Klc biz 5 2016

Volume 8, No. 5

May 2016

Business Kelso Longview

Connection Chamber of Commerce

Calendar Wednesday

May 4 – 7:30 a.m.

Education Committee LCC Student Center

Friday

May 6 – 7:30 a.m.

Boot Camp – Business Basic No Cost Marketing LCC Heritage Room

Thursday

May 12 – 7:30 a.m.

Ambassador Committee Canterbury Park

Friday

May 13 – 7:30 a.m.

Boot Camp – Business Basics Minimum Wage $12-$15 LCC Heritage Room

Tuesday

May 17 – 5:30 p.m.

Business After Hours Fibre Federal Credit Union Block Party 796 Commerce Ave., Longview

Friday

May 20 – 7:30 a.m.

Boot Camp – Business Basics Customer Service LCC Heritage Room

Thursday

May 26 – 5:30 p.m.

Pillars of Strength & Crystal Apple Awards Cowlitz Regional Conference Center 1900 7th Ave., Longview

Friday

May 27 – 7:30 a.m.

Boot Camp – Business Basics Health Care – What are your options?

Monday

May 30 – Memorial Day Office Closed

Every Wednesday

Chamber Connections KEDO/1400 AM – 3-4 p.m.

Stream live at www.threeriversradio.com

Kelso-Longview educational leaders shared their own challenges with business leaders March 31 at the Chamber’s annual State of Education address.

More than 30,000 youth in Portland-Southwest Washington not in school and not working A report released by the three workforce development boards that serve the PortlandSouthwest Washington metropolitan area finds approximately 30,157 individuals ages 16 to 24 are not in school and not employed.

The report, distributed by the Columbia-Willamette Workforce Collaborative (CWWC), looks at characteristics of these individuals that represent 28 percent of all young people ages 16 to 24 not enrolled in school in the six-county region (Clackamas, Clark, Cowlitz, Multnomah, Wahkiakum and Washington) served by the CWWC. Dubbed “Opportunity Youth” by the White House Council on Community Solutions, these young people represent an important workforce resource for the local economy.

“This report identifies key demographic information and barriers faced by Opportunity Youth in our region,” said Bridget Dazey, executive director of the Clackamas Workforce Partnership. “Knowing who may be falling between the cracks and possibly not accessing programs will enable us to create innovative strategies to serve these individuals as we identify where the gaps in services are, and see if there are additional programs or partners that may address those needs within our community.”

“We wanted to have a better understanding of the young people in our region, their needs and challenges,” said Jeanne Bennett, CEO of the Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council (SWWDC). “These individuals are a key population identified in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) legislation to receive services.”

“Having and sharing this information enables us to have conversations within our respective agencies and externally with partners to identify services and resources needed by these youth,” said Andrew McGough, Worksystems’ executive director.

Please see Youth, page 2

Kelso Longview Business Connection

May 2016

Youth, from page 1

•

Share of 16-24 year olds who are Opportunity Youth (Count of Opportunity Youth)

Forty-two percent of Opportunity Youth aged 16 to 19 have less than a high school diploma.

•

Among Opportunity Youth aged 20 to 24, more than 4,500 (20 percent) have less than a high school diploma. This group is twice as likely as those with more than a high school diploma to have worked 26 or fewer weeks in the last year.

•

Eighty-eight percent or 26,555 Opportunity Youth were employed for half or less of the last year.

•

Roughly two-thirds of Opportunity Youth have not looked for work within the last four weeks and are not considered to be in the labor force.

Clackamas 14 percent (6,135) Clark 11 percent (6,045) Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties 16 percent (2,325) Multnomah 11 percent (8,730) Washington 11 percent (6,922) Overview of Portland-SW Washington region Opportunity Youth: •

Almost evenly divided between female (51 percent or 15,484) and male (49 percent or 14,673).

•

Nearly 30 percent of Opportunity Youth moved homes in the last year.

•

In 2014, 61 percent or 17,933 Opportunity Youth lived in households earning below 200 percent of the federal poverty level.

•

Many Opportunity Youth are supporting themselves and also have children of their own. In 2014, 33 percent of Opportunity Youth females lived with their own children; nearly 10 percent were the primary support for their children.

•

Opportunity Youth are slightly more likely to be white than all youth age 16 to 24 in the region overall.

•

Non-white and non-Hispanic youth are generally over represented among Opportunity Youth. This over-representation is most prominently seen among black youth.

Although only six percent of Opportunity Youth are black, 23 percent of all black youth in the region are Opportunity Youth.

The report and appendix may be downloaded from www.swwdc.org, www.clackamasworkforce.org or www.worksystems.org

We look forward to handling your next real estate transaction.

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Opportunity Youth (OY) by Race and Ethnicity, 2014 Share of Youth 16-24 who are Opportunity Youth (Count of Opportunity Youth) White 13 percent (21,036) Hispanic 11 percent (4,541)

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

Asian 8 percent (1,216)

Bianca Lemmons VP/Manager/LPO

Deanna Cornelison Escrow Officer

Shelby Caufman Escrow Officer

Linda Comley Escrow Officer/LPO

Leah Stanley Escrow Assistant

Rita Lawrence Escrow Assistant

Kristy Norman Escrow Assistant

■ ■

Black 23 percent (1,823) Other 8 percent (1,541) Total 14 percent (30,157)

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

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2016 Small Business

BOOT CAMP CONTINUES

Friday Mornings ★ Lower Columbia College

7:30 am - 9 am ★ Heritage Room at LCC - Admin. Bldg. $100 Six Classes - up to three people can attend from your business - $5.50 per person!

How can you not attend?

May 6

business basics 101 six pack No Cost Marketing Facilitator: Russ Meder, My Agency

May 13

Minimum Wage $13.50, How do you survive?

Facilitator: Gary Chandler, Moses Lake Business Owner and VP for AWB.

May 20

Customer Service Facilitator: Chris Bailey, President, Lower Columbia College

May 27

Health Care – Which describes you?

Number of Employees: 25 or less? 25 – 50?

Over 50? Self-employed?

Facilitator: David Taylor, Taylor Insurance

June 3

Pricing for Profit Facilitator: Jerry Petrick, SBDC

June 10

What’s your strategy?

Facilitator: Jerry Petrick, SBDC

Call today to sign up! 360-423-8400 or register online at: www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

Pillars of Strength and

Crystal Apple Awards

2016

Thursday, May 26, 2016 Cowlitz Regional Conference Center

5:30 pm - 6:15 pm ~ Cocktails and Dinner Buffet 6:15 pm ~ Program begins $35 per person or $280 for a table of 8 Please register by Thursday, May 19 at www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

Your Locally Owned Stations

Kelso Longview Business Connection

May 2016

Cowlitz Economic Development Council

Ports facilitate commerce and job creation

By Darren Williams, Brad Owens And John Huntley Guest column courtesy to The Bellingham Herald

we need is to gentrify our ports away from industrial uses like shipping, fishing, manufacturing, agriculture and repair services. These things have always been the lifeblood of our seacoast economies, and they will continue to be for generations to come. Even Boeing airplanes get built by using port facilities.

Ports are not ornaments; they were established to facilitate commerce and job creation.

In 1889, the people of Washington included within their new state constitution an authorization for local port authorities to use public funds for “industrial development or trade promotion.”

Bellingham’s waterfront has lost much of its industrial activity over the years, and the recent opposition to consideration of new industry — seemingly any new industry — defies logic.

Without industry, there are no family-wage jobs and no taxes to pay for services and parks. Without revenue from industry, the port will be forced to load more cost on existing businesses and on uses like recreational and commercial moorage. And they may have to levy taxes on Whatcom County property owners and renters, which further increases the burden of living in one of the least affordable housing markets in Washington (according to the state Department of Commerce).

Here in Whatcom County, the Port of Bellingham, which serves the entire county, recognizes its mission as being, “…to fulfill the essential transportation and economic development needs of the region while providing leadership in maintaining greater Whatcom County’s overall economic vitality…”

To borrow a phrase, “It’s the economy, stupid.” That’s why we have ports and public port districts. But the port has managed to pursue its mission in a way that also complements the environment and provides for open space and shoreline recreation.

An important study shows us why working ports are so essential. They are not only gateways to trade (and we are the most trade-dependent state in the nation), but they are also home to some of the highest paying jobs anywhere.

Whatcom County is increasingly a community of “haves” and “have-nots.” Even the national presidential debates include a lot of talk about the “income gap.” One of the best ways to bridge that gap is with good-paying industrial jobs. And that’s where working ports come in.

The study was conducted by the respected Seattle research firm Community Attributes for the Economic Development Council of Seattle and King County, the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County and the Puget Sound Regional Council. Entitled the Washington State Maritime Cluster Economic Impact Study, the report inventories a wide range of maritime-related industries in the hope of providing a foundation for future efforts to grow the sector throughout the state.

“The maritime industry in Washington is historically and economically vital, but its importance is often under recognized.

This report clearly shows the sector’s importance to the state, local communities, and workers,” said Marléna Sessions, CEO of the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County.

“The information in this report will help all stakeholders focus on Maritime’s importance, its continued economic vitality, and its workforce pathways to good paying jobs.”

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

At a time when a majority of Washingtonians have slipped below the middle class, according to Pew Research, the last thing

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

May 2016

CEO’s Message

Promote your business while supporting Chamber events

By Bill Marcum CEO – Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce

banquet room showing your business as a sponsor of the event and your company logo is included on all marketing materials promoting the event to members and non-members.

Just last week I was asked several times about opportunities to sponsor events at the Chamber. It’s not very often that someone comes to you and asks, “How do I get involved, and can I sponsor that event?” So, I created the list below to give all of you an idea of the opportunities

Small Business Boot Camp – $250 per session (three sessions total $750) Boot Camp is designed to assist small businesses with basic information and knowledge to help them run a more efficient and profitable business. Each session has six classes, with approximately 16 to 30 attendees. Sessions include information on topics like reading a financial statement, preparing a business plan, budgeting, taxation, human resources, hiring and firing, processes and procedures, company handbook, sales, sales people, marketing, social media, customer service, pricing for profit, business strategy, compensation and legislative issues. Sponsor banners are positioned at the event and your company logo is included on all marketing materials promoting the event to members and non-members.

Quarterly Luncheon – $250 per Quarterly (four total $1,000) These luncheons are designed to provide our membership with an overview of the State of Education (March), State of the County (June), State of the Cities (September) and the final Quarterly is actually an evening event in cooperation with the Cowlitz Economic Development Council call The Port Report (November). Each of these attracts between 100 and 145 people. Your sponsorship helps offset the cost of producing the event. Each sponsors’ logo is included in a PowerPoint presentation shown prior to, and after the event. A banner hangs in the

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Team

Business and Tourism Expo – $500 to $2,500 sponsorships available The Expo (March) consists of nearly 100 businesses in our area showcasing their products and services in a full day event. It is designed to bring awareness about local services and products on a business-to-business stage to encourage networking and potential new partnerships. The second part of the Expo is to invite local business owners, managers and staff who were unable to set up a display to the event during a more social atmosphere so they can also see what our local businesses have to offer. Your sponsorship includes a table or booth, a banner at the event, logo on all marketing material, newspaper advertisements, radio spots and e-blasts.

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

Please see Chamber, page 7

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

May 2016

Chamber, from page 6

holiday spirit, through their costumes – https://www.facebook. com/KelsoLongviewChamber/photos/pb.136312866402099.2207520000.1461862888./1076201012413275/?type=3&theater

Pillars of Strength Awards – $280 to $500 sponsorships available The Business and Education awards are given out at this event (May), including scholarships for our local youth. The event attracts more than 250 attendees each year. The $280 sponsorship is a table (eight tickets). We invite the scholarship winner and his/her parents to the event at no cost to the family. The Table Sponsors host one or two families depending on the number of tickets the business needs for their own employees. The $500 is to help offset the cost of the event at the Cowlitz Regional Conference Center. Sponsors receive recognition on the big screen prior to, and after the event, via a PowerPoint presentation. Sponsor logos appear on the printed agenda that also lists nominees in all the business and education categories and lists the winners of the scholarships provided by the Kelso Longview Chamber and the Chamber’s Lower Columbia Professionals Committee. Last year 14 scholarships were awarded for a total of $15,000. Your company logo will also appear on all marketing and communication used to promote the event.

Christmas After Hours – $500 sponsorship is available This is the premier After Hours of the year at Lower Columbia College. More than 200 local business professionals attend this event. Sponsors receive 10 tickets ($250 value) to the event and their logo on all marketing and promotional information used to advertise the event to our members. In 2015, we were able to provide one $1,000 scholarship to an LCC student from the proceeds of this event. The sponsorship funds are used to offset the cost of the event and provide for at least one scholarship.

Advertising Opportunities This Chamber Business Connection Newsletter – $50 to $400 depending on size and frequency The Chamber newsletter is published the first of each month and distributed electronically to members. Members of our larger businesses, the county, cities, both school districts and Lower Columbia College all forward the electronic version to their staff via email. The total distribution is estimated today at 6,200 copies. The pricing also includes your ad on the Chamber’s website at no additional charge. Take a look www. kelsolongviewchamber.org. Today the newsletter is 41 pages with more than 13 guest columnist focused on business, government, education and news.

Color Dash (August 6) and Jingle All the Way (December 10) sponsors – $200 to $1,000 to sponsor The Three Rivers Mall Color Dash is a fun, colorful 5K walk/ run, with five stations of color being tossed in, around, up, down and generally everywhere as more than 500 people walk the course around the mall. 2015 was our first Color Dash and it was a huge hit. Check out the photos at https://www.facebook. com/KelsoLongviewChamber/photos/pb.136312866402099.2207520000.1461862973./1011589568874420/?type=3&theater Jingle All the Way is our end of the year scholarship fundraiser. This will be our fifth year of the Jingle with more than 600 runners/walkers at this event. Weather has not stopped the fun of the run and participants know the weather has not always been the best. But, it is for a great cause, it is a ton of fun and as you can see if you click on the link, everyone gets into the

If you are interested in additional information about any of the sponsorship opportunities or advertising in the Kelso Longview Chamber Newsletter please contact me at 360-423-8400 or bmarcum@kelsolongviewchamber.org

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

May 2016

Lower Columbia College

Survey results highlight LCC’s inner strength: Our faculty and staff

By Wendy Hall Director of Effectiveness and College Relations – Lower Columbia College

ships, and Teamwork. You get three comparison groups. In our case, the comparison groups included all colleges and universities; all community colleges around our size; and all publically funded institutions. All together the groups represent about 70,000 higher education employees across the United States.

In February 2016, Lower Columbia College participated for the first time in a national survey for college employees called PACE, or Personal Assessment of Campus Environment. The survey is administered out of the National Initiative for Leadership and Institutional Effectiveness (NILIE) housed at North Carolina State University.

The survey was completed by 295 faculty and staff at LCC, who rated each question based on a Likert scale of 1-5, with 5 being high.

There are many advantages to using an instrument like this, but perhaps the most significant is that you can compare your results to what’s happening elsewhere. In other words, there is some context to your survey results outside of your individual institution.

So how did we do? LCC received mean scores that are above average for 46 out of 46 questions. Each question belongs to one of the four benchmarks noted above. The most meaningful way to look at our data, according to administrators of the survey, is to look at our benchmark scores.

The structure of the PACE survey is fairly simple. There are 46 questions in total across four benchmark areas, including: Institutional Structure, Student Focus, Supervisory Relation-

Please see LCC, page 9

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Julie Rinard, President Community Home Health & Hospice

Joel Hanson, Past Past President KLOG/KUKN/The Wave

Michael Julian Kelso Theater Pub

Lance Welch, President Elect PeaceHealth

Chris Bailey Lower Columbia College

Bianca Lemmons Cowlitz County Title Company

Linda DiLembo Vice President Three Rivers Mall

Clayton J. Bartness, DC Longview Chiropractic Clinic

Neil Zick, Treasurer Twin City Bank

Ken Botero Longview City Council

Michael Claxton, Legal Counsel Walstead Mertsching

Bob Crisman Gallery of Diamonds

Diane Craft, Past President Koelsch Senior Communities

Wendy Hutchinson Millennium Bulk Terminals

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Frank Panarra Foster Farms Tom Rozwod NORPAC/Weyerhaeuser Ted Sprague Cowlitz Economic Development Council Steve Taylor Kelso City Manager Dennis Weber Cowlitz County Commissioner

Kelso Longview Business Connection

May 2016

LCC, from page 8

with NILIE I have never seen that before.

LCC’s scores were statistically significantly higher across all four benchmarks than our three comparison groups. In fact, the scores were significant at the p<.001 level. In case you haven’t taken statistics for a while, that means there is less than a one in a thousand chance that our results are not actually different (in this case higher) than the comparison groups. The standard for measuring statistical significant is p<.05, which translates to less than a five in a hundred chance. Some experts refer to the p<.001 level as highly statistically significant. Quite a mouthful, but the terminology is helpful in terms of interpreting our data.

Overall, our scores were highest in the benchmark area called Student Focus, and lowest in Institutional Structure. This was the case for all comparison groups, but one notable exception was that LCC scored particularly well on a question related to the commitment of classified staff to helping students succeed.

Classified staff at LCC include our custodians, office assistants, techs, and other front line employees who serve students and take care of the campus in a multitude of other ways.

The survey results speak to the incredible dedication of our faculty and staff, and the power of believing in your mission.

While we clearly have some areas to work on in the area of Institutional Structure – including things like communication and decision-making processes – it is comforting to know that we are struggling with exactly the same issues as our peer colleges around the country.

Our results were surprising enough to illicit this response from the Director of Research at North Carolina State University: LCC rates statistically higher than any other institutional category from our norm base. It’s anecdotal, but in all my years

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

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Monday, June 6th 1pm Shotgun Start Make your Reservations Early!

Early Entry Fee $500 per Team of 4 (Price goes to $600 on May 20th) $125 per Individual ($150 after May 20th) Includes: Lunch, driving range, $5,000 putting contest, awards ceremony, BBQ dinner, 18 holes of fellowship, $10,000 hole-in-one opportunity and two carts per team.

We will give you a call the last week of May to secure the people playing on your team.

Register at www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

Kelso Longview Business Connection

May 2016

Government Affairs Committee

‘What’s Up with That?’

By Ken Grams Chair – Government Affairs Committee / CEO KinetiQ Group For those who rarely stay up late now that there is TV or streaming on the Internet the next morning, but who won’t miss watching America’s favorite quiz show, Jeopardy!, he’s one for you.

Q. What is a 41-year-old, American, late-night comedy and variety show where the show’s comedy sketches, which parody contemporary culture and politics, are performed by a large and varying cast of repertory and newer cast members, with each episode hosted by a celebrity guest and featured musical performer?

A. Saturday Night Live (SNL) In staying tuned in to this recent legislative session and fresh readings about our politicians and candidates, I couldn’t get the melody from the SNL sketch “What’s Up with That?” out of my head. Though guests have changed over the years, the SNL format or melody has not…sound familiar in politics too?

Here’s why: At the end of this year’s legislative session, Governor Jay Inslee “…used his line-item veto on several provisions within the state budget, upsetting the required four-year fiscal balance.

The move will put state finances more than $200 million out of whack”.1 …What’s Up with That?

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Washington Government Accountability Act (signatures being gathered for Initiative I-1464).

Campaign finance reform is overdue, but this initiative is funded at the expense of local small businesses (around 15 percent of retail business in Cowlitz, Clark and King counties).

• JD Rossetti (hoping to return to his 19th District House seat in Olympia) said he hasn’t taken a stance on I-1464. “I’m not going to get all excited or spun out (about I-1464) until they’ve delivered the signatures…”2 …What’s Up with That?

• Candidate Teresa Purcell for the above House seat said she needed to “study” the often-proposed end of the sales tax exemption in Cowlitz County for out-of-state residents before taking sides.3 …What’s Up with That?

• Though Candidate Val Tinney for the above House seat recently wrote on her public Facebook page “Funding this initiative on the backs of Cowlitz and Clark county small businesses is the wrong way to go about campaign finance reform. The Oregon sales tax exemption is part of what helps our local businesses survive. It’s a bad idea.”

Political transparency and accountability is a noble gesture.

However, why re-elect or even first-elect someone who isn’t transparent? Also, it’s OK for candidates to be leaders and get excited about opinions and positions on initiatives that directly impact their communities…and it’s OK to first help your community before checking with your special interest groups or your party leaders in Olympia.

Be excited to “get involved” and “be heard” to make a difference on business related topics or issues that are important to you, your family, and generations to come! ______________________________________________

https://www.awb.org/olympia-business-watch-1/?bid=19296 http://tdn.com/news/local/oregonians-would-pay-washingtonsales-tax-under-democracy-credit-initiative/article_9ea8b656e3e5-5614-b38e-737f23285f08.html 3 http://tdn.com/news/teresa-purcell-to-challenge-rossetti-forhouse-seat/article_1c4a6d6b-8e6c-5951-a130-63ec5743616a.html 1 2

1413 Commerce Ave.

360-575-9804

www.elamshf.com

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

May 2016

Personal sales management...in a challenging economic environment

By Chuck Nau Retail Consultant and Sales and Management Trainer – Murray & Nau, Inc.

tory sales? Adding or enhancing online campaigns? Greater client event participation? Expanded geographic or specific customer or client (e.g. a new large regional client) growth? New business or category growth?

• Enhance your selling time...by regularly scheduling those activities that allow greater selling time while reducing overall expenses. Remember, the best selling situation is face-to-face client contact.

• Realistically rate your accounts. Regularly review your customer, client and account list or sales territory and prioritize each account potential both on a short term (30-60-90 day) and long term (6-12-18 month) basis, and on a more revenue (+), flat revenue (0), or less revenue (-) growth basis.

Don’t overlook those accounts that are at risk (due to credit limitations, personnel changes, competitive changes or market impacts). Note them and give them the ‘kid glove treatment’ to save or maintain the business. What additions do you plan to make to your account list or sales territory, in terms of NEW business? Grow your online revenue from BOTH new and existing accounts? Remember, if you remain stagnant, 15 percent to 25 percent of your business may go away in a year.

• Practice time management. Fine tune again and again.

Stop procrastinating and wasting time. Know yourself and understand the value of time, using your most productive time during the day to be with your clients! Don’t allow your email to become a major distraction. Tell your clients and discipline yourself to check-in with your email only at selected times throughout the day…once in the morning and once in the late afternoon!

• Say NO! Don’t allow time to be thoughtlessly given away by you. Good customer service does NOT mean never saying no.

• Organize your information. How? By developing a pitch book. A pitch book ideally is a three ring binder and/or its electronic equivalent that contains information on your

In today’s challenging small business environment, whether in retail, as a service provider or a small manufacturer, reaching and selling clients and customers in person, over the phone or online continues to be an ongoing challenge. Coupled with the evolving and changing online and social media, your customer point of sale or sales territory or account lists management strategies need to change, too!

No matter the size or scope of your account list or sales territory, the following strategies will serve you well in managing and helping you achieve your revenue goals. These recommendations are based on my experience both as a key manager and assisting clients in meeting the revenue goals and enhancing and maximizing their existing resources (individually and collectively).

But first, let’s step back and clarify our definition of a customer point of sale or sales territory or account list. Your account list or sales territory and, in some cases, your customer point of sale should be defined in terms of objectives (...what is to be achieved?); potential (...type, where, from whom, volume); designed, organized, or structured so that results will be achieved (...timeframe and plan of attack); coverage (...will you be able to contact who you need to, to get the business); plus, in the case of a geographic territory, what determines physical size or location of the area to be covered?

But wait, you love to sell and interact with your customers or clients. You would rather sell than manage. So do you sell first, then manage later or manage first in order to sell your customers, clients and accounts?

Ideally, you should manage to sell.

So, let’s examine some strategies to help you chart your course to sales success …

• First and foremost, focus your managerial aims. Or put another way, what exactly is it you are trying to manage or achieve? Increased revenue? More product or specific inven-

Please see Nau, page 13

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

May 2016

Nau, from page 12 product or service offerings, information on ALL of your business services (e.g. free shipping, warranty, credit or extended payments), your competitive advantages plus any data you need to tell and sell your business’ story. Make sure your information is accessible and presentable...and current.

• Delegate and use all available resources ...Everyone within your business or service or retail operation at your newspaper is part of your sales and marketing team, from top to bottom and bottom to top. Remember, no one can do it all. Keep all your company resources in the selling loop, enhance and use them!

• Insure your personal and professional growth. Don’t overlook or abuse your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs. Take time for you.

Maintain a positive attitude; don’t dwell on past failures or rejections – use them to build on future successes. Network

and build professional friendships in your market and adjacent communities. Develop peer relationships with other salespeople and similar businesses throughout the community. Reward yourself by taking care of yourself – Have FUN! Keep fine-tuning. Learn from others. Look for those opportunities to excel. Keep changing and challenging yourself to take the time to plan and manage so you will achieve selling success. ...And remember, something good is going to happen today, look for it! © Murray & Nau, Inc. Chuck Nau of Murray & Nau, Inc. is a Seattle area based publishing consultant and sales and management trainer. He has been a speaker for and conducted advertising, marketing, management and sales training workshops with newspapers, niche publishers, publishing groups and press associations, throughout North America. Comments and questions are welcome and may be directed to Chuck via e-mail: murnau@nwlink.com. or at 425-603-0984.

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

Alison Peters Bonnie Woodruff Diane Kenneway Dennis Bird Escrow Officer/LPO Escrow Officer/LPO Escrow Assistant Senior Title Officer alison@cascade-title.com bonnie@cascade-title.com diane@cascade-title.com dennis@cascade-title.com

Lindsey McTimmonds Marketing/Recording recording@cascade-title.com

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

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

Kelso Longview Business Connection

May 2016

PeaceHealth

Businesses can make a heartfelt difference

By Liz Cattin Director – Patient Support and Community Services PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center heart disease. We will gather as a community at Lake Sacajawea to raise awareness of heart disease and to raise funds that support the valuable research that the American Heart Association is doing to help our community decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Why will you walk in the Southwest Washington Heart and Stroke Walk at Lake Sacajawea on the morning of May 14?

Will you walk because you, your child, your parent, your grandparent, your employee or co-worker, a friend or neighbor has been affected by heart disease? If you live in Cowlitz County, it is very likely that one or more people in your family or circle of friends and colleagues has heart disease or has been affected by heart disease.

On May 14, we have the opportunity to rally around our friends, colleagues and neighbors who have been affected by

Please see PeaceHealth, page 15

When one person beats cancer, we all feel better.

Imagine if you could avoid hearing the words “You have cancer.”

Many cancer deaths are preventable with simple lifestyle changes and regular screenings.

That’s why PeaceHealth offers nutrition classes to advanced cancer screenings. And if treatment is needed, our expert team is here to help you every step of the way.

Let’s beat cancer together, visit peacehealth.org/cancer.

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

May 2016

PeaceHealth PeaceHealth, from page 14

event. The walk starts near Martin’s Dock at 9:30 a.m. – rain or shine! We’d love to have teams from local business participate.

You can form a team or sign up on your own, and the distance you walk is up to you. Registration is online at pdx@heart.org.

We can make a difference. Last year we had nearly 550 people in attendance, and raised more than $10,000 to help fund heart disease research. This year our goal is to have 1,000 walkers and to raise $25,000. In order to achieve our goal we need your help!

If you are ready to walk the entire lake we will have support for you along the way, if you just want to complete the one-mile survivors walk, or any distance in between, we will welcome all participants to the finish line with healthy snacks and Subway sandwiches. All provided at no cost to you.

The event plans include much more than the walk at the lake. We will have a health expo starting at 8:30 a.m. with many vendors including the Humane Society, Cowlitz County Health and Human Services, TPI, Bicoastal Media, Kelso Theatre Pub, Lower Columbia Head Start, Pathways 2020, Subway, Red Canoe Credit Union, Starbucks, LifeFlight, and Bloodworks Northwest with their mobile unit onsite if you would like to donate blood.

PeaceHealth is proud to sponsor this valuable community event. We hope that you will join us as we work together to support our friends, colleagues and family members who have been affected by heart disease.

Walkers of all ages and abilities are welcome to join this free

Together we can make a difference!

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

May 2016

Council of Governments

Weighing in on freight mobility

By Bill Fashing Executive Director – Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments Cowlitz County is fortunate to have strong ties to the international trade sector which plays an important part in the economic vitality of the region and the nation. As a result of the investments made in ports and the overall transportation system, the region plays a significant role in supporting the nation’s 122 million households and 7.4 million businesses that are part of the economy that demands the efficient movement of freight.

The Ports of Longview and Kalama are firmly entrenched in the international market. The Port of Woodland is poised to join in the effort to provide even more direct connections to the international marketplace. Today almost 56 million tons of freight move along I-5 annually through Cowlitz County.

According to the Federal Highway Administration(FHWA) the U.S. transportation system moves more than 54 million tons of goods worth nearly $48 billion each day. This is almost 63 tons of freight per person per year. With freight tonnage expected to increase by 45 percent by 2040 there is an ongoing need to add capacity throughout the system. In Washington, the increase in freight tonnage could be as much as 80 percent according to the State of Washington Freight Mobility Plan.

New capacity is needed on highways, railroads, ports, and pipelines to assist in moving freight, keeping the economy growing and maintaining a safe and efficient transportation system for all users.

FHWA estimates show that by 2020, trade in the U.S. may double, and by 2030, it could quadruple. The international trade sector represents about one-quarter of the US gross domestic product. Additional investment in port infrastructure could bring 3.5 million new jobs by 2020 to the U.S. port communities including those in our region. This much needed growth will not occur without a concerted effort to development the needed infrastructure.

By 2040 the nations’ system will be required to haul an ad-

ditional 9 billion tons of freight around the country according to the FHWA. Will the region be ready for this influx of additional freight traffic? Will the region’s transportation infrastructure be improved in a timely way to promote the creation of jobs and opportunities in the region?

The COG and its member agencies are actively planning for the future of our transportation system including freight mobility.

Currently, as much as 20 million tons of freight travel on portions of SR 432 through the metro area. This equates to around 3,700 trucks per day or as much as 21 percent of the overall traffic along SR 432. Local planning estimates mirror federal estimates indicating growth on the horizon. The SR 432 corridor is under consideration to be designated a Critical Urban Freight Corridor in the state of Washington. Without improvements to this corridor, estimates indicate significant delays in travel along SR 432 by 2040. Planning for the corridor, including the Industrial Way/Oregon Way intersection has been underway since 1968. The recent legislative action providing $85 million to the intersection project will provide significant assistance in the region’s preparedness for the movement of freight in the future.

Elsewhere in the county, I -5 connections for freight mobility will continue to be focal points for freight mobility planning.

The existing multimodal freight system helped create the state’s economic success and serves as a strong piece of the overall foundation of the Washington economy. The infrastructure in place today in Cowlitz County has contributed to sustaining the quality jobs available in this sector. The COG will be seeking input on freight mobility issues in the region for inclusion in planning efforts through the end of the year. The business community is encouraged to engage in the process to help clarify the long-term freight mobility issues in the region. These planning efforts will continue to support the long-term development of transportation infrastructure needed for regional economic development.

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

May 2016

Mind Your Own Business (at the Library)

Book explores business venture and finds Life is Good

By Chris Skaugset Director – Longview Public Library

plosion and Silicon Valley for years and he thought maybe that was the answer to all his problems. He was hired by HubSpot, a Boston start-up, to work, somehow, with marketing.

Thus begins his fascinating tale of the rise, and fall, of a man, a company, and the second tech bubble. Filled with all of the craziness that one ties to Silicon Valley start-ups, or at least imagines, Lyons also analyzes the entire start-up world giving even a hightech novice information on the hows and whats of start-up world.

As I write this, the Library is preparing for our open house celebrating 90 years of serving the Longview community. It’s an honor and a pleasure to do this. This month I thought I would focus on some new books that I found very interesting and that hopefully you will too.

The first is one written by one half of the creator of one of my favorite companies, Life is Good. I think it can be useful both as a guide for small businesses and also as a guide for life in general.

“Life is Good: The Book” by Bert Jacobs is the story of two brothers, Bert and John, who started a company that grew into the $100 million socially conscious clothing and lifestyle brand that we all know today. They begin by chronologically following their personal and professional journeys: from their difficult, often chaotic, upbringing outside of Boston to the cross-country road trip that generated their career path, to the unlikely, and runaway, success of their business. Their secret is optimism. From that beginning, they describe the 10 “superpowers” accessible to everyone: openness, courage, simplicity, humor, gratitude, fun, compassion, creativity, authenticity, and love. It all comes down to embracing opportunity.

Whether it’s growing stronger from rejection, letting your imagination loose, or simplifying your life to focus on what’s really important to you. This is a fun read with some very useful insights surrounded by stunning photographs and the beautiful quirky graphics Life is Good is known for.

“From Silk to Silicon: The Story of Globalization through Ten Extraordinary Lives” by Jeffrey E. Garten is my next title to offer. The world globalization gets thrown around a lot and I think everyone has at least a vague idea of what that term means. Garten’s book is unique in that it looks at globalization not as a trend or policy discussion but instead looks at it through the lives of 10 individuals who changed the world through their accomplishments and by doing so paved the way to globalization. Some of the names you will definitely recognize (Genghis Khan and Margaret Thatcher) but others you might not (Andy Grove and Cyrus Field). It is obvious that globalization is the most powerful force of our times and Garten does an excellent job of looking at the current and future of globalization through the lens of the past and seeing the impact those individuals have had in their own times and on globalization as a whole. All in all an excellent narrative that even if you don’t agree with everything he says, it will make you think about globalization a little differently.

For those of you who are fans of the outstanding HBO show “Silicon Valley” or are interested in the fascinating, and always volatile, world of high tech “Disrupted: My Misadventure in the Start-Up Bubble” by Dan Lyons may be the book for you. Lyons was a successful writer for Newsweek when he received the shocking news that his job no longer existed. He had been writing on the tech ex-

These are just a few of the many things that you will find at your Library. Whether it’s a book or accessing the Internet, or learning a new skill, or seeing art, or attending a program, or any of the myriad of other things that you can do at your library, it is your library and we are here to help you, in any way we can, accomplish what you need or want to do.

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

May 2016

County Commissioners

Government by the people

By Joe Gardner County Commissioner

be heard. Don’t assume others are speaking for you, because in many cases, no one is saying anything! I have personally witnessed the change that is possible when people speak up. Your voice is NOT insignificant. Also, please know that while social media may be a good way to bring attention to an issue, it is not the same as speaking directly with decision makers. I welcome everyone to please read our county commissioner agendas, and come to our meetings Tuesdays mornings at 9. If you can’t make it, please email (gardnerj@co.cowlitz.wa.us, weberd@co.cowlitz.wa.us, karnofskim@ co.cowliz.us.wa) or call us at 360-577-3020.

We are a nation governed “by the people,” yet so often we (the people) are left feeling shut out of the government process. “What can I do?” we say, “I vote but my candidate never wins, the bills I support never make it out of committee, and even if one does manage to go through, nothing ever seems to change!” I admit to feeling the same at times, and thought I would try to “quit talking and start doing” by running for local office. Since I’ve been on the “inside” a little while now, watching government operations on a daily basis, I thought I’d give you my take on how (in addition to being an informed voter) the average citizen can go about making a difference, at least locally:

3) Lastly, make room in your schedule to spend some quality time with your family out in the community. This could mean volunteering, which is always needed and there are so many agencies who will welcome your efforts, but it could also mean taking a class through Parks and Rec or the WSU Extension, attending functions at your child’s school, checking out your local library, or just taking a walk to the park in the evening. When we invest time in our local area and people, we will begin to take back a feeling of ownership in our communities.

1) Apply to sit on a committee or board. Like it or not, there seems to be a citizen’s advisory committee for almost everything nowadays. Cowlitz County oversees 36 different boards and committees, and positions are almost always looking to be filled. You will find these positions are not a huge time commitment, and what these boards are responsible for might surprise you. For example, you could sit on the Salary Commission, which sets the county commission and other elected officials’ salaries, or the Building and Planning Advisory Council, which reviews the department’s process performance and work plan. I think what keeps people from doing something like this is the feeling that “someone else with more knowledge or experience” will do it, but I am here to tell you that YOU are needed. Your input is valuable.

Please call our office at 360-577-3020 to find out more or to apply.

This may all sound cliché, but I am finding it to be so true; that we all need to participate in some way. In doing so, we will feel empowered to suggest change where needed, as well as be the change that we want to see. Remember when you joined that club in high school? Became part of a team? When you committed your time voluntarily to a good cause, you were investing in your own personal development as well as in the world around you.

We need to continue to participate throughout adulthood. Our children need to see our involvement so that they themselves will grow to see participation in community and government as a normal and healthy part of society. Participation is the only way we are to move forward in this country, and it starts locally. It starts with you.

2) Attend your city, county, or school board meetings. Here is one thing I now have first-hand assurance of: If you speak, your elected officials will hear what you have to say; they may or may not agree with you, but if you don’t speak, they never get the chance to know what you think. If you hate to speak in public or can’t attend at the scheduled time, email or call to let your voice

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

May 2016

Kelso

Longview

Pavement maintenance an investment

Strategies for success, collaboration

By Mayor David Futcher

By City Councilmember Ken Botero

When it comes to street maintenance, you can “pay me now or pay me more later”.

Studies show that spending $1 on preservation while pavement is still in good shape can save you $6 to $10 in rehabilitation or reconstruction in a few years. That’s the reason that we’ve made a consistent effort to fund street improvements the last few years in Kelso, including implementing a $20 car tab fee dedicated to street improvements.

I recently read an article by Joe Summers concerning strategies for success and realized the importance of partnerships throughout our communities, speaking of Longview and Kelso as a shared community. Successful communities all over the United States are realizing the importance of an expansive view of community leadership. The traditional notion of the community leader, often a mayor or other powerful “position holder” like council member or city manager, as the chief community problem solver has given way to a new, more dynamic model of the community leader as a catalyst, connector and consensus builder.

Few people like having to pay the $20 car tab fee, but without sufficient funding, we’re just going to leave bigger bills and problems for those who replace us in the future. Some initiatives have been considered to eliminate cities’ abilities to charge those fees, and voting for them may be tempting.

Keep in mind, though, that the problem won’t go away just because the funding does.

Dr. David Mathews, president of the Kettering Foundation, writes: “What stands out in the high achieving community is not so much the characteristics of the leaders as their number…the high achieving community had ten time more people providing leadership than communities of comparable size.

This high achieving community is ‘leaderful’; that is, nearly everyone provides some measure of initiative. And its leaders function not as gatekeepers but as door openers, bent on widening participation.”

Yew Street in Kelso is a prime example of the costs of delaying maintenance. We’re about to have to replace it this year, after a decade or more of it being in terrible shape. Had the street been designed with storm drainage and maintained consistently, the current costs would be minimal.

Saving a couple bucks today at the cost of many in the future isn’t the best plan.

I appreciate the comments of Kelso Mayor David Futcher in last month’s newsletter and agree that our communities are best served by a holistic approach to economic development. To be successful we need to cultivate strong and diverse community leadership that is inclusive, collaborative, and connected. We need to identify our unique assets, create and implement a strategic plan, and establish partnerships among community stakeholders. The doors are there for our leaders to open and provide that Quality of Place that we envision.

On the good side of the ledger, the city has a strong financial position, and was recently rated as AA- for our upcoming bond issuance. It seems counterintuitive if you’re not into the bond scene, but that’s a better rating than A+, and is better than the ratings achieved by the county or our adjoining city – not that it’s a competition, of course.

Because interest rates are so low, the costs of the pavement projects we’re planning will grow at a rate more than we have to pay for interest, so we decided to just issue bonds and get some things done. And, Yew Street? You may not recognize it by the end of the year.

These inherent quality of life advantages, enhanced by community leadership, planning and partnerships, ultimately make our communities more attractive to both existing

Please see Longview, page 21

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

May 2016

Longview, from page 20

Tap Into Success

and potential residents and employers. I believe that we are seeing a turn in our quest for the Quality of Place, not only in Longview but also with our neighbor Kelso. With the new industries forming here at home, doors are opening up in livability within both communities. Together, we can do positive things.

My personal thanks to Longview’s new Economic Director Joe Philips and his success in opening doors for several new partnerships in the Longview area that will provide opportunities for Longview and Kelso. More on the history of Joe Philips to come later.

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

May 2016

Business Toolbox

Ways to increase your cash flow NOW!

By Jerry D. Petrick Certified Business Adviser

Cash flow challenges are probably THE most common issue I hear about from business owners. Although some attribute this concern to ‘the economy’, most of us are having cash flow concerns regardless of industry, economic conditions, competition, or time of year. The fact is that cash flow is the single area where all businesses are vulnerable and the health of your business is easiest to assess. How quickly and consistently you are able to convert sales to cash; and how efficiently the incoming cash turns to profits are the ongoing keys to business success and value. If you don’t understand the different ways to improve your cash flow, you can get stuck thinking you have no options. If you are having cash flow issues, chances are it is difficult for you to get a loan from the bank, credit terms from your vendors, and the less flexibility you have negotiating beneficial terms with landlords.

Together, my clients and I continue to develop inventive ways to solve their cash flow challenges. I want to share some of their stories with the hope they will be helpful to you. I’ve broken these down to eight ideas to help your business: • Create a Positive Cash Flow Cycle: The cash flow cycle refers to the difference in timing between when you pay for products or payroll and when you get paid by your clients or customers.

• A negative cash flow cycle means you pay out

before you get paid.

• A positive cash flow cycle means you get paid

before you have to pay out.

One client recently asked her vendors for 30-day terms and got it. It put her into a positive cash flow immediately.

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Other clients have started to ask for half down before they start the job and some clients offer small incentives for paying accounts receivable early. These small steps, performed consistently, will make HUGE changes in the financial performance of your business.

• Increase Your Average Sale: If you can get your customers to buy more of your stuff, for more money, more often you will increase your average sale. When your average sale goes up more dollars go into your bank account.

I have one retail client that started carrying more upscale products, increased her prices on some items, and bundled or packaged some products together. She saw an immediate improvement in her cash flow.

• Her easy and quick metric was: Amount of Average Sale • Increase Your Sales and Marketing Efforts: In today’s marketplace, many of the most effective marketing and sales tools are free or very low cost. If you haven’t explored the use of social media marketing tools you are probably missing out on tremendous ways to improve your sales and increase your customer loyalty. Just by learning how to use Facebook for business you can tap into vast bases of potential customers who you can convert to ‘Raving Fans’ – thus turbocharging your sales with relatively minimal investment. An added benefit of using such tools is the wealth of information you get from the analytical reports and data you get automatically with many of these tools.

• Cut Your Costs: This one seems like a no brainer, however, many of my clients have been slow to do the difficult cost cutting that is required to stay profitable. One of my clients was very slow to cut costs. We worked together and talked about each expense and explored other ways to get what she needed without spending so much. We found several creative ways to cut costs without hurting productivity or customer service. If done thoughtfully, those saved ex-

Please see Petrick, page 23

Kelso Longview Business Connection

May 2016

Business Toolbox Petrick, from page 22 penses drop right to the bottom line and become found profits.

• A word of caution/enlightenment: the real question,

for you and your client is… ‘What is this (product or service) worth vs. what does it cost? And you can ask

this question when you are negotiating with your

vendors AND when you are pricing and selling to your

customers = value is the key not price.

• Reduce or Restructure Debt Payments: The payments you make on business debts, because it is money out of your bank account, are an important area that affects your cash flow. One client talked to their banker, but the banker was reluctant to refinance or restructure the debt. I told this client that the secret was to talk to a bank other than his own. Banks other than yours view gaining your deposit and loan accounts as a big win. Your current bank doesn’t always appreciate your accounts until they are about to lose them. Needless to say, this client did well in lowering their debt payments and received some other nice perks as well. (Naturally, this becomes a challenge if your loan is not current or in default – restructuring is not the same as a ‘workout’).

• Reduce or Eliminate Capital Expenditures: One business I worked with had a very tight cash flow because she was growing. Growth always creates a drain on cash. She needed equipment and trucks to get to the next step. Buying new stuff out of the used was one of her best skills – she got clear about what she needed and began to work her network. She started asking people she knew for what she wanted and got the equipment and trucks for almost nothing. Her clarity was her best asset; the rest was pure tenacity and ingenuity.

• Increase the Productivity of Your Team/Processes: I worked with a small business with a tight cash flow that was doing about $800,000 in annual sales but there was very little profit – they were just breaking even. We determined through a break-even analysis that if we increased sales to $1 million they should add about $100,000 to the bottom line. When they came back the next year they had actually increased their sales to $1.4 million, but there was still no profit. Based on the numbers, our

23

analysis of the situation was that they hadn’t increased the productivity of their processes – doing things the same way with the same tools. When they added new business, their staff costs expanded with their sales. The idea is to find ways for your staff to get more done in less time, with less effort and cost.

• Increase Your Prices: I’m not crazy. Increasing prices is one of the hardest things for business owners to do. I worked with one business owner to research the prices her competitors charged. We found that her prices were at least 25 percent below those of her competitors. We experimented with pricing and found that some items actually sold faster when they were priced higher (perception of value)!

Another client increased his prices by just $1. It added an extra $3,000 a month or $36,000 annually to the cash flow. Often, it doesn’t take big changes or acts of heroism to turn the fortunes of your business around. What it does take is a focused and disciplined approach with a willingness to change your methods and point of view.

You all know that “cash is king.” It is the key to surviving the tough times and thriving in better times. By working more wisely, you will improve your chances of survival; and increase the value of your business.

This article was prepared by Jerry Petrick, Certified Business Adviser for the Washington State University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Longview. He provides confidential, business advisory services by appointment. He can be contacted jerry.petrick@wsbdc.org

Facilitating Growth Through Leadership and Action

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

Kelso Longview Business Connection

May 2016

Ribbon Cuttings

Branching Out Ambassadors and leaders at Big Leaf Montessori School took a moment out of their busy day April 18 to celebrate the opening of their doors at 1428 22nd Ave., Longview.

Bright Beginning The sun, and Ambassadors, came out as Cowlitz PUD celebrated the addition of solar panels on its roof top April 1.

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

May 2016

Ribbon Cuttings

Third Storeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a Charm Congratulations to Ray and Melissa Vandervalk on the opening of their third Red Leaf Coffee Cafe April 12. Stop by and welcome them to the neighborhood at 3202 Ocean Beach Hwy.

ď&#x20AC;´ Watch the Video

Touchdown!

Joel Royce and the Cowlitz Cobras came by the Chamber offices for their ribbon cutting April 13. The group is preparing for the upcoming football season. For more information on the nonprofit organization check out their website at www.cowlitzcobras.com

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

May 2016

Longview School District

Kelso School District

Connectedness a key to achievement

The arts are integral in our schools

By Superintendent Dan Zorn

By Superintendent Glenn Gelbrich

The importance of creating an environment in which our students feel strongly connected to their school can’t be understated. Connected students achieve at higher levels, graduate more frequently, and have greater success once they leave high school.

It’s the sound of a steady beat coming from that big bass drum. It pulses through the neighborhood like a heartbeat.

Soon it is joined by trumpets, trombones and tubas and a familiar tune begins to emerge. The marching band is out practicing in the early morning on a dew-laden football field of late summer.

We know that positive relationships with meaningful adults and other students pay high dividends for our students’ connectedness to their schools. Educational researcher John Hattie has found that these positive relationships have a direct and impactful effect on student achievement.

One of the best indicators of success for students transferring from one school to another is whether or not they create meaningful friendships with their peers. We have a responsibility to help foster the creation of these positive peer relationships. The Longview Public Schools also recognize that the adults in our schools have a paramount duty to create positive relationships with each of our students.

This is a key component in their academic success. In fact, the positive relationships a student may establish with any meaningful adult can have a tremendous impact on their academic and social success. For many of our students, this connection is found within their family and at school. But that is not the case for all of our students. Some need the caring concern that comes from a neighbor, a church, a local business person, an elected official, or any other adult who takes an interest in their success in school and life.

I encourage those of you who are reading this column to become that advocate for one of our students who might not have many positive and meaningful adult relationships in their life. Your genuine concern for their wellbeing and educational success can have an incredibly positive impact on their future achievement.

This iconic symbol of high school music partners with football in the same way that the pep band teams up with basketball. And both mean so much more in the education of our youth. Music takes form early in our elementary schools with all of our students receiving music instruction.

Some elementary schools offer choir before or after school.

Band and orchestra begin at the sixth grade and continue through high school. The visual and performing arts are also an essential part of our students’ school experiences.

In each case, students learn a specific set of skills, work habits, and collaborative behaviors that are integral to their preparation for life beyond high school. The teamwork and preparation of young actors and musicians prepares them for success in the workplace and post-secondary education.

The creative skills of our visual artists fuel their interest in school and feed an industry essential to our economy.

In Kelso, participation in music is growing and success is on the rise. Our orchestra students had tremendous success at the recent regional competition. Two theater students from Kelso qualified for state competition and will travel to national competition soon. Our high school art students continue to produce remarkable work in a variety of medium, consistently winning regional recognition.

The arts are essential to a high quality education. They are thriving in our schools, under the leadership of our music educators, the hard work of our students and the support of parents and community members. Can you hear the beat?

The creation of diverse elective courses, and a rich array of extra-curricular and co-curricular activities also play an

Please see Longview Schools, page 27

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

May 2016

Longview Schools, from page 26

that help them explore their talents, that challenge them to new experiences, that ultimately help them find their niche. It does not matter what area a student finds, what matters is that they find a place where they feel successful, appreciated, and honored. This is a challenge the Longview Public Schools embrace and we look forward to strengthening our partnerships with the local business community to provide even greater opportunities that will enhance our studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; connectedness.

important role in creating these connecting opportunities for our students. These kinds of programs are an essential part of a comprehensive educational experience. We provide encounters in areas such as the arts, engineering, medical science, athletics, student clubs, computer science, international languages, and career and technical education which provide opportunities beyond core content areas that assure our students additional connecting experiences that enrich their educational success. Additionally, transitions between grade bands need special attention if our students are to be successful. Of particular importance is the transition from elementary to middle school and from middle to high school. A part of this transition is social but creating an awareness of the many options available to our students is also of great importance. We strive to help our students find the areas that pique their interests,

Here are highlights of Longview Schools from the past several weeks. http://us7.campaign-archive1.com/?u=ce33e9f68ad1c594 3d11e7bd1&id=3e60a5fe59&e=797fae5b17 You can keep up to date with the latest happenings by liking us on Facebook or following us on Twitter @LongviewSchools. We appreciate your interest and support!

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

May 2016

State of Education

The Business of Education Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in this together was the message education leaders from the area sent out at the annual Chamber of Commerce State of Education luncheon March 31 at the Cowlitz Regional Conference Center. Kelso School District Superintendent Glenn Gelbrich, Lower Columbia College President Chris Bailey and Longview School District Superintendent Dan Zorn updated business and community leaders on how they are making strides to address challenges including budget cuts, increases in students with mental health issues, and low graduation rates.

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

May 2016

In The News

$3.2 million Koelsch enhancement project set to begin this fall in Longview

Three courses, three days on tap for 2016 Cowlitz County Amateur golf tournament

Koelsch Communities is starting a $3.2 million enhancement project in Longview where it all began back in 1958. The project will include the Canterbury Inn, Delaware Plaza and Canterbury Gardens and work starts this summer and upon completion, in the autumn of 2016, will enhance the look and feel of one of Longview’s most respected companies.

This year’s Cowlitz County Amateur golf tournament is slated for Memorial Day weekend, May 28-30, with competition set for Three Rivers Golf Course, Mint Valley Golf Course and the Longview Country Club. Men’s and women’s divisions will be offered. The tournament is open to all players, but the maximum handicap for the tournament is 28 with Stableford Points Scoring.

Following the hugely successful $9 million Canterbury Park expansion, Canterbury Inn, Delaware Plaza and Canterbury Garden are each taking their turn in enhancements throughout their communities. By once again utilizing local construction groups and companies, Koelsch can continue to reinvest in the City of Longview.

Registration is available at the Kelso Longview Chamber website at www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

“We are proud of our rich history and legacy in Longview.

Like in many other cities, we are investing in our communities, but Longview will always be our first hometown,” said Aaron Koelsch, CEO and president. “Koelsch has long treasured Cowlitz County.”

Jadon Kreinheder, executive director at Canterbury Inn, is excited and glad to see his residents discussing the new initiatives; and said, “Longview is important to Koelsch.”

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Koelsch Senior Communities has 22 locations in six states and has seven new construction projects in Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois and Washington all set to open in the next 18 months. Along with the enhancements to the Longview communities, multiple locations are growing and upgrading including Victorville, Calif., and Vancouver, Wash.

For more information, please contact Diane Craft, the Longview Community Liaison at LongviewCL@koelschsenior. com or 360-425-7947.

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

May 2016

Business After Hours

Ian Showalter was one of several lucky winners to receive Cowlitz Black Bear baseball game tickets.

Home Run A big thank you to Russ Chittock and the “team” at Prestige Senior Living Monticello Park for hosting our April Business After Hours. Members got to “play ball” and race around the “diamond”touring the beautiful facility and see all Monticello Park offers their residents.

Jumbo dogs and cold brew were fan favorites, and they “hit it out of The park” with the door prizes. Congrats Dean Piotrowski and Shawn Green the winners of the Kindle Fires. It was a “grand slam” evening!

In addition to the Kindle Fires and Black Bear tickets, John Schapman, PeaceHealth, took home an ice chest full of goodies.

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

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Sally Irvine, Walstead Mertsching, decided she was in knead of a massage from Gina Clark of Riverwoods Chiropractic and Massage.

Kelso Longview Business Connection

May 2016

Ambassador of the Month

Garn garners April Red Coat award Teedara Garn has earned April’s Ambassador of the Month honors.

“I love being a part of the Kelso Longview community and helping to make other business people successful,” Garn said. “It is great to meet the new businesses and support them while they grow. And continue to build stronger relationships with existing business members and leaders in the community.”

April Garn is a human resources specialTeedara Garn ist for Cowlitz PUD, where her goal is at the end of the day to make sure all Cowlitz PUD Cowlitz PUD employees understand their benefits and enjoy the experience they have when working with human resources.

Her favorite part of being an Ambassador are the After Hours events.

“It is so fun to watch people network, socialize and build business connections,” she said. “Plus I always like working the door because you get the chance to meet new people as they come in.”

Garn also enjoys Pillars of Stength night, which is scheduled for May 26 this year.

“It is the best night of the year where Ambassadors, along with many others, are recognized for all of their dedication and hard work for the year,” she said. “It is so rewarding to see your peers that

you have volunteered with be honored that night.”

In addition to work as an Ambassador, Garn volunteers, or belongs to, Lower Columbia Professionals, Cowlitz County AntiFraud Coalition, Kelso Youth Baseball and Connect to Community for Cowlitz PUD. She believes her volunteer spirit came from her grandparents who were involved with the Masonic Lodge and encouraged her to take part as a child.

For fun, Garn enjoys watching the Seahawks, fishing and spending time with her 8-year-old son, fiance, family and friends barbecuing and sharing laughs. She also confesses to having three dogs and a turtle, and taking “me time” every two weeks to get her nails done.

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.

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360.414.1200 • www.expresslongview.com 31

Chamber August 2013

Kelso Longview Business Connection

May 2016

Chamber Connection

Laugh It Up! Austi Baudro and Liz Myntti gave hosts Carey Mackey and Russ Chittock something to smile about while promoting Family Financial Comedy Night, which took place April 28.

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

Bob Koeing and members of the Junior FIRST LEGO League, Megan Wallingford and Taylor Aberle, brought a chain saw they made from LEGOs for competition. It had a motor and everything!

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Brian Sharp, the career and employment services manager at Lower Columbia College, encouraged listeners to attend the Career and Networking Fair.

Kelso Longview Business Connection

May 2016

Chamber Connection

Golden Tones Craig Hess, Martin Audio Services, was back in Longview doing voice overs for video, radio and television.

Shawn Green, Lower Columbia Contractors Association, encourages all to stop by the Home, Leisure and Garden Show April 30 and May 1 at the Cowlitz County Expo Center.

Mark Roland, Roland Wines, says the tasting room is now open at 1106 Florida St. Members of the Cowlitz County’s Youth Prevention Club updated Carey on the latest.

“Your Chamber Connection” EVERY Wednesday Hosts of the Show: Carey Mackey, Red Canoe Credit Union ; Lonnie Knowles, Stewart Title, and Karen Sisson, Kelso Longview Chamber.

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 Karen at the Chamber 360-423-8400

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

May 2016

Chamber Connection

Growing Stronger Matt Ireton with Gro-N-Control and Grasshopper Landscaping shared the many services they offer, and how to get and keep your lawn looking good for summer.

Call them at 360-425-3252.

Melia Meyer, owner, NW Muddy Puppy, gave tips on how to keep your pets flea free as the weather gets warmer.

For appointments call 360-562-7033.

Robert Montgomery, manager of Silver Cove RV Resort, encouraging travelers to book now for summer. Silver Cove is a fabulous resort located at 351 Hall Rd., Silverlake, www.silvercoveresort.com

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

May 2016

Welcome Back!



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

*American Medical Response *Beacon Hill Sewer District *Cascade Title Company *CCS *City of Kelso *City of Longview *Comcast Spotlight *Costco Wholesale *Cowlitz County *Cowlitz County CASA *Cowlitz County P.U.D. *Cowlitz County Title Company *Cowlitz Wahkiakum Council of Governments *David E. Houten, DDS *Diamond Showcase *Document Management Archives *Dorothy Bain Hanson *Emerald Kalama Chemical *Express Employment Professionals *Freddy’s Just for The Halibut *Gordon Sondker *Interwest Benefit Consultants *KapStone *Koelsch Senior Communities *L.G. Isaacson Company *Longview Memorial Park, Funeral Home & Crematory *Lower Columbia College *Miller Paint *Pacific Tech Construction, Inc. *Port of Longview *Rodman Realty, Inc. *Steel Painters/Railco *Swanson Bark & Wood Products, Inc. *The Golden Palace *The Red Hat *Three Rivers Eye Care *Walstead Mertsching, PS *Watkins Tractor & Supply Co. *Columbia River Carpet One *Compendium Consulting

*Cowlitz County Guidance Association *Estetica Day Spa *State Farm Insurance – Scott Fischer *Diamond Residential *Applied Application *Broderick Gallery *American Legion *Coleman Cellular *Port of Woodland *Cowlitz Credit Union *Industrial Packing *Pacific Fibre Products *Errand Girl *American Family Kari-Ann Botero *Guild Mortgage *Hometown National Bank *Island Sun Tanning, Inc. *Kemira Water *Sterling Insurance *U.S. Cellular *United States Army *Lexi’s Pizza *B & B Air Conditioning & Heating – Entek Corp. *Bicoastal Media dba KLYK/KRQT/ KEDO/NEW COUNTRY *Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts *Community Health Partners/Cowlitz Free Medical Clinic *Craig Stein Beverage *Dahl McVicker Funeral Homes *Frontier Rehabilitation & Extended Care Center *Gibbs & Olson, Inc. *Humane Society of Cowlitz County *Life Mortgage *Music & More D.J.s *Noelle McLean PS *Pacific Lumber & Shipping Co. *Papé Machinery

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*PNE Corp *Pro-Caliber Longview Motorsports *Red Canoe Credit Union *Red Canoe Credit Union 30th *Red Canoe Credit Union Washington Way *Safway Services, Inc. *Searing Electric & Plumbing *Steel Chapel Longview Memorial Park *The Dog Zone *Utilize I.T., Inc. *Wal-Mart *Red Leaf Coffee *BA Design *American Red Cross *Animal Health Services *Suzanne Arnitz *Baxter Auto Parts *Behrends Body Shop *Bob’s Sporting Goods *Burger King *Collins Architectural Group *Country Village Nutrition Shoppe & Café *Day Wireless Systems *Esteem Salon *Ethnic Support Council *Fiesta Bonita Mexican Grill & Cantina *Foster Farms *Gallery of Diamonds *Global Images Graphic Design & Marketing *Hilander Dental *Hydraulic Service, Inc. *Kelso Rotary *Les Schwab Tire Center *Northwest Motor Service *Overhead Door Company of Southwest *Washington *Peter C. Wagner, D.M.D., PS *ProBuild *Propel Insurance

Kelso Longview Business Connection

May 2016

Welcome Back! *Shamrock Tavern *Shirley L. Smith *Stirling Honda *Sweet Spot Frozen Yogurt *Taco Time *The Daily News *The Roof Doctor *Twin City Glass Co. *Twin City Service Co. *Weatherguard, Inc. *Wilcox & Flegel Oil Company *Workplace Wellness *WorkSource Cowlitz/Wahkiakum *B & R Mini Storage *Banda’s Bouquets *Be Cause Business Resources, Inc. *Best Western Aladdin Inn *Busack Electric *Calportland *Columbia Security *Copies Today Speedy Litho, Inc. *Cowlitz Container & Diecutting *Edward Jones-Nick Lemiere *H & S Enterprises *Habitat For Humanity Cowlitz County *Hart Radiator *Heartsong Massage *J. L. Storedahl & Sons, Inc. *Kaiser Permanente *Les Schwab Tire Center *Longview Timber Corp *Longview Urology *Ocean Beach Self Storage *P. T. Northwest *Pacific Office Automation *Papa Pete’s Pizza – Longview *PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center *Pets, Pawns & Imports *SW Washington Symphony *The UPS Store *TSYS Merchant Solutions *Washington State University Vancouver *Zip Local *Brown & Brown Northwest Insurance *Corwin Beverage *Cowlitz River Rigging, Inc.

*Educational Service District No. 112 *Emergency Support Shelter *Employers Overload *Fairway collections *Futcher Group *Kelso School District *Kelso Theater Pub *Kelso-Longview Television, Inc. *KeyBank *Longview Early Edition Rotary *Longview Eye & Vision *Longview Physical & Sports Therapy *Longview Self Storage *Northwest Hardwoods, Inc. *Opsahl, Dawson & Company, P.S. *Renaud Electric Company, Inc. *Reprographics, Inc. *Solvay *Southwest Washington Blood Program *United Way of Cowlitz & Wahkiakum Counties *Willamette Dental *Anderson & Anderson Advisory, LLC *Berkshire Hathaway *Better Business Bureau *C's Photography *Cowlitz County Museum *Cowlitz Economic Development Council *Cowlitz Indian Tribe *Cowlitz River Dental *Epson Portland *Erickson Glass Co. *Estetica Day Spa *Fibre Federal Credit Union - Castle Rock *Branch *Guesthouse Inn & Suites *Kellogg Supply, Inc. *Longview Country Club *Lower Columbia Economic Development Council *Motion Industries, Inc. *Mt St Helens Creation Information Center *N. W. Deli Distribution, Inc. *Pathways 2020 *Prestige Senior Living Monticello Park *Progress Center

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*Red Lion Hotel & Conference Center *Riverview Community Bank *Sessions Plumbing & Heating, Inc. *Three Rivers Christian School *Timothy E. Nelson, DDS *Weyerhaeuser *Advanced Message & Dispatch *Beacon Hill Rehabilitation *Bob Beal Insurance Agency Inc. – State Farm *Building Industry Association of Clark County *Cascade Networks, Inc. *Cascade Select Market *Columbia River Reader *Davis & Associates, CPAs, PS *Eldon Robbins Auto Sales, Inc. *Goodwill of the Olympics and Rainier Region *Longview Downtowners *Longview Pawnbrokers & Bail Bonds *North Pacific Paper Corporation/NORPAC *Performance Sheet Metal, Inc. *Prographyx *Snap Fitness *Stageworks Northwest *Stewart Title *Super 8 of Kelso/Longview *Three Rivers Mall *Youth & Family Link *Altrusa International Inc. of Longview-Kelso *Be Cause Business Resources, Inc. *Canterbury Inn *Columbia Ford Hyundai Nissan *Ecological Land Services, Inc. *Eoff Electric Company *Fibre Federal Credit Union - Main Branch *Jansen Flowers & Gift Gallery *KLOG/KUKN/the WAVE Radio Stations *Longview Radiologists, P.S., Inc. *Omelets & More *PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center Foundation *Suburban Propane *Take Shape for Life with Brenda Courser

Kelso Longview Business Connection

May 2016

Welcome Back! *Teri's Restaurant *Dream Dentistry *Reality Homes *Longview Eagles *Service Master *Ricoh *Planet Fitness *WA Division of Vocational Rehabilitation *Acupuncture Northwest *Budget Blinds of Longview *Columbia Bank - Longview Branch *Columbia Funeral Service *Columbia River Mill Outlet *Columbia Wellness *Continental Investors Services, Inc. *DeFrancisco Lampitt and Brado PS *DSU Peterbilt *Fire Mountain Grill & Summerland Catering Services *G L Booth ~ J G Davis & Associates *Green Hills Crematory - Cascade NW Funeral Chapel *Kay Green *Lower Columbia Contractors Association *Signature Transport, Inc. *State Farm Insurance - Scott Fischer *Teague's Interiors *ASAP Business Solutions *My Agency *Area Agency on Aging Disabilities of Southwest Washington *Dino Doozer *Windemere Kelso-Longview *Advanced Dental Services, LLC *All Out Sewer & Drain Service, Inc. *Baker Lumber Company, Inc. *Brusco Tug and Barge, Inc. *Carl's Towing Service & Repair, Inc. *Carlson's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. *Cascade Natural Gas Corporation *Coldwell Banker Bain *Cole's Appliance Repair *Comfort Inn *Community Home Health & Hospice *Cutright Wholesale Plumbing Supply *Family Health Center *Interiors Plus

*Life Works *Longview Housing Authority *Longview Orthopedic Associates, PLLC *Longview Public Schools *Masthead Restaurant *McDonald's of Longview *McDonald's of Longview II *Nipp & Tuck Inc. *Ocean Beach Animal Hospital *Pacific Fibre Products, Inc. *Paperbacks Galore, Inc. *Rush Insurance/Financial Services, Inc. *Schlecht Construction, Inc. *Somerset Retirement Home and Assisted Living *T.C.'s R.V. & Mini Storage, Inc. *United Finance *Viking Automatic Sprinkler Company *Wasser & Winters Company *William (B. J. ) R. Boatsman *Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce *Interstate Wood Products, Inc. *Kalama Chamber of Commerce *Lower Columbia CAP *M & R Painting, Inc. *Mint Valley Federal Credit Union *Newrock Homes, Inc. *Northwest Auto Specialist, Inc. *Retirement Strategies *Simpson Timber Company - Longview Lumber Operations *Superior Tire Service, Inc. *Woodland Chamber of Commerce *Longview Outdoor Gallery *The OM Home *Triangle Bowl *Cowlitz County Chaplaincy OUR LATEST RENEWING MEMBERS *Biggs Insurance Services *Clay Bartness *Comcast *Dick Hannah Toyota *Fred Meyer, Inc. *Heritage Bank - Kelso *Heritage Bank - Longview *Longview Engineering And Design

37

*McCord Bros. Nissan Dodge *Millennium Bulk Terminals *Minuteman Press *Professional Communication Services *Servpro of Longview/Kelso *Sierra Pacific Mortgage *Twin City Bank *Waste Control Recycling, Inc. *Woodford Commercial Real Estate

Kelso Longview Business Connection

May 2016

Welcome New Members

Chamber membership has its privileges Celebrate new Chamber members with us

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

* * * *

• Annual Meeting and Banquet • Networking Events • Committee Participation

Fostering Together Guse’s Gourmet Coffee Welcome Wagon The Vintage Square on Broadway

• Business Contacts • Quarterly Membership Meetings • Civic Representation • Monthly Business After Hours

• Legislative Representation • Issues Tracking and Information

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

• Task Forces • Candidate Forums

• Mailing Labels • Membership Window Decals

• Legislative Update Breakfast

• Member Referrals

• Demographics Publication

• Ribbon Cutting

Packages

• Website Links • Member to Member Discounts

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

• Membership Directory

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

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

• Tax Deduction

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

• Newsletter

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

• Business Card Display

month.

• Use of Chamber Logo

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

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

Nonprofit Package – $180 or $18 per month.

Join today! Call 360-423-8400 38

Kelso Longview Business Connection

May 2016

Morning Roundup The Legislative Briefing Breakfast session wrapped up April 21 at the Red Lion in Kelso. Representatives Ed Orcutt and JD Rossetti and Senators Dean Takko and John Braun, along with Vice President of Government Affairs with the Association of Washington Business, Gary Chandler, talked about the 2016 legislative session and some of the challenges coming in the 2017 session. Also discussed were several initiatives that will appear on the November ballot that will greatly impact businesses in Washington State. More than 40 local business leaders and school and government officials were in attendance. Thank you to all who attended and presented.

The Chamber will begin hosting its Legislative Committee Meetings June 13 at Teriâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Restaurant at noon and continue July 11, August 8, September 5, October 3, November 7 and December 5.

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Pillars of Strength and

Crystal Apple Awards Congratulations Nominees!

BUSINESS AWARD NOMINEES Large Non-Profit of the Year: Community Home Health & Hospice ~ Longview Housing Authority Youth & Family Link ~ Life Works Small Non-Profit of the Year: Emergency Support Shelter ~ Lower Columbia School Gardens Pathways 2020 ~ Go Fourth Festival Association Large Business of the Year: NORPAC ~ KapStone ~ Weyerhaeuser ~ Foster Farms Red Canoe Credit Union Small Business of the Year: Minute Man Press ~ Edward Jones, Nick Lemiere ~ C’s Photography Business Person of the Year: Kirk Raboin (PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center), Alice Dietz (Cowlitz PUD) Bruce Pollock (Bicoastal Media), Wendy Kosloski, Teague’s Interiors Chris Roewe (Woodford Commercial Real Estate), Gian Morelli (Columbia Theatre) Julie Rinard (Community Home Health & Hospice), Sue Piper (Columbia River Reader) Rising Star: Tina Hart (Life Mortgage), John Paul (KLOG/KUKN/The Wave) Shawn Green (ServPro) ~ Retha Porter (PeaceHealth) CRYSTAL APPLE NOMINEES Higher Education Teacher of the Year: Terri Skeie (LCC) Higher Education Classified/Support: Jenny Smith & Sheri Akesson (LCC) K-12 Administrator of the Year: Angela Allen (Monticello MS), Lacey Griffiths (RA Long) John Gummel (Kelso HS), Jill Steele (Wallace Elementary) Holly Budge (Catlin Elementary), Chris Clark (Huntington MS) Randy Lemiere (Three Rivers Christian School) K-12 Teacher of the Year: Joie Matteo (RA Long), Christina Reeves (RA Long), Holly Davis (Northlake Elementary) Ryan Chinchen (Monticello MS), Libby Ravander (Mt. Solo MS), Jon Webb (Butler Acres Elementary), Audra Degg (Discovery High School) K-12 Classified/Support: Vicki White (Cascade), Kelly Toftemark (Kelso HS) Workforce Best Practice Individual Achievement: Katie Powers, Fibre Federal CU Workforce Best Practice Business Achievement: Weyerhaeuser Forestry

Business & Education Awards Banquet: Thursday, May 26, 2016 ($35.00 per person/$280 Table of 8) Register at www.kelsolongviewchamber.org or call 360-423-8400

Kelso Longview Business Connection

May 2016

Up and Coming

Strength in Numbers Get ready for the 2016 Pillars of Strength and Crystal Apple Business and Education Awards. Last year’s event drew a huge crowd. This year’s event is set for May 26 at the Cowlitz Regional Conference Center. Register by May 19 at www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

Driving Home the Message Chamber Ambassadors took a few moments during the April Business After Hours event to plug the Chamber’s Annual Golf Classic set for June 6 at Three Rivers Golf Course. Early entry is available until May 20. She page 10 for Golf Classic details.

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