Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Business Connection June 2024

Business Connection

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce

Chamber launching Galactic Fest

For those who thought the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce’s sQuatch Fest was a BIG event, get ready for an out-of-this-world experience at Galactic Fest! Mark your calendars for Aug. 9-10 at the Cowlitz County Event Center.

June 2024

Volume 16 • Issue 6 Business Connection is published monthly by the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce 105 N. Minor Road • Kelso, WA 98626 STAFF

Bonnie Delaney, CEO

Pam Fierst, Project Manager

Ella Tiefenthal, Bookkeeper, Office Manager, Social Media

The two-day, family-friendly festival focuses on space, aliens and things traveling through the cosmos like UFOs (unidentified flying object), UAPs (unidentified aerial phenomena) or the traditional flying saucer. Galactic Fest visitors, those local and perhaps those from a galaxy far, far away, can explore food carts and merchandise vendors. There will be a costume contest, Kids Encounter for the young, and a Launch Pad – a beer and wine garden – for those 21 and older.

In addition, Galactic Fest will include exhibits, interactive activities and the star power of a series of best in their field speakers, including:

Mike Bara, a New York Times bestselling author, lecturer and TV personality, who is a regular contributor to the television programs Ancient Aliens and America’s Book of Secrets.

Derrel W. Sims, known as The Alien Hunter, he is the world’s leading expert on alien abductions. His 38-plus years of field research has focused on physical evidence and led to discoveries of alien implants and alien fluorescence. He has orchestrated 27 surgical interventions regarding implant removal.

Thom Reed, founder of UFOXPO, a celebrity UFO conference and film festival. Reed is part of the 1969 Berkshires UFO incident in Sheffield, Mass., now a monument and popular filming location.

Ben Hansen, TV shows like X-Files cemented his desire to work in public service and explore mysteries of the unknown. His training and work brought him to the position of special agent for the FBI, giving him six years of formal experience in investigating.

CONTACT US 360-423-8400 kelsolongviewchamber.org

To advertise, call Pam Fierst 360-423-8400 or pfierst@kelsolongviewchamber.org

Ad Deadline 20th of Each Month

Clyde Lewis, a voice in the fields of paranormal and parapolitical news and commentary. With a background in news, acting, writing and radio, he entertains and captivates audiences across multiple platforms. Lewis has produced Ground Zero programs online, on radio and on television.

Tobe Johnson, a researcher of the paranormal that delves into the intricate link between Sasquatch and other mysterious phenomena. As the author of The Owl Moon Lab: A Paranormal Experiment and co-producer of the two-part documentary A Flash of Beauty: Bigfoot Revealed and A Flash of Beauty: Paranormal Bigfoot.

For Galactic Fest information or tickets visit the Chamber website at kelsolongviewchamber.org.

Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

Jason Gentemann, President Foster Farms

Sean Kiffe, President Elect NORPAC

Pam Whittle, Vice President Realty One Group Pacifica

Jason Meunier, Treasurer Fibre Federal Credit Union

Michael Claxton, Legal Counsel Walstead Mertsching

Marlene Johanson, Past President Heritage Bank

Rich Coleman Bicoastal Media

Diane Craft Koelsch Communities

Duane Dalgleish Cowlitz PUD

Bill Fogerty Twin City Bank

Kristin Gaines Alcoa

Kelly Godden Specialty Rents

Rich Gushman Gibbs & Olson

Keenan Harvey City Council, Kelso

Sabrina Kochprapha United Way of Cowlitz and Wahkiakum Counties

Cherelle Montanye St. John/PeaceHealth

John Paul

KUKN-KLOG-101.5 The Blitz

Ted Sprague Cowlitz Economic Development Council

MaryAlice Wallis City of Longview

Dennis Weber Cowlitz County Commissioner

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce

Bonnie Delaney CEO

Chamber membership key to collective success

Your membership in our Chamber of Commerce is more than just a transaction –it’s a commitment to our collective success as businesses in Cowlitz County.

We’re all vital to the growth of our Chamber and the strength of our local businesses. By sharing your positive experiences and advocating within your networks, you help attract new members who enrich our Chamber family and help us continue to develop our membership base. In turn this gives the Chamber the resources to continue to advocate, represent and enhance the community we work and live in.

Your involvement in events, committees, and initiatives not only strengthens your business but also fosters a supportive ecosystem for all. We are all so grateful for your continued support of your Chamber and wouldn’t be what we are today with your contributions.

As we get into the summer months, you’ll start seeing the Chamber work on membership development and recruitment. We recognize that all our existing members will play a vital role in our membership drive, and we thank you in advance for your support and help.

Let’s reaffirm our commitment to each other and to our community’s prosperity. Together, we can achieve remarkable growth and build a Chamber that reflects our vibrancy, advocacy and commitment to our community.

Thank you for your dedication and I’m excited by what we can achieve together. Please let me know if you have any suggestions or ideas on what you’d like to see your Chamber do more of or do better, we work for you!

RE/MAX

Spray Park waits to make a splash

Our major projects are moving ahead, but not all as quickly as we would prefer. The project that has the most public interest is the Catlin Spray Park. Unfortunately, the City is still awaiting on a permit from the Washington State Department of Health. All the new equipment has been delivered. The hope is the project will be completed for use by the end of summer vacation. On the plus side, the work on the spray park restrooms has begun.

The work on the improvement of the senior center has also begun, this includes siding and roof maintenance.

Two other major projects are also close to initiating construction. Expenditures for the train station improvements and the Hazel Street overpass project have been approved. Both projects should be underway this summer.

One major project that has been completed is the potable water project on Minor Road – an intertie between the north and south ends of the system. This will improve system reliability.

Projects which are expected to start by the end of the year include: the fence project for the multipurpose court at Tam O’Shanter park; the picnic shelter at Rotary Highlander Park; and the playground equipment at Lads and Lassie Park.

LOOKING AHEAD

Wednesdays, July 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, 6pm

For

On a final note, working with Cowlitz Economic Development Council, Kelso was able to hire a grant writer, who will focus on getting grants for the West Main/Catlin housing/library project and additional senior center improvement projects.

WorkSource

Carson Winter Communications & Outreach Coordinator

Five ways WorkSource helps job seekers become job ready

When you’re looking for work, it’s easy to feel defeated. The path from unemployment to re-employment is not always a straight line. Looking for work can feel like a full-time job.

We know finding work can be hard. But it’s why we do what we do. WorkSource is funded by state and federal grants with the goal of helping you get back to work. But how do we do it?

Read below for five ways that we help job seekers become job ready!

5. Removing Barriers

How can you turn in a resume if you don’t have gas for your car? How can you go to an interview if you don’t have appropriate clothing?

We don’t always think about it, but employment has many associated barriers. And it can be very difficult to overcome these barriers without assistance.

For eligible customers, WorkSource may be able to help remove these barriers to employment by providing childcare assistance subsidies, gas cards, bus passes, interview clothes, and more.

But what happens after you get the job?

Barriers can exist for the newly employed as well, for example needing things like work clothing, shoes or tools, and WorkSource can help with that too while you’re trying to get back on your feet!

4. Career Guidance

Sometimes, what’s holding a job seeker back is a lack of direction. If you’ve lost a job that you knew like the back of your hand, one that you’ve been doing all your life, you might be stuck at a crossroads, wondering: what’s next?

It’s not a good feeling to be stuck, and while we can’t make the decision for you, our Employment Specialists can help you discover which aspects of your prior work experience will cross over to new industries, as well as what skills and jobs are indemand in our region.

Meeting with an Employment Specialist can help job seekers find a new direction, while gaining confidence and clarity along the way.

3. Workshops

Going back to work can be intimidating, especially if you’ve been out of the workforce for a long time or are struggling with anxiety related to job search. WorkSource workshops though are a free and easy way to upskill and grow.

You can expect to find workshops on interviewing, resume writing, embracing change, financial literacy, overcoming toxic work environments, coping with stress, restarting your job search,

and much, much more.

Want to see for yourself? Visit our website and select your region to find available workshops!

2. Connections with local business

While WorkSource is known for working with job seekers, we work with local businesses too! Our Business Team’s mission is to engage employers and connect them with qualified job seekers.

This often means that being a WorkSource customer can get you an “in” with employers that you might not have had previously.

The best way to take advantage of WorkSource’s business connections is to make an appointment with an Employment Specialist at your local center. From there, your Specialist can help you target your resume to any open positions.

1. Job training

Many of our job seekers face unemployment and a challenging future because the work they’re trained to do is no longer indemand. But for eligible customers, WorkSource may be able to pay for training in an in-demand career that has job openings and is projected to grow!

If you’re interested in learning more about job training with WorkSource, your first step is to attend the Employment and Training Orientation at your local center. These trainings are offered either virtually or in-person on a weekly basis.

WorkSource Vancouver: Thursdays 1-2 p.m.

WorkSource Cowlitz/Wahkiakum: Wednesdays 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Find virtual dates for our Employment and Training Orientation at worksourcewa.com!

WorkSource Cowlitz/Wahkiakum is located at 305 S. Pacific Ave., Kelso. Office hours are Monday through Friday (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) for virtual and in-person services. The center is right across the street from the Kelso Theater and next door to the Kelso Police Station. Language services available upon request.

WorkSource is a network of nonprofits, community-based organizations, local and state agencies working in partnership to provide an array of employment and training services to job seekers and businesses in Washington state. WorkSource is funded through the local workforce development board, Workforce Southwest Washington. For information, visit www.WorkSourceWA.com.

Carson Winter is the Communications and Outreach Coordinator at WorkSource. Reach him at carson.winter@esd.wa.gov or 360735-4962.

SPENCER CREEK BUSINESS

• ZONED FOR MIXED USE

Large land site perfect for lodging/hospitality, retail, etc.

• CONVENIENTLY LOCATED OFF I-5

Just 30 minutes from PDX & the amenities of Portland

• 45 ACRES OF PRIME, SHOVEL-READY LAND

Environmental permits & road improvements in place

• COMPETITIVE UTILITY RATES + INCENTIVES

Designed to promote growth & ensure your succes

LOOKING FOR A BUSINESS-FRIENDLY PLACE TO GROW? KALAMA RIVER INDUSTRIAL PARK

• LOCATED OFF I-5

• FLEXIBLE 50K SQ. FT. WAREHOUSE + 1,750 SQ. FT. OFFICE SUITE

Kelso

Business and Community Association

Lindsey Cope President

Strengthening Kelso: A community on the rise

Kelso, our vibrant and historic town, continues to blossom as a hub of community spirit and economic growth. The Kelso Business and Community group is one of the many at the heart of this transformation, working tirelessly to foster a thriving environment for both businesses and residents.

In recent years, Kelso has seen an influx of business growth and expansion. This diverse economic landscape not only creates jobs but also enhances the town’s appeal as a destination for visitors and new residents. The city has been working tirelessly on infrastructure and transportation improvements: creating a new community center and affordable housing, upgrading the spray park and recreational improvements at Tam O’Shanter Park, and planning for the future of our small city.

Our tax base is relatively small, but by leveraging government programs and partnerships, our Kelso is on the rise!

Building a Connected Community

Our group is deeply committed to fostering a strong sense of community for our residents and our businesses. This year, we’ve organized clean-up days, the Shamrock Shuffle Adult Easter Egg Hunt, and nearly doubled our flower baskets across the city to

beautify our little slice of the world. We are looking forward to our upcoming Bites and Brews tour of Kelso and the Kelso Kids Pop-Up Market Under the Bridge. These events are pivotal in connecting our businesses, residents, and new customers.

Looking to the Future

As we approach graduation for our Kelso Kids, we hope they look around and see a community that loves them and wants them to return to their home (or stay – LCC and our trades programs are wonderful!). Their future is our future, and we want their help in building the Kelso they want to raise their future families in.

Join Us

Whether you’re a business owner, a resident, or someone interested in moving to Kelso, we invite you to join us in making our town an even better place to live, work, and play. Together, we can ensure that Kelso continues to thrive as a beacon of community spirit and economic vitality.

For more information on how you can get involved, visit our website www.letsgokelso.com, our Facebook page @letsgokelso, or attend our next meeting June 27, 2024, 9:30 a.m., at Kelso City Hall. Let’s keep building a brighter future for Kelso!

Devoted to your care

Serving Cowlitz County for more than 80 years.

Kathy Beebe Witham, RN

Inpatient Nurse providing care to the community for 22 years

PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center

peacehealth.org/devoted-to-you

Longview Public Schools

Dan Zorn Superintendent

Thank you. Community, businesses, students benefit from partnership during nine years of leadership

After nine years serving as the superintendent of the Longview Public Schools, I will be retiring at the end of June. My wife and I are moving back to Kalispell, Mont., to spend our retirement years. I look forward to spending time with our children and their families and becoming a daily part of the lives of our five grandchildren. My dad and sister also live in Kalispell, so we are “going home.”

During my time in Longview, we have strived to provide programs and opportunities for all students that improve literacy, bolster student engagement, and develop graduates who are career, military service or college ready. I truly believe the public educator does among the most important work in our society and am grateful for the dedicated staff we have serving each of the children entrusted to our care. I am so appreciative of the selfless group of community leaders who make up our board of directors and know they always make decisions based upon what they believe is best for the children of our community. I consider myself particularly blessed by the support of the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce. The level of support the Chamber has provided our schools has been one of many highlights of my time in Longview.

As you are likely aware, I strongly believe literacy is the most important work we do in our public schools. To this end, we have enhanced the supports we provide our teachers and students to help each of our students read and write more effectively. We have expanded our early learning offerings to include a KinderBridge program that serves our community’s four year olds. In partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and our local unions, a Pre-Apprenticeship Program was created for

u FAREWELL

Longview Public Schools will host a public farewell event for Superintendent Dan Zorn from 4-5:30 p.m. June 17 at the R.A. Long High School cafeteria. The public is invited to attend.

our high school students and Career and Technical Education course offerings have increased. We have provided additional advanced course offerings and eliminated “pay to play” fees to remove barriers to student participation in programs and sports, while extending middle school sports program opportunities by implementing a “no cut” policy. Due to the generosity of our community, we have successfully passed several levies over the past nine years that have put our district’s operating budget in a healthy position and helped to improve and extend the life of our existing facilities.

It has been a highlight of my 39-year career to serve as Longview’s superintendent for the past nine years. Thank you for the opportunity to work at your side in this incredibly important work. The partnership between the Chamber and our schools benefits not only the students and educational institutions but also the local businesses and community, creating a relationship that fosters economic and social growth. Our partnership is one of the many things that makes Longview a great place to live, learn, and work! Thank you, thank you, thank you.

NOTE: Longview Public Schools has announced its new superintendent. Please see page 18.

Rhonda Black, Founder, HEVIN – Helping Every Veteran in Need

Retha Porter, Chair, Art Renaissance Team

Elizabeth Perez, NORPAC

Ariel Largé, Networking

Outreach Committee Chair, The Broad Strokes Project

Monica Seidl, Project Specialist, Cowlitz Wahkiakum Council of Governments and Katie Keaton, Realty One Group Pacifica

Mandy Tatham, Business Development, ServiceMaster By JTS

Bonnie Delaney, CEO, Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce

Diane Craft, Community Liaison, Koelsch Senior Communities

Tom Lee, Civil Law Attorney

New Members

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

Membership packages to fit your needs

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

• 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

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

Membership Packages

Diamond

Look Who Joined in May

Lower Columbia Human Resource Management Association (LCHRMA)

Melissa Korsmo P.O. Box 812 Astoria, OR 97103 360-751-5092 lchrma.org@gmail.com

Mostly Moto

Cooper Hart 717 Vandercook Way, Suite 110 Kelso, WA 98626 360-682-1375

Office@mostlymoto.com

Hearing Life

Christina Kernan 945 Washington Way, Suite 111 Longview, WA 98632 360-425-7960 ntny@hearinglife.com

Quality Inn

Betty Wilson 723 7th Avenue Longview, WA 98632 360-414-1000

qualityinnlongview@gmail.com

Longview Pioneer Lions

Patrick Palmer P.O. Box 1102 Longview, WA 98632 360-636-1239 pioneerliontreasurer@outlook.com

ServiceMaster by JTS

Mandy Tatham 2305 Columbia Heights Longview, WA 98632

360-600-2324

Mandy.tatham@servicemasterjts.com

Computer Link Northwest, LLC

Steve Carson 1318 Commerce Avenue Longview, WA, 98632 360-795-5000 support@clnw.com

Nonprofit

Longview Downtowners

Amelia Nesbit President

Longview Downtowners elect new leaders

The Longview Downtowners are excited to announce the election of Amelia Nesbit as president. Amelia is the owner and operator of Body Rock Dance Space and brings a wealth of enthusiasm and a strong commitment to the community. She looks forward to forging new connections with local businesses and raising awareness about the unique charm of downtown Longview. This is her first column for the Chamber.

In addition to president, Zac Boggis, previously a director, has takes on the role of treasurer, while Michelle Kruse has been appointed secretary. Their combined experience and passion are expected to lead the Longview Downtowners to new heights in 2024.

Annual Meeting and Board Nominations

Mark your calendars for the Longview Downtowners’ 2024 Annual Meeting, which will take place June 20 at 8 a.m. in the Merk Building. Attendees are encouraged to grab a coffee from Eclipse Cafe before the meeting. This gathering will include board position elections and a discussion on setting priorities for the upcoming year. Nominations for board members are currently open, offering a great opportunity for those interested in contributing to the development and vibrancy of downtown Longview. Message us if you’re interested!

Upcoming Events in Downtown Longview

The community can look forward to several exciting events in the coming months. One highlight is the First Wednesday Stroll, Shop, and Sip event from 4-7 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month. Participating locations include:

• Beautifully Gifted People

• Beauti Collective

• Dapper Dandelion Floral & Plant

• Forest, Stone, & Sea

• Golden Ladder Interiors

• Halon Salon, Med Spa, & Boutique

• Jae Mac Menswear

• JoJo + CoCo Boutique

• Niche Home

• Posh on Commerce

• Wander Boutique

This event is a fantastic way to explore local businesses, enjoy special offers, and experience the vibrant community atmosphere.

Summer Solstice Festival and Tacos & Tequila Event

On June 21 and 22, downtown Longview will host the Summer Solstice Festival. This event promises to transform part of the downtown area with vendors, music, and more, celebrating the longest day of the year. Following the festival, attendees can head over to the Civic Circle for the Tacos & Tequila event, creating a seamless transition from one fun activity to the next.

Join us!

With so much happening in downtown Longview, there’s never been a better time to get involved. The Longview Downtowners are eager to bring the community together, celebrate local businesses, and create memorable experiences for all. We can’t wait to see everyone at the upcoming events and the annual meeting. Let’s make 2024 a year to remember!

The Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce would like to THANK the following loyal members for renewing their partnership with us this month.

B & R Mini Storage

Best Western Aladdin Motor Inn

Busack Electric

Corwin Beverage

JL Storedahl & Sons, Inc

Kaiser Permanente

Kelso Theater Pub

Life Mortgage, Inc

Longview Eye & Vision

Northwest Hardwoods, Inc

Opsahl, Dawson & Company, PS - Longview

Renaud Electric Company, Inc

Reprographics, Inc

Member Shout Outs!

■ Ascend Staffing Longview moved in May. The staffing agency is now located at 1155 Commerce Ave.

■ Check our Chamber members named Best Of Southwest Washington 2024. There were 268 companies voted Best Of across 176 categories, see the complete publication here: https:// bestofsouthwestwashington.com/2024-best-of-southwestwashington-magazine/

Coming Up

■ Open for business! Check out the Port of Woodland’s newest industrial park buildings and upcoming projects. The open house will take place June 11, 4 to 6 p.m., 1570 Rose Way, Woodland (across from the Port of Woodland Admin Office).

■ The Cowlitz Black Bears open their home season against the Corvallis Knights May 31, June 1 and June 2 at David Storey Field on the Lower Columbia College campus. Details at https:// cowlitzblackbears.com/calendar/2024-schedule/

■ A complete list of community calendar events can be found on the Cowlitz Economic and Development Council website at https:// cowlitzedc.com/cedc-2/news/

Share your brief business news with us for possible publication – email bdelaney@kelsolongviewchamber.org

Reporting an outage is in the palm of your hand

Business After Hours

Umpqua Bank

As touted, it was "Together for Better" thanks to host Umpqua Bank, which opened its Longview location for an open house and May Business After Hours. Chamber members met the Umpqua Bank team, enjoyed complimentary food, beverages and door prizes while capitalizing on networking opportunities.

Longview Schools welcome superintendent

Longview Schools is excited to announce the culmination of its search for a district leader, following the retirement of Superintendent Dr. Dan Zorn. A February news item on the district website noted, the Longview School Board unanimously voted to commence contract negotiations with Dr. Karen Cloninger, paving the way for her to become the next superintendent.

Board President Don Wiitala expressed the board’s enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Cloninger aboard. Her commitment to fostering student and family success aligns perfectly with our mission, making her an ideal fit for our community.”

Dr. Cloninger is eager to embark on this new chapter in her professional journey, emphasizing the relationship between great schools and great communities. “I am deeply honored to step into the role of superintendent for Longview Public Schools and am looking forward to engaging with and contributing to our community,” she remarked.

The board is now focused on negotiating terms of Dr. Cloninger’s contract and completing a comprehensive employee background check. She is set to begin her transition into the district with a start date of July 1, promising a seamless leadership change and a bright future for the Longview Schools community.

WSW workshop focuses on recruitment and retention

Companies wanting to reach a larger pool of qualified, diverse candidates, fill open jobs, and retain valued employees can gain knowledge and tools to overcome their employee recruitment and retention challenges and create an action plan for their organization by attending a workshop series sponsored by Workforce Southwest Washington (WSW), the nonprofit local workforce development board for Clark, Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties.

The two-part workshop series will take place June 5 and June 12, from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., at Workforce Southwest Washington, 805 Broadway St., Ste. 412, Vancouver.

Registration is required at https://forms.office.com/r/ntvc2jiGcQ. Space is limited to two participants per organization, ideally staff from human resources and/or leadership. There is no cost to attend the workshops.

During the workshops, which will be led by the human resources experts at Salsbury & Co., attendees will learn how to:

• Reach a larger pool of qualified, diverse candidates.

• Recruit and onboard new employees to set them up for success.

• Improve organizational operations, employee engagement

For more News, see page 19

and satisfaction.

Lunch and a workbook of examples and a resource toolkit are included.

At the end of the series, participants will walk away with a recruitment and retention action plan for their organization.

For additional information, contact Nolan Yaws-Gonzalez at nyaws-gonzalez@workforcesw.org or 360-567-1066.

The generous support of the U.S. Bank Foundation and KeyBank Foundation made the workshop series possible.

Cowlitz Indian Tribe among grant awards for clean energy projects

May 28, 2024

Clean Energy, Commerce News, Press Releases

The Washington State Department of Commerce announced $7.5 million in grants to five tribes in Washington to plan, design and build clean energy projects. Funded by Washington’s Climate Commitment Act, these clean energy grants through Commerce are part of an $83 million opportunity that includes $16 million for a targeted tribal clean energy fund and $67 million for projects that advance environmental justice and equity.

The awardees are:

Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation — Community Center Solar Panels, Oakville: $251,000 to build a 121 kW roofmounted solar installation for the tribe’s Community Center and to complete a feasibility study to add future battery storage at the center.

Cowlitz Indian Tribe — Resilient Energy and Supplemental Power Project Phase II, Longview: $1.7 million to build a 100 kW solar array and battery energy storage system on administrative and clinic buildings to power the buildings and provide supplemental power for electric vehicle charging.

Spokane Tribe of Indians — Western Nuclear Solar Farm Project, Wellpinit: $90,000 to evaluate the viability of repurposing the tribe’s historic uranium mine for solar energy generation.

Willapa Bay Enterprises — Renewable Ocean Wave Energy Technology Demonstration Project, Tokeland: $2,744,507 to support the design, permitting, siting and construction of technology that produces zero emission hydrogen from ocean wave energy.

Yakama Power – Solar Over Canal Project, Toppenish: $2.75 million to support permitting, environmental review and predevelopment work for an innovative 200 MW solar over canal project that leverages $160 million in federal and state funding.

The Tribal Clean Energy Grant Program continues to accept applications through Sept. 27. Applications received by July 19 will be announced in August, and applications received by the final deadline will be announced in October.

Ribbon Cuttings

Welcome New Members

Thank you to these Ambassadors who participated in ribbon cutting celebrations during May!

Josh Carter Carter Venture Solutions

Diane Craft Koelsch Communities

Christy Faul Longview Self Storage

Kelly Godden Specialty Rents and Events

James Hoyt Heritage Bank

Eric McCrandall Family Health Center

Shylah Tapani Axecutioner

Leah White White's Cleaning Company

Pam Whittle Realty ONE Group Pacifica

Sleep Inn Kelso Longview, 250 S. Kelso Dr., Kelso

HEVIN - Helping Every Veteran in Need, 4 Cowlitz St. W., Castle Rock

Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments

Bill Fashing Executive Director

Spirit Lake Collaborative recognized for effort

For over 40 years the Spirit Lake-Toutle/Cowlitz River Basin residents have struggled with economic disruption, sediment, and flood risk issues without any tool to work cooperatively with state and federal partners. The Spirit LakeToutle/Cowlitz River Collaborative (SLTCRC) was created to address this ongoing concern based on a research study concluded by the National Academies of Science.

Over the past several years, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) has played a key role financially in promoting discussion on some of the issues of the basin and the downstream communities. In late 2020, the Cowlitz Wahkiakum Council of Governments (CWCOG) joined with the USFS to kick off a local, state, and federal collaborative effort. The collaborative’s continued work includes improved coordination of management efforts across the system focused on the reduction of flood risk, recovery of ecosystems, improving economic resiliency and improving public access. The efforts will also support on-going scientific research, reducing costs of maintaining shipping access in the Columbia River, and reducing risks to the well-being of the downstream people and communities. Program Successes

The group reached the following Indicators of Success for the formative phase of the collaborative.

Declaration of Cooperation: A key deliverable included an agreement to formally commit to working together. The Collaborative developed a Declaration of Cooperation (DoC). It has been signed by representatives of 20 local, state, federal, and tribal governments. The DoC provides the mechanism for entities to agree that the SLTCRC provides a forum to:

• Develop and pursue an aspirational vision for the whole system.

• Work together on items that contribute to long-term management of the system and safety and economic wellbeing of downstream communities.

• Create a communication venue to exchange information, enhance understanding of system complexities and engage interested parties.

• Raise awareness of those interested or affected by sediment management in the system.

• Respond to requests from the U.S. federal delegation, Washington state legislature, and the Washington governor on issues related to managing this complex system.

Shared Vision for the Basin: The following represents a set of ideal conditions to guide the collaborative: Healthy Ecosystems –Safe Communities – Healthy Economy

Common Interests and Shared Values

• Safety for downstream communities

• Restored, healthy ecosystems

• Access: increasing for recreation; maintaining for research

and education

• Securing sufficient funding for planning and implementation

• Managing for multiple functions and benefits

• Reducing intervention via engineered structures in favor of natural processes

Conducted a full-day field tour on Oct. 12, 2022, with the purpose of developing a ground level shared understanding of the issues, challenges, and ongoing (and planned) work addressing flooding (public safety), fish and wildlife habitat, and sediment management issues.

Held a two-day workshop March 21 and 22, 2023, sponsored by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, where more than 65 participants represented community members, community colleges, nonprofits, landowners, businesses, congressional offices, and local, state, federal agencies, and tribal governments.

Held a full-day field tour Oct. 12, 2023, to explore work on the lower Toutle River and the Mount St. Helens Institute.

Compiled dozens of project ideas into an emerging workplan. Established three working groups including the Floodplain Reconnection and Bank Stabilization work group (FRBS), the Social, Economic, Ecological, and Cultural (SEEC) Opportunities work group and recently, the Spirit Lake Outflow Work (SLOW) group.

• The FRBS work group developed and agreed on draft purpose “Increase levels of flood protection by identifying areas for) for floodplain reconnection, bank stabilization, and/ or dredge spoil disposal”.

• The SEEC work group discussed and developed an initiative to simultaneously address tourism, citizen science, and education opportunities. The group developed a draft mission statement and vision. Vision: “Connecting the land and people of Mt. St. Helens to SEEC opportunities”.

• The SLOW work group was established to delve into the potential gaps or issues related to Spirit Lake Outflow alternatives to facilitate smoother progress throughout the upcoming National Environmental Policy Act process for the USFS project.

Recognition

The CWCOG was recognized on behalf of the collaborative with a 2023 Aliceann Wohlbruck Impact Award from the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) for the SLTCRC work. NADO, a Washington, DC-based membership association, promotes programs and policies that strengthen local governments, communities, and economies through regional cooperation, program delivery, and comprehensive strategies. The Impact Awards recognize regional development organizations and their partners for improving the economic and community competitiveness of our nation’s regions and local communities. More information on the collaborative can be found at www.cwcog.org.

Quarterly Membership Luncheon

Cowlitz County Judicial Report

Tom Lee, a civil law attorney, renowned for his commitment to justice and support for his clients, was one of several speakers from the legal community to speak to our membership May 16 at the Kelso Longview Elks Lodge. Judge Michael Evans from the Superior Court, Adam Pithan from the Cowlitz County Drug Court, Lori Sarancik from Cowlitz Wahkiakum Legal Aid and Laura Hight and Leah Moore from Medication Center also addressed the audience.