July 2019 Business Connections

July

2019

Business Connection

Volume 11, Issue 7

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce

Even if you didn't carry home a trophy, everyone was a winner at the Chamber's annual golf tournament.

Chamber CEO’s Message

By Bill Marcum

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Team Bill Marcum, CEO Amy Hallock Project Manager Pam Fierst Office Manager Joelle Wilson Social Media Services

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

Golf Tournament Hits Sweet Spot on Many Levels

T

he Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Chamber Golf Classic June 17 at Three Rivers Golf Course. We had 112 golfers representing more than 80 businesses for this fun event. The weather was perfect, warm and 78 degrees.

did not print them. Instead, we sent them to each player digitally so they can share them, print them, put them on their phone, do whatever they would like with their photo. Thank you to our photo sponsors, Propel Insurance, Reprographics and PNE Corp.

A special thank you to our tournament sponsor Stirling Honda. This is the ninth year in a row Stirling Honda has been our presenting sponsor for the tournament.

We had more than 60 items donated for the raffle and auction given away during 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 all our hole sponsors, cart sponsors, photograph sponsors and much more please see page 2. Thank you to all of you for your sponsorship.

The Shamrock Grill and Spirits provided this year’s lunch. Jon Rodman and his staff did an incredible job preparing burgers for the golfers...

WOW! Thank you Jon. C’s Photography was there again this year to take photos of each participating team, but this year we

We did have some people who had played golf before and they played well enough to capture a For more Golf Tournament, see page 3

T hank You to our 2019 Sponsors Title Sponsor Hole 1 Red Canoe Credit Union

Par 3, Hole 15 Global Security

Cup Sponsor Alpha Partners

Hole 2 Koelsch Senior Communities

Hole 16 Les Schwab

Flag Sponsor Alpha Partners

Par 3, Hole 3 Pawn Shop & More

Par 3, Hole 17 ServPro Longview

Cart Sponsor CalPortland

Hole 4 Riverwoods Chiropractic

Hole 18 Longview Eye Clinic

Hole 5 Cowlitz River Rigging

Putting Contest Fibre Federal Credit Union

Hole in One Express Employment Professionals

Hole 6 Three Rivers Eye Clinic

Tee Prize Sponsor

Dessert Sponsor Coldwell Banker - Bain

Hole 7 Columbia Ford

Registration Table Cowlitz County Title

Par 3, Hole 8 Futcher Group CPAs Hole 9 Kentucky Fried Chicken PeaceHealth Foundation Hole 10 Edward Jones - Nick Lemiere Hole 11 D & C Lemmons Hole 12 State Farm—Scott Fischer Hole 13 Brown and Brown Insurance Hole 14 Millennium Bulk Terminals

Dinner Sponsor Twin City Bank

Lunch Sponsors Shamrock Grill & Spirits Elam’s Furniture Driving Range Sponsor Cascade Title Photo Sponsors Reprographics Propel Insurance C’s Photography PNE Corporation 19th Hole Sponsor Signature Transport

Scoreboard Sponsor Stewart Title Special Thank You to: Dave Taylor, Master of Ceremonies Kelso Longview Elks Lodge staff Lance Satcher and the Pro Shop Staff Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors and Volunteers

Golf Tournament, continued from page 1 trophy. In the Gross Division first place went to a team from Woods Logging; second place went to Global Securities and third place went to CalPortland. In the Net Division, first place went to the team from Walstead Mertsching, second place to Brown and Brown, and third place to the American Medical Response team.

I also want to say thank you to the Golf Classic Committee of Dave Taylor, Barry Verrill, 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 a fun day.

A special thank you to our Ambassadors, who volunteer for much of the duties. With the beautiful, warm weather the red coats were optional, but most wore their red polo shirts and assisted with raffle ticket sales and registration. We did not have a winner in our $10,000 Hole in One contest and a BIG thank you to Express Professionals for sponsoring the Hole In One. We also did not have a winner in our $5,000 putting contest, sponsored by Fibre Federal Credit Union, but it was close, really close. Matt Millisch with Red Canoe just missed holing the 51-foot putt for $5,000.

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 at the course and WOW was it good. The steaks were a huge hit with everyone. Thank you Amber for coordinating the food and the cooks.

And finally, but certainly not least, a heartfelt thank you to Chamber staff: Amy, Pam and Joelle. They prepared the tee prize bags (112), checked in the golfers (112), set up registration, worked the awards dinner selling additional raffle tickets, raffled off the prizes, coordinated payments and made sure our golfers had a good time. A full 14-hour day for them.

Thank you all very much.

Winner, winner. Frank Panarra, Foster Farms, winner.

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

Troy Zilles with CalPortland goes long.

Josh Carter, KLOG, KUHN, The WAVE Third place Net Division, American Medical Response.

Gibbs & Olson team members Rich Gushman, TJ Griggs, Paul Helenberg and Mike Karnofski ready for anything.

Diane Craft overseeing fun and games for Koelsch Communities at Hole 2.

July 2019 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 3

Cowlitz County Commissioners

By Joe Gardner

Learn About Voluntary Stewardship Program

In 2011 the Washington State Legislature created the Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP). In 2012, the Board of County Commissioners elected to participate in the program in order to create an alternative approach to protecting critical areas on land used for agricultural activities. The county is mandated by the state to protect critical areas to include wetlands, fish and wildlife habitat, conservation areas, frequently flooded areas, geologically hazardous areas and critical aquifer recharge areas.

In 2015, the state legislature provided funding for implementation of the program and on Dec. 22, 2015, the Cowlitz County Board of Commissioners adopted Resolution 15-121 initiating county participation in the program. On June 25, the Board of Commissioners approved a resolution to enter into a two-year contract with the Washington State Conservation Commission to continue the implementation of the program. Any agricultural land within the county is eligible to utilize the program. Currently three farms in the county are participating in the VSP. The Washington Farm Bureau advocated for the program stating: “Instead of imposing more stringent critical area regulations on agricultural activities, VSP is focused exclusively on voluntary actions by farmers and ranchers. This innovative act allows counties to create work groups to develop local work plans that will promote both the viability of agriculture and voluntary stewardship actions as an alternative to historic regulatory approaches used to protect critical areas.”

The VSP provides a non-regulatory grassroots approach for farmers to address critical areas in cooperation with the county. Some of the

goals of the program are: • Promote plans to protect and enhance critical areas where agricultural activities are conducted, while maintaining and improving long-term viability of agriculture in the state of Washington and reducing the conversion of farmland to other uses.

• Focus and maximize voluntary incentive programs to encourage good riparian and ecosystem stewardship as an alternative to historic approaches used to protect critical areas.

• Leverage existing resources by relying upon existing work and plans in counties and local watersheds, as well as existing state and federal programs to the maximum extent practicable to achieve program goals.

• Encourage and foster a spirit of cooperation and partnership among county, tribal, environmental, and agricultural interests to better assure program success.

• Improve compliance with other laws designed to protect water quality and fish habitat.

• Rely on voluntary stewardship practices as the primary method of protecting critical areas and not require the cessation of agricultural activities.

If you are interested in learning more about the VSP and/or would like to participate on the work group contact Mark Taylor at 360577-3052, ext. 6660 or taylorm@co.cowlitz.wa.us. The next work group meeting is on July 9 at 3 p.m. in the general meeting room of the Cowlitz County administration building.

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Frank Panarra, President

Ken Botero Longview City Council

Bruce Pollock Bicoastal Media

Bianca Lemmons, President Elect Cowlitz County Title

Bob Crisman Gallery of Diamonds

Tom Rozwod NORPAC

Chris Roewe, Vice President Woodford Commercial Real Estate

Rich Gushman Gibbs & Olson

Ted Sprague Cowlitz Economic Development Council

Neil Zick, Treasurer Twin City Bank

Marlene Johanson Red Canoe Credit Union

Lisa Straughan Express Employment Professionals

Michael Claxton, Legal Counsel

Wendy Kosloski Teague's Interiors

Michael Vorse Minuteman Press

Foster Farms

Walstead Mertsching

Nick Lemiere, Executive Board Edward Jones

4 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | July 2019

Nancy Malone Mayor of Kelso Cherelle Montanye St. John/PeaceHealth

Dennis Weber Cowlitz County Commissioner

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce presents:

Island Bingo in partnership with:

Kelso/Longview Lodge #1482

Friday, July 26, 2019 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm Kelso/Longview Elks • 900 Ash St., Kelso

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! Regular Tickets – $20 Includes 20 Bingo game cards and heavy appetizers.

VIP Tickets - $35

Includes 40 Bingo Game Cards and heavy appetizers.

Contact Amy at the Chamber: 360-423-8400.

Tickets available at www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

Like us on Facebook and keep up with our events! www.facebook.com/kelsolongviewchamber

Follow us on Instagram www.instagram.com/ kelsolongviewchamber

Lower Columbia College

By Chris Bailey President

What Will Your Community College Look Like in the Future?

Each summer, we at Lower Columbia College (LCC) look ahead and work on our strategic planning and visioning. This being our 85th year, it is particularly appropriate to think about what the future might bring. I thought I would share some of the current trends and some possibilities with you this month.

Greater Access to Education. There seems to be a growing understanding of the need for a degree or credential beyond high school to obtain the skills necessary for the modern workforce. As a result, greater state funding has occurred for students wanting to earn a college degree or credential. Moreover, LCC has greatly increased its available scholarships for students, topping $400,000 annually. LCC is working with the local school districts to promote the idea of “graduation plus” to address the fact that about one-half of local students are not pursuing a college degree or credential.

Better Alignment with K-12. LCC is working with all the local school districts to make sure our requirements and programs align so students have the shortest pathway to a college credential or degree.

LCC and the local schools are working to maximize dual credit opportunities such as College in the High School and Running Start.

This year, approximately 100 students graduated high school while simultaneously earning associates degrees at LCC! More Internationalization. LCC is intentionally growing its international program. The program has grown from just two students in 2011. There are 32 international students anticipated for this fall. The goal is to eventually reach 70-100 international students.

A vibrant international program brings world-view and diversity to our campus. International students also bring revenue to the college and to the community.

More Online and Hybrid Offerings. With LCC’s average student age being 30, many of our students are “time and place bound” and need convenient options for educational delivery. As a result, LCC is intentionally growing its online and hybrid options for the adult learner and for those who prefer online learning. This is also true in the corporate training division of the college.

LCC Becomes a World-Class Skills Center. Perhaps the most exciting addition in the near future will be a new 55,000-squarefoot, state-of-the-art vocational building. This building, projected to be about five years out, will house our welding, machining, manufacturing, preparation for apprenticeship and transitional 6 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | July 2019

studies programs, among others. Or goal is to become a major, world-class, skills center, serving the local high schools, industry and the unions. We plan to work on getting the best available equipment and simulators incorporated into the building with industry input.

LCC Offers More Four-Year Degrees (and Beyond). In 2013, LCC created The Lower Columbia Regional University Center. At that time, five baccalaureate level degrees were being offered. Currently, there are 64 baccalaureate, masters and doctoral programs housed through the center (mostly fully online). About a decade ago, the state of Washington permitted community colleges to offer bachelor of applied science, four-year degrees. This fall, Lower Columbia College will offer its first LCC four-year degree, a bachelor of applied science, teacher education, with a cohort of approximately 24 students. We anticipate LCC will grow its own additional baccalaureate degrees to meet area demands.

A Partner in the Development of the Downtown and the Region.

At LCC, we view our mission to be very broad. We seek to transform lives and the community through education, economic development activities and partnerships. We are also a cultural center for the region. One thing I have wanted to see is a physical tie-in, through streetscape, and a pedestrian friendly pathway that connects the campus to downtown Longview. Currently, 15th Avenue serves as a barrier to that connection. Whether it is a sky-bridge or soft pedestrian crossing, that connection will aid local businesses and college students alike and tie our three wonderful theater venues and local art galleries together. The presence of a boutique hotel in the downtown corridor would also benefit the retail core and the college.

Higher Completion Rates and Placement Rates. LCC is working hard to make college completion and proper placement of graduates into the local workforce its top priorities. We have purchased and added core technologies to make our communication with students better to help them on their journey through the educational system. This technology will allow for better advising and for greater availability of key resources for our students. Finally, we hope to establish even better relationships with area employers so we can meet the demand for highly trained, skilled employees with our students.

Thanks for allowing me to share some ways the college can add potential benefit to the community. I am LCC proud!

Calendar Thursday July 4 Office Closed Independence Day

Tuesday July 9 – 5:30-7:30pm Business After Hours Three Rivers Eye Center 209 W. Main, Kelso

Monday July 15 – Noon Chamber Executive Board Mill City Grill

Tuesday July 23 – Noon Chamber Board Meeting Mill City Grill

Friday July 26 – 5:30-8pm Island Bingo Elks Lodge (Moved from August to accomdate Elks)

Every Wednesday Chamber Connections

Workforce Southwest Washington

By Julia Maglione Communications Manager

WSW Secures Funding to Help Individuals and Provide Businesses with Skilled Workforce Businesses in Kelso and Longview could see an increase in the number of skilled workers available to fill their open jobs.

neighborhoods. WSW is also interested in partnering with healthcare and construction companies.

Workforce Southwest Washington (WSW), the local workforce development board for Cowlitz, Wahkiakum and Clark counties, secured $1.6 million from the Governor’s federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) statewide activities fund to help individuals in the South Kelso and Highlands neighborhoods become employed, retain employment and increase their earnings.

To find out how your business can access this upcoming crop of new talent, contact Alyssa Joyner, industry initiatives manager, at ajoyner@workforcesw.org or 360-567-1076.

The program aims to address three problems: (1) residents say finding and keeping work is challenging due to travel expenses and limited childcare availability, (2) nearby companies report difficulty recruiting and retaining a local workforce, and (3) as their wages increase, individuals may fall over the “benefits cliff ” and lose access to services such as childcare or housing, further impeding their ability to keep a job and continuing the cycle of poverty.

By bringing together various nonprofit and community-based organizations and government agencies on this project, WSW is connecting a wide array of programs to provide the necessary services for individuals to obtain and retain a job, increase their earnings and work their way out of poverty.

So far, several local manufacturing companies have committed to hiring and training individuals from the two

WSW is joined by Lower Columbia Community Action Partnership (LCCAP), Department Social and Health Services (DSHS), Lower Columbia College, City of Kelso, Kelso City Council Member Mike Karnofski, Goodwill of the Olympics and Rainier, WorkSource, Kelso School District, Cowlitz Economic Development Council, Housing Opportunities of SW Washington, Love Overwhelming, Longview School District, Cowlitz Habitat for Humanity, Cowlitz County, Cowlitz Indian Tribe, Ethnic Support Council, Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments (CWCOG), RiverCities Transit, the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington and others working together on this project.

WSW’s proposal was one of four in the state to be accepted for the Governor’s “Economic Security for All” (EcSA) poverty-reduction pilot project, which runs from July 1 to March 31, 2021.

Julia Maglione is the Communications Manager at Workforce Southwest Washington.

She can be reached at jmaglione@ workforcesw.org or 360-567-3176.

KEDO/1400 AM or 99.1 FM 3-4pm Stream live at www.kedoam.com

July 2019 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 7

The Executive Corner

By Frank McShane Square Peg Consulting

Finding Leaders with Substance

Who would you follow?

If you think back over your personal and professional life, there are probably some examples of people that you admired and were inspired to follow. Maybe it was a parent, a teacher, a coach, or a boss. There was something about them that captured your interest and willingness to follow their direction. What was it? How would this apply to the leaders we need in our businesses?

In my experience, these inspirational leaders had what some call “the right stuff ” or the “it factor”. They seemed to have a mix of know-how, personality, presence, and timing that helped them give the right advice at the right time or come up with the right solution under difficult circumstances. I call this leading with substance. Can this magic combination be bottled and passed on to others? Leadership substance is a combination of four basic elements.

The Four Key Ingredients The first element comes from a survey conducted of 75 members

of the Stanford Graduate School of Business Advisory Council. They rated self-awareness as the most important competency for leaders to develop. This ability gives leaders a clear perception of themselves and how they are behaving in any situation. It also helps them better understand the effect they are having on others in those same situations. This is a non-negotiable aspect of leading with substance.

The next three ingredients of the leadership substance are identified in this illustration developed by the Predictive Index. In selecting and promoting people, it is important to consider the head, heart, and briefcase aspects of each candidate compared to the requirements of the role from those same categories.

Head includes the innate behavioral drives and cognitive ability that comes with each person. Leadership roles require certain amounts of drives such as decisiveness, influence, and persuasion.

These can be measured using leading behavioral assessment tools such as the Predictive Index.

Heart encompasses a person’s values, passions, and chemistry.

These are hard to measure but can be reasonably assessed through a structured interview process or over a period of observation.

Briefcase refers to the experience, skills, training, and certifications that you would find on a resume.

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While all three elements of head, heart, and briefcase need evaluation, the balance varies depending on the leadership role. In a relationship-based sales role, head and heart will be the more important than briefcase. For leadership in a technical production setting, briefcase becomes more important while still considering head and heart. As noted above, the individual’s level of self-awareness always needs to be included in the selection or promotion decision.

The Right Balance If you look back at the people who inspired you as leaders, you will find that they had the right balance of head, heart, and briefcase characteristics to lead successfully in their role. This was combined with a high level of self-awareness to give them the ability to adjust to specific situations and the levels of experience of those they were leading. The overall impact they conveyed was that of a leader with substance.

Frank McShane is president of Square Peg Consulting. For questions or comments, please contact him at fvm@SqrPegConsulting.com or 360-562-1077.

Discover!

www.portofkalama.com

What’s on tap for your summer entertainment at the Port of Kalama?

Summer is on the way and so are seasonal events hosted at the Port of Kalama! It is part of the Port of Kalama mission to create recreational opportunities for the community and with the opening of the new Westin Amphitheater, there are even more summer events perfect for entertaining the whole family!

Mark your calendars for some new festivities and some annual traditions. Coming soon: McMenamins Summer Concert Series at the new Westin Amphitheater, Wednesday nights from 6—8:15p—all summer long.

Kalama Heritage Festival—sharing the spirit of Hawaii and the Pacific Northwest—at Marine and Rasmussen Parks, June 28, 29, 30 McMenamins Movies in the Park, to be scheduled soon!

Kalama Fair at Haydu Park, July 11—13 Steelhead Challenge Derby, Rasmussen Park, July 19, 20, 21 ASC Dog Show, Marine Park, July 26, 27, 28 McMenamins Inaugural Brewfest, Marine Park & Westin Amphitheater, August 10

https://portofkalama.com/discover-whats-on-tap-for-yoursummer-entertainment-at-the-port-of-kalama/

City of Kelso

City of Longview

By Councilman David Futcher

By City Councilman Ken Botero

City manager search update

Chamber proves to be city asset

I mentioned last month the important task currently in front of

Over the past several years I have had the opportunity to brag

the council: the selection of our next city manager. After listing the

about, and promote, our beautiful city of Longview, the Jewel of

position both regionally and nationally, we received résumés from

Southwest Washington. This month I would like to bring you up to

18 applicants. My concern initially was whether this effort would

date on WHY our city of Longview is a Quality of Place.

produce a pool of sufficient depth that we could move forward, and I believe it did.

Opening the book of vision we excitedly come upon our KelsoLongview Chamber of Commerce with its dedicated director and

The council appointed a subcommittee consisting of Nancy Malone, Mike Karnofski and me to review the résumés and narrow the candidate pool. The committee has done so, and will be presenting the candidates to the council at our July 2 meeting.

Kelso is on the small side of cities that employ city managers, so the odds of us getting candidates with, for instance, 15 years of city management experience are slim. More typically, cities of our size might see applicants looking for their first manager placement, the next larger size city on their professional ascent, or perhaps a final spot to settle after a long management career. The finalists we’re recommending contain both new faces and familiar faces in our community, and we are hopeful that one of them can be our next manager.

always on-the-go staff. Our Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce is essential to the economic growth of our local community. Our Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to the future of the community by updating its members on legislative issues that play a major role in small business administration. The Chamber does this by hosting a weekly breakfast during our state legislative session; providing the business community with an outstanding Boot Camp series; sponsoring many exciting community events such as sQuatch Fest, the golf tournament and Business After Hours, which every month highlights a business. The Chamber keeps the business community informed on our economic climate.

As you venture into the city of Longview you will notice the rewards of having a partnership with the Kelso-Longview Chamber

Our selection process will provide opportunities for staff and the

of Commerce. We have a thriving downtown corridor with a variety

community to meet the candidates and provide input to the council.

of restaurants, small business garment shops for women and men,

We plan to host a reception for the public, where the candidates will

and a variety of community-needs facilities with real estate, health,

be given an opportunity to make short presentations. We look for

and civic ventures. Also of note are the Girl Scouts’ remodel of the

your help in making the right choice.

Korten’s Building for use as a regional support center, and of course the many, many works of art that decorate Commerce Avenue. And the welcome banners on the avenue itself, giving the downtown core that WELCOME feeling to our local residents and visitors.

You have been reminded of the beauty of the lake, R.A. Long Park, our college, the historic Columbia Theatre and Stageworks, all for your family entertainment and enjoyment. But we also have an awesome influx of business activity such as the multimillion-dollar remodel of the Fred Meyer shopping center, the renovations of the Korten’s Building, the Shay Locomotive, the remodel of the Kaiser

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 10 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | July 2019

medical facility and our dream of future adventures for our small business community and residents.

With heartfelt thanks to our community, its visitors, and a powerful, positive and forward looking Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce.

Cowlitz Economic Development Council

By Ted Sprague CEO

Join the Development Council Team

The Cowlitz Economic Development Council (CEDC) is a private, not-for-profit organization whose mission is to assist in job creation and increased capital investment for all of Cowlitz County. We exist because of our partnerships. Our partners come from the both the public and private sector. Currently, more than 80 businesses in Cowlitz County pay annual dues to the CEDC, but we assist far more companies than that. We are able to assist members and nonmembers alike because all five cities, the county and the three ports pay dues as well.

Over the years the CEDC has become involved in projects that are much more far reaching than 20 years ago when our main, driving goal was solely industrial development. We now have partnerships and contracts with the U.S. Forest Service, the Southwest Community Foundation, the Washington State Department of Commerce and the Southwest Workforce Development Council, which has expanded our mission beyond the industrial economy and into a more holistic approach to improving the entire economy.

I hope you have noticed our efforts in improving downtowns like the recent downtown cleanups early Saturday mornings or the

efforts to bring The Great Race though our communities. We are able to do this work because public and private sector partners and members step up and put funding into our organization. It is truly an exciting time to be part of CEDC with more than $5 billion in capital investment projects looking to locate here and our expanded efforts into improvement in our quality of place, there is room for everyone to join our organization and become part of the team.

We do not have a large staff and we have an extremely frugal budget, but our board of 45 private and public sector community leaders and volunteers allow us to influence the direction of the Cowlitz County economy. Currently, we are active in Olympia and Washington, D.C., sharing information on policy and regulation that affects business. We also work locally to assist existing companies with workforce training, administer the Foreign Trade Zone, market the Opportunity Zone, and work through local issues and regulations that can impact expansion and retention.

You can learn more about joining the CEDC and becoming part of the team by giving us a call at 360-423-9921 or simply sign up online – www.cowlitzedc.com.

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

(360) 414-4101 www.twincitybank.com

There’s a Difference.

July 2019 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 11

presents:

Island Bingo in partnership with:

Kelso/Longview Lodge #1482

Friday, July 26, 2019 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm Kelso/Longview Elks • 900 Ash St., Kelso

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 be on the photo wall 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 and get four VIP tickets to the event.

VIP Sponsor

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

The VIP Sponsor will be on all marketing materials, on the photo wall, on the radio advertisements 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 advertisements, have their logo on the food tables and get four VIP tickets to the event.

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

Christmas In July Mid-Year Financial Check-Up

As the adage goes…the business world is filled with three types of business owners: 1. Those who make their business profitable 2. Those who watch their competitors earn a profit 3. Those who wonder if their business is or will ever be profitable (and are afraid to find out) Which type of business owner are you?

No matter your industry, now is a great time to at least eliminate Choice 3. Not knowing the condition of your fiscal house is NOT an excuse. It is SO easy to take your company’s vital signs and forecast the likely financial performance of your enterprise.

You truly owe it to yourself and those who rely on you to run a profitable business.

I encourage you to take a few minutes to make a handful of easy calculations that provide you with fact-based insights to the financial health of your business.

To get started, gather the following information to prepare your mid-year analysis: • Income statement for the last calendar year (remember the income statement is for a PERIOD of time) Note: The income statement is also referred to as the profit and loss (P&L); statement of income; earnings statement etc.

• Balance sheet as of the last day of the period for the income statement above (keep in mind the balance sheet is a snapshot AS OF A SPECIFIC DATE) • Income statement for the first half of the year: Jan. 1 through June 30 • Balance sheet as of June 30 Once you have this information follow these easy steps to learn AND understand: 1. Where your business stands financially 2. What will the full year likely turn out to be profit wise 3. What your financial goals are for next fiscal year To the right, I have created a step-by-step example of the basic calculations I want to guide you through for your own business.

See the instructions that start below.

STEP A From the income statement for last year enter the info as indicated (I have used a fictitious business to illustrate the calculations).

STEP B From the balance sheet as of Dec. 31, 2018 enter the info and confirm your balance sheet balances (Total liabilities plus net

Last Year

INCOME STATEMENT Total Sales (-) Cost of Goods Sold (GOGS) =GROSS MARGIN Gross Margin % (-) TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES = NET PROFIT

BALANCE SHEET ASSETS

STEP A

$1,000,000 $660,000 $340,000 34% $340,000 $0

STEP B

Cash A/Rs (Accts Receivable) Inventory (at cost) TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL FIXED ASSETS (after depreciation) TOTAL ASSETS LIABILITIES TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES TOTAL LONG-TERM LIABILITIES TOTAL LIABILITIES

NET WORTH (total assets – total liabilities)

TOTAL LIABILITIES + NET WORTH (Must = TOTAL ASSETS for Balance Sheet to BALANCE)

worth MUST EQUAL total

Current Year

STEP C

Next Year (GOALS/TARGETS)

$900,000 $612,000 $288,000 32% $300,000

(-$12,000)

STEP D $10,000 $80,000 $136,000 $226,000 $125,000

$400,000

$220,000 $100,000 $320,000

$80,000

$351,000

$180,000 $80,000 $260,000

$91,000

$400,000

$351,000

$10,000 $100,000 $165,000 $275,000 $125,000

assets).

STEP C

Now we will project how we expect the current year to END

financially. PLEASE BE CANDID WITH YOURSELF – Make

your estimates as realistic as you can; you are only fooling yourself if you “hope” things will get better.

You can take the first six months of actual performance and determine how this year will look compared to last year. When you project your cost of goods sold/cost of sales you can calculate your gross margin percentage and see if this year is going to be: better/worse/the same as last year. Just these basic calculations will give you an insight to your business’ health compared to the prior year. The business example I have created shows this business is going from break even to losing money.

STEP D This step lets you focus on how your asset and liability accounts are performing – good news is you still have half a year to make some course corrections and model how they would impact your full year results.

Now the most important analysis will give you powerful indication of the REAL health and wellbeing of your business finances.

For more Petrick, see page 14 July 2019 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 13

Petrick, continued from page 13 DEBT-TO-WORTH: TOTAL LIABLITIES/TOTAL NET WORTH = DEBT-TO-WORTH RATIO

Grab your calculator for the next few steps.

Last Year

INCOME STATEMENT Total Sales (-) Cost of Goods Sold (GOGS) =GROSS MARGIN Gross Margin % (-) TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES = NET PROFIT BALANCE SHEET ASSETS Cash A/Rs (Accts Receivable) Inventory (at cost) TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL FIXED ASSETS (after depreciation) TOTAL ASSETS LIABILITIES TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES TOTAL LONG-TERM LIABILITIES TOTAL LIABILITIES

NET WORTH (total assets – total liabilities)

TOTAL LIABILITIES + NET WORTH (Must = TOTAL ASSETS for Balance Sheet to BALANCE)

RATIOS Current Ratio1 Working Capital1 2

Debt-to-Worth 1

Inventory Turnover Gross Margin ROI1

1 2

Higher is BETTER Lower is BETTER

34%

$1,000,000 $660,000 $340,000 $340,000 $0

Current Year

32%

$900,000 $612,000

$288,000

$300,000 (-$12,000)

$10,000 $80,000 $136,000 $226,000 $125,000

$400,000

$220,000 $100,000

$351,000

$180,000 $80,000

$320,000

$80,000

$260,000

$91,000

$400,000

$351,000

$10,000 $100,000 $165,000 $275,000 $125,000

STEP E

$275,000/$220,000 = 1.25 $275,000-$220,000= $55,000 $320,000/$80,000= 4.0 $660,000/$165,000= 4.0 $340,000/$165,000= 2.10

Next Year (GOALS/TARGETS)

STEP F

$226,000/$180,000= 1.25 $226,000-$180,000= $46,000 $260,000/$91,000= 2.9 $612,000/$136,000= 4.5 $288,000/$136,000= 2.12

This measure indicates the amount of leverage in the business – the lower the ratio the more of your business YOU own (less debt/ leverage).

INVENTORY TURNOVER: COGS/Inventory = Inventory Turnover (number of turns) This is a critical measure for a business that sells products – it measures how efficiently the business turns inventory to cash.

Note: The “inventory” used in this calculation should be the average inventory level at (your cost) held by the business. For last year we could say “we turned our inventory four times.”

GROSS MARGIN RETURN ON INVESTMENT: GROSS MARGIN ($)/AVERAGE INVENTORY AT COST = GMROI GMROI measures the ability for the firm to turn inventory to cash!

One of the most important goals of the business is to efficiently and quickly turn inventory to cash. The way to interpret the GMROI is that a ratio higher than 1 means the firm is selling goods for more than it costs the firm to acquire it. A common goal in a retail setting is a GMROI of 3.2 or higher to ensure overhead and profit are covered.

STEP F Now, project the end of the year ratios based on the first half actuals AND any changes you implement during the second half.

For more Petrick, see page 15

eBill

STEP E There are many financial ratios and indices used across various industries – I encourage you to begin with the most fundamental measures to learn about and manage your business. Sort of like starting with blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature when you go to the doctor. We can always dig deeper as/if needed.

Sign up TODAY

Receiveit

$

5

cred

CURRENT RATIO: CURRENT ASSETS/CURRENT LIABILITIES = CURRENT RATIO Read the result as “for every $1 of current liabilities (bills due in the next year) I have $X.XX available to pay it”. In this case (last year), for every $1 of bills this business has $1.25 to pay them. As you can imagine, the more money there is to pay the bills the better – the more “liquid” your business finances are.

WORKING CAPITAL: CURRENT ASSETS – CURRENT LIABLITIES = WORKING CAPITAL Naturally, the amount of working capital a business has is a good measure of its liquidity, efficiency, and overall financial health.

14 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | July 2019

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

Petrick, continued from page 14 Follow the same formulas – make sure you document your assumptions and take the improvement actions you identified based on the first six months of actual financial performance this year.

Last Year

INCOME STATEMENT

Total Sales (-) Cost of Goods Sold (GOGS) =GROSS MARGIN Gross Margin %

34%

(-) TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES

$900,000

$660,000

$612,000

$340,000

ASSETS

Cash A/Rs (Accts Receivable) Inventory (at cost) TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL FIXED ASSETS (after depreciation) TOTAL ASSETS LIABILITIES TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES TOTAL LONG-TERM LIABILITIES TOTAL LIABILITIES NET WORTH (total assets – total liabilities)

TOTAL LIABILITIES + NET WORTH (Must = TOTAL ASSETS for Balance Sheet to BALANCE) RATIOS Current Ratio1 1

Working Capital Debt-to-Worth2 Inventory Turnover1 Gross Margin ROI1

$288,000

$340,000

$300,000

$0

(-$12,000)

32%

$10,000 $100,000 $165,000 $275,000 $125,000

Next Year (GOALS/TARGETS)

STEP I

$1,000,000

= NET PROFIT BALANCE SHEET

Current Year

$800,000 (Assume lower sales) $552,000

$248,000 31.0% (Assume lower margin) $270,000 (we assume 10% reduction in exps) (-$22,000) [profit is eroding]

STEP H $10,000 $80,000 $136,000 $226,000 $125,000

• Vendors will not likely offer more friendly terms • WE ARE COMMITTED TO TURN THIS BUSINESS AROUND! Strategies to Survive: ✓ Reduce the debt-to-worth ratio ✓ Increase inventory turnover to improve cash flow ✓ Continue to reduce expenses FOCUS ON WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL! STEP G Start with the ratios – fill in reasonable targets that you determine will make the most positive impact on your business; in this case the business has decided to reduce the debt-to-worth ratio; and increase inventory turnover We want to set target ratios that we believe are attainable.

$10,000 $60,000 $110,400 $180,400 $75,000

STEP H Calculate COGS and inventory based on the target ratios STEP I

$400,000

$220,000 $100,000

$351,000

$180,000 $80,000

$255,400

$110,000 $60,000

Select sales levels based on assumption of falling sales and reducing margins – these allow the other components to be calculated to complete your targets.

$320,000 $80,000

$260,000 $91,000

$170,000 $85,400

We plan to cut expenses 10 percent = so we can calculate the P&L based on that.

$400,000

$351,000

$255,400

Once you’ve started to examine your business you will quickly learn much of what you assumed is not supported by the numbers.

STEP G

$275,000/$220,000 = 1.25 $275,000-$220,000= $55,000 $320,000/$80,000= 4.0 $660,000/$165,000= 4.0 $340,000/$165,000= 2.10

$226,000/$180,000= 1.6 (goal to 1.25 improve liquidity) $226,000-$180,000= $70,000 (goal to $46,000 improve cash) $260,000/$91,000= 2.0 (goal to lower 2.9 debt/worth) $612,000/$136,000= 5.0 (goal to 4.5 improve turnover) $288,000/$136,000= 2.25 (goal to 2.12 improve cash)

1 Higher is BETTER 2 Lower is BETTER

Deciding on Realistic Assumptions for Projections/Targets Before we attempt to calculate goals and targets for next year we need to get clear and realistic about our assumptions for the business.

Since we just spent time analyzing our most recent performance, we should be able to capture some specific assumptions upon which we will build our projections.

Here are some assumptions I made for this sample business: • Sales will continue to fall • Margins will continue to shrink • All the “obvious/low hanging” expense cuts have been made already • We will not be able to borrow money due to our lack of profitability

If you want help taking the next step in applying these methods to your business just contact me for a confidential appointment to discuss your situation. Our advisory services are provided at no cost to you thanks, in part, to a cooperative agreement between the U.S. Small Business Administration and Washington State University.

This article was compiled using multiple sources, including those from the Retail Owners Institute (retailowner.com) by Jerry Petrick, MBA, 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 e-mail jerry.petrick@wsbdc.org

Congratulations to Kristy on your advancement to Jr. Escrow Officer!

Kristy Norman joined Cowlitz County Title in 2013 as an Escrow Assistant. Kristy’s love for the industry, along with her knowledge and bubbly personality will provide for an exceptional experience to you and your clients. Please congratulate Kristy by directing your next transaction to her and see how “Service is the Difference” at Cowlitz County Title.

1159 14th Avenue, Longview, WA 98632 Phone: 360.423.5330 • Fax: 360.423.5932 • www.cowlitztitle.com

July 2019 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 15

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

It's OK to Let Go It’s OK to let go.

“I don’t have time.” “I’m running from here to there.” “I need to do it myself because resources have become limited.” Or, “there is no one else who can do it.” “I’m not running my business, our website and its growing audience, my staff, or my suppliers and vendors. They are running me…”

Does some of this sound familiar? Let’s pause and take a breath for a minute!

Let’s explore some minor changes that may have major impact... and build on the them as the year continues, and the new year appears on the horizon!

As a retailer, service provider, small business owner or staff member, you strive to achieve certain goals (enhancing your business, meeting revenue objectives, or selling a new idea, product line or customer). You or others or both may set these goals.

Typically, you have outlined your goals (generating additional revenue as compared to last year) and then defined some objectives and set action steps to meet these objectives, and plan to measure your results.

As you move through this process of identifying goals, you have undoubtedly clarified what is necessary or important to your business (...and to you!) to assure success, growth, and ultimately, survival in the changing Kelso-Longview community and its evolving competitive environment.

In reviewing your key goals and objectives, it’s become increasingly clear to you what needs to be done and what doesn’t need to done. Once you have identified those activities that will take you to your goals, the next question is, who will do them?

The first response might be ME! It’s OK to let go.

It’s not only OK to let go; it is often necessary for both your professional and personal well being. No one can do it all themselves.

A successful business owner, manager, or staff should be willing to accept and ultimately initiate some action to encourage, motivate and support accomplishing some things through the efforts of others.

That’s right. When you delegate, you are empowering and motivating others to accomplish a specific activity, task or duty, which in turn meets a desired result that you have identified as a key goal or objective. Let’s explore some of the basic elements and considerations for “delegating”...

• Assess your cohort’s attitudes and skills for various jobs, tasks, or projects.

• Identify those tasks, jobs, or projects that may be completely or partially delegated.

• Assign those tasks to be delegated to an appropriate individual, based on that individual’s ability and potential, and direct it to one who would welcome the assignment, see it as a challenge, and whose personal development would benefit.

• Let go! Relinquish the responsibility for the task, job or project.

Clarify that it has been explained fully, in terms of its importance to the individual’s development AND overall business goal.

Double check that the individual understands the assignment, intended results, deadline and is committed to its completion.

Last but not least, express your confidence in the individual’s ability to accomplish the desire outcome.

• Give support...as simple as words of encouragement.

• Encourage independence. Let the individual develop her own method of handling the assignment, expecting her to identify and resolve any barriers to completion. Be available for support, encouragement, and advice. Establish a series of checkpoints or one-on-one meetings to monitor the status of the assignment.

• Give timely and honest feedback.

• Acknowledge, both privately and publicly, their contribution.

Don’t hesitate to delegate. Start slow, testing your methods, and each other’s acceptance of the delegation plan. Anticipate some anxieties and problems, both yours and theirs.

Persevere. Keep fine-tuning, and remember leading and delegating helps you, your cohort and your business overall to grow and to meet those identified goals and objectives.

It’s OK to let go. © Murray & Nau, Inc.

It’s OK to let go...to break down some of your identified key goals and objectives into smaller tasks, duties, or responsibilities and delegate them to others. It’s OK to trust and encourage others to take on those activities, to be responsible for various tasks to be completed within an agreed upon timeframe. In the process, you help others learn (...by encouraging and coaching) to undertake a new adventure and further develop their abilities.

Chuck Nau of Murray and Nau, Inc. is a Seattle area based consultant and sales and management trainer. He 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. He has spoken to and conducted workshops for a number of local retail and chamber organizations, national publishing groups, national retailers and manufacturers, state press associations, and newspaper groups.

Delegate... “A person sent with authority to represent or act for another or others. To commit or entrust powers or authority”.

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

16 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | July 2019

Our Current Project

Renaud Electic is moving into the Searing Building. They have hired Mountain View Commercial Contracting to do all the improvements.

Searing closed its doors after nearly 50 years and another long time Longview business, Renaud Electric, is moving from its location of more than 55 years to the Searing location. Mountain View Commercial Contracting is doing all the construction necessary to make that transition a smooth one.

Our Services

• ADA Compliance Surveys • Construction Documents • Specifications • Value Engineering • Construction Planning • Build Site Analysis • Design Build • Site Research

• Ground Up Construction • Tenant Improvement • Cost Estimating • Site Development • Remodeling • Space Planning • Program Management • Building Master Planning

We love what we do!

Our builders come to work smiling and ready to build your dream. They have a passion for their work and are qualified to build your design.

Dan Frazier Owner

Licensed & Bonded

360-749-3107 mtvcontracting.com 199 Rocky Point Road, Kelso WA 98626 MOUNTVC853D6

Cowlitz Wahkiakum Council of Governments

By Bill Fashing Executive Director

Business Benefits from Census Count The Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments (CWCOG) is a multipurpose association of governments that delivers a diverse array of federal, state and local programs while fulfilling its primary function as a regional planning organization. This Chamber update includes information on the upcoming 2020 Census and the CWCOG’s work in transportation.

Census Complete Count Committee In preparation for the 2020 Census, the Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments met with interested stakeholders in the first executive meeting of the Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Complete Count Committee on June 20. The Complete Count Committee is comprised of a broad spectrum of government and community leaders from education, business, healthcare, and other community organizations. The primary goal of the Complete Count Committee is to develop and implement a 2020 Census awareness campaign based upon their knowledge of the local community to encourage a response.

The objective of the 2020 Census is to count everyone once, only once, and in the right place. With a Complete Count Committee,

we can create localized messaging that resonates with our community. With a clear and concise messaging and outreach, the Complete Count Committee looks forward to taking on the task of motivating residents in the community to fill in and return their Census forms on April 1, 2020. Additional information on the importance of the Census to the business community can be found here.

Six Rivers Trail The CWCOG Regional Transportation Planning Organization recently funded a project to conduct an evaluation of the entire proposed Six Rivers Trail Route and the development of planning level cost estimates for each section of the trail. These planning level costs will be utilized in applying for funding of design and construction of the trail system. The City of Castle Rock will play a lead role in this initial study that will be conducted in conjunction with the city’s construction project of Phase I improvements of the trail at the Interstate 5, Exit 49 interchange in Castle Rock.

According to the funding application, this pedestrian improvement For more CWCOG, see page 19

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 18 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | July 2019

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

CWCOG, continued from page 18 project will narrow the travel lanes over the I-5 overpass and onto State Route 411 from 12.5 feet to 11.0 feet in width, and will narrow the center turn lane from 15 feet to 14 feet in width. This will provide additional shoulder width on both sides to improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists. Some early discussions are underway in Lewis and Clark counties to extend the trail well beyond Cowlitz County. Watch for other news on the Six-Rivers Trail. Click here for the CWCOG transportation web page including a variety of maps of the trail toward the bottom of the page or here for direct access to the online map.

Electric Vehicle Planning The CWCOG is conducting an Electric Vehicle and Emerging Technology Survey. The survey is available online by clicking here or you can access it at CWCOG.org. Completion of the survey should take less than five minutes. I hope you will take a few minutes of your time and provide some feedback to the CWCOG for use in our long-term planning efforts.

Cracking The Code To Business Solutions "Our business loves doing banking through Fibre Federal. Whoever greets us at the counter or over the phone is always cheerful and helpful. Fibre genuinely cares about our business and helping us succeed.“ -Robbie Neal, Owner Puzzle Quest

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

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July 2019 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 19

Mind Your Own Business (at the Library)

By Chris Skaugset Director – Longview Public Library

Listen Up! Audiobooks Offer Busy Business Leaders a Reading Option Have you listened to a good book recently? At one time, that phrase

ing chores around the house or doing some sort of handicraft like

would have either been directed to a child or maybe to someone who

knitting or needlepoint. Others have turned to audiobooks because

was laid up in bed. If you had asked an adult that question, they

their eyesight is not what it once was either due to aging or due to

would have thought that you had lost your mind: you don’t listen to

some vision-related illness. Some people are auditory learners and

books you read them. Well, I’m here to tell you this month that not

can read more books, and comprehend more, using audiobooks.

only can you listen to books, but also it is one of the hottest areas of

Others, just like having someone read a book to them. I’m certain

reading around. More than 67 million Americans now listen to audiobooks annually, according to the Audio Publisher’s Association.

there is something deep in our genes and in our memories, that explains this, since our original storytelling, traditions were oral for

Audiobooks first emerged in 1932 with the establishment of a re-

thousands of years before the invention of written language. Maybe

cording studio by The American Foundation for the Blind, which

it’s just a more recent memory of having our parents read to us that

created recordings of books on vinyl records. More companies

makes it so appealing.

emerged still targeting, what would later be called, audiobooks for the visually impaired. New formats led to growth in the industry with cassettes and then compact discs. One of the largest boost the audiobook ever received was from the audio versions of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series read by the person whom I think is the best reader out there, Jim Dale. While publishers are seeing a decline in print and e-book sales, audiobook sales are continuing to grow. In 2016, audiobook sales totaled $2.1 billion. The amount of titles have also increased going from 7,200 in 2011 to 51,000 in 2016.

I have heard many reasons from patrons for why they either prefer audiobooks or at least supplement their physical books with audio.

One reason is being able to listen to a book while driving (especially for those who spend a large amount of time during the week in their car, or while on vacation. Others like to be able to listen to a book while they are doing other physical things whether it is do-

The one thing that I find the most interesting and, at times, challenging is the fact that good audiobooks are ultimately dependent upon two things: do you like the book itself and do you like the reader.

With a written book, you only have to decide if you like the author’s style, subject and story. With an audiobook, you have potentially all those things plus the reader. A great reader can make an audiobook come alive whether the book itself is good or great. A reader that you don’t like can make any audiobook, no matter how good the original, into an excruciating experience. I have come across books that I love but can’t stand the audiobooks as well as audiobooks that I’ve loved though I really didn’t care for the print book all that much. There are also some titles that I have loved both the print and audiobook version, (i.e. The Harry Potter series mentioned previously) but usually for very different reasons. Of course, all of this is subjective to each person just like our interest in specific print books.

You also have multiple options for checking out an audiobook.

You can come to the library and borrow any of the many books on CD that we have on hand at any one time. However, if you have a computer, tablet or cellphone you can also check out audiobooks through the Washington Anytime Library or Hoopla. All you need is your library card number and your pin number (which is the last four digits of your phone number) and you can check out thousands

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

more titles. For more information, visit the library’s website at www. longviewlibrary.org.

So, visit your local library in person, or virtually, and begin listening to a great book today

20 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | July 2019

Summer of Fun 2019!

Join us for the all-new, first-ever Summer of Fun at the Columbia Theatre!

Columbia Theatre’s first Artist Residency!

SUMMER IN THE AIR (AERIAL)!

HALCYON SHOWS

A Portland-based live karaoke band:

KARAOKE FROM HELL WE PLAY, YOU SING!

Offering hundreds of songs to choose from.

Saturday, August 10th 7:30 p.m. for teens and adults $20.

AERIAL ARTISTS AND ACROBATS July 19th - August 3rd, 2019

It’s the high flying antics of world-class talent Halcyon Shows in six performances of an electro-vaudeville experience featuring aerialists and acrobats. Paired with live music from Portland’s Sepiatonic— a vaudeville-inspired dance and music experience and you’ll have an exciting, high-energy, mesmerizing, quirky, fun filled night for the entire family.

6 PERFORMANCES All at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets $30 • Friday, July 19th • Saturday, July 20th • Friday, July 26th • Saturday, July 27th • Friday, August 2nd • Saturday, August 3rd

Best of the Seattle International

COMEDY COMPETITION Starring “Tonight Show’s” Kelsey Cook, comedian past winner Kermit Apio, and special guests.

Friday, August 16th 7:30 p.m. for adults $35.

Join us the night before “Squirrel Fest” for a load of laughs!

SEPIATONIC

FOR MORE INFO (360) 575-TIXX • WWW.COLUMBIATHEATRE.COM

Longview Public Schools Superintendent Dan Zorn

Amazing Graduates for 2019 School is out for the summer and all of us at Longview Public Schools are thankful for another great year. Listening to graduating seniors give presentations about their high school experience is amazing. Seeing the students graduate at commencement always reminds me of why I became an educator.

A goal of the district is to continue providing graduates more opportunities after high school. Next year we will see our first group of graduates from the new pre-apprenticeship program, which will give students the opportunity to gain acceptance into apprenticeship programs. In August of this year, a new high tech vocational work center will open at R.A. Long, which will focus on preparing students for manufacturing, medical and other valuable careers.

We are proud our high school graduation rates are well above the state average and test scores are on the rise – the district is on the right path. The amazing young adults who graduate from high school each year are a testament to the hard work of our teachers, para-professionals, administrators and support team members. We thought you might enjoy reading about one of our recent graduates.

Maddie Wolff – R.A. Long Class of 2019 What was your GPA? 4.0.

I am one of seven co-valedictorians. I worked hard to earn a high grade point average and it has helped me earn scholarships.

How would you describe your four years at R.A. Long? I would say we became a family. They are very welcoming at R. A. Long and support you very well.

They are also very encouraging. The teachers recognize your strengths and faults and help you improve.

What sports did you play?

I played varsity soccer and track all four years.

Tell us about your experience playing soccer? I began in a class of nine players my freshmen year and we all made varsity. I was a starter from the beginning.

Consistent Courteous Complete Title and Escrow Services

What are some of your best memories from playing soccer? The easy answer is winning the Civil War, but in junior year, we made it to state. It was unheard of for our school to make it to state. The team was very close in my junior year and it was wonderful to go to state together.

Does R.A. Long feel like a big family? There is a different culture here than most schools – much warmer spirited and welcoming to people. We are very inclusive. It makes me sad to say goodbye. It’s amazing to have a class that is so close – where you know so many people.

How do you feel about your teachers? I love these teachers. They are so nice, like another set of parents for me. They take pride in the school and want us to be successful. The teachers at R.A. Long put a lot of effort into the curriculum, which I think is amazing. I think they deserve recognition because they are all so caring.

What are your plans after high school? Playing soccer and getting an engineering degree at St. Martin’s University. I am so excited to attend.

1425 Maple Street • Longview, WA 98632

360.425.2950

www.cascade-title.com

Read more about Maddie Wolff and other outstanding graduates at longviewschools.com or in our summer newsletter, which will be arriving in mailboxes around Longview in early July.

Thank you for supporting Longview Public Schools.

July 2019 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 23

Ribbon Cuttings

Big Hit! Congratulations to Longview Parks and Recreation Foundation, which celebrated its ribbon cutting before a Cowlitz Blacks Bears game. The foundation raises revenue to support the people, parks and programs served by Longview Parks and Recreation.

Ambassadors celebrated the completion of sidewalks and lighting for the Longview Shay Locomotive.

The ribbon cutting capped 18 years for the collaborative community effort.

Thank you to all those who contributed in making the Shay a success!

24 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | July 2019

Quarterly Membership Lunch

Legislative Learning The convention center was full for the Chamber's Legislative Wrap Up Luncheon June 21. Reps.

Jim Walsh and Brian Blake, Sens. John Braun and Dean Takko and Gary Chandler, vice president for government affairs for the Association of Washington Business spoke on issues and topics that came out of the 2019 legislative session. Thank you to Foster Farms, Walstead Mertsching, Ecological Land Services, Gibbs & Olson, Lower Columbia Contractors Association, Lower Columbia Association of Realtors and Millennium Bulk Terminals for sponsoring our event.

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

July 2019 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 25

Is Hosting

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Join us for BBQ from Hop-N-Grape, Cure All IPA from Antidote Tap House, Lawn Games, Lots of Prizes and One Heck of a Good Time!

Tuesday, July 9, 5:30 to 7:00 PM 209 W. Main St, Kelso, in the parking lot Register at www.kelsolongviewchamber.org $15 in advance or $20 at the door

Business After Hours

Doggone Fun Our June Business After Hours proved to be just the Antidote we needed to relax and enjoy the company of good friends, and puppies. Thank you Kelly Busack and Antidote Tap House and for hosting this amazing event!

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

July 2019 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 27

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

Hevin Rhonda Black P.O Box 1914 Castle Rock, WA 98611 360-751-4149 Helpingeveryvet@gmail.com

Business Association with opportunities to promote

• Ribbon Cutting

trade through Chamber socials,

• Website Links

special events and committee participation.

• Member to Member Discounts

• Annual Meeting and Banquet

• Membership Directory

• Networking Events

• Tax Deduction

• Committee Participation

• Newsletter

• Business Contacts

• Business Card Display

• Quarterly Membership Meetings

• Use of Chamber Logo

• Civic Representation Representation through action committees, candidate

• Monthly Business After Hours

forums and up-to-date action alerts.

Business Services include marketing for your business,

• Legislative Representation

referrals and access to Chamber

• Issues Tracking and Information

publications and research data.

• Task Forces

• Mailing Labels

• Candidate Forums

• Membership Window Decals

• Legislative Update Breakfast

• Member Referrals

• Demographics Publication

THAI IN TOWN

Packages

1052 14th Avenue Longview, WA

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.

Authentic Thai Restaurant

360-232-8138 https://www.facebook.com/thaiintownLLC

• Dine In • Take Out • Catering

28 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | July 2019

Sale

Are you looking for a better night’s sleep?

Visit Elam’s Mattress Gallery today!

74900

$

*

*Sale price $749 for queen mattress only.

Shop Local - Shop Elam’s

Ashley Tibbee Sofa

Sale $

44900 We carry a wide selection of lift chairs and recliners for every taste!

Morrison Recliner

Sale $

Stanton Power Recliner

Upgrade your recliner to full power for ultimate comfort!

49900

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

(360) 232-8036

HOME FURNISHINGS AND SLEEP CENTER

“Locally Owned, Family Owned, and Here to Stay!”

www.elamshf.com

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

(360) 575-9804

Chamber Connection

Chamber Event

Megan Elliott, Wahkiakum Chamber of Commerce promoting the June Business After Hours.

Brandi Ballinger, Safe Kids, new member.

Kyle Strum, Alpha Partners, new member

“Your Chamber Connection� EVERY Wednesday

Stream live at www.kedoam.com Local guest and current events 30 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | July 2019

Hosts of the Show: Carey Mackey, Red Canoe Credit Union; Karen Sisson, Stewart Title; Shawn Green, ServPro Longview/Kelso and Marc Silva, Columbia Bank .

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 Amy at the Chamber 360-423-8400

Chamber Connection

Got You Covered

Richelle Horning with North American Tarp and Frontier Rehabiitation provided listeners with information.

Abe Beckelhymer from Silver Cove Resort.

Jennifer Milliran, Goodwill

Kelly Busack, Antidote Tap House

North American Tarp July 2019 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 31

June Ambassador of the Month Tiffani Whitten Cowlitz County Title

Jumping In With Both Feet Makes New Ambassador a Shoe-in for Honor “I would like to become more involved in our local community.

I have always loved what you Ambassadors do and would really love to help,” Tiffani Whitten wrote in her Chamber Ambassador application.

The Chamber didn’t hesitate handing her a red coat. This month they named Whitten, an escrow officer for Cowlitz County Title, Ambassador of the Month.

“Tiffani Whitten is a new Ambassador this year and has jumped in with both feet attending Business After Hours, ribbon cuttings, volunteering for extra projects and helping new members of the Chamber,” Chamber Project Manager Amy Hallock said.

Tiffani's husband Scott Whitten owns Snap Fitness.

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.

We’re proud to be your partners in health As the largest healthcare provider in Cowlitz County,

our team has the experience and comprehensive services to guide you through whatever life brings your way. n Pediatric Care n Advanced Heart & Vascular Care n Behavioral Health Services for adults and children n Comprehensive Women’s Health Services and modern Family Birthing Center peacehealth.org/longview

32 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | July 2019

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Kelso-Longview Business Connection monthly newsletter is published the first of each month, posted electronically on our website and over 6,400 emailed to local business professionals, city and county officials.

To be included in this monthly email, call the Chamber office at 360-423-8400.

th each mon

Size 1/16 Page 1/8 Page 1/4 Page 1/2 Page Full Page

1 - 3 Issues $110 $175 $205 $325 $625

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

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

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

2" x 2.5" 4" x 2.5" 4" x 5.25" 4" x 10.5" 8" x 10.5"

Dimensions (*Includes ad on website) (*Includes ad on website) (*Includes ad on website) (V) or 8" x 5.25" (H) (*Includes ad on website)

All ads include full color and any design work. Deadline is the 21st of the month prior to publication.

Digital files: PDF is preferred. JPEG accepted at high resolution(at least 300 dpi).

Non-Members of the Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce, please add 30% to above rates.

To advertise or request additional information please contact Amy Hallock at 360-423-8400 or ahallock@kelsolongviewchamber.org or CEO Bill Marcum at 360-423-8400 or bmarcum@kelsolongviewchamber.org

Advertising Agreement

Date:______________

Business Name: _____________________________________ Phone: ____________________________ Contact Name: _________________

___________________ Cell: _______________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________________ Zip _______________ Email: _____________________________________________ Fax: _______________________________

Number of Issues: 12 month agreement

Invoice

Credit Card

Check

Plus Web Ad: 300W X 100H. Ads can be changed monthly.

Signature__________________________________ Ad Rep Signature___________________________

360-423-8400

www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

2019 January 15: Specialty Rents February 12: Port of Longview March 12: Business and Tourism Expo April 9: Three Rivers Christian School May 14: Lifeworks June 11: Antidote July 9: Three Rivers Eye Center August 13: Monticello Park Prestige September 11: Silver Star October 8: Steele Chapel November 12: Stewart Title December 10: Holiday Mixer

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., PS Baxter Auto Parts Inc. Behrends Body Shop Bob's Sporting Goods Collins Architectural Group, PS Day Wireless Systems Fiesta Bonita Mexican Grill and Cantina Foster Farms Gallery of Diamonds Global Images Graphic Design and Marketing Hilander Dental Kelso Rotary Les Schwab Tire Center Northwest Motor Service Overhead Door Company of Southwest Washington Peter C. Wagner, DMD, PS 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 and Flegel Oil Company WorkPlace Wellness WorkSource – Cowlitz/Wahkiakum

July 2019 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 35