Business Connection Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce
Julie Rinard making herself at home with the Chamber's sQuatch family. For more sQautch Fest see page 4
Making a big first impression k August 2021
Volume 13 • Issue 8 Business Connection is published monthly by the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce 105 N. Minor Road • Kelso, WA 98626
STAFF
Bill Marcum, CEO Amy Hallock, Project Manager Pam Fierst, Office Manager Joelle Wilson, Social Media Service
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or anyone else jumping into Day 1 as project manager on the eve of the Kelso Longview Chamber’s marquee event, sQuatch Fest, would be intimidating – 4,000 expected guests, cornhole tournament, speakers, vendors, Brewfest, Kids Cave and everything else that goes into the two-day extravaganza. Julie Rinard saw it as a blessing, an opportunity to shadow outgoing project manager Amy Hallock, and tap into the Chamber’s “upbeat vibe.” Although Rinard will not officially assume the project manager position held by Hallock until Aug. 13, “we were able to bring her on staff so she can participate in sQuatch Fest this weekend and hopefully gain some valuable insight into this wonderful community event,” said Chamber CEO Bill Marcum. Rinard knows the “vibe” at sQuatch Fest. She volunteers at the event annually. It’s one of the many hats she has worn in her long association with the Chamber that includes a stint as Board president and being part of the first Ambassador team. Each Chamber position she volunteered for added up to the “good experiences” and “excellent networking” opportunities. Rinard doesn’t shy away from a challenge. She is active in the community with civic groups like Rotary and the Longview Centennial. Rinard also is a certified sewing instructor and, probably not as well known, enjoys staying at haunted boutique hotels.
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“If something looks interesting, I jump in,” Rinard said. With Hallock leaving for Florida (see column on page 2), the project manager’s job not only looked interesting, but after hearing Marcum and Hallock speak at a Rotary event about the multitude of programs they were able to continue during the pandemic, Rinard understood why “the Chamber is well loved” and respected in the community and wanted to be play a more integral part in it. “I was blown away with what they were able to do,” Rinard said. Marcum eyed Rinard’s skills in marketing and community relations as a great fit. As a certified fundraising executive, she brings added skills to the table, and she’s a local – her roots in the area go back generations. “We are excited to have someone with Julie’s knowledge of the area, understanding of the Chamber and respect within our communities join our team,” Marcum said. “I would like to continue the great things the Chamber is doing, and build up its membership numbers,” Rinard said. “It’s all about the people. It’s all about the relationships.”