Business Connection Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce
Lower Columbia Professionals and Chamber scholarship winners from the 2019 award event.
Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Julie Rinard
Project Manager
k April 2022
Volume 14 • Issue 4 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
It’s back! Pillars of Strength and Crystal Apple Awards banquet May 4
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re you eager for a celebration? We’re bringing the popular Pillars of Strength and Crystal Apple Awards banquet back, in person, at the Cowlitz County Event Center on May 4.
One of the most impactful aspects of the Pillars of Strength and Crystal Apple Awards banquet is the presentation of scholarships for our local high school students. Lower Columbia Professionals raised funds all year to award $1,000 scholarships at this event. As of publication, they were well on their way to reach their goal of $20,000 for 20 recipients! Thanks to the generous support of sponsors, scholarship winners and their parents will be our guests for the evening. Sponsors and contributors will have the great pleasure of seeing the impact of their support when these students walk up to the stage to accept their scholarships and share their dreams with us.
k CONTACT US
360-423-8400 kelsolongviewchamber.org To advertise, call Bill Marcum 360-423-8400 or bmarcum@kelsolongviewchamber.org Ad Deadline 20th of Each Month
Please let us know if you would like to sponsor a table. You will receive two tickets and we will seat you with two students and their parents for an evening that is sure to inspire you! Table sponsorships are $500 and we will give you well-deserved recognition for your support. Other sponsorships are available too. Let us know how you would like to be involved. The Pillars of Strength Awards will be given to businesses and nonprofits based on criteria such as their involvement with the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce and their involvement with other organizations. As the nominees are introduced, we will show you why each is deserving of recognition. You will hear how businesses large and small delivered excellence in products, service and growth during the past two years. Our local nonprofits are demonstrating excellence in services to the community; contributing to our health and well-being, providing community education and involving community members in their work. For more Awards, see page 2
Awards from page 1
The nominees for Pillars of Strength Awards have added to the economic vitality and quality of life in our area. We’re looking forward to honoring them! We will also recognize nominees and present awards for the Business Individual of the Year and Rising Star of the Year. The Business Individual of the Year nominees exhibit initiative and creativity, enhancing the stability and improvement of their business. We see them promoting a positive attitude toward their job, their businesses and the community. The Business Individual of the Year nominees are active participants in service projects and programs leading to civic improvement, human welfare or environmental enhancement. The Rising Star of Year nominees are active in the community and display qualities that will eventually cast them into a leadership role, not only in the community but in their work environment. There are two outstanding nominees for Service Organization of the Year. Each produced an event in 2021 that was created to enrich the community and provide a rich family environment. We’ll show you how these organizations’ presence adds to the economic vitality and quality of life here in our community.
Keep up with the latest on your heart.
peacehealth.org/hearthealth
2 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | April 2022
New this year is the Community Leadership Award, with three outstanding nominees. The award will be presented to honor a person in our community who shows extraordinary leadership and because of that leadership, provides initiative, creativity and action for a better quality of life for all who live in Cowlitz County. The Crystal Apple Awards put the spotlight on educators for their outstanding work this past year. Here are the highlights: For kindergarten–12th grade we will recognize nominees and present awards to the Administrator of the Year, Teacher of the Year and Classified/Support Person of the Year. We will also recognize nominees and present awards to Lower Columbia College Higher Education Teacher of the Year and Higher Education Classified/Support Person of the Year. All of these individuals have exhibited excellent service to students, and they were responsible for the creation of unique, significant educational programs in our local community. Watch for news and updates about the Pillars of Strength and Crystal Apple Awards banquet. Mark your calendar for May 4.
Now Accepting Nominations 2022 Crystal Apple Awards
Lower Columbia College:
Crystal Apple Award
Higher Education Teacher of the Year Higher Education Classified/Support
Kindergarten - 12th Grade:
Administrator of the Year Teacher of the Year Classified/Support Person of the Year
Workforce Best Practice
Please take a moment to nominate educators whom you feel should be recognized for their outstanding work in our community.
Go to www.kelsolongviewchamber.org for nominating forms and criteria. Deadline is April 11. Awards will be presented at the Pillars of Strength & Crystal Apple Awards event May 4.
2022 Small Business
BOOT CAMP Series starts Friday, May 6
Friday Mornings ★ 7:30 am - 9 am American Workforce Group Event Center 1145 14th Ave., Longview
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May 6 Defining Leadership Chris Bailey President, LCC
May 13 Leadership Styles David Futcher Futcher CPAs
May 20 How Leaders Set the Tone for their Organization, Frank McShane Square Peg Consulting
May 27 TBA Rose Gundersen VP of Operations & Retail Services Washington Retail Association
June 3 Women: The Road to Leadership Mary Beth Tack Superintendent Kelso School District
June 10 Maximum Productivity Chris Bailey President, LCC
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www.kelsolongviewchamber.org
Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce Bill Marcum CEO
Lisa Straughan, President Express Employment Professionals Marlene Johanson, President Elect Heritage Bank Marc Silva, Vice President Columbia Bank Neil Zick, Treasurer Twin City Bank
Hiring today IS challenging!
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ell, it has finally happened to the Chamber... the hiring bug. Pam Fierst our bookkeeper of four years has decided to move up north for family reasons and we are looking for a bookkeeper (see page 28 for more details).
This position has evolved during the past 10 years as a necessity to keep good people. I hired Amy Hallock to this position shortly after I was hired in early 2012. The job
Chris Roewe, Past President Woodford Commercial Real Estate
was 15 hours per week, minimum wage. A year later we moved into the new Visitor
Michael Claxton, Legal Counsel Walstead Mertsching
I moved Amy to full time, still just a bit more than minimum wage. Over time to
Center and instead of hiring another part-time person to manage the Visitor Center,
David Cuddihy The Daily News
keep a great employee, I added sales opportunities to the position – managing the
Duane Dalgleish Cowlitz PUD
Amy was promoted to project manager and Pam was hired to replace her in the
Jason Gentemann Foster Farms
added to the role, each with a form of commission to compensate for the additional
Rich Gushman Gibbs & Olson Keenan Harvey City Council, Kelso Nick Lemiere Edward Jones Cherelle Montanye St. John/PeaceHealth John Paul KUKN-KLOG-101.5 The WAVE Bruce Pollock Bicoastal Media Ted Sprague Cowlitz Economic Development Council Michael Vorse Minuteman Press John Jabusch Cowlitz County Commissioner
sales of the newsletter was one, then the visitor guide/member directory publication.
role of bookkeeper and visitor center manager. Again, over time more duties were
responsibilities. While the job pays $17 to $19 per hour right now, with added benefits and commission opportunities the position pays $45,000 to $52,000 per year. That works out to between $23 and $26 per hour. We have been advertising the position in The Daily News, on social media, through email to our members and other various avenues. As of this writing I have not received ONE application. Compound that with the fact we are still looking for a part-time person to work Friday-Sunday through the summer months at the Visitor Center, we are essentially down two people, which is 33 percent of our full-time staff and 50 percent of our part-time staff. The Chamber has been lucky through the past 10 years, every time we lost a hardworking, dedicated employee, someone else was right there to step in and continue the great work being done before them. Today that seems to have changed. So, if you are reading this and know someone who may be looking for a fun job, have them contact me... SOON, before I go crazy. Kelso Longview Business Connection | April 2022 | 5
Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments Bill Fashing
Executive Director
Road safety performance measures
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he Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments (CWCOG) Board of Directors recently approved safety performance measures for the Longview/Kelso/ Rainier metropolitan planning area. The federal Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) legislation set requirements for state transportation departments (DOTs) and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) to establish safety performance measures. As the MPO for the Longview/ Kelso/Rainier metro area the CWCOG is responsible for setting performance targets. This is the fifth year safety performance targets have been established. Federal rules provide two possible choices for MPOs when considering performance measures, which include either adopting the state’s approved measures or creating and reporting our own. As a bi-state MPO the CWCOG is required to address safety performance measures in both Washington and Oregon. CWCOG staff, with the support from the Cowlitz Area Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), recently recommended to the CWCOG Board of Directors (MPO board) that the organization support the safety performance measures of each state rather than creating specific MPO targets. This recommendation follows the previous actions taken by the CWCOG Board of Directors.
transportation system by 2035. Oregon’s annual Traffic Safety Performance Plan (https://www.oregon.gov/odot/Safety/ Pages/Plans-Reports.aspx) measures progress in meeting safety performance targets. Oregon also prepares an annual Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) report (https://safety. fhwa.dot.gov/hsip/reports/pdf/2020/or.pdf). MPOs throughout Washington worked with WSDOT to establish the safety performance targets both the statewide and metropolitan planning area (MPA) levels. The MPA targets are provided as a guide to help regional planning and programming. ODOT established safety performance targets at the state level and for their transportation regions but did not provide safety performance targets for MPAs.
The purpose for establishing safety performance measures is to help state DOTs and MPOs make investment decisions intended to significantly reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries on all public roads. State DOTs and MPOs are required by MAP-21 to establish targets for five safety performance measures.
MPOs report progress on meeting safety targets annually to state DOTs who then must prepare an annual Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) report that shows progress towards meeting those safety targets. States are also required to develop a Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP).
The following charts on the next page outline the five-year running average for two of the five measures that are tracked. The tables were created using the most recent data on the topic. The 2021 and 2022 targets are derived from a projection to reach zero by 2030.
The Washington SHSP is titled Target Zero (http://www. targetzero.com). The goal of Target Zero is to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries on Washington’s roadways to zero by year 2030. Washington’s annual Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) report (https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/hsip/ reports/pdf/2020/wa.pdf) includes information on the state’s progress in meeting safety performance targets. The Oregon’s SHSP is titled the Oregon Transportation Safety Action Plan (TSAP) (https://www.oregon.gov/odot/Safety/ Documents/2021_Oregon_TSAP.pdf). The plan’s vision is to reach no fatalities or lifechanging injuries on Oregon’s 6 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | April 2022
For more CWCOG, see page 7
CWCOG from page 6
email, bfashing@cwcog.org, or phone at 360-355-0344. The CWCOG, 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. Since the program’s inception, over $2.2 million has worked to create and retain over 630 jobs in the community. A complete application and supporting materials are needed for consideration. The Longview Revolving Loan Fund application and program guidelines are available online at www.cwcog.org or by request at: CWCOG, P.O. Box 128, Kelso, WA 98626. Questions may be directed to me at 360-577-3041 or via email to bfashing@cwcog.org. Lower Columbia Investment Network The CWCOG is working with residents, investors, local business owners, and other stakeholders to start a local investment network. The Lower Columbia Investment Network (LCIN) presents an opportunity to bring residents of a community together around a common goal to build wealth by keeping local capital rooted in the local economy. For information about local investment opportunities, go to www. cwcog.org, in the CURRENT EVENTS section you will find the Lower Columbia Investment Network. There you can click on the links for the Local Investor Application and Local Business Application.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has a vast safety program to address road safety issues. With some areas focusing on system design and other areas focusing on more on the people themselves. One of the areas receiving significant attention currently is nonmotorist safety. As you can see in the tables of local impacts above, we have seen a steady increase in nonmotorist fatalities and serious accidents. According to Pew, pedestrian fatalities grew in 27 states in the first half of the pandemic despite a large decrease in traffic volume. We can all work to stem the tide of growing accidents that include serious injuries and fatalities. With the Target Zero goal in mind, let each of us make a goal to keep our eyes on the surrounding road hazards, focus our hearing on our transportation activities, avoid doing other things while driving, riding, and walking, and be in the moment every moment while in harm’s way. Together we can improve road safety, saving lives in our communities.
Consistent Courteous Complete Title and Escrow Services
Business Finance Resources Revolving Loan Fund – Alternative Lender The Longview Revolving Loan Fund has funds to lend. Serious borrowers facing lending challenges should apply. Funds can be used to save or create new jobs, spur development, and strengthen the economy. If your business is located in Longview, needs additional funding and/or has been turned down by a traditional lender, please contact me at the Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments via
1425 Maple Street • Longview, WA 98632
360.425.2950
www.cascade-title.com Kelso Longview Business Connection | April 2022 | 7
Workforce Southwest Washington Alyssa Joyner Senior Project Manager for Manufacturing
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Labor market report shows manufacturing sector is strong
ith nearly 100,000 jobs and a payroll of $10.1 billion, advanced manufacturing accounts for 8 percent of the greater southwest Washington-Portland region’s private sector employment and 11 percent of payroll. The region’s economy is highly dependent on the manufacturing sector. Workforce Southwest Washington (WSW) and it partners in the Columbia-Willamette Workforce Collaborative (CWCC) recently released an updated Advanced Manufacturing Labor Market Report. First published in 2016, and revised in 2018, COVID-19 delayed the planned 2020 update until recently. A few highlights from the new report: Firm Size Nearly 90 percent of the Portland Metro region’s advanced manufacturing employees work in establishments employing fewer than 50 workers. That holds true for southwest Washington as well with 95 percent of manufacturing companies employing 1-50 employees, 4 percent having 51-250 employees and 1 percent having greater than 250 employees.
In addition, the sector is overwhelmingly male (72 percent compared to 52 percent across all other industries).
Worker Demographics Nearly one in four manufacturing workers is 55 years or older and many could retire in the next decade. Looming retirements and career changes mean a steady stream of workers is needed to fill available jobs. Youth (14-24 years) employment in manufacturing is half that of the overall economy (6 percent versus 11 percent).
People who identify as white make up most of the manufacturing workforce. In southwest Washington, the total For more WSW, see page 9
8 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | April 2022
WSW from page 8
number of manufacturing employees is 44,311 of which 40,437 identify as white.
many good-paying jobs do not require a four-year degree.
COVID-19 Aftermath To survive and thrive, companies will need to attract younger workers, women, and candidates from historically underrepresented communities. To be seen as an employer of choice, providing quality jobs will be paramount. Companies must recognize and respond to worker needs by ensuring competitive wages, providing schedule flexibility and robust benefits packages. If you’re not sure where to start, please contact me. WSW can help! Occupation Growth Page 13, Table 2 of the report shows the greatest 10-year projected growth for the Portland Tri-counties area among software developers with 33 percent growth by 2029. In Cowlitz County, software developers are also projected to have the largest growth at 2.5 percent followed by welders/cutters/solderers (1.4 percent) and machinists at 1.3 percent.
Between 2015 and 2019, advanced manufacturing added more than 5,800 jobs, reaching some of the fastest growth rates for the sector in the 21st century. The sector was initially hit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic, losing nearly six percent of its employment base during 2020. Although jobs are returning, the sector’s growth in 2021 was slightly smaller than the overall economic growth in the region. To help with recovery, WSW and WorkSource are assisting companies with rewriting job descriptions to make them more inclusive and accessible to a broader range of applicants, identifying and referring qualified candidates, using additional channels through which to promote job openings to reach new audiences, and hosting hiring events. Companies are also rethinking requirements for hiring and focusing on candidate characteristics rather than specific job knowledge. As Christina Almsted, human resources manager for Wood Fiber Group which operates in Ridgefield under the name Simonds International, explained during a December 2021 presentation to industry, workforce and education professions, they can train someone who doesn’t have the exact experience they are hiring for, but applicants must know how to be on time and can follow instructions. Local manufacturers are making changes to entice more applicants, including:
Wages In some of the largest occupations in advanced manufacturing our region pays higher than the nation. This can be seen in Table 3 on page 14 where the “location quotient” is above “1.” In addition,
•
Raising wages
•
Paying workers while they attend trainings, including orientation and safety
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Offering flexible shift work that allows employees to sign up for the hours that work for them
For more WSW, see page 10
Kelso Longview Business Connection | April 2022 | 9
WSW from page 9
•
Providing equipment like safety vests and discounts or reimbursement for boots and glasses
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Increasing benefits packages to be more comprehensive and giving employees access to them immediately or within 30 days rather than the prior 90 days or more
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Offering hiring and/or referral bonuses
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Adding benefits like tuition reimbursement
Childcare, however, remains a barrier for many families and will need to be addressed by companies to attract more parents, including women and younger workers, to the industry. Simonds, the 185-year-old cutting tool manufacturer, provides employees a 10 percent discount to KinderCare. Resources for Businesses WSW and its CWWC partners will soon be releasing the Quality Jobs framework which will serve as a blueprint to implement job quality strategies for businesses, workforce boards, local government, service providers, labor/civil rights nonprofits, labor and workers. Best practices and other resources will be included in the report which will be available on WSW’s website
or by contacting me. In addition, through June 2022, WSW will reimburse eligible companies for costs to train their existing workforce. Click here to learn more. WSW and the workforce system have numerous options available to help you grow your business. I am here to support you and would be happy to review opportunities with you and help your organization craft a strategy to attract, train and retain a qualified and skilled workforce that is ready to fill your open positions now and in the future. 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. Alyssa Joyner is senior project manager for manufacturing at Workforce Southwest Washington. Reach her at ajoyner@ workforcesw.org or 503-410-0408.
L IVE pe o rma nc e se rie s f or y ou n g fa mi l i es! p e rf rfo e s!
SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2022 AT 2PM From juggling fire, swords, and balls, to an awesome yo-yo act, plate-spinning, and free-balancing massive objects on his face, Patrick is an experienced entertainer with a ton of hilarity and crowd interaction!
Friday, May 13, 2022 at 7:30PM! With a cast consisting of both stars from Broadway’s greatest rock musicals, as well as incredible Rock & Roll singers, Neil Berg shares the often unknown stories from the fifty-year history of the music that changed the world forever! Tickets: $45- $55/17 & under: $20
Sponsored by
Columbia Theatre Longview Box Office: 360.575.8499/ www.columbiatheatre.com 10 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | April 2022
CHAMBER DISCOUNT! 20% off Adult Gold with code word: chamber1
Green With Envy Bingo! Everyone's a Winner The Lower Columbia Professionals Get Lucky at Bingo event raised more than $4,900 for local high school senior scholarships! Special thanks to American Legion Post No. 155, who hosted the event, and Servpro of Longview/Kelso who sponsored the delicious nacho bar.
12 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | April 2022
Kelso Longview Business Connection | April 2022 | 13
Business Toolbox Jerry D. Petrick
Certified Business Adviser
A collection of business ideas for spring 2022
A
s we enter this spring, we are beginning to see the rebirth of nature AND hopefully the start of a new season without the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. I’ve scoured several resources to bring a variety of topics, suggestion, ideas, and information for you. Let me know what topics are of interest to you for future articles (send an email to share your thoughts). HAPPY SPRING! Never miss the opportunities of a crisis. Without a doubt, these continue to be unprecedented times for managing a retail business. The Disruption with a capital D continues, from the pandemic to supply chain challenges, employee issues, worldwide inflation, interest rate increases, etc. And now, the global economy is in more turmoil due to the Ukraine invasion and the resulting sanctions against Russia. Lots of challenges for business owners as they wrestle with rising costs, aren’t there?
In-home installations? All those things are delivering value for the customer and should be compensated. This is an incomplete list, to be sure. We hope it prompts some imaginative thinking on your part. A savvy response to these business challenges is possible. The crises of these times mean you can be much more strategic in your pricing and merchandising. Price elasticity? Unleash your merchant instincts. From the Retail Owners Institute (ROI)
Labor and Industries (L&I) is responding to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic by amending WAC 296-80014035 related to prohibited business activities and compliance with conditions for operations under emergency proclamations and their amendments issued under RCW 43.06.220.
But for independent retailers, there exists one glorious opportunity: price elasticity/pricing power. Yes, raising prices. A whole new ball game for many independent retailers.
Under the emergency rule: •
So, to jump start your thinking, here are some reminders and tactics to keep in mind:
Employers must not allow employees to perform work where a business activity is prohibited by an emergency proclamation.
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Employers must comply with all conditions for operation required by emergency proclamation.
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Worldwide prices are going up (you’ve noticed that, right?) But in general, customers don’t seem to mind. They’re spending like mad! Think of all price changes as an experiment. Test out new prices on some items. You will know soon enough whether the customers will pay. If not, take a markdown and move on. (Just don’t talk yourself out of them in advance. And do not ask any staff members, “Would you pay $X for this?”)
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In every retail environment, some merchandise has a higher “value” for the customer than other merchandise. Maybe it’s the brand name, or maybe it’s rare, or maybe it’s just hot right now. Whatever, consider bumping up the price. Soon!
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Merchants know that what they paid for goods is always subordinated to what they can get for those goods. The axiom “price is not a function of cost” must rule.
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Use your judgment. An across-the-board percentage price increase may be easy for your computer to do. Such actions are tantamount to failure; pushback and even resentments are sure to follow. Avoid the quick and easy solutions.
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Yes, extra markups are the opportunity. But they demand careful selection and timing. They are best applied to new merchandise when it arrives.
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“Service fees” can be low hanging fruit for increasing revenue. You do special orders for customers? Alterations?
14 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | April 2022
Expiration date: July 13 L&I is monitoring the governor’s emergency proclamations, information including guidance from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), and data on COVID-19 and will repeal the emergency rule if no longer needed. CR-103E Emergency Adoption Adoption Language What if inflation isn’t as bad as we think?
Grocery costs, personal finances and the economy have surpassed COVID-19 as the top concerns of U.S. consumers. Despite, or maybe because of this, many shoppers believe food price inflation is far above its actual rate, according to the latest Consumer Pulse Survey. For the Consumer Pulse research, nearly 65,000 consumers For more Petrick see page 15
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were asked about the current rate of inflation and shoppers drastically overestimated the actual food inflation rate. Poll respondents pegged food inflation at 17.7 percent, or more than double the actual rate, even though the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the food-at-home Consumer Price Index at 7.4 percent for January Bargain shoppers (a rapidly increasing group now comprising 53 percent of consumers) thought food inflation rates were 18.4 percent, approaching three times the actual rate.
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“Americans’ belief that food prices are rising more than twice as fast as they actually are should concern retailers, manufacturers and the government alike!” said study leader Grant Steadman. Source: https://www.supermarketnews.com/consumer-trends/usshoppers-hold-over-inflated-view-food-prices
Did your business receive a voluntary contribution invitation from the Employment Security Department? In 1995, Washington adopted a “voluntary contribution” provision in state law explicitly for helping small businesses seeing large increases in their experience rate. In the first quarter each year, Employment Security Department (ESD) mails (by U.S. Postal Service) a program notice and application to eligible employers. The amount you pay (excluding the surcharge) will reduce the unemployment benefit charges we use for calculating your tax rate for this year and future years. Participation is voluntary, qualified employers are automatically mailed a notice and application. Recent legislation – ESSB 5061 – may make the Voluntary Contribution Program more appealing to your company’s bottom line. More Information
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This article was prepared by Jerry Petrick, certified business adviser, MBA, with the Washington State University Small Business Development Center. He provides no-cost, confidential business advisory services by appointment. He can be reached via email jerry.petrick@wsbdc.org
Kelso Longview Business Connection | April 2022 | 15
Cowlitz Economic Development Council Ted Sprague President
Pressure to remove dams builds
T
he pressure to remove the Snake River dams is a conversation that is not going away and continues to grow. Recently a colleague shared with me the following rebuttal to a whitepaper prepared by the Northwest Energy Coalition. We all need to educate ourselves on this critical issue for the future of power generation in southwest Washington.
Unfortunately, the assumptions, methodology, and statements embedded in the NWEC paper include significant errors, allowing NWEC to conclude, “…the lower Snake River dams can be replaced with a diverse set of clean energy technologies that will perform better and are rapidly declining in costs.” The implication is that this path would be routine, inexpensive, and safe.
Northwest RiverPartners has prepared the following analysis (found on the website – https://nwriverpartners.org) of the Northwest Energy Coalition (NWEC) February 2022 white paper, “Smart Planning Will Drive Replacing the Power from Lower Snake River Dams”.
As our analysis – and almost every other recent power planning report – demonstrates, nothing could be further from reality.
We want to begin by affirming Northwest RiverPartners’ agreement with NWEC about the importance of maintaining reliable, affordable, and carbon free electricity and the need to recover salmon and steelhead populations. We also agree both objectives are simultaneously possible – and necessary. However, solutions must be science-based and minimize societal harm in order to qualify as good public policy.
NWEC Error No. 1: Replacing the Dams Would be a “Routine” Undertaking
TRUSTED FOR OVER 39 YEARS
Service is the difference!
THE FOLLOWING ARE FIVE KEY ERRORS WITHIN THE NWEC PAPER:
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The NWEC paper fails to recognize the context of major challenges facing the Western electric grid. In doing so, it ignores the warnings of a myriad of authorities, rolling blackouts across three U.S. states in the past two years, and numerous expert analyses.
NWEC Error No. 2: The Region Has Ample Clean Generation “Under Development” •
The NWEC paper wrongly counts proposed generation, which lacks transmission, permitting, and financing, as a reliable indicator of generation under development. In doing so, it ignores the historical record and prudent utility practices.
NWEC Error No. 3: Power Replacement Costs Are Low Glenda Beam Escrow Officer
Amy Hoyer
Leah White
Escrow Officer
Escrow Assistant
Carrie Staggs
Escrow Assistant
Steve Quaife
County Manager
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The NWEC paper greatly underestimates the cost of the resource mix necessary to fully replace the zero-carbon benefits of the lower Snake River dams and ignores the implications for vulnerable communities across the region.
NWEC Error No. 4: Grid Reliability Is Not Affected Brittney Rexford Megan Howerton Escrow Assistant
Title Typist
Theresa Campbell
Pam McCormick
Melinda Gottfryd
Bookkeeper/Recorder Order Desk/Receptionist
•
Policy Typist
The NWEC paper incorrectly states the NPCC 2021 Power Plan concluded that replacing the lower Snake River dams would not harm grid reliability. That scenario was not studied in the Power Plan.
NWEC Error No. 5: Climate Change Means Snake River Dams Should Be Breached Jason Hanson Title Officer
Darren Plank Title Officer
Leah Stanley Title Officer
Breshae Brunette Title Plant Admin
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 16 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | April 2022
•
NWEC’s paper ignores the fact that only four of the 76 listed at-risk salmon and steelhead populations along the Pacific Coast come from the Snake River. All 76 populations are threatened by climate change, especially during their years in the ocean. NWEC’s recommended path would add to the climate problem by increasing CO2 emissions.
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Kelso Public Schools
Longview Public Schools
Mary Beth Tack
Dan Zorn
Superintendent
District offers early learning opportunities
T
he importance of early learning cannot be overstated. Children who take part in early childhood education programs have improved social skills and do better in
school. They also learn essential life skills that stay with them forever. When students entering Kelso School District have access to high quality early learning experiences, their ability to meet or exceed standards by the end of third grade in English language arts and mathematics is greatly enhanced. One of our strategic goals in Kelso is to develop and implement a comprehensive plan which improves school readiness and strengthens the transition to kindergarten. Early learning offerings in Kelso include Preschool Pups and Transitional Kindergarten (TK). Preschool Pups is an inclusive preschool program comprised of typically developing children who play and learn alongside children with disabilities. This program is housed at Wallace Elementary School. •
Morning and afternoon sessions, four half-days a week
Transitional Kindergarten is a pre-kindergarten program for children not yet age five on August 31, who do not have access to a high-quality early learning program and would benefit from additional preparation to be successful in kindergarten the following year. •
Full day, five days a week
•
Held at Barnes, Butler Acres, Lexington, and Wallace elementary schools
Learn more about both these programs, and kindergarten, on May 3 at Kinderpalooza, held from 5-7 p.m. at Coweeman Middle School. On April 25: •
Registration for kindergarten opens
•
Applications open for Preschool Pups and TK
Spread the word and help all our students get a good start on their education! 18 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | April 2022
Superintendent
Building maintenance a primary levy focus
I
appreciated the opportunity to provide a state of the Longview Public Schools presentation at the Chamber luncheon on March 25. I am so very appreciative of the partnership our school district has with the Kelso/Longview Chamber of Commerce. The future holds great hope for our community’s children and schools. A renewed focus on improving student achievement levels has our schools energized as we step into a post-pandemic environment. We are anxious to continue addressing the learning loss that resulted from the past two years and excited to return to the improving achievement levels we were experiencing prior to the disruptions caused by COVID-19. Your continued support as we seek to better our students’ preparation for their future is essential to our success. I also want to thank the Chamber for its public support of our upcoming replacement capital projects and technology levy. This levy will be before the voters on April 26. This replacement levy was designed to balance taxpayer sentiment of not increasing locally voted school taxes while providing funds to repair and maintain all schools and support technology needs. The replacement levy has five main areas of focus: 1) improving classroom environments; 2) extending the life of our buildings; 3) technology upgrades; 4) improving safety and security; and 5) athletic facility repairs and upgrades. During the four years of this levy, the total locally voted school tax collections will remain below what was collected in 2021 and 2022. One of the key issues the replacement levy focuses on is making sure all schools benefit from the levy, with the primary focus of making sure all buildings are well maintained and much needed repairs are done to extend the life of buildings. The types of repairs needed at schools can range from replacing broken sidewalks that pose a tripping hazard, to replacing roofs to stop leaking, which can damage the building structure and lead to bigger and more expensive problems down the road. As you can imagine, the daily use of school buildings by hundreds of students and staff is very wearing. Levy dollars are important to keep the facilities in good working order, classroom environments conducive for learning, and campuses safe. In addition to the facility repairs, the district has been working diligently to secure school campuses to make them safer, using previously approved levy funding. Levy dollars has provided funding to purchase and install surveillance cameras, lighting and access controls. The district hopes to begin installing secure vestibules at the front entrances this summer. As you know, safety and security is a top priority of the district. If the last two years has taught us one thing, technology is critical to teaching and learning today. The technology portion of the levy has been used in past years to purchase Chromebooks For more Longview Schools, see page 19
Longview Schools from page 18
and other technology for students and teachers. It became critical for our students during the pandemic. Those Chromebooks are beginning to age out and will need replacement. The replacement levy will provide funds to make those purchases so our students, teachers and staff will continue to have the technology they need to be successful. For more information about the replacement levy, you can visit the district’s levy webpage at www.longviewschools.com/ levy2022. The webpage has a number of short videos illustrating each area of focus and how levy money will be used if voters approve the levy. For those who want more information about property tax
exemptions, Washington laws provide several programs that offer property tax relief to qualifying applicants. For more information about these exemptions, visit the Cowlitz County Assessor’s Office property tax relief webpage at this link. Finally, I want to encourage people to get out and vote in the April 26 special election. Ballots will be mailed out on April 8. Voting closes at 8 p.m., April 26. For more information about how to register to vote or details about the special election, visit the Cowlitz County Elections April 26 Special Election page located here. Thank you for supporting Longview Public Schools.
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 | April 2022 | 19
Pillars of Strength and
Crystal Apple Awards
2022
Wednesday, May 4, 2022 5:00 to 8:00 pm Cowlitz County Event Center 1900 7th Avenue, Longview
Sponsorships Available
$35 individual • $250 table for 8 Please register by April 21 at www.kelsolongviewchamber.org Crystal Apple Awards sponsored by
Thank you to our sponsors
Jennifer Penfold
Kelso/Longview Lodge #1482
City of Longview
City of Kelso
MaryAlice Wallis
Mike Karnofski
Mayor
Embracing change as we look toward future
I
t’s hard to believe that a whole year has passed since last spring when I noticed those curious black birds in the cherry blossom tree in front of my office window at city hall. The birds have found their way back to the pink blossom tree, which has now attracted sweet honey bees. Springtime has arrived. Nearly three months into my second term of serving as Longview’s 23rd mayor, we have already seen so many changes. Councilmember Schott’s vacant seat has been filled by Christopher Ortiz with a unanimous council vote. We look forward to getting to know Councilmember Ortiz and the new voice and change he will bring to our council. Change is the one constant wherever we look. Sometimes we resist change. I have found that the more seasoned I become, the more I learn to embrace change with new perspective and meaning. While recently at the coast, I thought of the changes we all face in our daily lives and how they sometimes parallel the variations of the seasons and scenery of the Pacific Northwest. Change can make the scenery sweeter depending on our perspective. Watching the ocean waves roll in toward the beach and then crash against the massive basalt rocks, and then press forward and back again, I was aware that with each rolling wave erosion naturally takes place; but leaves behind a most majestic view. The northwest definitely delivers beauty. The future of Longview is also brimming with some changes and modifications to our current landscape! Special thanks to our state and federal legislators, Sen. Wilson, Reps. Walsh and McEntire, 3rd Congressional District Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, and U.S. Sen. Marie Cantwell for helping Longview continue to change in positive ways. Join me in celebrating these remarkable blessings coming to our community in 2022. •
Complete streets on 46th Avenue, Washington Way, and California Way.
•
Upgrades at Lake Sacajawea Park: new reconstructed restroom and sidewalk resurfacing at Hemlock Plaza, and Martin’s Dock infrastructure support.
•
Longview police station satellite office building at Archie Anderson Park.
•
New roof at the senior center on Commerce Avenue.
•
Restroom facility at Vandercook Park.
•
Secured federal omnibus appropriation allocation of $292,000 for our crisis intervention team.
Be well, be brave every day and embrace change.
Mayor
Kelso has a summer full of projects
I
t is going to be a busy summer for both public and private projects in Kelso. The most visible public project will be the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance work and water and sewer work in the downtown area. This project has already started on Pacific Avenue and will move farther south on Pacific and then on Oak Street to Fourth Avenue. Pacific Avenue work will be completed by the end of May with full project completion by the end of June. Tam O’Shanter phase three will begin this summer. This includes a paved road between Schroeder Field and the park and about 80 new parking spots behind the softball fields. The Boxing Club at Tam O’Shanter will also get some improvements. A Safe Routes to School project will be done mostly on Redpath; this is in conjunction with the modernization of Huntington Middle School. The Southwest Washington Regional Airport will be doing their fuel tank improvement project. The City is also hopeful it will begin the refurbishment of the Rainey water system. The big project for the summer will be the beginning of the Hazel Street overpass. This project is not only to improve access to a large area of south Kelso, but also improves safety by eliminating two at grade railroad crossings. The overpass project is already paying dividends with the start of a private 50-unit housing development across from the golf course. There is also about a five-acre brownfield parcel that could be available for commercial and/or light industrial development that will be able to take advantage of the improved access. In the Kelso Industrial Area, there are four warehouses/storage units that are in all phases of construction from site development to near completion. The most visible private project is the demolition of the buildings at the corner of First Street and West Main. The City has not received any plans yet for what will replace these buildings. The demolition also removed one of my favorite historical murals. The businesses on Pacific Avenue are still open for business. So, take your time when driving through Kelso this summer and watch Kelso grow. One final comment is the City clean-up day will be at the end of April or early May and will focus on West Kelso. Kelso Longview Business Connection | April 2022 | 21
Lower Columbia College Chris Bailey President
We transform lives. You can, too
T
he past two years have been filled with unprecedented challenges for Lower Columbia College (LCC), our students, and this community. I hear countless stories from our students how LCC has changed their lives. Entire families are impacted by the power of education. Access to an affordable and accessible education can seem out of reach for many. This is why, now more than ever, Lower Columbia College’s Student Success Fund is the tool our community needs to help students fulfill their dreams of careers that sustain families. The Student Success Fund allows counselors at LCC to award small emergency grants to students that are in jeopardy of dropping out or not graduating because they are short on funds needed for tuition, books, childcare, transportation, emergency housing, or tools and school supplies. On behalf of Lower Columbia College, I would like to thank The Daily News and you, our tremendous community, for supporting the future of Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties with the Students in Need campaign. Every dollar raised through the campaign will
2022
go to the LCC Student Success Fund. Since launching the Student Success Fund in 2012, the LCC Foundation has distributed over $560,000 in emergency grants to help over 950 students in need. The average grant is around $580. These one-time grants have meant the difference between success and failure for many students who are either continuing their education or have become proud college graduates. I am incredibly inspired by those students who have shared their stories with me and the impact your gift has made on them. I am so grateful to the community for the incredible support of the Students in Need campaign over the last six years. This year, The Daily News set a goal of $35,000 for its seventh annual campaign to support LCC’s Student Success Fund. Your gift, large or small, holds the potential to change a life and make an impact in your community for years to come. Because of you, we are transforming lives through education. You can, too!
Monday, June 20, 2022 at Three Rivers Golf Course Noon Shotgun 30 Teams only Call the Chamber today to get your team reserved!
360-423-8400 22 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | April 2022
Save the Date!!!
Shop Local
LONGVIEW
CENTRALIA
1413 Commerce
1530 S. Gold St.
360-575-9804
360-807-1211
Cowlitz County Commissioners John Jabusch
County Commissioner, District 3
What will Cowlitz County look like in 10 years?
O
ne of the big reasons that I took this job on as a Cowlitz County Commissioner is that I had the feeling that we (Cowlitz County) could do better. Part of that desire for
Growth is good, but it can be scary if it doesn’t happen in an organized and planned fashion. By good, I mean that it will provide
the County to do better and offer our citizens more, is that I have
opportunities for good paying jobs, small business opportunities,
four children and seven grandchildren, and they all live in the local
and needed tax base for our city and county governments. That
area. For the last six years I have commuted to Vancouver every
tax base is needed so that infrastructure can be built out to handle
day. During that commute I have watched as development along I-5
future housing development that will take place hand in hand
has taken place along the corridor from Longview to Vancouver.
with the economic development. Cowlitz County, in my opinion,
Recent activity in Woodland, at the Port of Kalama, the Port of
has been on a bit of an island watching other counties in our state
Longview, the Mint Farm, the proposed Exit 48 development, and
grow and prosper, while we struggle to get projects approved and
now with Westrock’s announcement that they are building a new
built. Economic growth will help with our unemployment rate,
box plant in Longview, all signal that growth, countywide economic
poverty rate, and standard of living. The 2020 census data provided
growth, is just around the corner.
a glimpse of what growth could bring Cowlitz County. Clark County grew between 2010 and 2020, 78,000 people or 18 percent.
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Median household income grew to $77,184 and the poverty rate in 2020 was at 8.7 percent. By contrast Cowlitz County grew by 8,000 people or just under 8 percent. Most of that growth was in the southern part of the county. Median household income was $58,791 and persons in poverty was at 11.9 percent. To lower our poverty rate, raise our median income and standard of living, provide the tax base so that we can build new schools, repair our roads and bridges, are all good things. Having a strong economic base and family wage jobs won’t fix all our problems, but it is a good platform for us as a community to be able to work off to improve other areas as well. I am committed to working with the cities of Cowlitz County, the Cowlitz Economic Development Council, the Chamber, and anyone else that shares
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that vision. If we do this right the next 10 years will be exciting and gratifying. By gratifying I mean that all who work to have growth and prosperity for all citizens of Cowlitz County will be able to look back after 10 years and feel pretty good about what was accomplished.
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 March A & J Fencing, Inc.
Ashley Frasier 111 S Pacific Avenue, Building A Kelso, WA 98626 360-771-4754 ajfenceclarkcowlitz@gmail.com
Scythe Brewing Co.
Star Thorpe 1217 3rd Avenue, Suite 150 Longview, WA 98632 360-916-6427 star@scythebrewing.com
MeMo Keto
Alicia Matteson 4325 Green Mountain Road Kalama, WA 98625 360-229-5386 livewell@hchc.life
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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themaineventpartystore.godaddysites.com Sunday and Monday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Kelso Longview Business Connection | April 2022 | 25
gth n e r t S f Pillars oand rds a w A e l App Cr ystal
2022
2022 , May 4, y a d s e n Wed 0 to 8:00 pm enter 5:0 tC nty Evenn u o C w z v t g Lo ie Cowli Avenue, 1900 7th
able
ips Avail
Sponsorsh
for 8 250 table t a idual • $ $35 indiv ister by April 21 rg g o P lease re gviewchamber. olon ls e .k w d by ww sponsore ards
pple Aw Crystal A
u Thank yo
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r Penfol
Jennife
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
$1,000 Level
Table for 8 in front Table sign Banner displayed Logo on marketing materials
onsors
to our sp
Sponsorship Opportunities Available! Wednesday, May 4, 2022 5:00 to 8:00 pm
Cowlitz County Event Center $1,500 Level
Table for 8 in front Table sign Banner displayed Logo on marketing materials Your representative on stage with comments ✦ Sponsorship announced on Your Chamber Connection radio show ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
ongview Kelso/L #1482 Lodge
$500 Level
✦ 2 tickets, seated with 2 students and 4 parents ✦ Banner displayed ✦ Business name on marketing materials ✦ Table sign
$250 Level
✦ Table for 8 ✦ Table sign
Individual Tickets
(specific table not guaranteed)
For more information, contact:
Julie Rinard, Project Manager
jrinard@kelsolongviewchamber.org
360.423.8400 office 360.957.5126 cell
www.kelsolongviewchamber.org
$35 each
Calendar APRIL
MAY
1 6
4
7 8 9 12 13 14 19 20 26 27
Boot Camp Boardmanship Series, 7:30am, American Workforce Group Your Chamber Connection radio show, 6pm, KEDO 1270 AM or 99.9 FM Education Foundation, Zoom, 8:30am Chamber Ambassadors, 7:30am, Columbia Bank Boot Camp Boardmanship Series, 7:30am, American Workforce Group Bourbon, Brews, Blues & BBQ, 6pm, Kelso Longview Elks Lodge Chamber Executive Board, Noon, Mill City Grill Business After Hours, Cowlitz Indian Tribe, 5:30pm Education Foundation, 8:30am, Zoom Your Chamber Connection radio show, 6pm, KEDO 1270 AM or 99.9 FM Ribbon Cutting, Synergy One Lending, 11am Lower Columbia Professionals, 4pm, location TBD Lower Columbia Professionals and Education Foundation, 5pm, Kelso Longview Elks Chamber Board, Noon, Mill City Grilll Your Chamber Connection radio show, 6pm, KEDO 1270 AM or 99.9 F Ribbon Cutting, Fibre Federal Credit Union West Kelso Branch, 4pm Ribbon Cutting, Jennifer Penfold Insurance Agency, 11am Your Chamber Connection radio show, 6pm, KEDO 1270 AM or 99.9 FM
5 6 10 11 12 13 17 18 20 24 25 27 30
Education Foundation, 8:30am, Zoom Your Chamber Connection radio show, 6pm, KEDO 1270 AM or 99.9 FM Pillars of Strength and Crystal Apple Awards, 5pm, Cowlitz County Event Center Chamber Ambassadors, 7:30am, Columbia Bank Boot Camp Leadership 2.0 Series, 7:30am, American Workforce Group Business After Hours, Kelso Longview Elks, 5:30pm Your Chamber Connection radio show, 6pm, KEDO 1270 AM or 99.9 FM Lower Columbia Professionals, 4pm, location TBD Boot Camp Leadership 2.0 Series, 7:30am, American Workforce Group Chamber Executive Board, Noon, Mill City Grill Your Chamber Connection radio show, 6pm, KEDO 1270 AM or 99.9 FM Boot Camp Leadership 2.0 Series, 7:30am, American Workforce Group Chamber Board, Noon, Mill City Grill Your Chamber Connection radio show, 6pm, KEDO 1270 AM or 99.9 FM
Boot Camp Leadership 2.0 Series, 7:30am, American Workforce Group MEMORIAL DAY – Chamber and Visitor Center closed
Kelso Longview Business Connection | April 2022 | 27
News & Events
News and events come from our website, press releases, and public information shared with us. To see more visit kelsolongviewchamber.org
Chamber of Commerce has opening for bookkeeper/office manager
The Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce is looking to hire an office manager/bookkeeper. The office manager is responsible for managing the Visitor Center, the financial status of the Chamber including but not limited to payroll, monthly/quarterly financials, and tax reporting. The office manager will also be responsible for attending and supporting Chamber of Commerce business events and fundraisers. For a full description of duites and benefits, visit the Chamber website at kelsolongviewchamber.org. If interested please email cover letter and resume to bmarcum@kelsolongviewchamber.org Applications close April 15.
Longview parks and recreation awarded $100,000 for youth summer camps
The City of Longview Parks and Recreation Department announced it has received two $50,000 awards from the Summer Experiences and Enrichment for Kids (SEEK) Fund, a program dedicated to supporting school-aged youth by promoting social connection, encouraging physical activity, supporting families who are struggling with childcare needs, and assisting those most impacted by the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic in Washington state.
opportunities, field trips, arts projects, and enrichment activities such as tie dye, wood working, cooking, and gardening, as well as a focus on leadership skills development. “We have seen the impact the last two years has had on the physical, social, and emotional health of the children in our community.” Jennifer Wills, parks and recreation director, said, “Creating safe spaces for kids to go to recreate and be active is critical to their wellbeing, and addressing these needs is urgent for us.” The City of Longview Parks and Recreation Department’s mission is to build a healthy community by providing high-quality recreation and park services for everyone. In addition to maintaining Longview’s parks and urban forest, they offer adult sports leagues, before/after school programs, summer camps, multiple run/walks, community events, and a wide variety of education, enrichment, and recreation classes for all ages. Summer programs will be available for registration May 1. To register or for more information please call Longview Recreation at 360-442-5400 or online at https://mylongview.com/196/Recreation.
The first award will provide elementary-aged participants of the Summer Kids Day Camp and Summer Kids at Archie Anderson programs with diverse recreational and outdoor activities. Parks and Recreation’s Access Adventure Program will provide fishing, kayaking, archery, and other outdoor activities, as well as bringing in “mobile field trip” providers, which in previous years have included the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, the Reptile Man, and a traveling ropes course. The second $50,000 supports the creation of a new summer camp for middle school-aged teens to be offered this year. Historically an underserved age group that has often aged out of traditional childcare programs, participating youth will enjoy outdoor recreation
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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
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$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__________________________________
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Your Chamber Connection Radio Show Wednesdays at 6 pm KEDO 1270 AM or 99.9 FM Chris Cone, Humane Society of Cowlitz County
Amber Beaton, Lower Columbia Professionals
Contact Julie Rinard at 360-423-8400 or jrinard@kelsolongviewchamber.org to schedule your interview
Tammy Neuman, JustWrite Mobile Notary
All You Want & More, LLC
30 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | April 2022
Jeanne Devitt, Canterbury Park
Chad Withrow, Northwest Enforcement
Katie Keaton, Realty One Group Pacifica
2022
February 15: Peoples 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: Lower Columbia Longshoremen’s Federal Credit Union October 11: Frontier Rehabilitation & Extended Care Center November 8: Stewart Title December 13 Holiday Mixer: Kelso Longview Elks Lodge #1482 Interested in hosting Business After Hours? Contact the Chamber at 360-423-8400 or email jrinard@kelsolongviewchamber.org
Cindy Goetz-Fickett and Lewis Fickett with Go Fourth Festival Association enjoy a conversation with Kari-ann Botero with Academy Mortgage.
Business After Hours
Alma Ruiz with TEAM (center) accepts a raffle prize from Janice Juntunen (left) and Laura Hight (right) with CCRC – The Mediation Center.
Hosted by CCRC – The Mediation Center Guests at Business After Hours hosted by CCRC – The Mediation Center in March enjoyed a spring theme and great networking opportunities. Several Chamber members attended their first Business After Hours, received a warm welcome and made new connections.
Guests received tiny pots with plantable paper to grow flowers at home this spring.
Ambassadors are always ready to greet, distribute raffle tickets and beverage tickets and pour wine and beer. Left to right: Kelly Godden, Specialty Rents and Axecutioner; Bailey Roberts, Fibre Federal Credit Union; Pam Whittle, Realty One Group Pacifica.
Jen Milliren with KLOG-KUKN-The Blitz, Shawn Green with Servpro of Longview/Kelso, Pam Whittle with Realty One Group Pacifica and Brenda Marcum with Cowlitz PUD have a good conversation around the delicious buffet from Summerland Catering.
32 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | April 2022
Ribbon Cutting
Welcome New Member Iron Ridge, Inc.
Thank you to these Ambassadors who participated in a ribbon cutting celebration for Iron Ridge, Inc. in March. Josh Carter KLOG-KUKN-The Blitz Joy Klein Columbia Bank Eric McCrandall Family Health Center Carrie Medack Diamond Residential Mortgage Bailey Roberts Fibre Federal Credit Union Pam Whittle Realty One Group Pacifica Teedara Wolf Cowlitz PUD
The Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce would like to THANK the following loyal members for renewing their partnership with us this month. Global Images Graphic Design & Marketing Hilander Dental Humane Society of Cowlitz County Kelso Rotary Les Schwab Tires Center - Industrial Way Mountain View Commercial Contracting Noelle A. McLean, Attorney at Law Ascend Staffing Wilco Farm Store Biggs Insurance Services Dick Hannah Toyota Dutch Bros Coffee Wood Family Heating, LLC Diamond Residential Mortgage Boy Scouts of America; Cascade Pacific Co Elam's Home Furnishings Kelso Longview Elks Lodge No. 1482 William (BJ) R. Boatsman Northwest Motor Service Hop-n-Grape Realty One Group Pacifica – Pam & Darrell Fidelity National Title Farmers Insurance Mark Kuning Frontier Rehabilitation & Extended Care CWCOG Country Financial – Richelle Gall Insurance The Daily News Brusco Tug and Barge, Inc Lower Columbia CAP Lower Columbia Longshoremen's Federal Credit Green Hills Crematory – Cascade NW Funeral Home Kay Green Teague's Interiors
Kelso Longview Business Connection | April 2022 | 33