November-December 2010 by Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce

Chamber NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2010

News

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m e r 3 rd a C b Third Annual S cem ge 12 E a C ha e R p mber CA st - D See 1 r Novembe

Advancing the business community.

Contents

November/December 2010

12-13

Volume 38 • Number 6 • November/December 2010 1101 Broadway, Suite 100

Vancouver, WA 98660

360-694-2588

yourchamber@vancouverusa.com www.vancouverusa.com

ChamberNews (USPS 008786) is published bi-monthly by the Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, 1101 Broadway, Suite 100, Vancouver, WA 98660. Tel. 360-694-2588, Fax 360-693-8279. ChamberNews annual subscription is $25. Periodicals postage paid at Vancouver, WA. Postmaster: Send all address changes to ChamberNews, 1101 Broadway, Suite 100, Vancouver, WA 98660 This publication is dedicated to providing Chamber business news, educating the reader, and providing critical comment.

Departments & Columns

Third Annual Chamber Cares Campaign

From the Chair

From the PAC-Chair

From the CEO

$20 per ticket

Buy 5 get the 6th one free



First Things First: Thank You! By Kelly Parker, GVCC President & CEO

Business Almanac

 

November/December 2010 • Advancing the Business Community. • www.vancouverusa.com

Member Spotlight:

Share: Serving the Hungry & Homeless

A Qualified Sick Pay Plan is a Must for Business Owners

Member Services:

• Member News

• New Members

• Renewing Members

• November Calendar

• December Calendar

FOR TICKETS: www.vancouverusa.com (360) 694-2588

OFFICIAL RULES: All proceeds go to the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce You DO NOT have to be present to win Drawing will be held on February 14, 2011

We Asked, You Answered! By Don Russo, Public Affairs Committee Chair

Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation2 unrestricted tickets good anywhere Alaska Airlines flies, including Hawaii. (required by 39 U.S.C. 3685) of ChamberNews for Nov. 09 ChamberNews is published 6 times per year by the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce. General business offices of the publisher are located at 1101 Broadway, Suite 100, Vancouver, WA 98660-3319. Publisher: Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce; Editor: Gina Bacon, Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, 1101 Broadway, Suite 100, Vancouver, WA 986603319. Owner is Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, Vancouver, WA 98660-3319. The extent and nature of circulation is Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce members and local businesses. Known bondholders, mortgagees, and other security holders owning or holding 1 percent or more of the total amount of bonds, mortgages, or other securities: None. The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes have not changed during the preceding 12 months. The average number of copies of each issue during the preceding 12 months are: a. Total Number of Copies Printed: 500. b. Paid and/or Requested Circulation: 1. Paid/Requested Outside-County Mail Subscriptions Stated on Form 3541: 173. 2. Paid In-County Subscriptions: 1,143. 3. Sales through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Non-USPS Paid Distribution: None. 4. Other Classes Mailed through the USPS: None. c. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation: 500. d. Free Distribution by Mail: None. e. Free Distribution Outside the

A New Year By Jeff Woodside, GVCC Board Chair

• Ribbon Cuttings

Thank You!

G R E A T E R VA N C O U V E R C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E

Centerpiece and Gift Sponsors: 1. Big Alâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2. Clark Public Utilities 3. Columbia Bank 4. Columbia Credit Union 5. Costco 6. Duggan Schlotfeldt & Welch PLLC 7. First Independent 8. Glenwood Place Senior Living 9. Holland Inc./Burgerville 10. HomeStreet Bank 11. Legacy Health System 12. Nutter Corporation 13. Pacific Continental Bank 14. Prestige Development 15. Riverview Bank 16. Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt 17. Vancouver Symphony Orchestra 18. Walmart

Special thanks to: Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, David Nierenberg, Michael Lampson, Scott Milam, Courtney Peebles, Tatum Schroeder, Taylor Gainer and Paparazzi Tonight

Presenting Sponsors:

Supporting Sponsor:

Chair

From the

Jeff Woodside Nutter Corporation Chair, Board of Directors Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce

A New Year

any changes are happening at your Chamber.

We have new leadership with the hiring of Kelly Parker as our new president and CEO. Kelly has completed her last gig and comes to us with new ideas and aspirations. Please join me in welcoming her into the GVCC fold. She is currently getting her feet wet (very wet) and finding her way at the Chamber, already joining in on the action at the October Big Al’s No Business After Hours in a red beehive wig! Kelly is filling the well-shined shoes of former GVCC president Kim Capoloto, who has accepted a new challenge with Riverview Community Bank. Best of luck, Kim. There is no doubt you will be very successful! The Chamber itself has been going through many changes. Even though it is a tough business world out there, the Chamber has added many new and exciting programs recently including “No Business After Hours,” a beefed up “Retro” Labor and Industries program, a new group health program for small businesses, and a Charitable Giving Campaign (that starts again in November), just to mention a few new opportunities. These programs & events, in addition to such regular happenings as ribbon cuttings, monthly “Business after hours,” advocacy on behalf of business, community event participation & partnering with other organizations, and weekly “Leeds and Needs” small business networking meetings help to make our Chamber a local and state leader. Membership is truly one of the most important investments you can make for your business, your employees, your community, your family, and for yourself. I look forward to helping lead our Chamber through the remainder of 2010 and into 2011. I welcome your input and participation in the next 12 months. Together, we can be a powerful voice for our community!

PAC-Chair

From the

Don Russo Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt Public Affairs Committee Chair Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce

We Asked, You Answered!

When asked to help us rank the GVCC’s 2011 legislative priorities, members responded enthusiastically. Thank you all for taking the time to help us in our efforts to stand up for Southwest Washington businesses in Olympia, here in Clark County, and at the national level. The mission of the GVCC Public Affairs Committee is to provide a means through which the Chamber acts on local, state and federal government issues. We strive to maintain good working relationships with local elected officials, creating a favorable and positive business climate. YOU, our members, play a critical role in the implementation of the Chamber’s long-standing influence in the public affairs arena. Together, we make a difference. Similar to last year, members ranked legislative issues in the following order (based on highest rankings per issue): #1 Jobs Creation & Economic Development #2 Columbia River Crossing #3 Health Insurance (Availability & Cost) #4 Higher Ed Funding With regard to the CRC, our Board Members have set aside time in the evenings to attend local government council meetings to express our support for the project. While our local elected officials do not have authority to set tolls, we believe it is critical that they hear from continues on page 10

November/December 2010 • Advancing the Business Community. • www.vancouverusa.com

CEO

From the

Kelly Parker President & CEO Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce

First Things First: Thank You!

appreciate the warm Chamber welcome and I look forward to working with you! In my first three weeks on the job I have set several goals; learn the workings of the Chamber organization, understand the programs and benefits we provide, begin developing the key relationships with our exceptionally bright and talented staff and make myself available to you, our members, to hear your input on how the Chamber can best help you. I want to share with you some of the results of our Chamber survey two weeks ago. About 45% of our businesses reported their sales/clients show to be slightly improved over last year. 25% of our businesses reported no change and about 30% have seen a decline over last year. Where do you fit in the pie chart? We want to know. In asking what is your most pressing business issue, you ranked sales and marketing number one and two (tie). Regulation was ranked as number three followed closely by retention, financing and training. When asked what is the most important benefit you receive from the Chamber, businesses ranked networking and community involvement as the top two priorities. As part of networking you acknowledged the importance of the referrals online received from the Membership Directory. When the Chamber asked members to prioritize public affairs issues, businesses in rapid fire fashion told us their top three priorities are jobs, economic development and the I-5 Bridge Crossing. As you know, the Chamber strongly supports these top three priorities. Building the bridge will generate 16,000 direct construction and development jobs during its six year construction phase and 11,000 indirect jobs. By increasing capacity and making improvements we make it a safer bridge that we can rely on to transport goods and move people. With no action, we will place a chokehold on future economic growth. I believe a robust public discussion is necessary when investing in a project of this magnitude. continues on page 10

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Featured!

he GVCC’s new Member Benefit, WhoCanHelp.com was featured recently in the Vancouver Business Journal. Read all about it here: http://vbjusa.com/ stories/2010-10-22/virtually_ unique.html

correspondence to yourchamber@ vancouverusa.com or call Gina Bacon, communications manager, 360-567-1056.

Fall & Winter 2010 – 2011 GVCC Big Events (SAVE THESE DATES!)

n Business After Hours: November 16, 5 to 7 p.m., Place Senior Living Friday, December 17, 7-9 a.m. n Glenwood Business After Hours: The Hilton Vancouver December 14, 5 to 7 p.m., Five Star Auto Body 301 West 6th Street,Vancouver, Washington 98660 n Legislative Outlook Breakfast: Identity Clark County, the Columbia River Economic Development WhoCanHelp lets consumers who need December 17, 7 to 9 a.m., a service post their needs online forCouncil and The Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce present Hilton Vancouver a breakfast with Washington state elected officials in a question and free, using their zip code. Subscribing n Shop Local Business Showcase 1 Jobs Creation Economic answer& panel format. businesses are notified instantly by (and Business After Hours): Development email or smart phone text message of Legislators the 15th, River 17th, 18th and 49th legislative districts will February 22, 4 to 7 p.m., 2 from Columbia Crossing on the 2010 session and address the audience. local service requests, and can reply offer their3 thoughts Red Lion Vancouver Health Insurance with a bid. ICC (Availability & present Cost) their 2011 business priorities. The GVCC, and CREDC will Higher Ed Funding ■ This4 event is an important tool in advocacy on your behalf.To register or to get more details for From divorce attorneys and CPAs GVCC events: online www.vancouto sheep shearers and repairmen, Pre-registration is required. Cost $30. verusa.com, click on Registration/ or call then Chamber Events and the WhoCanHelp CEO Carl Hicks saidRegister at www.vancouverusa.com, click on Events/RegistrationEvents, (360) 694-2588. his website is unique in the breadth event date, or call (360) 694-2588. ■ of services it covers. Questions for the legislators? E-mail Friday, them to questions@vancouverusa.com December 17, 7-9 a.m. by December 15. According to Hicks, the site provides Presented By: three crucial pieces of information that help connect businesses and consumers: when the job can be done, how much it will cost and the reputation hank you of the service provider. ■ to the Kirkwood Family and the staff at Hilton Vancouver Washington Big Al’s for a 301 West 6th St., Vancouver very successful dentity Clark County, the Columbia No Business River Economic Development CounAfter Hours cil and The Greater Vancouver Chamon October 26! ber of Commerce present a breakfast Thank you for with Washington state elected officials hank you, members, for taking your hard work, in a question and answer panel format. ingenuity and the time to respond to our online Legislators from the 15th, 17th, 18th survey. We received 200 responses, an their investment and 49th legislative districts will offer excellent response rate of about 20 perin our Chamber their thoughts on the 2010 session and cent. The GVCC Public Affairs ComCommunity. mittee and Board of Directors is prepar- address the audience. The GVCC, ICC Once Again, Big and CREDC will present their 2011 ing for the upcoming 2011 legislative Al’s proves to be an expert in putting business priorities. This event is an session and joint legislative agenda on a party and having fun! Thank you important tool in advocacy on your be- also to our media sponsor The Columwith Identity Clark County and the half. Pre-registration is required. Cost Columbia River Economic Developbian and to our GVCC Ambassadors $30. Register at www.vancouverusa. ment Council. Mid-session, GVCC and many volunteers for helping to com, click on Events/Registration or leadership will travel to Olympia to make this event one of the best ever. call (360) 694-2588. Questions for the speak out on behalf of members and Thank you from all of us at the legislators? E-mail them to questions@ the local business community. Please Chamber! ■ vancouverusa.com by December 15. ■ continue to provide feedback! Send

Legislative Outlook Breakfast!

2011 Legislative Priorities Survey Results

Thank you for a Monster of a Bash!

November/December 2010 • Advancing the Business Community. • www.vancouverusa.com

New Feature Films!

he Vancouver Business Journal has launched a new business spotlight feature: “Meet Your Neighbors.” Congrats to member We’ve Got Your Back Chiropractic on their star performance. Check it out here: http://www.vimeo. com/vbj ■

Clark County COMMUNITY PRIDE Design Awards

ecognizing outstanding projects that enhance the livability of the community and demonstrate quality. For additional information contact Désirée de Monyé at (360) 397-2375 ext. 4165. ■

Shop Chamber, Support Local Business!

Friday, November 5, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Ceremony starts at 3:00 p.m. Clark County Public Service Center Sixth-floor hearing room 1300 Franklin St., Vancouver

GIF Business Links is a new program to highlight member businesses (two new locations every Friday). Stop by and support your fellow members! Watch Facebook & Twitter for weekly updates! ■

Banking on Your Terms

Veterans Job Fair Thursday, Nov. 4 from 9 a.m. to noon Clark College Gaiser Hall, 1933 Ft. Vancouver Way.

mployers from Cowlitz and Clark Counties with job openings will participate. For more information or to register as a participating employer, call 360-696-8417 or go to www.go2worksource.com ■

Got news?

end your announcements and business news to GVCC communications manager Gina Bacon at gbacon@vancouverusa.com. Include photos and contact information. Member news is shared via Facebook, weekly bulletins & our bi-monthly newsletter. ■

Kristy Weaver, Sr. V.P. SW Washington Team Leader Vancouver

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12/9/08 3:04:19 PM November/December 2010 • Advancing the Business Community. • www.vancouverusa.com 7

Vancouver Chamber Newsletter ~ 7.5 X 5 ~ 4C ~ January Insertion ~ Kristy Weaver

Services

Member

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Spotlight

Share: Serving The Hungry & Homeless

or more than 30 years, Share has been a life-line for thousands of individuals and families seeking stability. Our services provide people with the tools—temporary housing, transitional housing, meal programs, access to employment training, counseling, as well as referrals to mental health and drug treatment programs—so that they may build a new life, resulting in a better place for us all to live, work and look toward the future. Share’s programs cover the continuum of issues facing those that are hungry, homeless or low-income. We operate four shelters for the homeless (1,397 individuals, including 276 children, sheltered in 2009), a transitional housing program (called ASPIRE, serving an average of 125 homes each month), case management programs, a street outreach program (serving 1,400 annually) and provide 105,000+ daily meals for the homeless and low-income members of the community through our Hot Meals Program. Share also operates a summer meals program (called SummerSLAM, serving 630 children) for low-income children and a backpack program now benefitting 900 children at 34 schools with food for weekends to children

receiving free or reduced-fee lunches. Additionally, Share’s Individual Development Account (IDA) program is designed to help people save money for a future asset – like a down payment on a home, starting a business, pursuing higher education or purchasing a car or computer; the program also assists in the improvement of credit scores, financial education and financial management. While the needs of our clients span the entire year, the holidays remain a vital time for our community to reach out to those in need. Share’s Holiday Cheer Program invites indi¬viduals and businesses to adopt-a-family at one of Share’s shelters or from our transitional housing program. And Share hosts an annual Holiday Party, which is free and open to the public. We also distribute more than 400 food boxes to Share’s transitional housing clients for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. In 2009, the Holiday Cheer Program served 2,623 people, handed out 15,036 gifts and helped 578 families through Adopt-a-Family. It is through the generosity of our community that Share, its employees and volunteers, can positively impact the lives of thousands

November/December 2010 • Advancing the Business Community. • www.vancouverusa.com

We also distribute more than 400 food boxes to Share’s transitional housing clients for both Thanksgiving and Christmas.

of people during the holiday season. We welcome new gifts for both the Adopt-aFamily Program and Holiday Party. A complete list of items needed is available on-line at www.sharevancouver.org. Donations of cash and gift cards to local grocery stores are needed to purchase turkeys and other perishable food items. Unwrapped gifts should be delivered to: Share Service Center, 2306 NE Andresen Road. All donations are truly appreciated and will sincerely brighten the lives of men, women and children in our community. n

Services

Member

A Qualified Sick Pay Plan is a Must for Business Owners By Malcolm Beard, Financial Services Professional

he major overhaul to the healthcare system being championed by the Federal Government will have far reaching and dramatic changes to how business owners look at providing healthcare and benefits to their employees. The first step every business owner should take when providing any benefits to their staff is to draft a Qualified Sick Pay Plan. If an employer waits until a disability occurs, precedence is set when that employee receives money from the company. A Qualified Sick Pay Plan is a powerful tool for any business owner. There are some major disadvantages to an employer and employee if there is not a Qualified Sick Pay Plan (QSPP) in place when an employee becomes disabled, whether by sickness or injury. If a QSPP is not established before a disability occurs and an employee becomes disabled and the employer chooses to pay the employee while disabled then there are some negative ramifications to how the “wages” are treated by the IRS: • Not a business expense • Not tax-deductible and thus; • FICA taxes are not deductible These rules also apply to a selfemployed or sole proprietor, which is important if your business income comes from a passive source like rentals or non-active franchises.

Under Section 105 a QSPP enables your firm to determine who will be paid, how much compensation they will receive and for what duration this income will last. With a QSPP in place an employer can compensate a disabled employee and both parties can retain all of the advantages of an employer and employee relationship when it comes to qualified income. Most employers decide to transfer the risk to an insurance company, which has its own advantages. When an employer transfers the risk to an insurance company the employer gains: • Payments to disabled are handled by insurer, not the employer • Insurance company will determine claims, not the employer • Premiums are fully deductible as necessary business expense • Helps attract and retain employees A QSPP must be in effect before the occurrence of a disability; a wait-and-see approach can put an employer and employee in a situation in which an employer’s only choice is to sever the relationship with the employee. If an employer severs a relationship with an employee due to disability, the legal ramifications can be devastating. Malcolm Beard is a financial services professional who independently services Portland and Vancouver businesses and individuals on insurance strategies and employee benefits. Malcom may be reached at 503-542-9405 or email mbeard@finsvcs.com ■

Malcolm Beard

With a QSPP in place an employer can compensate a disabled employee and both parties can retain all of the advantages of an employer and employee relationship.

November/December 2010 • Advancing the Business Community. • www.vancouverusa.com

From CEO Cont... continued from page 5

As vested members of the community, we need to know how we’re spending our money. To do that, we need to be willing to take the time to learn the facts. So, as the Chamber supports building the bridge, we will also take a lead in asking the challenging questions without delaying the process. We want this to move forward. Our members have told us clearly for four consecutive years that we need to build a bridge for our short term and long term economic vitality. Like remodeling a bathroom or building a house, this project will be at times messy and stressful. But it’s critically important. The Chamber wants to be your advocate in this process and help amplify your voice. GVCC leadership will return to Olympia in 2011 during the legislative session to again take this message to Gov. Gregoire and our elected officials.

connect with you, I want to publically thank Kim Capeloto for his leadership and his high octane energy at the Chamber these past two years. He has been a great help to me personally in this transition. My track shoes are on, I’m ready to grab the baton and run! ■

From PAC-Chair Cont... continued from page 4

local businesses that see the value in planning for our economic future and the need to build a new bridge now.

Building the bridge now will provide a huge boon to our local economy in terms of construction jobs. Building now sustains mobility. We all suffer when trucks engaged in interstate commerce sit in stalled traffic while the only lift span bridge on the I-5 corridor engages for passage of a sailboat. Building a new bridge and several interchanges now Finally, in this, my first opportunity to will benefit all of us in many ways. The CRC columbian CHAMBER AD 3-9-10 7x5.35 ~ cB

area currently has more accidents per vehicle than any other stretch of highway in the states of Oregon and Washington. This bridge is an investment in our future. No one I know wants to pay tolls but it is clear that we need a safe and reliable way to travel over the river. The CRC tells us that 70% of traffic gets on and off the bridge within five interchanges of the Columbia River. Studies also show that virtually all of the most recent federally funded bridge crossings in this country (Delaware Water Gap Crossing Interstate 80; Lewisville (North Texas) Toll Bridge; Raleigh North Carolina Interstate 85 Bridge); required a local match or tolls. As a Chamber, we will continue to press on our federal elected officials to provide the best funding package possible to make sure our share is a fair share. If you have feedback on this project or questions we can address,

continues on page 22

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November/December 2010 • Advancing the Business Community. • www.vancouverusa.com

GVCC Ambassador Holiday Giving Breakfast

Friday, December 3rd, 7:30-9 a.m.

Pre-registered: $30 members/$40 non-members ● At the door: $35 members/$45 non-members

The Heathman Lodge

7801 NE Greenwood Dr. ● Vancouver, Washington 98662 Breakfast Highlights: Breakfast Highlights: Photos by Paparazzi Tonight Photos by Tonight Evergreen Paparazzi High School chorale performance Evergreen HighIngram, SchoolDirector, chorale performance Keynote: Rob Office of Keynote speaker Youth Violence Prevention, City of PDX 50/50 50/50 raffle raffle Ambassador Ambassador of of the the year Year recognition recognition Santa Santa Claus Claus and and more! more! Chamber CARES Fund: With over sixty 501(c)(3) member nonprofits, the GVCC I is rallying its membership to offer support. The goal: $20,000. The Chamber Cares giving campaign begins Monday, Nov. 1 and lasts all day, every day until Dec. 3, 2010. To donate: Online at www.vancouverusa.com Call (360) 694-2588 and pay by phone Fill out a pledge card at GVCC events To donate or register for the breakfast, please call (360) 694-2588 or visit www.vancouverusa.com, click on Events/Registration.

Presenting Sponsor:

November/December 2010 • Advancing the Business Community. • www.vancouverusa.com

GVCC Announces Third Annual

Chamber Cares Campaign Effort benefits more than 50 member nonprofit organizations

November 1st Thru December 3rd

ere at Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce (GVCC) we are proud to serve more than 60 nonprofit (501(c)3) members. These organizations are critical to the community’s vitality and long-term health. It is with this in mind, as well as our mission to positive business leadership that results in economic vitality for member businesses and organizations, their employees and our community.

The campaign is an excellent way to give back to the community. One hundred percent of proceeds go directly to member nonprofits, and all donations are 100 percent tax deductible. Businesses can donate in the name of their employees, clients or colleagues. If you are planning on making a donation for the holidays, please consider this fund.

For the third year in a row we are proud to launch our annual “Chamber Cares” giving campaign benefitting nonprofit members. The month-long campaign kicks off Monday, Nov. 1, 2010 and culminates Fri., Dec. 3, 2010 at the GVCC Ambassador Holiday Giving Breakfast sponsored by US Digital at the Heathman Lodge, 7:30-9 a.m.

Many ways to donate:

• In-person at the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce 1101 Broadway, Suite 100 in downtown Vancouver • Online at www.vancouverusa.com • Call 360-694-2588 and pay over the phone • Donate at any Chamber event!

November/December 2010 • Advancing the Business Community. • www.vancouverusa.com

I’ve had the opportunity to share the work of Community Services Northwest with Chamber members – and also to get some excellent leads for services that I needed. I think our Chamber is vibrant, well organized and a great asset to the non-profit community.

~ Kathy Deschner, Director of Development, Community Services Northwest

The Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce is leading the way toward long-term business prosperity. Our nonprofit members are critical to this effort.

The Chamber’s Strategic Focus areas are: n Member Services – Business members are the backbone of the Chamber. To serve you well, we will continuously research, develop and enrich these services, always seeking programs integral to your business success. n Advocacy – A successful business community participates in the larger community, ensuring the business perspective is at the forefront of any community conversation. Our clear goal is decision making which serves the greater, long term goal of the overall community. n Community Building – Collaboration builds a stronger organization and a stronger community. The Chamber is continually seeking out alliances with community partners, avoiding duplication of efforts. We are focused on the future of our community, actively engaged in supporting actions and solutions that will result in a brighter, more prosperous future. The future of the regional business community is closely linked to these focus areas. Through its broad membership base, reflecting Greater Vancouver’s diverse business and civic community, the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce advocates sound, sensible, and dynamic policies that ensure a vital economic climate while improving Vancouver’s infrastructure and quality of life.

November/December 2010 • Advancing the Business Community. • www.vancouverusa.com

2 unrestricted tickets good anywhere Alaska Airlines flies, including Hawaii.

$20 per ticket

Buy 5 get the 6th one free

FOR TICKETS: www.vancouverusa.com (360) 694-2588



 

OFFICIAL RULES: All proceeds go to the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce You DO NOT have to be present to win Drawing will be held on February 14, 2011 14

November/December 2010 • Advancing the Business Community. • www.vancouverusa.com

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Vancouver Pizza 2219 Main St Vancouver, WA 98661

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We’ve Got Your Back Chiropractic

104 Grand Blvd., Suite 102 Vancouver, WA 98661

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         

           

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       

Already Signed Up for Your WhoCanHelp.com Account? Email: ads@whocanhelp.com Or Call 888-4HOUCAN (494-6226) To Get Your Ads Online TODAY!

Welcome To Our New Board Member!

Tim Schauer

embers recently voted Tim Schauer of MacKay & Sposito to a threeyear position on the Chamber’s Board of Directors. Tim has also served for some

14313 NE 20th Ave., Suite A-114 Vancouver, WA 98686

time as a member of the GVCC Public Affairs Committee. Thank you, Tim for your leadership and service to the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce and the Southwest Washington Business Community! ■

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November/December 2010 • Advancing the Business Community. • www.vancouverusa.com

Services

Member

Member News Members on the Move

■ Houck & Associates, P.C., is pleased to announce Julius Agbayani has become licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in Washington. Julius has been a valued member of the tax and accounting department of Houck & Associates, P.C., since joining the firm in 2007. Originally from the Philippines, he started his education in Hawaii. He received his B.A. in Business Administration, with emphasis in accounting, graduating Cum Laude from WSU in 2006. Mr. Agbayani is a certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor. ■ Cara Cantonwine has joined the Fort Vancouver National Trust as its new Director of Programs beginning November 8. Cantonwine will produce all Celebrate Freedom programs including Independence Day at Fort Vancouver, Flag Day at Fort Vancouver, Veterans Parade at Fort Vancouver, two Marshall Leadership Award programs and the Marshall Lecture Series. ■ Columbia Credit Union announces the hiring of Sue Holladay as Home Loan Officer. As part of the credit union’s home loans team, Holladay’s responsibilities will focus on growing Columbia’s mortgage market share by serving members, generating mortgage lending opportunities, and managing a business development network in the local real estate industry.

Making Headlines ■ Westfield Vancouver recently announced plans for a comprehensive remodel of the 950,000 square-foot center including the addition of a high quality theater operator. Construction is expected to begin in January 2011. “The growth of Clark County remains very strong and this type of investment provides a new look, new energy and new opportunity to keep up with retailer demand as well as benefit our loyal customers who rely on us for a quality shopping experience” said Paige Allen, Westfield Vancouver General Manager.

Member Events ■ Don’t Miss EOCF’s fifth annual fall friend/fund raiser, “Pinot, Piano &

Panache.” This event will be held on Friday, Nov. 5 at the Hilton in downtown Vancouver from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Reservations are on sale online (www. eocfwa.org) now through Nov. 2 for $35 or at the door for $40. This year’s event will feature live music by Grammynominated musician Patrick Lamb, wine tasting from Rusty Grape Vineyard, appetizers, chocolate tasting, a silent auction, a wine wall, and several raffle prizes. Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey and EOCF Board Member and iQ Credit Union Business Development Manager Wayne Clemetson will serve as emcees for the evening. iQ Credit Union and First Independent are gold sponsors. Regional leaders with the Internal Revenue Service and Health and Human Services will bring you the latest information on how newly approved tax credits and newly enacted health care programs can help you. Please bring your questions and concerns. ■ On Thursday, Nov. 4, Clark College geology professor Dr. Charlene Montierth will launch the college’s 2010-2011 Faculty Speaker Series with a presentation on geologic risks in the Dr. Charlene region, why we face these Montierth hazards and what we can do to mitigate them. The event, which is free and open to the public, is titled “Volcanoes and Earthquakes and Tsunamis, Oh My: Living on a (Tectonic) Edge.” It will be held from 4-5:30 p.m. in Foster Auditorium on Clark’s main campus. Clark College is located at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver. Driving directions and parking maps are available at www.clark.edu/maps ■ The Fort Vancouver National Trust has announced that the 24th annual Celebrate Freedom Veterans Parade at Fort Vancouver presented by the Lough Legacy begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 6 with the firing of Howitzers on the parade ground of the Fort Vancouver National Site. This Department of Defense sanctioned annual parade is organized by The Fort Vancouver National Trust as one of its

November/December 2010 • Advancing the Business Community. • www.vancouverusa.com

Celebrate Freedom programs. For additional parade information visit www. FortVan.org or call the Trust, 360-992-1809. New parade route: As in years past, the parade will begin at the east end of Officers Row at the corner of Evergreen DS&W ChamberNews 07:DS&W ChamberNews continues on page 17 [ BUSINESS AGREEMENTS ]

LEGAL MATTERS.

BEFORE YOU SIGN, BE WELL ADVISED. There’s nothing standard about so-called “standard agreements”, contracts and documents. They’re difficult to read, harder to understand. Ask a legal professional from Duggan, Schlotfeldt & Welch to review your documents. Our attorneys have extensive experience in drafting and negotiating business agreements of all kinds, including contracts, construction agreements, leases, employment contracts, sales agreements and corporate documents. Don’t be sorry you signed on the dotted line. Call Duggan, Schlotfeldt & Welch when you and your business are looking for exceptional legal advice.

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4/30

Boulevard and East Reserve Street. Unlike previous years, the parade will not go downtown to Esther Short Park. This year, the parade route will take place entirely on the Fort Vancouver National Site. After going west along Officers Row, the parade will turn south at the traffic circle and proceed onto Fort Vancouver Way through the Vancouver Barracks, turn east onto Fifth Street, pass the reconstructed Fort Vancouver and end at the Pearson Air Museum. “Honoring the Buffalo Soldiers’ Service at Vancouver Barracks” is the theme of this year’s parade. In April 1899, soldiers from Company B of the Twenty-fourth U.S. Infantry Regiment arrived at Vancouver Barracks. This marked the first time in the history of the post that a unit from one of the Army’s four African American regiments, known as Buffalo Soldiers, comprised the post’s regular garrison of troops.

■ Business leaders and employees members awarded for excellence In recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the Clark County Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board and the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce recently announced winners from ninth annual awards ceremony honoring Clark County’s employers and employees. The Dennis Campbell Outstanding Service award was given to James Carter from Walmart for his ongoing commitment to improving the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities through mentoring and training. The 2010 Large Private Employer of the Year award was given to Northwest Natural Products for its outstanding commitment to hiring individuals with developmental disabilities. Henderson & Henderson , a local accounting firm, received the small Private Employer of the Year award for their many years of hiring individuals with developmental disabilities. The Public Employer of the Year award for 2010 was presented to Vancouver – Clark Parks & Recreation. Glenn Nickelson, an employee at the Salmon Creek Fred Meyer, was honored as 2010 Employee of the Year. For more information about Clark County’s employment services for individuals with developmental disabilities, please visit: http://gis.clark. wa.gov/applications/commserv/index. cfm?fuseaction=employment

tickets, visit their website at www. dreambigc.org. Dinner will be included in the price of the ticket. All tickets must be purchased by Monday, Nov. 8, 2010. Dream Big Community Center is a 501c3, private non-profit organization founded in 2004. DBCC is a young, non-profit organization focused on the development of young people, especially in their teen years. For any more information, please visit us at www.dreambigcc.org.

VA N C O U V E R ’S

NEW YEAR’S EVE DECEMBER 31st

2010

AT THE VANCOUVER HILTON

FEATURING

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Rate $79 Room SPECIAL December 31, 2010

BANNER BANK

Call 1-800-HILTON

Enter Code: NYE

............................... Supporting the Service Programs of Rotary through the Greater Clark County Rotary Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit 10% of Net Proceeds to support YWCA Clark County.

www.newyearseve-vancouverwa.org TICKETS: www.ticketsoregon.com/event.php?event_id=580 PATRICK LAMB’S WEBSITE: www.patricklamb.com

November/December 2010 • Advancing the Business Community. • www.vancouverusa.com

Services

continued from page 16

■ GVCC member, The Dream Big Community Center will host its “Evening of Dreams” on Saturday, Nov 13 at 6pm. The event is the nonprofit’s annual fundraiser. The event Kevin Carroll will feature a festive environment, benefit auction, and presentation by acclaimed author, speaker, and agent for social change, Kevin Carroll. This will be hosted at the downtown Hilton Vancouver Washington, 301 West 6th Street, Vancouver, WA 98660. To purchase

Member

Member News Cont...

Services

Member

New Members

elcome to the following new Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce members. We thank you for your investment. You help make our Chamber one of the largest and most active business associations in the region. Please go to our online directory at www.vancouverusa.com for Web site, contact and business category information about these companies and organizations. Please help us in our mission to build a strong and stable local economy – do business with Chamber members. ■

Brandon S Rehrer DDS

Margaret Huling

3215 SE 192nd Ave., Suite 112 Vancouver, WA 98683 360-256-7100

1717 NE 166th St. Ridgefield, WA 98642 360-433-2667

Cascade Oral Surgery

Amy Pearson Photography

Lisa Dougherty

Charlie’s Bistro 1220 Main St., Suite 1 Vancouver, WA 98660 360-693-9998

Jerry Todd

Vigilant

www.amypearsonphotography.com Vancouver, WA 98686 360-852-5599

Amit Gosalia

Audiology Clinic, Inc.

David Spanier

Costco Wholesale

505 NE 87th Ave., Suite 150 Vancouver, WA 98664 360-892-9367

6720 NE 84th Street Vancouver, WA 98665 360-828-2270

Luis Lajos

Beaming White LLC

Nathan Byrd

Lamar Enterprises

6137 NE 63rd St. Vancouver, WA 98661 360-283-5805

17611 NE 29th St. Vancouver, WA 98286 907-252-1913

Corrine AndersonKetchmark

Compassionate Learning Communities

Wendy Ou

Makoto Japanese Buffet 1119 SE 163rd Place Vancouver, WA 98683 360-891-4296

PO Box 1386 Vancouver, WA 98666 360-624-4328

Learning Avenues Child Care Centers 5701 MacArthur Blvd. Vancouver, WA 98661 360-694-4411

Ken Mork

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt

19171 SE Mill Plain Blvd., Suite 107 Vancouver, WA 98683 360-597-4055

Danielle VanAukenBussard

Organic Bronze Bar All Natural Tanning

8101 NE Parkway Dr., Suite D6A Vancouver, WA 98662 360-883-5333

Craig Pridemore

Senator Craig Pridemore 5719 NE Chateau Dr. Vancouver, WA 98661 360-786-7696

Andrew Rice

Sweet Tomatoes

12601 SE 2nd Circle Vancouver, WA 98684 360-891-0240

Jeanne Bennett

Shane Whitaker

42218 NE Yale Bridge Rd Amboy, WA 98601 360-449-7883

19610 SE 1st St. Camas, WA 98607

Corinne Schaefer

Mark McGough

17700 SE Mill Plain Blvd., Suite 150 Vancouver, WA 98683 360-514-9383

Mount St Helens Institute

The Gardner School

Carey Frazier

Nutrition Plus LLC

16413 NE 50th Ave. Vancouver, WA 98686 360-574-5752

14313 NE 20th Ave., Suite A114 Vancouver, WA 98686 360-953-8186

Patrick Bolan

Hold Time Music and Marketing

Troy Van Dinter

Skyward Construction 15908 NE 10th Ave. Ridgefield, WA 98642 360-546-1625

Costco East Vancouver

13300 Abigail Court Oregon City, OR 97045 503-740-0121

November/December 2010 • Advancing the Business Community. • www.vancouverusa.com

Therapeutic Associates Vancouver Physical Therapy

Lynn Krogseng

Neighbors Markets Quick, Local, Natural 1707 Main St. Vancouver, WA 98660 360-448-1620

Ace Heated Mini Storage

2 years

Northwest Personal Training

8 years

AlphaGraphics

2 years

Pacific Continental Bank

4 years

1 years

Pioneer Pest Management

16 years

Powell Distributing Co., Inc.

9 years

Opsahl, Dawson & Company, PS

4 years

Peter Corvallis Productions, Inc.

5 years

Michael J. Plymale, Inc. PS

20 years

Precision Automation, Inc.

6 years

Prestige Development

12 years

2 years

Regents Bank

5 years

Safeway Food & Drug #1611

2 years

Scott Mikel & Associates, Inc.

27 years

Solid Solutions

8 years

Stewart Title of Western Washington

Graybill & Associates, Inc.

29 years

Southwest Office Systems

Homewood Suites By Hilton

13 years

Southwest Washington

16 years

T Square Remodeling

7 years

31 years

TW Telecom

4 years

3 years

VanCare, Inc.

4 years

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

17 years

Vancouver Volcanoes

11 years

WalMart: #2550

8 years

Washington State University Vancouver

4 years

Water & Air Works

38 years

Weyerhaeuser Company

AIMMco

American Family Insurance: Dan True Associated Business Systems AWARE, Inc.

Beaches Restaurant & Bar

Blairco Heating & Air Conditioning Bridgewood at Four Seasons Carr Vancouver

Columbia Crossings

Convergence Networks

Employers Overload, Inc.

Evergreen Pediatric Clinic

Fazzolari Custom Homes & Renovations Fox & Company CPAs, LLC

Frumenti, Lander & Wallace, CPA’s Garrett Sign Company, Inc.

Geffen Mesher & Company, PC

Graphic Information Systems, Inc. dba Lazerquick

Hazel Dell Car Wash

Howard S. Wright Constructors Identity Clark County

Instafab Company, Inc.

International Air and Hospitality Academy Jackson Hewitt Tax Services

JLA Public Involvement Specialists Kadel’s Cascade Auto Body

Kell Alterman & Runstein, LLP Kelly Moore Paint Co.

Limoges Investment Management PC MacKay & Sposito, Inc. McGrath’s Fish House

J. Simpson McKibbin Company, Inc. Merrill Contractors, Inc. Montague Resources

MPG Marketing & Mailing Services Muller Design Studio

Mulligan & Associates Appraisal Co. NAI Norris Beggs & Simpson

3 years

and Tucker & Verlenden LLC

17 years

Rebound / Northwest Surgical Specialists

25 years

Rose City Printing and Packaging, Inc.

2 years

Salvation Army

30 years

Security Professionals, LLC

16 years

Sterling Savings Bank: Cascade Park

6 years 3 years

Stor Rite Self Storage

Southwest Washington American Red Cross Regional Surgery Center

4 years

Tully’s Coffee: 78th

5 years

US Digital

27 years

Vancouver Sign Group

2 years

Vancouver Vision Clinic

23 years

Vehicle Buyer’s Service

19 years

Warner Roofing & Construction/WRC Const.

3 years

Waste Connections, Inc.

2 years

Wendel Family Dental Centre: Andresen

27 years

Williams Precision Machine, Inc.

11 years 22 years 8 years

22 years 38 years 9 years

27 years 3 years

12 years 10 years 4 years 4 years 4 years

37 years 33 years 6 years 9 years 6 years

3 years

2 years 3 years 3 years

59 years 17 years 36 years 1 year

7 years 1 year

9 years

23 years 14 years 3 years

25 years 14 years

3 years n

November/December 2010 • Advancing the Business Community. • www.vancouverusa.com

Services

hank you to all of our renewing members for continuing your Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce membership! We are proud to serve our members through our mission of providing positive business leadership, growing jobs and strengthening the local economy. ■

Member

Renewing Members

PROGRAMS & EVENTS PROGRAMS & EVENTS

November November 20102010 Sunday Monday

Sunday All of November: Chamber CARES Giving Campaign. Help us support our member nonprofits!

8 7

Monday Tuesday 1

All of November:2 Chamber CARES Giving Campaign. Help us support our member nonprofits!

Tuesday Wednesday Leads & Needs Beaches Sponsored by Taxing Matters, LLC/American Diabetes Assoc.

Business Technology Update -- QR Codes

15 14

22 21

15 Business After Hours at Glenwood Place

23 22

9 Business Next Level Technology Networking Update -- QR

Wednesday Thursday 3

29 28

10 Next Level Networking

Codes

Maximize Your Membership & TGIF Business Links -- Olive Garden & Best Buy

25 24

Saturday 6

12 Maximize Your Membership & TGIF Business Links -- Olive Garden & Best Buy

20 19 TGIF Business Links -- The Grant House & Eric Runyan Jewelers

Jewelers

5 TGIF Business Links -- A Little Pine Tree & Kazoodles

18 17 16 18 17 19 Leads & Needs Leads &Business Needs TGIF Business Beaches After Hours Beaches Links -- The at Glenwood Grant House Place & Eric Runyan 24

Friday Saturday 6

Beaches Sponsored by Taxing Matters, TGIF Business LLC/American Links -- A Little Pine Tree & Diabetes Assoc. Kazoodles

27 26

26 25

Happy Thanksgiving! GVCC Office Closed

Thursday Friday

Leads & Needs 5

Happy Thanksgiving Thanksgiving! Holiday GVCCGVCC OfficeOffice ClosedClosed

Thanksgiving Holiday GVCC Office Closed

Snowbird Vacation Raffle Continues Snowbird Vacation Raffle Continues Through Feb.Through 14, 2011!Feb. 14, 2011! Networking

Networking

Member Services Member Services

Recurring Events Recurring Events

11/3 Beaches -- Leads & Needs, Beaches s & Needs, TGIF Business WEEKLY: New!-- TGIF BusinessNew!-Links Every Friday Links Every Friday WEEKLY: Sponsored by Taxing Matters LLC sponsoring by Taxing Matters LLC sponsoring No-host food LOCAL, & beverages) SHOP LOCAL, (Free Entry, No-host (Free food &Entry, beverages) SHOP Leads & Needs Beaches: Leads & Needs Beaches: Diabetes Association DiabetesAmerican Association SHOP CHAMBER! SHOP CHAMBER! (First & Third Wednesdays) (First & Third Wednesdays) Wed., November 3, 7:30 9 a.m. at Beaches, 1919 SE *Go to www.vancouverusa.com for date-specific locations er 3, 7:30 - 9 a.m. at Beaches, 1919 SE *Go to www.vancouverusa.com for date-specific locations High-energy a casual High-energy networking in a casual setting networking designed to inbuild rela- setting designed to build rela& details! Columbia River Vancouver. Cost: $5. Fast-paced morning & details! r Dr., Vancouver. Cost: $5.Dr., Fast-paced morning tionships and generate leads. tionships and generate leads. TGIF Business Links features one food establishment networkingSponsor and leads exchange. Sponsor provides TGIFcontinental Business Links features one food establishment d leads exchange. provides continental TGIF Business Links: and onelocation shopping or service location Friday to giveLinks: breakfast.member Bring a potential member for Business andfree one entry! shopping or service each Friday to give each TGIF ng a potential for free entry! GVCC members a boost in sales and exposure. GVCC members a boost in sales and exposure.

(Every Friday at a different member location.)

(Every Friday at a different member location.) -- Next Level Networking. xt Level11/10 Networking. 11/9 -- Update: BusinessQR Technology Wed., 10, 7:30 – 9 a.m. 11/9 -- Business Technology Codes Update: QR Codes er 10, 7:30 – 9November a.m. See the online for updated details and venues. the online calendar for updated details calendar and venues. Tues., November 11:30-12:30 GVCC Offices,See 1101 Broadway, Location:Vancouver Food Court, Westfield Vancouver Shopping Mall, 9, 11:30-12:30 Tues., November p.m., GVCC9,Offices, 1101 p.m., Broadway, Court, Westfield Shopping Mall, Suite 100, 8700 NE98662 Vancouver Mall Drive, 98662 MONTHLY: Suite 100, ouver Mall Drive, MONTHLY: Cost: Included with Membership. Have youofnoticed more and more of the below north the sidefood of the mall(just below theCost: foodIncluded court (just with Membership. Have you noticed more and more rth side Park of theonmall court Business AfterofHours: Enjoy a fun evening of networking, Business After Hours: Enjoy a fun evening networking, your customers are smartphones? what a QR JC in. Penney) and come on in. your customers are carrying smartphones? Docarrying you know what a QR Do you know food and spirits at a member location. ney) andwest comeofon food and spirits at a member location. Code is and how it can enhance your marketing campaign to target 7:00 – 7:30: Check-in, refreshments Code is and how it can enhance your marketing campaign to target Check-in, refreshments smartphone-carrying customers? learn how easy it is Level to integrate – 7:40: Facilitated announcements smartphone-carrying customers? Come learn how easy it is Come to integrate Next Networking: Next Level Networking: Facilitated7:30 announcements QR codes into your marketingBarry campaigns. BarryWednesday) Leung, co(Second Wednesday) 7:40and/or – 7:50: Presentation and/or QRfrom codesarea into your marketing campaigns. Presenter: Leung,Presenter: co(Second Presentation business tip from area business tip Boost your networking, boost your business! owner and General Manager expert and leader Boost your networking, boost your business! owner and General Manager of FASTSIGNS® Vancouver.of FASTSIGNS® Vancouver. der 7:50 – 8:10: Around the room introductions Around the room introductions Thank you to ourBeaches member event venues: Beaches event venues: 11/12Membership -- Maximize Your Membership Thank you to our member 8:10 – 9:00: networking, Restaurant and Bar and Westfield Shoppingtown 11/12idea -- Maximize Your Open networking, leadsOpen connection, idea leads connection, Restaurant and Bar and Westfield Shoppingtown Fri., November 8:30-10 a.m., GVCC Office, Vancouver. 1101 Broadway, Vancouver. exchange Fri., November 12, 8:30-10 a.m., GVCC12, Office, 1101 Broadway, follow up. Cost: $5and follow up. Cost: $5 Ste 100 Ste 100 Thanks to our event November major event 98660. 8:30 ways to 9:30 weThanks will target toways our November major 11/16 -- BusinessAfter Hours sponsored by WA 98660. Vancouver, Vancouver, From 8:30WA to 9:30 we From will target inessAfter Hours sponsored by sponsors: to use your GVCC membership effectively. From 9:30 to 10 we sponsors: to use your GVCC membership effectively. From 9:30 to 10 we Place Glenwood Place will networking open the room for networking willAve open the room up for and up discussion. Please and discussion. Please Tues., 5-7Ave p.m., 5500 NE 82nd er 16, 5-7 p.m.,November 5500 NE16, 82nd register in advance. is limitedinto 20. Cost: Included in register in advance. Space is limited to 20. Space Cost: Included 98662 Vancouver, WA 98662 a fun food evening networking, food and membership. spirits! membership. Metered parking. ening of Enjoy networking, andofspirits! Metered parking. International theme and featuring Asian, Greek and Mexican influheme featuring Asian, Greek Mexican influthe Date: music, and atmosphere $10 themembers, Date: usic, andences. festiveFood, atmosphere $10festive members, bers. $30 non-members.

•

All of November: Chamber CARES

• All of November: Chamber CARES 11/17 Beaches -- Leads -&Sponsorship Needs, Beaches - Sponsorship ds & Needs, Charitable Giving Campaign Charitable Giving Campaign Available Wednesday, 17, 7:301919 - 9 a.m. at Beaches, 1919 • 12/3 - Ambassador Holiday Chamber CARES November 17, 7:30 - November 9 a.m. at Beaches, • 12/3 - Ambassador Holiday Chamber CARES SEVancouver. Columbia Cost: River $5. Dr.,Fast-paced Vancouver. Cost: $5. Fast-paced River Dr., Giving Breakfast Giving Breakfast morning and leads exchange. Sponsor provides working and leadsnetworking exchange. Sponsor provides 12/17Outlook - 2010 Legislative akfast. continental breakfast. • 12/17 - 2010 •Legislative Breakfast Outlook Breakfast

PROGRAMS & EVENTS

December 2010

2011 Business After Hours Sponsorships Filling up fast! Contact Susie Bauder, to schedule BAH and Leads & Needs Sponsorships!360-567-1093

Sunday

Monday 1

Tuesday 2

Wednesday 1

Thursday 2

14 Business After Hours Five Star Auto Body 21

Leads & Needs Beaches

10 Maximize Your Membership & TGIF Business Links -- Olive Garden & Best Buy

Next Level Networking

Saturday 4

GVCC Ambassador Chamber CARES Holiday Giving Breakfast & TGIF Business Links

Leads & Needs Beaches

Friday 3

18 Legislative Outlook Breakfast & TGIF Business Links*

Christmas Eve Holiday, GVCC Office Closed

31 New Year's

Eve Holiday & Vancouver's New Years Eve Gala featuring Patrick Lamb

Snowbird Vacation Raffle Continues Through Feb. 14, 2011! Public Affairs and Issues

Networking 12/1 -- Leads & Needs, Beaches Sponsored by WhoCanHelp.com Wed., December 1, 7:30 - 9 a.m. at Beaches, 1919 SE Columbia River Dr., Vancouver. Cost: $5. Fast-paced morning networking and leads exchange. Sponsor provides continental breakfast. Bring a potential member for free entry! 12/3 -- Ambassador Holiday & Chamber Cares Giving Breakfast Sponsored by US Digital Fri., December 3, 7:30-9 a.m., The Heathman Lodge & Hudson's Bar & Grill 7801 NE Greenwood Dr., Vancouver, WA 98662 This annual holiday breakfast is the celebration and culmination of the GVCC's November Chamber Cares Giving Campaign now in its third year where the GVCC and its Ambassadors and members raise money to support our over seventy 501(c)(3) member nonprofits. Cost: $30 members/$40 non-members pre-registered. $35/$45 at the door. 12/8 -- Next Level Networking. Wed., December 8, 7:30 – 9 a.m. Location: Food Court, Westfield Vancouver Shopping Mall, 8700 NE Vancouver Mall Drive, 98662 Park on the north side of the mall below the food court (just west of JC Penney) and come on in. 7:00 – 7:30: Check-in, refreshments 7:30 – 7:40: Facilitated announcements 7:40 – 7:50: Presentation and/or business tip from area expert and leader 7:50 – 8:10: Around the room introductions 8:10 – 9:00: Open networking, leads connection, idea exchange and follow up. Cost: $5 12/14 -- BusinessAfter Hours sponsored by Five Star Auto Body Tues., November 16, 5-7 p.m., 3019 NE 68th St Vancouver, WA 98665 Enjoy a fun evening of networking, food and spirits! International theme featuring Asian, Greek and Mexican influences. Food, music, and festive atmosphere $10 members, $30 non-members. 12/15 -- Leads & Needs, Beaches - Sponsorship Available Wednesday, December 15, 7:30 - 9 a.m. at Beaches, 1919 SE Columbia River Dr., Vancouver.

12/17 -- Legislative Outlook Breakfast Sponsored by Mackay & Sposito Fri., December 17, 2010, 7-9 a.m., Hilton Vancouver Washington 301 W 6th Street, Vancouver, WA 98660. Cost $30 Pre-registration is required. Registration closes at 5 p.m. on December 8. The Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Columbia River Economic Development Council and Identity Clark County will present the 2011 legislative priorities. A panel of area legislators will answer questions about the upcoming legislative session.

Member Services

Recurring Events WEEKLY: Leads & Needs Beaches: (First & Third Wednesdays) High-energy networking in a casual setting designed to build relationships and generate leads. TGIF Business Links: (Every Friday at a different member location.) See the online calendar for updated details and venues. MONTHLY:

12/31 -- Vancouver's New Year's Eve Gala featuring music by Patrick Lamb 7:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Music by Patrick Lamb starting at 9 p.m. plus gourmet buffet, martini bar, midnight celebration champagne, big screen New York City ball drop, midnight dance floor balloon drop, attendee photos, party favors. Tickets: $100 through December $125 at the door Order tickets online: https//ticketsoregon.com/event. php?eventid=580 Special Hilton room rates for December 31, 360-9934500 Chamber members will receive a 10% discount through a promo code from Oct. 15th-Nov15th. At ticket link above, enter Promo Code: GVCC 10% discount

Business After Hours: Enjoy a fun evening of networking, food and spirits at a member location. Next Level Networking: (Second Wednesday) Boost your networking, boost your business! Thank you to our member event venues: Beaches Restaurant and Bar and Westfield Shoppingtown Vancouver.

Thanks to our December major event sponsors:

What are members saying about the value of their GVCC investment?

From PAC-Chair Cont... continued from page 10

please send us an email at yourchamber@ vancouverusa.com.

What are you waiting for? Join Southwest Washington’s largest and most dynamic business organization today! “Finding the ‘right’ people to talk with can be difficult. The Chamber provides friendly people who have an interest in my success.” ~ www.nwestatepro.com ■

“Connections we’ve made in the business community through the GVCC has been a tremendous benefit for us as a non-profit providing a wide array of support services for vulnerable elders who wish to remain in their own homes and not have to move to a higher level of care! Our experience has been rich, not only in raising our visibility, but as importantly, in learning about and accessing other great businesses in Clark County!”

We also encourage all members to join us Friday, December 17, 7-9 a.m. for the annual Legislative Outlook Breakfast at the Hilton Vancouver Washington. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the regional legislative priorities that we coordinate with Identity Clark County and Columbia River Economic Development Council. Legislators from the 15th, 17th and 49th legislative districts will offer their thoughts and address the audience. Look for registration details on the GVCC events calendar or call 360-694-2588 to sign up.

“I appreciate the welcoming atmosphere when you walk in the door of the Chamber. The Staff are friendly, accessible and always helpful. I also appreciate the willingness of the Chamber to partner with community groups to raise awareness for the good things in our community.” ~ Anonymous ■

“I’ve had the opportunity to share the work of Community Services Northwest with Chamber members -and also to get some excellent leads for services that I needed. I think our Chamber is vibrant, well organized and a great asset to the non-profit community.”

I hope to see you there. When it comes to advocating on behalf of business, your involvement makes a world of difference! ■

~ Kathy Deschner, Director of Development, Community Services Northwest ■

~ Marti Sanders, MA, CDM Services ■

“I have enjoyed my GVCC membership over the last six years. Being new to Vancouver, it gave me a great way to get connected with the local business community. I got to know and trust many of the members and consequently many of them trust me in managing their personal and business retirement accounts. Also, I can confidently refer my customers to GVCC members for other services.” ~ Will Sappenfield, AAMS, Edward Jones Investments ■

“When we had our Ten Year Anniversary Celebration, the Chamber was right there helping us put together a press release and ribbon cutting ceremony. Gina was so very, very helpful and tirelessly worked to promote the event for us. Paul and the ambassadors were so friendly and had such great things to say at the ceremony about us! Thanks GVCC!”

you have the

Power to Save That new TV is really nice, but it uses a lot more energy than your old set. So if you’re not watching it, turn it off. Remember, you have the power to save.

~ Karen and Cliff McMillen, Vancouver Pizza ■

November/December 2010 • Advancing the Business Community. • www.vancouverusa.com

www.clarkpublicutilities.com

OFFICERS

Vancouver Chamber

The Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce

Chair: Jeff Woodside, Nutter Corporation Chair Elect: Tim Schauer, MacKay & Sposito, Inc. Vice Chair: Kristy Weaver, Pacific Continental Bank Secretary – Treasurer: Winston Asai, Columbia Machine Immediate Past Chair: Don Russo, Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt

Friday, December 17, 7-9 a.m. The Hilton Vancouver

301 W 6th Street, Vancouver, Washington 98660 Columbia River Economic Development Council, The Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce and Identity Clark County invite you to attend a breakfast with Washington state elected officials in a question and answer panel format. Legislators from the 15th, 17th, 18th and 49th legislative districts will offer their thoughts on the 2010 session and address the audience. CREDC, GVCC and ICC will present their 2010 business priorities. This event is an important tool in advocacy on your behalf. Pre-registration is required. Cost $30 Register at www.vancouverusa.com or call (360) 694-2588. Questions to the legislators will be taken in e-mail format only at questions@vancouverusa.com by December 15.

Board of Directors

Jonathan Avery, Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center John Deeder, Evergreen Public Schools Tamara J. Fuller, NAI Norris, Beggs & Simpson Jeff Harvey, Burgerville Dave Horowitz, David A. Horowitz, CPA Elie Kassab, Prestige Development Daniel Kirkwood, Kirkwood & Kirkwood Paul McLinn, Calderon Family Dentistry Alex McMillan, Alex McMillan Wellness & Business Consulting Wayne Nelson, Clark Public Utilities Eric Olmsted, On Line Support, Inc. William Pritchard, Pritchard Orthodontics Rhona Sen Hoss, The Columbian Keith Wallace, Frumenti, Lander & Wallace, CPAs

Standing Committees

• Administrative: Jeff Woodside, Nutter Corporation • Finance: Winston Asai, Columbia Machine • Public Affairs: Don Russo, Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt • Membership Services: Keith Wallace, Frumenti, Lander & Wallace, CPAs • Member Mentors: Jim West, Successful Commercial Property Workshops

Affiliate organizations Community Choices Leadership Clark County

Chamber Staff

Presenting Sponsor

Kelly Parker President/CEO • 360-567-1050 kparker@vancouverusa.com

Darcy Altizer Membership Services Director • 360-567-1051 daltizer@vancouverusa.com Gina Bacon Communications Manager • 360-567-1056 gbacon@vancouverusa.com

Private Meeting Spaces Breakfast * Lunch * Dinner

Take a Vacation without leaving town!

RESTAURANT

BAR

TAKEOUT

Portland International Airport * Pre-Security * 503-335-8385

Lori Buntin Programs and Events Director • 360-567-1081 lbuntin@vancouverusa.com

Teresa Lawwill Customer Service Coordinator • 360-567-1090 tlawwill@vancouverusa.com

Katch McFarland Data Management • 360-567-1052 kmcfarland@vancouverusa.com Paul Montague Membership • 360-567-1058 pmontague@vancouverusa.com Barbara Waite Director of Business Development • 360-567-1071 bwaite@vancouverusa.com

Your

Destination: Beaches PDX

Susie Bauder Programs and Events • 360-567-1093 sbauder@vancouverusa.com

Graphic Production: Gary Hollingshead Imagineering-Graphics • 360-254-1825 imagineering@tds.net Printing: Southwest Office Supply • 503-241-1921 swofficesupply.com

November/December 2010 • Advancing the Business Community. • www.vancouverusa.com

What is Retro and how can it save my business? Retrospective Rating (Retro) is an optional financial incentive program offered by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) to help qualifying employers reduce their industrial insurance costs. Employers can enroll on their own or in group plans sponsored by trade associations and/or professional organizations. Joining Retro through the GVCC can lower your risk while improving your refunds.

Local & Successful!

The Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce has one of the most successful member Retro programs in the state for retail/service industry members. Our local program administrator Scott Croucher works with members to control rates and improve safety. Call us today and start saving! Retail and Professional service group Retro members have received refunds for the past four years. See how the Chambers program can help reduce your rates and return a portion of premiums to your business.

360-750-7822

Advancing the business community.

Do Business With Chamber Members Periodical US Postage Paid Vancouver, WA

1101 Broadway, Suite 100 Vancouver, WA 98660 USA