I knew instantly what needed to be addressed. The Chamber has a duty to help our Expo win-win for students and business
k September 2022 Volume 14 • Issue 9 Business Connection is published monthly by the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce 105 N. Minor Road • Kelso, WA 98626 STAFF Bill Marcum, CEO Julie Rinard, Project Manager Pam Fierst, Bookkeeper k CONTACT 360-423-8400US kelsolongviewchamber.org To advertise, call Bill Marcum 360-423-8400 or bmarcum@kelsolongviewchamber.org Ad Deadline 20th of Each Month Business Connection
What is an exploration expo? And what is the goal?
Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Bill Marcum CEO
Cowlitz and Wahkiakum County Career Exploration Expo, October 20, Cowlitz County Event Center
How can a student make this choice when they are not aware of the options available? They aren’t familiar with local businesses – who they are, the careers they offer. So we thought, as an eighthgrader if you attended a career expo for the next three to four years by the time you were a high school junior or senior you’d have a better understanding of what jobs/careers are available and what it would take to compete for those jobs, right here in our area.
Commerce
This brainstorm started during the spring of 2019 when I had the chance to speak to local graduating seniors at several high schools. I asked how many students would be interested in a job at PeaceHealth, our county’s largest employer? To my amazement out of all the kids, five raised their hands. When asked, they wanted to be doctors and nurses. I asked some of the kids sitting next to those five kids why they did not raise their hands? The response was as expected.
I don’t want to be a doctor or a nurse. They wanted to work on computers, be a technology specialist, security officer, CPA. I told them PeaceHealth has 1,600 job opportunities, only about 700 are healthcare providers, the other 900 jobs – technology, finance, data analysis and yes, security. The security department alone has close to 20 employees. One young man, asked kind of angrily, “How would we know that?”
Kelso Longview Chamber of
It has been three years since our first Career Exploration Expo. In November 2019, we had 77 businesses, and more than 2,300 students attend the event. Now, we are starting over with bigger goals and higher expectations – more students and more businesses.
There are several reasons for this Career Exploration Expo but the most important is to educate our youth. By the end of the eighth-grade students must choose a career pathway choice in school.
For
The Chamber's 2019 Career Exploration Expo brought in thousands of students and was a huge success. more CEO, see page 2
The Alcoa Foundation heard about the work we did in 2019 and contacted me about the Career Exploration Expo. How we did it? The number of students attending? The number of businesses participating? They were so impressed they told me about a grant opportunity through the Alcoa Foundation that could help cover all, or most, of the expenses of all three parts of the project – the website, expo and job shadow. I applied. The Chamber Education Foundation received $25,000 to launch in 2021. Still under COVID restrictions, we were unable to fulfill the grant. The Alcoa Foundation administration was understanding and extended the grant to 2022.
So the Chamber started the cowltizcareerlink.com, a website to register businesses to participate in the education process. Local businesses can sign up, provide a profile of their business, the number of jobs they have at the business – not the number of available jobs – but the total number of people who work for the business. Business owners can include a history, what they do and even a list of the jobs/careers people have within the business. There is also a place to add jobs currently available. Businesses can sign up to speak in classrooms, host tours, provide student job shadows, judge DECA competitions and provide internships or summer jobs. And the best part is there is no cost to add your profile.
The goal is for students and educators to use this site to explore jobs/careers at all the businesses that have signed up so they can learn what’s out there and the education they’ll need to be a part of it.
Our next step is where you step up. We need businesses to sign up to attend. We’re off and running, I sent an email to the 77 businesses that participated in 2019 and received 17 contacts back almost immediately. I have room for 100 businesses at the Cowlitz County Event Center and I promise it will be one of the best opportunities for your business to target quality future job candidates. It’s simple, call me at the Chamber, 360-423-8400, and tell me you want to participate or email me at bmarcum@kelsolongviewchamber.org
The next step is for students to be able to go inside the business and see how that job/career works. What does that person do during a day? That is why we are hosting a Job Shadow Week November 7-10. During the Career Exploration Expo each participating business will have a QR code at their booth, if students like what they hear and see they are invited to scan the code and select the business as a possible job shadow opportunity during Job Shadow week. Can you imagine, as a student, having three or four years where you can speak with local business owners/managers, tour their facilities and job shadow an employee? I know it would have helped me immensely.
Keep in mind...
The Career Exploration Expo gives students a chance to speak with someone, in person, about the company and what it offers for a better understanding of what this county has to offer and how they can pursue that career.
2 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | September 2022 CEO from page 1 businesses find qualified talent, but if the talent does not even know the jobs exist, we have a serious problem.
The Expo kicks off at 9:30 a.m. and runs until 3:30 p.m. Again, with more than 3,000 students being bused in to attend.
. I will also give you a gentle nudge to sign up at www.cowlitzcareerlink.com so you can check out the website and post your profile.
• 10,000 baby boomers retire every day • Locally, some companies will lose up to 70% of their workforce over the next 7 years
COWLITZ & WAHKIAKUM 10.20.22COUNTIESSign up for your space today! There is no cost to participate! www.kelsolongviewchamber.org or call 360-423-8400 Over 3000 students expected! Seven School Districts attending: Woodland • Wahkiakum • Longview • Kelso • Castle Rock • Kalama • Toledo We have room for 80 local businesses to inform our 9th, 10th and 11th grade students from every school district in Cowlitz and Wahkiakum County on what you do, what careers are available in your organization and what education is needed to be hired into those jobs. Show our local students that they can be successful in our own region! Help educate our kids for their future employment and ensure your continued growth and success. Be part of something Cowlitz ConferenceCountyCenterLongview,WA9:30 3:30toampm •Keeping ItLocal• School•Work • Business CAREER EXPLORATIONEXPOEMPLOYERSLOCAL STUDENTSLOCAL
Register for Boot Camp at www.kelsolongviewchamber.org or call us at 360-4238400. We’ll provide coffee, tea, juice and a variety of breakfast foods to get your morning started.Seethe 2022 Small Business Boot Camp flyer within this issue for details on all the fall series topics and speakers through October 14.
Attracting Potential Employees, What’s the Secret? – presented by Darcy Hoffman, director of business services for Workforce Southwest Washington and Gherid Smick, employment specialist with WorkSource. Learn what is happening in successful recruitment during these challenging times. If you’re hiring, this is a session you don’t want to miss. We encourage you to register others from your business who are involved with the hiring process.
Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce Julie Rinard Project Manager challenges: Boot Fall
Chamber members have been talking about challenges, and we’re listening. Small Business Boot Camp is your opportunity to participate in classes with expert presenters on relevant topics. Our goal is for you to walk away with information and tools that you will be able to use immediately. Every Chamber event is a networking opportunity, too. You might make a great connection at Boot Camp! Be sure to bring your business cards and take a moment to meet others in the room.
One Minute Manager, Tips for Success – presented by Chris Bailey, president of Lower Columbia College. Chris has presented a variety of topics for our Boot Camps through the years, and everyone enjoys his dynamic style. This session is appropriate for anyone in your business or organization.
Meeting
Small Business Boot Camp Fall Series starts September 9. All sessions are Fridays from 7:30-9 a.m. at the American Workforce Group Event Center located at 1145 14th Ave., in Longview. Check out these new Boot Camp topics for the month of September:
Camp
Series 4 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | September 2022 Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Lisa Straughan, President Express Employment Professionals Marlene Johanson, President Elect Heritage Bank Marc Silva, Vice President Columbia Bank Neil Zick, Treasurer Twin City Bank Chris Roewe, Past President Woodford Commercial Real Estate Michael Claxton, Legal Counsel Walstead Mertsching David Cuddihy The Daily News Duane Dalgleish Cowlitz PUD Jason Gentemann Foster Farms 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 Blitz Bruce Pollock Bicoastal Media Ted Sprague Cowlitz Economic Development Council Michael Vorse Minuteman Press John Jabusch Cowlitz County Commissioner
Employee Safety and Security – presented by Chad Withrow, vice president and cofounder of Northwest Enforcement. Chad is a long-time expert in the field and will offer information to reduce your risk and expense.
Leading in a Chaotic World – presented by Chance Stewart, Stewart Speaking and Consulting. Chance brings high energy and a positive approach to chaos. He will be a guest on Your Chamber Connection radio show September 21. Tune in to KEDO 1270 AM or 99.9 FM at 6 p.m. for a sneak preview. You may also access a commercial-free recording of the show at www.soundcloud.com after September 21.
We’ve been offering Small Business Boot Camp since 2013. Thanks to our sponsors, the price has not increased after all these years. Chamber members may participate in all six classes for $100. Up to four members from your business or organization may attend any one class and can have different people attend each class. Interested in just one class? You may register for one class on an individual basis for $35.
Preventing Job Stress and Burn Out – presented by Teedara Wolf, training and development specialist with Cowlitz PUD. Teedara has been a Chamber Ambassador, a member of Lower Columbia Professionals and serves on our foundation board. She works diligently toward the best outcomes for all concerned.
FallBOOTseries CAMP 2022 Small Business Friday Mornings ★ 7:30 am - 9 am American Workforce Group Event Center 1145 14th Ave., Longview Fall Series starts Friday, September 9 360-423-8400 www.kelsolongviewchamber.org Sponsored by: September 9 Preventing Job Stress & Burn Out Teedara Wolf Training and Development Specialist Cowlitz PUD September 16 One Minute Manager, Tips for Success Chris Bailey President, LCC September 23 Attracting Potential Employees, what’s the secret? October 7 Employee Safety and ChadSecurityWithrow NW Enforcement October 14 Product Shortages, Delays, Shipping Issues? Let’s Make a Plan Jerry Petrick Senior Certified Business Advisor, Small Business Development Center, WSU. September 30 Leading in a Chaotic World Chance Stewart Chance Stewart Speaking and Consulting No pricing change since 2013! $100 Members ★ $160 Non-Members Includes up to 4 members of your organization. $35 per class - individual class Darcy Hoffman Director of Business Services Workforce Southwest WA Gherid Smick, Employment Specialist WorkSource
Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments Bill Fashing Executive Director
6. Allow three feet of clearance when passing bicyclists. Three of the six principles for safer roads from the Federal Highway Administration are included below. They address topics that each of us can embrace to improve road safety within thePRINCIPLEcommunity.1:
Transportation safety is one of the primary planning principles of federal, state, and local efforts. Despite work to promote safety we continue to see preventable accidents in the region. In 2021 there were 314 reported crashes resulting from distracted driving. Eleven of those with suspected serious injury results. Thus far in 2022 we have seen ninety-one distracted driving accidents through August with one fatality and six with suspected serious injury results. The following graphic show accidents by type in the Longview/Kelso area.
Human Services Planning
Local transit partners including River Cities Transit, Lower Columbia CAP, the Cowlitz Tribe and Wahkiakum on the Move all received funding to support their local transportation efforts based on the findings of the previous HSTP processes. More information is available at www.cwcog.org under the transportation program.
According to the Federal Transit Administration, federal transit law requires that projects selected for funding under the Enhanced Mobility for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities (Section 5310) Program be “included in a locally developed, coordinated public transit-human services transportation plan,” and that the plan be “developed and approved through a process that included participation by seniors, individuals with disabilities, representatives of public, private, and nonprofit transportation and human services providers and other members of the public” utilizing transportation services. These coordinated plans identify the transportation needs of individuals with disabilities, older adults, and people with low incomes, to provide strategies for meeting these needs, and prioritize transportation services for funding and implementation.
Although the numbers appear to be dropping in 2022, we have seen a steady increase in crashes over the last 10 years as the table included below indicates. Each of us can have influence in the safety of our community each day when we go out. Significant accident factors include distracted driving, driving while impaired (drugs and alcohol), and speed. Any one of these factors can contribute to accidents and increased awareness of the factors might eliminate risky actions from occurring. Of special note in recent years is the increase in bike and pedestrian accidents. In 2021 there were five fatalities involving pedestrians and or cyclists in Cowlitz County. Speed and districted driver were key factors in most of these accidents. Here are a couple of key tips for drivers as they relate to pedestrians and cyclists.
4. Look before opening your car door.
Transportation Safety Issues
1. Stop for pedestrians at crosswalks.
2. Slow down and obey the posted speed limit.
3. Yield to pedestrians and cyclists when turning.
5. Be careful when passing stopped vehicles.
The initial draft of the Human Services Transportation Plan (HSTP) will be available for public input by the end of September. The HSTP specifically addresses projects that serve vulnerable and transit-dependent populations (young, elderly, disabled, and low-income people) throughout the five counties covered by the plan. This plan helps to identify transportation challenges of residents that keep them from getting to work, obtaining medical care or accessing various retail stores throughout the region. If transportation is not available, these dependent populations suffer.
Collaboration for Roadway Safety
Everyone has a stake in roadway safety. The collaboration of all stakeholders will yield cross-cutting opportunities to
Transportation roundup – human services to safety planning
Bureau of Land Management, State of Oregon GEO, State of Oregon, Esri, HERE, Garmin, NGA, USGS, NPS, U.S. Forest Service – Roadway Accidents in Cowlitz County. 2022
6 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | September
For more CWCOG, see
page 7
Kelso Longview Business Connection | September 2022 | 7 CWCOG from page 6
PRINCIPLE 2: Safer Behaviors
The greatest potential for reducing crashes lies in the difficult task of transforming public and personal attitudes toward roadway safety. Citizens should consider roadway deaths along with the attendant suffering and economic costs as unacceptable rather than inevitable. A shift in safety culture will bring us closer to making these changes. DOT can support the needed change by targeting at-risk operators and users through education and enforcement. Of current interest is distracted driving which addresses drivers’ use of handheld cell phones behind the wheel.
Safer and smarter vehicles will prevent crashes or mitigate their severity. DOT will continue to foster development of the engineering and technology critical to improved vehicle crash avoidance, crashworthiness, and communication. The public needs to understand and demand current and innovative vehicle technologies that save lives. Some of these innovations will enhance the safety of the user within the roadway environment through connectivity of the vehicle and the infrastructure.
Join us to Explore the Possibilities
Explore your possibilities for creative and innovative financial small business growth success with a win-win approach for local individuals and entrepreneurs.
PRINCIPLE 3: Safer Vehicles
The CWCOG is hosting our quarterly Lower Columbia Investment Network (LCIN) Network Night event. September 26, 5:30 p.m. mix and mingle, presentation 6-7 p.m., at Explorer Brewery, 209 Ash St, Kelso. LCIN connects local business owners/entrepreneurs in need of capital to grow or start a business with local individuals as investors/collaborators, who will use their resources and expertise to contribute and support local business success. If you would like to Explore financial solution opportunities this event is for you. See four to five business owners present their business plan model. Hear creative investment ideas. Learn about collaboration efforts by networking with other business owners and community minded individuals interested in small business owner’s pitches/presentations for expansion and growth. Be a part of growth for our local economy. Be curious. Be involved with the solution. Be there. If you are interested in presenting a business plan/proposal or would like more information about LCIN please go to our website at www. cwcog.org or contact Monica Seidl at mseidl@cwcog.org
improve roadway safety with the promise of stronger outcomes. Department of Transportation (DOT) will lead this collaboration within its operating administrations and through outreach to potential partners, starting with the development of a national roadway safety goal.
The Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments (CWCOG) serves a wide variety of planning functions including the roles of the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Longview/ Kelso/Rainier bi-state metropolitan area, the Regional Transportation Planning Organization for a five-county region, the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration’s designated Economic Development District for Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties, and Administrative Coordination Entity for the Spirit Lake – Cowlitz/Toutle River Collaborative. One of the roles of the Metropolitan Planning Organization is to promote transportation safety.
RACE – People who identify as white make up the majority of the healthcare workforce (74 percent). Among the downsides of this is the lack of culturally competent care that is contributing to negative health outcomes for Black, Indigenous, Asian, Latinx and other people of color.
Worker Demographics
Workforce Southwest Sean
Moore Senior Project Manager – Healthcare and Technology
• Seeking input from communities about how your organization could best support the communities and have direct positive impact on quality jobs
Healthcare is projected to grow in the region by 17 percent over the next decade and will account for one-in-six new jobs. With more than 120,000 jobs and a payroll over $10 billion, healthcare accounts for 10 percent of the southwest Washington-Portland metro area’s private-sector employment and 10 percent of payroll.
AGE – 22 percent of the region’s healthcare workforce is at, or nearing, retirement age. Due in part to the aging workforce, area employers have identified leadership training as a key industry need. Twenty-six percent of registered nurses, one of the most in-demand occupations across all sectors, are near retirement age. Other occupations with older-than-average workforces include home health and personal care aides (32 percent), family practice practitioners (29 percent), and medical records technicians (26 percent).GENDER
• Engaging with programs and initiatives that serve historically excluded communities through both personnel (staffing, volunteering) and financial support
To increase diversity among its workforce, the healthcare industry must build trust and develop relationships with historically underrepresented communities. Some ways to do this include:
• Inviting diverse communities to the conversation to ensure inclusivity at all levels of business development and
For more WSW, see page 9
– The healthcare workforce is overwhelmingly female: women outnumber men by more than three-to-one.
DuringengagementtheCOVID-19 pandemic organizations, including PeaceHealth, Legacy and the Free Clinic, held COVID testing clinics through partnerships with local diverse communities. They have continued vaccine clinics and testing at community events, with a focus on communities that are underserved and have lower incomes. These are good first steps and hopefully the relationships will continue to evolve and include employment for members of theseRecognizingcommunities.thehistoric underrepresentation of people of color, the healthcare industry committed to increasing diversity, equity and inclusion as primary goals in the region’s 2022-2024 Healthcare Workforce Plan which will be released soon. If you are interested in joining this collaborative of healthcare providers
8 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | September 2022
• Attending culturally diverse events and learning firsthand about their mission, values and impact within their community
Washington
Healthcare is one of four key industries supported by the public workforce system and the local workforce development board, Workforce Southwest Washington (WSW), which recently released an updated Healthcare Labor Market Report, some highlights of which are below.
Healthcare sector seeking to attract diverse, new workers to meet projected growth
Shrinking Talent Pool – At the same time, many local institutions that train the healthcare labor force closed. The lack of clinical training facilities has halted the education and training of many students.
• Hosting cohort trainings to support dental assistants and certified nursing assistants
9
Kelso Longview Business Connection | September 2022 | seeking to recruit, train and retain a diverse workforce, please contact me
WSW from page 8
However, wage disparities by gender and race are a cause for concern. Although the industry has a greater number of workers identifying as female, 53 percent of workers earning a median wage of $50 per hour or more identify as male. The disparity is even greater in the highest paying occupations. Sixty-six percent of workers in the nine healthcare occupations with median wages above $100 per hour identify as male.
Workforce Southwest Washington, 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.
As your company seeks to fill open positions, look to your current employees. With a little training, could some be promoted into leadership and supervisory roles? Promoting current employees opens positions that can then be filled by new employees. WSW has grant funds available to invest in companies to train existing employees, especially women and individuals from underrepresented populations.
• Actively participating in apprenticeships for medical assistant, pharmacy technician, behavioral health specialists and peer support specialists
To help companies meet the demand for new workers, WSW and its partners are:
Telehealth – The COVID-19 pandemic led to a sharp increase in the use of telehealth services; a paradigm shift in patient care delivery. Ideally this shift will improve access to health services for underserved and rural communities. Resources for Business
Sean Moore is senior project manager-healthcare and technology at Workforce Southwest Washington. Reach him at smoore@ workforcesw.org, 360-762-8569.
WAGES – In Washington in 2020, nearly half of healthcare jobs paid $28 per hour or more.
I encourage healthcare businesses to contact me to learn how the On the Job Training Wage Reimbursement program can supplement your direct costs for onboarding new staff and your new employee may qualify for support services such as transportation subsidies.
The industry’s wage disparities are even more alarming and pronounced for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) women and immigrants who largely hold entry-level jobs and positions with little room for advancement.
To ensure workforce development strategies adapt as the industry and its needs change, WSW and its regional partners meet quarterly with healthcare companies, educators, community-based organizations and labor unions to ensure all are engaged with recruiting, training and retaining our healthcare workforce. If you would like to be involved and learn about grant funds and other resources, please contact me.
The high rates of turnover combined with a shrinking pipeline of new workers entering the field has exacerbated an existing healthcare workers shortage. To meet the region’s healthcare workforce needs, companies must attract candidates from historically underrepresented communities and younger workers.
• Having conversations with education providers about expanding capacity by providing more trainings in the evening and apprenticeship style programs to address shortages in rural areas
COVID Aftermath Increased Turnover – More than any other sector, healthcare was acutely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare jobs became increasingly stressful and dangerous, leading to increased turnover as older workers opted for retirement and younger workers left the industry.
“The creative economy drives innovation, attracts tourists, and enriches communities at every level. We’re proud to partner with Commerce to get this financial support out to businesses and nonprofits throughout Washington.” –08/15/22 Department of Commerce Press Release I am also assisting businesses with the application process. If you have questions, please contact me as soon as possible at cope@cowlitzedc.com or 360-423-9921.
‘Funding the creative economy is critical for the entire state,’ said Karen Hanan, Executive Director of ArtsWA.
10 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | September 2022
The Cowlitz Economic Development Council’s (CEDC) NEW website is live! Visit www.cowlitzedc.com to see what all the fuss is about. Our website is often the first stop for developers and investors. Thanks to grants and partnerships from the Ports of Woodland, Kalama and Longview, we were able to drastically improve the design and scope of our website. This website is search engine optimized for recruitment and will be coupled with our tradeshows to attract quality projects to our area. Economic development is beyond recruiting big business. It includes tourism, education, small business, entrepreneurship, downtown development, workforce, and quality of place initiatives too. In addition to the CEDC and partner-specific site information, we will debut the recreation portion soon. Our new website will highlight all the wonderful reasons Cowlitz County is an exceptional place to live, work and play. We have also been working with the Washington state Department of Commerce to spread the word that the latest iteration of Working Washington Round 5 grants is accepting applications NOW.
Over half of the Working Washington grants funding is set aside for the arts, heritage, and science sectors. The pandemic hit businesses and nonprofits in this sector –which includes live entertainment venues – particularly hard, as they were often the first to close and the last to re-open their doors.
“Applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. Sept. 9 through commercegrants.com. The online portal is live now with guidelines and more to help applicants get ready to submit applications beginning Wednesday.
Nick Lemiere, CFP® Financial Advisor 1332 Vandercook Way Longview, WA 360-425-003798632
To learn about the different options for your retirement accounts, call my office today.
Website redesign launch is a go Cowlitz Economic Development Council Lindsey Cope Vice President
You’re retired. Your money isn’t.
Included on the page are dates and times for virtual application information sessions and workshops scheduled throughout the month of August.
The Cowlitz Economic Development Council is here to help your businesses and projects of all shapes and sizes. From tax incentives to site selection to grant assistance to downtown development to education to workforce needs to foreign trade zones to placemaking, we are a one-stop shop. Contact us today for your economic development needs.
IRT-4395G-A © 2022 EDWARD D. JONES & CO., L.P. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. > edwardjones.com | Member SIPC
Community Mediation Center offers basic mediation training for individuals interested in becoming mediators or integrating mediation skills into current work positions and everyday life. Register by September 12th, 2022. CommunityMediationCenters.orgQuestions?360-623-8061 ⧫Community Leaders ⧫Legal Professionals ⧫Managers ⧫HR Departments ⧫Teachers ⧫Parents ⧫Counselors ⧫Coaches ⧫People like you! Monday Sept 19 -Saturday Oct 1st, 2022 - Cost Per Person $465 - financial assistance available Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 5 p.m-9 p.m. Saturday 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. each week
When laws or morés go against human nature, there can be no peace. We are tearing ourselves apart on these issues, yet there was no discussion on them.
But what does like-minded mean? We were blessed by our founders who, after much civil and uncivil discussion, left us precious documents and a plethora of writings. Our Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights define unambiguously our like-mindedness. As we depart from these principles, we tear ourselves apart, which is what we currently are witnessing all around us.
into trouble by characterizing an event by only a portion of the event, but I did hear from someone who had taken in the entire event. There was no serious study of the issue, so nothing serious, I am sure, will come of the effort. Key issues were avoided, and so the conclusion, as drawn from a high altitude, is that the uncivil discourse has nothing to do with the panelists, chosen to represent different sides, but that there are some other issues, probably related to technology, at fault for incivility.
2. Key for everyone is the ownership of their property, especially their body. There is considerable uncivil discussion for matters such as welfare, abortion, etc. ad nauseum, because government and de facto groups strive to control society on these issues. These are a violation of our fundamental human nature to be masters over our own domain.
Why is there such uncivil discourse about this topic? There was no probing into this issue. My response is that the fundamental concept that one can take from one group to give to another to solve a problem always will fail and always will lead to serious incivility. Solving the homeless issue is for another time; the point here is to discover, at a minimum, why there is uncivil discourse.
Let me digress for a moment: as impetuous as I might be, I realize that a basis must be built between a speaker and a listener before substantive communication can occur. Humans are amazingly intuitive, and they sense whether there is disdain or discovery in the interaction, but, regardless, a bond of trust must be built before the tough issues can be tackled.
Civil dialogue in uncivil times
“The American Constitution is a written instrument full and complete in itself. No Court in America, no Congress, no President, can add a single word thereto, or take a single word thereto. It is a great national enactment done by the people, and can only be altered, amended, or added to by the people.”
3. A big issue in Longview, impacting the entire county (and replicated across the nation) is the homeless situation. Anyone who has viewed or attended the latest Longview City Council meeting can attest to this fact.
1. The assumption was that government had to do something, and that led to a minor discussion about regulations on speech. Many people seem to think that there should be a limit on free speech. That is one area of discussion that went no place, yet it does cause considerable incivility, as we have seen in many places even in such places as college campuses.
Retired Judge Steve Warning has put together a series of panel discussions the first of which was titled “Community in the Crossfire: Seeking Civil Dialogue in Uncivil Times” (civil-dialog. com) August 18. I was not able to see it live (KLTV), but I did catch 45 minutes of a replay. Unfortunately, I could not find a replay on demand; the rebroadcasts (on KLTV) are on a published schedule.Icanget
Here are some of my observations of what was not discussed:
Isuppose that I qualify as a curmudgeon because of my age and my disposition to go straight toward a problem rather than play around with feelings. Don’t get me wrong; I think compassion and perspective are necessary for communication, and communication is necessary for us, gregarious beings who form into societies of like-minded members, to thrive.
“Much of the social history of the Western world over the past three decades has involved replacing what worked with what sounded good.”
Cowlitz
We fight for and against not men and things as they are, but for and against the caricatures we make of them. J.A. Schumpeter “Liberty is meaningless where the right to utter one's thoughts and opinions has ceased to exist. That, of all rights, is the dread of tyrants. It is the right which they first of all strike down. They know its power. Thrones, dominions, principalities, and powers, founded in injustice and wrong, are sure to tremble, if men are allowed to reason.”
At first, I disliked the person who later became my best friend in college. We need to work through some tough issues to discover almost certainly what Schumpeter states succinctly: Thank you, Judge Warning, and Lower Columbia College for creating this forum. I hope this write-up fits your expectations of open and civil discourse.
County Commissioners Arne Mortensen County Commissioner, District 1 12 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | September 2022
Thomas Sowell
Frederick Douglass
Frederick Douglass
Our
Metal Scott
Julie and her staff know me, what I like and what I need. My time is limited and my focus and skills are not best used in reviewing job applications and initial interviews.
Thanks AWG Performance
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AWG knows my business and is basically my HR department. They provide me with the right person, with the right skills and the work ethic I am looking for. Sheet Davis
Positively impacting people and our community by placing motivated and qualified individuals at great places to work. Mission
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Divert helps food companies improve their waste diversion efforts by maximizing what they can sell and donate. Divert processes unsold food products that can’t be sold or donated into carbon negative renewable natural gas. This renewable energy goes directly into Columbia Gas’ existing distribution pipeline, replacing fossil fuel gas with a renewable fuel to supply homes and businesses.
QUARTERLY LUNCHEON Join us for our September
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Divert is an impact technology company with a mission to protect the value of food. Divert is developing a state-of-the-art Integrated Food Recovery facility at Longview, Washington’s Mint Farm Industrial Development Park. When it becomes operational in late 2023, the facility will have 35-40 employees.
Kelso Longview Elks, 900 Ash St., Kelso Friday, September 16, 2022 • 11:45a.m. -1:30 p.m. $25 advance/$35 at door Register today at www.kelsolongviewchamber.org featuring Friday, September 16 • 11:45 am 1:30 pm
Presented by: Solutions for a Waste-Free Future
Divert’s technology helps retail food customers profile what goes unsold at each retail outlet and identify sources and causes of unsold food and eliminate it.
Chris Thomas Vice President of Public Affairs for Divert, Inc.
Kelso Longview Business Connection | September 2022 | 15 New Members Add your business to our growing membership. Call 360-423-8400 Today! Membership packages to fit your needs Business Association with opportunities to promote trade through Chamber socials, special events and committee participation. • Annual Meeting and Banquet • Networking Events • Committee Participation • Business Contacts • Quarterly Membership Meetings • Civic Representation • Monthly Business After Hours Business Services include marketing for your business, referrals and access to Chamber publications and research data. • Mailing Labels • Membership Window Decals • Member Referrals • Ribbon Cutting • Website Links • Member to Member Discounts • Membership Directory • Tax Deduction • Newsletter • Business Card Display • Use of Chamber Logo Representation through action committees, candidate forums and up-to-date action alerts. • Legislative Representation • Issues Tracking and Information • Task Forces • Candidate Forums • Legislative Update Breakfast • Demographics Publication Membership Packages Basic • $275 or $26 per month Bronze • $500 or $46.66 per month Silver • $1,000 or $86.33 per month Gold • $2,500 or $211.33 per month Platinum • $5,000 or $416.66 per month Diamond Club • $10,000 or $834 per month Nonprofit • $180 or $18 per month Look Who Joined in August Art Renaissance Team Retha Porter PO Box Longview,1065WA cowlitzart@gmail.com360-439-283698632 Long View Impact, Inc. Teresa Purcell 808 Lone Oak Road Longview, WA 98632 teresa@longviewimpactinc.com206-898-9271 Windermere Northwest Living – Longview David Thelin 711 Vandercook Way, Suite 112 Longview, WA davidthelin@windermere.com360-636-466398632 Alston Cleaning Malachi Bryant 1338 Commerce Avenue, Suite A Longview, WA 98632 malachi@alstoncleanig.com360-261-9148 Lisa Thompson & Ken Blanchard Keller Williams Premier Partners Lisa Thompson 1140 11th lisaandken@kw.com360-431-4645Longview,AvenueWA98632
Asking for as much as $250 and more for a service thatss not clearly defined, some pay these bills believing itss just part of owning a website, but is it?
Iam always on the lookout for information and tools that will help businesses in Washington improve their performance, reduce challenges/risk, and take advantage of opportunities.
As a local business owner with an online presence, there’s a good chance a bill has come in the mail for an annual domain listing on an internet directory. Business and website domain owners have received similar requests for payment for years.
The Washington Department of Commerce, in collaboration with ArtsWA, will distribute $75 million in pandemic relief to small businesses and nonprofits this fall.
this school year, so make sure your prospective customers are fully aware of this year’s risks — and the wisdom of shopping with you.
Paid Leave: Premium rate updates coming this fall
Working Washington 5 Grant Application Portal Open until September 9
• 40 percent for most other sectors, including hospitality, fitness, and personalConventionservicesCenter
UEI (Unique Entity Identifier) number is required to receive funds from this grant.
Learn more here: Updates – Washington State's Paid Family and Medical Leave When is a bill not a bill?
Below is a collection of topics and ideas for you to consider:
Predatory Payment Processors Continue to Harm Small Businesses
They market their services to small and medium-sized businesses who rely on credit cards, debit cards, and checks as a way to accept payment from their customers. Payment processors generally serve to think about/take action D. Petrick Petrick
on Business Toolbox Jerry
Certified Business Adviser 16 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | September 2022 For more
Stressed parents are trying to get ready for school and urgency creates openings for savvy sellers. Try-before-you-buy, easy returns, local delivery and social media are all playing a part in customer attraction.Anewthreat
More information is available at: https://commercegrants.com
Grants: Funding supports businesses who lost revenue from the cancellation of—or reduction of participants in— conventions hosted in Washington state.
Working Washington grants – Round 5: Portions of the funds are set aside for specific sectors:
General Timeline:
Did you know the paid leave premium rate can change each year?
see page 17
Deceitful descriptions, predatory pricing, order form fakery, and outright theft are plaguing the online space. Even trustworthy e-commerce sites suffer shipping delays, inventory shortages, and deliveryAvoidingsurcharges.scamsisone
Importantfundingnotice:
solicitations-must-include-these-features.cfmhttps://www.fosterwebmarketing.com/blog/web-domain-invoice-https://www.artunlimitedusa.com/blog/domain-listings-scamLocalBusinesses,SeizeBack-To-SchoolOpportunities
By law, the Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) will recalculate the paid leave premium rate annually on September 30. The premium rate is adjusted based on medical and family leave use during the previous year. Premiums – collected from employees and employers through quarterly reporting – fund the paid leave program.
The articles below address this question in strongly worded terms.
more very important reason to shop local
• Early-mid-September: Review of applications
Like its distant relative, the fake office supplies invoice, or its more recent iteration, the fake copier toner bill, many of these internet registration invoices have highly questionable origins.
ESD will share more information about the 2023 premium rate, the premium split between the employer and employee, and the social security wage cap this fall.
• 60 percent for the arts, heritage, and science, including live entertainment venues
emerged this season that adds more weight to the wisdom of buying local – back-to-school scams. Back-to-school season can be stressful for many kids and their parents – especially when scammers are back to work with online school shopping scams.
• Late September: Commerce will notify grantees and disburse
End of summer business information updates –things
• The application portal will remain open until September 9
Over the past eight months, The Fresh Market has seen a 97 percent higher conversion rate for its videos on TheFreshMarket.com versus site-wide average sales since launching last fall. The North Carolinabased retailer experienced a 47 percent increase in click-through rate for shoppable video emails vs. its overall email click-through rate prelaunch. This retailer promotes shoppable videos to move away from solely featuring discounts and sales.
• What are the benefits of a shoppable video?
Here’s more information about Visa’s mandate: purchase-return-vbs-10-apr-17.pdfcom/content/dam/VCOM/global/support-legal/documents/new-https://usa.visa. This information was gathered from several sources and provided by Jerry Petrick, senior certified business adviser with the Washington Small Business Development Centers serving southwest Washington. We provide confidential business advisory services at no cost to the business. To schedule an appointment email: jerry.petrick@wsbdc.org Kelso
Are your returns properly authorized prior to settlement?
• What are the major platforms for shoppable video?
• What are best practices for shoppable video
A shoppable video helps sellers connect consumers to the products they see in marketing videos. By using embedded links inside videos, brands can connect directly to their audiences and increase engagement, all while getting a valuable boost in sales and exposure.
Read about a recent FTC investigation into a predatory payment processor here: american-trapping-small-businesses-surprise-exit-feesreleases/2022/07/ftc-takes-action-stop-payment-processor-first-https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-ShoppableVideoBringstheCustomerExperienceHome
According to Forbes magazine, social media has an advantage over TV, radio, magazines, and other traditional media platforms. Social media will spread information about your business in a quick and cost-efficient manner, reaching hundreds and even thousands of people with your message. Learn how social media can help you attract and engage with customers while supporting your business growth. Get the most from your social media marketing, learn tips and best practices from this free and convenient infographic how-to guide. merchant/pdf/bcfm/social_media_infographic.pdfhttps://www.americanexpress.com/content/dam/amex/us/
Visa is stepping up its cost for credit card purchase return authorization noncompliance. Starting as early as July, refund submissions for credit card purchase transactions with no matching online authorization could be subject to additional expenses and fees.
Using an online enrollment system that obscures key contract terms Imposing surprise fees when small businesses try to cancel
• How is shoppable video shaping the future of retail?
Social Media How-to Guide
You might be wondering
Over the past three years, the major card brand networks have actively worked to inform customers of this mandate, which enables the cardholder to see their pending credit or refund as they would see a pending charge for a purchase.
Petrick from page 16 as an intermediary between companies that accept credit and debit cards and the banks that issue the cards or checks.
The FTC reminds us that predatory payment processors are known for: Deceiving businesses about pricing and savings with hidden terms
Check out this comprehensive blog post on shoppable videos from rockcontent.com: https://rockcontent.com/blog/shoppable-video/
Online authorization is always required for credit card purchase returns prior to settlement. This is a compliance requirement from all the major card brand networks.
• What is a shoppable video?
To protect your bottom line and support your customers, credit card refunds should be submitted online for authorization 100 percent of theWhytime.would an issuer decline a credit card purchase return authorization request?
The most common reason an issuer would decline a purchase return authorization request is because the credit card is no longer available or valid. For example, the original card may have been replaced due to expiration or being reported lost or stolen, or it was a Visa Prepaid card that has since been discarded.
“Predatory payment processors lure small businesses in with false promises of low costs and an easy exit and hit them with surprise fees and illegal charges when they tried to get out,” warns Samuel Levine, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.
Hitting small businesses with zombie charges after businesses withdraw consent accounts
When the authorization request for the return transaction is declined by the issuer, a customer may process the return refund onto a different (alternate) account.
Longview Business Connection | September 2022 | 17
LOOKING FOR PLACEBUSINESS-FRIENDLYATOGROW? KALAMA INDUSTRIALRIVERPARK SPENCER BUSINESSCREEKPARK IS WAITING FOR YOU. • ZONED FOR MIXED USE Large land site perfect for lodging/hospitality, retail, etc. • CONVENIENTLY LOCATED OFF I-5 Just 30 minutes from PDX & the amenities of Portland • 45 ACRES OF PRIME, SHOVEL-READY LAND Environmental permits & road improvements in place • COMPETITIVE UTILITY RATES + INCENTIVES Designed to promote growth & ensure your succes • LOCATED OFF I-5 • FLEXIBLE 50K SQ. FT. WAREHOUSE + 1,750 SQ. FT. OFFICE SUITE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR LEASE: www.PORTOFKALAMA.com | (360) 673-2325 | 110 WEST MARINE DR., KALAMA WA 98625
HeritageBankNW.com/allofus
Finally, we have finalized our 2022 flower basket aponsors. A huge thank you to: Mill City Grill, The Soap Factory, Copies Today, MaryAlice Wallis, Katie Dillinger – Life Mortgage, Longview Pawnbrokers, The Red Hat, Teague’s Interiors, Body Rock Dance Space, Dapper Dandelion, Pucci Pups, Can Do Electric, Beauti Lounge, Angie Wean, Cowlitz Wahkiakum Legal Aid, Posh on Commerce, JoJo + CoCo Boutique, Wander Shoe Boutique, The Whittle Team – Realtors – Realty One Pacifica Group, Bigfoot Screen Printing, The Linked Design Group, MERKantile Café, Priority Real Estate Photography, Hopscotch Toys, and Jenica Lemmons of Lemondrop Photography.
On September 15 at 3 p.m. will be our next meeting upstairs at Mill City Grill. All interested in the promotion, preservation, and development of downtown Longview are welcome to attend.
“If
It is all hands-on deck for our inaugural DOWNTOWN LONGVIEW HARVEST FESTIVAL October 22. This event will bring thousands to downtown with a fun mixture of fall and Halloween-related events including, but not limited to, a free concert featuring Jackson Michelson with KUKN, KLOG, and The BLITZ, a pie eating contest through the Sugar Pearl Dessert Co., a pumpkin carving contest, a petting zoo, vendors for our indoor and outdoor markets, a redneck truck show with Outlaw Industries, photo opportunities and so much more. If you are interested in being involved reach out to me at cope@cowlitzedc.com. We are looking for sponsors and partners that want to grow awareness of their business or organization while supporting this community and tourism event. Sponsorship information is available at www.downtownlongview.com. A special thank you to our sponsors so far: kids activities sponsor Fibre Federal Credit Union; downtown décor sponsor Cowlitz PUD; market sponsor Copies Today; haunted house sponsor Nippon Dynawave; and overall event sponsors and Downtown Executive Club members Antidote Tap House and Realty One Pacific Group. Along with this amazing event we have changed our membership structure for our Longview Downtowner’s. We would like to shout out this month’s new members: Antidote Tap House, Realty One Pacifica Group, Offbeat Antiques and Oddities, Hopscotch Toys, AMS Notary Services, Bigfoot Screen Printing, The Woodland Wandolier, Gyros Gyros, MERKantile Café, Pucci Pups, and J Squared Barrel House.
Business Connection | September 2022 | 19
It's all hands on deck preparing for first downtown Harvest Festival
Thank you to Trina and Mill City Grill for always providing exceptional service and a great space to meet. Keep up with our events and businesses on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ downtownlongviewwa. Eat local, drink local, and shop local, in downtown Longview.
In addition to our vast experience and customized solutions, we put a lot of heart into helping your one-of-akind business succeed.
Diversity
- Tracy Fisher, Business Institute
Longview Downtowners Lindsey Cope President HeritageBankNW.com | 800.455.6126 |
Kelso Longview
Equal Housing Lender | Member FDIC
something comes up, I just call my banker and we can figure it out.”
20 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | September 2022 Wednesdays at 6 pm KEDO 1270 AM or 99.9 FM Contact Julie Rinard at 360-423-8400 jrinard@kelsolongviewchamber.orgortoscheduleyourinterview Paul Bricknell, Cowlitz County SquareFrankBusinessAnthonyChaplaincyLujan,CapitalMachinesMcShane,PegConsulting Larry Timmons and Keenan Harvey, Rotary Club of Kelso José Fagoaga, Foster Farms Your Chamber Connection Radio Show
Miranda Maki, Gotcha Covered Apparel and JeffMorePetersen, Three Rivers Law Center Barbara Sudar, The Nest Kerri Guitteau and Gavin Manheimer, Cowlitz Black BearsJennifer Penfold, Jennifer Penfold Insurance Agency and LaDonna Page, City of Kelso Kelso Longview Business Connection | September 2022 | 21 YourRadioConnectionChamberShow Wednesdays at 6 pm KEDO 1270 AM or 99.9 FM
A cohort-based, mixed-modality model is used to meet the academic needs of nontraditional, adult learners and to provide the flexibility critical to retention. Classes meet online with face-to-face sessions one or two evenings a week. Full-time and part-time options are available, and a fully online option is being developed for students unable to be on campus. The BAS-OLTM degree began in 2020 and there are currently 40 students enrolled in the Learnprogram.moreabout the program by contacting me, Michaela Jackson, director of BAS programs, at mjackson@lowercolumbia.edu
Latest bachelor's degree is right fit for many local residents 22 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | September 2022 Lower Columbia College Michaela Jackson Director of BAS programs
The BAS-OLTM degree fulfils local and regional industry demand for management professionals, particularly in technical fields. The leadership and management degree creates a path for the following AAS degrees; accounting technician, administrative services manager, automotive technology, business management, chemical dependency studies, criminal justice, diesel/heavy equipment, early childhood, information technology systems, machine trades, manufacturing, medical assisting, medical office administration, and welding. The curriculum aligns with industry expectations for management professions, and ensures students demonstrate mastery of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to be successful in a leadership role.
Approximately seventeen percent of Cowlitz County residents hold a bachelor’s degree, ranking among the lowest in the state. The state average is substantially higher at 37 percent.
Anticipated retirements, reported by local employers, account for a large portion of the management workforce, which will need to be replaced within the next five years. This is a concerning scenario considering the lack of opportunity for employers to recruit from the local community. Local businesses have also expressed concern with the decline in the number of young adults remaining in the region to move into essential positions. Employers are seeking employees who possess strong leadership and supervisory management skills, while also demonstrating the technical skills and understanding of the specific and unique needs of the industry in fields including manufacturing, health services, early childhood, law enforcement, local government, financial services, and nonprofits. LCC’s degree in leadership and management provides a local opportunity for higher education.
LCC is the only bachelor granting institution within about an hour drive for many of the residents of Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties.Theprimary student focus for the leadership and management degree is working adults, place bound students, and underserved and underrepresented students. This degree has been developed for the people in the community that cannot travel two hours a day for school. It is for the nontraditional students who must continue working to put food on the table. LCC is committed to creating pathways to higher paying jobs for students who come from underrepresented and underserved populations. Supports are in place to provide wrap around services that assist students in overcoming barriers.
has changed, and there is a local need for employees with a combination of technical ability and highlevel critical thinking and soft skills, such as communication, leadership, cultural responsiveness, problem-solving, teamwork, and flexibility for the changing work environment. This degree provides an option for academic advancement for students with workforce-specific, professional-technical associate degrees, and builds on 14 existing associate arts of science (AAS) degrees to support academic progression and build on the technical skills a student acquired through their AAS and work experience.
The primary focus is preparing students who have technical knowledge, with leadership and management abilities, giving them the opportunity to advance in their career.
Lower Columbia College’s (LCC) newest Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Organizational Leadership and Technical Management (BAS-OLTM) is a pathway for students with a professional technical associate degree and a variety of work experience, technical skills, and professional goals.
Historically, to find a living wage job, a bachelor-level degree has not been required for employees in Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties. In many of the local job markets and industries, on the job training was the primary consideration for career advancement.Today,thesituation
The 2022-23 school year has begun and we are off to a strong start. The first day of school is always an exciting time for our staff, students and families. We have much to be appreciative for as we start a new year. I want to highlight the many things going on in our district that benefit our students and community at large.
One of the most beneficial programs that will help our families this year is the free meal program. Longview has been approved by USDA to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students for the next four years. This will help our families and will give every student in our system the opportunity to eat two meals a day for
School projects students/communitybenefit
Longview continues to exceed state averages when it comes to high school graduation rates. In 2022, 93 percent of our seniors graduated. We continue to make strides in this area and recently set a new goal of 95 percent graduation rate by 2026. The improvements in graduation rates can be directly attributed to the resources we are directing toward improving student academic achievement at all levels. We recently updated our achievement goals using 2022 assessment data as the baseline. We will be working very intently this year to bring student scores back up to pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2023 and have set increased goals for 2026. The goals are aligned with school improvement plans that are reviewed twice a year to monitor progress.
Kelso Public Schools
I will begin with the 2022 high school graduation rates.
Mary Beth Tack Superintendent
Another project approved by voters that will benefit our community for years to come is the Memorial Stadium Complex project. Work has begun to upgrade to a new multi-use, artificial turf field and new track that will serve boys and girls sports yearround. We anticipate the upgrades to this facility will become a focal point for our entire athletic program. We hope to celebrate the grand opening of the new and improved complex in the fall of 2023.
Kelso School District –by the numbers
Longview Public Schools
Another area to highlight is the focus on safety and security improvements to our facilities. It is important that we be good stewards of the tax dollars our voters have entrusted us with and use that money wisely to ensure that our aging facilities are safe, reliable, well maintained and attractive. You will notice significant improvements to our campuses made possible through voter approved levy money. This funding has allowed us to take care of projects that have been on hold for several years. In terms of safety, we have invested in security fencing around schools, secure vestibules at front entrances, and the installation of extensive video surveillance systems throughout our buildings. We have also increased our employee and student training to increase our level of emergency preparedness. As mentioned in last month’s column, we have created a video that explains and demonstrates safety and security improvements made to our campuses. I encourage you to view it and share with others.
For more Longview schools see page 25For more Kelso schools see page 25
24 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | September 2022 Anew school year is beginning, and we’re excited to welcome students back. As we launch each year, we like to have a good understanding of who we are as a school community. Here’s the latest look at Kelso School District by the numbers. Our Students • 4,718 students • 19 languages spoken by students • 7% English language learners • 7% highly capable (HiCap) students • 16% special education students • 64% – free and reduced lunch • 3.5% – identified as homeless • 11% of students have been or currently are homeless (two in every class of 20) • Ethnicityo 70.7% White o 19% Hispanic/Latino o 6.1% Two or more races o 1.5% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander o 1.2% American Indian/Alaskan Native o 1% Asian o .5% Black/African American Our District 718 – total Kelso School District staff 344 – certificated 374 – classified Meals Served 735,000 meals • 4,100 meals per day on average • 100,000+ pounds of fresh produce served Transportation 49 buses 77 routes 42 406,837driversmiles driven 558,437 total ridership • 529,788 general education • 27,191 special education • 585 homeless
Dan Zorn Superintendent
students • 14 community partners helped to make it all happen Our Teachers 12.6 Average years of teaching experience 7.3% National Board Certified 58.1% With a Master’s degree or higher Graduation Rate • 89.9% in 2021 (compared to 82.5% in Washington state) Life After High School Our goal is to have 100% of graduating seniors immediately enrolled in an apprenticeship, trades, military, two-year institution, or a four-year institution. Class of 2019 post-secondary2-Yearenrollment:4-Year Not Enrolled Kelso School District 27% 17% 55% Washington State 25% 35% 40% Class of 2019 Enrollees persisting beyond the first year: 2-Year 4-Year Kelso School District 48% 85% Washington State 63% 90% We look forward to another year of preparing every student for living, learning, and achieving success as a citizen of our changing world. Kelso schools from page 24
Eye
Vision Longview Physical and Sports
Longview Self Storage Northwest Hardwoods,
Reprographics, Inc
Longview and Therapy Service
Inc
monthly • Helped
•
•
Kelso 25 free. During high inflationary times, this comes as welcome news. In 2015, we set goals to be the district of choice for families and employees. This summer, we settled collective bargaining agreements with all of our employee groups for the next three years, which provides our employees competitive wages, peace of mind, and our district the ability to plan ahead with confidence. We continue to hire and strive to be the district of choice in SW Washington. And finally, we will begin a new pre-kindergarten program this November called Kinder Bridge that is geared toward preparing 4-year-old students for kindergarten. Research proves that early learning is critical to student success, so we have expanded our early learning program. We are working hard to lift Longview and make our schools a source of pride in our community. We have much work ahead and am grateful for our partnership with the Chamber of Commerce as we continue to effectively address the educational needs of the students we serve. Longview schools from page 24 873 early education Worked with 245 homeless students, and 14 in foster care Provided an average of 795 backpacks of weekend food 31 homeless families transition to permanent housing, impacting a total of 59
Opsahl Dawson Renaud Electric Company, Inc
The Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce would like to THANK the following loyal members for renewing their partnership with us this month. Corwin Beverage Cowlitz River Rigging, Inc Educational Service District No. 112 Emergency Support Shelter Futcher Group Hart C's Steakburger and Thai Food Kelso Theater Pub Kelso-Longview Television, Inc (KLTV)
Longview Business Connection | September 2022 |
Family Community Resource Center •
Kelso presently spends about $500,000 per year of City money to repair roads and streets. The City also receives additional state and federal money to improve and maintain arterial, and collector streets. The recently completed Pacific Avenue and West Main projects are examples of projects that were funded by state and federal money. Many of the roads and streets that are in the worst condition are designated as “residential”. They are not eligible for state and federal funds and must be funded by the City.Various maintenance and repair alternatives were discussed during the workshop. These include continuing to focus on keeping the best streets repaired, focusing on repairing the worst streets and/or allowing the lowest used streets to return to gravel. It is likely the Council may do a combination of these alternatives.Noneofthese alternatives individually are palatable to the citizens. To maintain the current level of street conditions would require $788,000 per year, to stop the repair back long from increasing would require $2.63 million per year and elimination of the repair backlog would require $5.16 million per year. All the previous estimates are for a five-year period. Public Works provided a preliminary estimate of $1.5 million per year to do significant improvement in the condition of Kelso’s roads and streets. This is $1million per year more than the City presently spends and the funds are not readily available.
Mike Karnofski Mayor
What a summer it has been, and admittedly, I am not ready to see it go. Summers in the northwest are jam packed with so much sunshine, activity and joy, from sunup, to sundown! Longview, we are wrapping up the last of the summer August events, concerts, movies in the park, playground days and water events. We have much to be grateful for. September the leaves will begin their descent off the many thousands of trees in Longview, Crafted Beer and Food Festival will be held at the Cowlitz Event Center on September 17, and just before the weather begins to change, Longview Downtowners will be sponsoring the first Harvest Festival all day downtown on October 22, with genuine pie-eating and pumpkin-carving contests, a street dance and so much more.
Recently, while enjoying one of Longview’s nuttiest events, Squirrel Fest, I saw a young girl approach a vendor booth. A woman working in the booth said, “I want to tell you something very important, and something you must never forget.” The girl had a puzzled look on her face but smiled when the woman gave her a bracelet to wear that stated, DON’T GIVE UP on one side and YOU MATTER on the other. I am not certain which of these messages carries more importance; there’s no second to either.
In anticipation of the Council’s upcoming budget workshop on September 20, the Council recently had a workshop to cover the repair and maintenance of roads and streets. After the potable water system, roads and streets are the second most pressing issue for the City. The road and street workshop was somewhat of a continuation of an earlier workshop that was discussed in a previous column. The latest workshop focused more on alternatives and the potential cost of the alternatives.
Alternatives for financing were discussed including reducing other City services to provide the money for road and street repairs, developing local improvement districts where the property owners adjacent to the streets would need to pay, charging an additional sales tax and/or developing a transportation improvement bond. The Council also discussed using the $3.4 million in federal funds that the City has been holding for potable water system repairs and instead using it on streets. This could potentially result in raising the water rates in the future to cover potable water system improvements. The Council will have some difficult decisions and we would appreciate citizen input on these issues. budget center of
discussionCityofKelso
Kelso
City of Longview MaryAlice Wallis Mayor
Reminding everyone, 'YOU MATTER'
On my way home that day, the YOU MATTER on my own bracelet caught my eye. I thought about the depth of that statement, for myself, my family, friendships, neighborhood, employment and community. It made me smile at the honor it is to serve the citizens of Longview as the mayor. Thank you for the opportunity.Thereareso many great joys, projects, events and activities of where to put our attention. Whatever your circumstance, find your groove and let it shine! Never give up. Never ever give up, and always remember that no matter what, YOU MATTER.
26 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | September 2022 For more Kelso see page 27www.amadalongview.com 1135 3rd Ave. Suite S-101, Longview (360) 952-3100
The Council discussed new play equipment for the Lads and Lassies Park in south Kelso and whether it should be accessible for children with disabilities. This would significantly increase the cost but would allow the City to apply for grants. This is another decision that needs citizens’ input.One additional item that will have a long-term impact is the intersection just east of I-5 Exit 39. Six roads intersect here with two stop lights and a lot of traffic. The City received a $390,000 grant to study improvements. To close on a more positive note, remember the Highlander Festival is September 10-11 in Tam O’Shanter Park. Also, the Kelso High sports seasons begin in September. Please attend the festival activities and support your favorite Kelso High sports team. Remember, WE ARE KELSO.
ConsistentCourteousComplete 1425 Maple Street • Longview, WA www.cascade-title.com98632360.425.2950 Title and Escrow Services
MediaSocial
Kelso from page 26
Kelso Longview Business Connection | September 2022 | 27 Federally insured by NCUA fibrecu.com800.205.7872 Business Online Banking helps meet the needs of business owners, regardless of the company’s size. In addition to accessing accounts 24/7, business owners can also add users and customize permission levels for employees who manage accounts. We look forward to expanding our business services soon to provide even more ways to serve our business members’ needs! Lynn Ruddell, Commercial Services Supervisor “ “ Bring your business to Fibre Federal for Business Plus Checking, Business Online Banking, Remote Deposit, low-cost loans, and incredible member service. BANK BETTER WITH BUSINESS ONLINE BANKING
When officials are confronted with decisions, the easiest ones to make are those in which there is no difference of opinion. Deciding right from wrong is usually pretty easy, too. The difficulty comes from deciding between conflicting rights! For example, one family chooses to live in the countryside away from cities and towns for the relative peace and quiet. While next door their neighbors choose a rural lifestyle precisely because they are free to engage in noisy activities. Consequently, public officials are forced to engage in a great balancing act in crafting decisions that best serve the public’s interest.
That brings us to the Dillon Rule, named for an Iowa jurist who declared in 1868 that under the U.S. Constitution local governments basically have no inherent powers except those specifically given by the state. It was generally accepted and formally adopted by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1923.
There is a work-around, however, if the people through their elected legislature approve “home rule.” That concept is a power granted by the state. In Washington, counties can opt for “home rule” if a previously elected board of “freeholders” writes up a charter for a new county government that is then approved by the voters. Generally, home rule allows counties more discretion, limited only by prohibitions in law. Here Cowlitz County voters have rejected home rule twice, the last time in 1998 (ironically, the chair of that board was Dennis Weber!)
And then we have conflicts between state and local governments as well as between local governments. Surprisingly, in our American democratic-republic, local government is not mentioned in the U.S. Constitution. The closest it comes is in the 10th Amendment in which powers not delegated to the federal government or prohibited to the states are “reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”
Cowlitz County Dennis Weber County Commissioner,
Commissioners
District 2 For more Weber see page 29
The powers delegated to Congress are pretty specific and limited. The states were left with broad responsibilities to protect the health, safety, welfare, and morals of their residents – often called the Police Powers of the state. In reality, that means almost everything that impacts folks during their ordinary, everyday life (mail delivery excepted). However, the Founding Fathers debated long and hard before adopting the “necessary and proper” clause that granted Congress virtually unlimited powers to do whatever it agreed was “necessary and proper” to carry out the other powers.
When elected officials take office in Washington state, they swear an oath to uphold the Constitutions of both the United States and the state of Washington, as well as laws. They also have an obligation to listen to constituents and to take actions that best represent the public interest as faithfully as they can. It is at best a difficult task, as evidenced by most officials adding onto their oaths a plea for God’s help and guidance.
What oaths, “…so help me God,” the 10th Amendment, Home Rule, and the Dillon Rule have to do with Cowlitz County
County Commissioners are absolutely subject to and some would say paralyzed by their attorney’s opinion as to whether a desired policy is one the state allows. To add a bit more complexity to the matter, County Commissioners can not hired their own attorney. The Washington Constitution requires counties only to use the elected rrosecuting attorney (or their deputies) to interpret the laws. The popularly elected county PA is arguably the most powerful official at the county level. It is even protected under the home rule rules. All other local governments (i.e. cities, diking districts, public ports, PUDs, RFDs, school districts) are required to hire their own legal counsel to help them comply with the Dillon Rule.During the last couple of years, Cowlitz County Commissioners have been at odds with the state of Washington and we have had to back down at every step of the way because of the Dillon Rule. Although Congress delegated the issuance of water quality permits for the Columbia River to the states, it did provide options for when the federal government could intervened. When the Trump administration refused to intervene on the Millennium coal export proposal, they actually became allied with the Inslee regime in sending jobs to Canada, adding more diesel fuel exhaust to the environment, increasing rail congestion hazards to the most populated regions of Washington, and adding collision dangers for killer whales in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. (Remember that as you notice the daily coal unit trains traversing our county on their way to the Canadian export facility in British Columbia.)
Similarly, the Inslee administration prevailed in the Northwest Innovation Works Kalama Methanol proposal, rejected by his Department of Ecology’s all too often changing-of-the-goalposts rulings. The county’s efforts to permit what the governor proclaimed as the safest, most technologically-advanced development he had ever seen (that is before he tried to run for president) didn’t hold up in court. During the COVID pandemic, we also learned about the impact of the Dillon Rule as your Board of County Commissioners often discussed resolutions aimed at counteracting edicts from Olympia
28 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | September 2022
Kelso Longview Business Connection | September 2022 | 29 that were premature and economically disastrous locally. Our chief civil deputy had to constantly advise us to alter language in those resolutions to avoid breaking state law. Those public health edicts from Olympia, however, were somewhat softened by our local health officer as he interpreted those state guidelines.
The current “hot potato” of which the Dillon Rule is “the secret chef” is what to do about Camp Alabama. Not only has Congress appropriated and funded state efforts to address homelessness, federal courts have also intervened with restrictions on law enforcement efforts to protect public health and safety in dealing with the chronic homeless. The state, in turn, has required counties to adopt a 5-year plan to address the problem, established additional funding sources to help counties, and issued guidelines on how to go about getting those severely disabled homeless the treatment they need. The cities of Longview and Kelso have been trying to provide an effective collaboration with the county to address this problem literally for years. Alas, there are at least three sets of local lawyers involved in order to insure that the public officials making the final decisions conform to the Dillon Rule – to say nothing about striking the proper balance reflecting the will of the people.
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Your Chamber Connection radio show, 6pm, KEDO 1270 AM or 9 Kelso Longview Business Connection 2022
Your Chamber Connection radio show, 6pm, KEDO 1270 AM or 99.9 FM sQuatch sQuad, 4pm, Mill City Grill Ribbon Cutting, 11am, Art Renaissance Team Boot Camp Fall Series, 7:30-9am, American Worforce Group Your Chamber Connection radio show, 6pm, KEDO 1270 AM or 99.9 FM Boot Camp Fall Series, 7:30-9am, American Workforce Group
1SEPTEMBER
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Chamber Executive Board, Noon, Mill City Grill Business After Hours, 5:30pm, Lower Columbia
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9 Boot Camp Fall Series, 7:30-9am, American Workforce Group 13
Your Chamber Connection radio show, 6pm, KEDO 1270 AM or 99.9 FM 15 Ribbon Cutting, 1pm, Link Wallace Neighborhood Center 16 Boot Camp Fall Series, 7:30-9am, American Workforce Group Quarterly Membership Luncheon, 11:45am, Kelso Longview Elks Lodge No. 1482 Chamber Board, Noon, Mill City Grill
Your Chamber Connection radio show, 6pm, KEDO 1270 AM or 99.9 FM 8 Lower Columbia Professionals, 4pm, location TBD
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5 Education Foundation, 8:30am, Zoom
12 Ribbon Cutting, 2pm, Family Health Center
Chamber Ambassadors, 7:30am, Canterbury Park
| September
7 Boot Camp Fall Series, 7:30-9am, American Workforce Group 11 Chamber Executive Board, Noon, Mill City Grill Business After Hours, 5:30pm, Frontier Rehabilitation and Extended Care Center
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Longshoremen's Federal Credit Union 14
4OCTOBERRibbon Cutting, 11am, Windermere Northwest Living – Longview
Calendar
5 Labor Day. Chamber and Visitor Center offices closed. 7 Education Foundation, 8:30am, Zoom
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Your Chamber Connection radio show, 6pm, KEDO 1270 AM or 99.9 FM 6 Chamber Ambassadors, 7:30am, Canterbury Park
Your Chamber Connection radio show, 6pm, KEDO 1270 AM or 99.9 FM 13 Lower Columbia Professionals, 4pm, location TBD 14 Boot Camp Fall Series, 7:30-9am, American Workforce Group 18 Chamber Board, Noon, Mill City Grill 19 Your Chamber Connection radio show, 6pm, KEDO 1270 AM or 99.9 FM sQuatch sQuad, 4pm, Mill City Grill 20 Career Exploration Fair, 9:30am-3pm, Cowlitz County Event Center 26
T h a n k Y o u S p o n s o r s !
Sugar Pearl
Island Island Bingo Bingo
32 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | September 2022
Island
Return of Island Bingo
Twenty
David
Mikayl Bristol, American Workforce Group Diane Craft, Koelsch Communities David Futcher, Futcher Group Fran Gehrman, Evergreen Home Loans –Longview West Carrie Medack, Diamond Residential Mortgage Bailey Roberts, Fibre Federal Credit Union Monica Seidl, Cowlitz Wahkiakum Council of Governments
It was a full house for Bingo at the Kelso Longview Elks Lodge No. 1482 and a whole lot of fun! game winners went home with prizes valued at $100 or more. The raffle tables were popular with a variety of items, some valued at $200 and more. Futcher kept a fast pace as he called bingo and raffle winners. The taco bar, prepared by the Elks Lodge, and fresh-baked cookies from The Sugar Pearl Dessert Company, were amazing. Bingo volunteers!
Thank you, Island
Kelso Longview Business Connection | September 2022 | 33
Get the school year off to the best possible start, sign up for a library card. September is Library Card Sign-up Month and the Longview Public Library is celebrating with incredible book clubs, story times, and more. The Incredibles will use their superpowers to remind families, students and people of all ages that signing up for a library card is a great step toward a super lifestyle.
34 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | September 2022 News and events
With a library card you can discover new and exciting worlds. From borrowing audiobooks to streaming movies to talking with virtual professionals about your veteran benefits, there is so much you can access with a library card. Come into the library or visit www. come from our website, press releases, and public information shared with us. To more visit kelsolongviewchamber.org
The City of Longview is pleased to announce Sabrina Fraidenburg will join the executive team as the human resources director, beginning September 15. Fraidenburg brings 12 years of human resources experience, the last seven with Cowlitz County, most recently as their human resources director and has a wealth of experience in labor relations, workforce planning and policy and benefitFraidenburgadministration.wasborn and raised locally and returned to Castle Rock after attending the University of Washington. Fraidenburg commented, “I am honored to join the team at the City of Longview. I am excited to continue to work with employees, labor partners, and the community to build upon the environment at the City and make a positive difference.”
Providing free access to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) programs, educational apps, virtual homework help and career support, a library card is one of the most cost-effective back-to-school supplies available. Library Card Sign-up Month is a time to highlight the supportive role libraries and librarians play in transforming lives and communities through education. Studies show that children who are read to in the home and who use the library perform better in school and are more likely to continue to utilize libraries as a source of lifelong learning.
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“I am extremely pleased to announce Sabrina Fraidenburg as the City of Longview’s human resources director,” stated City Manager Kurt Sacha. “Sabrina has a proven track record of collaborative leadership and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in human resources management. I am delighted to have Sabrina on board and look forward to working with her as a member of team Longview.”
News & Events
September is library card sign-up month
For more News see page 35 Your Locally Owned and CommunityOperatedBank There’s a Difference. • Checking, Savings and CDs • Business Loans • Construction Loans • SBA Loans 729 Vandercook Way, Longview (360) 414-4101 www.twincitybank.com
City of Longview welcomes Fraidenburg as new human resources director
Throughout the cleanup effort, the City will be working together with other community organizations to help prevent people from dispersing throughout the community and to mitigate the potential for infectious disease spread.
The City property on Alabama Street where homeless individuals reside has been declared a state of public health emergency by the Longview City Council. By declaring a state of emergency on homelessness, the City will have more administrative authority and flexibility in contracting for services and allocating resources in response to the homelessness crisis. Addressing this crisis requires local government and community organizations to come together and find solutions.
News from page 34 Kelso Longview Business Connection | September 2022 | 35 longviewlibrary.org/librarycards.php to get your card today.
Alabama Street camp clean up begins
The City will allow people who are living unsheltered or in the encampment to move to an adjacent city-owned property. These individuals will be asked to set up their tents with at least 12 feet by12 feet of space per individual.
care for everyone peacehealth.org
Cleanup efforts will begin immediately. Camp occupants will be offered shelter and other services and notified in advance of clean up actions. The camp will be tagged for cleanup, which is formal notice to vacate and remove personal property within a specific amount of time. The camp will be scheduled for cleanup to remove any property or debris left behind. Police officers respond with the cleanup crew to help protect the safety of all involved, to ensure that any occupants of the encampment have vacated, and to issue trespass warnings if they do not leave. The City of Longview does not consider being homeless a crime. Cleanup efforts are intended to help maintain public health and safety for all, including those without stable housing.
The City of Longview is establishing a process for monitoring and cleaning up city-owned property on Alabama Street currently occupied by homeless individuals. This work is coordinated by the Longview Police Department, in collaboration with other City departments and homeless service providers.
The City offers a number of direct services for those living at the encampment, including garbage dumpsters, portable toilets and handwashing stations. Simply allocating additional City resources will not produce the long-term solutions we need. As we work to assess and measure our local crisis, and outline next steps, we will continue to strengthen our ability to seamlessly work with partners.
diamond tennis bracelets
John Edmunds and KC Blackburn, The Jewelers Bench, with a tray of Eric McCrandall, Family Health Center, and Toni Cooper, Foster Farms
36 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | September 2022
Antidote provided a variety of beverages on this hot summer evening
Marlene Johanson, Heritage Bank, enjoys the balloon pop by
Elegant hors d’oeuvres
Kelso Longview Business Connection | September 2022 | 37
The Gifted Kitchen Business After Hours at The Jewelers Bench was a golden opportunity for networking! Attendees enjoyed catering by The Gifted Kitchen, drinks by Antidote and a balloon pop game with prizes. There were 13 raffle items and many included fine gemstone earrings created by The Jewelers Bench. Hosted by The Jewelers Bench Business After Hours Crystal Garrison, Fibre Federal Credit Union, and Heather Gawlick, Shinju Dojo
Tuesday, September 13 5:30 to 7:30pm Lower Columbia Longshoremen’s Federal Credit Union 629 14th Avenue, Longview • Catering and drinks by Summerland Catering • Raffles $15 in advance | $20 at the door Ticke ts available atwww.kelsolongviewchamber.orgat360-423-8400BusinessAfterHoursNETWORKWITHUS!NETWORKWITHUS!
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 - 3 Issues 4-7 Issues 8-10 Issues 12 Issues Dimensions 1/16 Page $110 $90 $70* $50* 2" x 2.5" 1/8 Page $175 $140 $105* $75* 4" x 2.5" 1/4 Page $205 $170 $140* $100* 4" x 5.25" 1/2 Page $325 $290 $245* $190* 4" x 10.5" (vert) or 8" x 5.25" (hor) Full Page $625 $570 $480* $400* 8" x 10.5" *Includes ad on website) All ads include full color and any design work. Deadline is the 21st of the month prior to publication. Digital files: PDF is preferred. JPEG accepted at high resolution (at least 300 dpi). Non-Members of the Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce, please add 30% to above rates. To advertise or request additional information, please call at 360-423-8400 or contact: CEO Bill Marcum bmarcum@kelsolongviewchamber.org Project Manager Julie Rinard jrinard@kelsolongviewchamber.org Business Connection Advertising Rates Advertising Agreement Date:______________ Business Name: Phone: ____________________________ Contact Name: Cell: Address: Zip Email: Fax: Number of Issues Invoice Credit Card Check Plus Web Ad: 300W X 100H. Ads can be changed monthly. Signature__________________________________ Ad Rep Signature___________________________ 360-423-8400 www.kelsolongviewchamber.org Effective January, 2022
40 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | September 2022 Ribbon Cuttings Welcome New Member Strum Homes Welcome New Member Big Dog Janitorial, Inc. Thank you to duringcuttingparticipatedAmbassadorsthesewhoinribboncelebrationsAugust! DeDe Brill PeaceHealth Josh Carter KLOG-KUKN-The Blitz Diane Craft Koelsch Communities Crystal Garrison Fibre Federal Credit Union Fran Gehrman Evergreen Home Loans –Longview West Joy Klein Columbia Bank Nick Lemiere Edward Jones Eric McCrandall Family Health Center Carrie Medack Diamond Residential Mortgage Bailey Roberts Fibre Federal Credit Union
Ribbon Cuttings Welcome New Member Gotcha Covered Apparel and More Kelso Longview Business Connection | September 2022 | 41 Welcome New Member Edward Jones – Roy Gawlick
Only Two Months Available in 2023 If you been thinking about hosting a Business After Hours don’t wait too long! We only have four months available in 2023. Contact the Chamber at 360 423 8400 or jrinard@kelsolongviewchamber.orgemail January 10: Total Employment and Management (TEAM) February 21: Three Rivers Law Center March 14: Windermere Northwest Living – Longview April 11: Cowlitz Wahkiakum Legal Aid May 9: Foster Farms 25th Celebration June 13: available July 11: Mary Cranston, LLC August 8: Cowlitz Indian Tribe September 12: Northwest Enforcement October 10: Edward Jones – Roy Gawlick November 14: available December 12: Holiday Mixer 2023
1413LONGVIEWCommerce3605759804 1530CENTRALIAS.GoldSt.3608071211 Shop Local
