October 2021 Business Connection

Business Connection Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce

The LCP Spooktacular coming Oct. 29, see page 32.

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Julie Rinard

Project Manager

k October 2021

Look at the possibilities

Volume 13 • Issue 10 Business Connection is published monthly by the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce 105 N. Minor Road • Kelso, WA 98626

STAFF

Bill Marcum, CEO Julie Rinard, Project Manager Pam Fierst, Office Manager Maxine Nightcourte, Social Media Service

k CONTACT US

360-423-8400 kelsolongviewchamber.org

D

id you know that as a business member, your staff may participate in Chamber activities and events? We are here to be a resource for your entire team.

Jingle All the Way brings networking opportunities and publicity for your business.

We anticipate around 500 participants. It’s a great time of year for your staff to have fun walking or running as a team. Make Jingle All the Way part of your wellness program each year! Unable to attend this year? Consider a sponsorship with opportunities to reach the participants and volunteers you need to attract to your business. Funds raised provide scholarship dollars for Kelso and Longview high school students.

The Ambassadors Committee is our outgoing, read-coated team that often represents the “face” of the Chamber. You will see them at our events and activities; even working behind the scenes in their usual business attire. Ambassadors are the first volunteers to visit a new Chamber member and give them a warm welcome. They show up for celebratory ribbon cuttings, get to know other Chamber members, and serve as a resource for all that is possible with the Chamber and throughout the community. Last month, ServPro of Longview/Kelso was able to host a ribbon cutting outdoors in compliance with the current mandates. The Ambassadors enjoyed meeting many new members who were attending their first Business After Hours. Do you have friendly employees who can commit to networking events? The Ambassadors Committee may be a good fit!

To advertise, call Bill Marcum 360-423-8400 or bmarcum@kelsolongviewchamber.org Ad Deadline 20th of Each Month

We are all impacted by what’s happening in Olympia. The Government Affairs Committee engages in small group, in-depth presentations and discussions on topics that impact Kelso and Longview businesses. Stay up-to-date by attending Legislative Briefings and Legislation Day on Capitol Hill. We also bring valuable information and news from the Association of Washington Business, saving you time. Watch for announcements about happenings that impact your business. Interested but unable to make a time commitment? Your staff is For more Possibilities, see page 2

Possiblities from page 1

welcome to attend.

Focused on raising scholarship funds for Kelso and Longview high school students, the Lower Columbia Professionals organize a variety of themed events throughout the school year.

Do you have an employee who would be interested in joining LCP? There are networking and outreach opportunities through the planning and implementation of these events. Scholarships to be awarded and recipients will share their goals for the future at the annual Pillars of Strength event in May. It is well attended by businesses, educators and nonprofits. Put the spotlight on your business as a supporter of education by becoming a sponsor and attending this event. Bring your staff so they can see the impact of volunteerism.

We will launch the Small Business Boot Camp series later this year. In a small venue format at minimal cost, you will take away good information that you can put to use immediately. Watch for opportunities to enroll your staff for a session on topics such as social media, marketing, sales or finances. Small Business Boot Camp sponsors receive publicity as supporters of a thriving community.

What’s next?

Contact us to take advantage of these opportunities. Would you like us to have others from your business added to our e-blast list? Just let us know. We are eager to help you benefit from your Chamber membership.

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Friday, December 10, 2021 The Civic Circle

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360-575-9804

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Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Chris Roewe, President Woodford Commercial Real Estate Lisa Straughan, President Elect Express Employment Professionals Frank Panarra, Past President Foster Farms Marlene Johanson, Vice President Heritage Bank Neil Zick, Treasurer Twin City Bank Michael Claxton, Legal Counsel Walstead Mertsching Duane Dalgleish Cowlitz PUD Rich Gushman Gibbs & Olson Keenan Harvey City Council, Kelso Wendy Kosloski Teague's Interiors Nick Lemiere Edward Jones Cherelle Montanye St. John/PeaceHealth John Paul KUKN-KLOG-101.5 The WAVE Bruce Pollock Bicoastal Media Tom Rozwood NORPAC Christine Schott City of Longview Councilmember Marc Silva Columbia Bank Ted Sprague Cowlitz Economic Development Council Michael Vorse Minuteman Press Dennis Weber Cowlitz County Commissioner

Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce Bill Marcum CEO

Chamber leadership planning for 'normal' 2022

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ere at the Chamber, October is the time when we begin budgeting for 2022.

I don’t know about your business but the Chamber budget was a mess for 2020 and for 2021. Will things be back to “normal” for 2022? And what will that normal look like?

Typically, Chambers’ revenue comes from dues from its members (about 50 percent) with the remaining 50 percent coming from events through sponsorships and ticket sales. In 2020 the only events the Chamber were able to host were the Golf Classic in June and sQuatch Fest in July. Remember, it moved from January to April, and then April to July, so we could hold the event mostly outside and follow all the health and safety guidelines.

Below is a list of the events we were NOT able to host, which meant we were unable to generate revenue, raise scholarship funds, provide educational classes or encourage networking opportunities for our members.

Small Business Boot Camp – In 2020, we scrapped 19 to 20 classes designed to help local business owners and managers be better prepared to deal with human resources, marketing, purchasing, pricing, budgeting, L&I mandates, legislative changes and more. In 2021 we have only been able to hold four classes. We do look forward to hosting several in the fourth quarter this year, but that’s not etched in stone. Local business owners will be facing several hot-button issues in 2022 and we are working to provide details about those at Boot Camps later this year.

Quarterly Luncheons – March, June, September and November. Our luncheons are an opportunity to bring in our local city, county and state-elected representatives to speak to our business community about issues affecting the community and businesses. Generally, 85 to 100 business people attend these very informative luncheons.

Lower Columbia Professionals – LCP usually hosts six to eight events a year, generating $15,000 to $20,000 in scholarships for local students. This year looks a lot like 2020 as those events have not been able to happen. That means there will be less money in the scholarship fund for local graduating students in 2022. In 2020, we handed out an all-time high of $25,000 in scholarships, last year that number fell to $12,000, leaving out roughly 12 to 15 kids–kids who deserved a scholarship but did not receive one.

Business After Hours – While we were able to host seven monthly Business After Hours events throughout 2021, the remainder had to be canceled. We are still hoping to have our Holiday Mixer in December, but that too could be an issue. Most of the Business After Hours have been held outside with guided tours through the business and then back outside. Not quite the perfect situation. We normally have about 100 business people in attendance, this year we had a high of 86 and a low of 62. The October event has been cancelled, but we picked up PWN Meatheads BBQ for Nov. 9. We are currently booking 2022 with only January, July, September and November available. That’s a positive step forward–eight months booked. Not bad considering we have no clue what is going to happen next, but businesses are ready to get on with business as normal.

Building Bridges Tourism and Business Expo – Nearly 100 local businesses and tourism related businesses turn out each year to promote their businesses to each For more Chamber, see page 5

4 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2021

Chamber from page 4

other and to local attendees. This past year I moved the event from March to April and then to August, and then again to October, and now I’ve moved it back to March of 2022.

Pillars of Strength – This is our annual business and education awards banquet that draws over 250 business and education leaders together to show their appreciation to our local teachers, school administrative staff and local businesses leaders. This is when we also award our scholarships to local students.

Another event with great attendance that had to be canceled and rescheduled for May 4, 2022.

Island Bingo – A fun, summer event with 20 games of bingo, 20 sponsors and more than 230 people having a great time and winning fabulous prizes. Canceled! Rescheduled for August 2022.

In all about 40 events, and that doesn’t include the 30-plus

ribbon cuttings we send the Ambassadors to each year. Fingers crossed we will be able to run the Jingle All the Way 5K on Dec. 10. Pam is working to secure sponsors, Civic Circle and the permits necessary to hold this event, this year.

Julie is working on sQuatch Fest 2022. So far, she’s secured the traditional last weekend in January, Jan. 28-29, at the Cowlitz County Event Center. Even moving it several times last year, nearly 3,000 people attended from 29 states, plus 65 vendors, 13 breweries in Brew Mountain and two hotels full of guests.

So, as I mentioned, it’s the start of budgeting... guessing really... after 2020 and 2021 I sure hope we can get back to something more normal for 2022. Whatever that new normal is?

Keep up with the latest on your heart.

peacehealth.org/hearthealth

Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2021 | 5

Mind Your Own Business (At The Library) Chris Skaugset Director – Longview Public Library

Spine-chilling tales for Halloween

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ell, it is my favorite time of year again. Fall is my favorite of the seasons with many fond memories from my childhood growing up in pear country in southern Oregon. The days are getting shorter, there is a crispness in the air, and we are seeing nature at its most glorious with the changing of the leaves. It is also the time of year, when our minds turn to long, dark nights and scary tales as Halloween approaches.

I thought I would share some classic Halloween books, both new and old, that fit this spooky time of the year. Below are a number of titles that you can find at your local Longview Public Library.

You can come find these and many more, Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Friday-Saturday noon-4 p.m. I hope you have a lovely fall season and happy, and safe, Halloween.

Hallowe’en Party by Agatha Christie. This is one of my favorite Christie books and is perfect for a fall night full of mystery, suspense, and Hercule Poirot. At a Hallowe’en party, Joyce, a hostile 13-year-old, boasts that she once witnessed a murder.

When no one believes her, she storms off home. Within hours of

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her departure, her body is found, still in the house, drowned in an apple-bobbing tub. Poirot is called upon to find out who did it.

Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury. A mysterious carnival has rolled into Green Town. Two boys will discover the secret of its smoke, mazes, and mirrors; two friends who will soon know all too well the heavy cost of wishes…and the stuff of nightmares. Few novels have endured in the heart and memory, as has this timeless classic.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman. Gaiman’s tale for all ages, tells the story of Bod. He is a perfectly normal boy. Well, he would be perfectly normal if he didn’t live in a graveyard, wasn’t being raised and educated by ghosts, and with a solitary guardian who belongs to neither the world of the living nor the world of the dead. There are dangers and adventures for Bod in the graveyard for the reader to enjoy, and so much more.

The Shining by Stephen King. King is the master of horrifying tales and this is one of his best. This novel follows Jack, who has taken a job as an off-season caretaker at a remote hotel in hopes of having time to work on his writing and reconnect with his wife and son. However, as the temperatures drop, they realize how truly isolated, and possibly sinister, their new home really is.

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson. This is Stevenson’s masterpiece of the duality of good and evil in man’s nature sprang from the darkest recesses of his own unconscious. More than 100 years later, this tale of the mildmannered Dr. Jekyll and the drug that unleashes his evil, inner persona, the loathsome, twisted Mr. Hyde is as relevant today as it was then.

Dracula by Bram Stoker. When Jonathan Harker visits Transylvania to help Count Dracula purchase a London house, he makes horrifying discoveries in his client’s castle. Soon afterward, disturbing incidents unfold in England in the classic work that brought the vampire to the mainstream.

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson. If you liked the Netflix series, you’ll love reading the book it was based on.

This book tells the story of Dr. Montague, who decides to bring together a small crew and prove the existence of the supernatural by going to the notoriously spooky Hill House for a summer.

However, Hill House turns out to be more powerful than any of them could have guessed.

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Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. The one that perhaps started them all. Shelley tells the story of a scientist named Victor Frankenstein, his mad quest to create life, and the tortured, lonely monster he creates, which goes on to wreak havoc upon the town of Geneva. It is a classic in every sense of the word.

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Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments Bill Fashing CEO

Resiliency and recovery goals for region

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s the regional Economic Development District (EDD) the Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Government (CWCOG) is working to plan for a better tomorrow for area resident. We are currently working on a Resiliency and Recovery plan for the region. The economic impacts of the COVID pandemic are just one of many economic shocks our region has faced over the last half century. From the eruption of Mount St. Helens to the loss of Reynolds Metals and several other events we have continued to struggle to maintain the number of quality jobs in the region to bring true success.

Despite all the shocks, the region continues to show some significant strengths through area port activity and other major employers that are located here. The creativity and grit shown by area employers throughout the pandemic are a positive indication of the potential of the region’s business community. We must all continue to work toward a stronger economic future by supporting local firms when possible and assisting our larger traded sector firms to succeed. The Resilience and Recovery Plan slated for release in November will provide some guidance and a set of goals to pursue in our efforts to build a stronger economic future. Understanding of resources highlighting trends and the direction of the national economy like the following will assist in the ongoing efforts to strengthen the local economy.

The graphic outlines the fastest growing and declining industries in the nation. It is included with permission from Visual Capitalist. According to the source, “As the composition of employment shifts, it eliminates some jobs and creates others. For instance, For more CWCOG, see page 9

8 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2021

CWCOG from page 8

while production jobs are declining, new opportunities exist for ‘computer numerically controlled tool programmers.’ These workers develop programs to control the automated equipment that processes materials. However, while many of the fastest growing jobs are higher paying, they typically also require advanced education.” This does not necessarily mean a college degree, but post high school career education is becoming more important than ever.

Alternative Lending Funds Available The Longview Revolving Loan Fund has funds to lend! Serious borrowers facing lending challenges should apply. Funds are intended to save or create new jobs, spur development, and strengthen the economy. If your business needs additional funding and/or has been turned down by a traditional lender, please contact me at the Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments via email at bfashing@cwcog.org or via phone at 360-355-0344.

The Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments in partnership with the City of Longview, received CARES Act funding through the Economic Development Administration to supplement the existing Longview Revolving Loan Fund. Loans are for new and existing firms desiring to initiate or expand operations in the community. Projects must be within or near the Longview city limits, and the city council may approve loans outside of the city limits. Since the program’s inception, over $2.2 million has been loaned creating and retaining over 630 jobs in the community.

A complete application and supporting materials are needed for consideration.

eBill

computer • tablet • phone Sign up today and receive a $ credit

5

The Longview Revolving Loan Fund application and program guidelines are available online at www.cwcog.org or by request at: CWCOG at Administration Annex/207 North 4th Ave., Kelso, WA 98626. Questions may be directed to Kerri Nelson or me at 360577-3041 or via email to bfashing@cwcog.org.

About the CWCOG

Sign up today! Call 360.423.2210 or

https://www.cowlitzpud.org/ebill

The CWCOG is a governmental planning and services agency composed of local governments in southwest Washington state. Its Board of Directors consists of representatives from Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties, but the organization serves throughout the region including Grays Harbor, Lewis and Pacific counties as well as Rainier, Ore. It provides a forum for members to work together on issues with crossing jurisdictional lines and creating cooperative solutions. In addition, the agency provides planning, technical assistance, and grant resources in the areas of transportation and economic development, contracts to provide long-range community development planning, and coordinates insurance pooling to select members.

Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2021 | 9

Business Toolbox Jerry D. Petrick

Certified Business Adviser

Updates on economic assistance tools for small businesses

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ith the continued shifting tides of our economic and business environment I wanted to update you on the most recent tools and programs to help small businesses through this renaissance. I’ve gathered updates on some of the most impactful to help keep you informed.

SBA Updates

Recently, the administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced major enhancements to the COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program to better support small businesses impacted by the pandemic.

Key changes include the following: •

•

Increasing the COVID EIDL Cap. The SBA will lift the COVID EIDL cap from $500,000 to $2 million. Loan funds can be used for any normal operating expenses and working capital, including payroll, purchasing equipment, and paying debt.

Implementation of a deferred payment period. The SBA will ensure small business owners will not have to begin COVID EIDL repayment until two years after loan origination so that they can get through the pandemic without having to worry about making ends meet.

Registration link, here.

Targeted EIDL Advances (Grants) Still Available Eligible Whatcom County businesses in low-income areas can apply for up to $15,000 in grant funding through the COVID EIDL Targeted Advance and Supplemental Advance programs.

Interested businesses can apply for all three programs at once through one streamlined application.

Visit https://sbaeidl.policymap.com/newmaps#/ and input your address to find out if your business is in a qualifying neighborhood.

Visit here, to learn more about these programs.

Imagine Exporting your Technology Solutions to Latin America Opportunities abound in Brazil and Mexico’s fintech and insurtech market, so the U.S. Commercial Service in Brazil and Mexico will host a webinar on opportunities in the fintech and insurtech sectors in both markets. Enjoy business trips that include sun, sand, surf and warm weather, friendly people, and delicious delicacies.

•

Establishment of a 30-day exclusivity window. To ensure Main Street businesses have additional time to access these funds, the SBA will implement a 30-day exclusivity window of approving and disbursing funds for loans of $500,000 or less. Approval and disbursement of loans over $500,000 will begin after the 30-day period.

Mexico and Brazil are quickly becoming fintech hubs in Latin America, which represents lots of opportunities for U.S. exporters. This webinar will provide general information regarding the financial services sector in each country, as well as key opportunities and trends in the fintech/insurtech markets.

There will also be a question-and-answer session at the end of the webinar.

•

Expansion of Eligible Use of Funds. COVID EIDL funds will now be eligible to prepay commercial debt and make payments on federal business debt.

There is no fee to participate in this webinar. Advance registration is required. Visit this link, to register for this exciting event.

•

Simplification of affiliation requirements. To ease the COVID EIDL application process for small businesses, the SBA has established more simplified affiliation requirements to model those of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund.

As you redefine your business, now is a great time and opportunity to explore new/different markets including alternatives including exporting and government contracting.

More than $150 billion in COVID EIDL funding is still available through the end of the year.

Visit www.sba.gov/eidl for more information about all COVID EIDL programs.

10 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2021

If you have questions about any of these tools or want help with your business’ renaissance, please contact Jerry Petrick with Washington State University’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for confidential, no cost professional business advisory services. Contact Jerry via email: Jerry.petrick@wsbdc.org

Policing in Today’s Environment Friday, October 22, 2021 Elks Lodge - Kelso 11:45 am - 1:30 pm

Months after Governor Jay Inslee signed the bills, law enforcement officials remain uncertain about what they require, leading to discrepancies around the state in how officers might respond — or not respond — to certain situations, including active crime scenes, welfare checks and mental health crises. The laws, passed by the Legislature and signed by Governor Inslee, constitute what is likely the nation’s most ambitious police reform legislation. Uncertainty about how to comply, combined with being held personally liable in court, puts officers in a tough position. Come listen to your local police leaders on how they are planning and preparing for a new way of policing our communities and your businesses.

(Face masks required to enter the Elks Lodge)

$25 in Advance (by October 18th) $35 at the door.

Register at: www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

Brad Thurman Cowlitz County Sheriff

Robert Huhta

Longview Chief of Police

Darr Kirk

Kelso Chief of Police

Workforce Southwest Washington Darcy Hoffman Director of Business Services

Where are all the job applicants?

"W

here are all the job applicants?” I’ve been asked this question numerous times by business leaders and hiring managers in recent months. Being one of the most common questions asked of workforce professionals these days, let’s talk about it!

While the unemployment rate has declined from the high of 16 percent in April 2020, more than 13,170 people in southwest Washington remain out of work. So why is it still so difficult to recruit qualified job candidates for many positions?

Let’s start by looking at the numbers. According to the Department of Labor, there are roughly 5.3 million fewer jobs nationally now than in February 2020 just before the pandemic began. While some industries have more job openings than people seeking to fill them, other industries have more people out of work than open jobs. Workforce Southwest Washington (WSW) has created a tool for business leaders and hiring managers to view the total number of unemployment claims by occupation. Visit our website to see what’s happening in your industry.

There have been many conversations around the assumed correlation of increased unemployment benefits through the CARES Act, and the impact that may have had on a person’s motivation to return to work. Specifically, were increased unemployment benefits disincentivizing people from seeking work?

A Yale University study released in July found that people who were eligible for more generous unemployment benefits were no less likely to return to work than others.

In addition, numerous states halted their participation in the federal programs a number of months ago and do not appear to have had any appreciable difference in the number of people returning to work.

The Yale study revealed there may be other, more important, reasons why people are choosing not to return to work: 1. Lack of jobs. There aren’t enough jobs available for everyone to return to work, so even if claimants are seriously job searching, it wouldn’t necessarily mean they would be able to find the job they want.

2. Safety. We’re still in the midst of a public health crisis and many of the people out of work previously worked in frontline jobs where exposure to COVID-19 is a very real threat.

To top it off, the childcare costs they would incur to return to work are even higher today than they were pre-pandemic.

3. Lack of childcare/school closures. With no place for children to go during the day, many parents have been forced to put off job hunting.

In addition to the factors mentioned prior, employee expectations have changed. To be competitive and attract candidates, companies must address these new realities. Below are some things you might consider doing to increase your candidate pool.

12 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2021

Inclusive Job Descriptions •

Focus on your company’s mission, vision, values and goals. View your job description and recruiting efforts as a marketing function rather than a human resources function.

Be sure to use plain-speak in job descriptions and clearly articulate why your company is a great place to work.

•

State what makes your position a quality job in terms of how one’s work is valued and respected and meaningfully contributes to the goals of the organization. Today’s job seekers want a voice in the workplace and the opportunity to shape their work life, as well as opportunities to learn and grow.

Evaluate your position description and eliminate unnecessary job requirements, such as educational requirements for positions that don’t actually require a particular degree or education level. By doing so, you can open up the door to skilled, diverse applicants.

Check out these resources: Work-Life balance and Harmful Effects of Degree Inflation and Rethinking four year degree requirements.

Promoting Open Jobs If you continue advertising in the same places, you’ll continue to get the same type of candidates – or lack of candidates. Think about the person you want to hire and advertise where that person is looking. For example, at WSW diversity is important to our mission, vision and goals. Our target candidate pool focuses on who can bring a different perspective to our team, who can challenge us to think differently. We advertise our positions in more than a dozen places, including with Partners in Diversity, community colleges and university job boards, as well as social media like Facebook Now Hiring Vancouver and LinkedIn. •

Highlight internal pathways, career growth, educational support and mentoring within your organization as a retention strategy. Not only are job candidates wishing to find a solid employer, but they are also seeking a connection where they can envision a future.

Highlight Transferrable Skills •

Consider hiring from a nontraditional talent pool such as retail or hospitality. Workers from these industries have higher rates of unemployment right now and many of their skills, like customer service, reliability and the ability to follow procedures, could be applicable to your job.

•

How might someone from outside your traditional talent pool see themselves in one of your roles? Paint the picture and develop a campaign around using their current skills and how they fit your need.

For more WSW, see page 13

BANK BETTER with Business Online Banking

“

Business Online Banking helps meet the needs of business owners, regardless of the company’s size.

In addition to accessing accounts 24/7, business owners can also add users and customize permission levels for employees who manage accounts. We look forward to expanding our business services soon to provide even more ways to serve our business members’ needs!

Lynn Ruddell, Commercial Lending

WSW from page 12

Salary Analysis • Are you competitive in the region? Amongst your peers? Can your employees support themselves and their families? See for yourself with this tool from the National Low Income Housing Coalition.

Employee Benefits and Engagement •

Offer employees paid time to volunteer at a favorite nonprofit.

•

Consider allowing employees to evaluate and make recommendations on how to improve your employee and workplace policies.

•

Add a childcare benefit option.

•

Why would a candidate choose your company over a competitor? Culture, support through affinity groups and community involvement all have an impact.

There are job candidates in southwest Washington who are now or will soon be seeking work, and there are not enough jobs to go around. To connect and align your employment opportunities with our local workforce, you should seek to understand the current job seeker in terms of skills, business culture, pathways and their skillsets. Paint the picture of why they should choose you over the competition and then expand your marketing outreach to attract new and diverse talent.

WSW’s business team is here to help! Please contact me for a consultation.

Darcy Hoffman, director of business services for Workforce Southwest Washington can be reached at dhoffman@workforcesw. org, 360-608-4949.

Workforce Southwest Washington (WSW), a nonprofit organization, is the Local Workforce Development Board (LWDB) designated by federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) legislation to oversee the public workforce system in Cowlitz, Wahkiakum and Clark counties. Learn more at www.workforcesw. org.

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Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2021 | 13

City of Kelso

City of Longview

Keenan Harvey

MaryAlice Wallis

City Council Position 5

Mayor

The state of the City of Kelso

Falling in love with serving the city

he last few weeks, I have been fielding many questions about “what’s going on in Kelso?” My answer has continuously been, “Our city is still as great as ever.”

Despite small disagreements between some members of council and some of our city administration dominating headlines, the City of Kelso is still thriving and growing as a community. Local politics will always be a challenge as there are many different opinions on what is best for the city and our constituents, but rarely highlighted are good news stories.

all is here! I am generally ambivalent about this change of seasons. Part of me loves the crisp fall air, the beginning of a new school year, and the opportunities to connect with family and friends during the upcoming holidays; but I’m not fond of the weather changes, the graying skies, and the stresses that seem to unavoidably accompany the hustle and bustle of the season.

Notwithstanding, fall mostly reminds me of the positives, and at this time of year I often reflect upon my grandmother and the legacy she left behind.

T

This winter, the City of Kelso will be utilizing our prized park, Tam O’Shanter for several great community events. The revitalization of that park is already proving to be beneficial to the city. There will be a great Christmas light display hosted by Kelso Rotary Club and the Arrr Pirates will be hosting their second annual Halloween event that can be shared by all members of the community. Highlander Festival also went on without a hitch this year and we received several positive compliments on how great that park looks. In addition to the growth of our parks in Kelso, the West Main realignment is nearly completed, which will give us a great gateway to our city and the Hazel Street overpass is still moving forward.

The services the City of Kelso provides are also still top notch.

Our Kelso Police Department now has a K9 unit, our officers and department is receiving many awards and some statewide recognition for their community involvement, they hosted an amazing National Night Out event, and we are introducing several great new officers to our department. Our public works department has been working hard on street and road improvement all summer, has been using our new Vactor truck, and has made sure our city looks nice to any guests or citizens that travel through Kelso. I could brag all day long on the great work we are doing in Kelso throughout all of our departments, but it would take more than one newsletter.

I challenge anyone to look past headlines and come see the great work our city is doing. While it seems like things are chaotic in Kelso, it is quite the opposite, we are thriving and growing as a city because of our great leadership on the administrative and legislative levels. I know you all haven’t forgotten who we are, but I take pride in saying “We Are Kelso.”

14| Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2021

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My grandparents, Alice and Robert Lloyd, moved to Longview in the 1950s from their home in Minnesota with my dad and his three brothers. Longview’s booming businesses offered greater financial freedom to the young family. Grams worked long hours at the Woolworth’s restaurant counter in downtown Longview (on the corner of Commerce Avenue and Maple Street) and prepared sandwiches for Longview Vending. Grandpa worked for Weyerhaeuser, Scheurich’s Grocers (30th Avenue and Ocean Beach Highway), and Longview Cleaners to make ends meet. Between the two of them, they scraped together enough funds for a small down payment on an old westside cottage on Field Street. While huge financial success wasn’t their lot in life, the family legacy they left behind has been the most important part of their story for me.

Grams taught me some of life’s greatest lessons through her lifelong service to family and community. She was the person that intentionally set every waking day in motion through service and action – whether it was standing out front at Bob’s Sporting Goods and ringing a bell to collect donations for “Poppy Days” for the American Legion Auxiliary on behalf of veterans, or helping to support her family as a young working mother, walking the three miles to church each week, or delivering bananas to her friends in nursing homes when she was 90 – she led by example and commitment. She was the best woman I knew, and my best friend because she lived her life in the service of others. This legacy of an intentional, prayerful life of service to family and community has become a part of who I am, and I am forever grateful.

Serving in our community has given me a true look behind the working scenes in Longview. Thousands of hours are spent by many individuals to literally beautify, make positive contributions, and benefit the citizens of Longview. How grateful I am to be a part of many of these efforts.

For more Longview, see page 17

JOB SHADOW DAY

APRIL 2022 The Kelso Longview Chamber

and its Education Foundation along with every school district in Cowlitz County, including Wahkiakum School District, is planning a Job Shadow Day in April 2022.

Our goal is to have over 100 businesses who agree to host one or more students at their business.

Please click on the link below and help us with our planning as we attempt to help students become more aware of the career opportunities in our local communities. https://forms.gle/MhW7DFuRitBMwBz38

105 Minor Rd, Kelso, WA 98626 360-423-8400 • www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

Kelso Public Schools

Longview Public Schools

Mary Beth Tack

Dan Zorn

Superintendent

Superintendent

Celebrating district honors and legends

Maintaining safe and healthy schools

t is no secret that the greatest part of any organization is its people. Kelso School District is no different. I am amazed and humbled by the dedication, caring, and commitment exhibited by our staff every day. And it’s wonderful when external organizations recognize and acknowledge the great work of our staff. Here are some recent awards I am honored to share.

e are thankful to report that school is off to a great start. Across the district, from kindergarten through high school, the kids have been enthusiastic and excited to be back in school – and it feels great.

I

Cindy Sholtys-Cromwell, principal of Kelso Virtual Academy (KVA) and Loowit High School, is one of three 2021 Digital Principals of the Year in the United States. Awarded by the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the program honors principals who exhibit bold, creative leadership in their drive to harness the potential of new technologies to further learning goals. To meet the needs of our Kelso community during the pandemic, Cindy worked tirelessly to expand KVA’s offerings from secondary grades only to accepting students K-12.

Enrollment went from 30 students to over 1,000. Her continued dedication helped KVA become approved as a multi-district online school, now able to accept students across Washington.

Nancy Baldwin was awarded the Washington State Classified Employee of the Year by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). Nancy’s heart-centered work as Family Support Specialist/Homeless Liaison is critical for our families; of which, over 10 percent are, or have been, homeless. She has worked with homeless students for more than 20 years, 18 of those years in Kelso. In addition to helping students monitor their grades, missing assignments, and absences, she also helps with critical, immediate needs. During the pandemic, Nancy worked to expand the range and depth of the district program to support homeless or in-need families and unaccompanied youth. Nancy was also Regional Classified Employee of the Year and one of The Daily News Top Newsmakers of 2020.

Two Kelso legends and previous superintendents, Glenys Hill and Gay Selby, received the College of Education’s Advocate for Education award. This annual recognition is given to individuals or organizations who have shown significant commitment and contributions to the field of education. The work of these two amazing educators spans decades and districts, and they are so deserving of this honor. Glenys has been a leader in establishing diversity, equity, and inclusion in education for over 30 years.

After retiring from public education, Gay spent the next 25 years at Washington State University (WSU) Vancouver as a clinical professor, where she mentored those striving to serve in educational leadership.

These are just a few of the hard-working, student-centered members of our KSD family. The level of excellence they demonstrate is shared by so many more on a daily basis, and I am grateful to work beside them in service to the students and families of Kelso. #WeAre 16 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2021

W

The start of school has been somewhat nerve wracking for us all.

With the community suffering from higher levels of COVID-19 cases we were concerned about what the start of school would be like. The district spent most of the summer planning for and implementing extensive health safety protocols to deal with the higher COVID-19 case levels and felt we were well prepared. We are happy to report that health safety protocols are working well and both students and employees are being kept safe.

Maintaining a safe and healthy school environment is critical so our students can be in class achieving their academic goals. Before the pandemic, Longview Public School student achievement levels were increasing in English and math. Our goal this year is to continue the positive academic momentum and help our students realize their full potential. We are also focused on supporting the emotional well-being of our kids utilizing a “whole child” approach, as the last 18 months has been tough on all of us.

From a high school graduation perspective the district continues to outperform the state average. From the 2017 school year through the 2020 year the Longview Schools graduation rate has exceeded the state average. In the 2020 school year 87 percent of Longview high school students graduated from our schools versus 83 percent statewide. While we are proud of this achievement we have the academic and emotional support plans in place to push the graduation rate even higher. We will get final 2021 graduation rate data from the state later this year and are excited to report the results to the community.

While the focus on academic achievement is always high, the district is also busy achieving other goals. This summer the facilities team spent countless hours maintaining our buildings and grounds. A variety of projects were completed or are in process at every school in the district. The RA Long clock tower was cleaned and looks great, new flooring was installed at Broadway Learning Center and Kessler Elementary, new security fencing was installed at Mint Valley and Columbia Heights elementary along with upgraded lighting at Mark Morris High For more Longview Schools, see page 17

Longview from page 14

Some recent noteworthy items in Longview: • The beautiful Longview Beech Street Business Park grew from the vision of land owner Pat Sari and developing manager Jordan Willis.

These 46 acres of shovel-ready property, connecting Oregon Way to California Way, will soon become home to 14 fortunate businesses in Longview.

• Oregon Way is now a pleasant and smooth new ride with ADA accessible sidewalks and storm drains. The $968,000 funds for this project came from the Transportation Benefit District. So, thank YOU, citizens, for helping pave the road.

• City of Longview Public Works Director Ken Hash helped acquire the Rough Roads grant, $4.7 million toward resurfacing Washington Way. Plans are underway for some exciting changes.

• City council approved a speed reduction for city streets in Longview. Council invites all drivers to take the foot off the pedal a bit and slow down to take in the beauty around the city and the lake.

• Centennial Celebration 2023 is underway. To get involved in the 100-year City Centennial Celebration, please contact longviewcentury@gmail.com • Housing is coming. Mt. Solo Plat Phase 2 offers 16 buildable lots

ready for purchase, with an additional 76 lots proposed for Phases 4 and 5 of the subdivision. Longview is growing.

Whatever season you find most enjoyable, there is no denying that Longview is a great place to reside, work and play. The best legacy you can leave behind is one of kindness. Share some kindness today.

Longview Schools from page 16

School. These are just a few examples of the numerous repair and upgrade projects across the district. The public has entrusted the district with the school buildings and we are working hard keeping them properly maintained.

If you have questions about our schools please feel free to contact me. I am more than happy to schedule a phone conversation or to arrange an in person meeting.

2022 Friday, January 28 and Saturday, January 29

Cowlitz County Event Center 1900 7th Ave., Longview VENDORS!

Sell your merchandise at the 2022 sQuatch Fest!

Help us to welcome 3,000 attendees!

Click here for Vendor Application.

For more information, contact Julie Rinard at 360-423-8400 or jrinard@kelsolongviewchamber.org

Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2021 | 17

Lower Columbia College Nolan K. Wheeler

Vice President of Administration

A look ahead at campus facilities

A

s we look ahead at the future of Lower Columbia College’s (LCC) campus and facilities, it’s important to acknowledge the many changes to the campus over the past 13 years. LCC undergoes a Facility Master Plan process every 10-15 years and the two most recent plans called for replacing many of the campuses original buildings built in the 1950-60s.

Starting with the Rose Center for the Performing Arts opening in 2008, LCC has steadily completed numerous renovations/ retrogrades (the $9 million gymnasium/fitness center addition/ renovation, $4 million Main Building renovation, and the nearly completed $3 million Alan Thompson Library renovation), as well as constructing the $38 million Health and Science Building in 2013-14. These projects were necessary to keep LCC’s facilities up to date with the latest technology to allow for changing instructional pedagogies. Additionally, these buildings were upgraded with seismic reinforcements as well as other additional safety and accessibility standards not available or required in the 1950-60s. Many of these projects were completed with the assistance of local architect Craig Collins who has worked with the college on facility projects for over 30 years.

Currently, LCC is moving forward with the final two building replacement projects identified in its 2015 Facility Master Plan.

LCC recently received funding from the state legislature to design a Center for Vocational and Transitional Studies. This new building will replace our 1960s Vocational Building, original Science Building, and the Physical Science Building, and it will house many of our vocational programs including: machine technology, manufacturing, welding, computer information systems, and business, as well as our transitional studies program.

Tacoma-based McGranahan Architects has been hired and our steering committee of internal and external stakeholders will begin meeting in early October. We are hopeful that funding for construction of this building will be provided during the 2023-25 biennium.

To initiate state capital funding, Washington State Community and Technical Colleges must complete a Project Request Report and score a minimum of 70 points during the scoring of this report. Community college projects are then ranked by this score and the ranked list is submitted to the state legislature for funding.

18 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2021

LCC is working on its request report and plans to submit for a replacement building for the Admissions Center (built in 1960 as the original student center) and the Applied Arts Building (also built in the early 1960s). The report is due in December, so we should have an idea where our project ranks on the funding list by next spring.

As we complete the Center for Vocational and Transitional Studies pre-design and the replacement project request, we are mindful of current best practices in designing educational spaces.

Some of these include: • Flexible Spaces – LCC prides itself on its ability to rapidly meet the ever-changing needs of our community and local industry which requires designing spaces that are flexible for evolving program and instructional needs.

• Increased Classroom Space – In order to allow for different styles of teaching, increased classroom space includes flexible furniture that can easily be re-arranged for changing activities.

As an added benefit, this also allows for greater social distancing which is crucial in mitigating today’s COVID-19 pandemic.

• Student Spaces – Studies indicate that students who spend more time on campus tend to have increased success and higher graduation rates. Designing interactive spaces for students to learn, linger, and interact with one another is critical to student success.

• Welcoming Point of Entry – As we develop our campus for the future, our goal is to create a better front door experience on 15th Avenue in order to connect to the Longview downtown area, while also strengthening our civic presence to the south of campus as it relates to historic R.A. Long Park.

I am excited to continue the transformation of the LCC campus from the 1950-60s campus design and eager to work with faculty, staff, students and the community on the pre-design of the Center for Vocational and Transitional Studies as well as the replacement request for the Admissions Building and the Applied Arts Building. These new projects will have a huge impact on our ability to serve our students and community for future generations.

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

Look Who Joined in September Wave Broadband

Robert Humphrey 1111 11th Avenue Longview, WA 98632 206-775-9044 Robert.humphreys@wavebroadband.com

Kelso Longview Kiwanis Jim Harvey PO Box 552 Kelso, WA 98626 360-751-1153 Jimharvey.kiwanis@outlook.com

The Main Event Party Store Nancy Morgen 3202 Ocean Beach Highway Longview, WA 98632 360-998-4080 nancymorgen@hotmail.com

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

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

Membership Packages Basic • $275 or $26 per month Bronze • $500 or $46.66 per month Silver • $1,000 or $86.33 per month Gold • $2,500 or $211.33 per month Platinum • $5,000 or $416.66 per month Diamond Club • $10,000 or $834 per month Nonprofit • $180 or $18 per month

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Unique solutions for unique businesses We provide a deeper level of personalized service that helps us tailor the right solutions for the way you work.

HeritageBankNW.com/allofus

HeritageBankNW.com | 800.455.6126 |

Equal Housing Lender | Member FDIC

Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2021 | 19

Cowlitz County Commissioners Arne Mortensen

County Commissioner, District 1

Closer to filling vacated position

L

ate in August Commissioner Joe Gardner announced his resignation as county commissioner, effective Sept. 3. Vacancies on a board of county commissioners (BoCC) are to be handled

following: •

so either commissioner has veto power.

in accordance with RCW 36.32.070C, which was modified by Amendment 52. The salient aspects of the prescription are: • • •

There can be no formal meetings or decisions if either of the two seated board members is unavailable.

While I might see some benefit to potential stalemates slowing

The process for replacing a commissioner who ran as an

down the growth of government, there are many operational

independent is not prescribed in detail.

obligations that should not be put off. Furthermore, there are some

From the time that the position is vacant (Sept. 3 in this

tough policy decisions that are best handled with the balance that

case), the sitting commissioners have 60 days to select a replacement, after which the governor will make the selection from the top three candidates submitted by the BoCC. •

•

The two sitting commissioners are to choose a replacement commissioner.

Any action requires the concurrence of two commissioners,

the third commissioner would offer. Any delay in choosing the replacement commissioner is driven solely by the need to make a wise decision.

The appointed commissioner will serve until an elected

Other important topics include:

candidate at next election takes office. In this case, the next

•

election is in 2022, which is the date of the regular election of

The use of American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funds that were given to the County. This is approximately $21 million.

the commissioner for District 3.

Both commissioners have expressed publicly the desire to use these funds for infrastructure because of the long-

Because Commissioner Gardner was not affiliated with a political party, the two sitting commissioners agreed on an approach and

term growth and consequent payoff for taxpayers that old

codified that in Resolution 21-067.

fashioned infrastructure offers. Water and sewer extensions

•

for extant systems are key examples; these must be built today

Applications from interested candidates were to be submitted

for use tomorrow.

to the Clerk of the Board by the close of business on Sept. 10.

Seven applications were received. These can be found at

•

vexing the county and stifling recovery. Of special note is the

Applications for Commissioner District 3 (cowlitzinfo.net) •

impact on law and justice, which is hampered by mandates

That resolution asked five elected officials (treasurer,

causing delays that grow court backlogs. The growth of

auditor, assessor, sheriff, and prosecuting attorney) to

expenses for the fundamental function of government is

review the applications and to submit their ranked order recommendations to the BoCC. •

The BoCC would select three candidates from that list for further discussion and public interviews, which were scheduled to be held on Sept. 27.

The BoCC selected Christine Masters, Richard Dahl, and Tamara Jones.

Until a replacement for Commissioner Gardner is selected, the BoCC must operate with one vacant seat, which leads to the 20 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2021

The mandates from the governor’s office continue to be issues

alarming.

•

The forced vaccinations approach seen as a compliance response to the mandates wreaks havoc on the personal lives of many employees and on public welfare because services such as medical and first responders will suffer from significant consequentially coerced staff reductions. The BoCC has stood by its employees and resolved (Resolution No. 21-062) not to enforce any vaccination mandates on their County employees.

Calendar October 2021 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

5

1

2 Ribbon Cutting, Longview Soccer Club, 10am

3

4

5

6 Education

7 Ambassadors

8

9

10

11

12 Chamber

13Your Chamber

14 LCP, Explore

15

16

17

18

19Chamber Board

20Your Chamber

21Ribbon Cutting,

22Quarterly

23

24

25

26

27Your Chamber

28

29 Spooktacular,

30

Foundation, Zoom, 8am; Radio Show

Executive Board, Mill City Grill, noon

Meeting, Mill City Grill, noon

Connection radio show, 6pm, KEDO 1270 am or 99.9FM

Connection radio show, 6pm, KEDO 1270 am or 99.9FM

Connection radio show, 6pm, KEDO 1270 am or 99.9FM

Meeting, Specialty Rents & Events, 7:30am Brewing, 4pm

Main Event Party Store, 11am

Membership Lunch, 11:45am-1:30pm, Kelso Elks Kelso Longview Elks, 6-10:30pm

31 Halloweeen

November 2021 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

1

2

3Your Chamber

4 Chamber

5

6

7

8

9 BAH, PNW

10Your Chamber

11 Veterans Day

12 Ribbon Cutting, CW Legal Aid & CCRC Meditation Center, 4pm

13

14

15

16 Chamber Exec.

17Your Chamber

18 LCP Bunco,

19

20

25 Thanksgiving

26

27

Meatheads BBQ, 5:30-7pm

Connection radio show, 6pm, KEDO 1270 am or 99.9FM

Connection radio show, 6pm, KEDO 1270 am or 99.9FM

Board, Noon, Mill City Connection radio

show, 6pm, KEDO 1270 am or 99.9FM

21

22

23 Chamber

28

29

30

Board Meeting, Noon, Mill City Grill

24Your Chamber Connection radio show, 6pm, KEDO 1270 am or 99.9FM

Ambassadors, 7:30am, Columbia Bank

6-8pm, PNW BBQ

Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2021 | 21

Longview Downtowners Lindsey Cope

President; also Vice President Cowlitz Economic Development Council and Facilitator Kelso Business and Community Association

Shop Local Saturday continues downtown

D

owntown Longview

The Longview Downtowners continue to expand Shop Local Saturday events through the fall and into the holiday season. We invite everyone to join us Oct. 23.

We debuted our new 30-second commercial for downtown Longview at our meeting in September. We will be sharing this with the public and launching our Visit Downtown Longview campaign this month. This is made possible by the Longview Tourism Advisory Committee’s grant award! Thank you, City of Longview.

Unfortunately, we have cancelled our annual Trick or Treat Downtown, but we are working toward a safe, fun, and cheerful holiday season that includes safe photo opportunities, an Elf on the Shelf, specials, and more!

Shop Local Saturday in November coincides with Small Business Saturday and will be followed by the Junior Service League’s Festival of Trees, which will be available for viewing from Dec. 1-3. The annual Christmas parade is held the first Saturday in December. Every

Service is the difference!

Glenda Beam Escrow Officer

TRUSTED FOR OVER 38 YEARS

Amy Hoyer

Leah White

Escrow Officer

Escrow Assistant

Steve Quaife

Branch Manager

Saturday in December before Christmas will feature an extra event downtown. These details will be announced as the events approach.

We are also working together with the city on a variety of initiatives including parking solutions, extending the streetscape, and tourism. We are currently meeting by Zoom. Anyone interested in the partnership, promotion, preservation, and development of downtown Longview is welcome to attend. The meetings take place the third Thursday of the month at 3 p.m. We are hopeful to meet in person later this year. Until then you can find the meeting information under events on our Facebook page @downtownlongviewwa.

Kelso Business and Community Association The Kelso Business and Community Association (KBCA) met via Zoom on Sept. 22. We discussed the ongoing inventory of public art, parks, flowers, Shop Local Saturdays, way-finding signs, banners, and the holiday season. The group will meet again on Oct. 28 at 9 a.m. We will be meeting via Zoom until further notice. You can find our meeting information on Facebook @kelsoBCA. Anyone interested in making Kelso a little better through business and community initiatives including making Kelso an America in Bloom City for 2022, shop local programs, working with our stakeholders on how to better attract businesses of all sizes, increasing tourism, and more is welcome. This group is focused on positive actions and creating solutions as a team.

If you are interested in the Cowlitz Economic Development Council (CEDC) or any of our partner projects reach out to Ted Sprague, CEDC president, at sprague@cowlitzedc.com or me, CEDC vice president, at cope@cowlitzedc.com.

We look forward to the recovery and growth of our beautiful community through COVID and beyond.

Carrie Staggs

Escrow Assistant

Michelle Mortensen Policy Typist

Theresa

Pam McCormick

Bookkeeper/Recorder Campbell Order Desk/Receptionist

Melinda Gottfryd

Policy Typist

In memory of

Marv KaseMeier Concessions Manager, Longview Soccer Club

Jason Hanson Title Officer

Darren Plank Title Officer

Leah Stanley Title Officer

Breshae Brunette Megan Howerton Title Plant Admin

Title Typist

Most in-depth title plant in the county.

Accurate Reliable Timely Locally Owned 1159 14th Avenue , Longview, WA 98632 360.423.5330 www.cowlitztitle.com 22 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2021

Our “MARV-elous” friend and volunteer passed away in August.

For ten years, Marv volunteered his time for recreational league play, events and tournaments. He also served on our board of directors. Marv was known throughout our community for his kind heart and humble generosity.

Ribbon Cuttings Thank you to these Ambassadors who participated in ribbon cuttings during September!

Heather Carter, Heritage Bank Josh Carter, KLOG-KUKN-The Wave Erika Chavez, Community Home Health & Hospice Kelly Godden, Specialty Rents

Welcome New Member

The Jewelers Bench, Inc 711 Vandercook Way, Suite 122, Longview

Marlene Johanson, Heritage Bank Nick Lemiere, Edward Jones Eric McCrandall, Family Health Center Carrie Medack, Diamond Residential Mortgage Tina Moore, Fidelity National Title Pam Whittle, Realty One Group Pacifica

Welcome New Member

Lava Canyon Chiropractic, LLC 1445 Commerce Ave., Suite C, Longview

We appreciate you!

Celebrating Completed Project Beech Street Corridor, Longview

Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2021 | 23

News & Events

News and events come from our website, press releases, and public information shared with us.

To see more visit kelsolongviewchamber.org

Start of school, even online, means limits on work hours for teens For teens, the start of school signals limits on work hours outside school. For employers, it meant a Sept. 30 deadline to obtain permission from parents and schools for teens to work during the school year.

“A student’s priority is school, whether they’re in a classroom, learning online, or homeschooled,” said Josie Bryan, child labor supervisor with the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. “Even with the demand for workers, that’s something businesses need to understand.”

Employers are responsible for obtaining and keeping on file a completed Parent/School Authorization form for each teen. State law required a new form by Sept. 30 annually.

The form must include when work starts and ends, job duties, and even if the teen has a second job, Bryan said. The employer, teen, parent, and school authority must each sign it — and electronic signatures are allowed, she added.

For teens employed in retail and other non-agricultural jobs, here are the work hours during school: 14- and 15-year-olds: Three hours/day, six days a week, between 7 a.m.-7 p.m. for no more than 16 hours total;

16- and 17-year-olds: Four hours/day, six days a week, between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. (midnight Friday-Saturday nights), for no more than 20 hours total.

In addition to the authorization form, Bryan noted employers must also keep on hand a copy of the teen worker’s proof of age. This can include a copy of a birth certificate, driver’s license, or a notarized statement from a parent or guardian. She also urged employers to adhere to COVID-19 requirements and avoid prohibited duties for teens.

Variances Teens cannot work during school hours without a variance. There are two: Special Variance. Parents and school authorities can grant a variance that extends hours teens in public and private schools can work. The Special Variance allows teens 16-17 years of age to work six hours a day, up to 28 hours total. Employers can fill out a Special Variance, located on the authorization form.

Minor Work Variance. An employer may also apply for a variance directly with L&I. This Minor Work Variance is for 16-17 year old who are homeschooled, not enrolled in school, or need more hours than is For more News and Events, see page 25

Thursday, October 21, 2021 at 7:30 PM

O! AT, G O B E CHILD SE

N E! BUY O E FRE N O T GE

Catapult is, technically, a shadow dance company.

What it really is: a theatrical art form that is an amazingly imaginative combination of dance, story-telling, and sculpture.

An America’s Got Talent finalist from Season 8!

Tickets: $$35 - $45/ 17 & under $20

Columbia Theatre Longview Box Office: 360.575.8499/ www.columbiatheatre.com

24 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2021

News and Events from page 24

available under a special variance.

Click here to register for this free webinar.

A list of work hours for teens in agricultural jobs during weeks school is in session can be found at L&I's teen worker webpage. For information, contact the L&I Teen Safety Program (teensafety@Lni. wa.gov), 1-800-219-7321.

Growing Your Business – Managing Operations

Media information: Matthew Erlich, Public Affairs, Matthew.

Erlich@Lni.wa.gov, 360-902-6508.

Connect with L&I: Facebook (facebook.com/laborandindustries) and Twitter (twitter.com/lniwa)

SCORE offers October training opportunities for starting a business Several training opportunities are available to aspiring entreprenuers in October.

Experienced SCORE business mentors, one a home-based business entrepreneur herself, will cover the 10 essential points business owners need to consider before making the important jump to business independence and (hopefully) prosperity.

Webinar date: Oct. 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This is part six of the Growing Your Business series. This free SCORE webinar will discuss the elements of business operations and the overall process of identifying, managing and measuring critical operations. Simply stated: Improving operational performance and reducing operational costs lead to higher business profits.

Webinar date: Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Click here to register for this free webinar .

Organizational Development for Business Growth Explore a new approach to organization development where everyone provides input – with the top setting vision and each department offering input so all parties both lead and own shares for their part of the mission making your company more profitable.

Webinar date: Oct. 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Click here to register for this free webinar.

Go to www.vancouver.score.org for more resources

Your Locally Owned and Operated Community Bank • Checking, Savings and CDs • Business Loans • Construction Loans • SBA Loans 729 Vandercook Way, Longview

(360) 414-4101 www.twincitybank.com

There’s a Difference.

Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2021 | 25

a

Business After Hours Serving Up Fun

September's Business After Hours kicked off with host ServPro's 10th anniversary ribbon cutting and kept rolling.

a ServPro celebrating 10 years in the community.

b Outdoor Pour Company came out to support ServPro

c Host Shawn Green of ServPro awarding a raffle prize to Specialty Rents' Kelly Godden and Penny Parvi, American Family Insurance

d Axecutioners set up its mobile unit for fun and games.

d

b

c

26 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2021

2022

January 11: available February 8: People's Injury Network Northwest March 8: CCRC—The Mediation Center April 12: Cowlitz Indian Tribe May 10: Kelso Longview Elks Lodge #1482 June 14: Canterbury Park July 12: Fidelity National Title August 9: The Jewelers Bench, Inc. September 13: available October 11: Farm Dog Bakery/Life Works November 8: available December 13: (Holiday Mixer)

Interested in hosting Business After Hours in 2022?

Contact the Chamber at 360-423-8400 or email jrinard@kelsolongviewchamber.org

b

a c

Your Chamber Connection

EVERY Wednesday 6pm on KEDO 1270AM or 99.9FM Join our hosts Carey Mackey, Red Canoe Credit Union; Karen Sisson; Shawn Green, ServPro Longview/Kelso, Elisha Jolma, Sho'Me Real Estate, Tina More, Fidelity National Title and Marc Silva, Columbia Bank for local Chamber members and current events. Contact the Chamber to join the show, 360-423-8400.

a Phil Roger, BiCoastal Media

d

b Jacob Dunn, Dunn Maintenance c Jim Stonier, Cowlitz Co. Veterans Services

d John Edmunds, The Jewlers Bench, Inc., was with Gallery of Diamonds for 17 years and he has 37 years of experience as a goldsmith.

e Darold Stayton, Kelso Longview Elks Lodge No. 1482.

Stream Your Chamber Connection live at www.kedoam.com

e

28 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2021

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

Anderson & Anderson Advisory, LLC Better Business Bureau C's Photography Cowlitz Economic Development Council Cowlitz Indian Tribe

a

Epson Portland, Inc Erickson Glass Company

Your Chamber Connection

Kellogg Supply, Inc

a Larry Timmons, Rotary Club of Kelso

Lower Columbia Economic Development Council Motion Industries, Inc

b Ronny Trevilion, TNT Cleaning

b

Mount St. Helens Creation Information Center

c Jim Harvey, Kelso Longview Kiwanis d Eric McCrandall, Jim Coffee, Stefi Sudar Family Health Center

Prestige Senior Living Monticello Park Progress Center Red Lion Hotel & Conference Center

c

Sessions Plumbing & Heating, Inc Three Rivers Christian School High School Campus

d Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2021 | 29

Tune in to…

Your Chamber Connection Broadcast Wednesdays at 6:00 pm on BiCoastal stations KEDO 1270 AM or 99.9 FM Access a commercial-free recording of any show at soundcloud.com Featured hosts: Shawn Green, ServPro of Longview/Kelso Elisha Jolma, Sho’ Me Real Estate Carey Mackey, Red Canoe Credit Union Tina More, Fidelity National Title Marc Silva, Columbia Bank Karen Sisson

Business Connection Advertising Rates Effective August, 2020 The Kelso Longview Business Connection monthly newsletter is published the first of each month, posted electronically on our website and emailed to over 7,000 local business professionals, city and county officials.

To be included in this monthly email, call the Chamber office at 360-423-8400.

Size 1/16 Page 1/8 Page 1/4 Page 1/2 Page Full Page

1 - 3 Issues

4-7 Issues

$110 $175 $205 $325 $625

$90 $140 $170 $290 $570

8-10 Issues

12 Issues

$70* $105* $140* $245* $480* *Includes ad on website

$50* $75* $100* $190* $400*

Dimensions 2" x 2.5" 4" x 2.5" 4" x 5.25" 4" x 10.5" (V) or 8" x 5.25" (H) 8" x 10.5"

All ads include full color and any design work. Ads may be changed monthly. Deadline is the 21st of the month prior to publication. Digital files: PDF preferred, high resolution JPEG accepted. Non-members of the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce, please add 30% to above rates.

To advertise or request additional information, please call 360-423-8400 or contact: CEO Bill Marcum bmarcum@kelsolongviewchamber.org Project Manager Julie Rinard jrinard@kelsolongviewchamber.org

Advertising Agreement

Date: _____________

Business Name: ____________________________________________ Phone: ____________________ Contact Name: _____________________________________________ Cell:______________________ Address: _____________________________________ City/State/Zip: __________________________ Email: ____________________________________________ Fax: _____________________________ No. of issues

Invoice

Card

Check

Plus web ad: 300W X 100H

Signature__________________________________

Ad Rep Signature___________________________

November 9th 5:30pm to 7:00pm

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Hosted by

PNW Meatheads BBQ 3061 Ocean Beach Hwy, Longview, WA Come enjoy bbq snacks, appetizers, domestic drafts, wine and drawings for gift baskets!

Guests may participate in jokers wild & 50/50 for $1 per ticket. a portion of the proceeds go to elks charities! You must be present to win the drawing at 8pm!

Tickets

$15 in advance $20 at the door

www.kelsolongviewchamber.org