Kelso Longview Chamber September 2017 Newsletter

September

2017

Business Connection

Volume 9, Issue 9

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber's sold out Island Bingo party was a hit.

For details see page 28.

School leaders to share state of their districts with Chamber W

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

hen local school superintendents take the stage September 27 for the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce’s State of Education Quarterly Luncheon fitting current and future school budget issues into 15 minutes each will be as challenging as the topic.

Dan Zorn, superintendent of Longview Public Schools, and Glenn Gelbrich, superintendent for the Kelso School District, and their respective staff have been wrestling with the state’s new method of funding for basic education.

When the legislature passed the state budget in June, Washington public schools began preparing for a change in the way the education system is funded.

The State of Education Quarterly Luncheon features Kelso and Longview school district leaders and LCC President Chris Bailey.

The McCleary decision hangs over school districts like a dense fog. In a nutshell, the Legislature has until September 1, 2018, to comply with the constitution and fully implement its program for funding basic education. Steps and progress are being made, but it's complicated, frustrating and unpredictable.

For more State of Education, see page 3

Quarterly Luncheon Kelso Elks Lodge 900 Ash St.— Kelso Wednesday, September 27, 2017 11:45a.m. -1:30 p.m. $25 advance/$35 at door

Kelso Schools Superintendent Glenn Gelbrich

Lower Columbia College President Chris Bailey

Longview Schools Superintendent Dan Zorn

The State Legislature has come up with a new way of funding basic education, how are our school leaders applying this change and how will it affect their ability to hire teachers, provide basic education and more career and technical learning skills.

Register at: www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

State of Education, continued from page 1 At the State of Education address, Gelbrich and Zorn agreed they will try to hit on the following topics: •

Highlights and challenges in their respective school systems

•

Implications of recent legislative action

•

Focused directions for the future

“These gentlemen will help us understand how they are applying this change and how will it affect their ability to hire teachers, provide basic education and encourage more career and technical learning skills,” said Chamber CEO Bill Marcum.

In August, Zorn covered the topic as part of his Business Connection column, noting, “It’s still early, and many parts of the legislation won’t take effect for a couple of years, but Longview is continuing to learn about the immediate- and long-term changes coming.”

For the coming school year, the district will see some funding increases for smaller class sizes, vocational classes, special education, extra help for struggling readers, and cost-of-living raises for employees who are paid for by the state – not those paid by local levy taxes.

These are positive changes, Zorn wrote then, but it is worth noting that Longview continues to serve students requiring special education services in numbers beyond the current or projected state allocations.

Also, all state salary schedule increases for employees beyond those included in the state funding models will continue to be paid for by local levy money.

He went on to write, additional changes to the way the state funds employee salaries are planned for 2018-19 when the state will begin a two-year transition to a new statewide average salary allocation that

provides adjustments for regional cost-of-living differences. This, Zorn wrote, “Could impact our local schools’ ability to attract and retain teachers to work in our reasonably-priced area.”

The Kelso School District addressed the topic in this publication in February when Business Operations Executive Director Scott Westlund discribed some of the nuances for current and future budgeting. The column, and more specifically future funding formulas, was peppered with words like enhancements and levy equalization, "There are a few major issues still unresolved that will have a significant impact on our schools. The first is ensuring competitive public school employee compensation; and the second, the over reliance on local taxpayer approved levies for paying for basic education and salaries," Westlund wrote.

At that time, the Legislature was still hammering out budget details and districts like Kelso were unsure if they would have to reduce programs, cut staff or find other ways to make ends meet if there was a shortfall.

Lower Columbia College President Chris Bailey will also be part of the presentation. State funding is also a worry for community colleges and Bailey said he plans to cover some of the same ground as Zorn and Gelbrich.

Sponsored by Gibbs & Olson Civil Engineers and Land Surveyors, Millennium Bulk Terminals and Lower Columbia Contractors Associationm, the State of Education will take place at the Kelso Longview Elks Lodge from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

For additional information, please see page 2.

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

Chris Bailey Lower Columbia College

Nick Lemiere Edward Jones

Clayton J. Bartness, DC Longview Chiropractic Clinic

Chris Roewe Woodford Commercial Real Estate

Neil Zick, Treasurer

Ken Botero Longview City Council

Tom Rozwod NORPAC/Weyerhaeuser

Michael Claxton, Legal Counsel

Bob Crisman Gallery of Diamonds

Ted Sprague Cowlitz Economic Development Council

Julie Rinard, Past President

Wendy Hutchinson Millennium Bulk Terminals

Steve Taylor Kelso City Manager

Joel Hanson, Past Past President

Wendy Kosloski Teague's Interiors

Dennis Weber Cowlitz County Commissioner

PeaceHealth

Linda DiLembo, President Elect Three Rivers Mall

Frank Panarra, Vice President Foster Farms

Twin City Bank

Walstead Mertsching

Community Home Health & Hospice KLOG/KUKN/The Wave

September 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 3

PORT TALK PORT OF LONGVIEW NEWSLETTER

Fishermen and women await their catch on the Columbia River

NAVIGATING THE COLUMBIA RIVER, 365 DAYS A YEAR. Most often when we think of a pilot we think of an airplane, but not on the Columbia River. Its complex jetty system and navigation channel require cargo vessels to use both bar pilots and river pilots with high-level expertise for safe navigation in our waterway.

The Port of Longview’s Willow Grove Boat Launch

TOP 5 TIPS TO STAY SAFE ON THE RIVER Life Jackets: Before boating, be sure that all life jackets are in good shape, fit properly and are stowed in an easily accessible location.

Stay Sober: Operating a boat under the influence of intoxicants is illegal and dangerous, putting passengers and everyone else on the river at risk.

For vessels entering the river, a bar pilot boards the vessel several miles out into the ocean by boat or helicopter. He or she then uses their experience to maneuver the ship through shallow water and a series of jetties into the river’s navigation channel. Once safely inside the bar, the bar pilot trades places with a river pilot who will navigate the vessel to its port of destination.

River pilots are charged with knowing the 600 foot wide and 43 foot deep navigation channel like the back of their hand.

Each bend in the river, shallow or rocky area, island, bridge and navigation danger is on their radar as they guide more than a thousand ships along the river each year.

Marine Radio: Investing in a good marine radio is a very

File a Float Plan: Let a friend or family member know where you’re going, when you plan to return and what to do in an emergency.

“Anyone planning to navigate on any waterway, particularly one in which you are likely to encounter commercial traffic, needs to know the rules of navigation before venturing out,” said Capt.

Paul Amos of the Columbia River Pilots.

DID YOU KNOW...

... the Columbia River is measured in miles from the mouth at Astoria? The Port of Longview is located at river mile 66.

COMMISSIONERS

COMMISSION MEETINGS

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

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

Norm Krehbiel

PORTOFLONGVIEW.COM

The Navigation Rules of the Road for Waterways are published by the U.S. Coast Guard and can be found online.

A vessel approaches the Port of Longview

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

17_09

More information on river pilots can be found at www.columbiariverbarpilots.com and www.colrip.com.

Designed to move recreational boats out of harm’s way when cargo vessels are approaching, this rule also ensures ships have enough room to navigate the shipping channel in and out of our region’s ports. The US Coast Guard actively enforces the Make Way Rule, violations of which can result in hefty fines.

at all times. Listen to weather forecasts. Know the limitations of your vessel. Most recreational vessels are not equipped to handle strong currents and can be overcome fairly easily.

•

Vessels navigate the Columbia River 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and in all weather conditions, making bar and river pilots an essential part of the journey.

One of the most important rules on the Columbia River is Rule 9 in the US Coast Guard’s Navigation Rules of the Road, known as the Make Way Rule.

Situational Awareness: Be aware of your surroundings

...a typical cargo ship visiting the Port of Longview can take up to a full mile to come to a stop when fully-loaded? Commercial vessels have to maintain a reasonable speed to effectively navigate the river’s tides and flow.

“What a lot of people don’t realize is the navigation channel for vessels is extremely narrow,” said Norm Krehbiel, CEO of the Port of Longview. “The river is monitored very closely at all times to determine the safest route possible to access ports down river.

Without river and bar pilots there would be no navigating it.”

MAKE WAY FOR CARGO VESSELS

smart purchase. Cell phones should never be used as the primary form of communication on a vessel. The reception in some areas of the river may be poor or non-existent and precious time could be lost if an emergency arises.

•

For vessels departing the river, the process works in reverse by starting with a river pilot at the port it’s departing from.

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

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

10 PORT WAY LONGVIEW, WASHINGTON 98632

Government Affairs

By Peter Bennett

As issues heat up, participation increases During the legislative session the Chamber Government Affairs Committee gathers every Monday at 7 a.m. at the Kelso Red Lion to get an update on the developments (or lack of developments) in the state legislature. Because of the relationship between the Chamber and the Association of Washington Business (AWB), we connect via a dial in conference call to Gary Chandler, AWB’s vice president of Government Affairs, who summarizes the issues that are important to our membership and community and gives us advice as to how to effectively advocate our position to our elected representatives.

While this forum has existed for many years we are seeing increased participation both by Chamber members and from our senators and representatives from the 19th and 20th legislative districts. With difficult negotiations over the McCleary decision, concerning the funding of education, we encouraged both the Kelso and Longview school districts to increase their involvement with the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee and have had regular attendance from one of more of the two school superintendents. The Chamber membership’s future success is directly connected to having an education system that will develop a trained and motivated workforce and it has been encouraging to see the constructive dialogue on that issue that sometimes continues well after the conference call lines have closed.

Outside of session, our committee tries to meet monthly, generally with a lunchtime meeting on the first Monday of the month. In August, we welcomed five of our six elected representatives to give their views on the session. At that meeting it was apparent that there is a high degree of bipartisan cooperation in the 19th and 20th districts and we are fortunate to be represented by people who understand rural Washington state and the issues that are important to us. The lack of a capital budget has negative impacts on this region and it is important to understand why that situation has occurred and consider how it can be avoided in the future.

On several occasions, the Government Affairs Committee made a recommendation to the Chamber Board to take an official position on a political issue that we consider important. Sometimes, the issue is specific to this area, sometimes it is responding to an issue important to one of our members and sometimes it is responding to a request that we are receiving from the AWB or similar statewide entity.

Our committee’s success is directly related to involvement and enthusiasm of its membership so if you are interested in participating please contact the Chamber to be added to the committee and the distribution list for communications.

SAVeE th !

E T A D

12/9/17 4:00 pm - Rudolph Run 5:00 pm - 5k Run/Walk Registration: www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

September 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 5

Cowlitz Economic Development Council

By Joelle Wilson Special Projects

Longview school bond proposal to replace elementary schools add security The Cowlitz Economic Development Council voted at its August board meeting to support the Longview Public Schools district’s bond proposal, which goes before voters this fall.

The $121.6 million bond will enable the district to: • Provide up-to-date schools to give its youngest students a strong start.

• Replace Mint Valley Elementary.

• Replace Northlake Elementary.

• Replace Olympic Elementary.

• Serve students without the use of portable classrooms.

• Renovate the Broadway Preschool Learning Center.

• Focus spending on buildings that will last.

• Protect students across the district with modern safety and security features • Help make Longview Public Schools a district of choice in southwest Washington.

Dr. Dan Zorn, superintendent of the Longview school district, said it has been a 2-1/2 year process of information gathering and planning to determine what priorities to address as the district deals with aging buildings.

“This comes with the understanding that we visit the needs of the high school next,” he said. “This plan addresses our most urgent needs and does not by any means meet all the facility needs in the district.”

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

6 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | September 2017

It has been 16 years since the district’s last bond, and 21 years since bond work on its elementary schools. The district currently invests $1.46 million annually on maintenance, and that is not enough to keep up with all that needs done, Zorn said.

Under the new bond, the owner of a $200,000 home would pay $16 per month to help replace three schools, address safety and security across the district and renovate Broadway Learning Center, Zorn said, or 96 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value.

Ballots will arrive in the mail on October 25 and must be postmarked and returned by November 7. The proposal will require a 60 percent plus one vote to pass. Low income senior citizens and disabled adults may qualify for tax exemptions.

Additional information may be obtained at www.longviewschools. com.

City of Kelso

City of Longview

By Mayor David Futcher

By City Councilman Ken Botero

Grab a kilt – Highlander is here It’s that time of year. Highlander Festival, Kelso’s biggest celebration, comes around the second weekend of every September. If you’ve never been down, you owe it to yourself to come get a taste of our Scottish heritage September 9 and 10.

You may not realize it, but Highland Games are played in a series of locations throughout the northwest each summer. Kelso’s festival is one of the final and best-attended of the series, and Tam O’Shanter Park is an excellent facility for the competition.

It’s a little surprising at first to see quite so many guys running around in kilts, but when you see what the athletes can do, you’ll learn a new respect for the kilted athletes. The ladies and gentlemen throwing stones, tree trunks, and other objects round the field train throughout the year and spend their summer competing in similar contests.

If athletics isn’t your bag, get started with our 5K run/walk on Saturday morning, or watch the parade from downtown Kelso, along Grade Street and to the park. You can check out the clan booths, dance contests, Scottish-themed vendors, food options, and the musical performances.

Our festival is one of the few stops in Washington for the Wicked Tinkers band, who rock out in three Sunday afternoon performances with what’s best described as tribal Celtic music. Rogues’ End is another high-energy band playing Saturday afternoon, making a repeat appearance at our games. Both bands include a didgeridoo. Where else will you see that, but at Kelso’s Highlander Festival?

Small business support in city area In Longview when we are looking at ways to provide a quality of place for our citizens and guests we need to slow down a few steps and look at what makes this an awesome adventure for our community.

Our local, small businesses are actually the heartbeat of our community. Sure, many of us talk about the lack of super, chain stores in the community, but stop and think about the personal touch in the comparison of both the local small business and the super chain stores.

Money spent at local, small businesses goes right back into our community. According to the 3/50 Project, a Minneapolis based small business advocacy organization, for every $100 spent at a local, independent store, $68 returns to the community. The same amount spent at national chains results in $43 staying within community borders. Small businesses are usually the one’s who give back to our local schools and our community events, for example, when a youth soccer team, or little league baseball or softball team, needs a sponsor they go to the small businesses within our community. It’s more like being part of a good neighborhood policy.

Our local, small businesses typically support local activities such as our local food banks or our basic self-help groups. You might note that when you support our local, small businesses you are also supporting the community. When we shop at small, local shops we are putting money into the pockets of local workers, who just might be one of our neighbors and possibly a family member, and that income will most likely be spent right here in Longview or Kelso. Many of our small businesses are not only owned, but also managed, at the ground level by the owners of the business, those people are building relationships within our community.

Looking at the progress being made in the Longview downtown corridor it is an example of small businesses giving Longview residents a sense of community. When we walk into a small coffee shop for instance

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

360.952.3100 www.amadaseniorcare.com www.amadaseniorcare.com

in Longview or Kelso, the owners, or employees, may know your name, giving you a sense of being recognized, which gives you an important sense of being family. So when we stop and look at our quality of place take a few moments to think about the importance of creating a quality of place that has positive results and a friendly, family type atmosphere.

September 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 7

Chamber CEO’s Message

Calendar Monday September 4 Chamber Office Closed Labor Day Thursday September 7 – 11:30am Ribbon Cutting ANC Movers Chamber Office 105 Minor Road, Kelso Friday September 8 – 7:30am Small Business Boot Camp Lower Columbia College Heritage Room 1600 Maple Street, Longview Monday September 11 – Noon Government Affairs Meeting Teri’s Restaurant 3225 Ocean Beach Hwy, Longview Tuesday September 12 – 11:30am Ribbon Cutting Brow Down 1329 Broadway Street, Longview Friday September 15 – 7:30am Small Business Boot Camp Lower Columbia College Heritage Room 1600 Maple Street, Longview Tuesday September 19 – 5:30-7:30pm Business After Hours The Red Kitchen FKA Toppers 848 15th Avenue, Longview $15 in advance; $20 at the door Wednesday September 20 – 11:30am Ribbon Cutting Kerry's Kollectables & Gene's Junk 940 14th Avenue, Longview Thursday September 21 – 11:30am Ribbon Cutting Elfin Services Chamber Office 105 Minor Road, Kelso Friday September 22 – 7:30am Small Business Boot Camp Lower Columbia College Heritage Room 1600 Maple Street, Longview

By Bill Marcum

Visits, stays and commerce are on the rise As the summer draws to a close I thought I would share with you some interesting things about the Kelso Visitor Center, which is manned by the Chamber staff seven days a week.

To start, 74 percent of all the visitors to the Visitors Center show up between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend. We have seen an increase in visitors this past summer, up about 20 percent, and not surprising the week prior to, and the week of, the eclipse were very busy.

The trend of Monday being our busiest day continues from 2016...that’s right, who would have thought that Monday would be the busiest day for visitors to the Visitor Center. During the summer our Monday visitors average about 40, with a high of 54. These are the visitors who actually come into the building. We have another 20-plus each Monday who call us with travel questions. The next busiest day is Friday and most of the 35-plus that come in are generally coming in after 1 p.m.

During the summer we are averaging about 1,400 visitors per month, which is a 200 increase over the past couple of years. I think the continued low gas prices have more people traveling via the roads and traveling within the Northwest.

I am also amazed at the number of people who come in looking for a local map because they are moving to this area. The past two weeks several newly hired teachers have come in looking for apartments, homes and basically anything we can give them to help them become more familiar with our area.

During that same time we have had a couple new hires at PeaceHealth come in looking for the same information. All totaled, over the past two weeks, we have talked to over a dozen families looking for housing information because they are moving here. Over the entire summer that number is close to 100

8 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | September 2017

families. This past week we also talked to several people looking to retire in Washington and like Longview’s location to the coast, the mountains, PDX, downtown Portland and Seattle. All of those have been from Texas and California, and seeing the horrible weather in Texas right now I can’t blame them.

Last week I spent nearly an hour with a young couple who stopped in looking for information about the area. Where to live, apartments versus homes to rent, shopping, PUD, healthcare, TV, phone, Internet all the things most people will need when they move here. They were from Ashland, Oregon, and had set out on a trip along the I -5 corridor to find what they hoped would be a new place to raise their kids closer to family.

I think you also would be amazed if you spent a day working at the Visitor Center by the number of people who come in that are, staying two, three or four days in our area.

They are using Longview/Kelso as their base and traveling from here each day to a different location, with the beach and Mount St. Helens still the top visitor attractions.

Last month Cowlitz County Tourism had a motor coach convention with nearly 500 staying in the area for four days, traveling on tour buses to different locations. We even set them up with information packets, booked restaurants for them, discount coupons, local maps and our visitors guide/member directory.

The goal four years ago when the Chamber moved from downtown Longview to Kelso and the new Visitor Center was to be able to bring commerce to our two communities.

We did not want to just be a Visitor Center that helps people pass by without trying to get them to spend an hour or a day investing in our local commerce. Today we are accomplishing that goal and bringing more and more business into Kelso and Longview.

Cowlitz County Commissioners

Calendar

By Joe Gardner

Thanks to many, County comprehensive plan complete Cowlitz County officially has an updated Comprehensive Plan. On July 19, the Board of Commissioners held a joint meeting with the Planning Commission. The Commissioners approved the plan completing a process that began nearly 10 years ago to update the original 1976 plan. While not a regulatory document, this plan will be used to guide policy decisions related to the physical, social, and economic growth of the county. The plan, required by the State of Washington, is now designed to have annual updates in order to keep the document as current as possible. The BOCC is thankful for all the work put in by the Steering Committee, Planning Commission, and Department of Building and Planning, but most importantly, we want to thank all the citizens that provided valuable input throughout the process. It may have taken a while to produce, but the final product is a thorough and concise document that appropriately reflects the interests of our community.

In other news, our Hall of Justice is finally getting a much needed roof replacement.

Construction began the last week of August.

Tuesday September 26 – 11:30am Ribbon Cutting Norwex by Ariane Boldt Chamber Office 105 Minor Road, Kelso

The bid award went to Pacific Tech Construction and will cost approximately $2 million.

This project was identified as the No. 1 priority in the Facilities Conditions Assessment conducted in 2015, and appropriate capital funds have been budgeted for as a result.

Wednesday September 27 – 11:45am Quarterly Luncheon State of Education Kelso Longview Elks Lodge 900 Ash Street, Kelso $25 in Advance; $35 at the Door

Recently, the county has taken the next step looking into the possibility of a “Rails to Trails” project. A request has been sent to the Surface Transportation Board, which will look into the viability of utilizing nearly 30 miles old rail beds for public recreational use instead of abandonment.

Friday September 29 – 7:30am Small Business Boot Camp Lower Columbia College Heritage Room 1600 Maple Street, Longview

Lastly, the latest report from Building and Planning shows quite an increase in new development this year. At the end of July in 2016, total new construction permits included 130 buildings valued at approximately $24.7 million. Year to date for 2017, the county is already at 154 new building permits valued at $30.3 million. The month of July alone shows almost twice the new construction activity compared to the same month last year including two multi-family permits. Home and business owners are building, and that’s a good sign for the local economy.

Monday October 9 – Noon Government Affairs Meeting Teri’s Restaurant 3225 Ocean Beach Hwy, Longview Every Wednesday Chamber Connections KEDO/1400 AM – 3-4 pm Stream live at www.kedoam.com

September 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 9

Mind Your Own Business (at the Library)

By Chris Skaugset

Director – Longview Public Library

Grab a glass and drink in these titles Last month, I wrote about the upcoming (three days away as I write this) solar eclipse. Assuming that we all survive (I wasn’t sure based on the number of people who showed up at our solar eclipse event and the number of questions we’ve had since about solar viewing glasses) and find our way back home through the crowds, the parties, and, of course the traffic you might be in the need of imbibing in a libation. With that in mind, I’ve got a few titles discussing alcohol, cocktails, beer, and wine that you might find interesting while you’re sampling whatever it is your sampling. Even if you don’t partake, a couple of these titles you may still find worth your time just because they’re just so well-written and downright fascinating. As always, you can find these and many other titles at your local library.

“The Drunken Botanist: The Plants that Create the World’s Great Drinks” by Amy Stewart. This is one of those wonderful, fascinating nonfiction books that you can’t help find interesting. Maybe if you aren’t interested in botany, gardening, history, cocktails or just plain good writing you might not want to pick this one up, otherwise you should. Stewart does such a good job that you might not fully realize that your reading what ultimately could be called an encyclopedia about the botanical basis of all alcohol.

Next, I’ll turn to “Liquid Intelligence: The Art and Science of the Perfect Cocktail” by Dave Arnold. The author is both a mixologist (he’s the man behind the innovative Booker & Dax bar in New York City) and a scientist and writes, obsessively, about the joys of making a great cocktail through scientific means. Whether it’s using liquid nitrogen or a centrifuge, Arnold not only tells you how to do it, he makes you want to try it yourself. If you’re interested in drinking, science, or if you obsess about making the perfect cocktail (no mat-

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ter how long it takes), you may want to check this book out.

Joshua Bernstein takes the reader through a “Complete Beer Course: Boot Camp for Beer Geeks, From Novice to Expert in Twelve Tasting Classes” is our next title. The author is both a journalist and a beer enthusiast and he shows off both sides of his expertise in this interesting and well-written book that breaks down the world of beer into 12 “lessons.” Anything and everything that you may, or may not, want to know about the world of beer from lagers and pilsners to stouts, sours, goses and everything in between you can find in this one handy volume.

We shall now turn to wine. We have quite a few titles about wine, but I thought I’d tell you about a newer title that we have called “Wine isn’t Rocket Science: A Quick & Easy Guide to Understanding, Buying, Tasting, & Pairing Every Type of Wine” by Ophélie Neiman. The author is a French wine blogger and skillfully teaches the reader not only the differences in the various wines in flavor, etc., but also a lot of information about selecting the right wine, hosting a party, removing red-wine stains, and enough sure-fire phrases to make you sound like the oenophile you wish you were.

Finally, I turn to a fun, and award-winning, book about all things tiki because what’s a column about booze if you don’t at least throw in something tiki. Martin and Rebecca Cate bring you “Smuggler’s Cove: Exotic Cocktails, Rum, and the Cult of Tiki”. In what easily might be described as an ode to escapism, the owners of the San Francisco tiki bar of the same name take you on an adventure that’s one part historical, one part practical, and three parts fun. Even if you’re not into tiki bars, there’s still a lot to love about this fun and charming book.

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Cowlitz Wahkiakum Council of Governments

By Bill Fashing Executive Director

Grant designed to increase mobility for people with disabilities and older adults The Cowlitz Wahkiakum Council of Governments (CWCOG), through the Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Planning Organization (RTPO) and other partners are engaged in an effort designed to increase and improve independent mobility for people with disabilities and older adults through the development of transportation coalitions. The regional effort is led by the Human Services Council (HSC) and includes numerous partners throughout the five-county region. This program was made possible by a grant developed through the Easterseals Project Action Consulting (ESPAC) group which is part of the national Easter Seals program. Ten grants were provided nationwide.

mentation of efforts.

According to the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD): The bottom line: • $9,498: average annual cost of owning a car.

• $58,736: median annual income of householders without disabilities.

• $25,550: median annual income of householders with disabilities.

• 26 percent: the percentage of adults with disabilities who do not have a car.

– From the United States Department of Transportation, Bureau of Transportation Statistics

The effort is being undertaken in our Southwest Washington Region: Cowlitz, Wahkiakum, Lewis, Pacific, and Grays Harbor counties and will build on information to support existing plans including the Coordinated Human Services Transportation Plan and Regional Transportation Plan. The efforts funded through the grant will focus on enhancing stakeholder involvement in efforts to evaluate transportation needs and develop solutions for the region.

These Easter Seals grants are designed to increase and improve independent mobility for people with disabilities and older adults through the development of transportation coalitions. This project will help communities throughout the five counties to find solutions at the local level to improve transportation access with the ultimate goal of enhancing the quality of life for children, families, caregivers and older adults.

The ATCI Project is a systems-change model designed to improve access to and use of transportation options in the community. An important component of the award is onsite facilitation and targeted technical assistance during a two-day event for coalition members to learn the ATCI model and improve the regional accessible transportation plan. The event is scheduled for November and the project team is seeking input and concerns on transportation options for the targeted users. ESPAC will continue to provide technical assistance over the subsequent year including an on-site visit to support imple-

The ATCI project planning committee will represent all areas of our region through the Coalition. The Coalition will include: • Transportation providers (e.g. human services, taxi, school volunteers or public transportation) • People with disabilities who use public transportation • Other transportation customers (e.g. older adults, bike and pedestrian advocates or recent immigrants) • Individuals engaged in the technical aspects of transportation planning (e.g. planners, engineers) • Community leaders in formal leadership roles (e.g. elected officials or transit board members)

• Other highly-engaged members of your community who might not be currently working on accessible transportation issues, but who promote vitality in the community Accessibility means the ability to enjoy and participate in work, commerce and leisure activities. This accessibility is a vital link to many that allows full participation in life. Transportation programs across the country are working to provide equal access for all Americans and prevent discrimination against persons with disabilities.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), which became law 27 years ago, prohibits discrimination and ensures equal opportunity and access for persons with disabilities in employment, State and local government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities and transportation. This protection includes access to streets, sidewalks, crosswalks, buses, training airports, planes and other transportation services.

Statistics impacting this population are outlined below.

Cowlitz County

County State

18,500 Disabled

22%

US

18.2% 19.3%

If you have interest in this process please contact Bill Fashing at bfashing@cwcog.org for more information.

September 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 11

Business Toolbox

By Jerry D. Petrick

Certified Business Adviser

How millennial habits shape retail spending

Millennials have been in the news a lot. Retailers are lamenting the fact that they can no longer reach customers by traditional methods. There are numerous studies and statistics out there about Gen Y, Gen Z and how they are different than baby boomers and Gen X. There are some trends that retailers and marketers should pay attention to when it comes to selling to millennials and Gen Z.

Millennial Buying Trends ~ Convenience over price Convenience store spending is on the rise. Millennials spend an average of $80 a month on coffee.

Eating out Millennials eat out more than older generations. According to BusinessInsider, “53 percent of Millennials eat out once a week, compared to 43 percent of Baby Boomers and Gen X”. (BusinessInsider.com) Flexibility Shoppers want searching and payment options that are flexible and easy. More buyers are shopping online and picking up in the stores, or shopping on a mobile phone IN the store so he/she can price shop. Millennials want easy ordering and payment options –like Uber, GrubHub. Keep in mind, many Millennials don’t carry cash.

Mobile Websites need to be responsive for mobile search, find, purchase, and review.

The Experience Millennial shoppers are looking for an experience.

And the “experience” needs to be able to be shared socially and visually.

Local Tips To Reach Shoppers Some basic characteristics of Gen Y (Millennials) and Gen Z are: • Gen Y: Born between 1977 – 1995 • Gen Z: Born between 1995 – 2001 • Both groups are mobile in many ways o Technology – they aren’t just tech savvy, they are tech dependent o Social media – they grew up with social, it has always been around o Physically able to work, study, and live from anywhere with an Internet connection

Millennial Habits Influence Spending These are some general trends to keep in mind as you consider how your business reaches prospective and loyal customers.

12 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | September 2017

Traditional retailers, like the neighborhood store, are still trying to figure out how to reach younger generations. Here are a few tips that businesses should be aware of to reach local customers: Claim your Google Place page Customers need to be able to find you if they are searching.

I’ve noticed more of these “Photo Opportunity” notifications popping up now when your phone recognizes your location. Since when is Safeway a photo op?

Reviews • Pay attention to your online For more Petrick, see page 13

Petrick continued from page 12 reviews. If you get a negative review, post a prompt, nondefensive reply. There are many tactful ways to point out if it is not an honest review and if the business made a mistake, own up to it and try to correct the behavior.

• Encourage good reviews from your regular customers. For example; I had my hair cut recently by a new stylist. The service was fast, affordable and turned out great. The stylist said thanks for my payment and that was it. It would have been so simple for her to hand me a postcard or business card and ask me to post a Facebook review, picture on Instagram, or pass on for a referral bonus. OR even provided me the opportunity to review her services via the email receipt I received from the Square payment device she used.

Social Networks Use of relevant social networks can greatly increase your online search ability and presence. I encourage clients to choose 1-2 appropriate social network sites and start slow.

Comment, engage, participate, and post relevant content. Social media is not about selling – it is about building relationships. Choose

the right social network for your target customer.

Video Short videos can boost Search Engine Optimization (SEO), customer interaction on social sites, and be a good marketing tool. YouTube is owned by Google.

Customer Service Matters Traditional retail stores can’t always compete on price. Paying attention to trends and customer behavior can help a business stay ahead of the competition and better define what their customers are looking for. Play to your strengths!

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

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In The News

Celebrating Community August 17 was an incredible evening for the Millennium Bulk Terminals team as they celebrated the sixth annual summer shindig. Throughout the night, the heart of the community was on display. The Millennium team was honored to recognize the amazing work of the Highlands Neighborhood Association. Together with the RCF Foundation, Millennium presented Donna Belt, HNA executive director, with a $10,000 check to support the HNA’s building renovations. Millennium has been committed to Longview since 2011 and celebrated that commitment with 500 of its neighbors, family and friends. They also heard from partners at BNSF, who brought in a top-ofthe-line Tier 4 locomotive.

Woman of Excellence nominations due Sept. 7; event planned for Oct. 19 United Way of Cowlitz & Wahkiakum Counties is excited for its third annual event, The Power of the Purse, highlighting the power of female philanthropy and the positive impact females in this community make every day. The event is October 19 at the Cowlitz Expo Center.

As a part of the event, United Way of Cowlitz & Wahkiakum Counties recognizes a local female with the Woman of Excellence Award for her extraordinary efforts in improving lives. Please take a moment to fill out a nomination form for someone you believe is deserving of this award. Deadline for submission is September 7.

Please return forms via scan/e-mail to bfisher@cowlitzunitedway. org or fax at 360-423-8162.

Attend the Event Breakfast at Tiffanys is the theme for this year’s event that benefits United Way partner agencies. The event features a purse raffle, high energy fashion show featuring local business women and retailers, special women’s vendor services to make any woman feel like a princess, wine pull, Woman of Excellence Award, hors d’ oeuvres and more. There will also be an opportunity to win a Tiffany bracelet. Don’t miss this fun and philanthropic women’s night out from 5:30 to 8 p.m. October 19. For more information visit the website at cowlitzunitedway.org. Individual tickets are $40; a table of eight is $320.

well as Wako delegates for an evening of conversation. A tour of Port facilities was also included prior to the reception.

The Port was awarded an Award of Merit for its “Look Before you Launch” campaign. A campaign focused on encouraging usage of alternative boat launches while the Willow Grove Boat Launch was being dredged, while also informing community members of the benefits of dredging.

Also awarded to the Port was a second Award of Merit for a photo based exhibit created for Historic Preservation Month. The exhibit honored the Port of Longview’s rich history spanning nearly 100 years.

The unique series of posters celebrated each decade of the Port starting with the 1920s and were displayed at the Cowlitz PUD auditorium for public viewing during Longview’s History Preservation Month.

“These awards recognize the Port’s ability to creatively engage our community about Port happenings.” said Port Commissioner Bob Bagaason. “I am very proud of our staff ’s hard work, as are my fellow Commissioners, with our Port’s efforts to stand out among ports across the nation.”

More than 90 entries were judged by 29 professional public relations practitioners from the Washington, D.C. area who cumulatively spent nearly 120 hours over two weeks judging the entries. Along with the results of each entry, judges also included comments praising the Port’s creative use of media, presentation of historic photos and the research done prior to events.

Port of Longview secures three national awards for community outreach projects The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) has recognized the Port of Longview with three Communications Competition awards for exemplary work in community outreach and education.

The Port earned an Award of Excellence for its 2016 Sister Cities event, an event that focused on introducing the economic development benefits in Longview to delegates from Wako, Japan. The event included a reception, bringing together economic development leaders and Port customers from the Longview and Kelso area, as 14 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | September 2017

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Lower Columbia College

By Chris Bailey

President

Protecting LCC students from bias,

discrimination and harassment This column originally ran in the Chamber newsletter in November 2016. In light of recent events occurring on or near college campuses that received widespread national and international media coverage, the information seemed worthy of repeating. Please contact us if you have any questions about diversity efforts on campus, or our policies related to academic freedom or free speech.

In 1999, Lower Columbia College adopted its shared values of integrity, respect, collaboration, cooperation, inclusion and innovation. Our Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment policies are specific, transparent and adhere to state and federal requirements.

Information about our policies and procedures is readily available to students, employees and the public through our website.

A few years ago, we began to ask ourselves how we could do more on this front. First, we formed a Diversity and Equity Committee to more fully address the issues that our students from protected classes experience in the college environment. Next we invested in an online reporting tool that allows anyone with an Internet connection to quickly and easily report incidents of concern, including incidents related to discrimination, sexual misconduct, or other types of concerning or threatening behavior. The system automatically routes the information to the appropriate administrator or group for timely investigation and/or other follow-up. Anyone can make a report through this system, including a member of the public so long as it concerns LCC in some way.

Last fall, we convened a Bias Response Team to address certain types of concerns in a more holistic way. The team consists of a di-

verse group of campus representatives who are available to determine a rapid and effective response to incidents of bias. Their purpose is to offer broad prevention and educational strategies that fit with the mission of diversity and equity at Lower Columbia College.

The word “bias” has a fairly specific meaning in this context. In order for bias to occur, it must be in the form of a particular action taken – based on prejudice toward a particular social identity – that disrupts the learning environment. The list of social identities is diverse, and includes race, color, national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal.

You might be wondering how our policies and procedures around bias, discrimination and harassment interplay with constitutionally protected free speech, or in higher education something we refer to as “academic freedom.” The notion of academic freedom is rooted in scholarly inquiry, and provides an environment in which faculty can teach and communicate ideas or facts without governmental or administrative interference. Academic freedom does not shield people from relevant laws, including laws designed to preserve established individual or societal civil rights.

At LCC, we are committed to maintaining an environment that encourages free and open exchange of ideas and information in a safe, respectful and inclusive manner. Our mission as an institution of higher education demands it.

September 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 15

By Chuck Nau

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

When is your creative time?

When’s your creative time? Do you have any creative time?

Yes! No! I do not know!

Well, let’s pause for a moment, and allow me to ask you to do this simple search. Take a look at last week’s calendar, or for that matter, look at the last two weeks or past month, and highlight those times you set aside for your creative time.

Surprised? You are at a loss inasmuch as you cannot find any such time...exactly the point of this month’s column. As a small business owner, retailer or service provider, creativity is fuel for the ongoing nurturing and growth of your business. It not only feeds your business, it feeds your soul!

New ideas, new products or services, new questions in search of answers and new opportunities to target for your business’ revenue enhancement – all need some time on your calendar to bubble up into that “aha!” moment.

According to my artist son and many of his fellow artists, creativity is play. That’s the easy part. Learning to allow ourselves to play is the hard part and the hard work, my son will tell you. Likewise, to live a creative life, one must lose the fear of being wrong.

Let’s pause again for a moment…some of this sounding familiar to you?

In today’s changing and challenging environment, finding your creative voice is one of the most critical skills you can invest in. As things change around us, we sometime forget that things need to change within us also. The heart of that change is inside us – the seeing, the observing, the awareness.

Enhancing your creative voice to find new ideas, new answers and new solutions will keep you at the forefront, setting you apart from others and a step ahead of your competitors. To discover new things, you will find yourself stepping out of your comfort zone, conceiving and developing some new ideas while challenging and overcoming some accepted norms. You’ll observe along the way that as you ASK (Always Seeking Knowledge) questions and uncover new possibilities you will develop a hunger and a motivation for new learning and SUCCESS!

creative thinking will flourish best in an ASKing environment that allows increased questioning and thinking plus an acceptance of challenging the ordinary while utilizing your past experience and knowledge. Much like a changing a habit or driving a different way to and from work... the change itself will cause you to notice things in a new way, to increase your awareness of what’s out there.

Creativity is your personal treasure! Enhancing it ever so slightly will help you develop new approaches and find new solutions for every day challenges.

Discipline yourself, a step at a time, to use the power of questions... within yourself, brainstorming with yourself, to stimulate your creativity and assure both your continued learning and growth...continual questioning will help stimulate the flow of creativity.

Once you are comfortable (and confident) with yourself and your newfound creative freedom, considering bringing your staff and fellow employees into the loop. Again, the benefits to your business, your work environment and your life will grow.

When’s your creative time? To find it...schedule it! Start slowly...reserve one hour a day, three days a week, for the first month. At the end of the first month, check how well you did and then challenge yourself to do more next month. The best time to schedule your creative time? Creative people will often tell you it is first thing in the morning, as soon as you wake up and begin your day. And yes, it’s ALWAYS best do it BEFORE you check your phone or email!

Last, but not least, something good is going to happen today...make sure you are looking for it!

© Murray & Nau, Inc.

Let’s pause one more time...and clarify this thing called creativity.

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.

Creativity is simply being able to conceive, develop and utilize new ideas or strategies when working with existing resources. Your

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

16 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | September 2017

2017 Small Business

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September 15 Planning for Your Businesses Transition to Family or Sale Facilitator: Scott Jensen, Country Financial.

September 22 Fraud, Counterfeit, Scams and Flimflams Facilitator: Paula Jacobsen, Red Canoe.

September 29 Understanding Your Business Taxes Facilitator: David Futcher, Futcher Group.

October 6

How to Generate Higher Profits Facilitator: Jerry Petrick, Certified Business Advisor, SBDC.

October 13

New Paid Family Leave Bill: How it Will Affect Your Business Facilitator: Nicole M. Tideman, Employment Law Specialist, Walstead Mertsching.

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Kelso School District

Longview Public Schools

Superintendent Glenn Gelbrich

Superintendent Dan Zorn

New year, New faces, opportunity As the doors swing open on a new school year, we are eager to have our students and staff back in classrooms. Wallace Elementary School students began a few weeks ago and the rest of our students joined us last week. Nearly 5,000 students began their 2017-18 school year that is filled with new faces and new opportunities.

For starters, in the Kelso School District we welcome 44 new teachers, approximately 30 new support staff, a new principal and welcome back Dr. Mark Connolly to serve as our principal at Carrolls Elementary School. We welcome back over thousands of returning students and a hundred or more new ones. The human dynamics within our classrooms adapt as new relationships are formed and new perspectives contribute to the learning.

School year part of dynamic transition Longview Public Schools will enter the 2017-18 school year with several new administrators, plus existing staff in new positions. Our district is in a dynamic phase of transition, with some of our longtime staff finding new opportunities for growth – both within and outside the district. We have found highly qualified people to continue their work, and I am extremely pleased with the team we have in place for the next school year. A short biography of our new team members follows: Tony VanderMaas will be the district’s new executive director of Leadership and Learning, taking the reins from Ken Hermanson, who accepted an elementary school principal post in Spokane. VanderMaas was principal at Ridgefield High School – and before becoming an educator was a nuclear engineer.

The stage is set to resume with vigor our pursuit of 100 percent graduation – to truly prepare each one of our students to graduate with the skills and aptitudes to contribute to their future and ours.

The journey begins well before they arrive as our partners in Head Start and preschools throughout our community strive to help our youngest citizens prepare for school. It continues as they enter kindergarten and advance through our elementary, middle and high school options. Along the way they are supported by family, friends, neighbors, church communities, local agencies and more.

Jill Diehl will be the district’s first director of Career and College Readiness, overseeing all vocational programs. She was most recently principal at Discovery High School and the district’s director of Career and Technical Education.

Each school year is an opportunity for us to step up our game as professional educators and as a community. Together, we can strengthen the support systems that prepares our community’s youth for their years beyond high school. As much as our Kelso school system strives to improve our students’ academic success, we also strive to “raise up” a new generation of civic leaders who contribute to their community.

Elizabeth West will be the new director of Special Education, replacing Rod McHattie, who retired this spring after 29 years with the district. West, a Mark Morris graduate, is a former special education teacher who is a prolific author and former interim director of the Special Education program at the University of Washington.

This year, as in past years, I am confident we will continue to build on the proud tradition of Hilanders who give back to those around them.

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Ron Kramer assumed the role of director of Human Resources at the beginning of the 2016-17 school year, taking on responsibilities that had been covered by Chris Fritsch, assistant superintendent of Business and Operations, who left to become superintendent of the Pendleton (Oregon) School District.

Patti Bowen will be the district’s new business manager. Previously LPS’s budget analyst, Bowen will oversee the Accounting and Payroll departments, and will be responsible for budget development and financial management. This is a new position created after the departure of Chris Fritsch, assistant superintendent of Business and Operations.

Mike Kleiner is the new principal/drop-out prevention coordinator at Discovery High School, taking the place of Jill Diehl (see above). Kleiner was previously at Legacy High School, an alternative high school in the Evergreen School District, where he served as Alternative Learning Experiences coordinator and re-engagement coordinator.

Lori Larson is the new principal at Robert Gray Elementary, replacing Kala Lougheed, who has accepted the position of elementary principal in Kalama. Larson was previously assistant principal at Mt. Solo Middle School.

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18 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | September 2017

Megan Shea, a Longview native, will be the new principal at St. Helens Elementary, taking the place of Nikki Reese, who has accepted the position of elementary principal at Wahkiakum School District. Shea previously served as an assistant elementary school For more Longview Schools, see page 19

Longview Schools, continued from page 18 principal in the Highline School District.

THERE ARE ENDLESS REASONS TO GIVE ON SEPTEMBER 21.

Trevor Person will be assistant principal and athletic director at R.A. Long High School, replacing Ty Morris, who retired after serving the students of the school for 36 years. Person previously taught and coached in the Evergreen School District.

Stephen Shepherd will be the new assistant principal at Mt. Solo Middle School, taking the place of Lori Larson (see above). Shepherd was previously the orchestra teacher at Mt. Solo.

We are excited about these new additions to our already excellent team and look forward to another great year in the Longview Public Schools.

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PeaceHealth St. John – Wellness in the Workplace Susie Griffin

Wellness Services Coordinator

5 steps to a balanced, stress less life As another season greets us with leaves changing, vacations ending, kids going back to school and days getting shorter and cooler, we shift our focus to getting ready to survive the upcoming holiday months. According to numerous research studies, the time around Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years brings higher fatigue and stress levels (61 and 68 percent respectively), than at any other time of year. Contributing factors such as travel, entertaining and shopping, change schedules and routines which in turn disrupt sleep patterns and healthy food choices. The impact of these stressors can have short term effects such as lack of focus and attention to detail and mood swings. Long term effects can cause deleterious repercussions to our mental, emotional and physical (weight gain, unstable blood sugar levels, high blood pressure…) well-being. While it is most common to address and treat stress through symptomatology (treat the symptoms) or episodically (eliminate the causing episode), it will be the purpose of this and the following four articles to address stress preventively; sharing five simple steps that will streamline your energy, efficiently.

Most of us can self-identify with being innate “doers”. We have our to-do lists either in our head or written down. We get satisfaction in making them, but an even greater sense of accomplishment in achiev-

ing them. If you are in management, overseeing one or 500 staff, you are an “uber doer”. Your day is packed with meetings, timelines, schedules, appointments and deadlines. You eat your breakfast standing up, in the car, on the go or sometimes not at all. You are juggling several things at once with a plate full of responsibilities. Even lunch with your spouse, kids’ soccer games, and workout or yoga classes are penciled onto your “to do” list. But…what would it look like (or feel like) with a blank “to do” list?

B-o-r-i-n-g. Scary, right?

Some of the most seemingly complicated problems are solved with counterintuitive solutions. How do we feel the healthiest and most productive, achieving everything on our “to do” lists and still have energy at the end of the day?

1) STOP. That’s right. Just, stop. Clear your schedule, your actions and thoughts and just, stop. Do completely nothing. Think of nothing.

Sit still. Be aware of your breath. Listen to any signs and signals your body may be sending that something, somewhere needs attention.

Not that the meeting tomorrow needs to be rescheduled to make that For more PeaceHealth, see page 21

Choose a plan that lets you choose When considering a health plan, cost is certainly one factor. But it shouldn’t be the only one. Make sure that the health insurance plan you select will allow you to receive care close to home, with access to local PeaceHealth hospitals, doctors and services.

Get resources at peacehealth.org/choose

20 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | September 2017

PeaceHealth, continued from page 20

Developing Strong Business Partners.

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

conference call with a prospective client or that you have five staff reviews to go through or that the kids’ soccer practice is cancelled and you must stop by the store on the way home to get that one ingredient for the dish served at tonight’s dinner party. The signs and signals that your body has been sending for the past five months but your mind has been too preoccupied scratching action items off your “to do” lists to receive them. The signs and signals that include little twinges upon certain movements or heart palpitations or body tension in the head, neck and jaw that causes those headaches and migraines. These same signs and signals that, if gone unnoticed and unacknowledged, can progress into diseases and health concerns like heart disease, diabetes, obesity, stroke or cancer.

Stopping and paying full attention to where we are at any present moment allows us to gain awareness of not only of what our current energy capacity is but also gives us the choice of how we want to use it. If we do this on a consistent basis, we are more likely to be aware of how our body and mind feels like when stressed; what resources are available and how to implement them to help recover and rebound from stress. Start your stopping practice for at least 5 minutes, each day. Carve out some time and space that supports you to fully stop. Bring out your competitive side and see how long you can sit.

Some people call this meditation. Call it whatever name resonates with you and motivates you to continue doing it. It’s not the name that rewards you; it is the simple action of paying attention to the need of making time for yourself to do nothing. And that is the first step towards getting through those reviews, meetings, timelines, deadlines and dreaded family gatherings during the holidays.

Breathe deep. Sit still. Be well. http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2006/12/holiday-stress.pdf http://www.getholistichealth.com/13874/why-many-people-getsick-during-the-holiday-season/

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August Ambassador of the Month Erika Agren Futcher Group

Agren's sunny smile closes out summer

The Chamber named Erika Agren August’s Ambassador of the Month.

“Erika always lights up a room with her smile and is a great team player,” said Chamber Project Manager Lindsey Cope. “We are so

Agren works at the Futcher Group in Longview and is married to Cory Remmers. Erika has a strong commitment to see the local community thrive. She is always learning about the diversity of businesses and activities in our area, and then helps share that knowledge with others.

Erika enjoys promoting our community and helping businesses make connections with other businesses and customers. She also enjoys getting out and meeting new people. When Erika is not vol-

happy to have you Erika. Thank you for all that you do.”

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 va-

unteering her time as one of the Chamber's “Red Coats”, she serves

riety of events year long. If you would be interested in wearing a red

on many boards, socializes with friends and family, curls up with a

coat and representing the Chamber, contact CEO Bill Marcum at the

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Ribbon Cuttings

Well. Well. Well.

The Chamber had the opportunity to welcome new member – Advocare by Brigette Elizabeth Bottorff in August. Brigette is a total wellness advocate.

She teaches workshops on nutrition and eating well on a budget, as well as being a wealth of knowledge in Advocare supplements. Welcome, Brigette!

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

Think Pink

Ambassadors welcomed Karen Thelin's Studio Pink to the Chamber with a ribbon cutting. Karen is also a Chamber Ambassador and brings experience and a positive outlook to our community. Congratulations Karen!

September 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 23

Join us for

Business After Hours Presented by:

Sneak Preview before the Grand Opening Tuesday, September 26 • 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm 848 15th Ave., Longview WA 98632

Come visit a new, upcoming restaurant in the historic Topper’s Restaurant location!

• Food • Drinks • Raffles

15 in Advance - $20

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at the door Register at www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

Business After Hours

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

Roaring Good Time

The Red Lion Hotel and Convention Center hosted August's Business After Hours event.

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Chamber Connection

Aloha!

Bill Bangs and Larry Geiger from the Cowlitz County Veterans Service Center joined Karen to talk about their ribbon cutting and the services they are providing to local veterans and their widows. Holly Knoles, owner and operator at the Performing Arts Academy located in Historic Downtown Longview, met with Lindsey to talk about summer drop-in classes and fall registration. Shawn Green with SERVPRO of Longview/ Kelso stopped in to discuss the Rock N Roll Up Your Sleeve Blood Drive, and everyone got into the Island Bingo spirit!

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

“Your Chamber Connection” EVERY Wednesday Hosts of the Show: Carey Mackey, Red Canoe Credit Union ; Brooke Fisher-Clark, United Way, Karen Sisson, NORPAC, and Lindsey Cope with the Chamber.

Stream live at www.kedoam.com Local guest and current events 26 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | September 2017

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

Chamber Connection

Labor Day Lean

Brigette Elizabeth Bottorff geared us up with Advocare supplement information in time for the Labor Day Lean Out Challenge and free nutrition workshop. Next, we had an exciting announcement from Marissa Carpentier about Columbia Wellness' New Mobile Crisis Program starting on or before October 1.

We look forward to handling your next real estate transaction.

Our Escrow Team…

Why Our Service is the Difference!

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Residential & Commercial

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

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360-992-8702 ancmovers.com

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1159 14th Avenue, Longview, WA 98632 ■ Phone: 360.423.5330 ■ www.cowlitztitle.com September 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 27

Island Bingo

Big Island Winners

Some of our winners show off their prizes while Carrie Medack and Alyssa Joyner welcome guests during the Chamber's Island Bingo event August 10 at Three Rivers Mall. A fundraiser for the Chamber and its scholarship programs.

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

28 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | September 2017

A Very Special

Thank You

to everyone who helped to make our first annual

Island Bingo a huge success!

Main Event Sponsor: Three Rivers Mall Linda DiLembo and her team pulled out all the stops to help us transform our space and make this happen!

VIP Sponsor: American Workforce Group Blackout Game Sponsor: NW Innovation Works Black Diamon Game Sponsor: The Gallery of Diamonds Food and Drinks: Fiesta Bonita

Game Sponsors:

Ecological Land Services The Vintage Square on Broadway Bricks & Minifigs in the Three Rivers Mall Posh on Commerce Teague’s Interiors Diana Boaglio Global Images and Design Connect Wireless AT&T in the Three Rivers Mall Tina Hart, Life Mortgage Lifeworks

8-28 Women’s Clothing Exchange Advocare by Brigette Bottorff Mythic Escapes in the Three Rivers Mall Banda’s Bouquets Rodan & Fields by Brigette Accent Inc, NW The Law Office of Meredith Long Sportsman’s Warehouse in the Three Rivers Mall Bigfoot Screen Printing on Commerce

Raffle Sponsors:

Red Lion Hotel and Conference Center Heritage Bank Buddy’s Home Furnishings Fiesta Bonita Mythic Escapes Kathy Kyllonen, Beacon Hill Rehabilitation Norwex by Ariana Boldt – Natural Home Cleaning Supplies

Decorations, Set-Up and Event:

Longview American Legion Kelso Longview Elks Lodge Kelso Eagles Cowlitz PUD Heritage Bank Kelso Longview Chamber Ambassadors Lower Columbia Professionals Mayor David Futcher, MC Cowlitz County Convention Center

We could not do all that we do without all of you!

New Members

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

Brow Down Candice Schulz 1329 Broadway St., Ste. 202 Longview, WA 98632 360-200-9738 Advocare by Brigette Bottorff Kelso, WA 98626 425-516-9501 Antidote Tap House Kelli and Andy Busack 716 Triangle Shopping Center Longview, WA 98632 360-232-8283

Rodan & Fields with Brigette Bottorff Kelso, WA 98626 425-576-9501 Catlin Properties Inc. Lisa Pyle 209 West Main St., Ste 103 Kelso, WA 98626 360-636-2897

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

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

Kerry’s Kollectables & Gene’s Junk Kerry Wale 940 14th Ave. Longview, WA 98632 360-232-8258

Kelso Youth Football Derek Kynaston PO Box 184 Kelso, WA 98626 360-957-0030

Mattress Superstore Kelly Carneal 730 Vandercook Way Longview, WA 98632 360-636-0188

Monticello Hotel Sharon Walker, GM 1405 17th Ave. Longview, WA 98632 360-425-9900

Norwex by Ariane Boldt Longview, WA 98632 360-957-5352

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

• Legislative Representation • Issues Tracking and Information • Task Forces • Candidate Forums • Legislative Update Breakfast • Demographics Publication

Meetings • Civic Representation • 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 • Use of Chamber Logo

30 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | September 2017

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.

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.

Brown & Brown Northwest Insurance Corwin Beverage Cowlitz River Rigging, Inc. Educational Service District No. 112 Emergency Support Shelter Fairway Collections Futcher Group Hart C's Steakburger & Thai Food Kelso School District Kelso Theater Pub Kelso-Longview Television, Inc. (KLTV) KeyBank Longview Early Edition Rotary Longview Eye & Vision/Drs. Terry & Jeff Tack Longview Physical & Sports Therapy Services Longview Self Storage Mobile Mic Entertainment Northwest Hardwoods, Inc. Opsahl Dawson Renaud Electric Company, Inc. Reprographics, Inc. Southwest Washington Blood Program United Way of Cowlitz and Wahkiakum Counties Willamette Dental September 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 31

2017

January 10: Teri’s Restaurant February 7: Columbia Theatre March 14: Engraving Emporium April 11: Jessica Wade, State Farm May 9: Amada Senior Care June 13: Hearth Coffee July 8: Silver Cove August 22: Red Lion Hotel and Conference Center September 26: Red Kitchen FKA Toppers October 17: Steele Chapel Longview Memorial Park November 14: Stewart Title December 12: Monticello Hotel (Holiday Mixer)

PORT OF KALAMA Back to School and Back to Business: We Celebrate 30+ Companies, 1000+ Employees at the Port

The Port of Kalama strives to balance the economy, environment and quality of life to make Kalama the best possible place to live. www.portofkalama.com 360.673.2325