August 2016
Business Connection
Volume 8, Issue 8
Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber's Color5K sprints into action August 6 at Three River's Mall. REGISTER HERE.
Chamber puts colorful spin on fundraising A
Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Team
charity run for a brighter future isn’t an exaggeration by the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce. Last year’s Color5K was proof as participants of all ages raced through blasts of pink, blue and yellow toward the finish line.
Bill Marcum, CEO Lindsey Cope, Project Manager Amy Hallock, Bookkeeper
“Last year’s event was a lot of fun and was a good fundraiser for us,” Chamber CEO Bill Marcum said. “We are hoping for just as many participants this year and much cooler weather.”
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
Last year, temperatures soared into the 90s, but it didn’t hold back the more than 500 participants.
To advertise, call Bill Marcum, 360-423-8400 or email bmarcum@ kelsolongviewchamber.org Ad Deadline: 20th of each month
Participants start the untimed, family-friendly 5K with a white T-shirt, provided by organizers, and at each kilometer a color is added – blue, a sprinkle of green, splash of yellow, spray of orange and blast of pink. Organizers say the color is safe, a non-toxic, foodgrade cornstarch and coloring, but it is a powder and can get into your nose and eyes. Some dashers have been seen running with sunglasses, goggles, For more Color5K, see page 2
Color5K, continued from page 1 even bandannas. This year’s run/walk begins at 9 a.m. August 6 at Three Rivers Mall in Kelso. Participants can pick up race packets the day before, August 5, between 2 and 7 p.m. at the mall. The entry fee is $40, but for a good cause. It covers a T-shirt, race expenses, and some fun extras. Participants 5 years old and younger are free. Discounted team and family rates are also available. Runners/walkers must be registered to participate.The Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce is the beneficiary of any funds left over, using it to support a number of community outreach activities and programs. Register online at kelsolongview. color5K.run. The event is also a celebration. At the conclusion of the dash, everyone is invited to hang out to eat, drink, and enjoy music and activities.
2 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | August 2016
REGISTER ONLINE: KELSOLONGVIEW.COLOR5K.RUN ENTRY FEE $40 SAVE $10 WHEN YOU REGISTER BY JULY 8 USE CODE: COLORMEKELSO
Sponsored by $100 All Six Classes, Up to Three people can attend from your business. $25 per class á la carte. How can you not attend...???? Fridays, 7:30 – 9am in the Heritage Room at LCC.
FALL SMALL BUSINESS BOOT CAMP Friday, September 9th L&I - How to Reduce Your Workers Comp Rating Facilitator: Karinsa Virmontes Friday, September 16th Safety Programs for your Office/Company Facilitator: Karinsa Virmontes Friday, September 23rd Hiring the Right Person Facilitators: Tracy Robbins and Julie Nelson, American Workforce Group Friday, September 30th Manage the Managers – to get maximum results. Facilitator:TBA Friday, October 7th The One Minute Manager – Organization, the key to success. Facilitator: Jerry Petrick, SBDC Friday, October 14th Inspect what you Expect – managing expectations with managers and staff. Facilitator: Jerry Petrick, SBDC Call today to get signed up 360-423-8400 or www.kelsolongviewchamber.org
Calendar Monday August 1 – Noon Government Affairs Meeting Teri’s Restaurant 3225 Ocean Beach Hwy., Longview Friday August 5 – 2-7 pm Color 5K Packet Pick-Up Three Rivers Mall 351 Three Rivers Mall Dr., Kelso August 5 – 4-7 pm Ribbon Cutting at 5 pm Ribbon Cutting & Open House Wheeler’s Collision & Paint 2406 Talley Way, Kelso Saturday August 6 – 9 am Color 5K Three Rivers Mall 351 Three Rivers Mall Dr., Kelso Tuesday August 9 – 5:30-7:30 pm Business After Hours Lower Columbia School Gardens Northlake Elementary 2210 Olympia Way, Longview Friday August 12 – 11 am Ribbon Cutting Moon Dancer Crafts 204 Pacific Ave. N., Kelso Every Wednesday Chamber Connections KEDO/1400 AM – 3-4 pm Stream live at www.threeriversradio.com
Chamber CEO’s Message By Bill Marcum
Retail management tips everyone can use at Boot Camp Wow, hard to believe it is August! We have had a beautiful summer and the fall is coming fast. That means Boot Camp and our fall series is on retail. All classes are at the Lower Columbia College Admin Building in the Heritage Room, 7:30 to 9 a.m.
approach focusing on developing your busi-
We have a great series of classes lined up, check out the brief description of each below:
your organizational skills. One of my favorite
ness strategy and leadership strategy. October 7 – The One Minute Manager – Organization, the Key to Success. Jerry Petrick with the Small Business Development Center will facilitate this class to help you maximize books, “The One Minute Manager” by Ken-
September 9 – L&I – How to Reduce your Workers Comp Rating. Karinsa Virmontes, ASAP Business Solutions, will be on hand to give you insight in how you can reduce your rating and save your business money. Karinsa travels the Northwest providing businesses with ways to save money on their L&I Workers Comp. Don’t miss this one.
neth Blanchard and Spencer Johnson, was in-
September 16 – Safety Programs for Your Office/Company. Again Karinsa Virmontes joins us to help you make sure your business provides a safe environment for your employees and customers. Her slogan is, “Always Safe, Always Preventable”.
group of employees, there are some that you
September 23 – Hiring the Right Person. Tracy Robbins and Julie Nelson with American Workforce Group are the featured speakers. We all struggle making a hiring decision, Tracy and Julie will give you tips on how to ask the right questions that will allow you to make better hiring decision that can save your business money, or better yet, hire that special person that makes you money.
forget. Sometimes, they make a conscious de-
September 30 – Manage the Managers to Get Maximum Results. I am still looking for the RIGHT person to facilitate this class. The goal is to help you, a top-level manager (owner) in your business or company and provide you with additional skills that will help you and your business. Managing managers takes courage, and this class hopes to give you an
for Chamber members and $160 for non-
strumental in my professional development. Jerry will use his skills and knowledge to help each of you to better organize your life. October 14 – Inspect What You Expect – Managing Skills. Jerry Petrick returns to address this very important leadership/management skill. Inspecting what you expect. In any can depend on 100 percent of the time to do what you tell them to do. Then there’s also a group that has good intentions, but your request just gets lost during the day due to hundreds of other priorities. Sometimes they just cision to prioritize. They figure if you’ve only asked once, and not followed up, it might not be that important. They play the percentage game, hoping it may go away. Come and let Jerry give you ways/skills you can use to be a better manager and better employee for your business/company. Cost for the fall Boot Camp series is $100 members. You can bring up to three people from your business making the cost to attend about $5.50 per person, per class. You can select individual classes for $25 for members and $35 for non-members. Sign up today at kelsolongviewchamber.org or call the Chamber at 360-423-8400
August 2016 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 5
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Contact Donna Hughes Business Services Representative WorkSource in Kelso 360-578-4259 • dhughes@esd.wa.gov
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Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Julie Rinard, President Community Home Health & Hospice
Joel Hanson, Past Past President KLOG/KUKN/The Wave
Michael Julian Kelso Theater Pub
Lance Welch, President Elect PeaceHealth
Chris Bailey Lower Columbia College
Bianca Lemmons Cowlitz County Title Company
Linda DiLembo Vice President Three Rivers Mall
Clayton J. Bartness, DC Longview Chiropractic Clinic
Neil Zick, Treasurer Twin City Bank
Ken Botero Longview City Council
Michael Claxton, Legal Counsel Walstead Mertsching
Bob Crisman Gallery of Diamonds
Diane Craft, Past President Koelsch Senior Communities
Wendy Hutchinson Millennium Bulk Terminals
6 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | August 2016
Frank Panarra Foster Farms Tom Rozwod NORPAC/Weyerhaeuser Ted Sprague Cowlitz Economic Development Council Steve Taylor Kelso City Manager Dennis Weber Cowlitz County Commissioner
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Does Your Business Have Curb Appeal? Your company’s curb appeal goes a long way toward winning customers over and growing revenue. Even if you are not a retail business your curb appeal sends a message to passer-buyers about the quality of your work. Your business appearance projects an image to potential customers and local residents making them more or less inclined to visit or otherwise support your business.
Win the Mayor’s Award for “Best Curb Appeal” All Longview businesses are eligible to win a Mayors award for Best Curb Appeal Improvement. During the months of June-July 2014, you can nominate a business that has made the be best improvement by posting a “before” and “after” photo. Go to our Facebook page: Make Longview Beautiful. Those visiting this page can “Like” the one they feel has made the best improvement. The one with the most “Likes” wins! Visit this page often and make sure you vote.
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Dimensions 2" x 2.5" (*Includes ad on website) 4" x 2.5" (*Includes ad on website) 4" x 5.25" (*Includes ad on website) 4" x 10.5" (V) or 8" x 5.25" (H) 8" x 10.5" (*Includes ad on website)
All ads include full color and any design work. Deadline is the 21st of the month prior to publication. Digital files: high resolution PDF, Tiff and JPEG. Non-Members of the Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce please add 30% to above rates. To advertise or request additional information please contact Lindsey Cope at 360-423-8400 or lcope@kelsolongviewchamber.org or CEO Bill Marcum at 360-423-8400 or bmarcum@kelsolongviewchamber.org
City of Kelso
City of Longview
By Mayor David Futcher
By Councilmember Ken Botero
Charter changes headed to voters After multiple meetings to review Kelso’s charter, the document that specifies how things run in city government, a committee of citizens recommended several changes be made. The committee included a nice cross-section of the community, including former council members and some from the original committee that created the charter in the early 1990s. Their recommended changes will be up for voter consideration in November, and here’s a little more about the changes that were proposed. Ward System – The committee decided that the requirement that four council positions be limited to individuals living in specific parts of the city should be removed. Over the years, the biggest impact of this provision has been to limit the available pool of council candidates, leaving one position with only as few as 200 residents eligible to hold the seat. Removing the restriction would allow any Kelso resident to run for any council position, increasing competition and providing the best chances of landing the strongest council candidates. Council Attendance – The charter says a council member is automatically terminated if they miss six “regular and/or special meetings” in a year. Any time the council gets together, it’s a “special meeting”, even if the meeting is just an executive session to interview job candidates. The committee was concerned with several instances in which a council member had to be removed from the council because they happened to be on vacation when such meetings were held, or had a temporary health issue that caused them to miss meetings. The committee’s recommendation was to remove the “special meetings” from the attendance requirement, and say a member is terminated when they miss six regular meetings in a year. City Management – The charter has some redundancies with the state law that governs the city manager’s role and responsibilities, and the committee suggested removing the whole section from the charter, al-
Tapping into involved citizens key Greetings from the City of Longview. We are very proud of our community efforts to provide that “Quality of Place” for our citizens, and our visitors. Our effective community engagement in the direction of the City of Longview has awesome benefits for both our citizens and our city leadership, including city staff. We seem to be in an era where our council has a commitment to engage our community in seeking to improve their involvement in governmental practices and issues; however, the changing nature of government and communities means that there are new challenges that require new approaches. Unfunded mandates, public records, notification from agency issues and education, to name just a few challenges in the state of Washington and the communities within the state. In considering the importance of our citizen engagement, it is very important to look at some of the reasons for asking for their involvement. As community leaders we should seek to: a.) Understand and respond to issues raised by our citizens and community organizations. b.) Raise the awareness of our citizens about the issues. c.) Identify challenges and opportunities not previously considered d.) Propose a meaningful range of options. e.) Work toward consensus about the recommendations and seek public opinion about the recommendations. By involving our citizens we provide the opportunity to tap into local knowledge about what is likely to work and what is not. This also provides opportunities for cooperative, co-learning experiences and critical reflection that builds capacity within both community and government. We are a proud community trying to build that “Quality of Place” our citizens seek, we are proud of the opportunity to provide that For more Longview, see page 9
For more Kelso, see page 9
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Longview continued from page 8
lowing state law to specify the way the manager works. The most talked-about difference is that while both the city charter and the state law require the manager to live within the city limits, state law allows this provision to be waived by the council if they deem it necessary. We all find value in having the city manager live in the city they manage. Once, though, we had a city manager candidate who was heavily invested in a residence that had declined in value to the point that he could not afford to sell it to meet the residency requirement. If that was the best candidate for the position, would you want to eliminate him from consideration just because he couldn’t sell his house? Would we be better served as a city if we made him rent a cheap apartment just to meet the letter of the provision? Providing flexibility would increase our chances of landing the best available talent for the manager position.
unique atmosphere of “shopping locally” with our renovation of the downtown commerce district, our outstanding education programs, led by our Lower Columbia College, a very effective safety program surrounding our Longview police and fire departments, and most of all a citizenry that is stepping up to make a difference and build that “Quality of Place” to enhance southwest Washington.
Finally, the committee chose to suggest many other less relevant portions of the charter that mirrored state law be removed, allowing state law to govern those areas. This change, along with the three bigger ones mentioned above, will be available for your consideration on the November ballot. Please let any of us at the city know if you have any questions about the proposals.
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Cowlitz Wahkiakum Council of Governments By Bill Fashing
Executive Director
Bike and pedestrian facility assessment complete The Cowlitz Wahkiakum Council of Governments (COG) recently completed a five county bike and pedestrian facility assessment. The Assessment was completed to develop a better understanding of the bike and pedestrian facilities currently in place and identify possible corridors for bike and pedestrian improvements over the next 20 years. The process included community input from each of the five counties in the Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Planning Organization (SWRTPO) region. The Longview-Kelso-Rainier Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) area has 28.34 miles of existing bicycle facilities (3.75 miles of bicycle lanes, 10.89 miles of bicycle routes and 13.7 miles of bicycle paths). There are approximately 14.73 miles of bicycle lanes and 13.1 miles of off-road bicycle routes in the region. These facilities are generally located in urban areas. In addition, there are 255.88 miles of bicycle and pedestrian shared-use paths throughout the five-county region. The Assessment was conducted to identify long-range bike and pedestrian facilities in the region, to generate a list of short-range priorities by county, analyze collision data, and advance the 2040 Regional Transportation Plan’s active transportation goal. One objective of the CWCOG’s 20-Year Regional Transportation Plan is to enhance alternative transportation modes in the area. The following narrative is pulled from the Assessment. “Walkable and bikeable communities are places in which it is safe, convenient, and comfortable to make an active trip. Streets and transit routes are connected and integrated with walking and biking facilities; safe crossings of busy streets are frequent; directional signs make it easy to navigate; and pedestrian and bicycle facilities connect to key destinations. Bicycling and walking are integral components of an efficient transportation network. Bicycle and pedestrian accommodation provide the public with access to the transportation network, connectivity to other modes of transportation, and independent mobility regardless of age, physical constraint, or income. Bicycle and pedestrian facilities enhance the quality of life, improve health, strengthen communities, increase safety for all modes of transportation, reduce congestion, offer recreational opportunities, and benefit the environment. Expanding and completing the regional bicycle and pedestrian networks will take time. Projects are completed in increments; sections of sidewalks or bicycle lanes are added as development occurs or roads are modernized, and routes are expanded as new funding is identified. Because developing a fully integrated and complete network will take time, a vision for the future is essential. Since the Bicycle and Pedestrian Assessment components will become part of the 2040 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP), the vision of the RTP (“to achieve a safe and well maintained regional transportation system that integrates all travel modes, supports a healthy economy, and enhances the quality of life across the re10 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | August 2016
gion”) is also applicable to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Assessment. The RTP includes five goals that were developed with the guidance of regional aspirations identified during stakeholder visioning discussions. These goals aim to lead the SWRTPO in a unified direction that treats the region’s transportation infrastructure as one interconnected, multi-modal system, rather than as separate parts. The third goal of the RTP (“develop an integrated non-motorized transportation system”) addresses bicycle and pedestrian facilities specifically. This goal and its six policies were used as the basis for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Assessment and its components. The Bicycle and Pedestrian Assessment focuses on three primary bicycle facility types to provide the active transportation infrastructure in the region. These facilities fall into the following categories: Bike Lanes; Bike Routes and Bike Paths. A bike lane refers to a section of the roadway that has been designed by striping, signing, and/or pavement markings for the preferential, For more Council of Governments, see page 11
Council of Governments, continued from page 10
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or exclusive, use by bicyclists. Bicycle lanes are the appropriate and preferred bicycle facility for thoroughfares in both urban and suburban areas. Bike lanes are typically five to six feet in width (with four feet as a minimum). Bike routes are shared facilities that are posted with street signage and sometimes marked with pavement markings. Because bicycles may be operated on all roadways except where prohibited by statute or regulation, bike routes are open for travel by both bicycles and motor vehicles, and can accommodate cyclists in the existing lanes or along adjacent paved shoulders. Bike Paths, often referred to as shared-use paths, are off-street facilities that are physically separated from motorized vehicular traffic by an open space or a barrier. These facilities are designed to minimize conflict between multiple users as well as possible intersections within the roadway network. Bike paths are typically 12 feet in width (10 foot minimum). The above mentioned definitions and guidelines are based on national guidelines established by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials’ (AASHTO) 1999 Guide of the Development of Bicycle Facilities and the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) Urban Bikeway Design Guide.” The CWCOG and area governmental agencies will continue to work toward safer and more accessible access for bikes and pedestrians to help those interested in alternatives to the motor vehicle to connect to work, shopping and medical care as needed. Enhancing the Active Transportation network and getting more people to walk or bike for short trips can help to build a healthier population and lessen traffic congestion. You can go to the CWCOG website for a copy of the full Assessment and other information on transportation – www.cwcog.org. In order to continue to build our knowledge base on bike and pedestrian issues, the CWCOG will be soliciting volunteers to assist with bike and pedestrian culture as part of a statewide effort this fall. If you have a few hours to volunteer in his effort, please let me know. You can reach me at bfashing@cwcog.org.
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August 2016 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 11
Business Toolbox By Jerry D. Petrick
Certified Business Adviser
Buying or selling a business One of the most common situations I help clients with these days is selling their business. Many of these business owners started their firms decades ago and their whole work life has been spent “tending their baby” through economic challenges, changes in competition, and dynamic markets. In many cases their business IS their retirement account – no pension, social security, or 401ks. In other words, their financial future is riding on the fortunes of their business and results of selling their business “well”. In this article, I thought I would walk you through some considerations from an adviser’s point-of-view when helping you in buying/selling a business. As you read this, imagine you were in the position to buy or sell your business. The purchase or sale of a business presents an opportunity for me to help you, my client, understand the reality of the situation as objectively as possible. Among the issues I seek to assess and assist with are: • Seller motivation and goals • Buyer capability and motivation • Education/knowledge/experience with the business buy/sell process SELLER MOTIVATION AND GOALS For the seller, I want to know “why you are selling?” and we will almost always have to dig beyond the initial rationalization. Many times it is an act of desperation or surrender rather than a valid exit strategy. A rule of thumb in the M and A (mergers and acquisitions) game is that sellers decide to sell two years after they should have. In small business, there is a huge difference between exit and escape, the latter being almost always at a loss. Businesses without revenues are generally only worth break-up value. THE BUY/SELL PROCESS The private sale of any business, regardless of size, follows a certain procedure. People think they can streamline the process for a very small business sale transaction and cut right to the sale. That is very dangerous. The steps to successful business buy/sell are: 1. Seller chooses sale as exit strategy 2. Seller packages and markets business 3. Buyer does initial evaluation 4. Buyer submits conditional offer 5. Negotiation and acceptance 6. Due diligence 12 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | August 2016
7. Final negotiation 8. Execution of Purchase and Sale Agreement 9. Transition of ownership and operations Skipping any of these essential processes may result in a sale, but it will always cause problems after the sale, likely for both parties. The first three steps involve valuation of the business. First and foremost, a valuation provides a reality check on the feasibility of a purchase or sale so the overly optimistic buyer or seller is stopped before a lot of time and resources are wasted. PACKAGING A BUSINESS FOR SALE It may not be easy for an entrepreneur to reorganize the business so that he or she is not essential to its operation, but that is crucial if it is to be sold. Improving efficiency is also a good strategy to improve the valuation. Finally, cleaning up for a good presentation helps attract buyers. The initial sales material includes a description of the business and a summary of assets included by category and sales and profit figures for the last three years. It should also include a mention of added value intangibles like leases, patents and contracts, again, without the details. Expense details and customer lists should never be disclosed at this point because they can be very damaging in the hands of a competitor and encourage a potential buyer to become one. “When can I talk to the employees?” is a question buyers will ask and sellers should consider long before they do. It is part of that packaging for sale. Identifying key personnel and making them part of the transition plan must be done before the business can be marketed. A seller may be hesitant to put an asking price in the initial sales material for fear of precluding a higher offer but the buyer of anything wants to know the price early on. There is nothing wrong with the strategy of putting the asking price at the high end, leaving room to negotiate, but asking much more will shut out any potential buyer with the business savvy necessary to operate the business. Small Business Development Center advisers cannot act as agents and most brokers will not handle the smallest of business deals. Often the most likely buyers already have a relationship with the business – stakeholders like employees, competitors, customers and suppliers. BUYER MOTIVATION AND GOALS Buyers should also be alerted to seller “tricks” that appear to add to valuation but have a cost after the sale. Deferring maintenance or For more Business Toolbox, see page 13
Business Toolbox continued from page 12 capitalizing it instead of expensing, buying sales by sacrificing margins, infusing owner cash and cutting necessary staff or owner salary below market are common tricks. Many of these do not show until due diligence – by historical comparison or measure against industry standards. THE OFFER NOTE: The following is not a substitute for competent legal and/ or accounting advice. The advice of these professionals should be sought prior to taking any actions in these areas. No contract is legally enforceable without an offer and acceptance. The buyer’s offer is the first step to the deal to transfer the business. Unfortunately, there are many wrong ways to make the offer.
• This offer is valid until noon on <date>. If it has not been accepted in writing by seller by that time, it shall be considered withdrawn and have no binding effect. • From the date of seller’s acceptance of this offer, buyer shall have <number> of days to perform due diligence of the business, during which period buyer shall have full access to all business records and assets. Optional: Buyer shall execute a non-disclosure agreement in favor of seller at the commencement of due diligence. • A closing will take place no later than <date> and a purchase and sale agreement, which shall include any of these conditions still applicable, shall be executed at that time. Optional: There may be agreed compensation (penalties) if there is a failure to close.
Firstly, the buyer should never offer to buy “the business” without defining what that is. Otherwise it is perfectly legal for the seller to remove any assets and claim they were not included in the deal.
• From the time of acceptance until the closing of the transaction, seller shall not make any but normal and reasonable transactions and may not increase his or her salary and benefits nor sell or remove any assets of the business without buyer’s written approval.
The buyer may not have had access to the asset records or depreciation schedule before making an offer. The fact that the seller refused to provide them until an offer is made is not a red flag.
• If there is an agent who is due a commission on this transaction, the payment of said commission will be the responsibility of the seller, personally, not through the business.
The offer must also be conditional to protect the buyer’s interest. Common conditions include:
• The offer is subject to verification of financial data previously provided to buyer and sales at or above $xxx and net income at or above $xxx for the most recent fiscal year.
The purchase price stated above will be allocated as follows: Land $xxx – cannot be depreciated so buyer would want a lower valuation. The seller may feel opposite as the increase over basis is a capital gain at lower tax rates than ordinary income. Buildings $xxx – depreciated over 29 years from original build date. Generally the buyer will depreciate over the remainder, probably with a different basis. A transfer price over the seller’s basis is a recapture of depreciation, taxed as ordinary income to seller. Equipment $xxx – generally depreciated in 5 to 10 years from inservice date. Generally the buyer will depreciate over the remainder, probably with a different basis. Allocation over seller’s basis is a recapture of depreciation, taxed as ordinary income to seller. Inventory $xxx – expensed as it is sold. Usually priced below cost, which was a write-off to seller in prior accounting periods, without affecting buyer. Goodwill $xxx – depreciated over 15 years from the transfer so buyer usually wants to minimize this allocation. Allocation over basis is a capital gain to seller, so sellers usually want to maximize goodwill value. This component is often negotiated fiercely. Transition Services (services provided by seller after the sale to facilitate transition to new owner) $xxx – expensed over the time services are rendered, ordinary income to seller. It is common that the payment for the allocation for transition services be done when services are rendered according to terms, not at the closing. Non-Compete Agreement $xxx – expensed over the life of the contract. Like transition services, payment may be deferred. Note: There is quite a bit of leeway in valuing transition services and a non-compete agreement because they are intangibles. Often these components can make up for slack in negotiations over the value of hard assets. Purchase price allocation is often overlooked but has huge longterm implications!
• All business equipment is in serviceable condition (a demand for a seller warrantee for 30-90 days past the closing is common here). • All inventory is saleable. Damaged or obsolete inventory has been written off by seller over the course of business as provided by generally accepted accounting principles. • There are no liens, judgments or pending legal actions against the company. There are no existing violations of code or law. Seller shall be personally responsible for the cost of remedy to any such undisclosed contingencies. • The seller has the legal right to make the transaction. • Seller will discharge any tax liabilities of the business existing at the time of closing, or file a short term tax return forthwith, postclosing, and personally pay any taxes due. • Seller will provide <specific> transition services after the closing (optional: payment terms). • Seller will execute a <specific> non-compete agreement within the purchase and sale agreement (optional: payment terms). • This offer is subject to buyer securing approval for a bank loan no later than <date> in the amount of $xxx to finance the proposed transaction. This condition may state a maximum interest rate or other terms. This type of condition may also be made for investor capital. For a business entity sale (versus asset sale): • The <legal entity> is in good legal standing and all required filings have been done and fees paid to the date of the closing • The trade debts of the company do not exceed $xxx. • All other debts of the company do not exceed $xxx. • The trade receivables of the company are at least $xxx and will be assumed by buyer at the closing. For more Business Toolbox, see page 14
August 2016 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 13
Business Toolbox, continued from page 13 • Seller is responsible to file short-year income state and federal tax returns for the company and satisfy all income tax obligations as of the date of closing. • Seller shall be personally responsible for the accuracy of all tax filings for the company up to the closing date and shall indemnify buyer for any underpayment of taxes up to the closing date. Once the conditional offer is accepted (in writing), it is binding on both parties, but it provides the buyer with protection. If any situation is subsequently discovered that violates any of the conditions, the buyer can invalidate or amend the offer. If the seller has been forthright and honest and has run the business properly, he or she should not be concerned with any but the condition on financing (bank loan). Before the seller accepts the offer, he or she should do a credit check on the buyer, perhaps running the deal by his own bank. Otherwise, the seller risks wasting time that could be used to get a qualified buyer. DUE DILIGENCE At this point in the business buy/sell process, there should be no holds barred (locked file drawers) by the seller. Restrictions on access to any part that constitutes the entity to be sold are a red flag deceit warning. One possible exception is customer identity. A seller is justified in keeping that confidential until the closing, but the distribution of sales should be revealed. If, for example, one customer is responsible for a third of sales, that bears looking into to assess the likelihood of continuity.
Buyers should be cautioned not to rely too heavily on tax returns. Yes, one is less likely to lie on a tax return than on the internal books, but the purpose of tax returns is only to minimize taxes. Looking at expense detail that does not show on tax returns is the best way to spot deferred maintenance, margin shrink and emerging problem expenses. The buyer should be willing to execute a non-disclosure agreement at the start of due diligence. Refusal to do so is as telling of deceit as that locked file drawer. NEGOTIATION The seller may be concerned with exit, the continuity of the business that was so closely associated with him or her, the financial future of his or her family, the employees and customers – or none of those. It is up to the buyer to try to understand the motivation behind the answer to “why are you selling?” While seller financing may make the sale possible, it is usually seller’s last resort. It should be noted that the tax advantage to the seller for installment purchase only exists if the seller is a cash basis taxpayer. Individuals all are, but any business with an inventory must be an accrual basis taxpayer. An accrual basis taxpayer recognizes all of the income and pays all of the tax in the year the transaction takes place, regardless of when payment is made. This adverse tax situation arises when there is an asset sale by an accrual-based business. PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT
One aspect of due diligence that must be addressed, and possibly negotiated, is access to employees. For reasons of continuity and stability the seller may not want employees to know their employer is in play. On the other hand, the buyer may want to be sure key employees will stay with the business.
This is the final step that formalizes the transaction and negotiation should be well over. There is no substitute, no matter how small the deal; of having an attorney experienced in P/S contracts participate. There are “canned” contracts available, but the parties are not likely to understand the long-term implications of the clauses without legal counsel.
The scope of due diligence follows the size and nature of the transaction. A review of financial records may be sufficient for a deal under $100,000, but transactions over $1 million usually extend to an audit of receivables and payables, environmental surveys, mechanical inspection of production equipment and verification of the value if intangibles like patents and know-how.
For help buying or selling a business contact me for confidential assistance at no cost to you.
Due diligence is where deal becomes real and there is no “I did not know” excuse for the buyer afterwards.
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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14 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | August 2016
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Business After Hours
Red Carpet for Red Canoe Red Canoe Credit Union hosted the Chamber's July Business After Hours at the Washington Way branch. The event was catered by Grounds for Opportunity.
The evening was also an opportunity to Fill the Canoe, Red Canoe Credit Unionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual school supply drive. Each year, credit union members collect new school supply donations from staff, members and communities in its branch markets and match them pound-for-pound. Donations can be made at any Longview or Kelso Red Canoe branch, the Kelso Public Library or Castle Rock Senior Center through August 12.
16 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | August 2016
Business After Hours
Terri Hess with Cascade Title picked up one of the many prizes Red Canoe was handing out at July's Business After Hours.
See more photos on the Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Facebook page or click here.
August 2016 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 17
Lower Columbia College By Chris Bailey
President
Overcoming math anxiety, one student at a time Next time you find yourself in a social setting, ask people about their experiences with math. You will most likely get a variety of responses, many of them negative. Math anxiety is a well-documented phenomenon, and poses one of the most significant barriers our students face to earning a college degree.
Here is an example of a problem they use in class. Play along yourself, and you might be surprised. Start with a piece of paper and a pen or pencil. Write down a number between one and 20. Next, double the number. Add six, then divide by two. Now subtract the original number. See the end of the article to check your answer.
Lower Columbia College has been working hard to help as many students as possible overcome this hurdle. Most recently, a group of our math faculty got together and created a new pathway designed for students not yet prepared to enroll in college level math courses. The new pathway, Math 087/097, is designed for students not planning to go into careers in the science, technology, math or engineering (STEM) fields. In other words, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good option for students who do not need calculus to meet their degree (or certificate) requirements.
Although the class is not devoid of algebra or easier than equivalent courses, it does emphasis methods that seem less scary and threatening to students who typically feel stressed about math. It has also opened up new doors for students who considered changing their educational or career plans to avoid the often dreaded college level math course. Incidentally, the pass rates for students moving on to college level math from the new pathway are at least as high as students coming through the more traditional pre-college math sequence.
The course itself is more hands-on and less-algebra intensive than traditional pre-college math courses. Instructors Terri Skeie and Joel Stetzer do an incredible job of making things accessible through application, and sometimes even downright fun activities.
If anxiety about math has kept you or someone you know from seeking a college credential, now is the time to act. The application deadline for fall quarter at LCC is August 8. Come in and see us, or visit us online at ANSWER: 3 lowercolumbia.edu to learn more.
18 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | August 2016
Mind Your Own Business (at the Library) By Chris Skaugset
Director – Longview Public Library
These books get our vote during this presidential election I’m writing this just after the Republican National Convention has ended and as the Democratic National Convention begins. It’s certainly been an “interesting” (I could use other adjectives but this one will do) presidential campaign so far and I’m sure it will get even more “interesting” (you can fill in your adjective if you want to) before it’s all over in November. In honor of this, I thought maybe I would mention a few titles that might interest you if you want to read about some other interesting presidential elections. In some ways it makes this one look better and in others, not so much. Enjoy the rest of your summer and don’t forget to vote in the primary on August 2 and in the general election on November 8. The first interesting election was in 1800. It was four short years after George Washington decided not to be President for Life and John Adams was elected. Now four years later, the two sides that split with Washington’s retirement were at it again. John Ferling’s readable “Adams vs. Jefferson: The Tumultuous Election of 1800” is a fascinating look at this election and the first change of political power in our young nation’s history. It was also ugly, dirty and almost got Aaron Burr (if you don’t remember, he’s the man who killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel) elected President. Jefferson and Burr tied for the most electoral votes, beating Adams. However, at that time the votes didn’t say which votes were for President and which were for Vice President and this threw the first, and only, tied election into the House of Representatives. Jefferson eventually won, but not with any help from Burr. Ultimately, the election proved that this national experiment could work, even if it cost Jefferson’s and Adams’ friendship. The next election that you will want to read about is the election of 1912. There are two books that I’d like to point out to you. The first is “Let the People Rule: Theodore Roosevelt and the Birth of the Presidential Primary” by Geoffrey Cowan. In 1912, Roosevelt was unhappy at what his presidential successor, and friend, William Howard Taft had done (or not done) as President. Roosevelt decided to run again and won nine of 13 primaries. However, Taft had more support at the convention and ultimately won the nomination. Roosevelt and his followers bolted and formed the Progressive Bull Moose Party and it is clear that his campaign allowed Woodrow Wilson, a Democrat, to win the election. Cowan has written a lively tale about how Roosevelt ultimately helped create the modern primary system but at the cost of the election and his friendship. “1912: Wilson, Roosevelt, Taft and Debs – the Election that Changed the
Country” by James Chace also discusses this important election. It was a four-person race (Eugene Debs ran as a Socialist) and in many ways was lively, civil and fascinating contest. It not only made the changes that Cowan discussed but by the fact that there were four viable candidates as Debs earned 6 percent of the vote which was a peak for socialist candidates. Obviously, Wilson won and it was he who was President when World War I broke out and it was he who was President when it ended and led the creation of the League of Nations. Both are well-written, well-documented, and give fascinating portrayals of the case of characters involved. The next book I wanted to tell you about is “1920: The Year of Six Presidents” by David Pietrusza. While it is a stretch to say that there were six presidents in 1920 (there weren’t), the author does an excellent job of discussing the men who ran for President in that year as well as the effect of the incapacitated Woodrow Wilson finishing his final term and the recently deceased Teddy Roosevelt. While this is a broader tale about the beginnings of modernity that was seen in 1920, the election focused upon Warren Harding who won the election, and Calvin Coolidge his Vice President and successor when Harding died in office. Herbert Hoover and Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the next two presidents also figure prominently in this year. While it might not have the same lasting impacts as the first two elections did (and others as well), it is a fascinating look at an era and the men who ultimately helped shape it. Pietrusza also wrote a book about the 1960 election entitled “1960: LBJ vs. JFK vs. Nixon: The Epic Campaign that Forged Three Presidencies.” Again you’re talking about one hard-fought and very close election featuring the next three Presidents. The author gives a riveting portrayal of all of the interesting characters featured in this election and the impact of Kennedy’s election, his assassination leading to Johnson’s presidency followed by Nixon’s eventual success (and failure). One of the more interesting topics he discusses is why the election was so close even though Kennedy seemed to do everything so right and Nixon seemed to do so much wrong. While these are only a few of the fascinating and pivotal presidential elections (just think of 1860 and Lincoln’s victory against all odds or 1876 where no candidate received the number of electoral votes necessary to win outright once again throwing the election into the House of Representatives). You can find these and many more fascinating titles at your local library. August 2016 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 19
Business Back to School
Join us for a tour of Kelso High School Career & Technical Education! This is a great opportunity for you to see and experience how education has changed over the past 40 plus years.
October 13, 2016 Kelso High School
Tentative Schedule: 8:30 am – Meet at Safeway Parking Lot on 15th Ave. 8:45 am – Bus departs for Kelso High School: Welcome and Review Class Schedule) 9:00 am – Arrive at Kelso High 9:15 am – 9:45 am – Period 1: Workshop 9:50 am – 10:14 am – Period 2: Facility Tour 10:18 am – 10:58 am – Period 3: Attend your third period assignment 10:58 am – 11:28 am – Period 4: Attend your fourth period assignment 11:28 am – 1:30 pm – Lunch Period: Q&A, debriefing, evaluation 1:30 pm – Bus back to Parking Lot Cost is $15 and includes bus ride, coffee, lunch. Bus ride to the school is mandatory - parking is extremely limited
Sign up today at www.kelsolongviewchamber.org Future
Business Back to School Mark Morris High School: February 9, 2017 R.A. Long High School: May 11, 2017
Kelso School District
Longview School District
Superintendent Glenn Gelbrich
Superintendent Dan Zorn
Summer opportunities Summer brings a wide array of opportunities for youth and families. Local sport and recreation activities, a host of learning opportunities by schools, churches and service organizations are but a few of the fun and supportive events provided within our community. Within the Kelso School District there are a myriad of summer learning opportunities that are or have been taking place. Math clinics, a reading camp, extended school year classes and free meals for kids are all a part of our student offerings. The educators and support staff are also busy with opportunities. Providing the activities listed above occupies about 10 percent of our staff. Meanwhile, our custodial and maintenance team works tirelessly to do repairs, refurbish floor surfaces, and do the deep clean that can’t be done while students and staff are present. Many of our staff members have summer jobs to supplement their income. Others are taking classes, attending seminars or working to prepare for the upcoming school year. A few will actually take that rare summer off and recharge their batteries. Many of our staff don’t officially report until sometime in August, depending on their job responsibilities. Administrators and office staff report first, then our teaching staff, and finally the remainder of our support staff. When we look more closely, the vast majority of our team reports well before their official start time, demonstrating their commitment to the work we do for our community’s children. It’s summertime and the choices are plentiful.
Facilitating Growth Through Leadership and Action
We are a membership based not-for-profit organization. Join us today! Resources • Access • Partnerships
1452 Hudson St. • US Bank Building Suite 208 • Longview, WA 360.423.9921 www.cowlitzedc.com
Longview Luminaries Artists, scientists, business masterminds, government officials, and entertainers – Longview Public Schools and the community have nurtured an array of individuals who have made significant contributions to our city, state, nation, and world. To celebrate these achievements and the community’s role in the development of these notable individuals, the school district recently launched an effort called “Longview Luminaries.” This campaign provides brief biographies of the many distinguished Longview alumni who are truly standouts. Profiles are featured on the district’s Facebook page and website news blog (www.longviewschools. com-news-news stories) weekly. They are designed to serve as a source of community pride and inspiration for our students – and promote the quality of place offered in Longview. So far, the effort has featured world-renowned Egyptologist Kent Weeks; marine biologist and researcher Kathi Lefebvre; author and visual artist EJ Taylor; and award-winning mystery author Lyndsay Faye. Upcoming releases will highlight an ace military pilot, an exceptional professional golfer, national sports writer, historian, educator, aerospace engineer, and others. The Longview Luminaries list is being formulated by a volunteer community task force which continues to solicit suggestions on the district’s website at: www.longviewschools.com. In addition to the online profiles, a printed document and searchable database that can be viewed by current or prospective community members to promote Longview as the district of choice for families, educators, and businesses is proposed. Longview Luminaries is helping shine the light on how much Longview and its schools has to be proud of! I hope you enjoy reading and sharing the biographies.
Steve Dahl
Real Estate Broker / Property Manager
1700 Hudson Street, Suite 101 Longview, WA 98632 SRDahl@PNWR.com I’m committed to providing high quality, personal service. Your endorsement to family, friends and colleagues is the life blood of my business. I greatly appreciate your referrals!
Cell (360) 431-3540 • Office (360) 423-4663 • Fax (360) 423-4693
www.PNWR.com August 2016 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 21
PeaceHealth
By Dr. Brian Fawcett
PeaceHealth Occupational Health Board Certified Provider
DOT physical exams – Your employee’s health is the most important safety feature For commercial motor vehicle drivers on the road, your employee’s health is one of the most important safety features behind the wheel! Each time you turn the key, you are responsible for your own safety and of the drivers around you. That is why a DOT physical examination completed by a certified medical professional is so important to have. The DOT physical exam is considered a “Medical Fitness for Duty” exam for the job demands of a commercial driver. This exam prompts the doctor to answer two main questions: 1. Can the driver safely meet the physical and mental demands of the job today, and for the period for which the medical card will be issued? 2. Does the driver have any past or current medical conditions, which may impact the ability to meet the demands of the job now or in the future? Any condition that would cause a loss of ability to control, operate, or drive a commercial vehicle safely (i.e. loss or impairment of limbs,
poor visual or auditory acuity, insulin-controlled diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, etc.) could relate to a shorter certification period or no certification at all. The doctor who understands the lifestyle and job challenges of a driver, really wants to help you alleviate conditions that could potentially threaten not only your livelihood, but also your life, and possibly the lives of others if a catastrophic event were to occur. Do you have DOT physical questions? For questions like these and other occupational health needs please contact PeaceHealth Occupational Health at 360-414-2332. Our board Certified Providers Dr. Brian Fawcett and Ryan Wehmann (PA), look forward to working with you to ensure you’re fit and ready for the job.
Leave your joint pain behind You’ve got more important things to do with your time. Joint replacement can help you leave the painful ache of arthritis behind. Take the next step at peacehealth.org/ortho.
22 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | August 2016
By Chuck Nau
Retail Consultant and Sales and Managment Trainier – Murray & Nau, Inc.
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). These goals may be set by you or others or both. 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. 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. Delegate... “A person sent with authority to represent or act for another or others. To commit or entrust powers or authority”. That’s right. When you delegate, you are empowering and motivating oth-
ers 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 both 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. Chuck Nau of Murray & 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. Comments and questions are welcome and may be directed to Chuck via email: murnau@nwlink.com or at 425-603-0984. August 2016 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 23
Longview Downtown Partnership By Marcell Goulet
President
New leaders, plenty of events New LDP officers
Get Ready to Rubble!
Congratulations to the newly-elected Longview Downtown Partnership officers: President, Gary Fadden of The Vintage Square on Broadway; 1st Vice President, Wendy Kosloski of Teague’s Interiors; 2nd Vice President, Sue Piper of Columbia River Reader; Secretary, Lorie Bickar of Heritage Bank; Treasurer, Dana Shumway of Red Hat Thrift Store.
Mark your calendars August 13 for the downtown Rustic Rubble. This event will close the street in front of Vintage Square and bring in up to 78 vendors for the day – a few booth spaces are still available for $60 – if you want one, contact vintagesquareonbroadway@gmail. com. NOTE: August 13 is also Squirrel Fest – so go nuts that day!
Clean & Sweep Thanks Special thanks to all the volunteers who helped make the downtown clean up a success. Volunteers trimmed trees, pulled weeds and picked up rubbish. Special thanks to Teague’s and Columbia River Reader for coordinating meeting places and to Ron Kosloski and Frank Morrison for coordinating additional volunteers from Community House.
Broadway Gallery First Thursday The Broadway Gallery, 1418 Commerce Ave., will host the First Thursday, August 4, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Meet the artists and enjoy refreshments and live music. Featured artists: Paintings, Ray Cooper, Susan Supola and Janice Newton; Drawing, Ronnie Barone; Ceramics, William Swinth; Watercolor and Ink, Beth Bailey. For more information go to www.the-broadway-gallery.com.
Clean up for ART Join ART and ENJO August 16 at 5:30 p.m. in the Merk main lobby, corner of Commerce Avenue and Broadway Street and find out about green home cleaning products while raising funds toward the Chihuly project for downtown Longview. Please RSVP by August 12 to cowlitzart2gmail.com.
Rose Center for the Arts Rose Center for the Arts at Lower Columbia College will feature artwork by Lisa Sipe through August 17.
First Friday
Artist statement: I am an explorer of forests, valleys, beaches and mountains. I look for places where the touch of man is barely seen, where I can feel free. It’s there I become a collector of thoughts, imagery and biological odds and ends. My artwork is my visual field guide. A record of experience, place and time. It’s delicate, yet resilient. It will survive unless treated in the wrong way, like nature itself. For information visit www.lisamariesipe.com
TGIF and downtown is open late for First Friday shopping on August 5. Check out Friday specials and eats on a HOT summer night.
The gallery is open Monday and Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Save the Date!
About LDP
Broadway Gallery will be hosting a LDP social September 20. No charge to attend. Refreshments provided. Open to all downtown business owners.
A great place to see current events and find something to do downtown – the LDP website, www.MyLDP.org, and our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/LongviewDowntowners
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24 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | August 2016
Chamber August 2013
County Commissioners By Dennis Weber
Replacing morgue and moving 911 center top study's priority list McShane Commission Recommendations. Since last October former Chamber Board Director Frank McShane has led the Citizen’s Facilities and Finance Advisory Commission in reviewing the recent facilities study and financing options for major county operations. Top priorities include replacing the county morgue and moving the 911 Command Center out of the basement of the Hall of Justice. Another key suggestion is to take full advantage of the space available in the current Hall of Justice by converting the third floor (currently abandoned site of the former jail). Other recommendations include appointing a county executive, adopting a pro-active maintenance program based on a percentage of current replacement values as a critical part of the annual budget, and hiring a professional consultant to conduct an independent review of long-term space and staffing needs.
erations to a new location to be disclosed once negotiations are com-
Members also include Chamber Treasurer Neil Zwick and Eric Pucci, Silver Lake; Grover Laseke, Woodland; Tim Wines and former Chamber President Joel Hansen, Kelso; Dian Cooper, Tim Haynes, Eric Yakovich, Teresa Purcell, and Sherry Bean, all from Longview. The Commission’s Final Report is also available online at http://www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/DocumentCenter/View/9325.
Youth Homeless Shelter. The county is collaborating with Housing
Paperless at Superior Court. Court Administrator Chad Connors reports that Cowlitz County is moving forward with state plans to revise its case management program through sophisticated hightech hardware and software that should allow the courts to operate paperless. County Clerk Staci Myklebust and her staff are reviewing pilot programs in other counties. As Connors explained, “Other counties are working out the bugs, so we should be able to go live around the end of April.”
plete and city approvals have been secured. LO currently provides three programs related to serving the homeless population: coordinated entry (designed to assess clients’ needs and refer them to appropriate services), permanent supportive housing (approximately 60 clients in housing with intensive case management and supervision, including 20 families) and the overnight shelter in Kelso with beds for around 30 (closed during the day). In related developments, the county is ending its contract with the Council of Governments to manage the homeless programs. The Department of Human Services will be adding those duties later this year. COG will complete their work with a new 10-year plan on ending homelessness in Cowlitz County. Opportunities of Southwest Washington (formerly Longview Housing Authority) to convert two abandoned houses near the county morgue for shelters for homeless youth, especially those aging out of the foster care system. Currently, a similar shelter program in Vancouver serves 20 youth from Cowlitz County. The plans depend on successful application for a new state grant program. Legislative Agenda. The Washington State Association of Counties (WSAC) has developed an agenda of reforms to push during the next session of the Legislature including relief from the funding mandates for Public Defense and flexibility in responding to Public Records Requests. We now fund more public defenders than we do prosecutors because of state Supreme Court rulings on caseloads. WSAC is reportedly close to an agreement with members of the media on re-
Connecting Planning to Budget Requests. Strategic Planning has entered a new phase for our departments. Major challenge areas impacting department missions’ long-term goals have been prioritized and are being incorporated into department budget requests. In addition, all departments are preparing operations overviews of daily procedures and activities, which will eventually incorporate quality improvement requests. The Executive Summary of the Strategic Plan is available on at http://www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/DocumentCenter/ View/8967.
alistic reforms in handling public disclosure requests that threaten to
Homelessness in Cowlitz County. Love Overwhelming announced to commissioners recently that they will be moving the shelter op-
and lives in Rose Valley. He replaced longtime commission member
bankrupt smaller jurisdictions. Cowlitz County is supporting these issues. However, there was no consensus among the county’s elected officials regarding WSAC’s request to adjust the 1 percent cap on property tax to reflect population growth and inflation. New Planning Commissioner. The county commissioners recently appointed Spencer Wiggins of Northwest Motor Service to a vacancy on the County Planning Commission. Wiggins, a county native, is the grandson of former Chamber President Chuck Wiggins Chris Fritsch. August 2016 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 25
July Ambassador of the Month Teedara Garn
Cowlitz County PUD
Red Coat loves helping new businesses in the community grow Teedara Garn says she loves being a “Red Coat” and helping new businesses in the community grow. Her enthusiasm shows as the Chamber selected Garn for its July Ambassador of the Month honor. A Kelso High School graudate who also attended Lower Columbia College, Garn is currently a human resource specialist with Cowlitz Count PUD. She has been an Ambassador for the past year and notes it is rewarding to attend community and Chamber events, where she sees the local community come together and network with each other. She is passionate about being a positive role model and team player in the community and it shows in her Chamber leadership.
In her free time, Garn enjoys relaxing with family and friends and spending time at local Tam O’Shanter Park. She is a sports fan – supporting both local youth programs and cheering on the Seahawks, Mariners and Univesity of Washington Huskies. 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.
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 26 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | August 2016
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
Welcome New Members FREEDOM MARKET Recreational Marijuana Shop Amber Holten Marketing Manager 971 14th Ave. and 810A Westside Hwy. Longview, Wash., 98632
UNION SQUARE Bar and Grill Amber Holten Marketing Manager 1132 Washington Way Longview, Wash., 98632
UP TO PAR CLEANING, LLC Commercial and Residential Cleaning Services Krista Lindenthal Owner 1263 Commerce Ave., Ste. 205 Longview, Wash., 98632
MARY’S BAR AND GRILL Bar and Grill Amber Holten Marketing Manager 4503 Ocean Beach Hwy. Longview, Wash., 98632
ARCPOINT LABS Drug, Alcohol & DNA Screening Terry Johnson Owner 9330 NE Vancouver Mall Dr. Vancouver, Wash., 98662
MOONDANCER CRAFTS Crafts and Craft Instruction Lisa Palmer Owner 204 N. Pacific Ave. Kelso, Wash., 98626
YOUR DESTINY IS IN MY HANDS Bookkeeping, Payroll & Mobile Notary Destiny Taylor Owner 249 Valley View Dr. Kelso, Wash., 98626
Join the Chamber Today! Call 360-423-8400 Business Association with opportunities to promote trade through Chamber socials, special events and committee participation.
• Use of Chamber Logo Representation through action committees, candidate forums and up-to-date action alerts.
• Annual Meeting and Banquet • Networking Events • Committee Participation • Business Contacts
• Legislative Representation • Issues Tracking and Information
• Quarterly Membership
• Task Forces
Meetings
• Candidate Forums
• Civic Representation
• Legislative Update Breakfast
• Monthly Business After Hours Business Services include marketing for your business, referrals and access to Chamber publications and research data. • Mailing Labels • Membership Window Decals • Member Referrals • Ribbon Cutting • Website Links • Member to Member Discounts • Membership Directory • Tax Deduction • Newsletter • Business Card Display
• Demographics Publication
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.
August 2016 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 27
In The News
National Academies of Science’s Spirit Lake Study meeting set for August in Kelso The National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine will hold the second of four committee meetings in its study to develop a decision framework related to the long-term management of the Spirit Lake/Toutle River system on August 3 and August 4 at the Red Lion Hotel in Kelso. The public is invited to attend August 3 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. when the committee will hold a series of panel discussions with state, local, tribal groups, private sector stakeholders and also hear from nonprofit environmental and recreational groups about their concerns related to the long-term management of the Spirit Lake/ Toutle River system. The public is then invited to share concerns and hoped-for outcomes during an open microphone session at a Town Hall Meeting August 3 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. (sign up for open microphone session is required and will begin at 6 p.m. in advance of the session; comment time limited to three minutes.) The public can also attend August 4 from 8:30 a.m. to noon when the committee will hear from technical experts on the topics of natural hazards and alternative management strategies. Register at: www.surveygizmo.
com/s3/2902668/Meeting2-Academies-Spirit-Lake to attend either day. The study committee will not make recommendations regarding the best engineering solutions, but rather will recommend a framework for decision-making by the U.S. Forest Service and other infrastructure owners in the region. Learn more about the Academies study process, visit: http://dels.nas.edu/global/The-Study-Process. To receive updates on the study, please visit: http://dels.nas.edu/ Study-In-Progress/Long-term-Management-Spirit/DELS-B The 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens sent out an avalanche of debris and volcanic deposits that blocked the natural flow of water from Spirit Lake to the Toutle River, causing long-term changes to the watershed’s hydrology. In 1985, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers constructed a 1.6 mile tunnel to control water levels in the lake and avoid a failure of the blockage which could result in a release of large quantities of water and sediments into the watershed affecting downstream communities. Recent repairs restored the tunnel’s water flow capability. To learn more about Spirit Lake Tunnel and Outlet, please visit www.fs.usda. gov/giffordpinchot.
SAVE UP TO 50% ON
Your Electric Heating Bill!
LeeRoy Parcel Manager/LPO leeroy@cascade-title.com
Alison Peters Bonnie Woodruff Diane Kenneway Dennis Bird Escrow Officer/LPO Escrow Officer/LPO Escrow Assistant Senior Title Officer alison@cascade-title.com bonnie@cascade-title.com diane@cascade-title.com dennis@cascade-title.com
Lindsey McTimmonds Marketing/Recording recording@cascade-title.com
1425 Maple St. Longview, WA 98632 360.425.2950 www.cascade-title.com
Connie Bjornstrom Receptionist/Typist connie@cascade-title.com
28 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | August 2016
Ductless heating and cooling systems provide year-round comfort and saves you up to 50% on your electric heating bill. With an $800 rebate from Cowlitz PUD, installing a ductless heat pump has never been this easy and affordable.
Get started now by finding an experienced local installer at GoingDuctless.com
In The News local high school students from R.A. Long, commemorative Day of Caring T-shirts for all volunteers, refreshments and raffles.
Volunteerism and community impact planned for United Way Day of Caring A heartfelt day of giving back is coming soon. Business, school, government, service club, church and citizen teams will assemble for the national and annually celebrated United Way Day of Caring event, September 14. This event highlights the power of mass volunteerism and positive community impact that can be achieved in a single day, and is also the 2016-2017 campaign kick-off for United Way. Teams take on projects submitted by local nonprofits and community-based organizations. Projects range from painting buildings and fences, landscaping or planting gardens, organizing, power-washing and much more! It is a rewarding day for all involved. United Way is still seeking projects for this community centered day. Nonprofits and community organizations are encouraged to download and complete the project proposal form at www.cowlitzunitedway.org. Deadline to submit proposals has been extended to August 15, and are being accepted via email: bfisher@cowlitzunitedway.org or fax: 360-423-8162. Please call United Way of Cowlitz and Wahkiakum Counties if you have questions at 360-423-5320. Interested individuals and team volunteers who wish to participate have until August 31 to sign-up. Volunteer team forms and waivers can also be found at the website. The day includes a pre- and post-project rally with entertainment by
Port establishes park advisory committee to support Willow Grove Park As part of the ongoing effort to improve Willow Grove Park, the Port of Longview Board of Commissioners has created a Park Advisory Committee to guide future improvements at the park. While the Board of Commissioners will to be responsible for final decisions related to the park, the volunteer committee will advise and make recommendations to the board on activities such as policies, capital improvements and events. “This committee will be invaluable in guiding improvements for Willow Grove,” said Commission President Bob Bagaason. “We’ve received a great deal of feedback from the public this past year, and are eager to give them a voice as we make additional improvements to the park in coming years.” The Parks Advisory Committee will be comprised of five members of the public to be selected by the Commission, and will be composed of one Willow Grove resident, one education/student representative and one member from each of the three Port District areas.
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WWW.M-Y-AGENCY.COM August 2016 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 29
In The News
United Way Charity Golf Tournament tees off at Mint Valley August 12 Join Country Financial for a fun, philanthropic day at the links! Country Financial is hosting its first annual United Way Charity Golf Tournament at Mint Valley on August 12. Teams of four are $500 or individual registration is $125. Fees includes 18 holes, cart, lunch, goody bag and awards banquet. Prizes will be awarded for top teams, worst team, longest drive and closest to pin. United Way partner agencies will be represented at each course hole interacting with teams with games, giveaways and information. To register call United Way at 360-423-5320 or email bfisher@cowlitzunitedway.org.
Longview Police Department to host auction for unclaimed property The Longview Police Department will soon be auctioning unclaimed property through CTM Unlimited Auctions, LLC during a live auction in Oakville, Wash., on August 7.
Interested persons may view the auction items and submit their bids by visiting the CTM facility in Oakville on August 7. Oakville is about 61 miles from Longview. The company’s website is http://www.ctmunlimitedauction.com/. All sales are final. The Longview Police Department makes no guarantee or warranty, expressed or implied, of any nature as to the condition of the goods offered for auction.
Assistance for 50 and older looking for jobs available through workshop The Longview Public Library and senior center invite all to join WorkSource Washington staff in a discussion on how and where to look for jobs after the age of 50. The information will include library resources and how to use the internet and WorkSource to see what jobs are available and how to apply for them. The event is set for 11 a.m. August 16 at the Longview Senior Center, 1111 Commerce Ave.
A complete list of Longview’s auction items is now available at the Longview Police Department main station at 1351 Hudson St. or viewable online on the City’s website at http://www.mylongview.com/ index.aspx?page=402
Participants can learn about future classes to help build a resume and learn skills that are needed in today’s job market. Information on education and training grants for unemployed, underemployed, and veterans will also be available.
People who believed listed items belonged to them were required to file a claim in writing to the Longview Police Department by July 27.
If you have questions or need more information, please call or email Elizabeth Partridge at 360-442-5321 or elizabethp@mylongview.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. 30 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | August 2016
Chamber Connection
Glow Golf
Michael Palmer with the Cowlitz County Disc Golf Association came by with information about the 2nd annual Longview Halloween Glow Classic. They are looking for sponsors for this fun event!
Groovin'
Donna Hammond with Grapes, Grains & Grooves updated us on the event set for September 17 from 3-10 p.m. Go to www. GrapesGrainsAndGrooves.com to see how you can get involved with this fantastic event.
Open House
Carey and Karen had the pleasure of speaking with Joe Wheeler with Wheeler's Collision & Paint Inc. about his open house on August 5 from 4-6 p.m. See Wheeler's Open House ad on page 9.
August 2016 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 31
Chamber Connection
Good Times
Mike Moss, Kim Cooper and "Big Mike" Monroe stopped in to talk to Brooke and Carey about the Cowlitz County Fair and Rodeo.
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Your Chamber Connectionâ&#x20AC;? EVERY Wednesday Hosts of the Show: Carey Mackey, Red Canoe Credit Union ; Brooke Fischer-Clark, United Way; and Karen Sisson, NORPAC 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
32 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | August 2016
Stream live at www.threeriversradio.com Local guest and current events
Chamber Connection
Give Blood
Shawn Green was promoting the Servepro Blood Drive scheduled for August 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information, call Shawn at 360-431-1933. To schedule an appoinment to donate go to www.redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code SERVPRO
Merchant of Menace
Lucas and Felipe came by to promote the "Merchant of Menace," a Longview Stageworks Northwest melodrama.
Fair Time
Yvonne Knuth with the Castle Rock Fair dropped by to promote the local July event.
August 2016 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 33
Chamber Connection
Walk It Off
Maggie Miller with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe informed listeners about the Walk It Off program. Community members can walk with her beginning at Martin's Dock Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 10 a.m.
Welcome!
Brooke Fischer-Clark, United Way, and Carey Mackey, Red Canoe Credit Union, introduced Lindsey Cope as the Chamber's new project manager.
Food Drive
Rolly Ensign and Rich Coleman, who are working with the Waste Control Annual Food Drive, asked listeners to fill up the provided bags with non-perishable items for pick up later.
See more photos on the Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Facebook page or click here.
34 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | August 2016
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. *American Medical Response *Beacon Hill Sewer District *Cascade Title Company *CCS *City of Kelso *City of Longview *Comcast Spotlight *Costco Wholesale *Cowlitz County *Cowlitz County CASA *Cowlitz County PUD *Cowlitz County Title Company *Cowlitz Wahkiakum Council of Governments *David E. Houten, DDS *Diamond Showcase *Document Management Archives *Dorothy Bain Hanson *Emerald Kalama Chemical *Express Employment Professionals *Freddy’s Just for The Halibut *Gordon Sondker *Interwest Benefit Consultants *KapStone *Koelsch Senior Communities *L.G. Isaacson Company *Longview Memorial Park, Funeral Home & Crematory *Lower Columbia College *Miller Paint *Pacific Tech Construction, Inc. *Port of Longview *Rodman Realty, Inc. *Steel Painters/Railco *Swanson Bark & Wood Products, Inc. *The Golden Palace *The Red Hat *Three Rivers Eye Care *Walstead Mertsching, PS *Watkins Tractor & Supply Co. *Columbia River Carpet One *Compendium Consulting *Cowlitz County Guidance Association *Estetica Day Spa *State Farm Insurance – Scott Fischer *Diamond Residential *Applied Application *Broderick Gallery *American Legion *Coleman Cellular
*Port of Woodland *Cowlitz Credit Union *Industrial Packing *Pacific Fibre Products *Errand Girl *American Family Kari-Ann Botero *Guild Mortgage *Hometown National Bank *Island Sun Tanning, Inc. *Kemira Water *Sterling Insurance *U.S. Cellular *United States Army *Lexi’s Pizza *B & B Air Conditioning & Heating *Community Health Partners/Cowlitz Free Medical Clinic *Pro-Caliber Longview Motorsports *Red Canoe Credit Union Washington Way *Red Leaf Coffee *BA Design *American Red Cross *Esteem Salon *Hydraulic Service, Inc. *ProBuild *B & R Mini Storage *Banda’s Bouquets *Be Cause Business Resources, Inc. *Best Western Aladdin Inn *Busack Electric *Calportland *Columbia Security *Copies Today Speedy Litho, Inc. *Cowlitz Container & Diecutting *Edward Jones-Nick Lemiere *H & S Enterprises *Habitat For Humanity Cowlitz County *Hart Radiator *Heartsong Massage *J. L. Storedahl & Sons, Inc. *Kaiser Permanente *Les Schwab Tire Center *Longview Timber Corp *Longview Urology *Ocean Beach Self Storage *P. T. Northwest *Pacific Office Automation *Papa Pete’s Pizza – Longview *PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center
*Pets, Pawns & Imports *SW Washington Symphony *The UPS Store *TSYS Merchant Solutions *Washington State University Vancouver *Zip Local *Brown & Brown Northwest Insurance *Corwin Beverage *Cowlitz River Rigging, Inc. *Educational Service District No. 112 *Emergency Support Shelter *Employers Overload *Fairway collections *Futcher Group *Kelso School District *Kelso Theater Pub *Kelso-Longview Television, Inc. *KeyBank *Longview Early Edition Rotary *Longview Eye & Vision *Longview Physical & Sports Therapy *Longview Self Storage *Northwest Hardwoods, Inc. *Opsahl, Dawson & Company, P.S. *Renaud Electric Company, Inc. *Reprographics, Inc. *Solvay *Southwest Washington Blood Program *United Way of Cowlitz & Wahkiakum Counties *Willamette Dental *Anderson & Anderson Advisory, LLC *Berkshire Hathaway *Better Business Bureau *C's Photography *Cowlitz County Museum *Cowlitz Economic Development Council *Cowlitz Indian Tribe *Cowlitz River Dental *Epson Portland *Erickson Glass Co. *Estetica Day Spa *Fibre Federal Credit Union - Castle Rock *Branch *Guesthouse Inn & Suites *Kellogg Supply, Inc. *Longview Country Club *Lower Columbia Economic Development Council *Motion Industries, Inc.
August 2016 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 35
Welcome Back! *Mt. Stx Helens Creation Information Center *N.W. Deli Distribution, Inc. *Pathways 2020 *Prestige Senior Living Monticello Park *Progress Center *Red Lion Hotel & Conference Center *Riverview Community Bank *Sessions Plumbing & Heating, Inc. *Three Rivers Christian School *Timothy E. Nelson, DDS *Weyerhaeuser *Advanced Message & Dispatch *Beacon Hill Rehabilitation *Bob Beal Insurance Agency Inc. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; State Farm *Building Industry Association of Clark County *Cascade Networks, Inc. *Cascade Select Market *Columbia River Reader *Davis & Associates, CPAs, PS *Eldon Robbins Auto Sales, Inc. *Goodwill of the Olympics and Rainier Region *Longview Downtowners *Longview Pawnbrokers & Bail Bonds *North Pacific Paper Corporation/NORPAC *Performance Sheet Metal, Inc. *Prographyx *Snap Fitness *Stageworks Northwest *Stewart Title *Super 8 of Kelso/Longview *Three Rivers Mall *Youth & Family Link *Altrusa International Inc. of Longview-Kelso *Be Cause Business Resources, Inc. *Canterbury Inn *Columbia Ford Hyundai Nissan *Ecological Land Services, Inc. *Eoff Electric Company *Fibre Federal Credit Union - Main Branch *Jansen Flowers & Gift Gallery *KLOG/KUKN/the WAVE Radio Stations *Longview Radiologists, P.S., Inc. *Omelets & More *PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center Foundation *Suburban Propane *Take Shape for Life with Brenda Courser *Teri's Restaurant
*Dream Dentistry *Reality Homes *Longview Eagles *Service Master *Ricoh *Planet Fitness *WA Division of Vocational Rehabilitation *Acupuncture Northwest *Budget Blinds of Longview *Columbia Bank - Longview Branch *Columbia Funeral Service *Columbia River Mill Outlet *Columbia Wellness *Continental Investors Services, Inc. *DeFrancisco Lampitt and Brado PS *DSU Peterbilt *Fire Mountain Grill & Summerland Catering Services *G L Booth ~ J G Davis & Associates *Green Hills Crematory - Cascade NW Funeral Chapel *Kay Green *Lower Columbia Contractors Association *Signature Transport, Inc. *State Farm Insurance - Scott Fischer *Teague's Interiors *ASAP Business Solutions *My Agency *Area Agency on Aging Disabilities of Southwest Washington *Dino Doozer *Windemere Kelso-Longview *Advanced Dental Services, LLC *All Out Sewer & Drain Service, Inc. *Baker Lumber Company, Inc. *Brusco Tug and Barge, Inc. *Carl's Towing Service & Repair, Inc. *Carlson's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. *Cascade Natural Gas Corporation *Coldwell Banker Bain *Cole's Appliance Repair *Comfort Inn *Community Home Health & Hospice *Cutright Wholesale Plumbing Supply *Family Health Center *Interiors Plus *Life Works *Longview Housing Authority *Longview Orthopedic Associates, PLLC *Longview Public Schools *Masthead Restaurant *McDonald's of Longview
36 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | August 2016
*McDonald's of Longview II *Nipp & Tuck Inc. *Ocean Beach Animal Hospital *Pacific Fibre Products, Inc. *Paperbacks Galore, Inc. *Rush Insurance/Financial Services, Inc. *Schlecht Construction, Inc. *Somerset Retirement Home and Assisted Living *T.C.'s R.V. & Mini Storage, Inc. *United Finance *Viking Automatic Sprinkler Company *Wasser & Winters Company *William (B. J. ) R. Boatsman *Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce *Interstate Wood Products, Inc. *Kalama Chamber of Commerce *Lower Columbia CAP *M & R Painting, Inc. *Mint Valley Federal Credit Union *Newrock Homes, Inc. *Northwest Auto Specialist, Inc. *Retirement Strategies *Simpson Timber Company - Longview Lumber Operations *Superior Tire Service, Inc. *Woodland Chamber of Commerce *Longview Outdoor Gallery *The OM Home *Triangle Bowl *Cowlitz County Chaplaincy *Biggs Insurance Services *Clay Bartness *Comcast *Dick Hannah Toyota *Fred Meyer, Inc. *Heritage Bank - Kelso *Heritage Bank - Longview *Longview Engineering And Design *McCord Bros. Nissan Dodge *Millennium Bulk Terminals *Minuteman Press *Professional Communication Services *Servpro of Longview/Kelso *Sierra Pacific Mortgage *Twin City Bank *Waste Control Recycling, Inc. *Woodford Commercial Real Estate *Bicoastal Media LV DBA KLYK/KRQT/ KEDO/KBAM/KPPK *Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts *Craig Stein Beverage
Welcome Back! *Dahl McVicker Funeral Homes *Entek Corporation *Frontier Rehabilitation & Extended Care Center *Gibbs & Olson, Inc. *Humane Society of Cowlitz County *Lemondrops Photography *Life Mortgage *Music & More D.J.s *Noelle McLean, PS *Office Depot Max *Pacific Lumber & Shipping Co. *Papé Machinery *PNE Construction *Red Canoe Credit Union *Red Canoe Credit Union - 30th *Safway Services, Inc. *Searing Electric & Plumbing *Steele Chapel Longview Memorial Park *The Dog Zone *Umpqua Bank *Utilize I.T., Inc. *Walmart
OUR LATEST RENEWING MEMBERS *Animal Health Services, Inc., PS *Arnitz, Suzanne *Baxter Auto Parts Inc. *Behrends Body Shop *Bob's Sporting Goods *Burger King - Longview (Main) *Collins Architectural Group, PS *Country Village Nutrition Shoppe and Cafe *Day Wireless Systems *Ethnic Support Council *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, DMD, PS *Propel Insurance *Shamrock Spirits & Grill *Shirley L. Smith *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
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. 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 August 2016 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 37