Klc biz 6 15

Volume 7, No. 6

June 2015

Business Kelso Longview

Connection Chamber of Commerce

Calendar Friday

June 5 – 7:30 a.m.

Boot Camp Facilitating and Leading Meetings LCC Heritage Room – Admin Bldg.

Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Gus Nolte was honored for the career he built and the work he did to help others

Monday

June 8 – 1 p.m. Shotgun Annual Golf Classic Longview Country Club

Tuesday

June 9 – Noon Ribbon Cutting & Open House Adena’s Delights 1208 Broadway Ave., Longview

Thursday

June 11 – 7:30 a.m.

Ambassador Committee Canterbury Park 1335 3rd Ave., Longview

Friday

June 12 – 7:30 a.m.

Boot Camp Strategic and Succession Planning LCC Heritage Room – Admin Bldg.

Tuesday

June 16 – 5:30 p.m.

Business After Hours Kendall’s Pioneer Distributing 104 Catlin St., Kelso

Tuesday

June 23 – Noon Board of Directors Longview Country Club 41 Country Club Dr., Longview

Thursday

June 25 – 5:15 p.m.

Quarterly Membership Meeting State of the County Lower Columbia College Doors Open at 5 p.m.

No Fee to Attend

Every Wednesday

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

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

Community pillars offer strength and inspiration

By Brenda Sexton For the Kelso Longview Chamber In her public speaking business, Inspiring Courage, Cyndi Pollard encourages others to fearlessly move forward with life. In her debut as emcee for the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Pillars of Strength and Crystal Apple Business and Education Awards, she found inspiration in others.

“It was so much fun, and so lovely to be able to honor people,” Pollard said. “It was such a privilege to be among such greatness.”

“She did a fantastic job,” said Chamber Project Manager Karen Sisson, who serves on the Education Committee with Pollard.

It was a night full of fascinating people and inspirational stories. An audience of more than 250 packed into the Cowlitz County Regional Conference Center May 21 to honor community business and education leaders.

Crystal Apple Awards The night kicked off with K-12 Teacher of the Year honors, bestowed on Monticello Middle School English language arts and social studies teacher Misty Velke. Velke was selected for the relationships she builds with students that encourage them to grow as learners and the many roles she serves on a number of committees and programs.

Please see Honors, page 2

Kelso Longview Business Connection

June 2015

Honors, from page 1 Other Teacher of the Year nominees included Ginny Flegel, Robert Koenig, Toni Gravelle, Rebecca Fountain, TJ Frey and Charemon Smith.

to Shannon Cahoon of Fibre Federal Credit Union, for her work at increasing financial literacy to Cowlitz County. The program has grown to serve a variety of audiences including high school, college and underprivileged populations, touching hundreds of lives in the community each year.

Other nominees included Paul Spears with Goodwill and Erin Hart with Three Rivers Christian School.

Mary Beth Tack picked up a Crystal Apple for Administrator of the Year

Mary Beth Tack was named K-12 Administrator of the Year. The popular director of teaching and learning for the Kelso School District believes great leadership is a lifestyle not a technique. Those who nominated her said she is a constant at students’ outside activities around the community and that she lives, breathes and embodies what it means to be a positive force for all.

Student Scholarships

“A large portion of the audience was there for Mary Beth, administrator of the year,” Sisson said. “People really appreciate what she does.”

The highlight of the evening for many came in the middle of the program when the Chamber’s Education Foundation and the Lower Columbia Professionals handed out $13,500 in scholarships to local graduating high school seniors.

Longview School District Assistant Superintendent Chris Fritsch and Kelso High Principal John Gummel were also nominated.

“Acknowledging our scholarship recipients is definitely the highlight for us. It’s giving out the scholarships,” Sisson said.

Klint Hull, English faculty at Lower Columbia College, was presented with the Higher Education Person of the Year award for encouraging students to use their talents to build dreams.

Two LCC colleagues, Tuan Dang, LCC manager, Career Education Options, and Mark Gaither, LCC BTEC faculty, were also nominated.

The Chamber’s Foundation Committee presented three, $1,500 Maria Harris Scholarships, one each to Barbara Millward of Castle Rock High School, Caleb Seay of Kalama High School and Victoria Tran of RA Long High School.

The Workforce Education Individual Achievement honor went

Please see Honors, page 3

The Lower Columbia Professionals, who raise money all year

Maria Harris Scholarship winners

Lower Columbia Professionals scholarship winners

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

June 2015

Honors, from page 2

ed Eric and Joanne Pucci, Newrock Homes, Remax and The Office 842; Lisa Straughan, Express Employment Professionals; Nick Lemiere, Edward Jones; and Barbara Sudar, Estetica Day Spa.

for the program, presented nine, $1,000 awards to recipients Millward, Castle Rock; Kelby Thayer, Castle Rock High School; Christian Graff, Kelso High School; The Soap Factory owner and artiJulia Wygant, Mark Morris High san Dawn Gregg received the Rising School; Blake Peterson, RA Long Star Award. Gregg has been workHigh School; Hiral Patel, Castle The Salvation Army was honored as ing toward making people fall in love Rock High School; Taylor McSmall Non-profit of the Year with the historic gem of downtown Coy, Mark Morris High School; Longview through public awareness Cassidy Spicer, RA Long High and her work with the Longview Downtown Partnership. Other School and Ryan Sturdivan, Woodland High School. nominees included Bethnay Pithan, Stageworks Northwest, and To make the evening even more spectacular, the Chamber John Paul, KLOG/KUKN/The Wave general manager. jump-started next year’s scholarship fund by offering table cenThe Chamber’s Ambassador of the Year “Walt Naze” Award went terpieces, created by Jansen Flowers, for sale, raising $900. to Eric McCrandall of Family Health Center (see related story on page 5).

Pillars of Strength Awards

The evening continued with the presentation of Small Nonprofit of the Year, which went to The Salvation Army. Other nominees were: Cowlitz Wahkiakum Legal Aid and Emergency Support Shelter.

Lifetime Achievement Award The night concluded with Lifetime Achievement Awards for Martha “Marti” Johnson and Floyd “Gus” Nolte.

Large Non-profit of the Year honors went to Lower Columbia College. Cowlitz Family Health Center, Longview Housing Authority and Community Home Health and Hospice were the other nominees.

Marti Johnson In the late 1970s there was a movement in Washington state to help people with developmental disabilities to have a better experience in local communities. The people at the Arc of Cowlitz County had the foresight to put a real change agent in place, Johnson. Now, 35 years as founding CEO of Life Works, Johnson plans to retire in September.

Swanson Bark and Wood Products was named Small Business of the Year from a field that included Estetica Day Spa, Edward Jones and C’s Photography.

Koelsch Senior Communities bested a tight field that included NORPAC, Stellar J, and Weyerhaeuser for Large Business of the Year. It was an honor that hit close to home for Pollard, who serves as the company’s executive director.

From its beginnings with eight staff serving six people, Johnson has grown the organization to more than 250 staff touching the lives of more than 8,000 people annually. Life Works is considered a leader in Washington for its service to children and adults with developmental disabilities.

“Ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentleman that is what we are all about,” Pollard said.

The honor was made extra special by the fact that Johnson was the first Lifetime Achievement Award winner and those on the

Business Person of the Year went to hometown boy Joel Hanson of KLOG/KUKN/The Wave, who has been around the radio business since birth. He topped a talented field that includ-

Please see Honors, page 4

3

June 2015

Honors, from page 3 committee thought it fitting she should be considered again.

preventing future drug and alcohol affected births. As additional needs arose, he worked tirelessly to continue to find ways to help mothers and children in Cowlitz County.

Chamber President Diane Craft honors Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Marti Johnson

In her nomination, one reflected: “The services that Marti has led give so much to so many, touching an incalculable number of individuals and families.

Since 1980, she has worked to improve our community through advocating acceptance and inclusion, simply put, she has made this a better place for everyone to live. Life Works would not be what it is without her dedication to our mission and ideals. Marti Johnson is leaving a legacy in this community that will go on long into the future.”

Not long after, the Family Dependency Treatment Court was formed and DAPC became the treatment provider. In this role, DAPC became a leader in treating and reuniting women with their children who were placed in the foster care system; solidifying the family unit and promoting healthy living for these women and children.

Feeling there was still more to do, in 2009, DAPC in collaboration with the Longview Housing Authority built and opened the Phoenix House, providing safe, affordable housing for women and children so they could acquire skills and support to be successful long term.

Gus Nolte Nolte also retires. After 13 years, his last day with the Drug Abuse Prevention Center is scheduled for July 31. When he arrived in 2002 from Omak, Wash., DAPC was operating a 20bed, short-term and 20-bed, long-term residential treatment facility, outpatient and drug court programs. It didn’t take long for Nolte to see there was a need for more and he began making his vision for a whole-person wellness, and full-continuum of care for pregnant and parenting women, a reality.

Among his nomination, someone noted, “Amid constant funding cuts from the state and a changing legislature, Gus works tirelessly to continue to secure funding and finds ways to continue to meet the needs of the clients. In April 2015, DAPC and Cowlitz Family Health Center merged and now has available physical health, mental health, and substance use disorder treatment for all their clients; promoting wellness in all areas and knocking down barriers for access to care.

A year later, STARS was created for gender specific treatment for women. In addition to his vision to help women and children, Nolte acknowledged the need for whole person wellness and in 2004 began working in a strategic alliance with the Cowlitz Family Health Center and Lower Columbia Mental Health to coordinate care for mutual clients and promote wellness, not just in recovery from addiction, but in all areas of clients’ lives.

Although Gus’ retirement will leave a noticeable void in the lives of our clients and our community, we wish him all the best in his retirement and thank him for making a difference in Cowlitz County. He will surely be missed.”

Sisson said the night would not have been made possible without generous sponsors: Three Rivers Mall, PeaceHealth/St. John Medical Center, Jansen Flowers, Davis & Associates, Shamrock Tavern, C’s Photography, Millennium, Express Employment Professionals, NORPAC, Red Canoe Credit Union, KUKN/ KLOG/The WAVE, Inspiring Courage.

In 2005, DAPC opened the Pregnant/Parenting Women’s residential treatment facility at the Broadway Campus and coupled it with the Parent Child Assistance Program, a three-year intensive, in-home case management program for substance abusing mothers who are pregnant or post-partum that focuses on

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

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

June 2015

Chamber honors their own with Walt Naze Award The Chamber’s Ambassador of the Year “Walt Naze” Award went to Eric McCrandall, who was facilities manager for Drug Abuse Prevention Center for the past six years and now carries that title for Family Health Center.

McCrandall has been an Ambassador for just 11 months, but from Day 1 he has embraced the mission and goals of the committee. He was awarded back-to-back Ambassador of the Month honors during the year and continues to raise the bar for the other committee members. Nominees noted his energy is contagious and he’s always eager to mentor new Chamber members, attend ribbon cuttings and assist at Business After Hours.

He also serves on the Jingle All the Way committee and is a Community House board member, volunteer for Emergency Support Shelter and an eight-year volunteer with United Way.

In his short time sporting a red coat, Eric McCrandall was named Ambassador of the Year

History of the Walt Naze Ambassador of the Year Award The Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce's Ambassador Committee was formed in 1991 out of the Longview Chamber of Commerce’s Red Carpet Committee after then Executive Director Cheryl Spencer learned about another Chamber’s Ambassador committee at a national convention.

tee as well.

Walt always had a smile on his face and truly became the face of the Chamber. He was loved by his fellow Ambassadors and was voted Ambassador of the year two years in a row.

Due to his humble personality and desire to see others recognized for their hard work, Walt requested to be removed from the vote for any subsequent Ambassador of the Year awards. The Ambassadors did get him to agree to allow the award named for him.

The goal of the Ambassador committee was to be the face of the Chamber and help with growing and retaining the membership in addition to the ribbon cuttings for new members and milestones for existing members.

The award is now given based on a point system and we have no doubt that if Walt were still an active member of the committee, he would continue to receive the award.

Walt Naze was very active as a member of the Ribbon Cutting committee for the Kelso Chamber of Commerce. It was only natural that Walt eventually joined the Longview Ambassador commit-

– as told by Chamber Ambassador Carrie Medack

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

June 2015

Longview Downtown Partnership

Summer Music on The Mountain lineup progressive and jammin’

By Alice Dietz President – Longview Downtown Partnership

They have played in 17 different countries, including Yemen, Algeria, Burma, Thailand, Bolivia, the Dominican Republic, and Paraguay.

Come and enjoy these free concerts at the best venue in the Northwest!

A formally trained composer, percussionist, and violinist, West Virginian mandolinist Chad Kimbler blazes a trail of furious picking. Guitarist, fiddler, and vocalist Liz Chibucos, an Ohio native and avid songwriter, brings to the table a wealth of jazz, classical, world and rock influences. Banjo player, vocalist, and guitarist Mark Gerolami of upstate New York draws upon a rich background of folk, western, and world music. Seasoned rock, gospel, and jazz bassist, Tacoma, Wash., native Julio Appling lays down a creative and solid foundation, and holds his own as a soloist.

June 27 – The Student Loan Together for nine years, The Student Loan is a progressiveacoustic newgrass project based out of Portland, Ore. This innovative quartet’s diverse style transcends genre, fusing elements of jazz, blues, rock and jam with traditional bluegrass instrumentation. The band’s distinct sound appeals to everyone from the most discerning traditional bluegrass listeners to the most enthusiastic jam band fans. They are known for their fun and funky originals, their quirky covers, and their knack for getting a crowd moving on the dance floor.

This innovative quartet’s fourth album, “Moonlit Toasters,”was released in June 2014. Produced by Scott Law of Phil Lesh and Friends, this album marks a new stage of style and creativity for the band whose diverse sound transcends genre, fusing elements of jazz, blues, rock and jam with traditional bluegrass instrumentation. “Wake Up to The Student Loan,” the band’s first album, was release in 2006 and was followed with “A New and Different Life” in 2008. Their third, “No Host Lunch” was released in the summer of 2011, inspired by the group’s tours abroad for cultural exchange programs for the US State Department. (Information from their website http://www.thestudentloanmusic.com)

The band has been featured in prominent Pacific Northwest events like Northwest String Summit and Wintergrass, and international institutions like the Java Jazz Festival in Jakarta, Indonesia, and the Cosquin Folk Festival in Cosquin, Argentina.

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

July 25 – Casey Neill and the Norway Rats Casey Neill has performed throughout the world on stages such as New York's Town Hall, San Francisco's Great American Music Hall, and Glasgow's Old Fruitmarket. He has played as a member of the Minus Five as well as sharing stages with Jello Biafra, Pete Seeger, Sunny Day Real Estate, Camper Van Beethoven, and countless more. An acclaimed songwriter, Irish super group Solas recorded O'Neill's original song “Low-

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 LDP, page 7

6

Kelso Longview Business Connection

June 2015

LDP, from page 6

website www.caseyneill.org)

ground” on their albums “Waiting for an Echo and Reunion”.

In 1997, he inked a three record deal with the folk label Appleseed and was featured on their tribute to Pete Seeger along with Bruce Springsteen, Billy Bragg, and Bonnie Raitt. A compilation of his material entitled “Memory Against Forgetting” was released by Amy Ray’s Daemon imprint in 2005. Following a few years of residence in New York City, O'Neill moved back to Portland and its thriving music community. The Norway Rats formed in 2007 to tour behind his album “Brooklyn Bridge” (In Music We Trust Label), followed by the acclaimed “Goodbye to the Rank and File”. In 2011, O'Neill was hired by New York's Mabou Mines Theater Company to perform and compose for their new work “Landscapes” at PS122. (Information from the

August 29 – The Resolectrics The Resolectrics at heart are a classic rhythm and blues band.

But like the pioneers of rock ‘n’ roll in the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, The Resolectrics draw inspiration from many sources in the roots of American music to create an original and soulful blend of rock, classic R&B, and folk. Their ragged-yet-heartfelt harmonies, bluesy riffs and swampy grooves are sure to move you.

The Resolectrics’ electrifying live performances showcase the group's dedication to drummer, John Becher’s motto: “Less is More. Feel is King”. (Information from The Resolectrics Facebook page)

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Monday, June 8th Longview Country Club

Shotgun 1 p.m.

Make your Reservations Early!

Early Entry Fee $500 per Team of 4 (Price goes to $600 on June 1st) $150 per Individual Includes: Lunch, driving range, $10,000 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 first week of June to secure the people playing on your team.

Register at www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

Kelso Longview Business Connection

June 2015

Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council

Tax credit program good for business

By Julia Maglione Communications Manager – Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council

If you hire someone who has been on long-term public assistance, your credit may be up to $9,000 in the first two years of employment. WOTC for other nonveterans is up to $2,400 for the first year.

Your tax credit for hiring a veteran with a service-connected disability who was unemployed for at least six months during the year prior to the hiring date could be approximately $9,600.

Hiring new employees is expensive and WOTC reduces your cost of doing business. There is no limit on the number of individuals you can hire to claim the tax credit.

While your company benefits from the savings, you’ll be providing much-needed jobs and helping individuals become self-sufficient, which benefits the local economy and our community.

WorkSource Cowlitz/Wahkiakum can help you find qualified candidates for your open positions. Contact Donna Hughes at DHughes@esd.wa.gov or Tana Haddenham at thaddenham@esd. wa.gov or call 360-578-4219.

Julia Maglione is communications manager at the SWWDC. She can be reached at jmaglione@swwdc.org or 360-567-3176.

Did you know your business may qualify for a federal tax credit for hiring individuals that traditionally face significant barriers to employment, including veterans, ex-offenders, people with disabilities and those receiving public assistance?

The program is called the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC).

In 2013, Washington employers qualified for $82.2 million in these tax incentives.

To participate, sign up online at https://fortress.wa.gov/esd/wotc/ Account/LogOn to receive certification from the Employment Security Department to deduct the credit on your annual tax return.

Applications must be submitted within 28 days of the qualifying employee beginning his/her new job. For assistance, you can call the Employment Security Department’s WOTC Unit at 800-339-3981.

The amount of federal tax savings varies, depending on the individual hired and the amount of wages. Each eligible worker must be employed for at least 120 hours for your company to claim the tax credit. Relatives, former employees and undocumented workers do not qualify for the credit.

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Diane Craft, President Koelsch Senior Communities

Chris Bailey Lower Columbia College

Michael Julian Kelso Theater Pub

Julie Rinard, President Elect Community Home Health & Hospice

Clayton J. Bartness, DC Longview Chiropractic Clinic

Bianca Lemmons Cowlitz County Title Company

Lance Welch, Vice President PeaceHealth

Ken Botero Longview City Council

Frank Panarra Foster Farms

Joel Hanson, Past President KLOG/KUKN/The Wave

Bob Crisman Gallery of Diamonds

Tom Rozwod NORPAC/Weyerhaeuser

Neil Zick, Treasurer Twin City Bank

Linda DiLembo Three Rivers Mall

Ted Sprague Cowlitz Economic Development Council

Michael Claxton, Legal Counsel Walstead Mertsching

Wendy Hutchinson Millennium Bulk Terminals

9

Steve Taylor Kelso City Manager Dennis Weber Cowlitz County Commissioner

Kelso Longview Business Connection

June 2015

Cowlitz Economic Development Council

It’s getting better all the time

By Ted Sprague President – Cowlitz Economic Development Council

everyone’s home is now worth up to 15 percent more in value? Unfortunately, no, but it is a very positive snapshot

“Getting Better” is the title of one of my favorite Beatles tunes and it also matches the mood of our economy right now. With more than $3.5 billion (yes, billion, with a B) in capital investment either permitting or in pre-permitting Cowlitz County is poised for faster industrial growth than any other area of the region. The fruition of these projects will propel our already growing economy into an unprecedented period of growth for Cowlitz County.

of the entire county and represents a trend in overall home value.

Chart 2

Going inside the numbers, we can see the emergence of the Cowlitz County economy from the deepest recession since the great depression. While Cowlitz is a smaller sample size than larger counties (such as King), which can skew some statistical measures, we are trending upwards in a direction comparatively faster than our western Washington counterparts. According to “The Gardner Report” published by Windermere Real Estate, Cowlitz County ranks first in percentage of home sale increase when comparing first quarter 2014 to first quarter 2015 at 33.9 percent (Chart 1).

Chart 1

In addition to these housing statistics we have seen our unemployment rate drop to 7.7 percent compared to 9.0 percent at this time last year and our payrolls have expanded 5.4 percent (compared to the state average of 3.3 percent) by adding 2,000 new jobs.

All too often people tend to focus on the negative. I would hope our community would choose to follow the advice of author Alex Haley, “Find the good – and praise it.” Let’s continue to point out to our friends, colleagues and family the positives taking place in our communities and how we as individuals can help to continue creating a wonderful place to live, work and

Cowlitz ranks second in the same timeframe for an increase in home sale price by 14.6 percent (Chart 2). Does this mean

play.

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

June 2015

Business Toolbox

How do your customers see you?

Your business through your customers’ eyes

By Jerry D. Petrick Certified Business Adviser

insight to the natural focus points and clues about placement of items outside and inside your business.

What will you learn?

If you could imagine…how would your customers grade your business? Is it an exciting and inviting place to enter? Can they find what they are looking for efficiently? Do they make multiple purchases on each visit?

What do they wish you had or did to make their shopping/ buying experience awesome?

We have seen recent efforts to spruce up many of our storefronts throughout our community. As usual, people judge your business, especially if it is a retail store, by its cover; treat your business front as an impulse item intended to stop them in their tracks. You know the ones I mean – the business that always catches your eye even when you had no plans to stop there to shop.

When was the last time you took a fresh look at your place of business? Now is a good time to get honest with yourself about how your business appears to others. You may have been coming into the same building (often through a back or employees only entrance) for years and you can’t remember the last time you actually took a REAL look at the impression your business communicates.

This time of year, spring is almost over and the weather is no excuse to let things slump, is a perfect time to refresh and renew the look and feel of your business.

Try this strategy: Invite at least five people (employees, fellow retailers, customers etc.) to help. Have them approach your business from across the street – ask them to write down the first five things they see; don’t stop or dwell. Have them do the same as they enter your place of business. The result of this exercise is great

12

From across the street: • Signage (clear, clean, eye-catching, attractive, illuminated if appropriate)?

• Color scheme (attractive, fits your surroundings and business brand)?

• Does your business stand-out or blend in?

At the front door: • Building maintained (moss, chipped paint, missing or burned out lights, torn awning, sidewalk clean and safe, windows clean etc.)? Amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do to spruce up your business.

• Window displays (attractive, clean, changed/refreshed regularly, uncluttered, current).

• Is there a welcoming message like: “Welcome, Please Come In and Browse” or “Through These Doors Walk the Nicest People in the World.” We all like to be greeted. To stand out you don’t have to be outlandish or perfect; just more engaging than your competition.

Inside: [the following best practices are proven by constant research on consumer behavior] • Customers read your business like a book – looking left to right – and research tells us that the ‘sweet spot’ is the space from straight ahead to about 45 degrees to the right.

• Try a chalkboard near the front door announcing specials, new products, bundles etc. Just like the restaurant, we are conditioned to read the ‘daily specials’ to pique our interest.

• Are complementary items displayed together? Doing so can greatly increase average sales transaction and tends to help customers ‘remember’ the accessories they really want-

Please see Petrick, page 13

Kelso Longview Business Connection

June 2015

Petrick, from page 12 ed anyway.

What to do next?

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Amazingly, soon we will be dealing with, and planning for, Back to School and the holidays to follow: and you will be contacted by vendors soon for your pre-orders. It is common that vendors will have programs and tools to help you create impact in your store. Never hurts to ask.

The great news is that most of the eye catching sprucing up and rearranging can be done with little or no investment and is totally within your control. A side benefit of re-energizing and freshening your business is the boost you will feel in your mood as well as the mood of your employees and customers!

Energize your business and you will energize yourself and your team.

This article was prepared by Jerry Petrick, Certified Business Adviser, MBA, SPHR with the Business Development Center in Longview. Jerry provides no-cost, confidential business advisory services by appointment. He can be reached via e-mail at jerry.petrick@wsbdc.org

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Quarterly Meeting

Laufman Lecture Hall—LCC Campus New Health and Science Building Thursday, June 25, 2015 5:15p.m. –6:30 p.m.

Commissioner Mike Karnofski

Commissioner Dennis Weber

Commissioner Joe Gardner

You are invited to attend the Kelso Longview Chamber’s 2nd Quarterly Membership Meeting.

Please join us as we hear from our county commissioners about everything from the budget, to parks, to personnel challenges, to the new manufacturing businesses that are making Cowlitz County home and how partnerships are helping to grow our county out of the recession.

Yes, something new!!!

The Kelso Longview Chamber is trying something new with this Quarterly Meeting. First, everyone who attends will be able to see the beautiful Laufman Lecture Hall in the equally beautiful Health and Science Building at LCC. Secondly, the event will be in the early evening, beginning at 5:15 so no dallying at work. Third, there is no cost to attend this event. We are hoping to have a more attendance by providing a free venue to hear from our County Commissioners what they are doing to provide the “Quality of Place” that both cities and the county speak of.

No Cost to attend this Event!

We still need to know you’re coming

Register at www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

Kelso Longview Business Connection

June 2015

CEO’s Message

Awards banquet teeming with spirit and generosity

By Bill Marcum CEO – Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce

31 tables for a $20 donation, with the intention of putting the money into next year’s scholarship fund.

It was a great night for business and education in Kelso and Longview May 21. We had more than 250 people attend the Pillars of Strength and Crystal Apple Awards (see the story with the winners on page 1). What makes this night so special is having a room filled with people who give 100 percent to their jobs, business, friends, neighbors and these two communities. The cheers as nominees were announced, and the roar of the ovation when winners were honored, was amazing; I did not think it could get better than last year and yet it did.

We raised $900, nearly enough for one scholarship. Thank you to all who put some money in the envelopes. We are off to a great start to hopefully provide even more scholarships next year.

This event doesn’t happen without the help of sponsors who offset some of the expenses. Sponsorship dollars help cover the cost so students and their families can attend the evening and pick up their scholarships, and they help hold the cost down to

Cyndi Pollard, owner of Inspiring Courage and Koelsch Senior Communities, was our emcee. She did a great job keeping the evening rolling, but also keeping it light and meaningful.

all those attending, too. A huge thank you to: PeaceHealth, C’s Photography, KUKN/KLOG/The WAVE, Red Canoe, Davis

Mike Randall with the Cowlitz County Regional Conference Center and his staff did a great job of setting up the tables, stage, screens and microphones, and patiently re-arranging, almost up to the final minute, as we scrambled for more seating. Mike Cassetta with Summerland Catering and his staff provided a fabulous meal with great service from all the servers and bartenders. Thank you to both Mikes. We really appreciate the support and service you provide.

and Associates, NORPAC, Three Rivers Mall, Shamrock Tav-

One of the most special parts of the evening is when we bring up our scholarship winners and present them with a $1,000 to $1,500 certificate they may use toward their college education next year. Three years ago the Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber’s Lower Columbia Professionals group gave away three, $750 scholarships. This year we handed out 12 scholarships totaling $13,500. Wow, it was awesome seeing our young people on stage, hearing their stories and learning about their future plans. To top off the evening, we offered our Jansen Flowers’ centerpieces to a person sitting at each of the

so much need out there.

ern Millennium, Express Employment Professionals, Jansen Flowers and Inspiring Courage.

I also need to give a big thank you to the Education Committee for all their hard work, long hours of poring over the nominees, reviewing the scholarship applications and narrowing the field to the 12 winners...a very difficult thing to do with Last and certainly not least a big thank you, way to go, and GREAT JOB... all those things, to Karen Sisson, Kelso Longview Chamber project manager. Definitely one of our largest events just in the number of people attending, plus the coordination of nominees, award winners, guests, catering, the venue and a host of other items. Thank you Karen... job well done.

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

June 2015

Simple reminders to be the ‘Best of the Best!’

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

for their business ... they commit to themselves and to their business to DO SOMETHING...TO ACT rather than react!

When business gets tough, best of the best retailers raise their standards, they sharpen their pencils, further enhancing their strengths and competitive advantages, working smarter (not necessarily harder) to do whatever they do in the best possible way.

How might you develop a best of the best philosophy utilizing a focused, disciplined, and supportive (for yourself and your employees) environment?

Consider adding the B.E.S.T. principle to your business strategy and everyday operational procedures. Let’s walk through a quick best of the best refresher...

Everyday you need to Build your business. Your action plan, your continuity of effort and your consistency at enhancing your customers' perceptions all play a significant role in building, growing, and defining your business.

Each and every day, you, your employees, and your business should look for opportunities to Excel...opportunities to excel in meeting your customer’s needs or problems, opportunities to excel and overcome competitive encroachments and market changes, opportunities to excel to position yourself and your business to capture new market share or grow a new product line or service.

Selling, servicing, and offering goods or services are the lifeblood of your business. That lifeblood comes with the realization that the goods or service you, your employees, and your business offer are of value to your customers. Keeping the lifeblood flowing depends on core values...integrity, trust, follow up, to name a few. Fate, the urgency to survive, the hunger to succeed will all test your core values...don’t let fate, the good times, the bad times or uncertainty, tear down everything you have built, and thereby destroy your

As a referee, I had numerous opportunities to observe some of the best of the best athletic teams. These teams typically have been coached in a highly focused, disciplined, and supportive environment. Surprisingly, even in today’s quickly changing and evolving retail climate, these same principles apply to the world of sales and marketing.

In working with retailers, chambers of commerce, community marketing groups, and retail organizations I have often found it helpful, as I initiate my work with them, to remind them to be the ‘Best of the Best’. This helps to refocus and reinforce some earlier learned (and often forgotten!) business tips to improve both retailing or service management while enhancing customer service and selling professionalism.

Which action steps, which things to do NOW, which right moves should you undertake in times when business is tough to get, to be the best of the best? Reflecting on my many discussions with owners, managers, franchisees, regional managers, operational directors, senior management and others involved in retailing, the following traits consistently surfaced as benchmarks of the best of the best retailers who are in touch with their community and growing and changing as their community grew and changed.

In good times or bad, best of the best retailers consistently assesses their resources, acknowledging their strengths and weaknesses. Likewise, they also consistently assess their community, both today and tomorrow. Rather than trying to change the past, they focus on designing the future.

In good times or bad, best of the best retailers, create an action plan, focusing on both their business and community assessment to put their resources and strategies to work

Please see Nau, page 17

16

Kelso Longview Business Connection

June 2015

Nau, from page 16 © Murray & Nau, Inc.

business identity.

You need to be a teacher. To Teach your employees the ins and outs of the business they have joined is part of your responsibility. Teach employees their role in helping the business achieve its goals, identifying, understanding and working with its customer base, your personal and your business’ core values, and most of all, helping your employees understand that everyone (including YOU!) continues to learn and grow as the business builds and grows.

Last but not least, remember that by creating a public awareness of who you are and what you do or sell you help your community, your business and yourself GROW.

Chuck Nau of Murray & Nau, Inc. is a retail consultant and sales and management trainer. He has been a speaker for and conducted advertising and marketing workshops with retailers, chambers of commerce, community marketing groups, and retail organizations throughout North America. Based in Seattle, Nau is a 25-year veteran of advertising, sales, media and management, who knows and understands the everyday challenges of starting up, growing, and surviving in today’s ever changing retail climate.

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

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

June 2015

Council of Governments

Fire and Ice Scenic Loop Corridor Management Plan available

By Bill Fashing Executive Director – Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments Last month, many people in the region commemorated the May 18, 1980, eruption of Mount St. Helens. This event led to more than 900,000 tons of ash being spread around Washington state.

This event also led to the deaths of 57 people, the destruction of 250 homes and 47 bridges. Overall, $1.1 billion in damages was recorded. The month of May in 2015 brought about a different recognition of the mountain. Just after the 35th anniversary, a number of partners celebrated the approval of the Fire and Ice Scenic Loop Corridor Management Plan. The plan is designed to provide for the conservation of the intrinsic qualities of the area surrounding Mount St. Helens. The plan sets the stage for building upon the values of the region and to build a strategy and partnership to maintain and enhance those qualities.

The plan was also designed to engage the public in the process so that the local communities will benefit from the resulting management plan Mount St. Helens was an attraction prior to the eruption and will continue to be into the future. The anticipated benefits of the plan include the increase in tourism and economic opportunity while protecting and enhancing the scenic, historic, natural, archaeological, cultural, and recreational qualities of

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the mountain and the communities that surround the mountain. The Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, and the White Pass National Scenic Byway are three regionally scaled and nationally significant destinations that are the primary draw for visitors to southwest Washington. They form the backbone of the Fire and Ice Scenic Loop. It ties together the Washington state side of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and Mount Rainier National Park, and encompasses Mount St. Helens National Monument, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, and the White Pass National Scenic Byway. The loop includes State Routes 503 and 504, which run in an eastwest direction along the upper and lower portions of Cowlitz County.

The Vision and Goals for the Scenic Loop In conjunction with other regional tourism related partners, create, promote and enhance a tourism loop around Mount St. Helens that encompasses Skamania, Lewis and Cowlitz counties to encourage economic opportunities presented by the monument in southwest Washington. The specific goals of the effort are to: • Increase the length of visitor stays along designated routes.

• Enhance user experience through road safety improvements.

• Identify opportunities to provide the visitor expanded recreational opportunities, enhancing economic vitality.

• Identify opportunities to expand seasonal recreation, services for visitors, tourism infrastructure, and marketing opportunities.

Please see Scenic Loop, page 19

Kelso Longview Business Connection

June 2015

Scenic Loop, from page 18 • Develop shared priorities and a long-term partnership structure to coordinate economic development and tourism opportunities for the region. • Examine and pursue funding opportunities for recommended investments. • Promote the Scenic Loop region through the experience of cultural, historical, and natural amenities.

The Fire and Ice Steering Committee and Technical Teams that worked on the plan were a dedicated group representing all points along the route. Steering Committee and Technical Team members come from a variety of private and public sector backgrounds and each has a specific expertise to share along with their passion for the region. County officials, environmentalists, tourism professionals, and recreational enthusiasts have all made important contributions to the Fire and Ice Scenic Loop Corridor Management Plan and are expected to play a substantial role in its implementation. With the finalization of plan, implementation is taking the forefront. The Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments will be working to nudge implementation plans forward in the coming months. Volunteers and financial resources will be needed to fully engage the effort and begin to bring a stronger focus to the overall effort to build this unique partnership that will increase awareness and opportunity for area communities and businesses.

A copy of the final plan approved by the CWCOG Board of Directors is posted at www.cwcog. org. I hope you will take some time to review the document and commit to engaging in the implementation of the effort to build this piece of our regional tourism development initiative.

This story includes several excerpts from the Fire and Ice Scenic Loop Corridor Management Plan.

19

Kelso Longview Business Connection

June 2015

Lower Columbia College

The economics of college

By Chris Bailey President – Lower Columbia College On the whole, people with college degrees earn more than people without them. Getting an associate degree will result in 19 percent higher lifetime earnings on average than a high school diploma, a figure that increases to 70 percent for baccalaureate degree holders. The education-to-earnings benefit is long established and is a highly motivational factor in the college choice process.

The added earning potential a college degree brings is critically important, but the value of higher education is actually much greater than what can be measured in dollars and cents alone. This is true for individuals, but is equally important to the health and vitality of a community. In this sense, college degrees are both a private and a public good.

Think of it this way. College serves as a turning point in the lives of most people who attend. College students tend to learn a great deal about themselves in the course of their studies, including how they can create a more meaningful and rewarding life. College graduates lead healthier, more productive lives and are less likely to experience poverty, drug abuse or incarceration. Additionally, studies show that college graduates find their work more interesting and satisfying, have healthier children who perform better in school, and are more civically engaged than people who don’t go to college. Investing in a college education as a private good for yourself or your children provides a truly astonishing return-on-investment.

These are all incredible benefits for individuals and their families, but the value to the communities in which they live can be equally transformative. Cities with higher educational attainment rates experience less unemployment and generate more wealth. They spend less on healthcare, prison systems, and treatment for drug abuse. They boast more cultural amenities and tend to attract a greater diversity of employers and employees. A heavy concentration of college credentials are, in many respects, the quintessential public good for any community.

Investing in college as either a private or public good has never been easier or more important. If you have never attended col-

20

lege, now is a great time to prepare for enrollment in the fall. If you are one of the scores of individuals in our community who started but never finished a degree, there is no time like the present to get back on track. Already have a degree? Consider a donation to help someone in need achieve their dream of graduating from college. Whether your interest is personal or communityoriented (or somewhere in-between), there has never been a better time to invest in education.

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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Kelso Longview Business Connection

June 2015

Kelso

Longview

Giving the nuisance next door a nudge

City rising to create quality living area

By Mayor David Futcher

By City Councilman Ken Botero

I mentioned last month that the city is working to rewrite the rules related to development and construction, in order to streamline them and make them easier to understand. Along with that process, we’ll be working on making our nuisance abatement guidelines simpler and the process more cooperative.

Greetings from the City of Longview, a city with a quality-of-place attitude.

An online article by Richard Florida titled “10 rules for a city’s quality of place,” opens with, “People see cities as more than just where they happened to find a job. A major Gallup survey identified “quality of place” as the single most important source of civic satisfaction. The more beautiful, welcoming and diverse the city, the happier and more prosperous its residents will be.

Nuisance abatement always seems to have two sides.

People don’t want their neighbor’s place to look trashy, but at the same time, aren’t fans of anyone telling them what they can do on their own property. Our nuisance abatement officer has a tough job having to walk that tightrope on a daily basis.

How does a community meet this challenge?”

The segment of Tennant Way from 7th Avenue to its intersection with 15th Avenue near Lake Sacajawea can be considered a gateway to Longview because Tennant Way is the primary entry route into the city from Interstate 5. A new project funded by the City of Longview will advance this gateway vision by developing a conceptual design that manages storm water runoff with Low Impact Development (LID) techniques while enhancing the appearance of the street. LID is an innovative storm water management approach that utilizes permeable pavements, rain gardens, and other natural drainage practices to filter, detain, and infiltrate runoff close to its source. This conceptual plan will consider using some curbside parking and median areas for attractive landscaping that can capture and treat storm water. In addition, the design will offer ideas for improved street lighting and enhanced pedestrian crossings.

While the nuisance codes may seem to conflict with personal freedoms, people who live in cities generally have different expectations of their lifestyle than those who live in unincorporated areas. In the county, you may not be surprised that your neighbor is raising chickens, but in a subdivision where you’re living on 5,000-square-foot lots, you probably don’t expect to have a rooster for your alarm clock. You also probably don’t want to have a burned or abandoned home sit next to yours in perpetuity, or five-foot grass at the neighbor’s house (at 600 Bates Road), providing haven for critters of all types.

Those types of concerns drive our nuisance abatement program. As we work on an updated set of guidelines, we want to make the process more flexible, and less likely to be simply a hammer to force compliance. We’re not trying to raise revenue with penalties, but get the city cleaner and more attractive to encourage more owners to voluntarily take care of their properties.

The City of Longview is constructing streetscape improvements on Commerce Avenue to better the appearance, safety, and accessibility of our downtown with enhancements including improved lighting, new sidewalks, benches, landscaping, public art and outdoor gathering places to make the area more attractive for visitors, shoppers, bicyclists and pedestrians.

The City of Longview has been awarded a $4.25 million fed-

Oh, and one note to my neighbor on Bates: please cut your grass.

Please see Longview, page 23

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

June 2015

Longview, from page 22

Free Energy Audit

eral grant to replace the wooden Washington Way Bridge, which has spanned Lake Sacajawea since 1935. State bridge inspectors have given the bridge a sufficiency rating of 21 out of 100, taking into account its structure and function. City officials say the bridge isn’t unsafe – yet – but it needs an increasing amount of costly maintenance as its timbers deteriorate.

•Thermal Imaging

•Energy Tips

These are only three projects under way to provide the “quality of place” atmosphere in the beautiful city of Longview. We do have many other projects that are ready to start moving forward such as the RA Long Park, a.k.a. Civic Circle, the downtown art work on Commerce Avenue and additional streetscape projects.

When it comes to creating a “quality of place” the citizens of Longview are one step ahead of the hopes and dreams of the community and are providing that positive atmosphere that creates our “quality of place”.

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

June 2015

Mind Your Own Business (at the Library)

Library expands options for its cards

By Chris Skaugset Director – Longview Public Library I wanted to tell you about a couple of new books that have come out recently that might be of interest to you and anyone else interested in business, career development or entrepreneurship. But before I do that, I wanted to make sure to remind you that if you hadn’t been able to get a Longview Library card before because you lived outside of Longview that there are options for you now. First of all, if you live in the precincts directly to the north and west of the city you are most likely already paying taxes for library services as part of the Cowlitz County Partial-County Rural Library District. If you’re not sure if you’re in this service area, call us and we can check. As of April 1, if you are a City of Kelso resident with a Kelso Library card in good standing you can get a reciprocal card here in Longview (the same goes the other way for those of you living in Longview). You just need your library card, proof of address and you need to fill out a short application.

Also, if you own property in the City of Longview but live outside of these areas you can get a card as well. You just need something that has your name and Longview property address on it and fill out the application. If you own a business in Longview, you can get a card in the name of your business. Just bring in your business license, ID and fill out the application. Finally, if you’re still interested in getting a library card here in Longview (without paying the non-resident fee) you can earn a card as a volunteer in Project Read (the Library’s adult literacy program) or as a member of the Friends of Longview Library with a certain number of volunteer hours served. So, there’s almost no reason that you can’t get your Longview Library card today.

The first book that I want to mention is Jack and Suzy Welch’s recently published “Real-Life MBA: Your No BS Guide to Winning the Game, Building a Team, and Growing Your Career”.

Jack you might be familiar with as the former CEO of General Electric (and mentor of Alec Baldwin’s Jack Donaghy character on TV’s “30 Rock”) while Suzy is the former editor of The Harvard Business Review. Since their last book (2005’s “Winning”) the pair

have been consulting with businesses, both well-established and start-ups, have spoken to thousands of people, and even started their own accredited online MBA program. So, it’s clear that they know a thing or two about business. In this new book their goal is to provide a practical guide to the big ideas and other useful business knowledge that can serve as a supplement to an MBA in today’s modern global economy. They go into depth and detail in how companies should be organized and operate, how entrepreneurs should use a leadership style that builds and supports teamwork, and they give some helpful career development advice. While there are numerous books out on these subjects, the Welch’s experience, Jack’s frank style, and even a worthy, and practical, discussion of life and career balance are all reasons that make this book stand out in this very popular field.

“Entrepreneurship for the Rest of Us: How to Create Innovation and Opportunity Everywhere” by Paul Brown is a great counterpoint to Real-Life MBA. New York Times columnist, and 30-year student of entrepreneurship, Brown takes all of that massive amount of knowledge and turns it into lessons for anyone whether they are the owner, manager or employee of a company.

Instead of focusing on a list of things, which entrepreneurs do to be successful, he explores how they think and the similarities in how they create their businesses. One of the most notable differences between Brown’s and other writer’s theories is that he intentionally avoids the planning step going into a repeatable formula of “Act, Learn, Build and Repeat.” Basically, he is encouraging entrepreneurs to do something and see how the world reacts, learn from that knowledge, build on it, and do it all over again. Brown also spends a fair amount of time debunking common myths about entrepreneurship. Instead of starting with a great idea, entrepreneurs should start from a recognized market need and focus on staying ahead of the competition, creating lifelong customers, and building a team. This is an excellent, succinct, and focused book that will help many budding entrepreneurs take that next step and build their dreams into reality.

You can find both of these books, and many more like them at your local library. And, don’t forget that if you are looking for information or help in your endeavors, whatever they might be, we are here to help you in any way that we can. Just ask.

24

Kelso Longview Business Connection

June 2015

Ambassador of the Month

Carr makes her own news with Chamber volunteer honor The Daily News’ Michelle Carr has been named the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Month for May. Carr began working in The Daily News advertising department in 1986. After working more than 10 years, traveling for Lee Enterprises training sales representatives in other newspaper markets, she returned to The Daily News and has been back working with advertising customers in the local area since 2013.

Carr said she enjoys being a part of the Ambassador’s committee because it gives her an opportunity to get to know people in the business community and to be a part of the success of the Longview, Kelso and surrounding area.

Her husband, Paul, is retired and they make their home in Castle Rock. She has two grown sons: Dustin and his wife, Courtney, who live in Bozeman, Mont., and have a 2-year-old daughter, Cora; and Brian, who lives in Seattle with his wife Denise.

In addition to her work with the Kelso Longview Chamber,

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of Cabaret Follies of Lower Columbia, enjoys tap dancing with Tapestry NW and exploring genealogy. She is

May

Michelle Carr The Daily News

also a two-time cancer survivor.

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.

Facilitating Growth Through Leadership and Action

We are a membership based not-for-profit organization.

Join us today!

positions!

Call today.

360.414.1200 • www.expresslongview.com Chamber JUNE 2013

Carr also volunteers on the board

Resources • Access • Partnerships

25

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

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

June 2015

Welcome New Members

Chamber membership has its privileges Celebrate new Chamber members with us

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

* Kerr Car Care & Quality Muffler Hut * Jessica Mickens, State Farm * Paddle Flatts Kayaking * Law Offices of P. Michael Long, P.S.

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

• Legislative Representation

• Monthly Business After Hours

• Issues Tracking and Information

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

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• Legislative Update Breakfast

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

June 2015

Ribbon Cuttings

Treasured Beginning Tammy Ellis, owner of Tammy’s Treasures, opened the doors to her consignment store with the help of Chamber Ambassadors May 6. The store is located at 1252 Commerce Ave., in Longview.

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

June 2015

Ribbon Cuttings

Sweet Opening Owner Kimberly Cramer cut the ribbon for The Original Kristi’s Custom Sweets May 13.

The bakery features gourmet cakes, cheesecakes, cupcakes and special occasion cakes, all nestled into The Merk, 1339 Commerce Ave., Longview.

Special Delivery Chamber Ambassadors welcomed owner Cynthia Thomas and The Package Depot into its fold May 15. The business, located at 1325 Hemlock St., Longview, specializes in package receiving and shipping, gift items and cards.

29

Kelso Longview Business Connection

June 2015

Welcome Back!



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

*American Medical Response

*Lower Columbia College

*Beacon Hill Sewer District

*Miller Paint

*Cascade Title Company

*onthemark associates

*Kay Green

*CCS

*Pacific Tech Construction, Inc.

*Signature Transport, Inc.

*City of Kelso

*Port of Longview

*State Farm Insurance – Scott Fischer

*City of Longview

*Rodman Realty, Inc.

*Teague’s Interiors

*Comcast Spotlight

*Steel Painters/Railco

*Diamond Residential

*Costco Wholesale

*Swanson Bark & Wood Products, Inc.

*Applied Application

*Cowlitz County

*The Golden Palace

*Broderick Gallery

*Cowlitz County CASA

*The Red Hat

*American Legion

*Cowlitz County P.U.D.

*Three Rivers Eye Care

*Coleman Cellular

*Cowlitz County Title Company

*Walstead Mertsching, PS

*Port of Woodland

*Cowlitz Wahkiakum Council of

*Watkins Tractor & Supply Co.

*Advanced Dental Services

*Acupuncture Northwest

*All Out Sewer & Drain Services

*David E. Houten, DDS

*Budget Blinds of Longview

*Baker Lumber Company

*Diamond Showcase

*Columbia Bank

*Brusco Tug and Barge

*Document Management Archives

*Columbia Funeral Service

*Carl’s Towing Service & Repair

*Dorothy Bain Hanson

*Columbia River Carpet One

*Carlson’s Heating & Air Conditioning

*Emerald Kalama Chemical

*Columbia River Mill Outlet

*Cascade Natural Gas Corporation

*Express Employment Professionals

*Compendium Consulting

*Coldwell Banker Bain

*Freddy’s Just for The Halibut

*Continental Investors Services, Inc.

*Cole’s Appliance Repair

*Gordon Sondker

*Cowlitz County Guidance Association

*Comfort Inn

*Interwest Benefit Consultants

*DeFrancisco Lampitt and Brado PS

*Community Home Health & Hospice

*KapStone

*DSU Peterbilt

*Cowlitz Credit Union

*Koelsch Senior Communities

*Estetica Day Spa

*Cutright Wholesale Plumbing Supply

*L.G. Isaacson Company

*Fire Mountain Grill & Summerland

*Family Health Center

Governments

*Longview Memorial Park, Funeral Home & Crematory

Funeral Chapel

*Industrial Packing

Catering Services *G L Booth – JG Davis & Associates

30

*Interiors Plus

Kelso Longview Business Connection

June 2015

Welcome Back! *Life Works

*Interstate Wood Products, Inc.

*Heritage Bank, Longview

*Longview Housing Authority

*Lower Columbia CAP

*Hometown National Bank

*Longview Orthopedic Associates

*M & R Painting, Inc.

*Island Sun Tanning, Inc.

*Longview Public Schools

*Mint Valley Federal Credit Union

*Kemira Water

*McDonald’s of Longview

*Newrock Homes, Inc.

*Longview Engineering and Design

*Pacific Fibre Products

*Northwest Auto Specialist, Inc.

*McCord Bros. Nissan Dodge

*Nipp & Tuck

*Retirement Strategies

*Millennium Bulk Terminals

*Paperback Galore

*Simpson Timber Company

*Minuteman Press

*Rush Insurance/Financial Services

*Superior Tire Service, Inc.

*Professional Communications Services

*Schlecht Construction

*The OM Home

*Servpro of Longview/Kelso

*Somerset Retirement Home and Assisted

*Triangle Bowl

*Sierra Pacific Mortgage

*Cowlitz County Chaplaincy

*Sterling Insurance

Living *T.C.’s RV and Mini Storage *United Finance

*Twin City Bank OUR LATEST RENEWING MEMBERS

*U.S. Cellular

*Viking Automatic Sprinkler Company

*Biggs Insurance Services

*Waste Control Recycling, Inc.

*Wasser & Winters Company

*Clay Bartness

*Woodford Commercial Real Estate

*William (BJ) R. Boatsman

*Comcast

*McDonalds of Longview

*Errand Girl

*Dick Hannah Toyota

*United States Army

*American Family Kari-Ann Botero

*Fred Meyer, Inc.

*Lexi’s Pizza

*Guild Mortgage

*Heritage Bank, Kelso

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

June 2015

PeaceHealth

What does back pain cost the workforce?

When members of the workforce suffer back pain, it can be costly to employer and employee alike – not only in missed work days, but the ongoing cost of care and treatment. Both the quality of life and of work may be affected from simple movements like sitting and standing to impeded range of motion and ability to lift.

The concerning thing is, back pain in America is becoming epidemic. It is estimated as many as 31 million Americans are suffering back pain at any given time, and 80 percent of the adult population will experience back pain at some point in their lives.

in 2010 dollars ranged between $297.4 billion to 335.5 billion.

The value of lost productivity is based on three estimates: days of work missed (ranging from $11.6 to $12.7 billion); hours of work lost (from $95.2 to $96.5 billion); and lower wages (from $190.6 billion to $226.3 billion). Studies show that most of the

The prevalence of back and other pain has a tremendous impact on business, with a recent report by the Institute of Medicine indicating that the annual value of lost productivity

Please see PeaceHealth, page 33

Leave your knee pain behind You’ve got more important things to do with your time. Joint replacement can help you leave the painful ache of arthritis behind. Take the next step at www.peacehealth.org/ortho.

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

June 2015

PeaceHealth, from page 32

need more complex treatments. A medical provider can help

pain-related lost productive time occurs while employees are at work and is in the form of reduced performance.

you determine what is best for you.

As an employer there are resources available to you and your

It’s not just the back pain sufferer who suffers when experiencing pain – the American workforce does too. Every year, back pain accounts for roughly 40 percent of all missed work days, and is the second-leading cause of missed work, lagging only behind the common cold and upper respiratory illnesses.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), in 2004, 25.9 million workers lost an average of 7.2 days of work due to back pain. That’s 186.7 million days of work lost.

employees. PeaceHealth Occupational Medicine is uniquely qualified to be the single source provider for all your occupational medicine and health services including injured worker care, pre-employment and annual physicals, in-clinic and onsite services as well as priority access to all hospital services.

A 1999 study published in the American Journal of Public Health estimated that the direct cost of missed work days alone accounted for a $14 billion expense. And that just accounts for the loss of full work days – it doesn’t take into account the individuals who become limited in the work they do. AAOS cites that from 1999 to 2004, 62 percent of people who self-reported work or walking limitations stated that their limitation was due to lower back pain.

We look forward to handling your next real estate transaction.

The good news is back pain is highly preventable and many cases of back pain are due to muscle strain that, with treatment, can resolve in just a few weeks. Other causes of back pain can be more serious. Herniated discs, injured or slipped vertebra, or bone spurs can cause back pain that could require more complex treatment.

Our Escrow Team…

Why Our Service is the Difference!

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

Here are some ways to help alleviate back pain: • Keep moving. Light activity like walking is often the best medicine for pack pain.

Whether you need title, escrow or property search information, come in for our exceptionalservice. Leave with the secure confidence that your real estate investment is properly insured and protected.

• Maintain Good Posture. You can greatly increase the pressure on your back by simply leaning over the sink incorrectly.

• Use Relaxation Techniques. Research shows that practices such as meditation, deep breathing and yoga can do wonders.

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

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

■

• Apply Ice and Heat. Cold packs and heating packs can comfort the strained area.

■

• See a Specialist. If the pain is not getting better it may be time to see your doctor. There is no magic pill for chronic back pain. Some people need core strengthening while others may

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

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

June 2015

Chamber Connection

Vashti Langford, business development coordinator with Work Opportunity Center of Cowlitz County, dropped by with words of wisdom.

Making Their Voices Heard Leo, Shirley and Joe Tsinnajinnie with the powwow join hosts Carey Mackey and Lonnie Knowles in the radio studio.

TUNE IN every Wednesday Your Chamber Connection

KEDO AM 1400 – 3 to 4 p.m.

Contact the Chamber to schedule YOUR 10-minute business spotlight

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

Artist Ronnie Barone with Broadway Gallery shared information about her work and upcoming events.

Bruce Pollack, marketing manager for Bicoastal Media, home of Your Chamber Connection, took a turn on air.

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

June 2015

In the News

HealthLinks offers free workplace wellness programs for small business

What is HealthLinks? HealthLinks is a free workplace wellness program for small businesses. It was developed by the American Cancer Society and the University of Washington, and the Cowlitz County Health Department has partnered with these groups to extend HealthLinks to Cowlitz County. HealthLinks is free because it’s entirely grant funded.

HealthLinks builds a healthier workforce by helping your employees eat healthy foods, be more physically active, get cancer screenings and quit tobacco if they’re ready. The program is evidence-based, meaning it’s been proven to work.

How does the program work? Once enrolled, a HealthLinks wellness consultant will work with you for six months free of charge. The consultant will provide a comprehensive assessment of your company’s current wellness practices, detailed recommendations and strategies for wellness improvements customized to your company’s needs and priorities, and hands-on training, resources and turnkey solutions to implement the strategies and program activities. More than 150 companies in Washington state have improved employee wellness thanks to HealthLinks.

Why workplace wellness? In the U.S., 7 in 10 deaths are due to chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes. And together, these chronic diseases account for 75 percent of U.S. medical care costs. The workplace is an important setting for health protection, promotion and disease prevention since on average, Americans spend more than one-third of their time at the workplace.

From a company’s perspective, maintaining a healthier workforce can lower direct costs such as insurance premiums and worker’s compensation claims. Wellness programs also boost productivity and improve morale!

Interested in exploring whether HealthLinks is a good fit for your company? Contact Lauren Henricksen, healthy communities specialist for the Cowlitz County Health Department at henricksenl@co.cowlitz.wa.us or 360-414-5599 ext. 6434.

Library’s summer literacy program looking fo superhero volunteers

The Longview Public Library is currently seeking teens and adults to join its extraordinary league of volunteers for the

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Fill the Truck!

“Wheels of Hope” returns June 26. This year, it’s a benefit for the Lower Columbia School Gardens. McCord’s Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram is donating a pickup for the cause – fill the truck with the garden supplies the school needs. What they need most: metal hand trowels, metal hand cultivators, spading forks, hand pruners, small garden gloves, clipboards, Sharpies, scissors. Lower Columbia School Gardens provides dynamic learning environments in gardens at 14 area schools where students work, study and explore the natural world and care for living things.

“Every Hero Has a Story” and “Unmasked” summer reading programs.

Volunteers share their formidable love of reading by signing up bold and daring kids and teens, awarding richly deserved prizes for Super Readers, and helping with heroic events. Have fun, meet awesome people, and get a head start on community service hours while helping battle the vicious summer slide in learning that can sneak up on even the most courageous during the break from school.

Come to a special training and orientation for all volunteers in the lower floor auditorium of the library June 6 at 11 a.m.

Sign up in person at the lower check-out desk or call 360-4425301.

Please see News, page 36

Kelso Longview Business Connection

June 2015

In the News News, from page 35

nary negotiations on possible deal points with Riverside Refinery.

Port of Longview commissioner resigns; appointment process begins in June

Riverside seeks to build a micro-refinery in Longview that will supply fuels to the region. The $800-plus million investment will produce 45,000 barrels per day of refined product destined for Washington and Oregon markets, one-third of which is renewable fuel.

Commission Vice President Lou Johnson announced May 26 at the Commission meeting that he would be resigning from the Board of Commissioners effective June 30. Johnson began serving his elected term as District 2 Commissioner in 2012.

“After a high-level review of the project, staff has determined it meets many Port strategic goals and should be further investigated,” said Kalhagen. “We understand the high profile nature of energy projects and are dedicated to a thorough and transparent process as we move forward.”

“It has been a privilege to serve my community and I wish to thank my fellow Commissioners and the staff for the opportunity,” Commissioner Johnson stated, citing the need for time with his family and personal commitments as his reason for stepping down.

The refinery, a project of Waterside Energy, LLC, is proposing to construct the facility on property adjacent to the Port and utilize approximately 35 acres of Port land to store and transfer

“Lou has made important contributions to the Port during his tenure,” said Port of Longview Chief Executive Officer Geir Kalhagen. “We are grateful for his service and the dedication he brought to the Commission.”

Please see News, page 37

“Commissioner Johnson has been an excellent representative of the Port’s mission,” said Commission President Bob Bagaason on Johnson’s involvement in the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association and local Council of Governments. “I wish him and his family the best in the years to come.”

Port officials will review the process for filling Commissioner Johnson’s seat at the upcoming June 9 regular Commission meeting. The Port Commission must appoint a replacement to fulfill the remainder of Johnson’s term, which expires in 2017.

The Board of Commissioners is comprised of three elected members representing the citizens of the Port district. Commissioners serve six-year terms and set governing policy for the Port of Longview.

Riverside Refinery clears initial review at Port of Longview

More than a month since the Port of Longview announced a dormant Riverside Refining proposal, the company has returned with a revised project that made it past the Port’s initial review stage.

At a recent Port of Longview Commission meeting, CEO Geir Kalhagen advised the Board of Commissioners on the staff ’s intent to continue evaluation and commence prelimi-

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

June 2015

In the News

Roy Morse disc golf course opens with fun, competitive tournaments

News, from page 36 products. The refinery’s supply of crude oil would come from the Bakken oil fields and the used cooking oils and virgin seed and vegetable oils would be imported from international markets.

The City of Longview Parks and Recreation presents two fun disc golf tournaments at Roy Morse Disc Park.

The Port has not entered into any agreements or made any decisions on this proposed project.

The Summer Slinger Tournament will take place June 23 at 11 a.m. The cost is $15 for singles and $25 for doubles.

A Glow Throw Tournament is scheduled for Aug. 15 at 8 p.m. and the cost is $25 for singles and $45 for doubles. This event includes custom glow disc, necklace and bracelet.

Longview Recreation Discovery Camps keep kids busy during summer months

The first series of the 2015 disc golf league season is under way. The sessions take place Tuesday evenings through June 30. A second series is slated to run from July 14 through Aug. 18. The cost is $10 for singles and $18 for doubles.

Looking for something fun and adventurous for kids this summer? Look no further than the Longview Recreation Discovery Camps. Choose just one week or come for the whole summer. Schedule only free for mornings or afternoons? What about the entire day? Either way the program can accommodate a busy schedule and a child’s need for a fantastic summer.

Each week is separated by age range and class type. Discovery Camps start July 6 and run through Aug. 14. Choose from camps like: Not So Scary Zombie, Junior Iron Chef, Nature Explorers, and Secret Agent Academy. Programs are open for children ages 5 to 12, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a free hot lunch every day. For information, visit www.mylongview.com.

For a map of the course, go to www.mylongview.com/discgolf.

To register for these events or for more information contact the city at www.mylongview.com/recreation

Washington Way Bridge construction continues through summer months

$5 5K Run Series sprints into Longview area parks with family fun

The existing timber bridge was removed in its entirety. This will allow the contractor to complete the second coffer dam installation and start construction of the west bridge footing.

Come out with friends and family for the city of Longview's $5 5K Run Series. Come to all five events and receive a special prize at the end (first event has already taken place). Each run will start Saturdays at 9 a.m. and cost $5. No need to pre-register, just show up to walk, jog, run, and have fun. See below for dates and parks.

Date

The east bridge footing construction was completed and columns poured.

The contractor is continuing with the installation of the ground improvements on the east and west side of the bridge.

The contractor is starting to work on the excavation to complete the east abutment wall foundation.

Location

June 13

Roy Morse Sports Complex

July 18

Tam O'Shanter Park

Aug. 15

Archie Anderson Park

Sept. 12

7th Avenue Park

Other utility work is ongoing. This includes irrigation system and electrical transformer upgrade.

Information about the Washington Way Bridge project can be viewed on the City’s website at www.mylongview.com, and construction updates will be posted regularly on Facebook.

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

June 2015

Boot Camp

Broad Board Education More than 30 people joined Chamber of Commerce staff for the informative and enlightening first session of Boardsmanship Boot Camp May 8 at Lower Columbia College. Rick Winsman, former CEO of the Kelso Longview Chamber, facilitated the topic of CEO versus Board responsibilities. To participate in more of the Boot Camp series, contact the Chamber at 360-423-8400.

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

June 2015

Business After Hours

Anything Fore a Good Time Doug and Trina Viuhkola, owners of Mill City Grill, and Shawna Meredith and Jasen Rietz took advantage of the May 12 Business After Hours at the Longview Country Club to plug the Chamber’s upcoming Golf Classic.

Hosting and catering events is a regular occurance for the staff at the Longview Country Club.

Longview Country Club Board Members Jeane Moksness and Susan Fardell served up smiles and beverages.

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

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