Volume 6, No. 6
June 2014
Business Kelso Longview
Connection Chamber of Commerce
Calendar
Sisson brings energy and experience to role with Chamber If you can make up for lost time, Karen Sisson has found a way. “I lost three days of my life,” said Sisson, who suffered amnesia when she was 18 years old. It’s time Sisson can’t get back, but she’s been making the most of the moments since, and is happy to return to a place where she has fond and lasting memories – the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce. That’s right, return. Sisson worked under Chamber Director Cheryl Spencer in the late 1990s. “She was a ball of energy then, and that continues today,” said current Chamber CEO Bill Marcum, who during that time was with Longview’s newspaper. “We worked on The Daily News' 75th anniversary bash, and we worked together when I was on the Board of the Chamber. “I am extremely happy to have Karen on board with the Chamber, and I am sure our members will be impressed
with the professionalism and energy she will bring to the Chamber.” “I’m excited to be back,” Sisson said. “The Chamber has always been very good to me.” Sisson left the Chamber for the Kelso Red Lion, where she was director of sales. More recently, she was in sales at Grand Mound’s Great Wolf Lodge until they let her go as part of a restructuring move. She was searching for a job close to home with limited time up and down I-5. It all came together when Brooke Fisher vacated her Chamber position to become the Director of Community Resources at United Way of Cowlitz and Wahkiakum Counties. Although Sisson’s been on the job less than a month, the routine is fairly familiar. “It’s nice being back with the people
Please see Sisson, page 2
Monday
June 2 – Noon Government Affairs Committee JT Steakhouse Guest Speaker – Kris Johnson and Gary Chandler, AWB
Thursday
June 5 – 7 a.m. Ambassadors Committee Meeting Canterbury Inn
Friday
June 6 – 7:30 a.m. Final Human Resources Boot Camp Firing in an At Will State Lower Columbia College
Monday
June 16 – 1 p.m. shotgun start Chamber Golf Classic Longview Country Club www.kelsolongviewchamber.org
Tuesday
June 24 – Deck party opens at 5 p.m. Business After Hours Cowlitz County Black Bears $15 in advance, includes ticket to the game, prizes, food and beverage. Kids 18 and under FREE
Thursday
June 26 – 11:45 a.m. State of the County Quarterly Luncheon Cowlitz Regional Conference Center Commissioners Michael Karnofski, Dennis Weber and Jim Misner www.kelsolongviewchamber.org
Kelso Longview Business Connection
June 2014
Sisson, from page 1 that welcomed me into the community when I first moved here,” she said. During her first stint with the Chamber, Sisson’s primary duty was membership recruitment. She also ran an event planning business with clients and affairs like the Chamber’s Rainfest, The Daily News anniversary celebration, and the Lower Columbia Contractor Association’s home show. Those skills fit perfectly into Marcum’s leadership vision for the Chamber. Sisson is also a member of Meeting Professionals International’s Oregon Chapter, where she has been the co-chair for the community outreach program this past year. Every other month, she said, there was a volunteer project in the community – participation in a fundraising 5K, helping at the food bank, or participating in Dress for Success, a program that promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire to help them thrive at work. Programs and efforts, like those of the Chamber, which make a big impact in a smaller community like Longview. “When you get involved you can make a difference,” she said. “This is the most generous community I’ve had the pleasure to work and live in, and it’s the people that make all the difference. I’m very excited to be working in this community again and look forward to giving back.”
Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Anne O’Connor onthemark associates
Bianca Lemmons Cowlitz County Title Company
Michael Julian Kelso Theater Pub
Chris Bailey Lower Columbia College
Clayton J. Bartness, DC Longview Chiropractic Clinic
Chet Makinster Longview City Council
Jerri Henry, Past President Futcher-Henry CPA Group Joel Hanson, President KLOG/KUKN/The Wave
Dennis Weber Cowlitz County Commissioner Bob Crisman Gallery of Diamonds
Michael Claxton Walstead Mertsching
Ted Sprague Cowlitz Economic Development Council
Lance Welch PeaceHealth
Steve Taylor Kelso City Manager
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Diane Craft, Vice President Koelsch Senior Communities Linda DiLembo Three Rivers Mall Julie Rinard Community Home Health & Hospice Neil Zick, Treasurer Twin City Bank
Quarterly Luncheon Cowlitz Regional Conference Center 1900 7th Avenue, Longview Thursday, June 26 2014 11:45a.m. -1:30 p.m.
Commissioner Mike Karnofski
Commissioner Dennis Weber
Commissioner James Misner
You are invited to attend the Kelso Longview Chamber’s 2nd Quarterly Membership Luncheon. Please join us as we hear from our county commissioners about everything from the budget, to parks, to personnel challenges, to the new manufacturing businesses that are making Cowlitz County home and how during these hard economic times they are working together.
Cowlitz County
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The median income for a household in the county was $39,797, and the median income for a family was $46,532. Males had a median income of $40,378 versus $25,710 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,583. About 10.30% of families and 14.00% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.50% of those under age 18 and 6.60% of those age 65 or over.
$25 in advance/$35 at door (Price includes lunch buffet)
Register at www.kelsolongviewchamber.org
Kelso Longview Business Connection
June 2014
2014 Business and Education Awards
Cusick honored for dedication and service Chamber awards $10,000 in scholarships “What a great event the 2014 Pillars of Strength Awards was,” said Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce CEO Bill Marcum. “A great turnout from the business and education sectors, exceptional nominees in all categories and wonderful camaraderie.” Laughter, praise and applause for a job well done rose from the crowd in the Cowlitz Regional Conference Center May 7 for the Chamber’s annual Pillars of Strength Business and Education Awards.
2014 Crystal Apple Education Awards Support/Classified Role of the Year: Brenda McCowan, Monticello Middle School Teacher of the Year: Kelly Sims, Butler Acres Elementary School Administrator of the Year: Chris Fritsch, Longview Public Schools Higher Education – Teacher of the Year: Nadine Lemmons, Lower Columbia College (LCC) Higher Education – Administrator/Leadership Role of the Year: Darcy Smith, LCC Workforce Education, Individual Achievement: Tamra Bell, LCC Workforce Education, Best Practice (Company): Cowlitz 2 Fire and Rescue Maria Harris Scholarship winners: Demi Lidorikiotis, Toutle Lake High School; Cynthea Barella, Mark Morris High School; Neil McGhee, Kelso High School; Morgan Baker, R.A. Long High School Lower Columbia Professionals Scholarship winners: John Anglin, Mark Morris High School; Alyssa Hallowell, Kelso High
Kelso School District Superintendent Rob McGregor presents a surprised Suzanne Cusick with the Lifetime Achievement Award. School; Kylie Kadey, Three Rivers Christian School; Erin Johnson, R.A. Long High School; Michael Mentler, Woodland High School; Alyssa Kaufman, Mark Morris High School “It’s times like this that remind us we are a community of leaders,” Marcum said. “And, our leaders start young.”
2014 Pillar of Strength Awards Small Business of the Year: onthemark associates, owner Anne O’Connor Large Business of the Year: PeaceHealth St. Johns, CEO Kirk
Please see Awards, page 5
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Kelso Longview Business Connection
June 2014
2014 Business and Education Awards Lower Columbia Professionals awarded six scholarships to: John Anglin (Mark Morris High School), Alyssa Hallowell (Kelso High School), Kylie Kadey (Three Rivers Christian School), Erin Johnson (R.A. Long High School), Michael Mentler (Woodland High School), and Alyssa Kaufman (Mark Morris High School).
Awards, from page 4 Raboin Business Person of the Year: Lonnie Knowles, Stewart Title Small Non-Profit of the Year: Cowlitz County Habitat for Humanity Large Non-Profit of the Year: Drug Abuse Prevention Center, Director Gus Nolte Rising Star Award: Julie Nelson, American Workforce Group Walt Naze Ambassador of the Year Award: Pam Fierst, Red Lion Kelso Lifetime Achievement Award goes to Longview schools’ Suzanne Cusick
Lonnie Knowles of Stewart Title picked up the award for Business Person of the Year.
See more photos on the Chamber’s Facebook page or click here.
The PeaceHealth team gathers around CEO Kirk Raboin to celebrate their Large Business of the Year Award.
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Kelso Longview Business Connection
June 2014
Cowlitz Economic Development Council
Transportation project benefits to continue on down the road By Ted Sprague President – Cowlitz Economic Development Council
modate the current and future movement of goods throughout the regional transportation system
For much of this region’s history, economic growth and development has been driven by our strategic location and transportation infrastructure: waterways, railroads, and highways. Our region’s economic future will be determined, in part, by building on work dating back more than two decades, to improve key connections in our transportation infrastructure centered on the SR 432 Corridor. The SR 432 Rail Realignment and Highway Improvements Project has prioritized the concepts developed last summer and fall to address issues of congestion, safety, mobility, and freight capacity that will impact the efficiency of our highway and rail system over the next 20 years. Work dating back to the late 1980s, from initial discussions to deepen the Columbia River Shipping Channel and including two decades worth of public and private investment, has now positioned our area to take the next step to strengthen our economic future. The Channel Deepening project greatly increased the Port’s capacity to move freight, but that freight has to get to and from the Port safely and efficiently. To do so, the local road and rail system that was constructed in the 1940s needs to become a modernized transportation system. Funding for the current phase of the SR 432 project comes from federal and state grants. The next project phase will further analyze and refine the concepts that are moving forward into the environmental analysis phase. Final design and construction will be completed as funding sources are secured. The return on this investment will be multifaceted: • Improved safety for cars, truck, trains, bicycles, and pedestrians where their paths intersect throughout the corridor • Increased system mobility for a more efficient network of road, rail, and river transportation • Optimized rail movement and increased capacity to accom-
• Maintained or improved levels of emergency response • Increased economic opportunity Among the benefits that are anticipated to result from this strategic infrastructure investment is a nearly 50 percent increase in employment opportunities by the year 2030. Vacant land along the corridor that could be converted to commercial, industrial, and residential use conservatively totals 1,078 acres. The strategic infrastructure investment envisioned by the SR 432 Project would create the necessary conditions to attract new businesses while helping existing businesses expand. The potential number of new jobs that could be generated by investments to improve the local transportation system and maximize the use of vacant lands is 3,390. Existing jobs in the SR 432 Corridor Study area, estimated at 7,110 in 2010, could grow to 10,500 by 2030 (Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments, 2009) if we invest in our transportation infrastructure. Despite proximity to a deep river channel, major rail lines, and an interstate freeway, our region has traditionally suffered unemployment rates higher than state and national averages. Improving the SR 432 rail and highway corridor alone will not solve all our economic challenges. But, this strategic investment will build the infrastructure improvements necessary to bring more business, industry, and jobs to our area while improving the SR 432 Corridor for all user modes. For information, please visit the project website at www.SR 432Corridor.org
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Monday, June 16th Longview Country Club
Shotgun 1 p.m. Make your Reservations Early! Early Entry Fee $500 per Team of 4 (Price goes to $600 on June 1st) $150 per Individual Includes: Lunch, driving range, $10,000 putting contest, awards ceremony, BBQ dinner, 18 holes of fellowship, $10,000 hole-in-one opportunity and two carts per team. We will give you a call first week of June to secure the people playing on your team. Register at www.kelsolongviewchamber.org
Kelso Longview Business Connection
June 2014
CEO’s Message
Volunteers needed to greet visitors By Bill Marcum CEO – Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce
I also wanted to let you know that the Chamber through the Education Foundation and the Lower Columbia Professionals group provided $10,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors from our local high schools. That is 10 – $1,000 scholarships, please see the list of scholarship winners on page 4. Thank you to all who contributed to the scholarship fund, attended one or more of our fundraising events, purchased a booth at the Building Bridges, or sponsored an event like the Chamber golf tournament. Proceeds from each of our events go toward providing these scholarships to your next generation of business professionals.
Summer is fast approaching and with that comes more and more visitors to the Kelso Longview Chamber/Visitor Center. I have mentioned this in the past; however, I wanted to re-emphasize the Chamber office, when located on Olympia Way, would get approximately 500 “visitors” coming in asking for assistance. Today, at the Visitor Center we are expecting as many as 12,000 between June 1 and Labor Day weekend in September. Each month the total number of visitors to the new location has doubled and we expect it to increase more as summer baseball, softball, and soccer tournaments get started. There are also the summer events in both Kelso and Longview – Squirrel Fest, Highlander Festival, Concerts at the Lake and, for sure, the Go 4th Festival – that will attract additional visitors to the center.
And don’t forget, the Chamber Golf Classic is June 16, with a 1 p.m. shotgun start at Longview Country Club. See you there.
We intend to provide these visitors with reasons to stay, shop and enjoy some of the fun things to do in our area.
Jean Chase
We will also be kicking off a volunteer program for those who would like to greet and talk with our visitors, and educate them on what is going on in our communities. We are looking for outgoing people, who would like to spend a couple hours a week making our visitors feel welcome in our community. If you are interested, please give me a call.
Has Joined Our Property Management Team!
She has the “bases covered” for our “home team”. Go Mariners and Black Bears!
Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Team
Commercial and Residential Management • Qualifying and screening tenants
Bill Marcum, CEO Karen Sisson, Project Manager Amy Hallock, Bookkeeper
• Collecting and disbursing rents • Ongoing inspections of property • Monthly reports to owners • Order repairs and inspect upon completion
Kelso Longview Business Connection is published monthly by the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce. 105 N. Minor Road • Kelso, WA 98626 • 360-423-8400
“We treat your property like our own”. 1700 Hudson St., Suite 101 Longview, WA 98632
To advertise, call Bill Marcum, 360-423-8400 or e-mail bmarcum@kelsolongviewchamber.org. Ad Deadline: 20th of each month.
360-578-9922 jchase@pnwr.com
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Kelso Longview Business Connection
June 2014
Boot Camp
Getting Down to Business Chris Smith, human resource director for the City of Longview, speaks to participants about the new marijuana laws and business as part of the Chamber's popular Small Business Boot Camp human resources series. Barb Sudar and Anne O’Connor brought treats to share during the early-morning event. The Boot Camp series resumes in September when the Chamber presents its six pack on marketing and sales.
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Kelso Longview Business Connection
June 2014
Enhancing your four-legged sales call By Chuck Nau Retail Consultant and Sales and Management Trainer Murray & Nau, Inc.
to accomplish before, during, and possibly, after our 'team sales call'. • In some cases, the goal of a 'team sales call' is to advance the sales cycle by bringing the appropriate company individual into the sales discussion with a new or existing customer. In other cases, the goal may simply be one of education...for the salesperson to observe and learn different selling and situational styles, and for the manager to understand and observe the salesperson's selling style in action, plus interacting with clients. The 'team sales call' is NOT an exercise in the hard sell!
“Care to Dance?” Remember those moments in your life, when you may have asked that question of a friend, new acquaintance, or total stranger? In many instances, that question was being asked to open a two-way dialogue, and to accomplish a simple, yet enjoyable goal...to dance! Very often those first few moments were somewhat awkward until one of you elected to take the ‘lead’ and the two of you talked through, albeit quickly, your dancing style and pace (...probably direction, too!). A similar awkwardness may exist between your sales staff and you, as the manager or owner, when it comes to making joint sales calls on new or existing clients. Bridging that minor hurdle will be easily accomplished if you remember the aforementioned analogy of 'wanting to dance'. Someone has to take the INITIATIVE; someone has to ask. I always find it amusing when an owner or senior manager responds to my question about making 'team sales calls' with 'I have never been asked'. Uneasy as you may be...sometimes, if you want to dance, YOU have to do the asking. Once you've asked, or for that matter been asked (by your sales staff), the following strategies will serve you well in maximizing your business' 'team sales call' efforts.
• As in any learning situation, dialogue and feedback are essential. Coaching or conversations with your salesperson are important as you develop a concept of team and teamwork, plus fostering an open door attitude to give support and encouragement...tell her how she is doing. Coaching is not talking to your salesperson. Rather it is a two-way dialogue or discussion looking at performance, identifying performance obstacles or problems, and developing solutions and action steps. • A key benefit of a 'team sales call' is availability, YOUR availability to one of your salesperson's clients or potential clients. Don't overlook or underestimate the value of YOUR presence. In many cases, clients may not have had many opportunities to interact with a member of your company’s management team. This is your opportunity, too, to learn more about their business, the value they place in your product or service, plus minimizing some of their concerns or questions that your salesperson may not be in a position to answer for them. Remember...don't tell to sell. Ask questions and listen!
• The 'team sales call' originates with the salesperson, therefore, the sales call is THEIRS, not yours. Don't appropriate the call, thereby frustrating if not humiliating your salesperson in the process. • Set the stage for your 'team sales call' by asking your salesperson to give you a brief overview (ideally the day PRIOR) of the current clients' activity AND what 'we' hope
Please see Nau, page 11
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Kelso Longview Business Connection
June 2014
Nau, from page 10
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An additional point worth mentioning...involving another individual, particularly someone with a different selling style can be very beneficial in reinforcing key selling points AND lending credibility to both of you and your company as you support each other's statements. • Speaking of feedback...pause for a moment during a 'team sales call' and ask your salesperson for theirs, it's important to them and should be important to you. Just as she might ask you 'How Am I Doing, Coach?', don't hesitate to ask her how you are doing. • Last but not least. Follow up is not a luxury; it is an expectation. ALWAYS send an informal (e.g. hand written) thank you note to the clients and potential clients you meet. Sit down and review each 'team sales call' with your salesperson, summarizing the meeting and reviewing issues, proposals discussed and planned follow up, assigning responsibilities and action steps. Be sure to deliver what was promised to your clients in a timely fashion, keeping them informed of progress if numerous steps and procedures are necessary. Good luck as you develop your 'team sales call' strategy. Remember, as the old adage goes, a strong sales team Teaches, Encourages, and Motivates. © Murray & Nau, Inc. Chuck Nau of Murray & Nau, Inc. is a Seattle area based publishing consultant and sales and management trainer. He has been a speaker for and conducted advertising, marketing, management and sales training workshops with newspapers, niche publishers, publishing groups and press associations, throughout North America. Comments and questions are welcome and may be directed to Chuck via e-mail: murnau@nwlink.com. or at 425-603-0984.
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Kelso Longview Business Connection
June 2014
Lower Columbia College
Celebrating a year of success at Lower Columbia College By Chris Bailey President – Lower Columbia College
Town of Cathlamet; Wahkiakum County Commissioners; Washington State University; and Weyerhaeuser.
More than 600 Lower Columbia College (LLC) students will celebrate their success this month; many by donning caps and gowns at commencement ceremonies. Behind the pomp and circumstance, LCC faculty and staff will also be marking a year of major accomplishments. At the top of their list is $1.7 million in equipment funding for LCC’s long-awaited Health & Science Building, which will open in Fall 2014. In May, the College was awarded $845,000 by the Economic Development Administration (EDA), which is being matched by an equal amount from the LCC Foundation. Most LCC graduates acknowledge they reached their academic goals thanks to the support of family, friends, teachers and staff. Likewise, the College relied on significant support from local industries, business owners, government officials, education partners and state and federal elected officials to qualify for the EDA grant. Project partners include: Australian Laboratory Services; Cascade Family Medical Center; Centralia College; City of Castle Rock; City of Kelso; City of Kalama; City of Longview; City of Woodland; Community Home Health & Hospice; Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler; Cowlitz County Board of Commissioners; Cowlitz Economic Development Council; Cowlitz-Lewis; Economic Development District; Cowlitz PUD; Eastern Washington University; Governor Jay Inslee; Grays Harbor College; Kaiser Permanente; Kemira; Kiwanis Club of Cathlamet; Laboratory Science Institute; Longview Public Schools; Lower Columbia College Foundation; Millennium Bulk Terminals-Longview; NORPAC; Pacific Tech Construction; PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center; PNE Corp.; Port of Kalama; Providence Centralia Hospital; Senator Maria Cantwell; Senator Patty Murray; Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council;
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Preparing For A Global Economy
In mid-May another LCC-community partnership was launched. The Lower Columbia Business and Industry Center met with the Port of Longview on a plan to offer for a sixpart Leadership Development Series. The Center was created to serve the unique corporate training needs of incumbent workers in our region and to keep local industries competitive in the world marketplace while attracting new companies to our community. In April, College officials signed an agreement with Changzou Technical Institute for Tourism and Commerce (CTITC) to bring up to 30 Chinese students to the Longview campus. The 3+2 Program is an international education partnership which begins with three years of high school study at CTITC followed by a minimum of two years college classes at LCC. Students who successfully complete the program will be awarded both a CTITC credential and an associate degree from LCC, which will qualify them to apply to transfer to a bachelor degree program at U.S. universities. A similar partnership with Huaqiao University in China and one with a South Korean college are also in process. A more robust International Student Program at LCC will bring cultural diversity and a world view for our students, preparing them for success in a global economy. At the same time, tuition paid by international students will help the college stabilize its funding in the face of declining state resources.
Serving Our Students To Success
A campus-wide commitment to help LCC students succeed in achieving their college and career goals has resulted in several innovative programs with positive results while earning
Please see LCC, page 13
Kelso Longview Business Connection
LCC, from page 12 state and national recognition for the College. New technology, implemented this year, allows advisers to track student progress and intervene early in the quarter before problems with coursework or other obstacles become too great to overcome. From extra tutoring and study groups to financial assistance for books, transportation or childcare, LCC counselors and instructors successfully employ a wide range of tools to keep students in school. A $50,000 annual Student Success Fund, established by the LCC Foundation, assisted more than 100 students in covering the cost of textbooks, the last $500 in tuition or unexpected expenses that would have resulted in dropping out. Eightyeight percent of LCC faculty and staff contributed to the LCC Foundation last year to fund scholarships and program support for our students. Their contributions along with generous donors from our community earned LCC a top national award for campaign fundraising. A mandatory New Student Orientation that prepares students for early success in college and a First-Year Seminar course for those starting with below college-level skills have also been developed and implemented in the past year. Statistics show that these types of programs give students an extra boost in staying in college and completing their programs of study. A collaborative effort to prepare local high school graduates to move into college math studies is showing significant progress at Lower Columbia College. Math instructors from LCC and area high schools developed a multi-faceted approach over the past five years to help students save time and extra costs by avoiding remedial coursework. While the proportion of all students entering LCC underprepared in math is around 90 percent, the proportion of local high school graduates in this group has dropped to 72 percent, a full 20 percentage points lower! The education partners found that the quality of high school math courses was not to blame for previous low scores. Instead, interventions related to curriculum alignment between high school and college, math placement testing and student preparation for testing have made the greatest impact. They continue to collaborate and anticipate even better results in the near future. A similar effort has begun to improve student placement in English. All of these interventions have resulted in accolades for LCC from representatives of the national Achieving The Dream
June 2014
project and related Washington State College Spark funding program. Representatives from both programs commended LCC as one of the top performers during a visit to campus in May.
Access At All Levels
Adults who did not complete traditional high school now have a new low cost, adult diploma option which combines credit for work and life experience with previous education and $25 per quarter class work. In its first year, the program will boast more than 100 graduates, many who have tried for years to earn a diploma through other methods. The Integrative Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST) program at LCC allows adults to improve their math and English skills while simultaneously gaining marketable job skills in healthcare, business office, Early Childhood Education, manufacturing and diesel fields. I-BEST students at LCC have completed their training at a rate ten times greater than adults following a traditional path and have testified at state and national levels on the benefits of the program. Rural Outreach Centers have been established in three area high schools and two community centers to enhance access to college services and courses online. Now high school students unable to make the commute to Longview due to distance, time or financial constraints can take advantage of dual enrollment programs like Running Start to earn college credit. They can also apply for college admission, financial aid and scholarships and use services such as practicing for placement tests, exploring careers and enhancing job search skills, through resume writing and mock interviews. The Lower Columbia Regional University Center, which opened in Fall 2013, will add access to three more bachelor degree programs from regional universities this Fall and a business degree in Winter 2015, doubling the number of local options for our students. In the end, numbers tell the story of student success. LCC transfer students have achieved an average 3.34 grade point for their junior and senior studies at Washington public universities. Eighty-one percent of our professional-technical program graduates found employment within nine months, outscoring the state average. LCC will begin its 80th year of service to Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties this fall, poised to build on a successful history of service to our students and our community. 13
Kelso Longview Business Connection
June 2014
Council of Governments
Infrastructure study aims to support jobs and trade By Melissa Taylor Project Manager – Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments The SR 432 Rail Realignment and Highway Improvements Project (Phase I) ramped up to full speed in the spring of 2013, and will wrap up during the summer of 2014. This phase, led by Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments (CWCOG), focused on identifying a suite of project concepts that would improve congestion, safety, mobility and accessibility for people and goods movement throughout the region, and to points across the globe. As reported in The Daily News on May 25, the movement of goods and freight being shipped through the Columbia River Channel has increase exponentially since 2010, and is predicted to continue apace. See: http://tdn.com/news/local/industrialgrowth-columbia-s-deeper-channel-is-a-magnet-for/article_ d1c4593a-e466-11e3-b3ce-0019bb2963f4.html Population growth in our region has slowed dramatically in the past decade, attributable to the combined impacts of the Great Recession and the aging of our Baby Boomer population. Two-thirds of Cowlitz County’s population growth is typically due to in-migration. This is particularly so when families move into our area for employment opportunities. The SR 432 recommendations identify improvements that would support our local business and industry base by improving congestion, safety and mobility while seeking to minimize the impacts associated with improvements. CWCOG sponsored a series of public meetings throughout the month of May, beginning with an Elected and Agency Officials Briefing for local, state and federal officials and staff. This was followed by consultation with the Project Advisory Group, which is comprised of business stakeholders along the corridor. A general open house concluded the series at the end of May. At each venue, attendees asked questions and were asked for input on the Tier I and Tier II recommendations. Tier I consists of an elevated intersection at SR 432 and SR 433 (Industrial Way and Oregon Way). This includes realignment of the Reynolds Lead rail crossing at Oregon Way and west of Oregon Way, so that the crossings occur along the existing road bed, which will reduce the footprint of the structure, reduce its impacts and lower its cost. This
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improvement was selected because it received the highest ratings during the screening process, and it is a critical element in reducing rail and highway conflicts at two key locations along the Industrial Way corridor. Tier II includes a wide array of improvements that can proceed along independent timelines. Elements of Tier II include: • Reconstruction of the SR 411/SR 432 interchange to improve safety and capacity • Alabama Street connector, from Oregon Way to 7th Avenue • Beech Street Connector, from Oregon Way to 9th Avenue • Consolidation of intersections at California Way, 3rd Avenue and Industrial Way • Intelligent Transportation System improvements that would provide electronic message boards or other “smart street” components to route traffic around congested areas • Grade separation of Industrial Way at California Way and Third Avenue from rail Phase II will consist of environmental analysis and preliminary engineering of the selected (Tier I) concept and should begin in late summer/early fall of 2014. Opportunities to get involved and provide input will continue as the project progresses into Phase II. For more information, visit http://www.sr432corridor.org.
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BLACKBEARS BASEBALL June Business After Hours Cowlitz Blackbears vs Kitsap BlueJackets Meet and Greets with Team Owner Tony Bonacci,
General Manager Jim Appleby and several players! Your registration for this event includes: 2 beverage tickets, food catered especially for you, seating in the Left field Party Deck, entry into raffle prizes for Bears shirts, hats, signed baseballs and a chance to throw out that nights first pitch. After the event stay and enjoy the game, $2 beers, $2 hot dogs and “GREAT SEATS”. Event starts at 5:00 – first pitch at 6:30. Bring the kids (18 and under) they are free tonight... dogs and sodas available.
Tuesday, June 24th Party Deck at Story Field 5:00pm with game starting at 6:35pm $15 in Advance, $20 at the Gate Register at www.kelsolongviewchamber.org
Enjoy good food, cold beverages and the best baseball in town!
Kelso Longview Business Connection
June 2014
Business Toolbox
Spending too much time working IN your business – should you be working more ON your business? By Jerry D. Petrick Certified Business Adviser On, In, who cares? What is the difference? When it comes to business, there is a huge difference. A business owner needs to work more ON their business than IN it. How can you tell if you are working IN your business or ON your business? At the risk of sounding rather Jeff Foxworthyish, I’ll put forth the hypothesis: You may be working IN your business if… • You make sales calls all day long • You spend most of your afternoon fulfilling orders and responding to customer questions/issues • You spend at least one night a week or an entire weekend day doing bookkeeping, payroll and other record keeping tasks. AND… You are likely working ON your business if… • You invest mornings adjusting your business model to best fit your ideal customer profile. • You spend your afternoons scouting for talent, developing your current team, and providing the tools they need to thrive. • You dedicate part of one evening a week reviewing your financial reports, scanning for new business opportunities and markets, and ensuring your business is growing per your plans.
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I imagine that some of you may be thinking, “I am a oneperson business. I do not have time to work ON my business – I have to work IN the business to keep the money coming in.” Well here’s some good news: working IN it and working ON it are not mutually exclusive. In fact, most successful business owners have to work IN their business while they're working ON it (particularly in the beginning of transitioning from self-employment to creating a business). It might be out of necessity; your organization might just be too lean for you to step out of the daily activities. Or you may need to go back IN for a period of time when it's time to improve your existing operation to stay competitive. Or you may love the technical work of your business so much that you don’t want to give it up completely. How can you shift to working ON your business versus being focused only on working IN your business? • Set Some Basic Goals: Actively look for daily activities/ processes you can make more effective/efficient. Would it be smart to outsource your bookkeeping services? Engaging an expert to perform your routine accounting functions – providing you with timely, accurate data and reporting with which to make business decisions. Are there software tools that would help your sales and customer management processes more impactful and consistent? The key is to start with some good ideas to get the ball rolling. • Spend Time Everyday Working ON Your Business: No matter how busy you are, you can carve out 5 to 10 minutes at the start or end of your day to take action to make your
Please see Petrick, page 17
Kelso Longview Business Connection
June 2014
Petrick, from page 16
AND…
business stronger and more successful long-term. This could be doing some research on products, prospects, customers, competitors, industry trends, etc. You could refine your process for invoicing customers to speed cash flow. It might be reviewing resumes for the new part-time customer service role you are instituting. Whatever it is, in a short period you will find you have more time to commit to working ON your business AND your time working IN your business will be more effective and efficient.
The typical business owner personality is:
• Engage An Adviser: Even Michael Jordan had a coach – someone to help guide and reinforce the actions and behaviors leading to outstanding performance. If you don’t already have someone beyond yourself or your family members to discuss and strategize your business with you are likely limiting your success and that of your business. Most new businesses are started by technicians – people who are skilled at what they enjoy doing, and who figure they would rather work for themselves than for someone else (also known as ‘self-employed’ – they have essentially created a job for themselves). Most technicians assume that because they are proficient in the technical work of the business, they naturally understand how the business works. In truth, these are two very different issues, and the entrepreneur MUST understand the distinction between the two. Building your business takes three distinct skill sets: 1. The entrepreneur – supplying the vision 2. The manager – provides systems and processes 3. The technician – supplies the output of goods or services Through years of study, we have learned the following: The entrepreneur looks at every issue as a huge commercial opportunity – entrepreneurs are dreamers that focus on the future. Managers are practical – they design systems; they bring order and efficiency to the operations. In general, managers focus on the past and hold on to the status quo. Technicians like doing things. They live in the present. They are hands-on people who like to get work done without interruption.
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✓ 10% Entrepreneur ✓ 20% Manager ✓ 70% Technician Sound familiar? Does this describe you…your business? Consider this… Research indicates that a Very Good Business Builder would be: • 33% Entrepreneur • 33% Manager • 33% Technician Ultimately, working ON your business is about your perspective. We've always advocated that if you want to change your business, the first thing you need to do is to change the way you think about your business. So don't worry about the work you have to do in your business, just remember to approach it with an entrepreneurial perspective and learn from every experience. To learn more tips and tools for working ON your business make sure you attend the next no cost Best Business Practices Series workshop Sept. 4. This session will be popular and will fill up quickly. To register follow this link: www.wsbdc.org/ training-calendar This article is based, in part, on the book E Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber and was prepared by Jerry Petrick, MBA, CGBP, SPHR, PMP and Certified Business Adviser with the Washington State University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Longview. Jerry provides no-cost, confidential business advisory services by appointment. He can be reached via e-mail jerry.petrick@wsbdc.org
Kelso Longview Business Connection
June 2014
Kelso
Longview
Direction for the future
It's all about relationships
By City Councilman
By Mayor David Futcher
Ken Botero
One of the interesting aspects of our system of government is that over and over, we have checks in place to limit the amount of power given to any individual. The highest elected official in our country, the President, even has substantial limitations on his power. While this is designed to prevent a dictatorship, it also results in true power coming only with strong relationships.
Longview’s visual and functional appeal reinforces the quality of life for our citizens, as well as the possible perceptions of those making investment decisions. The initial positive perception of Longview is formed by our unique building appearances, property maintenance and infrastructure systems. Longview has a window of opportunity to enact policies and standards that influence the quality of its natural environments. These considerations are especially important along highly visible corridors and at our gateways, for example the new design and positive entryway into Longview on Tennant Way. Without plans and regulations that establish expectations and minimum standards, there may be a sense of “sameness” in our community with little to distinguish it as a city of the future and a place representing A Quality of Place.
I often say that politics (and heck, life) is all about relationships. In a city like Kelso, a mayor like me can’t do anything without three other council members wanting the same thing. Heck, I can’t even be the mayor if I can’t convince three other guys on the council that I’m the right man for the job. Effectiveness comes only with the support of others. We have on our council an individual with a criminal past and allegedly, present. The past isn’t as concerning to me – no one reading this article is perfect – but the current allegations, and Mr. Franklin’s actions described in the police report do cause me to question the individual’s commitment to a new way of life.
Longview’s vision of the future clearly articulates our community’s desire to become our regional growth center. Longview offers many opportunities to build on a positive future in industry, small business, and education. As the largest city in Cowlitz County it is within reach to become a regional growth center and is positioned to serve all the needs of the community plus our neighboring cities.
Because Mr. Franklin wasn’t open with the council about his past, and hadn’t taken the time to build the relationships that would have helped us support him during this episode, many on the council were left wanting to distance themselves from the current predicament. That results in it being unlikely that Mr. Franklin will be able to marshal support for initiatives he’d like to pursue, thereby compromising his effective participation on the council.
As Longview moves forward and adds new amenities, one of our challenges will be to create unique places that do not compete with one another. For instance, the commercial and civic functions of downtown clearly have a different character and scale than the development along Ocean Beach Highway and the Triangle Shopping Center. Future public investments should help define areas of civic importance and celebrate differences and special features. How do we achieve these goals?
If you can’t be effective, why be there? That’s a question to which only Mr. Franklin has the answer.
Please see Longview, page 19
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Kelso Longview Business Connection
June 2014
Longview, page 18 The first answer is with construction of downtown improvements and infrastructure in accordance with the Hyatt/Palma report. In July, the City will begin construction of the first phase of the streetscape improvements along Commerce Avenue, from Washington Way to Broadway. The second answer is with revisions to the zoning ordinances that accommodate in fill and mixed use development patterns. Ongoing marketing and planning led by the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce and our Kelso Longview Tourism Bureau. These are just a few directives we could use to open the door to the future.
Business & Corporation Law
Attorney Michael A. Claxton
Walstead Mertsching serves businesses of many sizes and in various stages of development. Whether your company is a small sole proprietorship or a large corporation, we can provide assistance and guidance. Utilizing a solutions-oriented approach toward achieving defined objectives, our goal is to allow our clients to successfully execute their business plans. • Complex Litigation • Formation, Reorganization, and Dissolution • Labor/Employment Issues • Mergers and Aquisitions • Purchases and Sales • Succession Planning
WALSTEAD MERTSCHING AT TO R N E Y S AT L AW
A Full Service Civil Law Firm for 89 Years CIVIC CENTER BUILDING, 3RD FLOOR 1700 HUDSON ST., LONGVIEW, WA
(360) 423-5220 Longview www.walstead.com
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Kelso Longview Business Connection
June 2014
Mind Your Own Business (at the Library)
Children and community benefit from summer reading program By Chris Skaugset Director – Longview Public Library Summer is coming and with it comes the biggest library program of the year. The Summer Reading Program is a cooperative program involving each of the four Cowlitz County libraries that encourages and rewards children to continue reading during the summer months when they are away from school. Studies have shown that children who participate in a summer reading program retain more of what they learned the previous year, which in turn means that when school begins again that teachers are spending less time covering last year’s material and more time teaching new material. It is a win-win situation by keeping kids engaged and learning throughout the summer. This year’s program is entitled Fizz, Boom, Read! It is focusing on science, technology, engineering, and math (or what’s referred to as STEM in the educational world) this year and with the recognition that the summer reading program can not only encourage reading and literacy, but at the same time can encourage children’s interest, knowledge, and skills in these vitally important areas. We have a number of fun, exciting, and educational events this year including: story times for kids of all ages; Spin, Boom, Pop; Grossology; Bits & Bots; the grand finale picnic with the OMSI Science Festival; and a night at a Cowlitz Black Bears game for those readers completing at least one reading record as part of the Cowlitz Literacy Coalition’s Literacy Night. The teen program is called Spark a Reaction. It also focuses on STEM and includes several events geared towards teens including: Improv with the Missoula Children’s Theatre; Spark Plugs and Spokelights; a Sparkle Party; and a Summer Reading Flash Mob. As the children continue to get older and complete their education it is critical that they have the necessary skills to find jobs (and to fill your jobs) and succeed. It is important not only for the chil-
dren, their families, and the schools to have successful students but also for our businesses, and our local communities as well. As the job market continues to evolve into the future it will be even more critical to have students who are literate and who have those STEMrelated skills to succeed whether it is as an engineer, a teacher, or a small-business owner. More math, science, and technology-related skills will no longer be nice skills to have, but will be required to not only help local businesses and organizations succeed, but to ensure the continued growth and development of the nation’s economy as well. It will be these younger generations who will be moving the county, the state, the nation, and the world forward. So, please encourage your children to participate (there are many ways that children of all ages can participate). If you don’t have children, but see value in the program, come and volunteer at your local library. The program can almost always use more volunteers to help make the program successful. You could even help by sponsoring a program or helping sponsor one of the many events that take place during the summer. It is critical that we adults continue to encourage and support our community’s children to continue to learn and to understand, and show, how valuable that education will be not only for them but for all of us. For more information visit us at www.longviewlibrary.org and friend us on Facebook.
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Kelso Longview Business Connection
June 2014
Ribbon Cuttings
Garden Party It was a picture-perfect day May 20 to dedicate the E. Kenneth Henderson Memorial Garden at Community Home Health Hospice.
Golden Anniversary Guild Mortgage celebrated its 50th year in business May 8 with an open house and ribbon cutting. Stop by and congratulate them at their 1225 Broadway Street location.
Swinging Celebration The Ambassadors got into the swing of this Chamber Ribbon Cutting May 9 at Three Rivers Golf Course. While there, the Ambassadors checked out upgrades to the course, club house and restaurant.
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Kelso Longview Business Connection
June 2014
PeaceHealth
Hospital strength built on Foundation By Cathy Barr Executive Director – PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center Foundation It was a Friday night at shift change when a multiple-vehicle collision brought eight trauma patients into an already-crowded emergency room (ER) at PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center. Hospital caregivers were in the process of admitting a few patients and several night shift caregivers were stuck in traffic due to the tragic accident. Throughout this intense situation, PeaceHealth teams kicked into high gear. Day shift nurses stayed on to provide continuous care as the trauma victims rolled in one after another. And – in the words of a PeaceHealth caregiver – “other parts of the hospital family descended on the emergency department, offering help and support.” Caregivers from inpatient floors and departments throughout the medical center – nursing, housekeeping, laboratory, pastoral care, respiratory therapy, medical records and transport – pitched in to meet the needs of patients and family members throughout the night and into the weekend. In addition, caregivers helped each other; the spouse of one caregiver even provided snacks and drinks for those working the long hours. Some of you might recognize this event that occurred in Longview earlier this year. It took everything we had to give, but PeaceHealth and our community’s first responders were able to care for every single patient. This is just one of the many heroic stories of the ER and other departments at PeaceHealth St. John. It confirms that while we, as a medical center, know and plan for the volume and level of service anticipated in our area, unexpected events still happen. The same can be said for expenses. Budgets may be prepared for each year. However, the critical needs of patients in Cowlitz County trump the strictest, best-laid budgets. That is where PeaceHealth St. John’s Foundation steps in, helping to raise unrestricted funds that can be put to use whenever and wherever the greatest needs might be. In a very real way, unrestricted gifts made it possible for PeaceHealth St. John to advance our ER and trauma units to meet this and other unforeseen demands. This is true not only for the ER, but for other vital services in the hospital. Unrestricted dollars represent unlimited possibilities.
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You can help us raise unrestricted or flexible funds and have fun with friends and business associates at PeaceHealth St. John’s Foundation’s 13th annual golf tournament. If you like to golf and love the idea of supporting your community hospital in this meaningful way, please join us at the Longview Country Club on July 14. Register at www.peacehealth.org/foundation/st-john. Not a golfer? You’re welcome to make a gift of any amount to the Foundation’s unrestricted fund at any time to help ensure that our community is prepared for almost anything. Call or e-mail me at 360-414-7900 or cbarr@peacehealth.org.
Kelso Longview Business Connection
June 2014
In the News
Pollock appointed market manager
and great things for Cowlitz County and beyond." Pollock comes to the area with experience in managing radio station groups in Wyoming, New Mexico and California. Pollock is living in Longview, however he will be also be overseeing the Centralia–Chehalis markets in addition to Longview–Kelso.
Bicoastal Media announced the appointment of Bruce Pollock as Market Manager for KLYK, KRQT, KBAM, KEDO and KPPK radio stations. Pollock has enjoyed an extensive career in radio management including time in the Pacific Northwest. “It is wonderful to return to the state of Washington and an honor to join Bicoastal Media’s exceptional management team and staff. I look forward to working with our local businesses and organizations, representing Bicoastal Media’s commitment to our communities. The people we have already met have been incredibly gracious in welcoming to me and my wife Robin,” Pollock said. "Bruce is an idea person and is all about growing local business," said Bicoastal Media Regional Vice President Gary Grossman. "We are excited for our listeners, clients and staff. "With his experience and leadership we are expecting new
The price of gas may impede retail sales By Jan Teague, President/CEO Washington Retail Association We had good news about retail sales being up for the year by 7.4 percent in Washington state. This is an excellent sign of economic recovery. Some counties did better than others as you would expect. Pierce County was leading the countywide sales, up 10 percent. New and used car sales, building materials, apparel, and e-commerce represented the lion's share of sales. The construction industry is really taking off with an overall increase of 15.8 percent. All things seem to be moving in the right direction for the economy. Unemployment is heading downward, the stock market is up, and construction is taking off. Consumer confidence is 83 percent, up from 81 percent in April. This too is a strong number and gives us hope for a good year for retailers. Right now if I had to worry about anything for the year, it would be the price of gas. I went to the pump the other day and put $50 of regular into the car and it wasn't filled up. That was hard and I was reminded just how easily consumers will hold back on shopping if the price of gas is too high for their pocket book. We always have a seasonal swing in the price of gas during the summer months. But if we see other additional spikes due to public policy changes, like paying for global warming projects, then consumers will cut back on other spending. There are very few items that change consumer spending like the price of gas. Governor Inslee has his eye on global warming and is talking about funding it through the price of gas. Estimates are wild at this point, but what if it costs another $1 per gallon? I can tell you that will make it very hard on people. It would be a tax like no other. Travel would go down which would impact hotels and restaurants, and people would simply shop less on discretionary items. In some ways, it would force a tax shift to a special project without showing the public a tangible benefit. The debates swirl around this issue and will definitely give the public pause to consider the sanity of it all, if it happens.
Our years of experience add up to Consistent, Courteous & Complete Title & Escrow Services.
Connie Bjornstrom Lindsey McTimmonds
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Phone: 360.425.2950 Fax: 360.425.8010
LeeRoy Parcel
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1425 Maple St. Longview, WA 98632
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Kelso Longview Business Connection
June 2014
Ambassador of the Month
Garn garnishes Chamber's volunteer honor for May Teedara Garn of Twin Star Credit Union has been named the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Month for May. Garn's participation in Chamber events in May pushed her to the top of the field. Chamber Ambassadors, known as The Red Coats, are an integral part of the Chamber of Com-
May
merce. The Ambassador team is made up of active Chamber volunteers whose responsibilities
Twin Star Credit Union
bon cuttings and community events. Ambassadors juggle busy professional careers while making
Teedara Garn
include meeting and greeting at Chamber events, welcoming new members and assisting at ribtime 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.
Local Bank Means Local Business Canyonview CyClery
I had a plan to fulfill a childhood dream and start up my own business. Just when every bank was saying NO, Twin City Bank said yes. They help me to make that dream a reality. I would not be open today if it had not been for the willingness of Twin City Bank and its priority of helping local businesses succeed. Thank you Twin City Bank. Mark Plotkin Canyonview Cyclery
729 Vandercook Way Longview, WA 98632 1-800-319-2265 | 360-414-4101 twincitybank.com Mark Plotkin, Owner Canyonview Cyclery
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Kelso Longview Business Connection
June 2014
Welcome New Members
Chamber membership has its privileges Celebrate new Chamber members with us
Business Association with opportunities to promote trade through Chamber socials, special events and committee participation.
* Chrome Mobile Detailing * A First Place * UnCaged Cycles
• 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 • Web Site Links • Member to Member Discounts • Membership Directory • Tax Deduction
Packages
• Newsletter • Business Card Display • Use of Chamber Logo Representation through action committees, Candidate Forums and up-todate Action Alerts. • Legislative Representation • Issues Tracking and Information • Task Forces • Candidate Forums • Legislative Update Breakfast • Demographics Publication
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.
Join today! Call 360-423-8400 % 20 OFFIDE STOREW
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We are a membership based not-for-profit organization. Join us today! Resources • Access • Partnerships
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