October 2023 Business Connection

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce

Karen Sisson Interim CEO

kVoting local matters: Why vote for city council?

Irecently read the following article from the blog of League of Women Voters. With our own City Council elections upcoming, it’s fitting to share this article with you, but before I do, the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce, the Cowlitz Civil Dialogue Project, and Carter Venture Solutions are hosting “Focus on Democracy: City Council Debates”. This event will take place at 7 p.m. Oct. 4 and Oct. 11 at the Lower Columbia College Rose Center for the Arts. This is your opportunity to hear from candidates as they face off on issues that affect your business, community and family. If you are unable to attend, you can stream the event online at Civilfocuslv.com/live.

Candidates for three races will appear on Oct. 4, in this order:

• Longview Council Position 3, Christopher Ortiz and Erik Halvorsen

• Kelso Council Position 5, Keenan Harvey and Garrett Colkitt

• Longview Council Position 4, Ruth Kendall and Randy E. Knox

Candidates for four races will appear on Oct. 11, in this order:

• Longview Council Position 1, Kalei LaFave and Mike Wallin

• Kelso Council Position 4, Jim Hill and Aaron Bunn

• Longview Council Position 2, Ramona Leber and Keith Young

• Kelso Council Position 7, Veryl A. Anderson and Scott Olson

I hope you will take the time to research and vote for your city council members. Voting for city council members can build democracy, equity, and resiliency in Kelso and Longview.

For more CEO, see page 2

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce

Here is the League of Women Voters blog article by Whitney Oxendahl:

Voting Local Matters: Why Vote for City Council

You may have heard that voting for local elected officials matters, but we want to simplify it. What does voting for mayor, city council, and school board mean? And why does voting local matter?

These offices have a major impact on your community and daily life. They affect how much you pay in property taxes, where housing and schools are built, and where your city sets its priorities.

https://www.lwv.org/blog/voting-local-matters-why-vote-citycouncil

What Does a City Council Do?

If the mayor is like the CEO of the city, then the city council is like the board of directors. It serves as the law-making body for the city.

No one council member can make a change to city law — any change has to be approved by a majority of the council members. If there are seven members on your city council, then it takes four “yes” votes to approve a change to city law.

Any approved city law, or ordinance, is placed in your city’s municipal code. This book of laws governs how your city is run and addresses issues important to its residents, like public safety and housing.

Each city council looks different in the scope of its powers, but these are a few responsibilities they might fulfill:

1. Making City Policy: A major job of the city council is creating and updating city laws as needs arise.

2. Approving the Budget: The city council reviews and approves the city’s annual budget. The council ensures the city’s finances are sound and also approves expenditures that might be outside of the planned budget.

3. Responding to Residents: City council members communicate policies and programs to residents as well as respond to residents’ needs. It can take more time than you think to respond to all the calls and emails from community members!

4. Creating Regulations: City councils usually create regulations for city land use, business activity, and public health and safety. Many times, the city council will have committees, or sub-groups of council members, who thoroughly review these issues before bringing them to the full council.

5. Reviewing City Goals: Some city councils are also responsible for holding their city manager accountable to the city’s vision, goals, and priorities.

So, why should you vote for your city council members?

1. City councils can promote pro-voter initiatives. The city council can direct staff or a task force to look at

election-related issues. In my city of Fargo, North Dakota, the city commission created an election task force that recommended the city adopt the approval voting method and add two more city commissioners.

2. City councils set the budget, which reflects the priorities for the city. Cities can use the budget to prioritize equitable programs voters in their community care about.

3. City council committees dive deep into important issues. The City of Fargo created a Sustainability and Resiliency Committee to recommend actions and policies related to climate resiliency, renewable energy, and energy efficiency. The support of city council members on these policies are crucial to moving them forward.

City council members, as the lawmakers of your city, make decisions that directly impact your day-to-day life, so a vote for them is powerful for your community.

BOOT CAMP 2023 Small Business

Fall Series starts

Friday, Sept. 8

Friday Mornings ★ 7:30 am - 9:00 am

American Workforce Group Event Center 1145 14th Ave., Longview

Workplace Tips for Surviving the “New” Normal.

Sept. 8 Building a Better Culture for your Business

Gabi Friedel, Regional Manager, Red Leaf Organic Coffee, LLC

Culture is no longer an HR thing, it’s a business thing and an everybody thing. Taking on this mindset requires us to shift how we approach relationships at work and to be more intentional about how we show up, train our teams and brand our companies.

Sept. 15 Hiring and Retaining the next Generation

David Vasquez, Owner, Baskin Robbins Ice Cream

Teedara Wolf, Training and Development Specialist, Cowlitz PUD

Today’s younger workforce is not afraid to embrace change, ask questions and change their career path. As leaders it is helpful to know what appeals to the new workforce entering our workplaces. Are you offering flexible schedules, work from home, career pathing, or other new trend benefits? For this generation it is not about the money!!

Sept. 22 Mental Health in the Workplace

Mary Cranston, M.ED

How do you spotlight the role of mental health in the workplace? As the nation grapples with stressors on all fronts. This workshop will equip you with strategies, tools and tips on how to support and encourage mental health for yourself as a leader and for your employees. We cannot underestimate the positive impact we can have when we align support for people’s psychological health and work health.

Sept. 29 A Simple Thank You goes a Long Way

Teedara Wolf, Training and Development Specialist, Cowlitz PUD

Every employee likes to be recognized in different ways. Maybe a thank you note, a simple gift, a gift card to their favorite coffee place, an all-employee email saying how awesome they are. In this course we will be networking, brainstorming and sharing ideas of the best ways we can recognize our employees at little to no cost.

Oct. 6 QPR Suicide Prevention

Vashti Langford, The Rising Phoenix Training Consultant Question, Persuade, Refer. What signs should employers be looking for, how to respectfully ask, and how to get them help. We invite employers to explore employee safety from a different perspective, a perspective known to be effective in error prevention and the successful avoidance of loss of life. While employee suicide is a severe, irreversible, extremely harmful outcome, it is also avoidable with the right resources.

Oct. 13 STOP! Don’t say what you’re thinking out loud!!

Teedara Wolf, Training and Development Specialist, Cowlitz PUD

Every manager has had one of those moments when you want to look at the employee and use a four-letter work or say, “what do you want now!” Maybe you’ve told an employee how to do something 20 times, or you are frustrated with attendance issues, or the employee makes a mistake. This session we will share stories of our frustrating moments and brainstorm ways of how we could have handled it better, instead of using the four-letter word that is in our head.

$100 Members ★ $160 Non-Members Includes up to 4 members of your organization.

Sponsored by:

Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

Marlene Johanson, President Heritage Bank

Jason Gentemann, Vice President Foster Farms

Lisa Straughan, Past President Express Employment Professionals

Neil Zick, Treasurer Twin City Bank

Michael Claxton, Legal Counsel Walstead Mertsching

Rich Coleman Bicoastal Media

Diane Craft Koelsch Communities

Duane Dalgleish

Cowlitz PUD

Rich Gushman Gibbs & Olson

Keenan Harvey City Council, Kelso

Sean Kiffe NORPAC

Nick Lemiere

Edward Jones

Cherelle Montanye St. John/PeaceHealth

John Paul KUKN-KLOG-101.5 The Blitz

Ted Sprague

Cowlitz Economic Development Council

Michael Vorse

Minuteman Press

MaryAlice Wallis City of Longview Mayor

Dennis Weber

Cowlitz County Commissioner

Pam Whittle

Realty One Group Pacifica

Cowlitz Economic Development Council

Ted Sprague President

Divert groundbreaking important on many levels

Industrial symbiosis is a concept that has gained significant traction in recent years as we continue to wrestle with pressing environmental and economic challenges. This innovative approach to industry holds great importance for fostering sustainability, resource efficiency, and economic growth.

Industrial symbiosis involves the collaboration and resource sharing among industries, where one entity’s waste or byproduct becomes another’s raw material or input. This interdependence leads to a reduction in waste generation, energy consumption, and environmental impact. One of the primary benefits of industrial symbiosis is its potential to minimize the extraction of finite natural resources. By reusing and recycling materials within a network of industries, the demand for new resources diminishes, thus mitigating the negative consequences of resource depletion. The recent groundbreaking of Divert’s new facility in the Mint Farm is an excellent example of this.

Industrial symbiosis contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. By optimizing processes and energy use, industries can decrease their carbon footprint. Additionally, the proximity of symbiotic partners often leads to shorter transportation distances, reducing emissions associated with the transportation of goods and materials. As the world grapples with climate change, industrial symbiosis emerges as a crucial tool for meeting sustainability goals and curbing global warming.

Economically, industrial symbiosis can result in cost savings and increased competitiveness. Sharing resources and infrastructure reduces operating expenses, making industries more resilient to market fluctuations. Companies involved in symbiotic relationships can leverage each other’s strengths, fostering innovation and growth. This cooperative approach encourages a shift from linear, resource-intensive production models to circular economies, where resources are continually reused and recycled, promoting long-term economic stability.

Another significant aspect of industrial symbiosis is its capacity to generate local employment opportunities. As symbiotic relationships develop, new industries and services emerge to support the growing network. This leads to job creation and economic revitalization in regions where these initiatives are implemented, which is particularly valuable for struggling communities.

Industrial symbiosis offers a comprehensive solution to the pressing issues of resource depletion, environmental degradation, and economic instability. By fostering collaboration, reducing waste, and promoting sustainable practices, industrial symbiosis holds the potential to transform industries into drivers of both economic growth and environmental preservation. Embracing this concept is not only beneficial for individual companies but also for society, as it paves the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future.

Jerry D. Petrick Certified Business Adviser

Preparing for the holiday selling season

Being nimble and creative are vital

Given the heavy concentration of sales in the fourth quarter, many industries are well into the planning and buying cycles for seasonal inventory; for others, now is prime time to think carefully about how you will manage your resources (time, money, people, space, and inventory) for the upcoming retail selling season. What will the 2023 holiday season look like? Will it be focused on basics? Will customers be craving change and able to afford the discretionary purchases as in the past? What will this mean to your product/service offerings AND what will your competitors and prospects do?

Ensuring there is a cycle of targeted planning and activity taking place throughout the year will help your business take advantage of these seasonal peaks. It is critical for businesses to establish and maintain an ongoing marketing and planning calendar to make sure they are not surprised by critical issues like cash flow. Note: With memories of the pandemic, fires, and economic slowdown fresh in our minds overall I suspect you have been on heightened alert regarding the dynamic changes in your business. To that end, these suggestions are even more important today. There are several key steps to implement to maximize the opportunities for your business.

Keep Everything Up-to-Date

Remove and refresh all sale items and promotional content from websites once sales are over – nothing more frustrating to prospective customers than out-of-date web/social marketing promotions. Nothing says your business is “irrelevant” as much as out-of-date promotions or last season inventory offerings. These “truths” are more pressing than ever when you have limited/ modified in person selling opportunities. Make sure your strategies/ tactics translate effectively online and on mobile platforms.

Review last year’s figures, examine what worked well and identify causes for peaks in sales activity. This will help you understand what seasonal peaks are likely to appear in the months ahead to take advantage of based on last year’s lessons. This year will not likely look like last but there are key clues into what will work best given the realities of the current conditions.

Keep stocked up (virtually or in person – be confident in your supply chain) for those critical times: Analyze items in the inventory that sold better than others for specific events or times of the year and ensure there is enough stock in place in the upcoming year to meet this demand again.

Break the year down into quarterly plans: Having quarterly plans reduces the possibility of retailers overestimating on the amount of stock needed for a quarter, as well as ensuring popular items are available at the right time – also, helps identify

cash flow challenges you can anticipate and resolve.

Planning is key to ensure that sales opportunities are maximized and that the bestselling inventory from the year is ready and available – knowing what items are most profitable in addition to which sell through best is critical. Selling lots of items that lose money is not a winning strategy! (Tying cash up in inventory is dangerously expensive)

To ensure you have stock available for shipping when it’s required, use your calendar, and count back from each event to when you need to:

• Identify what inventory you will need (60 days prior)

• List key inventory (45 days prior)

• Have 100 percent of inventory listed (30 days prior)

• Have sold/dispositioned half seasonal inventory (15 days prior)

NOTE: If suppliers are relying on international shipping, checkin 150 days in advance to get confirmation that they will have the stock you plan to be selling.

Follow these suggestions as you contemplate the readiness of your own business.

Research

• Create the list of vendors to be used

• Check status of or apply for customer status with vendors

• Contact each to inquire about seasonal purchases, get order and shipping schedules

• Get a list of price points, FOBs, volume discounts, off invoice allowances, rebates, prompt payment discounts and dating programs

• When the vendor says they don’t offer those, insist that they do and demand the information

• What bundling/cross selling opportunities do your offerings present for you and your team to train and sell to?

Prepare Orders

• Put vendor information above into an excel worksheet for scheduling and order development

• Contact the sales department for each vendor and ask for order recommendations, velocity reports and promotion schedules

• Create an order calendar for each vendor using info from sales

For more Petrick, see page 7

• Go back to the excel worksheet and run the numbers for each vendor, with landed costs.

• Determine EOQs (economic order quantities) for each vendor / merchandise category

• Develop a pro forma order for each vendor and send to the sales rep for confirmation of availability and current pricing

• Use the order confirmations to set up an order and receiving schedule and receiving report for each shipment

Finance

• Use pro forma orders to arrange invoicing dates, dating programs and vendor credit

• Discuss additional needs with lender

• Place orders

Marketing

• Use the receiving schedule to develop the marketing schedule

• Lead times vary by category and customer base, poor neighborhoods time promotions for the first of the month, etc.

• Work with outreach channels, prepare and proof collateral materials

• Make arrangements/order/buy for direct mail, blow ins, web based and POP

EmploymEnt law

• Update/refresh your social media presence – cultivate impactful customer testimonials

Receiving / Stocking / Follow up

• Use the receiving schedule and purchase orders to check in incoming shipments, document overages, shortages, misships and damages

• Use the receiving schedule to create a stocking schedule to advise stockers when and where to display the seasonal merchandise/POP

• Document and liquidate or donate residual inventory, use documentation as a basis for next year’s orders

• Survey customers for insight into consumer satisfaction with the seasonal program

Your competition is on heightened alert for opportunities and weaknesses. Make sure you are prepared to take advantage of your strengths and cultivate your customers throughout the year – they and you will benefit.

Enjoy a successful and prosperous year end selling season!

This article was prepared by Jerry Petrick, MBA, and certified business adviser with the Washington State University Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Jerry provides no-cost, confidential business advisory services by appointment. He can be reached via email jerry.petrick@wsbdc.org

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

Attorney Nicole M. Tideman

Carson Winter Communications and Outreach Coordinator

WorkSource can save you thousands on employee training

According to the Association for Talent Development, the average worker costs their company $1,252 to train. There’s no easy way to get around it: getting job ready isn’t cheap.

WorkSource is an agency funded by state and federal grants whose mission is to help people get back to work. To do this, we provide job seekers with resources, support services, and job training. We also work with employers to help them source qualified candidates and communicate their talent needs with the workforce.

One of the ways that employer and job seeker needs meet is through our On-the-Job Training (OJT) program. Eligibility for OJT is something a job seeker can wield as an ace-in-the-sleeve in attracting employer offers. Meanwhile, the employer stands to save a lot of

money on necessary training.

WorkSource reimburses the employer for up to 50 percent of the employee’s wages while they get up to speed, a sum that can equal up to $5,000. But also, because your new employee is a WorkSource customer, they also have access to support services and resources that can increase employee retention. For example, WorkSource is able to pay for eligible job seekers’ tools, transportation, childcare, work clothes and shoes, and more.

Our goal is to help remove barriers for job seekers because keeping a job is as important as getting one.

So, how do you get involved with this program as an employer?

Lucky for you, you don’t need to wait for a WorkSource customer to apply for your job openings. One of the best ways to integrate OJTs into your hiring process is by making WorkSource part of your onboarding. It can be as simple as asking prospective hires to call WorkSource and get screened for eligibility at the time of the job offer.

If you’re interested in finding out more about our On-the-Job Training program and other ways that WorkSource can support your hiring, contact Karin LaValla at karin.lavalla@esd.wa.gov or call at 360-735-4957.

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

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

Carson Winter is the Communications and Outreach Coordinator at WorkSource. Reach him at carson.winter@esd.wa.gov or 360-735-4962.

Josh Carter President

Downtown reaping the rewards of a successful Harvest Fest

Downtown Longview is gearing up for its second Harvest Fest from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 14. This year, participants can expect to see and enjoy:

• Cookin’ Country 105.5 KUKN

• The Boomtown Saints in concert at 1 p.m.

• The Antidote Tap House beer garden, opening at noon

• Reptile Roadshow powered by Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. at the Children’s Discovery Museum

Plus, we are planning a 60-foot inflatable obstacle course next to Stylemasters. You can see the all new Trolly Local! Scoop up some shave ice and check out the Patriot Motorsports Harvest

Truck show, which I can promise you is going to be spectacular. None of this happens without donations and we’re still accepting sponsors. Harvest Fest is very expensive to host, so every little bit helps.

Harvest Fest is the latest flagship event centered around downtown. Last year, more than 3,500 people attended, even in the rain.

Guess what? We also need volunteers. I’m writing this article, while on my knees, begging you to email me, Josh@ carterventuresolutions.com, and offer your time. Setup is a doozy and take down is too.

SPENCER CREEK BUSINESS PARK IS WAITING FOR YOU.

• ZONED FOR MIXED USE

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

• CONVENIENTLY LOCATED OFF I-5

Just 30 minutes from PDX & the amenities of Portland

• 45 ACRES OF PRIME, SHOVEL-READY LAND

Environmental permits & road improvements in place

• COMPETITIVE UTILITY RATES + INCENTIVES

Designed to promote growth & ensure your succes

ALSO AVAILABLE FOR LEASE:

LOOKING FOR A BUSINESS-FRIENDLY PLACE TO GROW? KALAMA

• LOCATED OFF I-5

PARK

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

CALENDAR

October

4 Ribbon Cutting

Clary Pickleball Courts – John Null Park

5:30pm, 2650 Pacific Way, Longview

5 Ambassadors Meeting

7:30am, Zoom

Ribbon Cutting Longview Nutrition

11am, 453 Oregon Way, Longview

6, 13 Boot Camp Series

7:30am, American Workforce Group

10 Business After Hours

Explorer Brewing Company

5:30pm 209 Ash St. Kelso

Ribbon Cutting

6:30pm, Explorer Brewing Company

17 Ribbon Cutting Ethnic Support Council

11am, 1213 14th Ave., Longview

Ribbon Cutting

Direct Auto Insurance

2pm, 3715 Ocean Beach Hwy., Longview

26 Career Fair

9:30am-3:30pm, Cowlitz County Event Center

Your Chamber Connection Radio Show, Wednesdays, Oct. 4, 11, 18 and 25, 6pm KEDO 1270 AM or 99.9 FM

LOOKING AHEAD

November

2 Chamber Ambassadors Meeting

7:30am, Zoom

7 Ribbon Cutting VIP Mortgage

11am, 209 W. Main St., Ste, 103, Kelso

10 Business After Hours

5:30pm, Windermere Real Estate

For a complete list of Chamber and Community events, check out our website.

City of Longview

MaryAlice Wallis Mayor

Longview moves into its next 100 years

Whew – what a summer it has been! 100 years looks so good on you Longview! This community is blessed to have such a vibrant active playground with incredible familyfriendly activities.

Here is a short list of some recent events and tremendous efforts happening around the city:

Centennial Gala – It’s not every year you see folks donning 1920s garb and swarming the Historic Monticello Hotel, no – at least not in 100 years. Longview’s 100-year Centennial Gala on Sept. 8-9 was a smashing success, including cameos from Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, and Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Long stand-ins, Peter and Julie Ouelette. The dinner was exquisite, the décor perfect, and the music and Tapestry Northwest dancers divine. Following the dinner, a spectacular drone show was held at Lower Columbia College David Story Field, and a beer garden and music festival were enjoyed by many in R. A. Long Park. The following day began with a lovely Founders Day parade and more activities including a historic Rolleo log rolling competition, food vendors, and a repeat drone show at Lake Sacajawea. A rousing applause to Reed Hadley and the Centennial team for a job well done.

Divert, Inc. – The ground has been BROKEN! Divert, Inc., a food digester and technology company that takes food waste from grocers and turns the waste into a valuable technology resource, also lowers the carbon footprint of our local landfill and uses the gasses from the waste to contribute to our natural gas pipeline in Longview. A triple WIN for Longview and the community. This site is being prepared and engineered by Longview business leaders JH Kelly and Gibbs and Olson at the Mint Farm. Way to go Divert, Inc., and welcome to Longview!

Fishers Lane – All but GONE! This massive city-owned land and structure, the former Fishers Lane Water Treatment Plant, has had approved shoreline and SEPA-approved permits and is being demolished using Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The City will work with the Council to decide the next plans for the development of the property.

Metropolitan Parks District – A junior taxing district will be voted on by citizens to provide dedicated and sustainable funding for Longview Parks and Recreation programs and facilities. That’s right, voters in the City of Longview will have the opportunity in 2023 to vote for this enhancement for our city. If approved, a three-year, short-term priority list would be: restroom replacements at John Null, Archie Anderson, and 17th Avenue/Nichols Lake Sacajawea parks, Mint Valley golf course irrigation system replacement, and Roy Morse softball light pole replacements. A 10-year, long-term list includes Cloney Skate Park and BMX updates, Gerhart Gardens

For more Longview, see page 13

Longview from page

Park asphalt replacement, Martin’s Dock replacement, sustainable playground replacement funding, and Mint Valley Racquet Complex renovation. Learn more here: https://www. mylongview.com/885/Metropolitan-Park-District

As the fall season settles in and we begin to turn down the lights on our centennial celebration and move on into our next 100 years, it is wise to remember that the manner in which we proceed will continue to make all the difference. In the midst of the challenges and joys of growing our community, universal principles like courage, humility, integrity, respect, trust, and honesty, are a sure foundation for personal and community success. While we all fall short of these ideals, I believe recognizing them and striving for them is important. I have shared in many of my written and public comments that I believe in the leadership principles taught by business icon Stephen Covey: 1. Be proactive. 2. Begin with the end in mind. 3. Put first things first. 4. Think win-win. 5. Seek first to understand and then to be understood. 6. Synergize. 7. Sharpen the saw.

These principles, when practiced, move people and communities forward in a positive way. I see good things happening all over the community – Longview is in good hands.

Your Chamber Connection Radio Show

Eric Skreen, Scythe Brewing Company, David Lamb, Longview Union Fire Fighters, talk about the Coats For Kids Tap Takeover, with Chamber radio host Shawn Green, ServPro

Carolyn Fundingsland, Cowlitz County auditor

M.R. Cleans co-owners Ryan Diggs and Monty Morgan

Marsha Tredway, community liaison, case manager, and Laura Hight, assistant director, Community Mediation Center

New Members

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

Membership packages to fit your needs Business Association with opportunities to promote trade through Chamber socials, special events and committee participation.

• Annual Meeting and Banquet

• Networking Events

• Committee Participation

• Business Contacts

• Quarterly Membership Meetings

• Civic Representation

• Monthly Business After Hours

Business Services include marketing for your business, referrals and access to Chamber publications and research data.

• Mailing Labels

• Membership Window Decals

• Member Referrals

• Ribbon Cutting

• Website Links

• Member to Member Discounts

• Membership Directory

• Tax Deduction

• Newsletter

• Business Card Display

• Use of Chamber Logo

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

• Legislative Representation

• Issues Tracking and Information

• Task Forces

• Candidate Forums

• Legislative Update Breakfast

• Demographics Publication

Membership Packages

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

Look Who Joined in September

Longview Nutrition

Ruben Batista

453 Oregon Way, Suite 200

Longview, WA 98632

971-201-0074

longivewnutrition@gmail.com

Covenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service

Susan Phillips

1535 Mt. Brynion Road

Kelso, WA 98626

360-353-5950

Covenant.funeralhome@gmail.com

Carter Venture Solutions

Josh Carter

1339 Commerce Avenue, Suite A

Longview, WA 98632

503-502-1003

josh@carterventuresolutions.com

The Cooks Creations

Teyonna Townsel

351 Three Rivers Drive

Kelso, WA 98626

925-255-6308

Thecookscreations@gmail.com

Scoopology Poop Removal

Jason Hoseney

180 Campbell Lane Port Orchard, WA 98366

360-957-8513

jasonhspr@gmail.com

SCORE Vancouver rebrands as SCORE SW Washington

The business mentoring organization, SCORE Vancouver Chapter, announced its rebranding as SCORE SW Washington. This strategic renaming comes as a reflection of the dynamic growth the organization and the region have experienced, underscoring its commitment to serving an expanding business community.

Over the years, the SCORE Vancouver Chapter has played a role in providing mentoring, resources, and support to entrepreneurs and small business owners in the Vancouver area and beyond. As the local business landscape has evolved and flourished, so has the chapter’s reach and impact. The decision to adopt the new name is aligned with the organization’s goal to better represent the wider community it serves.

“By becoming SCORE SW Washington, we’re acknowledging the exciting expansion of our services and expertise to entrepreneurs across Southwest Washington,” said Anna Leef, chapter chair at SCORE SW Washington. “Our rebranding reflects the growth and diversity of businesses in our region and reinforces our commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic development.”

SCORE SW Washington remains dedicated to its core mission of offering free and confidential business mentoring and education to individuals looking to start, grow, or successfully manage their businesses. With a team of experienced mentors and a wealth of resources, the organization continues to empower local businesses to overcome challenges, make informed decisions, and achieve long-term success. This updated branding pays homage to the organization’s roots while embracing the broader geography it now serves.

As SCORE SW Washington moves forward with its new identity, it welcomes both existing and new entrepreneurs to explore its enhanced range of services, workshops, and events designed to cater to a diverse set of business needs.

For more information about SCORE SW Washington and its offerings, please visit score.org/SW Washington

Port Report

CEO Dan Stahl caught Chamber members up on happenings at the Port of Longview during our Quarterly Membership Luncheon Sept. 22 at the Kelso Longview Elks. The Port Report, moderated by Cowlitz Economic Development Council President Ted Sprague, also included keynote speakers Mark Wilson, Port of Kalama executive director, and Jennifer Wray-Keene, Port of Woodland executive director.

At Heritage Bank, we believe that keeping our local economy strong starts with supporting businesses like yours.

We make switching banks easy, and your dedicated business banking team will guide you through each step of the process.

Scan the QR code or visit HeritageBankNW.com to learn more and connect with a banker near you.

Lenders For Life”

Beacon Hill Rehabilitation

Better Business Bureau

C's Photography

City of Kelso

Columbia River Reader

Cowlitz County

Cowlitz Economic Development Council

Ecological Land Services, Inc

Fibre Federal Credit Union –Main Branch

Mt. St. Helens Creation Information Center

Omelettes and More Prographyx

Stageworks Northwest Twin City Bank

Kelso Public Schools

Mary Beth Tack Superintendent

Kelso High celebrates 100 years of blue and gold

In the 1923-24 school year, Kelso High School declared blue and gold as the official school colors. Since then, Hilanders young and old have proudly declared, “We bleed blue and gold.”

Kelso School District is celebrating the milestone by collecting and sharing photos capturing the strong tradition and pride that’s grown over the last century. The community is invited to join in reminiscing by sharing photos of memorabilia through this Google form: bit. ly/share-100. There is also an option to include a story, memory, or favorite Kelso tradition. As much as possible, contributions will be added to the district’s webpage (bit.ly/ksd-100ybg) to share the collective glow of WE ARE.

We learned of the 100-year anniversary through partnership with Cowlitz County Historical Museum. Thanks to Bill Watson, the museum’s collection curator, for revealing the news and sharing historical photos and information.

A banner celebrating 100 Years of Blue and Gold welcomed staff at our district kickoff and is hanging in Kelso High for the year. The Pep Club’s annual shirts and sweatshirts carry the theme and are also available for purchase through KHS Associated Student Body (Haley.Cox@kelsosd. org, 360-501-1846). Other events honoring the milestone will occur throughout the school year.

Kelso’s colors carry our pride, and Kelso’s strength, no question, is in its people. We proudly celebrate that strength every day. In this 100th year of blue and gold, we continue to work toward our goal of 100 percent graduation with 100 percent team effort.

Here’s to another 100 years of blue and gold!

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

Ribbon Cuttings

Welcome New Members

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

Lisa Allen

American Legion Kelso

Josh Carter Carter Venture Solutions

Peter Clark ANC Movers

Diane Craft Koelsch Communities

Jeni Dow KUKN/KLOG/The Blitz

James Hoyt Heritage Bank Joy Klein Umpqua Bank

Nick Lemiere

Edward Jones

Eric McCrandall Family Health Center

Carrie Medack Diamond Residential Mortgage

Shylah Tapani Specialty Rents and Axecutioner

Pam Whittle Realty ONE Group Pacifica

Uncaged Cycles

M.R. Cleans

Three Rivers Christian School – Beacon Hill location

Shout Outs!

Rotary Club of Longview supported the local police K-9 program with a $2,987 Community Service grant.

A big shout out to the 600+ volunteers that made up 36 volunteer teams and completed 31 projects for nonprofits and organizations throughout Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties as part of the United Way of Cowlitz and Wahkiakum Counties’ Day of Caring in September.

PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center has named Nandita Gupta, MD, as Chief Medical Officer. She joined PeaceHealth on Aug. 28.

“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Gupta to the PeaceHealth family,” says Cherelle Montanye, PeaceHealth St. John Chief Administrative Officer in a press release. “She brings a wealth of leadership experience and is widely respected among the medical community.”

The Port of Kalama is approximately eight weeks away from the grand opening of Mountain Timber Market.

Coming Up

Longview Early Edition Rotary Harvest Classic 5K-10K Walk/Run, Oct. 7 www.rotaryharvestclassic.org

Crafted 2023, 11am-7pm, Oct. 7, Longview Civic Circle

Cowlitz Pow Wow, Oct. 21, Cowlitz County Event Center

Trick or Treat Walk at the Lake, 2-4pm, Lake Sacajawea

Tree Lighting Festival, 6-8pm, Dec. 1, Kelso City Hall, 203 S. Pacific Ave. www.kelso.gov

Festival of Trees, Dec. 1, Cowlitz County Event Center

Jingle all the Way 5K Run/Walk, 6pm, Dec. 8, Civic Circle, Longview www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

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