will serve in that capacity.

This entire situation is incredibly unfortunate and to add to our disappointment the CEDC is in the middle of an entire remodel of our website. Because of this we cannot post to our website, but we are posting all breaking news on our Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/CowlitzEDC/

Dennis Weber Cowlitz County Commissioner

Kelso Longview Business Connection | April 2020 | 7

City of Kelso

City of Longview

Nancy Malone

MaryAlice Wallis

Mayor

Mayor

Plan eases panic during pandemic

I

n the past couple of weeks since COVID-19 became a pandemic, we, the city and others alike, have been working fast and furiously to put together a team of elected officials,

city managers, emergency operations center representatives, Department of Emergency Management workers, and various others to help combat this terrible virus.

We have all worked diligently to create an Incident Command Center located at the Cowlitz County Event Center. The elected officials and the county commissioners have implemented a Delegation of Authority to Cowlitz 2 Fire and Rescue Chief Dave LaFave and his Incident Management Team. By doing so it somewhat relieves the city and the county from duplicating actions and creates one arena for all to work together with the same information and create an approach that applies to the entire county and the cities within.

I’m happy to report things have been going extremely well at this point. We continue to conduct conference calls in order for all to be updated and provide the necessary information needed to make helpful and healthy decisions.

Kelso staff remains healthy and the city manager has met with all department heads as to how the next week(s) might look.

We have advised all staff to practice everyday aid in preventing colds, flu and other respiratory illnesses as well as watching for COVID-19.

At this time Kelso City Hall is locked and all payments for your water/sewer/garbage can be placed in the drop box at the drivethrough window or mailed. All questions regarding permitting, engineering, public works, or police will be via the telephone.

There is a phone just outside the police department if needed for an emergency. The Kelso library will be closed until further notice.

We are maintaining our social media and again are working directly with our Incident Management Team. If you have any questions or concerns, I recommend you contact the team at 360-577-3144. We are doing everything we can to make this as

Opportunity to focus on what is important

L

ike many of you, I’ve been pondering about the state of our nation – and even of the entire world. Notwithstanding the crises before my time (wars, financial crashes, etc.), with the exception of 9/11 I don’t recall in my lifetime our nation facing such humility as we are right now with the threat and reality of this health pandemic. Yet humility quells pride and can render us malleable and teachable. It pushes us to focus on the things most important to us, and if we pay attention, we can gain wisdom and be all the better for it. During this time of testing, as we sort out the difficulties of COVID-19 and its effects within our city, state, nation and world, let us allow ourselves the opportunity to remain optimistic and steadfast, and by all means, teachable. These are qualities that have defined us as Americans since the inception of our great nation.

At a recent Longview Police award ceremony, Officer BJ Mortensen graciously received the award of Officer of the Year.

In his final comments he stated that there are two things we can control in our lives; our attitude and our effort. True on both accounts. How can we expect any more from our officers that sacrifice daily on behalf of the citizens? How can we apply those same two words to the situation we face now with COVID-19?

Each new day we wait for more information that defines our new normal: washing hands for 20 seconds, elbow touching, social distancing, WebEx meetings, restaurants closed, schools closed, businesses closed, flights canceled, appointments rescheduled, making a new plan. What is left but to hope for the future?

Who knew that there would be a run on toilet paper? Who knew we would be homeschooling our children and be quarantined to our own homes?

As I look through this new lens, I try to see the opportunities: We “get” to spend more time with families. We “get” to catch up on home projects. We “get” to center ourselves and realize our potential and opportunities and focus on what is most important.

We “get” to serve in a whole new way. We “get” a reset.

When the chips are down, when we are faced with difficult circumstances or the outcome isn’t what we expect, what can we learn from these moments? For today, let’s just pause and take a deep breath. A small tweak here and there. A little effort and an attitude filled with hope will go a long way and I will bet the results will be amazing.

bearable for all, just please remember: be considerate of other

Be brave friends!

people’s needs as well as your own. We are all in this together.

We are in this together.

8 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | April 2020

Lower Columbia College

Calendar

Chris Bailey

Please check the Chamber website

President

for changes and cancellations kelsolongviewchamber.org

Wednesday

ELED C N A C Education Foundation April 1 – 7:30-9am

LCC responds quickly to pandemic threat

L

ower Columbia College is still operating—we’re just doing things differently.

Thursday

ELED C N A C Ambassadors Meeting Aprl 2 – 7:30-8:30am

Columbia Bank

Wednesday

In mid-March, simultaneously with the World Health Organization’s pandemic declaration, LCC formed an Emergency Operation Center (EOC) to specifically

deal with the crisis. Our EOC immediately agreed on its top priorities in its work: 1. Reduce the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and protect our vulnerable populations;

April 8 – 2pm

2. Communicate effectively to employees, students and the community;

Free Webinar

3. Maintain academic and community services where possible; and,

How to Apply for Small Business Association (SBA) Business Disaster Loans Maximum 200 can register; deadline to register 8am day of webinar https://wsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/ events/99270903

Tuesday April 14 – Noon Chamber Executive Board Mill City Grill

April 14 – 5:30-7:30pm Business After Hours Teri's Restaurant

Tuesday April 21 – Noon

4. Maintain the economic viability of the institution.

The various departmental units and my entire executive management team have been working with the EOC to make significant changes to our operations to meet these objectives.

First, upon the recommendation of our EOC, we restricted access to LCC buildings to only faculty and staff (no students or visitors) from March 20-April 14. Subsequently, and consistent with Gov. Jay Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order, EOC and my executive cabinet created a list of personnel that are permitted to work on campus, and we made arrangements for all other employees to work remotely.

LCC also cancelled all events and activities on the campus from March 20-April 14.

After some discussion, LCC moved its spring quarter start date two weeks to begin April 20 and end June 18 (rather than April 6-June 18). Moving the date allows faculty and staff to prepare for other changes in our operation as a result of the virus. Registration for spring quarter is now open. Please check our website at lowercolumbia.edu for extended dates and deadlines. LCC also created and implemented a virtual one-stop “welcome center” for students at lowercolumbia.edu/virtual.

Chamber Board Meeting

Spring Quarter classes will be delivered online (and/or remotely) as much as possible.

Mill City Grill

Faculty will be providing more specific information to their students via email or Canvas (our online delivery platform) before the start of the quarter. Our LCC Board of Trustees

Every Wednesday

ONED P T S PO

Your Chamber Connection KEDO/1400 AM or 99.1 FM 3-4pm

Stream live at www.kedoam.com

approved additional funding, and our LCC Foundation has sought funding, to provide internet access “hot spots” and devices for students who will need them in this new environment.

Our first priority is the health and safety of our community. We will continue to provide regular updates as information becomes available.

Kelso Longview Business Connection | April 2020 | 9

Sale

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74900

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Morrison Recliner

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Elam’s Mattress Gallery 1416 14th Ave Longview, WA 98632

(360) 232-8036

HOME FURNISHINGS AND SLEEP CENTER

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www.elamshf.com

Elam’s Home Furnishings 1413 Commerce Ave Longview, WA 98632

(360) 575-9804

Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments Bill Fashing CEO

Business, government should work together

H

ere to Help

Despite the concerns with government, I hear on occasion, it is here to stay and it is in place to serve and protect. In mid-March as the COVID-19 virus concerns were growing for many, the state put out a call for businesses facing economic impacts from the virus. This was a pre-emptive measure following the emergency declaration by the Governor to qualify each of the Washington counties for governmental benefits.

Cowlitz County did get qualified, but not easily because of a lack of response by local businesses. A last minute push by area economic development team partners helped get the word out on the need for local firms to submit a form showing economic injury in order to get the county qualified for benefits.

Business engagement is frequently necessary in order to conduct the work of government. Please be aware that the call to action from local agencies to the business community is not for the sole benefit of those governmental agencies. It is primarily to the benefit of the greater business community and area residents as well. In the future, watch for those public requests,

Service is the difference!

TRUSTED FOR OVER 37 YEARS

work to comprehend the request, learn how it will support our community, and engage when appropriate to ensure local governments’ ability to serve your needs.

COVID-19 Here is another opportunity to engage. The Cowlitz County Incident Response Team is currently reaching out to businesses about handling COVID-19 virus. They are seeking the following information from local businesses: 1. Best point of contact (office phone, cell phone, email) including a good after hours contact, if needed.

2. Do you currently have a Continuity of Operations Plan?

3. Do you have any extra PPE equipment that could be used for community response? If so, what kind? How much?

Please send the information you are willing to share with the incident response team to the following email imt.liaison@ co.cowlitz.wa.us.

Here is a link to an interesting article from the Washington Municipal Research and Services Council regarding the possible scope and magnitude of the COVID-19 crisis. It is worth the read.

Washington Department of Commerce resources Small Business Administration resources Respond to the 2020 Census

Deanna Cornelison

Kristy Norman

Jason Hanson

Darren Plank

Dyann Crayne

Leah Stanley

Escrow Officer

Title Officer

Escrow Officer/LPO

Title Officer

Title Officer Title Plant Administrator

Title Officer

Accurate Reliable Timely Locally Owned 1159 14th Avenue , Longview, WA 98632 360.423.5330 www.cowlitztitle.com

The 2020 Census is underway and is ready for America to respond. Plan to include everyone living in your home on April 1 on your Census submission. You can respond online if you have not already done so. The first invitations arrived at an estimated 140 million households between March 12-20. Every household that did not respond in early March likely received additional reminder letters in the mail between March 16 and March 24. If you have not filed your Census, plan to do so soon to avoid a Census Worker being dispatched to your residence. Go to 2020Census.gov for more information.

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Committee The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Committee of the CWCOG’s Economic Development District will be exploring ways to jump start small businesses in the coming months to assist in efforts to develop some quick help opportunities for those impacted by the COVID-91 outbreak. If you are interested, contact me at bfashing at cwcog.org.

Kelso Longview Business Connection | April 2020 | 11

Buiness Toolbox Jerry D. Petrick Certified Business Adviser

How your business can respond to adversity

A

ssumptions and Considerations

The following strategies and actions are based upon the potential significant negative impact on our local business community related to the COVID-19 virus.

The response and implementation of these ideas will vary depending on the nature of the event, seasonal business levels, and geographical distribution of the impacts.

All sales and cost savings actions here are general, and not specific to any one business or industry. At this time, it is unknown the potential impact on sales if we experienced a significant economic downturn in our economy related to the COVID-19 virus. However, business owners could expect to see a possible 25-50 percent decline in sales if there are continued significant negative events related to the COVID-19 virus.

Actions should be based upon the actual decline in business, and will vary from business to business, and market by market.

Obviously, sales are the lifeblood of every business. However, in this situation your ability to minimize a contraction in sales may be limited. A few actions to consider are: • Depending upon your business model it may be appropriate to identify your Top 10 key customers suppliers to discuss any potential downturn they might predict e.g. in terms of their sales/ operations, or problems with supply/material shortages, and to what degree these issues might affect your business.

• Complete a significant sales reduction plan for your business reflecting a sales decline of 25-50 percent. The actual percentage will be dependent on your personal business judgement, and to what degree your business market expects to be impacted.

This plan should analyze and address adjustments to staffing, inventory, operations, and cash flow.

■ FREE Webinar April 8 – 2pm How to Apply for SBA Business Disaster Loans Don’t miss this opportunity to find out how to navigate the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) website to get your disaster loan application submitted.

Jerry Petrick, MBA certified business adviser, Washington State University Small Business Development Center serving southwest Washington

■ Participants must register by 8 am April 8; maximum 200 can sign on https://wsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/99270903

3. Management of Accounts Payable will be crucial and all outgoing payments should be personally approved by ownership before the “check is released” for payment.

4. Prepare list of all outside service providers and determine which services could be fully eliminated if necessary, and/or performed for a period of time by re-assigned staff.

5. Get in touch with your banker – even if you don’t have current needs this is a good time to be checking in with them. If you have existing loans, discuss different options that may give you flexibility with payment terms.

6. Credit Facilities – Review all current lines of credit (LOCs) related to the business for purposes of determining available line limits (if needed), as well as consideration of potential other lending resources (if needed). Consider a short-term transfer/ draw on your existing LOCs to insure access to cash.

7. Review noncritical long-term purchases to consider more justin-time purchases to reduce inventory costs and to free up cash resources.

• Based on evolving market changes, from a longer-term perspective your business may want to consider suspending or reducing significant marketing and advertising expenses.

8. Review all current and projected repairs/capital improvement needs and consider postponement of such work as appropriate.

• You may want to review and streamline product and service offerings to concentrate on high margin easily produced items.

1. Using your projected sales reduction forecast, develop a staffing plan for the next 6-9 months. This plan should consider appropriate staffing by function within your business. In some cases, tough decisions may be required for instance in assessing the need for sales personnel levels versus production personnel. The business should also examine of the possibility of short-term re-assignments to maintain current staff, i.e. employees serving in new roles.

Cash Flow Managing cash during a time of unexpected economic downturn is highly important for the immediate and long-term sustainability of the business. Some steps to explore: 1. Using your projected sales reduction forecast, develop a cash flow projection for the next 6-9 months so you can anticipate your potential cash positions.

2. Review Accounts Receivable aging to ensure that all current customers are “paid as agreed”. Consider shortening current payment terms.

12 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | April 2020

Staffing

2. Perform a critical staff analysis. Who are the key employees needed to maintain minimal levels of operation in “survival” mode?

3. Determine strategically if the best/resilient business-staffing model is quantity of employees versus hours paid to each For more Business Toolbox, see page 13

Business Toolbox from page 12

employee. For example, would it be better to generally reduce hours for all employees, or lay off employees and retain others at full time.

IF you determine hours reductions are best make sure you check out the Shared Work program from Employment Security https:// www.esd.wa.gov/SharedWork this provides the ability to retain your talent and keep them substantially whole financially.

Operations 1. Implement measures as appropriate to reduce the potential for employee and customer viral exposure.

• Clean and disinfect public/shared surface • Review guidelines provided by local, region, and federal health agencies • Strongly encourage employees who exhibit any symptoms to stay home • Discuss with employees social distancing measures where appropriate • Post communication to partners, employees, and customers regarding measures that the business is taking to increase safety 2. Supply chain: understand your critical materials/inventory levels. This is delicate balance as you must consider any potential interruption in supply (e.g. hand sanitizer) while minimizing cash you have tied up in necessary inventory. It is recommended you meet with your suppliers to discuss any potential interruption in

supply channels. This should be reviewed on an ongoing basis along with sales trends to insure best uses of cash resources.

3. Review hours of operations and other modifications related to a significant downturn in business.

4. Look at staging or prioritizing production to smooth or delay significant cost expenditures 5. Consider supplemental personal protective equipment (PPE e.g. vinyl gloves, masks, etc.) where appropriate.

6. For certain retail markets consider adding a delivery service for customers.

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program The economic injury assistance program request from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is called the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program. It can provide low interest working capital loans to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and most private nonprofit organizations.

Register for a FREE webinar How to Apply for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan, April 8 from 2-3 p.m., https://wsbdc. ecenterdirect.com/events/99270903 This article was prepared by Jerry Petrick, MBA, and certified business adviser with the Washington State Univesity Small Business Development Center. Jerry provides no-cost, confidential business advisory services by appointment. He can be reached via email jerry.petrick@wsbdc.org

Your Locally Owned and Operated Community Bank • Checking, Savings and CDs • Business Loans • Construction Loans • SBA Loans 729 Vandercook Way, Longview

(360) 414-4101 www.twincitybank.com

There’s a Difference.

Kelso Longview Business Connection | April 2020 | 13

Discover

100

1920-2020 portofkalama.com

A rich history, a unique location Port of Kalama enjoys a rich history that weaves through time along waterways, railways and roadways to drive home why transportation continues to be the community’s mainstay today.

The Columbia River attracted a steady stream of settlers like namesake Hawaiian John Kalama who arrived in Kalama in 1837 to act as a middleman between local Cowlitz Tribe and the Hudson Bay Company.

When Kalama first wandered into the locale that now bears his name, he was struck by its beauty. Gentle green slopes ran down to the deep, massive Columbia River slicing its way through the valley.

In 1870, the Irish and Chinese arrived to work on the railroad. The Scandinavians with interests in fishing and logging settled in Kalama as well.

Progress continued; and today highway, rail and water meet in Kalama at some of the most efficient transportation networks in the country. Kalama’s particular landscape gave birth to a booming transportation system impacting the area both culturally and economically—ultimately transforming the area into its position today as an internationally-connected community. Much of what made Kalama replete and thriving in the past, still holds true today. Kalama remains an ideal place to do business and an enviable quality of life.

We love it here! Happy Centennial, Port of Kalama!

https://portofkalama.com/discover-100-a-richhistory-a-unique-location/

Still Here…Your Columbia Theatre

Join us for a FREE live video streaming concert featuring Rock & Roll Hall-Of-Fame Icon Roger Fisher of Heart with the band Born To Fly.

Fisher is the guitarist behind “Barracuda”, “Magic Man”, and “Crazy On You.” SATURDAY, APRIL 18TH at 7:30 P.M. • Live video streaming on Facebook • Simulcast on Rocket 107 the Peak

More information?

Call us 360.575.8499.

We’re your Columbia Theatre and we’re still here!

Don’t miss it.

WITH SPECIAL GUEST: BORN TO FLY

Like us on Facebook for regular posts of past performances.

www.columbiatheatre.com • 360.575.8499

Mind Your Own Business (At The Library) Chris Skaugset Director – Longview Public Library

Online services connect readers to a variety of titles and resources

W

ith emergence of COVID-19 and the Governor’s recent stay at home order; there is no better time to discover what your Longview library can offer you outside of our brick walls. During this crisis, we will continue to send out information, and some fun things as well, about what your library can do for you. We will be offering story times on most days at 10:30 a.m. on Facebook live. Either follow the library on social media or check out our website for more information. We are also still answering questions via our Ask a Librarian form on the website.

Finally, from the library’s website (www.longviewlibrary.org) cardholders can access a number of different e-resources in e-books, audiobooks, movies, music and more. Longview library card holders can borrow best-selling and classic titles for free anytime with a valid library card, and enjoy on all major computers and devices, including iPhone, iPad, Nook, Android phones and tablets, and Kindle. E-books can be read immediately on any device with an Internet browser and all titles will automatically expire at the end of the lending period. There are no late fees.

Washington Anytime Library (Libby) The Longview library is a member of the Washington Anytime Library, powered by Overdrive, bringing you thousands of e-books and audiobooks that can be read in a browser on your computer or with the free Libby or Overdrive app on your phone, tablet, or other device. Many items are also available in Kindle format to be read on Kindle e-readers or in the Kindle app. Download the Libby app for your device (iOS, Android, Windows 10, some Chromebooks). If Libby isn’t supported on your device, download the free Overdrive app.

Hoopla Hoopla is a web and mobile library media-streaming platform for audiobooks, comics, e-books, movies, music, and TV. Hoopla allows library patrons to download or stream media content. Your Longview library card gives you five Hoopla checkouts per month. Set up an account on the Hoopla website or download the free Hoopla app from your device’s app store. Hoopla also works with Alexa, AppleTV, Roku, and more. See Hoopla’s Help Page to find out more.

Tumblebooks for Adults For a limited time, TumbleBooks is providing our community with free access to several of their e-book databases. Click the links below to be automatically logged in to the library account. Head on over to our kids’ page for TumbleBook offerings for children.

AudioBookCloud: Streaming audiobooks for all ages.

16 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | April 2020

Romance Book Cloud: unlimited and unrestricted access to a huge selection of romance e-books.

Newspapers, Databases, and eLearning.

You can also access a number of databases as well including Consumer Reports, Lynda.com, and NewsBank to name a few.

Auto Repair Source Repair and maintenance information on various models from 1954 to present.

Consumer Reports The Consumer Reports database provides complete, independent, expert ratings and recommendations on appliances, cars and trucks, electronic gear, and much more. The Patron ID is your entire library card number.

Lynda.com from LinkedIn Lynda.com is a leading online learning platform that helps anyone learn business, software, technology and creative skills to achieve personal and professional goals. Through the Longview library subscription, cardholders have access to the Lynda.com video library of engaging, top-quality courses taught by recognized industry experts.

NewsBank Access World News: Find global information on topics related to business, economics, education, government, health, homework help, international studies, politics, science, social issues, sports, STEM and more from a variety of news media featuring newspapers, videos and web-only content.

ProQuest Research Library ProQuest Research Library provides one-stop access to more than 4,000 periodicals from one of the broadest, most inclusive general reference databases ProQuest has to offer. Search from a highly respected, diversified mix of scholarly journals, trade publications, and magazines covering more than 150 academic disciplines.

Reference USA Detailed information on more than 12 million U.S. businesses; 102 million U.S. residents; 683,000 U.S. health care providers; 1 million Canadian businesses; and 11 million Canadian residents.

All you need to access all of these e-materials and resources is your library card number (which is on the back of the card; all 14 digits and no spaces) and your pin, which should be the last four digits of your phone number. Be safe and healthy.

Spring has Sprung!

Join us for some LCP Bingo!

Thursday, April 23, 2020

Doors Open at 5 pm

First Game is at 6 pm $20 for 10 Games and Food Raffles

American Legion Post 155 1250 12th Ave, Longview

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

Kelso Public Schools

Longview Public Schools

Mary Beth Tack

Dan Zorn

Superintendent

Superintendent

Getting students career, college, life ready

COVID-19: Supporting our kids and families

hese are unprecedented times. The onset of COVID-19, and subsequent efforts to slow the spread, have changed many aspects of how we live and work. We’ve put up a page on our website (bit.ly/KSD-COVID) to keep our families informed, and we continue to update it as things change and evolve. Meanwhile, we remain committed to our mission of preparing every student for living, learning, and achieving success as a citizen in a changing world.

hen Governor Inslee ordered schools to close, the employees at the district responded quickly. I am very proud of all Longview Schools employees and the hard work they have put forth to support our kids and families during this unprecedented time.

T

To that end, we believe that if students are able to transition successfully between grades and schools and graduate with the skills necessary to excel in post-secondary opportunities, their ability to realize their personal goals and to be fulfilled, productive citizens will be enhanced. We have a strategic plan (bit.ly/ksd-plan) in place to support our students to be career, college and community ready when they graduate.

We’re on the right track. In Kelso, we offer 17 Career and Technical Education (CTE) dual credit courses, six College in the High School courses, and last school year we had 1,000 students participate in career-related learning activities. To assist in planning for life after high school, 100 percent of high school students create a High School and Beyond Plan that is reviewed annually, most seniors participate in mock job interviews, and we have fifteen family information nights for post-graduation life.

Our graduation rate continues to rise each year, going from 82.5 percent in 2015 to 88.4 percent in 2019.

Still, we have some work to do. The number of our students who enroll in a two- or four-year program in the first year after graduation is 49 percent, compared to the state average of 62 percent. Our graduates also fall behind the state average in persisting with their program of choice beyond the first year: 50 percent for a two-year program and 84 percent for a four-year program (compared to 63 percent and 90 percent, respectively, across the state).

Our dedicated team is working to increase these numbers.

One strategy employs the use of Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) classes. The first cohort of our AVID students will graduate this year, and we’re excited to see them move into the next phase of their lives with the skills and mindsets they’ve developed. They started the AVID program when they were in 9th grade. Since then, they have learned how to be successful as students, seen nearly a dozen different college campuses, and done a lot of intentional thinking and planning around their futures.

The world is changing, even as you read this, but our dedication to our students is unwavering. Preparing them for living, learning and achieving success is among our greatest adventures and highest honors.

18 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | April 2020

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Shortly after the school closure, the district nutrition services and transportation teams put a plan in place to feed those in need. We began serving our students on the first day of closure at six of our schools and four mobile sites. Any child, from birth to age 18, is able to receive a daily grab and go breakfast and lunch. As of the writing of this column, we are serving approximately 400 students each day. We will continue serving meals during the Stay at Home order and through spring break.

Shortly after the closure was announced, the district began setting up online learning resources arranged by grade level on the district website. In addition, parents now have access to learning schedules to help support their child’s learning while at home. Looking ahead, we will be moving to a more robust teacher directed remote learning model to give parents the most support we possibly can.

The district is also busy working with the State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to figure out graduation requirements for high school seniors and other complex issues the closure has caused. The Governor’s school closure and Stay at Home orders created many issues nobody has ever faced before, but we will find answers for our kids.

The Governor asked school districts to help families of first responders and medical professionals with childcare options.

We partnered with Childcare Aware, who has a list of childcare facilities in the area and the number of openings each location has. First responder and medical professionals can call a phone number sent to them, and on the district website, to access the best childcare options for their personal situation.

To communicate all this information, we have a dedicated COVID-19 section on our website with links to resources for meals, learning resources, counseling services, FAQs and other information. The district Facebook page is regularly updated, and parents and families regularly receive emails from the district and their schools alerting them to pertinent information. For those with no Internet service we’ve both U.S. postal service mailed and made phone calls to try and get For more Longview Schools, see page 19

Longview Schools from page 18

them connected. We’ve also been in close touch with the local media, updating them on what we’re doing, so they can pass along the information to their audiences.

The district is in regular contact with the Cowlitz Emergency Management team to support getting information to the public, OSPI on school issues, superintendents across southwest Washington and a variety of other organizations.

Our kids and families need support – and the team at Longview schools is working very hard to provide it. If you have questions, or need information, visit our website at longviewschools.com or reach out to me.

As always, we greatly appreciate the support of the Longview-Kelso Chamber of Commerce. Be safe, stay well, and take care.

Consistent Courteous Complete Title and Escrow Services

1425 Maple Street • Longview, WA 98632

360.425.2950

www.cascade-title.com Kelso Longview Business Connection | April 2020 | 19

Longview Downtowners & Kelso Downtown Revitalization Association Lindsey Cope President

Downtown rallies now and will rise up

I

n almost 100 years, downtown Longview has experienced almost gold rush like booms, mass exodus as shopping malls became the norm, the Great Recession and high vacancies, and a steady rebirth to where we are today. When coronavirus or COVID-19 hit and the first order came down to close contactbased operations, what I saw was adaptability, diversification, camaraderie and a community really rally together.

Businesses were first worried for their employees, then their customers, then themselves. Within 24 hours, they contacted one another and started implementing strategies they may have never considered. Curbside pickup, online ordering and delivery. Retailers limited their hours of service and some started previewing inventory online for pickup or mail. Companies and individuals rallied to shop local and the businesses applauded each other. Service-based industries such as spas and salons started calling to reschedule and clients rescheduled and understood. People may have slowed down, but they haven’t stopped.

When I was interviewed about how COVID-19 was affecting downtown Longview recnetly by The Daily News, what I wanted to say was through this uncertain, unprecedented time, downtown Longview has done exactly what I knew it would. It came together. It adapted. It will bounce back because it and our community are a special place with special people who truly care.

I am proud to be a part of such a unique, kind, adaptive group of entrepreneurs and when we get to the other side, I look forward to wherever we go from here. I am not so naĂŻve to think we have not had, and will not continue to experience, some bumps and bruises, but I know we can come through this.

On the backend, the Longview Downtowners Board of Directors and the Cowlitz Economic Development Council are working tirelessly to communicate opportunities to limit losses, continue operations and assist businesses and employees. We are utilizing every resource as it comes available to assist in any way we can and will continue to do so. Please contact me if there is anything you need for your business in or outside of downtown Longview.

Thank you to everyone who supports our downtown Longview community. We look forward to getting on the other side of this with you. You can follow us on Facebook @ downtownlongviewwa. Stay healthy and take care.

20 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | April 2020

Kelso Downtown Revitalization Association One year ago, this month we held our first downtown Kelso meeting, graciously hosted by Catlin Properties. I had convinced myself that I would call it a success if 10 people, including myself and the CPI team, showed up. We ended up with standing room only.

A few meetings later, we scheduled our first cleanup for downtown Kelso as a group and wouldn’t you know it, more than 60 people showed up. Again, I found myself in awe of how Kelso shows up.

Around that same time, we had partnered with the City of Kelso to purchase 20 concrete planters and gave them to businesses for beautification. We had businesses who still wanted some, but no funds, and just like that two donors stepped up and paid for 20 more.

In 12 short months, I have countless stories about how Kelso shows up. Whether its for our monthly meetings, cleanup, planters or to support our kids, families, and law enforcement.

Kelso shows up every time. From business owners, to citizens, to our city leaders, Kelso shows up.

I know right now everything feels shaky and uncertain for every person and business. We are in an unprecedented situation with COVID-19 and we have had to adapt to protect ourselves and others. I can tell you that every Kelso business that has reached out is concerned for their people and their customers.

The best way we can support them right now, if it is possible, is to order from their restaurant if they are open, reschedule your appointment, buy gift cards, and to communicate with them. If you cannot afford to purchase or pre-purchase at this time, you can show them some support on Google, Yelp and Facebook.

Those positive reviews mean the world to those businesses and will help once we are on the other side of this.

In the meantime, please take care of yourselves and your people.

We have cancelled at least for now our April meeting, but you can keep up with us on Facebook @kdrakelsowa.

If you have a business in Kelso and are looking for resources during this time you can reach me at @cope@cowlitzedc.com.

The Cowlitz Economic Development Council is working with our businesses, partners at the state and federal levels, and stakeholders on relief programs, financial assistance and other resources.

New Members Add your business to our growing membership.

Call 360-423-8400 Today!

Business Association with opportunities to

Look Who Joined in March RCT Custom Trailers 1806 Baker Way Kelso, WA 98626 360-957-7205

promote trade through Chamber socials, special events and committee participation.

• Annual Meeting and Banquet • Networking Events • Committee Participation • Business Contacts • Quarterly Membership Meetings • Civic Representation • Monthly Business After Hours

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

• Mailing Labels • Membership Window Decals • Member Referrals • Ribbon Cutting • Website Links • Member to Member Discounts • Membership Directory • Tax Deduction • Newsletter • Business Card Display • Use of Chamber Logo

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

• Legislative Representation • Issues Tracking and Information • Task Forces • Candidate Forums • Legislative Update Breakfast • Demographics Publication

Membership Packages Basic • $275 or $26 per month Bronze • $500 or $46.66 per month Silver • $1,000 or $86.33 per month Gold • $2,500 or $211.33 per month Platinum • $5,000 or $416.66 per month Diamond Club • $10,000 or $834 per month Nonprofit • $180 or $18 per month

Kelso Longview Business Connection | April 2020 | 21

2020

January 14: Specialty Rents February 11: Wheeler & Columbia Ford March 10: Kelso/LV Elks April 14: Teri’s May 19: Cowlitz Title June 9: Port of Longview July 14: American Workforce Group August 11: Mint Valley Golf Course September 15: Rotary October 13: Farm Dog Bakery @ Life Works November 10: Monticello Park Prestige December 8: Holiday Mixer

Ambassadors of the Month Everyone is a Winner in March Thank you Red Coats for all you do!

Every day Ambassadors welcome businesses into Chamber community with enthusiasm

A

ll the event cancellations in March made it too hard to select an Ambassador of the Month, so we decided to honor all our Ambassadors for all they do!

Carrie Medack, Diamond Residential Mortgage Chris Roewe, Woodford Commercial Real Estate Denni Meza, The Daily News Diana Boaglio, Global Images Graphic Design & Marketing Diane Craft, Koelsch Senior Communities Eric McCrandall, Family Health Center Erika Agren, Futcher-Henry Group Josh Carter, KLOG/KUKN/The WAVE Katie Keaton, Bicoastal Media Kelly Godden, Specialty Rents and Events Lisa Peters, Legal Shield

eBill Sign up TODAY

Receiveit

$

5

cred

Marc Silva, Columbia Bank Marlene Johanson, Heritage Bank Nick Lemiere, Edward Jones Pam Whittle, Realty One Pacifica Teedara Wolf, Cowlitz PUD Tina Moore, Cascade Title Tiffani Whitten, Snap Fitness

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

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.

Kelso Longview Business Connection | April 2020 | 23

Business Connection Advertising Rates Effective January 1, 2020 Kelso-Longview Business Connection monthly newsletter is published the first of each month, posted electronically on our website and over 7,000 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 $110 $175 $205 $325 $625

4-7 Issues $90 $140 $170 $290 $570

8-10 Issues $70* $105* $140* $245* $480*

12 Issues $50* $75* $100* $190* $400*

Dimension

2"x2.5" (*Includes ad on website) 4"x2.5" (*Includes ad on website) 4"x5.25" (*Includes ad on website) 4"x10.5" (V) or 8" x 5.25" (H) 8"x10.5" (*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, Tiff and JPEG. Non-Members of the Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce please add 30% to above rates. See back for size examples.

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___________________________

a

Ribbon Cutting Sweet Addition

Before "social distancing" our Ambassadors were able to welcome Longview Donuts to the business community.

Ribbon cuttings, like all of our events, are currently on hold, but if you would like to get on our calendar for the future shoot us an email at ahallock@kelsolongviewchamber.com.

a Longview Donut's Leng Hok and her grandparents with our Ambassadors

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

1157 3rd Avenue, Suite 218

1157 Longview, 3rd Avenue, WA Suite 98632 218 1157 3rd360.952.3100 Avenue, Suite 218 Longview, WA 98632 Longview, WA 98632 www.amadaseniorcare.com 360.952.3100 360.952.3100 www.amadaseniorcare.com www.amadaseniorcare.com

Residential & Commercial gro.n.control@gmail.com

Kelso Longview Business Connection | April 2020 | 25

Business After Hours

Come celebrate our 15th Anniversary with us!

Tuesday, April 14 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

FOOD

Teri’s Restaurant 3225 Ocean Beach Hwy, Longview

PRIZES

$15 in advance $20 at the door Register at www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

DRINKS

a

Business After Hours Lucky Night

The Kelso-Longview Elks Lodge No. 1482 hosted our Business After Hours March 10. Our Ambassadors sported their red coats and Elks members donned their blue jackets, but just about everyone else got into the St. Patrick's Day spirit wearing green.

a Kelso Longview Elks Exalted Ruler Hal Bornstedt announces another winner b Jose with leprechaun Mark Massey c Ambassador Josh, Rick and Martha from Twin City Laundy d Bartender Jessica Rusher serving up good times e Jennifer Penfold, Country Financial, Lady

Carrie Cowan and Leading Knight Darryl Stayton

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

b

c

d

e Kelso Longview Business Connection | April 2020 | 27

The Executive Corner Frank McShane Square Peg Consulting

Making quick, tough decisions

T

he growing coronavirus uncertainty is requiring business leaders to make tough decisions in a hurry.

Here is a process for guiding companies through significant downturns. I have found that it helped make the appropriate adjustments to the crisis while also preparing organizations to come through in a stronger position than before: • First, take care of your employees. Make sure everyone is following the steps for staying healthy and preventing community spread. Keep people informed so they are not wondering what is going on. The way you treat your people in a crisis will have a big impact on the future culture of your company. In the current pandemic, it is important to clarify the purpose of social distancing practices, which is to protect the healthcare system from being overwhelmed.

• Get the Leadership Team meeting daily (at least). Whether meeting in person (if safe) or online, the purpose is to monitor and adjust as quickly as possible. The first meeting topic is health and safety, followed by a review of current data that clearly shows the level of business activity. This should be compared to what would normally be expected (same period last year or recent trends prior to the crisis) by location or department. Leaders of each business segment should come prepared with the data, the resulting issues, and recommended actions.

• Make decisions using the best data you have. Do not wait for precise numbers. Look for trends and levels of difference from the past. Determine the adjustments needed and communicate the decisions and the reasons for them broadly throughout the organization. Let your employees know that the decisions and adjustments might change as the situation evolves. Be transparent in that you do not have all the answers but are working to keep the employees and the business as healthy as possible.

• Once decisions are made – act. Do not wait to redeploy people, send them home to work, or lay them off. Clearly communicate the decision and the rationale. Implement any adjustments in a fair, non-discriminatory manner as quickly as practical.

Make sure the employees know their company and government support options. It is normal to be sensitive to the circumstances of those being impacted. However, the Leadership Team needs to stay focused on those employees that remain and the future of the company.

• As the crisis begins to ease, seize the opportunity to start 28 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | April 2020

re-shaping the business. Make changes that may have been needed for some time. Redesigning the organization to better match the post-crisis business gives you a chance to strengthen your team. Do not assume that everything and everyone will just return to the previous pattern of activity. Some roles will change or be consolidated, requiring new sets of skills and behavior traits.

In jobs that are unchanged, this can be a time to find people who better match those roles. Hopefully, you can also find a better fit for the previous incumbents. If not, help them make a good transition to another organization.

• Keep in mind that the responsibility of the Leadership Team is to preserve and improve the sustainability of the business.

Obviously, there are a lot of factors in each step above. The key is adopting a process and quickly adapting to a volatile situation.

Need help? Call me at 360-562-1077.

Making Spirits Bright We are successful because of our customers. Their trust and continued business allows us to give back to our communities. In 2019, we donated $1.5 million to local nonprofits and volunteered 4,714 hours to help our neighbors in need. Thank you for your support so we can continue to improve the lives of those around us.

Kelso 1000 South 13th Ave. 360.423.7800 Longview 927 Commerce Ave. 360.423.9800 HeritageBankNW.com | 800.455.6126 |

Equal Housing Lender | Member FDIC

The Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce would like to THANK the following loyal members for renewing their partnership with us this March.

Interstate Wood Products, Inc Kelso Eagles No. 1555 Lower Columbia CAP Newrock Homes, Inc Northwest Auto Specialist, Inc. Retirement Strategies Silver Star Sports Bar and Grill Superior Tire Service, Inc. Woodland Chamber of Commerce

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Your Chamber Connection EVERY Wednesday on KEDO 1400AM

Join our hosts Carey Mackey, Red Canoe Credit Union; Karen Sisson, Stewart Title; Shawn Green, ServPro Longview/Kelso and Marc Silva, Columbia Bank for local guests and current events.

Would you like an opportunity to be on Your Chamber Connection?

Contact Bill or Amy at the Chamber 360-423-8400.

a Cowlitz County Auditor Carolyn Fundingsland ran some numbers by us b Geared up and ready to run Mike Mann stopped in to promote the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Firefighters Stairclimb

Stream Your Chamber Connection live at www.kedoam.com

Kelso Longview Business Connection | April 2020 | 29