kAced it! Filling 'golf shoes' wasn't easy
I’ve always been Bill’s sidekick for this event. That’s former Chamber CEO and golf enthusiast Bill Marcum, so I was nervous stepping into his “golf shoes” for our annual Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Classic June 26 at Three Rivers Golf Course.
I’m proud to say the sold-out tournament didn’t disappoint. We had 31 teams and 124 golfers from more than 62 local businesses for this fun event. The weather was perfect! Not too hot and not too cold, but just right.
Special thank you to Cowlitz PUD Warm Neighbor Corporate Program for being the title sponsor of the tournament for the second year in a row. We appreciate their support and hope the tournament raises awareness for the Warm Neighbor Program and encourages businesses to get involved.
The sponsors really came through to make the day amazing for all involved! This year’s lunch was provided by The Shamrock Spirits and Grill and also sponsored by Elam’s Home Furnishings. Jon Rodman and staff did an incredible job preparing the burgers for all the golfers. Thank you, Jon. We had Cass and Don of C’s Photography back with us taking photos of every participating team and Reprographics provided each participant with a printed copy of their team photo. Each person can also download their image from this link–a new fun feature this year! Thank you to our photo sponsors: Propel Insurance, Gibbs and Olson and Express Employment Personnel.
We had a variety of items donated for the raffle and auction. Thank you to those businesses and thank you players for purchasing tickets. All in all we had over 35 sponsors and 20 volunteers to help make this a full day of fun. A huge thank you to all our tournament sponsors for their generosity and contributions. This event would not be successful without them. For a complete list of all our tournament sponsors please see page 3.
I gotta say, everyone golfed pretty darn well, but we did have some teams who excelled above the rest well enough to capture a trophy. In the Gross Division: first place went to Reese Baker’s
For more Awards, see page 4
Top of the Leaderboard
Here are a few of photos of our Golf Classic trophy winners. These were the winning teams: Gross Division: first place went to Reese Baker’s United Rental; second place went to Cowlitz PUD; and third place went to PNW Metal Recycling. In the Net Division: first place went to Details Home Inspections; second place to Explorer Brewing; and third place to Woods Logging. For photos of all team participants and winners click here.
to ThankourYou 2023 Sponsors
Title Sponsor
Hole 1
Red Canoe Credit Union
Hole 2
Stewart Title
Par 3, Hole 3
Transworld Business Advisors
Hole 4
Riverwoods Chiropractic & Massage
Hole 5
Sho’me Real Estate
Hole 6
Three Rivers Eye Care
Hole 7
Carl’s Towing and Repair
Par 3, Hole 8
Fibre Federal CU
Hole 9
McDonald’s of Longview
Hole 10
Edward Jones - Nick Lemiere
Hole 11
D & C Lemmons
Hole 12
State Farm—Scott Fischer
Hole 13
Heritage Bank - Longview
Hole 14
Capital Business Machines
Par 3, Hole 15
Koelsch Communities
Hole 16
Fidelity National Title
Par 3, Hole 17
Rodman Realty
Hole 18
American Workforce Group
Score Card Sponsor
PNW Metals Recycling
Putting Contest
Stirling Honda
SWAG Sponsor
Prographyx
Tee Prize Sponsor
All State Insurance - Bob Davis
Tee Prize Sponsor
Pacific Office Automation
Lunch Sponsors
Elam’s Home Furnishings
Shamrock Bar & Grill
Driving Range Sponsor
Safe Cover Roofing
Photo Sponsors
Gibbs and Olson
Express Employment Professionals
Propel Insurance
Reprographics
C’s Photography
19th Hole Sponsor
Signature Transport
Flag Sponsor
Strum Homes
Cart Sponsor
Cal Portland
Hole in One
Fibre Federal Credit Union
Dinner Sponsor
Twin City Bank
Dessert Sponsor
Coldwell Banker Bain
Mark Scroggins
Score Board Sponsor
Lower Columbia Contractors Assn
Registration table
Cowlitz County Title
Special Thank You to:
Golf Committee:
Barry Verrill, Scott Fischer, Shawn Green & Teedara Wolf
Kelso Longview Elks Lodge
Staff & Volunteers
Lance Satcher, Head Pro
Three Rivers Golf Club & Staff
Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Staff, Ambassadors & Volunteers
Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
Marlene Johanson, President Heritage Bank
Marc Silva, President Elect Red Canoe Credit Union
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
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
Bruce Pollock Bicoastal Media
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
Awards from page 1
United Rental; second place went to Cowlitz PUD; and third place went to PNW Metal Recycling. In the Net Division: first place went to Details Home Inspections; second place to Explorer Brewing; and third place to Woods Logging. Congratulations gentlemen!
Unfortunately, we did not have a winner in our $10,000 Hole in One contest sponsored by Fibre Federal Credit Union nor did we have a winner in our $5,000 Putting Contest sponsored by Stirling Honda. Thank you both for your partnership.
I also want to give a shout out to Lance Satcher and his amazing, helpful team at the Three Rivers Golf Course, they did a fabulous job of setting up the course and making sure all hole sponsors were in place with whatever they needed prior to tee off. The Elks prepared the awards banquet steak dinner back at the lodge and yes, it was yummy! The steaks are always a fan favorite and we appreciate having them again this year. Thank you, Jessica, Sheri and team, for hosting our event. I also want to thank Foster Farms for the use of their barbecue grill for lunch. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you to Pacific Office Automation and Bob Davis All State Insurance for the sponsorship of the tee prizes. Every player received a sleeve of Bridgestone golf balls and a shoe/cleat kit.
Special thank you to our Ambassadors and members who assisted with registration, raffle ticket sales, and hole-in-one watching.
A big thank you to the Golf Classic Committee: Barry Verrill, Scott Fischer, Shawn Green and Teedara Wolf. They gave me their time unselfishly to make sure everyone who attends is going to have a great day. And finally, heartfelt thank you to Chamber staff – Pam, Ella and Jolene. They prepared all the tee prize bags (124), checked in all the golfers (124), set up the registration, worked the dinner, collected and raffled off the prizes, coordinated payments and made sure all our golfers had a good time. A full 13 hour day for them. Thank you all very much.
Thank you all for trusting me with this tournament, your participation and support. As Interim CEO I may be out of a job next June but since this is my favorite Chamber event, I plan to remain on the planning committee (can’t get rid of me that easy). Have a wonderful summer and see you in 2024!
Five ways to get ready for the big interview
If you feel anxious about interviewing for your dream job, you’re not alone. In a study done by JDP, it was found that 93 percent of candidates were nervous before the big interview. This means that pre-interview jitters are a nearly universal phenomenon. So, what can we do?
At WorkSource, we specialize in helping people get back to work, and a part of that is preparation. Although interviews can be scary, they’re also a direct pathway between you and your goals. There’s no dodging the fact that being able to sell yourself in person is a highly desired skill in the workforce.
That being said, we know it’s easier said than done. That’s why we’ve put together a list of five ways that you can prepare yourself for the big interview!
1. Research the company
A common question in interviews is: “How much do you know about our company?” The answer to this question signals two things to the interviewer. First, that you are knowledgeable. Second, that you know how to do your research.
But there’s more to learning about the company than just having the right answers, there’s also being able to ask the right questions. Inevitably, at the end of an interview, it’ll be your turn to find out more about the job. Here’s where that research comes into play. By learning about the company you’re applying for, you can ask informed and targeted question to better understand the work you’ll be asked to do.
It’s a win-win situation. You gain knowledge, while also impressing the interviewer, as it shows that you are interested and engaged in the process—which makes for a stronger initial impression.
2. Re-read the job description
Having a good understanding of what the company is asking for can help you be able to deliver. Does the job description list shift times? It might be good to be sure that you can meet their scheduling needs. Are there any certificates or training requirements for the job? If you meet these requirements, it might be wise to bring that up in the interview.
Understanding the job description can help you understand what exactly the interviewer is looking for, as it often works as a hiring template. In that vein, if the job you’re being hired for is looking for bubbly customer service, the interview offers you a great opportunity to show off your positive and friendly personality.
3. What are your transferable skills?
Many of us learn a lot more than just the job description when we work. The skills you developed during your work history are also skills you bring to the table at your new job, and it’s wise to highlight these in the interview as they help interviewers see you as a more well-rounded job candidate.
Some examples of vital transferable skills are communication, teamwork, digital literacy, management, and critical thinking. Before your interview, sit down and make a list of your transferable skills and maybe even think of some real-life examples of how they came in handy in the workplace.
4. Prepare answers for common interview questions
We don’t really know what every interviewer is going to ask, but the more you interview the more you’ll notice patterns. There are some questions that are almost guaranteed to come up and these are often the types we feel the most anxiety over.
For example, the question “Can you tell us about your greatest weakness?” is perceived by some as a trick question that can cause the interview to stall completely. Thinking of these difficult questions ahead of time can make you feel more confident.
For our money, the best answer to this question is to be honest, show humility, and then also describe how you’re working to fix your weakness.
The Harvard Business Review has a list of common interview questions. Consider going through each and drafting an answer to ease those nerves.
5. Go to WorkSource for a mock interview
By now, you surely realize there’s a lot of ways you can work to demystify the interview process and come in prepared and ready. But there’s no method quite like practice.
Participating in a mock interview is a great way to become more familiar with the process, rid yourself of the jitters, and learn in a safe environment. WorkSource offers mock interviews to anyone—which means you don’t need any eligibility to take advantage of this service. All you need to do is visit your local center and ask to meet with an employment specialist.
We all stumble in high pressure situations, but mock interviews are an ideal means to navigate potential roadblocks and miscommunication in a positive atmosphere. Your employment specialist can help you identify ways you can improve your interview skills and after, you’ll feel that much more confident in tackling the main event.
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 & Outreach Coordinator at WorkSource. Reach him at carson.winter@esd.wa.gov or 360-7354962.Congratulations to Centennial Partners for important County restoration plans
The City of Longview and JH Kelly recently announced their plans to restore the Monticello Convention Memorial Monument located at the intersections of Maple Street, Olympia Way, and 18th Avenue. This convention was a gathering of pioneer settlers in northern Oregon Territory seeking their own territory, especially after the Oregon capital was moved further south from Oregon City to Salem. Self-appointed delegates gathered at two “conventions” to formally request that Congress establish a new territory called “Columbia.” The first one was in August 1851 at Cowlitz Landing (now known as Toledo). The one at Monticello occurred in November 1852. Originally established in the early 1950s out on California Way near the original site of Cowlitz County’s first county seat, Monticello, it was removed to the Longview site after the construction of Tennant Way. As a wooden monument, its important messages have been rotted away by the rages of time and damp weather. This will be the third renovation of the monument.
Mystery Signatures In addition to their story, monument lists the names of the delegates attending both meetings. Research In recent years has uncovered some discrepancies with several listed names being different from the Donation Land Claim documents and other primary sources. Unfortunately, the actual hand-written document and signatures are no longer available at the National Archives. A copy owned by Monticello Convention Delegate Arthur Denny, founder of Seattle, was apparently lost in the Seattle Fire of 1889. Neither the Oregon Historical Society nor the Washington Historical Society have a copy. There might be an original in the papers of 19th Century United States historian Hubert H. Bancroft at the University of California – Berkeley.
Sons of the Profits This lack of verification gave rise to Seattle historian Bill Speidel’s accusations that the Convention was more fiction than truth. In his classic satirical account of Seattle’s founding, Sons of the Profits: There’s No Business Like Grow Business 1851-1901, the meeting at Monticello was loosely organized by Puget Sound businessmen anxious to convince Congress to create a new territory north of the Columbia. Like Denny, most were known Whigs, and they went a little overboard in their Cowlitz Landing request, going so far as to create and name counties for their proposed Columbia Territory. Those county names appeared to include local Whigs!
Jeffersonian-Democrats At the same time, local political leaders from Cowlitz County were strong Jeffersonian Democrats, including delegates Darby Huntington, Seth Catlin, and brothers Peter and Alexander Crawford. Voters in the West credited Democrats for creating the Donation Land Act legalizing squatters’ rights, controlling indigenous peoples through military action, as well as negotiated treaties and a system of reservations,
plus low taxes. Whigs were originally formed by opponents to the high-handed policies of President Andrew Jackson (to whom they referred as King Andrew I), as well as generally supporting government assistance for economic growth by building up education, commerce, and industry. Both parties were generally split over the issue of slavery. The only local Whig leader was Huntington’s brother-in-law, Nathaniel Stone.
Ambitious Joseph Lane The undisputed political leader in Oregon Territory at the time was Democrat Joseph Lane, Oregon’s Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives. A North Carolina native, Lane had presidential aspirations. With strong ties to Indiana where he had served in the state legislature, Lane had a successful career in the Mexican-American War – which many considered a stepping stone into politics. Afterwards he was rewarded for his service by Democratic President James K. Polk with an appointment to serve as Oregon’s first governor. Lane won several elections as Oregon’s delegate to Congress before returning as governor. Lane County was named to honor him by the territorial legislature. In 1859 upon Oregon statehood, Lane was elected one of Oregon’s first U.S. senators. Sympathetic to slavery, he was the Southern Democrats’ nominee for vice president in 1860, losing to the new Republican Party nominee Hannibal Hamlin, Abraham Lincoln’s running mate.
Demos Swept Away Whigs However, in the early 1850s, though, the last thing Lane wanted was opposition from local Whigs whose demands in the memorial sent from the 1851 Cowlitz Landing Convention reached Washington, DC several months prior to the Monticello Convention. In those years Congress began their sessions in December. So, at the 1852 session Lane introduced a bill to create a territory north of the Columbia River (where most of those Whigs seemed to live). The bill stalled because too few people lived within the proposed territory, contrary to federal policy. Plus, he needed to overcome Southern opposition to yet one more northern territory expected to oppose slavery. It was during the February 1853 Congressional debate that Lane finally received a copy of the Monticello Convention Memorial and read it into the record. That has become the only published version of the document. Either he or a clerk may have mispronounced or misread signatures of some of the delegates.
Lane Confounded by 1852 Election Sectional rivalry dominated national politics in the 1850s, especially over slavery. Lane was in an interesting situation: More than anything else, he was an advocate for public funds to build military roads in Oregon. This was only a few years after the infamous Whitman Massacre near Walla Walla. Whigs generally were supportive of his bill, including incumbent Whig President Millard Fillmore.
For more Commissioners, see page 7
Cowlitz County CommissionersCommissioners from page 6
But Democrats swept back to power in the November 1852 elections. Fillmore would be leaving office on March 4, 1853 (the original Presidential Inauguration date), replaced by Democrat Franklin Pierce, another Mexican War hero, but a Lane political rival. The promise of Puget Sound becoming an economic engine appealed to Whigs, but many became lameducks after the election and were no-shows.
Oregon’s Racist Policies Lane still needed Southern votes to pass his bill. No doubt, though, he was familiar with the Oregon Provisional Government’s anti-black restrictions and could argue that Oregonians were sympathetic to the South’s “peculiar institution.” (That restriction called for daily flogging of any black male arriving on wagon trains if they didn’t leave Oregon right away. Consequently, the handful that did arrive, fled north of the Columbia to escape.)
Stanton Brothers to the Rescue Two political allies Lane counted on were the Stanton brothers, both U.S. Representatives: Richard from Kentucky and Frederick from Tennessee. Interestingly, the brothers were both born in Washington, DC and their mother continued to live there. In the early 1850s the dilapidated condition of President George Washington’s Mount Vernon plantation became a cause celebre, especially amongst Southern sympathizers. The Stantons’ mother reportedly joined with other women to raise funds to acquire and restore the property (now owned and operated by the Mt. Vernon Ladies Association).
Appealing to Southern Pride Lane and the Stanton brothers agreed that he might gain more support for his under-populated territory if he were willing to support changing its name from “Columbia” (proposed by both Whig-dominated conventions back home) to “Washington” – a blatant appeal to Southern pride in our nation’s first president. The compromise worked, just in the nick of time. The amendment was adopted by the House after little debate and once the Senate dropped Illinois Sen. Stephan A. Douglas’s suggestion of “Washingtonia”, it concurred with the House version. Fillmore signed the bill on March 3, 1853, among the last official actions taken by the out-going President.
Christmas in July mid-year financial review
As the adage goes…the business world is filled with three types of business owners:
1. Those who make their business profitable
2. Those who watch their competitors earn a profit
3. Those who wonder if their business is or will ever be profitable (and are afraid to find out)
Which type of business owner are you?
No matter your industry, now is a great time to at least eliminate Choice 3. Not knowing the condition of your fiscal house is NOT an excuse. It is SO easy to take your company’s vital signs and forecast the likely financial performance of your enterprise. You truly owe it to yourself and those who rely on you to run a profitable business.
I encourage you to take a few minutes to make a handful of easy calculations that provide you with fact-based insights to the financial health of your business.
To get started, gather the following information to prepare your mid-year analysis:
• Income Statement for the last calendar year (remember the Income Statement is for a PERIOD)
Note: The Income Statement is also referred to as the Profit and Loss (P&L); Statement of Income; Earnings Statement etc.
• Balance Sheet as of a POINT in time – for this process you will want to use the last day of the period for the Income Statement above (keep in mind the Balance Sheet is a snapshot AS OF A SPECIFIC DATE)
• Income Statement for the first half of the year: January 1, 2023, through June 30, 2023
• Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2023
Once you have this information follow these easy steps to learn AND understand:
1. Where your business stands financially
2. What will the full year likely turn out to be profit wise
3. What your financial goal are for next fiscal year
To the right, I have created a step by step example of the basic calculations I want to guide you through for your own business. See the instructions that follow the example.
STEP A
From the Income Statement for last year enter the info as indicated above (I have used a fictitious business to illustrate the calculations).
STEP B
From the Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2022, enter the info and confirm your Balance Sheet balances (Total Liabilities plus Net Worth MUST EQUAL Total Assets).
STEP C
Now we will project how we expect the current year to END financially. PLEASE BE CANDID WITH YOURSELF. Make your estimates as realistic as you can; you are only fooling yourself if you “hope” things will get better.
You can take the first six months of actual performance and determine how this year will look compared to last year. When you project your cost of goods sold/cost of sales you can calculate your Gross Margin Percent and see if this year is going to be better/worse/the same as last year. Just these basic calculations will give you an insight to your business’ health compared to the prior year. The business example I have created shows this business is going from break even to losing money.
STEP D
This step lets you focus on how your asset and liability accounts are performing – good news is you still have half a year to make some course corrections and model how they would impact
For more Petrick, see page 9
your full year results.
Now the most important analysis will give you powerful indication of the REAL health and wellbeing of your business finances.
Grab your calculator for the next few steps.
STEP E
There are many financial ratios and indices used across various industries. I encourage you to begin with the most fundamental measures to learn about and manage your business. Sort of like starting with blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature when you go to the doctor. We can always dig deeper as/if needed.
CURRENT RATIO: CURRENT ASSETS/CURRENT LIABILITIES = CURRENT RATIO
Read the result as “for every $1 of current liabilities (bills due in the next year) I have $X.XX available to pay it”. In this case (last year), for every $1 of bills this business has $1.25 to pay them. As you can imagine, the more money there is to pay the bills the better – the more “liquid” your business finances are.
WORKING CAPITAL: CURRENT ASSETS – CURRENT LIABLITIES = WORKING CAPITAL
Naturally, the amount of working capital a business has is a good measure of its liquidity, efficiency, and overall financial health.
DEBT-TO-WORTH: TOTAL LIABLITIES/TOTAL NET WORTH = DEBT-TO-WORTH RATIO
This measure indicates the amount of leverage in the business — the lower the ratio the more of your business YOU own (less debt/ leverage).
INVENTORY TURNOVER: COGS/Inventory = Inventory Turnover (number of turns)
This is a critical measure for a business that sells products – it measures how efficiently the business turns inventory to cash.
Note: The “inventory” used in this calculation should be the average inventory level at (your cost) held by the business. For last year we could say “we turned our inventory four times.”
GROSS MARGIN RETURN ON INVESTMENT (GMROI): GROSS MARGIN ($)/AVERAGE INVENTORY AT COST = GMROI
GMROI measures the ability for the firm to turn inventory to cash! One of the most important goals of the business is to efficiently and quickly turn inventory to cash. The way to interpret the GMROI is that a ratio higher than one means the firm is selling goods for more than it costs the firm to acquire it. A common goal in a retail setting is a GMROI of 3.2 or higher to ensure overhead and profit are covered.
STEP F
1 Higher is BETTER
2 Lower is BETTER
Now, project the end of the year ratios based on the first half actuals AND any changes you implement during the second half. Follow the same formulas – make sure you document your assumptions and take the improvement actions you identified based on the first six months of actual financial performance this year.
For more Petrick, see page 11
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• ZONED FOR MIXED USE
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• 45 ACRES OF PRIME, SHOVEL-READY LAND
Environmental permits & road improvements in place
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Designed to promote growth & ensure your succes
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Deciding on Realistic Assumptions for Projections/Targets
Before we attempt to calculate goals and targets for next year we need to get clear and realistic about our assumptions for the business. Since we just spent time analyzing our most recent performance, we should be able to capture some specific assumptions upon which we will build our projections. Here are some assumptions I made for this sample business:
• Sales will continue to fall
• Margins will continue to shrink
• All the “obvious/low hanging” expense cuts have been made already
• We will not be able to borrow money due to our lack of profitability
• Vendors will not likely offer more friendly terms
• WE ARE COMMITTED TO TURN THIS BUSINESS AROUND!
Strategies to Survive:
• Reduce the Debt-to-Worth Ratio
• Increase inventory turnover to improve cash flow
• Continue to reduce expenses
FOCUS ON WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL!
STEP G
Start with the ratios – fill in reasonable targets that you determine will make the most positive impact on your business; in this case the business has decided to reduce the debt-to-worth ratio; and increase inventory turnover
We want to set target ratios that we believe are attainable.
STEP H
Calculate COGS and Inventory based on the target ratios
STEP I
Select sales levels based on assumption of falling sales and reducing margins – these allow the other components to be calculated to complete your targets.
We plan to cut expenses 10 percent = so we can calculate the P&L based on that.
Once you’ve started to examine your business you will quickly learn much of what you assumed is not supported by the numbers.
If you want help taking the next step in applying these methods to your business just contact me for a confidential appointment to discuss your situation. Our advisory services are provided at no cost to you thanks, in part, to a cooperative agreement between the U.S .Small Business Administration and Washington State University.
This article was compiled using multiple sources, including those from the Retail Owners Institute (retailowner.com) by Jerry Petrick, MBA, and certified business adviser with the Washington State University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Kelso. Jerry provides no-cost, confidential business advisory services by appointment. He can be reached via email jerry.petrick@wsbdc.org
Dreaming big and working toward reality
Afew topics have continued to make their way to the front of our conversations as a downtown group.
Although The Daily News has been publishing articles that would lead you to believe our downtown is failing, this just isn’t the case. Downtown is a vibrant, powerful sector of local business. There are hundreds of downtown businesses that stand to continue on a path of positive growth.
It’s important that, as a group, we continue to stay optimistic and find our opportunities, rather than find a reason it’s all going to “go wrong”.
I’ve always believed that our path forward is shaped by our perception of reality and our willingness to stay ignorant of failure. I think the old phrase says it best, “The man that says he can and the man that says he can’t are both correct.”
It’s no secret that the relationship with the City of Longview and
various businesses downtown have been strained over the past years. I don’t believe it’s because city officials dislike us…or we dislike them. Instead, I believe both parties live in very different realities, one of which answers to a higher power: Government Regulation.
It is the intent of the Longview Downtowners to assist our members in communicating what would help their business and creativity flow the best, while increasing collaboration with the city’s well researched and compliant rule followers.
One of the current conversations we’re internally discussing is how to increase outdoor seating. The City of Longview employees and representatives enforce the city code and regulations as they are written, and you can’t fault them for it.
However, we’re hoping, as a group, to refocus ourselves and our friends in the city toward a new idea. Instead of staying focused on how things are, we’d like to give ourselves permission to dream. The Longview Downtowners have entered dream mode. In a perfect world what could downtown look like? Let’s start at crazy and work our way backward into reality. Once we’ve set our sights on a big vision, we can consolidate our vision with what the city can realistically make happen.
It’s important to mention, although we’re dedicating time and effort to dream mode, the Downtowners are still working as always, to strengthen business through unified marketing and connection to each other. Big things are coming downtown, if everyone agrees that it’s time to take some risks and make it happen.
Please attend our Downtowner’s meetings the third Thursday, upstairs at Mill City Grill.
Planning to keep pedestrians safe
Arecent headline caught my attention and encouraged me to write this brief article. The headline was “Pedestrian Deaths Set a Four-Decade Record in 2022”. The national numbers for pedestrian deaths reached a record high in 2021 and we as a nation exceeded that again in 2022 according to the StreetsBLOG USA article.
The story reported that “at least” 7,508 people on foot were killed by drivers on U.S. roads last year. “At least” was used because Oklahoma did not report their numbers by the deadline. This loss of pedestrian lives is a 77 percent increase since 2010.
I have written in the past about the Safety Performance Measures that the Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments (CWCOG), as the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Longview Urban Area, is required to set each year. Based on Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) data our region is contributing to the problem although we saw a decrease in incidents for our County in 2022.
In 2022 there were 17 pedestrians or cyclists injured through vehicular accidents, and fortunately no fatalities in that year. Most of those were in the Longview/Kelso area. Seven of those injured sustained serious injuries. The five-year running average of accidents with serious injuries or fatalities is 24. Over the past five years we have averaged 38 total crashes between motor vehicles and bikes or pedestrians.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Safe Transportation for Every Pedestrian (STEP) program began in 2017 with a goal of helping state and local agencies reduce pedestrian fatalities at roadway crossings. The STEP program promotes the “spectacular seven” countermeasures to improve pedestrian safety at crossings: crosswalk visibility enhancements; raised crosswalks; pedestrian refuge islands; rectangular rapid flashing beacons; pedestrian hybrid beacons (PHBs); road diets; and leading pedestrian intervals. STEP has documented more than 30 case studies that highlight the safety benefits of each of the countermeasures. Local agencies in Cowlitz County have been installing many of these countermeasures in recent years and will continue to do so moving forward.
In addition to the countermeasures mentioned above, planning agencies like the CWCOG and local agencies are working to address items that influence safety through road users and roadway design.
• Speed: Includes efforts to lower speed limits through design and legislative action as well as conducting more education on the dangers of speeding to change the cultural mindset that does not view speeding as a serious problem. Of the 45 vehicle accidents in 2022, 29 of them involved speeding drivers in Cowlitz County.
• Roadway Design: Support pedestrian safety through traffic calming, establish slow zones beyond the traditional school zones, conduct pedestrian safety audits, and implement complete streets policies.
At the national level regulators and automotive manufacturers are exploring technological aids to improve safety. Newer vehicles along with yet to come connected and autonomous vehicles will enable drivers to see pedestrians sooner and engage emergency braking systems when necessary.
The CWCOG will be working with area cities and Cowlitz County to develop safety action plans over the next year. The plans will serve as a holistic, well-defined strategy to prevent roadway fatalities and serious injuries in the region.
The comprehensive safety action plan that a Safe Streets and Roads for All grant funds includes the following key components according to the FHWA:
• Leadership commitment and goal setting that includes a goal timeline for eliminating roadway fatalities and serious injuries.
• Planning structure through a committee charged with oversight of the Action Plan development, implementation, and monitoring.
• Safety analysis of the existing conditions and historical trends provides a baseline level of crashes involving fatalities and serious injuries across a jurisdiction, or region.
• Engagement and collaboration with the public and relevant stakeholders, including the private sector and community groups, that allows for both community representation and feedback.
• Equity considerations developed through a plan using inclusive and representative processes.
• Policy and process changes that assess the current policies, plans, guidelines, and/or standards to identify opportunities to improve how processes prioritize transportation safety.
• Strategy and project selections that identify a comprehensive set of projects and strategies, shaped by data, the best available evidence, and noteworthy practices, as well as stakeholder input and equity considerations, that will address the safety problems described in the action plan.
• Progress and transparency methods that measure progress over time after an Action Plan is developed or updated, including outcome data.
For the benefit of all, slow down and watch for bicycles and pedestrians as you move around town. Remember to stop for pedestrians in and near crosswalks.
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
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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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Lower Columbia College
Bryanna Doumit Executive Assistant to the PresidentLower Columbia Employee of the Year Awards
One of the best traditions we have here at Lower Columbia College (LCC) is to take a little time each spring to recognize the excellent work performed by all of our college employees. Every quarter, a survey is sent out that gives all employees an opportunity to recognize someone that stands out in a certain way. The feedback provided in the surveys assists the recognition committees in selecting four classified and four exempt quarterly award winners throughout the year. This years’ quarterly award recipients were:
• Melissa Falter–Sunshine Summer Quarter winner for continually having a positive attitude
• Linda Garcia–RA! Fall Quarter winner for bringing out the best in her teammates
• Michael Velasquez–Extra Mile Winter Quarter winner for making a difference in the campus community
• Rheannon Van De Voorde–True Blue Spring Quarter winner for being a leader in the campus community
• Brianna Purdy–Sunshine Summer Quarter winner for continually having a positive attitude
• Jamie Nelson–RA! Fall Quarter winner for bringing out the best in his teammates
• Stefanie Gilberti–Extra Mile Winter Quarter winner for making a difference in the campus community
• Gabino Salgado–True Blue Spring Quarter winner for being a leader in the campus community
These award winners become finalists for the Classified and Exempt Employee of the Year Award. This award is based on the following criteria:
1. Goes above and beyond what is required by the job to provide high quality service to the students and community.
2. Has made a positive contribution to a specific department or to the overall college community’s morale.
3. Makes a significant contribution that has enhanced or contributed to the qualities of LCC facilities or equipment.
4. Has significantly contributed to the overall cost effectiveness of college operations.
5. Shows a commitment to the college’s core values, including respect, collaboration and cooperation.
Each year, winners of this award receive a $500 cash award from the LCC Foundation, as well as a reserved parking space for the next academic year. All other nominees receive a $50 cash award. This year, LCC’s Classified Employee of the Year is Melissa Falter. Melissa starting working at LCC in September 2011 and is the food services supervisor. Some comments submitted about Melissa mention how she works tirelessly behind the scenes for Lower Columbia College, handles tasks with grace and optimism, genuinely cares about everyone she comes into contact with, truly is a ray of sunshine, and always has a positive attitude no matter what is thrown her way. Congratulations to Melissa for receiving this honor!
LCC’s Exempt Employee of the Year is Stefanie Gilberti. Stefanie started her employment at LCC in September 2008, and holds the position of dean of instruction. Some comments submitted about Stefanie mention how she is committed to students, faculty, staff, and LCC as a whole, works with integrity and a positive attitude, and is incredibly kind, caring, and hardworking. Congratulations to Stefanie on this well-deserved award!
In addition to the Exempt and Classified Employee of the Year Awards, LCC also recognizes outstanding faculty each spring. This award is student nominated and goes to faculty who support students, both in and out of the classroom. This year’s full time
For more Lower Columbia College, see page 17
faculty award winner is Abbie Leavens. Abbie began working at LCC in January 2016 and is one of LCC’s language and literature faculty. Something of note about Abbie is that she has not yet received tenure at LCC and, until now, it is almost unheard of for an untenured faculty member to be awarded full-time faculty of the year. It is clear that she is making a difference in the lives of students. Congratulations to Abbie. The Adjunct Faculty of the Year winner is PeiPei Wallace. PeiPei started at LCC in April 2015 and is a performing and visual arts instructor. Courses taught by PeiPei have been noted to be a good balance of challenging and also relaxing. The honor is well deserved, congratulations PeiPei.
At LCC, we hire well, and that bodes well for the future of your local community college.
Kelso Public Schools
Mary Beth Tack SuperintendentConstruction: Nearing the final lap
Thanks to the voter-approved bond in February 2018, the Kelso community has benefited from modernized schools and athletic facilities. Since spring of 2018 we have either been planning for or actively in construction. The result is modern, efficient learning spaces for Kelso students with enhanced security and technology that Kelso can be proud of. We’ve done a lot, and by the end of Summer 2024, 100 percent of our bond promises will be fulfilled. All school modernizations and replacements will be completed and upgrades to the stadium, high school practice fields, and middle school track and field will be complete. We anticipate by fall of 2024, all remaining projects within the bond program will have been completed or be in final closeout. The following are updates on our six bond priorities.
SAFETY and SECURITY
Completed:
• District-wide phone system/communications upgrade/ improvement/replacement
• Security upgrades including cameras and access control at Butler Acres, Carrolls, Coweeman, KHS and stadium
• Newly constructed schools (Lexington and Wallace) set safety standards for the district
• Barnes and Huntington: security upgrades
In Progress:
• Rose Valley: security upgrades and accessibility through Summer 2024 during modernization
TWO SCHOOL REPLACEMENTS
Completed:
• Wallace and Lexington
SCHOOL MODERNIZATIONS
Completed:
• Butler Acres, Carrolls, and Huntington
In Progress:
• Rose Valley through Summer 2024
• Coweeman mechanical upgrades through Summer 2023
ADDING and UPDATING CLASSROOMS
Completed:
• KHS Career and Technical Education (CTE) projects
• Butler Acres classrooms replacing portables
Longview Public Schools
Dan Zorn SuperintendentGraduates reflect the strength of founders
This year’s high school graduation coincided with the centennial celebration of the birth of Longview. In commemoration, each graduating senior was gifted a copy of “Empire of Trees, America’s Planned City and the Last Frontier” written by R.A. Long graduate Hal Calbom. This book is published by the Columbia River Reader and funded by the Friends of Longview, a group made up of local citizens and businesses committed to the continued success of our community. “Empire of Trees” provides a “then and now” look at the 100-year history of the City of Longview.
The class of 2023 demonstrated grit and perseverance through a difficult period of history that embodies the same ideals of Longview’s founding fathers and citizens. Longview’s history is rich and unique just as our graduates’ futures are certain to be. Life will bring many challenges which our graduates are uniquely prepared to face, just as Robert A. Long, Mark Morris and their colleagues overcame the many obstacles they faced in creating the beautiful city many of us call home.
While we reflect upon the accomplishments of our graduates and our city’s forefathers, Longview Public Schools is hard at work maximizing our community’s investment in its facilities.
We will be replacing roofs, refinishing gym floors, replacing carpet, painting the historical R.A. Long Auditorium, installing the final security vestibules in the remainder of our schools and completing the Memorial Stadium modernization project. All this work is made possible as a result of our local voters approving the capital projects and technology levy.
In terms of technology upgrades, a number of our schools will be receiving a computer system refresh, where outdated equipment is swapped out for new equipment. Our schools are on a regular rotation to have this work done to keep the technology fresh. We will also be installing wiring to Memorial Stadium to run a new digital scoreboard, computers and sound system so sports broadcasting can be taken to the next level and be more accessible for people.
In the next two months, you will likely see a number of our local businesses working on school grounds to complete the many projects we have that must be done before students return in August. By the end of summer, all 15 of our schools will have either a security vestibule or front door camera-buzzer system installed in the front entrance. These front entrance security
The Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce would like to THANK the following loyal members for renewing their partnership with us this month.
Anderson & Anderson Advisory, LLC
Cowlitz Indian Tribe
Cowlitz River Rigging, Inc
Educational Service District No. 112
Emergency Support Shelter
Epson Portland, Inc
Erickson Glass Company
Fiesta Bonita Mexican Grill & Cantina
Foster Farms
Futcher Group
Hart C's Steakburger & Thai Food
Kellogg Supply, Inc
Longview Physical & Sports Therapy Service
Longview Self Storage
Motion Industries, Inc
PNE Construction
Prestige Senior Living Monticello Park
Progress Center
Longview Schools from page 18
systems allow office personnel to check in visitors before they enter the school, making our schools safer and more secure.
On Sept. 1, we will be holding a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the new modernized track and field at Memorial Stadium, prior to the start of the Mark Morris home football game. This project is coming along well and can be viewed on a live webcam on the district website www.longviewschools.com.
As always, Longview Public Schools appreciates the support of our local Chamber of Commerce and community. Your support is helping to “lift Longview” and make our schools a place of pride for our students and families.
Have a great summer!
Schools from page 18
TRAFFIC and PARKING
• 13 properties purchased to improve traffic flow at Butler Acres, Carrolls, Wallace
• Redesigned traffic patterns for buses and student drop-off at Butler Acres, Carrolls, Lexington, Wallace
• Increased parking capacity at Carrolls, Wallace, Butler Acres
ATHLETIC FACILITIES
Completed:
• Artificial turf at Schroeder Field
• Handrails, elevator, sound system in stadium
• KHS gym floor, bleachers, handrails
• KHS pool refinish/relining
• Additional gym for Huntington
• Practice field improvements at KHS
• Stadium moisture improvements
• Stadium HVAC and mechanical upgrades
In Progress:
• Track replacement and irrigation improvements at Coweeman and Huntington through Summer 2023
• KHS tennis court resurfacing
Our students, staff, and families can’t thank you enough for all these improvements that will enhance learning for generations to come.
City of Longview
MaryAlice Wallis MayorCity jewels shine bright under summer sun
What a glorious time of year and how blessed we are to wake up to the beauty all around this 100-yearold city. The color pops of pink, lavender, yellow and blue across the Longview landscape on the old growth trees and bushes is astounding. Can we all agree that Longview is a gorgeous place to live any season of the year?
Recently while speaking with a group of Longview Pioneer Lions Club members, I reiterated the gems we have here in our city. There are so many, and they are worth repeating.
Gem No. 1: Lake Sacajawea
This crown jewel of our city, like the natural stone opal, shines brighter as more light descends upon it. Of course, this is where many of our city events take place throughout the year, especially during the summer months. Lake Sacajawea has three incredible playgrounds, 3.5 miles of jogging/biking or walking trail paths, restrooms, kayak/paddle board launch, fishing, Japanese Garden, Lion’s Shelter, a Solar System Walk, Harlie’s Hoops, and the Elks Memorial building, which houses our after-school program.
Hundreds of individuals from all over the community will gather at the lake this summer for our Go-4th Celebration from July 2-4. After our Fourth of July events, the outdoor concerts at the lake series runs July 6, 13, 20, 27 and Aug. 3 and 10. Featuring a mix of country, rock-n-roll, and oldies from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s, the concerts are sponsored by Kirkpatrick Family Care and numerous other generous donors. Following the concert series, enjoy family movies at the lake at Martin’s Dock Aug. 17, 24 and 31. Bring your kids, a blanket or chairs and groove on!
Gem No. 2: Downtown Longview
Longview’s historic downtown is another bright jewel with its eclectic mix of fabulous restaurants, distinctive storefronts, and quaint shops housed in historic buildings and surrounded by 23 stunning outdoor sculptures from outstanding artists. Our downtown business owners are top-notch and ready to serve you. Visit the Columbia Theater or Stageworks for performances, hop on RiverCity Transit, stroll along the street and see the beautiful historic banners, lighting and bricked intersections. Downtown also features a Tuesday Farmers Market during the summer.
Gem No. 3: Location. Location. Location
R.A. Long had it right when he built this community where he did – surrounded by water. With the Columbia River and Willow Grove Park on the west and the Cowlitz River and Riverside Park on the east, manmade Lake Sacajawea (formerly Fowler’s Slough) in the center of the city, and a total of 17 city parks in
For more Longview, see page 21
City of Kelso
Mike Karnofski MayorCity, and area, housing conundrum
Kelso, like many other cities is facing a shortage of all alternatives for housing from affordable to high end. Cowlitz County has some significant disadvantages for housing development. Commercial forest property accounts for around two-thirds of the land in Cowlitz County and most of this property is the hills and mountains that bracket the County on the east and west sides. Only 17 percent of the County can be considered easily buildable. Of the 17 percent only about half is available for housing, the remainder is commercial, retail and industrial. There are few newly constructed units.
A study completed a few years ago by the Council of Governments indicated that a comparison of a similarly priced house in Clark County would be newly constructed with modern conveniences, but smaller than a house in Cowlitz County that would have been built 10 to 20 years ago with no modern conveniences.
Kelso faces similar disadvantages to those cited above for Cowlitz County. There is limited buildable property since Kelso is squeezed in by hills on the north and south, Longview on the west and little buildable property on the east.
Like most cities Kelso is looking at a variety of actions to provide multiple housing options. These include Accessory Dwelling Units (AUDs), multifamily units (duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes), apartments, mixed commercial/residential building, tax incentives like tax incentive financing (TIF), multifamily tax exemptions (MFTE), and zoning and permitting changes.
Kelso is presently reviewing its zoning and the Council has requested the review looks at changes that would facilitate construction of ADUs and multifamily units.
One interesting regulation regarding multifamily units is that fourplexes are considered commercial buildings and therefore must be built to a higher standard than duplexes and triplexes. This adds significant costs to construction.
There are opportunities for mixed commercial/residential in the downtown areas. Also, one of the main opportunities is the proposed community center which will include 41 affordable housing units similar to those at the Columbia Theatre. The Council has asked staff to provide more information on TIF and MFTE and how they may affect City revenues.
There is not one single solution to improving housing availability and there are potential issues including lack of parking, increased traffic, capacity of infrastructure and utilities, and potential loss of revenue. These will be some difficult and contentious decisions and I encourage citizens to attend planning commission and Council meetings.
between, there just isn’t a more beautiful place to call home. Longview is situated 45 minutes from Portland International Airport, and one hour from the towering Cascade Mountains or the majestic Pacific Ocean. As Longview continues its Centennial Celebration this year in this prime location, it’s no wonder that activities abound: Cowlitz County Fair at the event center July 26-29, Squirrel Fest at Civic Circle Aug. 19 and many 100-year Centennial Celebrations – Gala Dinner and Drone show over Lower Columbia College Sept. 8, Pageant of Progress Parade downtown, Time Capsule sealing at City Hall and Lighted Drone show at Lake Sacajawea on Sept. 9.
Other Notable Gems:
• Mint Valley Golf course, built in 1973, and city run for the past five years has now become the fifth Best Golf Course in Washington state, according to GOLFPASS Golfers’ Choice 2023. Beautifully manicured greens, excellent staff and fantastic lunch menu. Enjoy golf or lunch.
• JH Kelly is celebrating 100 years this year! Beginning in 1923 as the first plumber and trash collector in Longview, they have grown to an expansive valued multitrade service company. Today they are gifting back to our community by restoring the Monticello Convention Park with a complete redo of the historical plaques from the 1950s, restoring the original bench and adding new lighting and landscaping.
Thank you, JH Kelly and team!
• Campus Towers, originally built in 1971, a senior living facility that houses 89 low-income seniors is currently adding eight cottage apartments to the footprint of their campus. Congratulations Campus Towers team!
Bright spots and gems in the City of Longview are everywhere. Let’s look out for these sweet gems and opportunities, and share the light they offer with each other.
Business After Hours
HostedBy Teri's on Broadway
Thank you Teri's on Broadway for hosting Business After Hours in June. It was a privilege to celebrate your new second location. The building was beautiful, the outdoor seating very nice and, as always, Teri and her staff did a wonderful job.
Ribbon Cuttings
Anniversary
Thank you to these Ambassadors who participated in ribbon cutting celebrations during June!
Josh Carter KUKN-KLUG-The Blitz
Diane Craft Koelsch Communities
Katie Dillinger
Life Mortgage
Fran Gehrman Academy Mortgage
Kelly Godden Specialty Rents
Kerri Guitteau and Corby Cowlitz Black Bears
James Hoyt Heritage Bank
Joy Klein Umpqua Bank
Nick Lemiere
Edward Jones
Eric McCrandall Family Health Center
Carrie Medack
Diamond Residential Mortgage
Shylah Tapani Speciality Rents and Axecutioner
Betsy Wyatt Re/Max Premier Group
Pam Whittle Realty One Group Pacifica
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