July 2017 Business Connections

July

2017

Business Connection

Volume 9, Issue 7

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce

Golf participants took a shot at another activity on Hole 18 with Koelsch Communities.

Chamber CEO’s Message

By Bill Marcum

Golf and gratitude Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Team Bill Marcum, CEO Lindsey Cope, Project Manager Amy Hallock, Visitor Information Center and Office Manager Kelso Longview Business Connection is published monthly by the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce 105 N. Minor Road • Kelso, WA 98626 • 360-423-8400 kelsolongviewchamber.org To advertise, call Bill Marcum, 360-423-8400 or email bmarcum@ kelsolongviewchamber.org Ad Deadline: 20th of each month

T

he Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Chamber Golf Classic June 19 at Three Rivers Golf Course. We had 124 golfers from more than 80 businesses for this fun event. The weather was perfect, okay, maybe a little bit warm at 85 degrees, but the breeze made it perfect. A special thank you to our tournament sponsor Stirling Honda, who for the seventh year in a row has been our presenting sponsor for the tournament.

This year’s lunch was provided by The Shamrock Spirits and Grill and Steve Jones’ staff did an incredible job preparing the burgers – and how about that bacon for the burgers...

WOW! Thank you Steve. C’s Photography, which took photos of every For more Golf, see page 3

John Paul from KUKN, KLOG and The Wave displays his skill, and patience, for the sport.

T hank You to our 201 7 Sponsors Title Sponsor Hole 1 Red Canoe Credit Union

Hole 15 United Way

Hole 2 Longview Eye Clinic

Par 3, Hole 16 Les Schwab

Par 3, Hole 3 Comcast Hole 4 Riverwoods Chiropractic Hole 5 Cowlitz River Rigging Hole 6 Three Rivers Eye Clinic Par 3, Hole 7 Futcher Group CPAs Hole 8 Columbia Ford Hole 9 Kentucky Fried Chicken

Hole 17 ServPro Longview Hole 18 Koelsch Senior Communities Beverage Cart Express Employment Professionals

Hole in One CIC Credit & Screening Dinner Sponsor Twin City Bank

Tee Prize

Dessert Sponsor Coldwell Banker-Bain

ee Prize Sponsor Lunch Sponsor Shamrock Grill & Spirits NW Innovations

Hole 11 D and C Lemmons

19th Hole Sponsor Signature Transport

Hole 12 Stewart Title

Driving Range Sponsor State Farm Insurance - Fischer, Beal & Wade

Hole 14 Millennium Bulk Terminals

Raffle Sponsor Cascade Title

Putting Contest Fibre Federal Credit Union

Hole 10 Edward Jones - Nick Lemiere

Hole 13 Brown and Brown Insurance

Photo Sponsors Reprograghics Propel Insurance C’s Photography CalPortland ServiceMaster JTS

Cart Sponsors Columbia River Carpet One Three Rivers Mall

Registration Table Cowlitz County Title Scoreboard Sponsor Scott Fischer State Farm Special Thank You to: Dave Taylor, Master of Ceremonies Kelso Longview Elks Lodge Staff Lance Satcher and the Pro Shop Staff Kelso Longview Chamber Ambassadors and Volunteers

Chamber Golf Classic, continued from page 1 participating team, rushed back to the studio and then to Reprographics for printing so we could have them back by the awards dinner.

Whew! And it came off beautifully. Thank you.

We had more than 60 donated items for the raffle and auction given away at the awards banquet. All in all we had more than 35 sponsors and 25 volunteers to help make this a full day of fun. For a complete list of our hole sponsors, cart sponsors, photograph sponsors and much, much more, please see page 2, and thank you to all of you for your sponsorship.

We did have some people who had played golf before and they played well enough to capture a trophy. In the Gross Division, first place went to a team from Hart C’s Restaurant, second place went to the Cowlitz Black Bears and third place went to Signature Transport. In the Net Division, first place went to American Medical Response, second place to Cal Portland and third place to the CEDC team.

I also want to say thank you to the Golf Classic Committee of Dave Taylor, Scott Fischer, Clay Bartness and Karen Sisson. We start working on this tournament in March, meeting every other week until May and then weekly, to make sure everyone who attends is going to have an awesome experience.

2

1 1. Andrew Rinehart picked up his and her watches. 2. Diane Craft of Koelsch Communities' booth at Hole 18.

3. The winning ticket is here somewhere Dave Grumbois tells Karen Sisson. 4. Every team received a group photo. 5. The Hart C's Restaurant team won the trophy for Gross Division. 6. Black Bears ticket winners.

3

Please check out our Facebook page to see more than 140 photos of this fun event click here

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Special thank you to our Ambassadors, who volunteer for much of the duties. With the warm weather, the red coats were optional, but most had on their red polo shirts and assisted with raffle ticket sales and registration. Jackie Evenson and Leslie Bartness volunteered as our hole-in-one witnesses... sadly, to which we did not have a winner for the $10,000 prize. A GREAT, BIG, HUGE, thank you all.

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I also want to give a shout out to Lance Satcher and his team at the Three Rivers Golf Course; they did an amazing job of setting up the course and making sure all hole sponsors were in place with whatever they needed prior to golf. The Elks prepared the awards banquet dinner and WOW did it taste good.

The steaks were a huge hit with everyone.

Thank you Rhonda for coordinating all the food and the cooks.

And finally, but certainly not least, a heartfelt thank you to Chamber staff – Amy, Lindsey and Joelle. They prepared all the tee prize bags (124), checked in all the golfers (124), set up the registration, worked the dinner and awards selling additional raffle

5 tickets, raffling off the prizes, coordinating payments and making sure all our golfers

4 had a good time. It was a full 14-hour day for them. Thank you all very much.

July 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 3

20% O FF SPECIA L OFFER

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

20% discount for all Kelso Longview Chamber members, good for all accommodations and stays from 7/7/17 – 7/14/17.

Discount includes accommodations, a hamburger and hotdog dinner on July 7th, continental breakfasts on July 8th and 9th, family events, and of course, admission to the after-hours chamber dinner followed by an ice cream social and movie screening on Saturday, July 8th.

Promo Code: KelsoLongviewChamber Book by June 30th* at silvercovervresort.com or by calling 360-967-2057.

Select accommodations will be held for chamber members up until June 30th. Reservations made after this date will be based on a first come, first served basis.

Please email questions to silvercoverv@highwaywestvacations.com.

We look forward to hosting you and celebrating the opening of our brand-new lodge!

The Business After Hours is Saturday, July 8 from 5:30 -7:30 – registration required for those who are not camping – Registration at www.kelsolongviewchamber.org or 360-423-8400 $15 in Advance $20 at the Door.

351 Hall Road Silver Lake, WA 98645

360-967-2057

105 Minor Road Kelso, WA 98626

360-423-8400

Silver Cove Resort opens door to outdoors for Chamber summer Business After Hours As a salute to summer, and to celebrate the opening of its new lodge, the Chamber of Commerce heads to Silver Cove Resort for July’s Business After Hours – and, as an added bonus for those who are interested, there’s a camp out option. The networking event offers Silver Cove the opportunity to showcase its beautiful location on Silver Lake. The resort is just 30 minutes from Kelso/ Longview, and resort managers invite members to bring the family to check out the amenitites so close to home.

Business After Hours events are scheduled for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. July 8 – it’s a Saturday.

Discounted camping rates available, call 360-967-2057. Cabins, trailer, tent, and RV spots available.

Silver Cove RV Resort offers deluxe cabin rentals or spaces for your own RV. On-site amenities include a boat launch and complimentary Wi-Fi. Silver Cove also allows guests to easily access state parks and national monuments like Mount St. Helens. Relax at the resort or explore nearby destinations that are ideal for fishing, canoeing, rock climbing, and more.

For those not camping, registration for after-hours is still required.

Please register at www.kelsolongviewchamber.org or call 360-4328400. Cost is $15 in advance, $20 at the door and includes beverages, barbecue, prizes, ice cream social, kids activites and a movie screening.

For more information, please see page 4.

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Lance Welch, President

Chris Bailey Lower Columbia College

Nick Lemiere Edward Jones

Clayton J. Bartness, DC Longview Chiropractic Clinic

Chris Roewe Woodford Commercial Real Estate

Neil Zick, Treasurer

Ken Botero Longview City Council

Tom Rozwod NORPAC/Weyerhaeuser

Michael Claxton, Legal Counsel

Bob Crisman Gallery of Diamonds

Ted Sprague Cowlitz Economic Development Council

Julie Rinard, Past President

Wendy Hutchinson Millennium Bulk Terminals

Steve Taylor Kelso City Manager

Joel Hanson, Past Past President

Wendy Kosloski Teague's Interiors

Dennis Weber Cowlitz County Commissioner

PeaceHealth

Linda DiLembo, President Elect Three Rivers Mall

Frank Panarra, Vice President Foster Farms

Twin City Bank

Walstead Mertsching

Community Home Health & Hospice KLOG/KUKN/The Wave

July 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 5

City of Kelso

City of Longview

By Mayor David Futcher

By City Councilman Ken Botero

Fighting battle against opiate abuse The proposal to site an opioid treatment clinic in Kelso has been creating a stir recently. Opponents worry that delivering methadone or other treatments in the downtown area will result in problems like addicts pooling in the parking lot, creating a dangerous eyesore in our commercial district.

First, let me clarify one thing. The city council didn’t ask for the clinic or approve it, and under state law has no power to deny it. The only power the city in this case has is zoning, and the clinic meets the commercial zoning in place in the downtown.

Given that situation, I figure we might as well look for the potential benefits it might bring. Here are some points I picked up from a recent informational meeting.

• We have a problem. The nation has an opioid issue, Washington has an opioid issue, and Cowlitz County has among the highest rates of opioid overdose deaths in the state. We need more solutions.

• The operators, Acadia, are pros at this. Many are drawing parallels between this clinic and the failed Love Overwhelming shelter.

The only similarity is that they’re serving people you want to believe don’t exist in your city. Love Overwhelming was run by an inexperienced agency, while this clinic is run by a publicly-traded company who operates something like one-sixth of all such facilities in the country. They know how to do it right, and have a financial incentive to do so.

• Because of their experience, I believe Acadia will be able to better mitigate community impacts than some expect. They are required to have a community meeting to hear concerns, and to address them and try to mitigate them in a plan the state must approve before they can open.

• Did I mention we can’t stop it? I spoke with an attorney involved in siting these clinics, and another city in the region tried to change zoning rules after a clinic was trying to locate in their area. That city now faces legal action, the result of which will likely be penalties, legal costs, and still having the facility in their town. A good investment of time and effort? Probably not.

None of us want to think we’re enabling drug addiction, but addiction is clearly already here. We need to work together to mitigate its impacts, and use any tools that might work to do so. Is this clinic going to help? I have no idea, but let’s have an open mind.

6 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | July 2017

Strategy for community success Leaders in small communities often pin our hopes for economic success on the recruitment of large manufacturing facilities to help increase our economy. An unfortunate consequence of relying on strategies that focus exclusively on industrial recruitment is that sometimes we undervalue, or don’t understand, the importance of other determinants of a strong local economy. Business retention and expansion, small business entrepreneurial development, tourism, for example, receive short consideration compared to large industrial recruitment. More significantly, we as leaders, pay too little attention to building community and civic infrastructure. Put another way, some instances point to overemphasizing marketing and sales, industrial recruiting, without adequate attention to product development, improving the quality of life, in our communities.

The following is provided by Joe A. Sumners, PhD, in the Wordpress Report: Successful development strategies in small towns will typically include the following: 1.) Developing strong, and diverse, community leadership that is inclusive, collaborative, and connected.

2.) Identifying local assets and creating and carrying out a strategic plan bases upon these assets.

3.) Joining with other jurisdictions to maximize economic resources.

Community Leadership: Create leadership that is inclusive, collaborative, and connected. Successful communities understand the importance of an expansive view of community leadership. The traditional notion of the community leader – as chief community problem solver has given way to a new dynamic model of the community leader as catalyst, connector, and consensus builder. This new leadership model recognizes that leadership is not confined to a few elected official and business leaders. Rather, successful leadership requires mobilizing the knowledge, talents, and perspectives of every segment of the community. Successful communities tend to be full of leaders.

Without going into the second and third strategies at this time I will summarize the strategy for success: Small towns, like not only Longview but all the cities in Cowlitz County, are best served by a holistic approach to economic development. Industrial development may be an appropriate strategy, especially if done in partnership with regional neighbors. However, it should not be the only strategy. To be successful, we need to cultivate a 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 leaders, stakeholders and with other jurisdictions, and we need to be proactive in creating community and regional crossroads where leaders can connect on a regular basis to assess, plan, and work together.

By the way, Longview is making great strides in this direction, come join us.

Calendar Tuesday July 4 Chamber Office Closed Saturday July 8 – 5:30 pm

Cowlitz Wahkiakum Council of Governments

By Bill Fashing

Executive Director

Transportation safety, target zero

Business After Hours Silver Cove RV Resort 351 Hall Rd, Silver Lake *Special Rates on Camping Monday July 10 – Noon Government Affairs Meeting Teri’s Restaurant 3225 Ocean Beach Hwy, Longview Thursday July 13 – 11:30 am Ribbon Cutting American Family Insurance – Kevin Wasson 827 Ocean Beach Hwy, Longview Thursday July 20 – 11:30 am Ribbon Cutting Heartland Payroll Solutions Chamber Office 105 N. Minor Rd, Kelso Tuesday July 25 – 11:30 am Ribbon Cutting LipSense by Diane Lough Chamber Office 105 N. Minor Rd, Kelso Thursday July 27 – 11:30 am Ribbon Cutting AT&T Connect Wireless Three Rivers Mall 351 Three Rivers Dr, Kelso Every Wednesday Chamber Connections KEDO/1400 AM – 3-4 pm Stream live at www.kedoam.com

The Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments will be setting safety performance standards for the Metropolitan area by the end of 2017. This action is a result of federal requirements set forth for all Metropolitan Planning Organizations nationally and is geared toward the elimination of fatal accidents on our road system. The CWCOG will be working with both Oregon and Washington in this effort as our metro area is bi-state and includes Rainier, Oregon; but, the emphasis in this article will be on Washington.

Transportation safety has been a major component of transportation planning for many years. Planners, engineers, and others are continually seeking safer options for moving people through their daily activities.

According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the target zero concept was started in Sweden and has swept the globe.

The FHWA is committed to the vision of eliminating fatalities and serious injuries on our nation’s roadways.

According to the FHWA website, “The zero deaths approach uses a data-driven, interdisciplinary approach that FHWA has been promoting for many years. The approach targets areas for improvement and employs proven countermeasures, integrating application of education, enforcement, engineering, and emergency medical and trauma services (the “4Es”). A combination of strategies from different focus areas will be necessary to achieve the zero deaths vision.”

In Washington, the five-year running average number of fatalities on our road system was 484.8 in 2016. This is up by 34.8 from the 2014 number. Planning efforts will be focused on employing changes directed at moving this number toward zero. In the Longview/Kelso area we have seen a five-year average of 2.8 fatalities up 0.2 fatalities since 2014. Part of the performance standards process will also include a target for non-motorist fatalities and serious injuries. The local statistics for non-

motorist fatalities and serious injuries show an upward trend from 4.3 in 2014 to 6.2 in 2016. Our local experience mimics the statewide results that saw an increase from 477.8 to 503.4 during the same period.

June was national safety month and you have probably seen messages about transportation safety in the local and national media from the National Safety Council. The National Safety Council has a wide variety of resources on safety at home, work, and on the road. The major causes of fatality accidents are alcohol (impairment), speed, and distracted driving. Drowsy driving is newly recognized as a growing factor influencing accidents. Research is still under way on the impacts of legalized marijuana use and on the impacts of phone usage while driving. You can bet that you will be seeing more on these issues in the near future.

We may never eliminate roadway fatalities, or even serious injury accidents, but efforts will continue to improve safety conditions in an attempt to maintain a downward trend.

What can we do to make a difference? By far, the elimination of high risk behavior will have the most immediate and lasting impact on roadway safety.

Many of us are not doing what we can to lessen the possibility of death or significant injury by using seatbelts or properly restraining car and booster seats. Washington was trending toward its target zero goal in this area and projected to reach zero in 2021, but due to a significant bump in fatalities resulting from crashes involving unrestrained occupants in 2014, that trend line now extends out to 2030.

As we begin the summer months and we get out to enjoy the long-awaited sunshine, take time to buckle up, slow down, and watch for motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians in an effort to help make progress toward target zero.

July 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 7

PORT TALK PORT OF LONGVIEW NEWSLETTER

The Port is excited to continue making improvements to Willow Grove Park for the local community.

HERE’S HOPING FOR A LONG SUMMER AT THE PARK! Ideally, we would have experienced a lot more warm weather at this point in the year, so we could enjoy the beautiful outdoors.

The Port of Longview is not giving up hope on the notoriously late sunshine that Washington grants us and has been working hard to improve and beautify Willow Grove Park so we can be ready when it arrives.

Brooke Hendrickson celebrating a maiden voyage.

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: BROOKE HENDRICKSON, COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATE Where do you see the Park in five years?

In five years, I see the Park being the most popular park in Cowlitz County. Willow Grove has something to offer people of all ages and will only continue to grow and attract new visitors.

Last year, the Port officially took over management of the Park and Boat Launch from Cowlitz County and immediately began improvements on bathroom facilities, picnic shelters and roadways.

A Park Host was established and put into place, acting as Port liaison to those who visit the park. Most recently, new and improved playground equipment was purchased and installed in early June.

“A lot of time and hard work has gone into improving the Park to make it as great as we possibly can for our community,” said the Port’s Director of Facilities and Engineering Bill Burton. “It

The Park is open every day from sunrise to sunset and offers something for everyone to enjoy during the summer months.

Multiple fire rings, picnic areas and barbecues are available for public use during Park hours. Additionally, the recently dredged Willow Grove Boat Launch is as popular as ever - now providing a safe and easy way to launch boats into the river.

Willow Grove is the perfect place to enjoy a warm day while getting a front row view of cargo vessels headed to the Port of Longview!

Here’s hoping for a long summer at the Park!

SUMMER EVENTS ON THE RIVER

What is your favorite feature of Willow Grove Park?

Are you interested in hosting an event at Willow Grove Park as we approach the warm months of summer? We’d love to have you!

My favorite feature at Willow Grove Park is its location. Having direct access to the Columbia River is a great privilege. Add to that the ability to watch huge vessels moving down the river, and I think we’ve hit the jackpot.

Willow Grove is a great place to host family reunions, family gatherings, birthdays, anniversaries and other celebrations!

With plenty of space to reserve, as well as public picnic areas, barbeque pits and brand new playground equipment, Willow Grove Park offers something for everyone.

What is one thing you want the community to know about the Park?

The Park is managed and maintained for the community.

Every investment at Willow Grove Park is an investment in improving the quality of place.

If your guest list exceeds 50 people, or if you are interested in reserving a specific area of the Park, call us at the Port offices or view the Park Event Policy at www.portoflongview.com at least 30 days prior to your event.

DID YOU KNOW...

Reservations for the Park can be made at www.portoflongview. com, from there you can focus on planning your event and having a great time at the Park!

•

Willow Grove Park is 75 acres, including 15 acres of Columbia River beach?

•

The purchase of Willow Grove Park marks the first time in the Port’s 95-year history that we’ve owned and operated a park?

Park policies allow for the public and wildlife to enjoy the Park.

COMMISSIONERS

COMMISSION MEETINGS

Jeff Wilson / District 1 Doug Averett / District 2 Bob Bagaason / District 3

Regular meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month at 10:00 am and are open to the public. Meeting times are subject to change. For more information, visit portoflongview.com.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Norm Krehbiel

PORTOFLONGVIEW.COM 17_07

is part of the Port of Longview’s mission to improve waterfront access to the community and we are doing just that with Willow Grove Park.”

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PORT Is there information you would like to see in Port Talk, or do you have questions related to a story that was featured? Please email info@portoflongview.com, or call 360.425.3305

T. 360-425-3305 F. 360-425-8650

10 PORT WAY LONGVIEW, WASHINGTON 98632

Cowlitz County Commissioners

By Arne Mortensen

Questions pile up on landfill issue Recently the BoCC disclosed that the county has been approached by a private company regarding a potential sale or business arrangement of the Headquarters Landfill (HL). To give as much time as possible for the public to think about the issue, the BoCC held two public hearings (one during the day and one during the evening) in which details of the financials of the HL were presented. A third hearing was held in which options for a framework going forward were discussed; at that time Joe Gardner and I voted to go forward using RCW 70.95A.090, a provision that gives the BoCC maximum latitude to handle the situation, spanning from keeping the current status to outright selling of the HL. At the hearings, the public was unanimous in its comments that they are not interested in selling the HL. Since the first (unsolicited) contact was made, several other private firms have expressed interest in the HL. Why is there private interest in the landfill? The HL is licensed for circa 900,000 tons of waste per year. At the current rate of filling, circa 500,000 tons, there is opportunity to make money by handling more waste.

The question that the BoCC looks at is: Can more be extracted from the HL to the benefit of the owners, the Cowlitz County taxpayers? That question cannot be answered in the absence of further data, and that is the current state of the HL status. The BoCC has not yet received a formal offer, but it expects to get offers, which differ in structure as well as money. The BoCC is committed to give the citizens ample opportunity to express their concerns; at this point; however, information about the interested parties cannot be given out, and, having none, there are no offer details to give out. The Commissioners are united in protecting the interests of the county, and they will do so under advisement by the public, counsel, and their own knowledge of the issues.

Citizens have spoken clearly against an outright sale of the HL; the fun-

damental issues concerning the citizens are that they want the following: • Guaranteed waste rates in keeping with the implicit and explicit guarantees currently in place.

• Control over liability for the eventual closure.

• Control over ongoing environmental issues.

The BoCC fully embraces these requirements.

One particular, although obvious, point to make is that any change of status for the dump must be justified based on significant advantage over the do-nothing option.

Currently county staff is developing a letter to guide potential respondents making an offer. Such a letter should be ready about mid-July.

On another note, changes in our county stormwater drainage ordinance are being forced upon us by mandates from state and federal agencies. These changes are certain to aggravate our housing shortage by further raising the costs of construction of homes. We also are quite aware of the erosion of property rights at the hands of the bureaucratic agencies such as the DOE; this situation is alarming.

We look forward to handling your next real estate transaction.

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.

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.

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

360.952.3100 www.amadaseniorcare.com www.amadaseniorcare.com

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

■ ■

1159 14th Avenue, Longview, WA 98632 ■ Phone: 360.423.5330 ■ www.cowlitztitle.com July 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 9

Mind Your Own Business (at the Library)

By Chris Skaugset

Director – Longview Public Library

Build a better world, and business, with these titles Summer reading has begun and, as I mentioned last month, this year’s theme is “Build a Better World.” So, in recognition of that, I’m going to suggest some titles that will perhaps help you build a better business. It doesn’t matter if it’s a new idea or growing an existing business, everything can be improved in some way, shape, or form. You can discover many of the tools to help you at your local Longview Public Library. Even if you don’t live in Longview but own one in the city then you can get a library card for your business. Just bring in your photo ID and your Longview business license, fill out a brief application and you’ll be all set to check out materials at the library or to explore the digital resources and materials that we offer online. Finally, don’t forget to participate in the adult Summer Reading Program and win a prize.

The first three books that I bring to you this month are all very practical books, but ones that if it’s an area that you’re interested in, or need to learn more about, then these are the types of titles you’ll be looking for to get you started. The first is “Quickbooks 2017 for Dummies” by Stephen Nelson. Quickbooks, of course is the program that many small businesses, and nonprofit organizations for that matter, use to keep up their financial records. The For Dummies series is put out by the publisher John Wiley and from its beginning people either appreciated the fact that these guides were simplified for beginners or offended by the fact that the publisher presumed that they were dummies in the first place. Nevertheless, these titles have exploded into all realms of knowledge (not just computers and technology) and are generally a very good place to begin when you are learning about a subject that you know little about. This title covers all of the basics of Quickbooks and should help you take the plunge, or improve, your bookkeeping practices using this tool.

The next title is “Patent It Yourself: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Filing at the US Patent Office” by David Pressman and Thomas Tuytschaevers. This is the 18th edition of this excellent title from

the publisher Nolo. Nolo is known for their guides relating to legal matters. This is a great place to start if you’ve come up with that great idea for that thing that no one else has thought of, or at least they haven’t marketed it yet. The book presents an introduction to the patenting process for inventors, covering documentation, searching, commercial potential, specifications, drawings, claims, applications, marketing, patent infringement and licensing just to name a few.

“Trademark: Legal Care for Your Business & Product Name” by Stephen Fishman is your entry point into all things trademark. This is also from Nolo and I as mentioned previously, they are the top publisher of all things legal and are written specifically for the nonlawyer. What Fishman gives you in this 11th edition is a complete guide for small businesses and startups on how to choose a business name, how to register for nationwide protection of a trademark, how to secure a domain name, and how to deal with infringing use by others as well as much more.

Finally, we get away from the practical guidebook and move into something with a little less detail and a lot more insight with the latest from self-help guru and best-selling author Andy Andrews, “The Little Things: Why You Really Should Sweat the Small Stuff.”

While there has been much written on the idea that people should stop worrying so much about the small things and to focus on the big picture, Andrews writes that based upon his own experience that it is often the little things that change everything. He shows that sometimes it is through concentrating on the smaller things that we add value and meaning. Whether in business, or in life, he provides a common-sense perspective for meeting small events that can often multiply the success of an endeavor and in one’s life.

So, whatever it is you do this summer, whether it’s just relaxing with a good book, enjoying your family, traveling, or starting a business, “Build a Better World” through whatever it is that you do. You can find ways to do this, and much more, at your local library.

Locally Owned, Family Owned and Here to Stay!

Offering the best in quality and selection.

• SMUDGE-PROOF • WATER-PROOF • KISS-PROOF

Diane M. Lough

Independent Distributor

360-431-6946

DianeMLough@comcast.net RLipsRSealed

10 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | July 2017

1413 Commerce Ave.

360-575-9804

www.elamshf.com

presents:

Island Bingo in partnership with:

Thursday - August 10, 2017 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm (in the old Macy’s building)

Beat the heat with some hot Island Bingo!

Help support the Chamber and raise funds for our annual scholarships!

Game Sponsor – (19) $100 + a prize valued at $100 or more. We will play a total of 19 “regular” bingo games! Game sponsors will have the opportunity to be on all marketing materials, on the photo wall, table at the event, and get two regular tickets to the event.

Black Out Sponsor – (1) $250 + a prize valued at $250 or more. The

Black Out Game Sponsor will be on all marketing materials, on the photo wall, on the radio advertisements, table at the event, and get VIP tickets to the event.

VIP Sponsor

(1) - $350. Let’s make the VIP Ticket holders feel special!

Your sponsorship will allow the VIP Ticket Holders to get a drink ticket and a personalized bingo dauber with your logo! The VIP Sponsor will be on all marketing materials, on the photo wall, on the radio advertisements, table at event, and get four VIP tickets to the event.

Food Sponsor (4) - $500 – You can’t have a party without some good eats!

The Food Sponsor will be on all marketing materials, on the photo wall, on the radio

To grab any of these opportunities, contact the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce

360-423-8400

Business Toolbox

By Jerry D. Petrick

Certified Business Adviser

Should you have a business partner?

When does it make sense to have a business partner?

Should you bring a partner into your existing business?

Should you start a business with a friend or family member?

Having a business partner can be an asset in many ways – it can also be disastrous and even contribute to failure of the business, and your relationship with the partner. Fortunately, there are steps to take to make sure the relationship starts off on the right track.

Here at the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), we work with all types of businesses – from sole proprietorships, to partnerships, to corporations with several owners. We’ve seen partnerships work exceptionally well and we’ve seen disasters.

A Successful Partnership We’ve advised many small businesses with more than one owner. In a great many of these cases the owners are also a married couple. As one couple said, “We want to continue to stay married to each other and therefore make the business partnership work!” Their marriage is the “glue” that keeps the business partnership working. But what if the partners aren’t married?

Several years ago we worked with a non-married couple that started a business that was unique for this area. Soon their personal relationship ended. They separated their living arrangement, but both wanted to continue to work in the business. They did and were successful at it because they both believed in their business idea and wanted it to be a success.

Later, one partner married and moved to Seattle. She couldn’t work in the business anymore and wanted her partner to buy out her half.

She said, “I want to be fairly compensated, but I also want the business to succeed.” Her partner agreed. We worked with them to come up with a buy-out plan that accomplished both goals.

The business grew and continues to be successful.

A Disaster While we hear more tales of disastrous partnerships than we’d like to, one short example may help illustrate some of the issues that can arise from poor planning and preparation.

Two married couples, in their late-30s, fulfilled their dream of moving to the Pacific Northwest and buying a business. The women were childhood friends. The men were friends as well. The four of them planned to run this business as equal partners. Within six months of buying the business the personal and business relationships between the partners were in shambles. They found out too late that being friends doesn’t mean you have the same goals for a business or the same values that guide its operation. We offered to mediate; one couple refused, demanding to be bought out at double what they put into the business a mere six months earlier. Ultimately one couple did

12 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | July 2017

buy out the other and the lifelong friendship between the women was a tragic casualty.

How to Avoid Disasters in Partnerships Before you take on a business partner, ask yourself some important questions: ¡ Why do you want a business partner? ¡ What financial contribution can your potential partner make to the business? ¡ Does your potential partner have access to credit and what is his/ her financial situation? ¡ Do your skills complement each other? ¡ Do you both have the same vison for the business?

If you decide to enter into a partnership, it is best to have a written partnership agreement. Although we advise seeing an attorney to assist you with it, here are some issues to discuss with your partner.

Your answers will form the basis of your agreement.

The first section deals with issues involving “getting into the partnership”.

Getting Into the Partnership ✓ What are the mission, vision and goals of the business? ✓ What are the mission, vision and goals of each partner? ✓ What are each partner’s expectations of the business? ✓ Will the partners be equal? ✓ What is the initial capital contribution of each partner? ✓ Are the contributions true investments or loans? ✓ What commitment of time, equipment and other resources will you each make? ✓ What is the value of “other” equity such as “sweat equity”? ✓ What level of income will you each expect or need from the business?

Once you’ve worked out the issues to enter into a partnership, turn to the actual running of the business and how you will do that in partnership: Operating Your Business in the Partnership ◆ What are the roles and responsibilities of each partner in the business operation/management/execution? ◆ Who will do specific tasks?

For more Petrick, see page 13

Petrick continued from page 12 ◆ How will day-to-day decisions be made? [Note: THIS IS HUGE! Delineation of areas of responsibly and authority are critical]

incompetence or withdrawal of a partner or dissolution on of the partnership for any other reason?

◆ Will partners make additional financial contributions?

■ Is a partner allowed to sell his or her portion of the business?

◆ How will each partner share in profits and losses?

■ What happens in the event of the death of a partner?

◆ What salaries, if any are to be paid to partners?

■ Is it specified in a legal will for each partner?

◆ Will you prohibit outside business activities that would be in competition with the partnership business? ◆ How will disputes be resolved? (Tiebreaker?) ◆ Is there a “managing partner” who will make final decisions? ◆ Will new partners be added? If so, what procedure will be followed? ◆ Who can make commitments or expenditures on behalf of the company?

Since partnerships do end now is the time to discuss how this will happen.

Getting out of the Partnership ■ How will a break-up of the partnership be handled?

■ What if one partner wants to keep the business?

■ What if both partners want the business but no longer want to work together?

■ How will you determine the value of the business in case of death,

■ What happens if a partner gets divorced? What legal and financial impacts will that have on the business?

Accessing Help in Forming a Partnership Bringing a partner into your business is a key decision that will either help or hinder the business. We recommend reviewing the issues presented in this article and perhaps making an appointment with the SBDC to guide you and your potential partner in this task. We also recommend getting advice from your accountant and having your attorney assist you with the final agreement, typically referred to as a Buy-Sell Agreement.

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

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PORT OF KALAMA

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Day trips and picnics in beautiful parks Enjoy beach front access and world-class fishing Explore our shops and family dining options The Port of Kalama strives to balance the economy, environment and quality of life to make Kalama the best possible place to live. www.portofkalama.com 360.673.2325

By Chuck Nau

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

No money to advertise...?

In today’s struggling retail environment, uncovering available dollars to INVEST locally in advertising to support (…and grow) your retail business, service or small business continues to be an ongoing challenge.

pacting customer service or revenue, and shift those savings into an advertising or marketing dollar investment?

Take a look at initiating a joint neighborhood marketing effort.

Ask Bill Marcum at the Chamber or inquire at other city agencies

“No money to advertise!” Simply stated, this is an all too fre-

to see if neighborhood promotional dollars or marketing oppor-

quent rationalization for not digging deeper to find those nec-

tunities are available for the asking. This strategy may also open

essary and needed business investment dollars in a challenging

the door for additional and NEW local businesses to partner with,

business climate.

too!

However, when business is tough to get and the retail or ser-

Challenge yourself (…and your investors) to review your own re-

vice provider sector continues to be challenging, you must (…to

muneration schedule, your salary (!) (…and their expected return

survive AND grow) investigate every source and resource to find

on investment). Remind yourself and others within your business

investment dollars for one’s business, service or small company.

that a small reduction in your (…and their) personal income this

Easily said! But, where does one look to find dollars that may be utilized to invest in your business through advertising and promotion.

Within your business and without increasing your budget or without additional cash input, ADVERTISING or MARKETING DOLLARS DO EXIST to invest in your business. Here are six areas to consider in your search for those elusive ad dollars…

Explore reducing overall salary expense…by reviewing your business’ hours of operation. Opening an hour later or closing an hour earlier without impacting customer service or revenue

year may reap big benefits for your business and subsequently for you (…and yours) next year and down the road!

Last, but not least, clarify where your business dollars are going in support of your local community. Do some services or charities or groups duplicate others…would a realignment of your dollar commitments maximize results while better allocating those funds?

“No money to advertise!”…may simply be a challenge offered to you by a challenging economy to find the money! Good luck and have fun!

generates 20 hours (one hour/day x 20 days) of saved expense that may be converted to a $ 200/month ad budget (20 hours x $10/ hour in payroll expense).

© Murray & Nau, Inc. Chuck Nau of Murray & Nau, Inc. is a Seattle area based con-

Bring your vendors and suppliers into the conversation…in-

sultant and sales and management trainer. He is a 25-year veter-

quire from each and every SUPPLIER that you do business with

an of advertising, sales, media and management, who knows and

if co-op advertising or extra promotional dollars exist to support

understands the everyday challenges of starting up, growing, and

THEIR product placement in your business. Leverage enhanced

surviving in today’s ever changing retail climate. He has spoken to

product placement in your store or in your ads for those vendors

and conducted workshops for a number of local retail and chamber

willing to contribute to the promotion of THEIR product or ser-

organizations, national publishing groups, national retailers and

vice.

manufacturers, state press associations, and newspaper groups.

Review your current inventory and purchasing habits and controls. (Again) is it possible to tighten your inventory without im-

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

July 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 15

Kelso School District

Longview School District

Special Education Director Denise Freund

Superintendent Dan Zorn

Decreasing the summer slide As students finish up their school year, typically the most prevalent thought on their minds is how to best enjoy their summer break free from classes and schoolwork. Their parents and teachers, on the other hand, are often more concerned with decreasing the “summer slide”, which is the tendency for students to lose some of the academic growth they’ve acquired throughout the school year over the extended summer break. Reading at home over the summer is one of the most effective strategies that parents can do with their kids to ward off the “slide”. In addition, school districts and other local agencies have put programs into place to assist students with summer learning enrichment opportunities.

At this time, students in Kelso have a variety of opportunities available to them this summer through the school district. At Kelso High School, Summer School Credit Recovery programs via the Apex online system are available during two, two-hour sessions through July 20. District-wide, all third-grade students have been supplied with a Summer Literacy Backpack through the Learning Assistance Program (LAP) using materials by the publisher Parents as Partners.

The backpacks contain: five leveled readers, a student literacy workbook, and a guide for parents to increase student literacy at home.

The Extended School Year (ESY) program is provided to students with special needs who meet qualification for the services as part of their Individualized Education Program (IEP). The instruction focuses on maintaining their current skill levels in areas that they have been known to demonstrate regression. ESY is provided for a threeweek period starting in mid-July at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. In addition to the above services, Kelso’s free summer meal programs provide breakfast and lunch to any child age 18 and under on the campuses of Barnes Elementary, Wallace Elementary, and Kelso High School.

Many of our local agencies are also working collaboratively to provide area students with excellent extended learning opportunities.

Youth and Family Link’s 21st Century Explorer’s Club has partnered with the YMCA of Southwest Washington to provide students from Huntington, Coweeman and Monticello middle schools the opportunity to attend the “Summer Abroad” YMCA camp at the Kalama River site free of charge for the first 20 students from each school.

The camp offers exciting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) activities to the campers, such as a weather balloon launch, GPS geocaching, hiking, forestry, cooking, and canoeing.

At the elementary level, Youth and Family Link is partnering with the Kelso School District to provide the “Summer Abroad” camps at Wallace and Barnes elementary schools with a focus on STEM, art, literacy, and physical activities. The Kelso and Longview public libraries offer outstanding summer programs that promote literacy for children of various ages with learning activities, story times, crafts, and book clubs. Lastly, there are countless options for kids and adults of all ages to participate in classes and activities through the Longview Parks and Recreation department that encourage parFor more Kelso Schools, see page page 19 16 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | July 2017

Graduation: First step into future Last month, Longview high schools graduated 421 seniors in front of proud family members and friends. It was my honor to address the crowds gathered on Saturday, June 17, at Longview Memorial Stadium for Mark Morris and R. A. Long high schools commencement ceremonies. Exercises for our Discovery High School students took place Monday, June 19, at the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts. I am incredibly proud of all of our students and would like to share the message that I shared at this year’s graduation ceremonies.

On behalf of the Longview Pubic Schools, I’d like to welcome each of you to today’s graduation ceremony. This is an incredibly important day for our students. Their high school graduation is their first step into a bright and boundless future. Thank you for all that each of you has done to support them in this accomplishment.

I recently had the pleasure of sitting in on many Senior Presentations at each of our high schools and swelled with pride for the students we serve. I was particularly struck by the diversity of the experience each of our students shared. The students spoke of their experiences as scholars, thespians, builders, athletes, musicians, artists, leaders, employees, volunteers, sisters, brothers, sons, daughters and grandchildren. Students spoke of the challenges they have overcome. One spoke of persevering through homelessness, another of being their family’s first high school graduate, another spoke of the challenges they faced due to the loss of a loved one. Each had a unique story to tell but there was clearly a common thread in each of their success: Every one of them spoke about the positive impact a meaningful and caring adult had upon their success. Many of you have been that person, that loving and present adult who guided them toward their graduation. Thank you for caring enough to be that person. You have made an incredible difference in the lives of our students.

I also emerged from these presentations incredibly proud of our district’s educators. Our kids spoke repeatedly of the educators who positively impacted their lives and pushed them toward high levels of achievement. They spoke of their teachers from preschool to high school and expressed great appreciation for their nurturing guidance and their steadfast belief in the potential of each student. To our teachers and support staff, thank you.

Finally, my reflection upon the senior presentations reminded me of the great pride I have in being a public educator. Our mission is unique; we serve all kids, no matter their circumstance, no matter their abilities, no matter their challenge. Our focus moving forward is in continuing to build a system that is flexible and responsive, always focused upon meeting the unique needs of each of our students. I look forward to working with the Longview community as we continually strive toward this ideal.

To our graduates, you have much to be proud of, and more to look forward to. I hope that we have taught you to read, to listen, For more Longview Schools, see page page 19

Lower Columbia College

By Chris Bailey

President

Making a difference, changing lives Anyone who knows me, knows that I am extremely passionate

ing Center, we create opportunities for our youngest children and

about Lower Columbia College (LCC) and the amazing work that we

their entire families. Through our CEO (high school retrieval) pro-

do. I (somewhat) jokingly note that I started off as a divorce lawyer

gram, students are able to return and get a GED or high school diplo-

and that there was “nowhere to go but up” in terms of a career. As I’ve

ma. Many then advance to college! With our Running Start program,

gotten older, I realize that money and status motivate me less, and

high school junior or seniors can save tens of thousands of dollars

that leaving a legacy, something bigger than myself, is the main goal

in obtaining college credits. And once a student obtains a lower cost

that drives me in my work life.

associate degree from LCC, that student can now advance to a bac-

Lower Columbia College is a place where the faculty and staff literally transform lives. LCC employees change the students we teach by offering them hope and opportunity. When a degree or certificate is conferred, it opens doors for students that were not opened before.

Not only does it change our students, but entire families, and the generations to come.

This weekend, while walking the campus, I was stopped by a student who wanted to tell me the positive impact that LCC had on her life.

This student had overcome serious barriers and noted how LCC was

calaureate degree or master’s degree through our Lower Columbia Regional University Center.

At Lower Columbia College, we truly change lives. We make our community stronger. If you also want to leave a legacy, consider the Lower Columbia College Foundation for your charitable or estate giving. Your individual contributions will really make a difference to our students, their families, and the entire community. Sometimes, just a few hundred dollars can change a life forever.

LCC Proud.

changing her life forever. Every day, I am reminded of the positive impact this institution has on specific people and their families. Each story is unique and compelling.

Not only do we issue degree and certificates, but we prepare students who are not yet college ready to make that leap. LCC also does incumbent training for hundreds of local workers each and every year. We increase diversity in the community and cultural awareness through our International Program. We help entrepreneurs be successful. We train local nurses and skilled tradespeople.

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July 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 17

PeaceHealth St. John – Wellness in the Workplace Susie Griffin

Wellness Services Coordinator

Improve your posture and stress less In 2012, Social Psychologist Amy Cuddy’s “Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are” TED Talk, shared research findings on how “power poses” affect one’s emotional, cognitive, behavioral and physiological state through “improved executive functioning, optimism, creativity, authenticity and the ability to self-regulate.” In layman’s terms it relates to how certain body postures can increase confidence, improve mood and increase focus. It resonated with its audience and became one of TED’s most watched talks with more than 39 million views.

In another study, where 75 participants were split into two groups: upright posture and slumped posture, upright participants reported higher self-esteem, lower fear, better mood and more arousal compared to the slumped group. Furthermore, slumped participants used more negative emotion words, sadness words and fewer positive emotion words during a rated speech. Hormone levels were also affected. In some studies, testosterone, the hormone that increases the sense of confidence, satisfaction with life and energy, increased by 20 percent while cortisol, the hormone that is commonly linked with depression, decreased by 25 percent. In contrast, the slouched participants showed a 10 percent reduction of testosterone and a 15 percent increase of cortisol.

What are these power poses and how can they affect our efficiency at work? Cuddy describes a couple of them, all generally classified as “expanding” postures: 1) Pride Pose: Arms outstretched and overhead in a ‘V’ with the chin slightly elevated.

2) Laid Back Pose: Reclined position with arms bent and hands clasped overhead.

And a third pose: 3) Wonder Woman Pose: Standing tall, head up with feet apart and hands on the hips.

She concludes that by assuming these postures for at least one to two minutes, one can “fake it until they become it” or improve their mood, concentration, energy level and confidence. This is direct contrast to the “contracted” posture which is often associated with depression, lower levels of energy and the inability to concentrate and make decisions (arms crossed, shrunken torso, head bowed).

Opening one’s posture has a direct and positive affect on breath. It For more PeaceHealth, see page 9

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Kelso Schools, continued from page 16 ticipants to be creative, learn a new skill, be active, and connect with their community.

With the numerous choices of educationally rich and entertaining summer options available to our students, parents can help ensure that the learning their student gains stays with them from one year to the next.

Longview Schools, continued from page 16

Developing Strong Business Partners.

“After going from these other banks to Fibre, I finally got to experience what personal service in the banking industry REALLY means. Each branch you visit always treats you like their business partner.“ -Don Cianci, Owner C’s Photography, Inc

to think, and to seek. Never stop reading – through this you learn about your world and about yourself. Never stop listening – listen to understand, through this you are able to effectively serve, love, and respond. Never stop thinking – think critically – demand proof, demand reason, and always demand kindness. And finally, never stop seeking – pursue your dreams and find the beauty in our world and its people. Beauty is everywhere; however, you need to seek it, and when you find it, share.

Congratulations and good luck. You have much to celebrate, but please be safe.

PeaceHealth, continued from page 18 allows the diaphragm to contract down and out, pulling on the ribs and increasing the room for lungs to expand. Simply raising the arms overhead, also helps to increase lung capacity.

So, the next time you find yourself slumped and slouched at work, consider implementing these simple and affective poses. Wonder Woman costume not needed. …To be continued in Part 2.

Cuddy, Amy. Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are. TED Talk, 2012.

Nair, S., Sagar, M., Sollers, J., Consedine, N., Broadbent, E., Do Slumped and Upright Postures Affect Stress Responses? Health Psychology. 2015 June; 34(6): 632-1.

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July 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 19

May Ambassador of the Month Teedara Garn

Cowlitz PUD Human Resource Specialist

Summer kicks off with sunny winner Human Resource Specialist for Cowlitz PUD Teedara Garn earns June’s Ambassador of the Month honors.

Teedara was recently named the Chamber’s 2016-17 Ambassador of the Year. She serves as secretary of the 2017-18 Lower Columbia Professionals and treasurer of Kelso Youth Baseball, where she also fills in as a baseball coach when her fiancé Michael is not available.

Teedara is a member of the Society of Human Resources, a volunteer for Kelso Youth Football, and a part of the PUD Community Connect Team, as well as a proud baseball mom and community advocate.

When Teedara is not volunteering her time at Chamber ribbon cuttings, Business After Hours, championing new members, or greeting guests at our other events, she enjoys watching the Seahawks, collecting unicorns, and spending time with her son, Logan, friends

and family.

“She is always quick to jump in and lend a hand, gather a group to attend an event, and bring a smile to everyone’s face,” said Lindsey Cope, Chamber project manager. “Thank you, Teedara, for your hard work, consistency and positivity. You truly make a difference in this community!”

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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Business After Hours

Frank Meza and Joses Fagoaga use their time at the Business After Hours to catch up.

Hearth Happening

Gabby with Hearth Coffee makes a latte for Foster Farms' Jose Fagoaga.

Hearth Coffee hosted the Chamber's June Business After Hours.

Cheryl Anderson with Hearth Coffee presented PeaceHealth's Suzie Griffith with a prize.

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

July 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 21

In The News Commissioners Doug Averett and Jeff Wilson perform ribbon cutting duties at the new park.

Port of Longview kicks off summer with major playground installation In celebration of a major milestone in enhancing one of Longview’s most popular parks, the Port of Longview unveiled its newly installed playground equipment at Port-owned Willow Grove Park on June 3.

During the celebration, a short dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony took place. Port CEO Norm Krehbiel and Commissioners Doug Averett and Jeff Wilson each made statements regarding the importance of giving back to the community through improvements at Willow Grove Park. Together, Commissioners Averett and Wilson cut the red ribbon spanning the playground, while dozens of children played in the background.

“Ports create strong communities,” Averett said. “Not only does that mean creating jobs as an economic engine, but it also includes amenities that make our area a great place to live.”

Willow Grove Park is a 75-acre waterfront facility that provides the community prime access to the Columbia River, while giving park patrons a front row view of cargo vessels headed to the Port of Longview.

With improvements to infrastructure, such as waterlines and pavement, boat launch dredging and repairs to picnic areas, the Port of Longview is making huge strides to provide the community with a local place to boat, fish and play on the Columbia River.

This year's Community charity care fundraiser exceeds $172,000 The community contributed a record-breaking $172,000 at Community Home Health & Hospice’s charity care fundraiser, On the Red Carpet: 40 Years of Caring. More than 450 guests “partied with a purpose.”

Longview Hospice Care Center volunteer Jill Tossberg told her compelling story of hope and healing. Guests responded with generous gifts to support charity care. Last year, Community provided more than $1 million in charity care. Support of the 40th anniversary gala means the most vulnerable patients right here in our community will receive the care they deserve.

“On behalf of families these funds will support, we thank everyone who played a part in this year’s success lead by volunteer co-chairs Kirsten Amrine and Rhonda Sandretto. We couldn’t do it without our generous community, volunteers and staff. The support from the event is testament to our mission to provide care for patients wherever they live,” President and CEO Greg Pang said.

Guests, table hosts and sponsors participated in activities such as heads 22 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | July 2017

or tails, mystery gifts, professional photos, jewelry raffle, wine wall and a dessert dash and made cash contributions. Fall Fishing Group and Fibre Federal Credit Union held fundraisers to support the gala as well.

Red Carpet sponsors were Columbia Security, KLOG-KUKN-101.5 The Wave and KapStone Kraft Paper Corporation. Additional major sponsors were American Medical Response; Anderson & Anderson Advisory, LLC; C & R Tractor and Landscaping, Inc.; Collins Architectural Group, PS; Columbia Bank (Longview Branch); Columbia Ford Lincoln Hyundai; The Corner Café In Memory of Lynda J. Bourdage; Fibre Federal Credit Union; Foster Farms; Heritage Bank; Johnson Bixby; Law Office of Meredith A. Long, PLLC; Carol McRae; Norco Medical; NORPAC; Red Canoe Credit Union; Stewart Title; Twin City Bank; Umpqua Bank and Westby Associates, Inc.

City of Longview attorney’s office adds new legal staff In an effort to provide effective legal representation and to help manage the City of Longview’s large and complex public records requests, the City Attorney’s Office recently added two new employees.

Sean Kelly is the newest Assistant City Attorney. He is a 2010 graduate of Oregon State University and a 2014 graduate of University of Oregon School of Law. Sean was previously employed by the City of Vancouver, and has a great deal of criminal trial experience. He will be working mostly in District For more In The News, see page 23

eBill Sign up TODAY

Receiveit

$

5

cred

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

In The News continued from page 22 Court, allowing Senior Attorney Steve Shuman to devote more time to

Police Department budgets. Kelly has an Associates in Arts and Applied

more serious crimes, public records review, and code compliance.

Science/Paralegal from Clark College. She was a paralegal for a private

By increasing the number of attorneys handling District Court work,

law firm in Vancouver, and brings her legal and organizational skills to

we will be able to devote more time to other functions, such as providing

the department. Kelly will work with legal technician Claudio Perissino-

legal advice and training to the Police Department.

tto in supporting the three Assistant City Attorneys.

Kelly Jensen joins as the new Legal Technician/Public Records Assistant, a position jointly funded by the City Attorney’s Office and the

As Public Records Assistant, Kelly will allow Mary Chennault to devote more time to her duties as Administrative Manager.

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Chamber Connection

Flag Day

Hosts Brooke Fisher-Clark and Karen Adams Sisson learned about new member Anita Bolin with My Positive Transitions. Anita specializes in hypnotherapy, Neuro-Linguistic Programming and the Saltori Method for businesses. Also, Tina Hart with Life Mortgage discussed how to go about getting a home loan with Karen and Carey Mackey.

John McMeekan with Stewart Title Longview talked about title insurance and property research while Peter Clark from new member ANC Movers of Vancouver shared he is happy to provide free quotes, go to www.ancmovers.com

“Your Chamber Connection� EVERY Wednesday Hosts of the Show: Carey Mackey, Red Canoe Credit Union ; Brooke Fisher-Clark, United Way, Karen Sisson, NORPAC, and Lindsey Cope with the 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 Lindsey at the Chamber 360-423-8400 24 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | July 2017

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

Chamber Connection

Perks and Parks

Cheryl and Mark Anderson with Hearth Coffee Inc. stopped by, along with Emiley Siters from Youth and Family Link and Karry Willoquette from Longview Parks and Recreation. The Chamber Connection crew also met with Daniel Ritacco about Comcast Business' new mobility application for your business.

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

July 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 25

Chamber Connection

Give a Call

Teedara Garn came by with Kelso Youth Baseball about the annual Ryan Wolf Scholarship Tournament. You can donate to the scholarship fund all year long! Contact Teedara for more information! New member AT&T Connect Wireless in the Three Rivers Mall stopped by to talk to us about their superior customer service.

Go see them today!

Lonnie Knowles dropped by to talk about the 100+ Men Who Care Lower Columbia Chapter's quarterly meeting. The group raised more than $9,100 for the Emergency Support Shelter on June 14.

26 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | July 2017

New Members

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

Cowlitz County Veteran Service Center William Bangs 1005 Fir St. Longview, WA 98632 360-200-4611 Heartland Payroll Solutions Laura Mathews, Specialty Product Adviser Woodland, WA 98674 503-332-2351

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

• Annual Meeting and Banquet • Networking Events

LipSense Diane Lough, Independent Distributor Longview, WA 98632 360-431-6946 The Ronan Thompson Foundation Stephanie Bullock Kelso, WA 98626 360-751-7365

• Newsletter • Business Card Display • Use of Chamber Logo Representation through action committees, candidate forums and up-to-date action alerts.

• Committee Participation

• Legislative Representation

• Business Contacts

• Issues Tracking and Information

• Quarterly Membership

• Task Forces

Meetings

• Candidate Forums

• Civic Representation

• Legislative Update Breakfast

• Monthly Business After Hours

• Demographics Publication

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

• Mailing Labels • Membership Window Decals • Member Referrals • Ribbon Cutting • Website Links • Member to Member Discounts • Membership Directory • Tax Deduction

My

Positive

My Positive Transitions LLC

Transitions • Transitional Coaching • Neuro-Linguistic Programming • Hypnosis • Saltori Structured Thinking

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nonprofit Package – $180 or $18 per month.

Call Express For All Your Hiring!

Express can help you find, screen, test, hire, train & motivate your employees.

Anita Bolin D.D, C.Ht, P.NLP, CLC 73600 Doan Road (in our tree office), Rainier, OR 97048 Main: 503-448-9960 Private: 503-395-1979 Cell: 971-203-8220 anita@mypositivetransitions.com

360.414.1200 • www.expresscowlitzcounty.com July 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 27

Welcome Back!

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

Animal Health Services, Inc., P.S. Arnitz, Suzanne Baxter Auto Parts Inc. Behrends Body Shop Bob's Sporting Goods Burger King - Longview (Main) Collins Architectural Group, P.S. Country Village Nutrition Shoppe and Cafe Day Wireless Systems Fiesta Bonita Mexican Grill & Cantina Foster Farms Gallery of Diamonds Global Images Graphic Design & Marketing Hilander Dental Kelso Rotary Les Schwab Tire Center Longview Tire Sales, Inc. Northwest Motor Service Overhead Door Company of Southwest Washington Peter C. Wagner, D.M.D.,P.S. Propel Insurance Shamrock Spirits & Grill Stirling Honda Sweet Spot Frozen Yogurt Taco Time The Daily News The Roof Doctor, Inc. Twin City Glass Co. Twin City Service Co. Weatherguard, Inc. Wilcox & Flegel Oil Company WorkPlace Wellness WorkSource - Cowlitz/Wahkiakum 28 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | July 2017

Ribbon Cuttings

Stylish

June 6 the Chamber welcomed Amy Tippitt and Rusty Preston with 8 to 28 Women's Clothing Exchange.

8 to 28 Women’s Clothing Exchange has a wide selection of new and gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories from sizes 8 to 28, specializing in sizes 14 and up. Stop in at 506 Royal Street in Kelso.

Business Help

It was a good morning June 1 as we welcomed CIC Credit and Screening to the Chamber. Caryl with CIC assists with business, employee, volunteer, DOT and drug-free workplace screenings locally and nationally.

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

July 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 29

Ribbon Cuttings

Branching Out

On June 28 we had the opportunity to welcome new member Anita Bolin with My Positive Transitions to the Chamber. Anita specializes in the Saltori Method, hypnotherapy and Neuro-Liguistic Programming. She provides her services in an ADA friendly treehouse! Contact her today. She can help your business or help enrich your life personally.

Welcome, Anita!

EstatE Planning & EldEr law

Attorney Michael Claxton Licensed in WA & OR

Attorney Brian Brault LL.M. in Taxation

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

Walstead Mertsching provides advice and a variety of estate planning services, including: • Asset Protection • Community Property Agreements • Durable Powers of Attorney • Guardianships • Healthcare Directives/Living Wills • Medicaid and Long-Term Care Issues • Probate • Tax and Retirement Planning • Wills • Will Contests 30 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | July 2017

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

(360) 423-5220 Longview www.walstead.com

2017 January 10: Teri’s Restaurant February 7: Columbia Theatre March 14: Engraving Emporium April 11: Jessica Wade, State Farm May 9: Amada Senior Care June 13: Hearth Coffee July 8: Silver Cove This will be a fun and interesting Business After Hours. We have basically an all day event at Silver Cove with fun events going on all day culminating with a BBQ and Bonfire from 5-7pm., with an opportunity for people to spend the night at discounted rates for RV spaces and lodges.

August 22: Red Kitchen FKA Topper’s September 12: Wheeler’s Collision & Paint October 10: Steele Chapel Longview Memorial Park.

November 14: Stewart Title December 12: TBA (Holiday Mixer)

presents:

Island Bingo E V SA THE !

E T DA

in partnership with:

Thursday August 10, 2017 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm (in the old Macy’s building)

Beat the heat with some hot Island Bingo!

Help support the Chamber and raise funds for our annual scholarships!

Win Prizes!

Food! Drink! Lots of Fun!

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce

360-423-8400

www.kelsolongviewchamber.org