September 2018 Business Connections

September

2018

Business Connection

Volume 10, Issue 9

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce

Island Bingo brings friends together for an entertaining evening out and raises funds for a great cause.

Big Prizes Bring Big Smiles to Chamber's Big Bingo Night Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Team Bill Marcum, CEO Amy Hallock Project Manager Pam Fierst Office Manager Joelle Wilson Social Media Services

Kelso Longview Business Connection is published monthly by the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce 105 N. Minor Road • Kelso, WA 98626 • 360-423-8400 kelsolongviewchamber.org To advertise, call Bill Marcum, 360-423-8400 or email bmarcum@ kelsolongviewchamber.org Ad Deadline: 20th of each month

A

fter last year’s inaugural success, the Chamber of Commerce suspected its scholarship fundraiser might be a big hit again.

Bingo!

Sold out 10 days prior to its Aug. 3 date the assertion was correct. Draped with colorful leis, the Chamber’s Island Bingo drew 250 attendees for an evening of fun and prizes.

Chamber Project Manager Amy Hallock attributes the phenomenal success to the game.

“I think it’s bingo,” Hallock said. “It’s easy, everyone knows how to play it. It’s fun. A group of friends can get together and do it together. It’s affordable, and you get some really, really, great prizes.”

Buy in for the evening was $20. For an additional $15, attendees could be VIPs. Thanks to sponsor Walstead Mertsching Attorneys at Law a VIP bag included a dauber, drink tickets and 40 bingo sheets.

“You get a lot of bang for your buck,” Hallock said.

Twenty game sponsors stepped up to ensure a big

This year's event drew 250 participants and sold out 10 days prior to its date. pay out. The three black out games alone brought big smiles to the winners – The Gallery of Diamonds, $1,000 ring; NW Innovation Works, $250 worth of camping equipment; and Lower Columbia Longshoremen Credit Union, $250 basket, which included a $150 McMenamins gift card.

Prizes for the other 17 games, each sponsored by a different business, included a laptop computer, kayak, gift cards, wine, clothing, books, furniture For more B-I-N-G-O!, see page 3

A Very Special

Thank You

to everyone who helped to make our annual

Island Bingo a huge success!

Location & Decoration: Kelso/Longview Elks VIP Sponsor: Walstead Mertsching Blackout Game Sponsor: Lower Columbia Longshoreman Credit Union Blackout Game Sponsor: NW Innovation Works Black Diamond Game Sponsor: The Gallery of Diamonds Food and Drinks: Fiesta Bonita

Game Sponsors:

Ecological Land Service Buddy’s Home Furnishings Woodford Commercial – Chris Roewe Three Rivers Mall Eye Clothing Company Elam’s Home Furnishings Posh on Commerce Cowlitz County Museum Taco Time Etch This & That Wanderlust Marketing Global Security Windermere Longview/Kelso Puzzle Quest Red Lion Hotel Titos Vodka Wilco Mill City Grill 100 Woman who Care Three River Eye Care

Raffle Sponsors: Heritage Bank Tibbetts Mercantile Three Rivers Golf Course Treadway Events The Sleep Center Watkins Tractor

Vintage Square on Broadway Viper Vapor Teague’s Interiors Lafavorites Life Mortgage Millennium Bulk Terminals

KLOG - KUKN - The Wave Corwin Beverage Life Works Copies Today Speedy Litho Guild Mortgage - Kari-Ann Botero Sportsman’s Warehouse

Decorations, Set-Up and Event:

Kelso/Longview Elks David Futcher, MC

Lower Columbia Professionals Kalei Lafave and her Hula Dancers

Chamber Ambassadors

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

B-I-N-G-O!, continued from page 1 and more.

“The prizes were fantastic,” Hallock said. “The raffle prizes were awesome too.”

Yep, there were 18 raffle sponsors too.

A complete list of sponsors can be seen on page 2.

The move to the roomier and air-conditioned Kelso-Longview Elks lodge paid off during the sweltering heat.

The warm weather paired with the island decorations created an atmosphere of fun. Kalei Lafave, Innovative Sleep Center and 100 Women Who Care, entertained the crowd with hula dancing. Fiesta Bonita provided tasty fare while players daubed.

Hallock gave a shout out to Futcher Group Managing Partner David Futcher, who served as emcee.

Best part of the night…all proceeds benefit the Chamber’s scholarship fund.

In May, the Chamber, through its Education Committee and the Lower Columbia Professionals, awarded $21,000 in scholarship awards to 19 seniors graduating from local high schools.

David and Sandi Names showed up to show daughter and Chamber Project Manager Amy Hallock their support.

Marlene Johanson makes friends with a large, inflatable, pink flamingo.

Native Islander Kalei Lafave entranced, and encouraged a few from the crowd, with hula dancing.

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

September 2018 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 3

2018 Small Business

BOOT CAMP 2018 Fall Series begins Friday, Sept. 14 Friday Mornings ★ Lower Columbia College

7:30 am - 9 am ★ Heritage Room at LCC - Admin. Bldg.

Fall 2018 six pack

Sept. 14 Maximum Cash Generation Facilitator: Frank McShane, Square Peg Consulting. This is not the same as Profit or Cash Flow. How do I know which products or services are providing the most cash so I can keep expanding my business? This workshop will show you how to use your own data to determine which products or services are generating the most cash.

Then you can focus your time and resources on the things that will help you grow your business faster.

Sept. 21 Marketing vs. Sales So now you are in charge of Marketing and Sales for your business or company. They are not the

same. How do you know what works, doesn’t work and how can you track sales to try to determine what is providing you the most bang for your buck. Facilitator is still to be determined.

Sept. 28 How to Read a Balance sheet and other financial statements David Futcher, Futcher Group CPA’s will be help you better understand your financial documents which will help you manage your revenue and expenses for maximum growth.

Oct. 5

Conflict – Home, work, boss and the kids Mary Cranston, Performance Coaching will be facilitating this class on

dealing with conflict both at home and at the office. There are simple strategies that can help when dealing with conflict with co-workers, the boss, your kids or your spouse. Mary will show you how to make these work for less stress and better outcomes.

Oct. 12 Optimizing Inventory – Frank McShane, Square Peg Consulting. How can I make sure I have the right products at the right time to serve my customers without ending up with slow or dead inventory? This workshop will show you how to use your data to fine tune your inventory plan and provide great customer service at the lowest level of investment.

Oct. 19 How to generate higher profits. Jerry Petrick with Small Business Development Center will facilitate this class on finding ways to grow your profits. The two basics, sell more product and cut expenses, right. But how do you do that. How do you sell more product? What expenses do I cut? Jerry will lead this discussion and help you answer those questions.

No pricing change since 2013!

100 Members

$

★ $160 Non-Members

Sponsored by:

You can bring up to three people from your business making the cost to attend about $5.50 per person, per class. Individual classes are $25 for members and $35 for non-members.

360-423-8400

www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

Cowlitz Wahkiakum Council of Governments

By Bill Fashing Executive Director

The 2020 Census: Time to Standup and Be Counted

The 2020 census is quickly approaching. Much of the population is unaware of the significance of the census to their daily lives. The census is mandated in the U.S. Constitution and was seen by the founding fathers as a crucial piece of our representative form of government. Without the census, and a full count of our population, we will not receive the full representation we deserve based on our population. As if that is not enough, the census is crucial for so much more in our lives.

In early 2019 the Cowlitz Wahkiakum Council of Governments (CWCOG) and area cities, towns and counties will be working to review and suggest changes to the boundaries for block groups, census tracts, census county division and census designated places. This information is crucial in reporting data for use in the American Community Survey and other Census Bureau programs.

The CWCOG’s work will follow those of the Census Bureau in efforts to encourage full participation in the census. Over the next 18 months the census will be conducting outreach to inform and educate the population on the census and how the information is used and protected. You can find additional information on the census and privacy protections at the census website. According to the Census Bureau, tribal, state, and local governments; community-based organizations; faith-based groups; schools; businesses; the media; and others play a key role in developing partners to educate and motivate residents to participate in the 2020 census.

A recent Center for Poverty and Inequality study at Georgetown Law, states that a fair and accurate census matters in many ways.

It matters to both the public and private sectors and is the basis by which the federal government directs funding back to communities. The census affects how and where federal funds are allocated for many healthcare programs. The census impacts the distribution of heal insurance through Medicaid and Medicare, public health, Medicare Part B, hospitals, service delivery and patient wellbeing.

Education funds are driven by census numbers as well. The data informs where research dollars are spent in educational and helps to identify local education needs. The census provides the foundation for school districts on characteristics that identify Title 1 funding.

The census even plays a part in setting poverty guidelines for the national school lunch program.

Housing is another sector dependent upon the products developed

through the census. Much of the housing data we have access to is formulated through the census. According to the study, private sector information providers from Zillow to the National Association of Realtors Investment Trusts use decennial census information in their efforts.

Local government and local nonprofits are also significant consumers of census data. Government uses the information to assist in decision making and to develop a better understanding of local conditions. It uses the data for everything from grant writing to policy development to show compliance with federal mandates.

The private sector, as already mentioned, is dependent on the census in many ways. Data on the consumer price index, the labor force, construction, exports, and general business characteristics are all based on the foundation of the census data. Business uses census data for marketing, analysis of competition and understanding the dynamics of the labor force.

Finally, transportation related data also has a census foundation.

The CWCOG and other planning organizations around the country depend on the Census Transportation Planning Products Program run by the U.S. Department of Transportation. This information is used in the Regional and Metropolitan Transportation Plan developed by the CWCOG to look at the long-term planning horizon for transportation. The draft of the 2045 plan will be out late this month for public review and includes an entire chapter on data with ties to the U.S. Census.

As 2019 begins, the push for participation and awareness of the census will grow. Plan on engaging in local complete count efforts and helping your employees and co-workers to participate in the census. Full participation in the area will mean better focused programs and stronger funding for many local programs. This can lead to a stronger economy and adequate help for those within our region that are struggling. You can get additional information on the census and its importance to area residents at this link to The Census Project, and how to participate in efforts to support a complete count at this link to the census.

Let me know if you want to engage in the census effort and help to build a better understanding of our community needs and challenges to assist in developing the overall game plan to move the region toward a stronger economic future.

September 2018 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 5

Mind Your Own Business (at the Library)

By Elizabeth Partridge

Longview Public Library

Small Business and Employment Help at the Longview Public Library Whether you are a small business owner, an entrepreneur, or someone seeking a job, you’ve probably noticed that the skills and knowledge you need to succeed are constantly changing. The Longview Public Library wants to be a part of your success story and help you meet the challenges that come with change. Through local partnerships, we have brought together numerous resources to keep the motivated small business owner, the future entrepreneur, or the job seeker informed and ready to tackle the next step.

The Small Business Hub is a one-stop information center for small business owners and entrepreneurs that orients them to the small business climate in our area. In addition to our print resources, we can offer you one-on-one training on how to use the online small business databases so you can also get a better picture of the market and trends.

Call Karl or Elizabeth at 360-442-5300 for more information. Access our Web page for useful resources to help you start and run a small business or read our checklists for the “What do I do now?” or “How do I do that?” questions that come up. You can find them at http:// longviewlibrary.org/business.php. Do you need one-on-one help? Ask us about SCORE seminars and mentors.

For the job seeker, we offer programs and classes with community partners to prepare them for a successful employment search and hiring process. WorkSource Cowlitz/Wahkiakum provides two classes per month for job searching and resume building. Classes are held the first and third Friday of every month from 2 to 4 p.m. at the library.

They are free and open to anyone. We also offer free one-on-one resume writing help by appointment. Call us for more information.

Do you want to meet local employers and submit your application for your next job? Come to one of the WorkSource hiring events at the library. The next one is Sept. 27 from noon to 3 p.m. If you are an employer and want to participate, please call Donna at WorkSource to reserve a table – 360-577-2250.

There are even more free resources, local referrals, and one-on-one mentoring and learning tools available for anyone who wants to use them, whether you have a library card or not. If you have not been to the Longview library in a while, I invite you to come in and see everything that is happening. The library will always be committed to providing books and access to information, but the library has also changed and grown into so much more!

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

Chris Bailey Lower Columbia College

Nancy Malone Mayor of Kelso

Bianca Lemmons, Vice President

Clayton J. Bartness, DC Longview Chiropractic Clinic

Cherelle Montanye St. John/PeaceHealth

Neil Zick, Treasurer

Ken Botero Longview City Council

Bruce Pollock Bicoastal Media

Michael Claxton, Legal Counsel

Bob Crisman Gallery of Diamonds

Tom Rozwod NORPAC/Weyerhaeuser

Wendy Hutchinson Millennium Bulk Terminals

Ted Sprague Cowlitz Economic Development Council

Marlene Johanson Heritage Bank

Dennis Weber Cowlitz County Commissioner

Foster Farms

Cowlitz County Title Twin City Bank

Walstead Mertsching

Nick Lemiere, Executive Board Edward Jones Chris Roewe, Executive Board Woodford Commercial Real Estate

Wendy Kosloski Teague's Interiors

6 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | September 2018

Cowlitz County Commissioners

By Joe Gardner

Building and Planning Updates Offer More Flexiblity for Citizens

The Building and Planning department is always a popular subject

house; it was a 7,000-plus square foot structure. Prior to the Wild-

so I would like to take this opportunity to highlight some significant

land Urban Interface Code the only way for this home to comply

progress made in the last couple of years. The board and staff have

with the fire code would have either been an expensive (and not very

focused efforts on finding ways to provide flexibility and cost effec-

attractive) sprinkler system or the installation of a dry hydrant on

tive options for citizens.

the property. The builder made it clear during the meeting that the

In 2017, after a robust public process, the commissioners approved the long overdue update to the county Comprehensive Plan. With this update, the overall size of the document was reduced, as well as the number of land use classifications, from 13 down to six. We believe the updated plan improves predictability and consistency while providing for annual updates that can be initiated by citizens or the county.

Another change adopted affects fire code implementation. Meeting the requirements of the fire code has been a common source of frustration for folks building a home in the county, especially in the rural portions farther away from fire stations. Meeting state fire code requirements often leads to significant additional costs and/or changes to building plans. In an attempt to offer homeowners some flexibility and much needed financial relief, the county adopted the Wildland Urban Interface Code. Through the utilization of this code applicants can now take advantage of and receive credit for things they may have already planned to do. For example, I recently attended a meeting between the county building official and a homebuilder.

The purpose of this meeting was to determine how fire flow requirements would be met. The proposed home was not your average

owner did not want a sprinkler system in the house. With the use of the new code the builder was able to receive fire flow credit for items such as: the lot size was larger than an acre, had more than 20 foot setbacks from property lines, use of ignition resistant construction material, and the maintenance of defensible space around the home.

In 2017 the county declared a state of emergency regarding the lack of adequate new home construction and directed the department to recommend amendments to existing regulations providing increased housing supply, flexibility, innovation and affordability. One of the recommendations brought forward and now implemented was to allow a density bonus of 25 percent on multifamily development in urban and suburban areas classified in the Comprehensive Plan. For example, a proposed 100-unit apartment complex would now be able to have 125 units.

Another recommendation from Building and Planning was to update the accessary dwelling unit (ADU) ordinance. The changes to the ordinance allows for ADUs in multifamily zones while increasing the maximum size limit to 1,200 square feet from the previous 800 square feet and reduces the minimum size to align with state code. As well, the requirements for connectivity between units and owner-occupancy were removed.

Additionally, a proposed new cottage-housing ordinance would allow for a grouping of at least four units of small single-family detached dwellings on one common parcel with a maximum size of 1,200 square feet and minimum of 120 square feet.

Over the past couple of years Building and Planning has continued to pursue ways to work within the sideboards of the law while pro-

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

ducing flexible and cost effective options for citizens and businesses in Cowlitz County. I would like to thank Elaine Placido and her team in Building and Planning as well as the volunteers on the Building and Planning Advisory Committee and the Planning Commission for their effort in bringing about these positive changes.

September 2018 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 7

City of Kelso

City of Longview

By City Councilman David Futcher

By City Councilman Ken Botero

Grade Street Redesign Coming I’d tell you that everyone is going to love our plans for Grade Street, but sarcasm is difficult to convey in written word. In coming months, Kelso is going to complete a “rechannelization” of Grade Street, the street that runs from the quasi-roundabout around the Red Canoe Branch out past the mall to 13th Street. That basically means that we’re going to change the configuration and traffic flow of the area without significant rebuilding of the street.

Once many years ago, a transportation planner pointed out to me that Grade Street made no sense as a four-lane road. The traffic count pales compared to the nearby four-lane arterial, Allen Street. After analysis, staff has recommended changing from four lanes to two, adding a center turn lane and bicycle lanes on each side. The turn lane will help with the current safety hazard faced when vehicles stop in the path of traffic to turn left.

The biggest changes to how you’ll drive are around the Red Canoe branch, though. Before I go through those, let me line out some of the traffic challenges we have in that area: Parking is allowed in the travel lane for the businesses on the east side of Grade Street heading toward Red Canoe.

Both eastbound and westbound drivers on Allen Street wanting to make left turns create backups and impede traffic flow.

If you drive on Oak Street behind the credit union, you either need to turn left or right when you reach 5th (which turns into Grade Street). Right puts you into too tight of a turn for the current two lanes, and left exposes you to merging traffic who have, over the years, developed the opinion that they have the right of way to make a lane change there, when they do not.

Most of the traffic on 5th as it meets Allen Street wants to go left, but only one of the three lanes allow such a movement.

Community Built for Strength Welcome to the jewel of the northwest, Longview, Washington.

This is a strong and positive thinking community that has a dream to be something special.

You know at times life can hit us hard and we get knocked down when we didn’t even see the downfall coming. But I am proud to see the positive attitude from our citizens. In our community we realize its not how hard we get hit, but about how we still find the strength to keep moving forward and go beyond the obstacles ahead.

We are very proud of our community and the positive atmosphere created, not only by our citizens, but our local businesses that in hard times step up and make a difference. When we as a community look back at some of our circumstances and figure out what went wrong it gives us some very important information which allows us to evaluate what worked and what didn’t and more importantly, why.

Here in the beautiful city of Longview surrounded by the beautiful green country side we find an open door to the vision and success of the future. Our citizens work well in looking at positive options to create that Quality of Place we dream of.

We have the leadership from our many volunteer groups and city staff members working together with our citizens to provide a stronger insight to our vision. Not to leave the city council out, along with the executive leaders on staff, we have a young visionary partnership with the community and each other. A positive note here that we have one of the most informative chamber of commerce directors, who keeps the community leaders tied into our local, state and federal lobbyist in order to stay on the up side of the programs we need to fulfill our dream.

I, for one, invite you to join us in living our dream through positive thinking and positive action. Longview is growing, even though slowly, but we are moving in the right direction, come join us.

The fixes proposed will deal with those issues and others. Among the changes, left turns from Allen Street onto S 4th or N 5th Streets will not be allowed. You’ll have to make what will be, at least for a time, an unintuitive loop around the block to get where you want to go. Also, left turns from 5th onto Allen will be expanded to the two left lanes. The movement for the merging traffic coming around behind the credit union will be more clearly marked and safer. Finally, the travel lane parking on Grade Street will be converted into actual parallel parking spaces, safe from the oncoming traffic.

As I mentioned at the council meeting recently, this area may be a complete cluster, but it’s our cluster. We know how to get around that area, and these new changes may take some getting used to. But at the end of the day, I ask for your patience as we shoot for an increase in safety and performance in the area.

8 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | September 2018

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

Calendar Monday September 3 Labor Day Chamber Office Closed Tuesday September 4– 7:30-9am Education Foundation Meeting Millennium Bulk Terminals Wednesday September 5 – 7:30-8:30am Ambassadors Meeting Columbia Bank Monday September 10 – Noon Government Affairs Committee Teri's Restaurant Speakers Jim Walsh 19th District State Represenative Erin Frasier Candidate for 19th District Seat Tuesday September 11 – Noon Chamber Executive Board Mill City Grill Friday September 14-October 19 – 7:30am Small Business Boot Camp Lower Columbia College Heritage Room Tuesday September 18 – Noon Chamber Board Meeting Mill City Grill September 18 – 5:30-7:30pm Business After Hours Cowlitz Indian Tribe Thursday September 20 – 11:45-1:15pm Quarterly Luncheon State of the Cities Cowlitz County Event Center $25 in advance; $35 at the door Monday October 8 – Noon Government Affairs Committee Teri's Restaurant Speakers Doug Orcutt 20th District Represenative Brennan Bailey Candidate for 20th District Seat Brian Blake 19th District Representative Joel McEntire Candidate for 19th District Seat Every Wednesday Chamber Connections KEDO/1400 AM or 99.1 FM 3-4pm Stream live at www.kedoam.com

Chamber CEO’s Message

By Bill Marcum

Jump In Summer Visits Good for Business As the summer draws to a close I thought I would share with you some interesting things about the Kelso Visitor Center that is manned by the Chamber staff seven days a week.

Summer is our busy season, 74 percent of all the visits we receive happen between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. We have seen an increase in visitors this past summer of about 18 percent, with the most notable jumps during the Babe Ruth World Series, Squirrel Fest and the Unique Car Show.

The trend from 2016 continues with Monday our busiest day. 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 57. These are the visitors who actually come into the building. We have another 20 or more each Monday who call us with travel questions. The next busiest day is Friday and most of those 35 plus that come in are generally coming through our doors after 1 p.m.

During the summer we are averaging about 1,500 visitors per month, which is an increase of 100 more than the past couple of years. I think the continued low gas prices have more people traveling via the roads and 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. In total, over the past three weeks, we have talked to more than a dozen families looking for housing information because they are moving here. During the entire summer that number is close to 100 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 future retirees have been from Texas and California.

Last week I spent nearly an hour with a young couple that stopped in looking for information about the area – where to live, apartment versus home to rent, shopping, utilities, healthcare, TV, phone, Internet all the things most people will need when they move here. They were from Eureka, Calif., 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.

If you spent a day working in the visitor center, I think you also would be amazed by the number of people who are staying two, three or four days in our area, using Longview/Kelso as their base and traveling from here each day to a different location – the beach and Mount St. Helens the No. 1 and No. 2 visitor attractions.

This past month we prepared more than 800 welcome bags for folks attending a variety of events in August, and we prepared 50 welcome bags for new teachers joining the Kelso School District. A special thank you to our members who were able to contribute to those new teacher bags, especially Fibre Federal Credit Union who provided the beautiful bags.

Five years ago when the Chamber moved from downtown Longview to Kelso, the goal for the new visitor center was to bring commerce to our two communities. We didn’t want to let people to just pass through here.

We wanted to engage them and encourage them to spend an hour or a day investing in our local commerce. Today, we are accomplishing that goal and bringing more and more businesses into Kelso and Longview to not only serve the local population but also meet the needs of visitors.

September 2018 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 9

Wellness in the Workplace

By Susie Griffin Corporate and Personal Health Services

Are You Getting Enough Vitamin Zzzzzzz?

Sleep is as necessary to physical and mental health as is food, water and breath. We sometimes overlook it as a considering factor when trying to manage (and failing) stress, weight loss, depression and anxiety, exercise outcomes, work and life productivity. However, whenever I do a health history intake on a client, I always inquire about sleep quality. Regardless of the quality of diet or consistency and intensity of exercise, if one isn’t receiving non-disruptive, seven to eight hours of sleep a night, any amount of success will be limited and short lived.

Sleep is regulated by the hormone melatonin, secreted by the pineal gland at the base of the brain. Melatonin is produced when light levels are low, triggering drowsiness and preparing the body and mind for sleep. Over a 24-hour period, the body’s circadian rhythm, or internal “clock,” measures our sleep/wake cycle. This “clock” essentially affects every cell in our body. When this rhythm is altered, either by insufficient amount, lack of sleep quality or disruptive sleep, short term effects such as the ability to focus, memory retention loss, extreme mood swings, on the job work or driver accidents (one of the leading causes of car crashes, secondary to alcohol related, is driver sleepiness)* can occur. Long term bouts of sleep deficiency can lead to heart and kidney disease, stroke, obesity, diabetes, depression and high blood pressure.

wool with 1-2 drops of essential lavender oil.

• Read a real book (no Kindles or surfing the Internet): blue light from TV and cellphones affect melatonin production and sleep quality.

• Spend quality time being physical active outside.

• Take power naps: up to 20 minutes during the day can help reboot your mind and body.

If you have implemented these changes and still find yourself waking up groggy, having trouble staying awake during the day, snoring, or having mental fatigue consistently, a conversation with your health care practitioner may be in order.

Hopefully you have already been benefitting from good sleep habits and are spending quality time in the zzzzzz zone. Good night! *https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/sleep-deprivation-and-deficiency http://www.sleepfoundation.org

Most sleep specialists recommend averaging seven to eight hours of sleep per night for adults 18 years and older. Although there are some outliers that thrive outside of this parameter, research has shown that these hours produce the best and most consistent sleep quality and health outcomes. However, if you are having trouble getting a restful night’s sleep, try these recommendations by the Sleep Foundation: • Consistent sleep/wake time: get to bed and wake up the same time, even on weekends.

• Avoid caffeinated foods and beverages four to eight hours before bedtime: chocolate, tea, coffee, soda.

• Make your room dark: draw your blinds/curtains/shades. Minimize artificial light from the electronic device’s power buttons. Use low wattage bulbs in your lamps and lighting fixtures.

• Minimize “peak” noises (changing tones and volume) by maximizing white noise (soothing and consistent ambient sounds: air conditioner, fan, water feature, app, or air purifier.

• Clean your sheets, mattress pad, pillows, mattress and pillow cases: Wash sheets, mattress pad weekly. Use fabric cleaner and baking soda to hand wash mattress; vacuum when dry. Seventy one percent of Americans say they experience better sleep with fresh sheets.

• Cool your room: 65 degrees is the perfect sleep number.

• Avoid fatty, fried or spicy foods.

• Try tryptophan: turkey, eggs, chicken, nuts and fish are quality sources.

• The nose knows: lavender has been proved to improve sleep, lower heart rate and blood pressure. Instead of dryer sheets, try balls of 10 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | September 2018

alize peci ng s e W movi in os pian

Residential & Commercial

360-992-8702 ancmovers.com

Cowlitz Economic Development Council

By Ted Sprague CEO

More Than Just a Gazebo On a bright and sunny Wednesday, Aug. 29, citizens of Longview and Cowlitz County gathered together to celebrate the groundbreaking for the infrastructure fixes at R.A. Long Park (also known as Jefferson Square). Several speakers who were, and are, involved in the project had the opportunity to speak. The quote that caught my ear was by Jeff Cameron, city of Longview public works director, when he said this project is about, “More than just a gazebo.”

The work involved includes a concrete plaza, pathways, electrical upgrades, new lights and landscaping. The cherry on top is the new gazebo where bands can play and events will take place. Longview Mayor Don Jensen served as the master of ceremonies that included remarks by Cameron, Diane Craft from Koelsch Communities, Sen. Dean Takko, Rep. Brian Blake and Rep. Jim Walsh. All of the speakers referred to the importance of teamwork, dedication of city staff and elected leaders and the vital role of private contributions from the Kuntz Family Trust and Koelsch Family and Communities. The bulk of the project should be completed by the end of November.

The city of Longview Parks and Recreation Department, under the leadership of Director Jennifer Wills has made incredible strides in the past couple of years and we at the CEDC applaud your efforts! Congratulations and here’s to continuing to improve the Quality of Place where we live and work.

2018 - The Year of Change Southwest Washington SHRM

l a u n n A Fall e c n e er f Con Keynote Speakers: John Stanley, EEOC Tom Tomasevic, T2 Teams Rep. Paul Harris, WA State

Vancouver Hilton Convention Center 301 W 6th Street, Vancouver October 26, 2018 | 7:15 am to 3:15 pm swshrm.org September 2018 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 11

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

It's OK to Let Go It’s OK to let go.

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

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

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

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

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

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!

• 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.

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

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

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

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

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

It’s not only OK to let go; it is often necessary for both your professional and personal well being. No one can do it all themselves. A successful business owner, manager, or staff should be willing to accept and ultimately initiate some action to encourage, motivate and support accomplishing some things through the efforts of others.

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 moti12 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | September 2018

• 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 oneon-one meetings to monitor the status of the assignment.

• Give timely and honest feedback.

• Acknowledge, both privately and publicly, their contribution.

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

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

It’s OK to let go. © Murray & Nau, Inc. Chuck Nau of Murray and Nau, Inc. is a Seattle area based consultant and sales and management trainer. He is a 25-year veteran of advertising, sales, media and management, who knows and understands the everyday challenges of starting up, growing, and surviving in today’s ever changing retail climate. He has spoken to and conducted workshops for a number of local retail and chamber organizations, national publishing groups, national retailers and manufacturers, state press associations, and newspaper groups.

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

Longview Public Schools Director of Career and College Readiness Jill Diehl

Program Builds Future Careers

Helping Your Business Bloom!

"Fibre Federal welcomes me. When I walk in, I feel like I matter and they actually treat me like a person. Even if I have twenty things to do, they’re not rushing me to get onto the next member. I feel like I’m being taken care of and that really matters.“ -Jason Vorse, Owner Pollen Floral Works Bring your business to Fibre Federal for Business Plus Checking, Business Online Banking, remote deposit, low-cost loans, and incredible member service.

360.423.8750 1.800.205.7872 www.fibrecu.com

Federally insured

by NCUA

Banking Made Easy

Longview Public Schools is very excited to share the new Building and Trades Pre-Apprenticeship in the High School program that will begin this fall! Our district has continuously expanded development of new courses and upgraded programs and equipment over the past five years to increase training opportunities that meet labor market demand and industry standards. Last January, at an informational open house promoting the new program, we had a “standing-room only” audience of more than 100 students and parents in attendance. Students, parents, and labor representatives shared their enthusiasm for the new program and students shared that they finally had a program in high school that fit their career goals.

Thirty students are enrolled for fall and will take a specific sequence of elective classes that expose them to trade skills in construction, electronics, welding, manufacturing, plumbing and pipefitting. In addition, upper level courses in math and English will be specific to the trades and include applied industrial math, geometry in construction, and technical writing to prepare students to meet required scores on the apprenticeship entry exam. This program will be registered in Washington state and nationally, being a registered pre-apprenticeship program means students who meet entry exam requirements, complete program certifications, and who are drug free will have direct entry into an apprenticeship program in our state and nationally after graduation. We are also collaborating with Lower Columbia College to articulate our program to their pre-apprenticeship program, so students will also graduate with college credit.

Our program will provide a professional, state-of-the-art “skill center” environment for students to prepare for this career path in their own high school. Our new program developed out of collaborative relationships with industry and local labor unions, including sponsorship by International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). Our district is especially grateful to JH Kelly, their financial support allowed us to restructure shop classrooms into a high-technology pre-apprenticeship center and they have provided technical learning for our students through tours of commercial building sites, like the new McMennamins in Kalama. Our district will be hosting a pre-apprenticeship open house on Sept. 19 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. to showcase the pre-apprenticeship classrooms and equipment for the public and to thank our industry and labor council partners for their support of our students and this program.

JH Kelly teaches

students about the building trades at Kalama’s new McMennamins construction site.

September 2018 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 13

Business After Hours

Masters of Service Lynn Frost picked up a fresh bouquet during the raffle at

our August Business After Hours. The bright, yellow flowers matched the company colors of our host ServiceMaster by JTS. Above, Josh Gallup and his team welcomed Chamber members. Everyone had a great time, especially Chamber CEO Bill Marcum and Russ Chittock of Enlivant, who were hamming it up. Below, Gallup offered tours of the ServiceMaster facility.

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

14 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | September 2018

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Hosted by the Cowlitz Indian Tribe Tuesday, September 18, 5:30 to 7:30 pm 900 Fir Street, Longview

Ilani Prize Give-Aways Traditional Fry Bread Facility Tours Catering by Summerland Music at the door $15 in Advance, $20 Register at www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

Business Toolbox

By Jerry D. Petrick Certified Business Adviser

Use Your Downtime Wisely Sometimes things just aren’t working, and you need to know why. Taking time to pause and reflect will help you make better business decisions and help your business thrive. The age-old question most business owners have is how do I find the time to address the issues?

Most businesses have a down or slow time. For some it is the summer months and for others it is time between the holidays.

Take advantage of your slow time to refresh or reset your business. This may require you to close your doors for a few days to tune out the distractions. If sales are slow and staff is in transition, this is a good time to iron out the kinks.

Here are some low-cost, no-cost and low-stress ideas to help you avoid business burnout: ✓ Evaluate your business: A SWOT analysis — Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats — can help you determine gaps in the market. This is a particularly helpful exercise if you are an online retailer. ✓ Get a financial tune-up: Is your cash flow slow, but your expenses never-ending? Enlist the help of a financial professional or a Small Business Development Center Adviser to help determine the best approach for revenue forecasting. Reassessing your product pricing and negotiating better terms with vendors are just a couple of practices you can change to improve your cash flow. ✓ Freshen up your marketing: Are you stuck in a time warp and still using clip art? If so, it’s time to revamp your marketing strategy. Update your website — make sure it is mobile friendly (not all of them are) this can be a turnoff for potential customers. A refreshed logo and marketing materials is a must every few years. Update that blog you started two years ago; there are many companies that will outsource content if you cannot keep up with posts on a regular basis. If you become static, your customers will notice. Take some time to research new markets; it is a vital part of a successful marketing strategy and a good way to increase revenue. Take some time to do your research; there are many free online resources available. ✓ Schedule training opportunities or retreats: Investing in developing yourself and your staff will help you retain them and offer more to your clients and customers. There are many themes offered by various consultants, from customer service and safety/ OSHA training to how to run a lean business. This is also a good 16 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | September 2018

time to take stock of current talent and conduct staff reviews. Or perhaps you should implement new policies or even create or update an employee handbook with standard operating procedures. ✓ Give your store or facility a new look: Tackle those remodeling projects. Revamp your displays, décor, and signage. Finally fix that falling ceiling in the back-storage room. Focus on improvements that will enhance your customers’ experience. This will give you the edge with your competitors. ✓ Go to Vegas (for business): Go to a trade show to research new products. Consumer demands are ever changing, and trade shows are a good way to make sure your brand is evolving to meet your customer needs and to learn the ins and outs of new products. Many vendors offer free product training and promotional displays as an incentive to carry their product lines. ✓ Network!: Often organizations and trade associations offer conferences during the summer/off season months, and your traditional chamber of commerce and Rotary events are better attended. These are great places to connect with future clients/ customers, vendors and perhaps employees. ✓ Take time for yourself: Find some balance — all work and no play leads to burnout and nonproductive cycles, no matter how much you love what you do for a living. Penciling in a time on your calendar gives you permission to take a break. You will frequently find that a few days or a long weekend gives you enough time to come back renewed and refreshed with a new outlook on your business.

And a final tip: Map out a plan for yearly goals and include some that can be accomplished in your down time. Creating an idea file in Asana, Evernote or Pinterest will help keep you organized and on track. Make the most of every season.

This article was compiled by Jerry Petrick, MBA, and Certified Business Adviser with the Washington State University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Longview. Jerry provides nocost, confidential business advisory services by appointment. He can be reached via email jerry.petrick@wsbdc.org

Longview Downtowners

By Lindsey Cope President

Festivals Make Good Business Partners

One of my favorite things about our area is how we embrace that which makes us original as an entire community. I think the city of Longview’s website introduces this in such a great way: “San Francisco has its cable cars. Seattle has its Space Needle. And, Longview has its squirrel bridge(s).”

Out of our love for squirrels naturally came Squirrel Fest in 2010 as dreamed up by the Longview Sandbaggers. You may recognize this group of squirrely guys in their trademark red and white striped blazers. This event has been hosted at R.A. Long Park, aka Civic Circle, which are only a hop, skip and a jump away from downtown!

The Longview Downtowners are actively working on ways to partner with events in our area, as well as create our own. In the past, Wendy Kosloski with Teague’s Interiors and her team organized a scavenger hunt for people to participate in downtown while they are already in the area. Last year, Koelsch Communities provided a shuttle to help with the parking congestion behind the Monticello.

This year, we decided to take these ideas and combine them!

This year, the shuttle provided by Koeslch Communities picked up and/or dropped off almost 200 people from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from behind Mill City Grill and Kirkpatrick Family Care across from R.A. Long Park. We were told that this allowed many people who were unable to attend previously due to parking constraints to attend the community event! We also had many who came to participate in the scavenger hunt downtown. The clues led our hunters to check out our 17 participating locations!

Every person who took the shuttle filled out a raffle ticket for a chance to win one of our four prizes donated by the Longview Downtowners membership. If a person completed the scavenger hunt, they received two entries for a chance to win! We announced the winners live on Facebook Aug. 28.

A huge thank you to all of our sponsors: Koelsch Communities, Rotary Club of Longview, Heritage Bank, Posh on Commerce, Guses Gourmet Coffee, The Outfitter, Silver Star Bar and Grill, Loving Promises, J Squared Barrel House, Pets, Pawns and Instruments, The

Locally Owned, Family Owned and Here to Stay!

Office 842, Halon Salon and Boutique, Time Out Ice Cream, The Vintage Square on Broadway, Triangle Tavern, Elam’s Home Furnishings, Paper Craft Addiction, Teague’s Interiors, Kait and Stella, Candy Bouquet, Grace’s Bridal Boutique, The Red Hat, The Pet Works, The Original Kristi’s Boutique Bakery, and Megan Zimmick – Just for U Salon.

We want to remind everyone that downtown is open for business on days that there are car shows, Squirrel Fest, Crafted Brew Festival and many other events. We invite you to make a day out of it! We have plenty of cool or warm (depending on the time of year) places to shop, eat, drink and be entertained!

Up next: We are now hosting a morning and an afternoon monthly membership meeting to increase engagement and offer flexibility to our members. Join us Sept. 13 from 8 to 9 a.m. at the Creekside Café and/or 3 to 4 p.m. at J Squared Barrel House. All meetings are open to the public interested in the preservation, promotion, and development of downtown Longview. Sponsorship, membership and other opportunities available.

Come see and be seen in downtown Longview!

eBill Sign up TODAY

Receiveit

$

5

cred

Offering the best in quality and selection.

computer. tablet. phone.

1413 Commerce Ave.

360-575-9804

www.elamshf.com

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

September 2018 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 17

Lower Columbia College

By Chris Bailey President

Lower Columbia College Promotes Pathway to Apprenticeships and Job Readiness Lower Columbia College (LCC) faculty and staff have been working with industry and union leaders to create a quick and effective pathway to job readiness. LCC is promoting a Trades Technician Certificate of Proficiency, beginning winter quarter, 2019. LCC trades technician certificate is designed to prepare individuals to go to work, to enter an apprenticeship training program, or to go on to complete an associate degree in one of LCC’s existing vocational programs, such as manufacturing, welding, diesel/heavy equipment technology, or machine trades.

like setting.

The trades technician certificate, a 45 credit college-level program, is designed to provide our local residents with a pathway to local, family wage careers. Students will learn skills to make them workready, including industrial safety, industrial mathematics and measurement, manufacturing processes, blueprint reading, first aid/ CPR, welding and machining. In addition, students will learn “soft skills” (dependability, communication skills, and workplace etiquette) necessary for success in the workplace, all in a workplace-

We see this “13th year” as a great option for graduating high school students who want high paying jobs and a career, but who are not currently interested in a four-year degree pathway. It is also a great option for older local residents currently in “dead-end” jobs.

The greatest benefit of the trades technician certificate is its flexibility. Students can get the certificate, which we are designing to be financial-aid eligible, in a short period of time. Students can then immediately attempt to enter the workforce, or better compete for entrance into an apprenticeship program in the trades: electrician, building trades, and plumber and pipe fitter, for example. A third alternative is to continue at LCC to obtain an associate degree in its existing vocational programs.

Lower Columbia College continues to innovate and create to meet the needs of our community.

We are LCC Proud!

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.

18 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | September 2018

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.

Cowlitz Indian Tribe Epson Portland Erickson Glass Co. Estetica Day Spa Fibre Federal Credit Union – Castle Rock Branch Fibre Federal Credit Union – Kelso Branch Fibre Federal Credit Union – Ocean Beach Branch Fibre Federal Credit Union – West Kelso Branch Fibre Federal Credit Union – Woodland Branch Guesthouse Inn & Suites Kellogg Supply, Inc. Longview Country Club Lower Columbia Economic Development Council Motion Industries, Inc. Mount St. 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 – High School Campus Timothy E. Nelson, DDS Weyerhaeuser September 2018 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 19

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

Jammies Environmental Jessica Hogman 128 Industrial Way Longview, WA 98632 360-577-5691 jessica.hogman@jammiesenviro.com

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 Meetings

Cabaret Follies of Lower Columbia Deb Ochsner PO Box 1212 Longview, WA 98632 deborahochsner@gmail.com

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

• 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 20 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | September 2018

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.

Ribbon Cuttings

Star Power

Silver Star Sports Bar and Grill owners Bob Davis and Eric Pucci cut the ribbon on their Longview establishment.

Do-Si-Do

R Square D dance club used the streets of Longview for their ribbon cutting and a place to showcase their dance moves.

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

September 2018 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 21

At Mountain View Commercial Contracting, we offer a wide range of full-scope architectural and environmental planning services that can be customized to meet your needs. Our team works directly with your team to come to the best solution for your home, business or commercial needs.

We’re committed to using local vendors and employees to support our local industry while serving you with quality and value.

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

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

We love what we do!

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

Dan Frazier Owner

Licensed & Bonded

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

August Ambassador of the Month Teedara Garn Cowlitz County PUD

Chamber and Community Benefit from

All-star Performance and Dedication The Chamber of Commerce’s August Ambassador of the Month is a familiar face. Teedara Garn, human resources specialist with Cowlitz County PUD, donned her Red Coat six years ago.

She is also on the Chamber’s Education Foundation, Jingle all the Way and sQuatch Fest committee and Lower Columbia Professionals. Teedara, the Chamber’s 2017 Ambassador of the Year, was nominated as a Rising Star at the Pillars of Strength business and education awards this year.

Away from the Chamber, Teedara keeps busy Kelso Youth Baseball volunteer, avid Seahawks fan and unicorn collector.

“She is a real asset to the Chamber,” Project Manager Amy Hallock said.

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.

HOME EQUITY LINE OF CREDIT

Relax.

Remodel.

Reward.

LeeRoy Parcel Manager/LPO leeroy@cascade-title.com

Put your most valuable asset to work for you.

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

A home equity line of credit is a convenient and flexible way to tap into the equity of your home. Apply today!

Kelso 1000 South 13th Ave. 360.423.7800

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

Longview 927 Commerce Ave. 360.423.9800

HeritageBankNW.com | 800.455.6126 | Member FDIC

September 2018 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 23

In the News

Community Home Health & Hospice fundraiser kicks off with coffee and sweets Sept. 20 Community Home Health & Hospice is kicking off Give More 24! with coffee and sweets sponsored by Hearth Coffee, Inc.. Make a quick donation and join us for coffee and pastries on Sept. 20 from

port to anyone in the community who has lost a loved one, not just those touched by hospice.

Give More 24! is a 24-hour, online giving marathon that supports local nonprofits. Thanks to matching funds and prizes, your donation can go further.

10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Community Home Health & Hospice front lobby, 1035 – 11th Ave., Longview. Help kick-off our 24-hour fundraiser for our bereavement program. Your donation will help us continue to provide free bereavement support to our community.

Those unable to attend the event can also support by giving online

Longview Public Library offers free, basic Twitter class for the curious Curious about Twitter and have some questions? Are you interested in seeing what this Twitter thing is all about? You’re in luck! The Longview

on Sept. 20 at http://bit.ly/GiveMoreCommunity. “(My grandchildren) love the group because other kids understand.

When I signed up I did not know there was a group for me as well.

It’s so good to understand grief, that I am not the only one who has experienced this. It’s a great place for parents to talk. It’s important that the grief group is there,” said a grandmother and support group attendee. “This is the kind of program that needs to be here and stay around.”

Public Library is offering a free Twitter class from 6 to 7 p.m. Sept. 5.

You do not need any previous Twitter experience or knowledge. This class will focus on the very basics: what is Twitter, and how does it work?

Come see the process of signing up for a Twitter account and watch Twitter in action while you get your questions answered.

Limited spots available, and registration is required.

Contact the Longview Public Library at 360-442-5300 to sign up, or

Community Home Health & Hospice offers free bereavement sup-

for more information about the class.

Love your new life Losing weight can help you move well, breathe easier and reverse some health conditions.

What’s not to love?

Weight loss surgery n Nutrition advice Medically supervised program peacehealth.org/ weight

24 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | September 2018

In the News

Longview Parks and Recreation hosts free, family fun Extreme Machines Sept. 22 Kids – young and old can come and touch the coolest vehicles in one big space at the Extreme Machines event from 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 22 at the Cowlitz County Event Center.

Discover the ordinary and unusual up close and personal. Fire trucks, bus, tractor, monster trucks, fork lift, log loader, street sweeper, snow plow, military vehicles, special guest Optimus Prime and the REMAX hot air balloon.

Donation suggested with proceeds going to support the Longview Recreation out-of-school program scholarship fund. Event sponsors include LCCA, Cowlitz County Public Utilities Council, Cowlitz PUD, Port of Longview, United Site Services and Specialty Rents and Events.

Longtime fire marshal Kambeitz named Longview’s Interim Fire Chief

deputy fire marshal for 10 years. He is a certified fire inspector, building inspector, plans examiner and fire investigator, has an associate of applied science degree in fire science, and a bachelor of science degree in fire service administration.

“I am very excited to announce Jim Kambeitz as Longview’s interim fire chief,” said City Manager Kurt Sacha. “Jim has a strong work ethic and is well respected both from within and outside the department. Citizens of Longview will be well served by the Longview Fire Department with Jim as their interim chief.”

Thousands of book bargains to be found at Friends of the Longview Library event The Friends of the Longview Library will be having a book sale Sept.

6, 7 and 8 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the library auditorium. Browse thousands of books, there’s something for every reader. All of the books, and more, are for sale at unbelievably low prices.

The city of Longview announced the appointment of Jim Kambeitz as its interim fire chief effective Sept. 17. He has been the city of Longview fire marshal for more than 15 years and says, “I am honored to continue to serve the citizens of Longview.”

The Friends of the Longview Library is a nonprofit organization that gives volunteer and financial help to the library. The proceeds from the book sale will be used to provide the library with resources to enhance services and programs.

Kambeitz has been in the fire service since 1987 where he has served as a firefighter, hazmat tech, fire inspector, deputy fire marshal and fire marshal. Prior to coming to Longview, he served as Clark County’s

If you are interested in joining the friends, applications are available at the Longview Public Library. Please call Karl Marcuson at 360-442-5315 for more information.

EmploymEnt law

WALSTEAD MERTSCHING

Attorney Nicole M. Tideman

AT TO R N E Y S AT L AW

Attorneys in our employment and labor law department represent employers and employees throughout southwest Washington. We handle matters regulated by the Washington State Human Rights Commission, the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Washington State Department of Labor and industries, and the United States Department of Labor. Our attorneys can provide representation in all state and federal courts in Washington, including the Washington State Supreme Court.

• Alternative Dispute Resolution • Disability Accommodation Issues • Discrimination Claims • Employee Training • Employment Contracts and Manuals • Family and Medical Leave • Hiring, Discipline, and Termination • Investigation of Complaints

• Labor Relations • Litigation • Non-competition Agreements • Severance Agreements • Sexual Harassment Claims • Unemployment Compensation • Wage and Hour Disputes • Wrongful Termination

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 September 2018 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 25

Chamber Connection

Red Hot

Jordana Shumway, Red Hat, Kathy Griffen, Parent's Place and Sara Hancock, Emergency Shelter, celebrating with hosts Shawn Green and Russ Chittock, the success of The Red Hat reaching 1 million in distrubution!

Frank Meza, WorkSource, promoting August's hiring event at the Longview Public Library.

Kelly Clary, Mike Fowler and Dan Jacobs promoting CASA's Kilted Classic golf tournament Sept. 8.

“Your Chamber Connection� EVERY Wednesday Hosts of the Show: Carey Mackey, Red Canoe Credit Union; Karen Sisson, Stewart Title; and Russ Chittock, Enlivant Would you like an opportunity to be on Your Chamber Connection or to have more information about the qualifications of an open house or ribbon cutting? Contact Bill or Amy at the Chamber 360-423-8400 26 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | September 2018

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

Chamber Connection Darren Ingraham from Etch This & That brought one of his etched stainless steel mugs.

Katie Keeten and Pam Whittle from American Workforce Group promoting the Community Cares Promotion.

Ian Thompson updated listeners on happenings at Lower Columbia School Gardens

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

Trusted.

For Over 35 Years.

SAVE THE DATE! Since 1982, Cowlitz County Title has been THE company our community turns to when buying, selling or refinancing a property.

Whether you need title, escrow or property search information, our knowledgeable staff, backed by secure underwrites, is here to help you semalessly navigate through the paperwork.

Come in for our exceptional service.

Leave with the confidence that your real estate investment is properly insured and Bianca Lemmons protected.

VP/Manager/LPO

2018

Friday, December 7, 2018 6:00 pm at the Civic Circle in

Historic Downtown Longview Join us for the 7th Annual Jingle All the Way Fun Run! Sponsorship opportunities available!

Title Insurance Escrow Service 1031 Exchange

Residential & Commercial Locally Owned

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

Contact the Kelso Longview Chamber at 360-423-8400 or www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

September 2018 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 27

Discover!

www.portofkalama.com

What is the economic impact of Port of Kalama?

Visit Us Today! http://portofkalama.com/discover-economic-impact-port-kalama/

presents

First Annual

and Hospice

Saturday, October 13, 2018 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Longview Moose Club

40

$

921 Washington Way, Longview

45

$

per person advance purchase

per person at the door

21 and over event • Limited seating • Seating begins at 5:30 pm

VIP Seating Available!

Purchase a table for 6 people for $290 or for 8 people for $370 and get extra perks!

Authentic German Fare!

Appetizer, meal and dessert - tons of yummy food!

German beverages available for purchase

Live music featuring

Oompa Band &

Accordion Player Break out your best German costume! (optional) • Live Auction for a Yacht Cruise • 50/50 Raffle • Prize Raffles Tickets available at www.kelsolongviewchamber.org All proceeds go toward our major fundraising production to raise money for our community.

Our primary benefactor is Hospice.

Quarterly Membership Luncheon Date: Thursday September 20, 2018 Location: Cowlitz County Conference

Time: 11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Cost: $25 advance/$35 at door Join us for the third quarter membership luncheon and meeting! Hear from our Kelso and Longview city officials and mayors on current projects, progress, & challenges .

Nancy Malone Mayor of Kelso

Steve Taylor City Manager, Kelso

Don Jensen Mayor of Longview

Kurt Sacha City Manager, Longview

Register at: www.kelsolongviewchamber.org