VISION Kentucky Derby
SEP/OCT 2017
VANCOUVER
R SV P FO R T H E O F F I C E R I N S TA L L AT I O N A N D B U S I N E S S & L E A D E R S H I P AWA R D S E V E N T
Magazine
Themed
Annual Dinner
Annual Dinner Sept. 20th
GVCC Officer Installation
Chamber Leadership Transition the 2017 business & Leadership Awards
six Award Recipients Honored
Fall Business Law Workshop Series kicks off on tuesday, sept. 7
VANCOUVER
VISION
Table of Contents
Magazine
SEPT/OCT EDITION 4
Staff, Board, Tiers, and Advertisers
6
A Message from the CEO
9
MEGA Business After Hours Feedback
10 11
A Message from the PAC
12
Opportunities
14
Fall [Business Law] Workshop Series
16-19
Kentucky Derby Themed Annual Dinner
2017-2018 Board of Directors
20
Tier Leadership
22
New GVCC Members
24
Ribbon Cuttings
26
Tidbits & Events
28
Events Calendar
A Message from the Chairman
PG 16-19: GVCC’s Board of Directors invites you to the Kentucky Derby themed Annual Dinner on Sept. 20th at The Hilton. The Chamber will be installing the new 2017-2018 Board of Directors and honoring the six recipients of the 2017 Business & Leadership Awards.
PG 14: Instructors of the Chamber’s Fall Business Law Workshop Series.
PG 24: Platinum level Urban Float Ribbon Cutting Event.
ON THE COVER
Left to right: Eric Sawyer of BBSI (Incoming 2017-2018 GVCC Chairman of the Board), with Ben Hoskins of You Move Me / 1-800 Got Junk (outgoing GVCC Chairman of the Board) with Amy O’Hara of When the Shoe Fits ( Chair Elect). Photo by Kate Singh of Aevum Images.
MORE INFO ON PAGES 16-19
PG 20: GVCC Ambassador team at the platinum level HAPO Ground Breaking ceremony in east Vancouver. HAPO joins the Chairman’s level tier. Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce Vancouver VISION Magazine
3
GREATER VANCOUVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
ng o r t S For Amunity Com
VANCOUVER
CEO/PRESIDENT: John McDonagh CHAIRMAN: Eric Sawyer
VISION EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Chandra Chase
BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIR: Eric Sawyer, BBSI Preferred Payroll CHAIR ELECT: Amy O’Hara, When the Shoe Fits VICE CHAIR: Kevin Getch, Webfor TREASURER: Lisa Goecke, Perkins & Co. PAST CHAIR: Ben Hoskins, 1-800-GOT-JUNK
Winston Asai, Columbia Machine Ben Bagherpour, SEH America LeAnne Bremer, Miller Nash Graham & Dunn Carol Bua, City of Vancouver Jody Campbell, The Columbian Bryce Helgerson, Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center Nelson Holmberg, Port of Ridgefield Robert Knight, Clark College Julianna Marler, Port of Vancouver USA Eric Olmsted, On Line Support, Inc. Tim Schauer, MacKay Sposito Kristy Weaver, Pacific Continental Bank Dr. Steve Webb, Vancouver School District Jim West, Zenith Properties NW
STAFF John McDonagh, President/CEO 360-567-1050 jmcdonagh@vancouverusa.com
Supporting our community through local lending and charitable contributions since 1923.
Matt Hoffstetter, Membership Services Director 360-567-1058 mhoffstetter@vancouverusa.com Barb Holbrook, Office Manager & Ambassador Coordinator 360-567-1093 bholbrook@vancouverusa.com Sharon Batten, Finance 360-567-1080 sbatten@vancouverusa.com
Chandra Chase, Programs and Communications Director 360-567-1056 cchase@vancouverusa.com Teresa Lawwill, Community Partnerships Director 360-567-1090 tlawwill@vancouverusa.com Ashlyn Salzman, Events Manager 360-567-1052 asalzman@vancouverusa.com Jeannet Santiago, SBAP & PTAC Business Counselor 360-567-1051 jsantiago@vancouverusa.com
CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE
PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE
DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE
Pacific Continental Bank SEH America, Inc. Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center Riverview Community Bank Port of Vancouver PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center Banfield Pet Hospital HAPO Credit Union
Columbia Machine, Inc. iQ Credit Union Holland/Burgerville Kaiser Permanente Chevron USA Comcast Business Class BNSF Railway Columbia Credit Union On Line Support The Columbian Vancouver Energy
Regence BlueCross BlueShield Mackenzie Chick-fil-A
PARTNERS & ADVERTISERS ADCO Commercial Printing & Graphics Aevum Images Beaches Restaurant & Bar BNSF Clark PUD Kelcema Audio Kiddie Academy
Markon Brand Design Martel Wealth Advisors Inc. Northwest Personal Training On Line Support Inc Pacific Continental Bank Riverview Community Bank
Salsbury & Co Simply Thyme Catering The Columbian The Vancouver Business Journal Wager Audio
1101 Broadway, Suite 100 Vancouver, WA 98660 360-694-2588 yourchamber@vancouverusa.com www.vancouverusa.com facebook.com/yourchamber twitter.com/vanchamber pinterest.com/gvccvancouver VOLUME: 127 EDITION: 5 Vancouver VISION Magazine (USPS 008786) is published bi-monthly: Jan/Feb, Mar/Apr, May/Jun, Jul/Aug, Sept/Oct, Nov/Dec by the Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, 1101 Broadway, Suite 100, Vancouver, WA 98660. Tel. 360-694-2588, Fax 360-693-8279. Vancouver VISION Magazine annual subscription is $25. Periodicals postage paid in Vancouver, WA. Postmaster: Send all address changes to Vancouver VISION Magazine, 1101 Broadway, Suite 100, Vancouver, WA 98660. This publication is dedicated to providing Chamber business news, educating and providing critical commentary.
MAGAZINE PRINTED BY: ADCO PRINTING & GRAPHICS 353 GRAND BLVD VANCOUVER, WA 98661
RiverviewBank.com
THE VANCOUVER BUSINESS JOURNAL’S
ACCOMPLISHED and under forty Nominate the young leader you know today! NOMINATION DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER 29, 2017 Go to www.vbjusa.com to make your nomination.
T: 360.695.2442 | F: 360.695.3056 | www.vbjusa.com
We’re Always Here
Your public utility, providing reliable, affordable electric service in Clark County since 1938.
On Line Support is here to cover all elements of your technological needs so you can focus on what really matters. Visit the new Clark Public Utilities website at www.ClarkPublicUtilities.com and see how we can help you reduce energy waste in your home and business.
INTERESTED IN CHAMBER ADVERTISING?
Advertisements start as low as $195 for print and $75/month for digital. Email cchase@vancouverusa.com.
from the GVCC ceo
Detail Your GVCC Membership Directory Listing, Help Fellow Members Find & Work with You The Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce is the largest business association in SW Washington. 1100 members strong, GVCC operates with a strategic focus on Member Services, Advocacy and Community Building. The Chamber is a community of like-minded businesses ready to work with and support other members.
John McDonagh Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce CEO/President Photo by Kate Singh
Some have suggested the Chamber is “simply” about networking, as if to say it isn’t important. Building a strong network gives each business the opportunity to create relationships that provide important support for their businesses. Recently I’ve heard two members relating to others, if not for their membership in the Chamber, their business would not have succeeded.
Building a network isn’t only accomplished at events. One of the best networking tools available to Chamber members is the online Membership Directory at www. vancouverusa.com/list. Chamber members are prone to look for other chamber members with whom to do business. Having an up to date listing in the membership directory assures, when members and nonmembers are looking, your business has the highest likelihood of getting a call. To learn more about updating your listing contact Matt Hoffstetter 360.567.1058 or mhoffstetter@vancouverusa.com
our Federal representatives. If you would like to get involved send me an email at jmcdonagh@vancouverusa.com
Taking an active role in the Public Affairs Committee assures the voice of business will be heard locally, at the state level and with
September 6th 2017 10am at the GVCC Office
The Greater Vancouver Chamber is committed to “Moving Business Forward” and we understand it is about more than networking – but networking is an important foundation.
Vancouver’s Choice for Business and Healthcare Consulting
Building Strong Foundations + Growing Your Business 503-850-8411 • www.salsburyandco.com 16129.SAL_gvcc ad8x5v02PREP.indd 1
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Vancouver VISION Magazine Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce
11/16/16 1:59 PM
CONNECTING THE
PACIFIC
NORTHWEST
On May 3, 1888, construction crews completed a 9,500-foot tunnel beneath Stampede Pass, connecting the Puget Sound region to the world. Rail has continued to play a critical role in the growth of Washington’s economy ever since. Today, BNSF moves more than 1.6 million carloads of freight in Washington each year. And our tracks are used for Amtrak trains that connect Vancouver and Portland to Seattle, British Columbia, and Chicago.
Western entrance to Stampede Tunnel under Stampede Pass, Washington, 1890. Photo by Frank Jay Haynes
As Washington’s economy continues to expand, the nearly 4,000 BNSF employees in Washington remain committed to moving the products we all use every day as safely and efficiently as possible.
3,719
Employees in Washington who earn a combined payroll of more than $295 million
1.6 million carloads moved through Washington state last year
BNSFNorthwest.com
1,332
BNSF route miles in Washington
$175 million planned 2017 investment in the BNSF network across Washington
WHO’S IN THE ROOM:
MEGA BUSINESS AFTER HOURS EVENT
Business connections are made and grown at GVCC events. Here are a few members who attended our July 2017 MEGA: Business After Hours event at Vancouver Mall. There were over 440 people in attendance to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Vancouver Mall!
Sunny Nelson of Warehouse ‘23
“I’ve been in the community for five years and credit almost ALL of my invaluable connections to the GVCC. The Chamber connects businesses to each other, to prospective customers and to essential resources. The GVCC facilitates connections that lead to long-term business relationships built on trust.”
Vicki Kraft
WA State Representative (17th District) “The Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce provides important opportunities for networking and access to resources which strengthen our business community. The MEGA BAH at the Vancouver Mall was a perfect example. It was great to meet new people and reconnect with others I hadn’t seen in a while. The creative approach to get attendees into the retail stores also helped promote our local businesses and economy. It was a fantastic event!”
Casey Evans of Casey Evans Media
“The people I meet at the Chamber’s BAH events are always keenly interested in what I do for companies and nonprofits within my video production company. While networking, conversation easily becomes a talk on strategy to take things to the next level - I just love that about GVCC members!”
Francois Wevers of Clark College
“Clark College Economic & Community Development (ECD) was very grateful to partner and get the support from the GVCC during the Vancouver Small Business Month. The GVCC was instrumental in getting us connected with the other parties involved in this project. Events like the MEGA BAH provide more opportunities to connect with businesses and future partners.”
Justin Nichols of Double Pixel Studios
“As a new member to the GVCC, I’ve been extremely happy with the support I’ve received from Chamber staff. At the Mega Business After Hours I’ve already met with people to collaborate and I can’t wait to experience all the great opportunities membership has to offer.”
Heather Curtis of YES Restore It!
“It was a great time of meeting new business partners and reconnecting with current partners. I met a new client there and set up two one on one consulting meetings from this event. PLUS, it was a BLAST!”
Patty Proctor of Exploring Vancouver USA “The GVCC’s MEGA Business After Hours was a great way to mix-and-mingle as the passport activity got all the attendees moving around the mall. I visited places in the mall that I wouldn’t have, and met new business owners in the process.”
Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce Vancouver VISION Magazine
9
Public Affairs committee
PUBLIC AFFAIRS RECAP
Family Leave Bill, Tower Mall, Parking, and City’s Tower Mall and Annexation Don Russo PAC Co-Chairman Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt
Nina Carlson
PAC Co-Chairwoman NW Natural Photos by Kate Singh.
The Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce and the Building Industry Association held a legislative luncheon on July 19th, inviting our local delegation to talk with business and industry leaders about achievements and next steps in this lengthy legislative session. The highlights include a family leave bill that garnered the Governor’s signature despite concerns from small business, but winning over some legislators who previously opposed it. Washington now becomes one of only five states that offer such protection for workers. The I-5 Bridge replacement, public works trust fund, school funding, and a mutually acceptable budget among other issues were also featured largely this session. All in all, despite a diverse set of viewpoints the delegation as a whole was proud of the bipartisan manner in which they approached issues facing SW Washington, and they have hopes to build on these relationships going forward into the next session. The City of Vancouver is in the midst of buying 12 acres of the former Tower Mall located in the Heights area on Mill Plain. The city’s goal is to inject new life into the previously under served area with a new master plan. The city cites past renovation successes like Esther Short Park as evidence that the $5 million dollar investment and master plan has great potential to create momentum promoting further development in the surrounding area. The city pledges to work with the public, soliciting testimony as it formalizes the master plan. Parking rates are scheduled to rise as the city’s advisory committee recommended a $10 increase to the cost of parking infractions, double the cap on parking permits in select downtown locations and an increase in the parking meter fee by $1.25 an hour. The council reviewed the advisory committee proposal at a workshop on August 7,
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Vancouver VISION Magazine Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce
2017. The recommended changes are likely to be adopted after accepting public testimony at an August 21st hearing. Things to follow in the last quarter of the year: • The city is beginning to review grants for construction of affordable housing. The City of Vancouver received applications for 10 projects ranging from rehabbing current homes to constructing new affordable apartment building. Each project seeks to secure funding from the affordable housing fund passed by the city this spring. These projects total over $6 million which is well north of the $3.7 million that the city has budgeted to collect for the fund. • The development of the Vancouver Waterfront continues to progress with the Columbia River dropping and construction proceeding. The waiting list for information on the new condos continues to grow, as more anchor tenants are being secured. • Annexation in the Van Mall area increased Vancouver’s population by approximately 4,600 residents as it added 1,270 acres this summer. The controversial decision included the Green Meadows area of unincorporated Clark County, whose residents worry about possible increases in taxes and utilities as well as the fate of the beloved Green Meadows golf course. • Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) may become a more frequent sight, as the City of Vancouver eyes petite dwellings as another tool to battle the affordable housing crisis, low vacancy rates, and soaring rental prices. The city has not updated their ADU regulations since 2004, but the council is considering increasing allowable size, but remaining smaller than 800 square feet, and adjusting setbacks and on-site parking requirements. GVCC encourages everyone to pay attention to what’s going on around us and stay involved with issues that impact the business community.
Chairman of the Board
Chamber Welcomes Back Eric Sawyer, Second Term as Chairman of the Board I’m honored to be the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the GVCC for a second time. I’m told that this has only happened two other times, and one of those times happened to be with my friend and mentor Don Russo. You can learn a lot from a good friend if you listen and pay close attention, and the GVCC has provided me that opportunity - a chance to learn from incredible people in our community. On the GVCC Board, I’m surrounded by accomplished, dynamic, bright, bold, thoughtful and selfless leaders, most but not all with a lot more hair than me - I said most, not all. But seriously, my message is simple here; surround yourself with talented and driven people in your life and challenge yourself to learn, learn, learn. Don’t be intimidated by that idea, don’t let your ego get in the way. Whatever it is that YOU do, be the best YOU that YOU can be. My best advice is to surround yourself with talented leaders that challenge you. You own a business? That’s insanely cool. Now go find people that make you and your business better. You want to add a second location? AWESOME!!!! How are you going to replicate your success? Find people that challenge you.
That push the envelope. That take ownership of problems and solutions the same way that the person at the top does; you! This is the part where you say, “But Eric, it’s not that easy to just FIND people like that.” You’re right, it’s not. It’s much easier to find people that have the key core traits, and then develop them. Coach them. Mentor them. Guide them. Don’t GIVE the answers, ASK the questions. Don’t SHOW the way, FIND the way… together. Develop a stronger team.
Eric Sawyer BBSI Area Manager
Is it easy to develop talent? Not always….. 2017-2018 GVCC Chairman but it’s always worth it! The GVCC provides of the Board opportunities to learn and develop your business chops in so many ways….for me it has been invaluable; just like my relationships there. Thank you to everyone who has Watch Eric Sawyer ceremonially believed in me enough to nudge me, push me, and become Chairman of the Board guide me and challenge me on Wednesday, September 20th to be better. Kelly. Don. at the GVCC’s Annual Dinner. Kristy. John. And a host of others, Thank you from the Details page 16-19 bottom of my heart!
chamber Opportunities
Members Can Earn $20 Event Credits During Membership Drive In the month of October, the GVCC will be hosting a membership drive to grow our membership. Starting on October 1st, if a business signs up for membership, they will receive the remainder of 2017 for free (up to three months) plus a $100 fast pass to help them start attending Business After Hours and Leads and Needs events right away. If you are an existing member and make a referral that turns into a membership, you will receive a $20 Chamber credit towards admission for any Chamber event - even signature events like the Holiday Luncheon.
If you’re a membership rockstar, and make six referrals that convert into membership you will have banked $100 in credits (5 memberships @ $20 each), plus you’ll receive a bonus of a $100 fast-pass bumping your prize value to $200 in credits for the six GVCC new members that you referred. Rewards can be combined and are good for any Chamber event admission, excluding sponsorships and VIP tables. Reach out to the GVCC with any questions or referrals between October 1-31st at yourchamber@vancouverusa.com or by phone (360) 567-1058.
The Small Business Saturday Marketing Campaign is Gearing Up
This October be sure to enroll in the GVCC’s “Get Out On... Small Business Saturday” campaign, presented by Columbia Credit Union. All you need is an active membership to be part of a marketing campaign that promotes local small business for the entire month of November. The program also provides businesses with a suite of promotional tools for you to promote yourself using the
“Shop Local” message. It gets better. The GVCC operates a hashtag contest where we ask the community to make heartfelt posts about your business. You can doubledown on this effort and engage directly with your customers, vendors, and employees to do the same. We want you to be empowered to use the hashtag contest as a marketing framework in November to promote your business. The “best post” will earn 2017’s $500 business grant. Nexus Chiropractic won the first business grant in 2015. Last year, Maddogs Gourmet Hot Dogs earned the “Best Post” and the $500 Business Grant due to a heartfelt post by an Innova-
tive Services NW Employee. The post explained how Maddogs employs people in our community with disabilities. Columbia Credit Union (our program sponsors) awards the $500 business grant check in December at the Leads & Needs event. The “Get Out On... Small Business Saturday” is a program ideal for small businesses with 15 FTE (full time employees) or less. The national “Small Business Saturday” this year is the Saturday following Thanksgiving: November 25th. However, our promotional campaign runs the entire month of November. Think of the hashtag contest as a method to launch the kick off the holiday shopping season on November 1st. Use the #localthanks hashtag to engage with your customers, vendors, and employees to share about your business on public posts. We must remind our community that they have local small merchant options while shopping.
This is the fifth year of our “Get Out On... Small Business Saturday” campaign and we’re excited to expand this program for more businesses to utilize. We can’t think of a better way to deliver on our promise to “Move Business Forward” than to mount a campaign to encourage shopping locally through a Small Business Saturday hashtag contest. Businesses who register to be a part of the “Get Out On... Small Business Saturday” marketing campaign will be promoted on the Chamber’s website, magazine, social media and be able to use a host of graphics in a variety of formats for digital platforms. Plus, promotional items specific to the #localthanks hashtag contest. Join the Small Business Saturday campaign by emailing our Programs and Communications Director: Chandra Chase at cchase@ vancouverusa.com.
Mentees Needed for Cycle #3 of the Chamber’s Mentoring Program
As the Chamber’s Mentoring Program team leader, I’m excited to report to you on a variety of successes from our first two cycles. The GVCC’s six person mentoring team looks to deepen connections between members, while sharing a specific skill set. Each of our six mentors bring a focus area to our mentorship team. For example, 2017-2018 Chairman of the Board, Eric Sawyer looks to share his public speaking abilities with members looking to improve, either in leadership Matt Hoffstetter roles or developing leadership roles. Dr. Gloria Membership Services Arroyo-Grubbs has an extensive skillset in wellness Director programming, and Morgan Hutchinson is a graduate of Dr. Dene Grigar’s Creative Media and Digital Culture program and you guessed it - she is a wiz on social media engagement. Amy Lodholz of Evergreen Habitat for Humanity has a skill for nonprofit board development and Julie Arenz of iQ Credit Union has become a start-up business guru with a wealth of knowledge in the resources available to people dreaming of developing the next great idea.
Most recently I received feedback from a mentor on a great cycle. Each mentor is paired with a mentee and within a three month period they are challenged to meet three times. They are pre-matched with the understanding to dive directly into a skills sharing relationship, with the goal of also sharing GVCC resources. Julie Arenz’s mentee learned to better navigate the ropes of Chamber events to make more connections. Her mentee was also given a GVCC scholarship to attend the spring workshop series to develop marketing skills. Since, this member has launched a number of successful social media campaigns.
Meet the mentors (left to right): Dr. Gloria Arroyo-Grubbs, Morgan Hutchinson, Amy Lodholz, Eric Sawyer, Julie Arenz, and Mari Jessup.
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TOP PICK programming in September
Seven-Part Business Law Workshop Series Launches on Sept. 7th This fall, the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce (GVCC) is launching the Fall [Business Law] Workshop series on Thursday, September 7th with our first session by Matt Bisturis of Schwabe, Williamson, & Wyatt. This workshop series is a low-cost opportunity to keep current on legal information that will impact business. These seven-sessions in September are designed for business owners to gain more information on how to protect their businesses from law suits, data intrusions, securing the correct legal protection for intellectual property, and how to move towards the sale or transfer of ownership of a business. This workshop series is presented by Schwabe, Williamson, & Wyatt and will take place in Conference Room A at the GVCC (1101 Broadway Suite 100 Vancouver WA 98660). Doors will open for each session at 11:30 for lunch (included in fee) by Simply Thyme Catering. Workshops will be one hour long and start at noon. The GVCC has recruited Vancouver’s top business attorneys to present in the Fall [Business Law] Workshop Series. The following law firms are represented: Schawbe, Williamson & Wyatt, Horenstien Law Group, Landerholm, and Miller, Nash, Graham & Dunn. There are a limited number (20 total) of a $99 All-Access passes for the Fall workshop series. Individual sessions are available for $20/member. RSVP online at www.vancouverusa.com.
Workshop Series Will Shed Light on Issues that Impact Business Growth By Lisa Lowe Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt Vancouver Office
Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt is excited to be the presenting sponsor of the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce Fall 2017 Business Workshop Series. These workshops provide an important resource to smallbusiness owners. Running a business takes an all-encompassing perspective. It can be difficult to look at your business with a big picture view when you’re often focusing on the granular things affecting you each and every day. The Workshop Series offers tools to help broaden your vantage point. Across the region, businesses are working fast to respond to an ever-changing marketplace. Our job is to listen to our clients and adapt to their needs. That’s why we are fundamentally changing how we provide legal services. Clients are telling us they want more than high-quality legal support; they want partners with deep experience in their industry. Our attorneys are empowered to become masters of their clients’ industries, and Schwabe is changing the culture of our firm to support this focus. Schwabe is one of the largest law firms in the Pacific Northwest, but I’m fortunate to be in the Vancouver office. This smaller office gives me the chance to truly feel connected to our clients within the Vancouver community. We hope this Workshop Series creates opportunities for those participating to connect with others in our community as well as access tactical business-minded solutions. Our goal is to shed some light on some of the larger scale issues you may or may not anticipate your business will face as you continue to grow. Thank you for attending.
Eric Sawyer, Ben Hoskins, and Amy O'Hara Invite you to Attend the Annual Dinner
Photos by Kate Singh of Aevum Images
Off to the Races
Wednesday, September 20th 2017 The Hilton’s Ballroom 301 W 6th Street, Vancouver WA 98660 $75/Person $900/ VIP Table Doors open at 4:30pm Program begins at 5:30pm RSVP @ www.vancouverusa.com
Kentucky Derby Themed Attire Encouraged Recommendation: hats, bright colors, bow ties Photo Opportunity with Horse Upon Entry Mint Juleps, Yard Games, & the Vancouver String Quartet GVCC 2017-2018 Board of Director Installation Dessert Derby, Top Five Tables Face-off The 2017 Business & Leadership Awards Ceremony
Event Presented by:
Ben Hoskins symbolically hands the reigns of Maggie to Eric Sawyer. Maggie will be at the 9/20 Annual Dinner for photos with attendees. Special thank you to GVCC Ambassador and horse owner Kristeen Millett of Sprout Digital and SportsClips Haircuts.
PRESENTING SPONSOR
Join us in your finest derby attire as we honor the work of our Board of Directors, welcome new board members, thank our board members who are stepping off, and celebrate the winners of our Business & Leadership Awards. Bid on your Dessert for the Dessert Derby. Pick your jockey and it’s “Off to the Races” to win by a nose the best dessert in the house.
Officer Installation and Business & Leadership Awards Event
VIP TABLE SPONSORS
The GVCC will present these six awards at the Annual Dinner on Wednesday, September 20th: Statesman of the Year Award 2017 Start-Up to Watch Business of the Year – Large Business of the Year – Small Community Champion Award John S. McKibbin Leadership Legacy Award
THANK YOU TO BOARD MEMBERS ENDING THEIR TERMS
Rhona Sen Hoss
The Office of State Senator Annette Cleveland rsenhoss@gmail.com
Jeff Woodside
Nutter Corporation www.nuttercorp.com nutter@nuttercorp.com
THE 2017- 2018 EXECUTIVE BOARD Chair Eric Sawyer, BBSI Preferred Payroll eric.sawyer@bbsihq.com Chair Elect Amy O’Hara, When the Shoe Fits amy@whentheshoefits.com Vice Chair Kevin Getch, Webfor kevin@webfor.com Secretary/Treasurer Lisa Goecke, Perkins and Co. lgoecke@perkinsaccounting.com Past Chair Ben Hoskins, 1-800-You Move Me / 1-800 Got Junk ben.hoskins@1800gotjunk.com
2017- 2018 GVCC BOARD MEMBERS Winston Asai, Columbia Machine Inc. winasa@colmac.com Ben Bagherpour, SEH-America ben_bagherpour@sehamerica.com LeAnne Bremer, Miller Nash Graham & Dunn leanne.bremer@millernash.com Carol Bua, City of Vancouver carol.bua@cityofvancouver.us Jody Campbell, The Columbian jody.campbell@columbian.com Julianna Marler, Port of Vancouver USA jmarler@portvanusa.com Bryce Helgerson, Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center bhelgerson@lhs.org Nelson Holmberg, Port of Ridgefield nholmberg@portridgefield.org Robert Knight, Clark College rknight@clark.edu Eric Olmsted, On Line Support Inc. eric@on-line-support.com Tim Schauer, MacKay Sposito tschauer@mackaysposito.com Kristy Weaver, Pacific Continental Bank kristy.weaver@therightbank.com Steven Webb, Vancouver Public Schools steven.webb@vansd.org Jim West, Zenith Properties NW westsnwest@comcast.net
chamber stakeholders
Upgrade to Chamber Stakeholder with Tier Membership By Teresa Lawwill Community Partnership Director and Tier Manager tlawwill@vancouverusa.com
When visiting the GVCC’s website at www.vancouverusa.com, you might wonder why certain member logos appear on the center of our homepage. The logos are members that have joined at either the Chairman’s Circle or President’s Circle level. This benefit is just the tip of the publicity iceberg when it comes to Tier Membership. The Chamber has three tier levels to choose from, all of which are customizable: 1. Chairman’s Circle 2. President’s Circle 3. Director’s Circle
Chairman’s CIrcle Tier
The value and benefits of membership builds with each increasing tier. One thing is constant with all three tier levels, you are featured as a Chamber stakeholder through our promotional materials - year round. Tier members have a special designation in every edition of the Vancouver VISION Magazine, held at the same importance as Staff and the Board of Directors. Additionally, the Chamber hosts over 70 events per year and we raise banners honoring our tiers at every major and signature event.
Tier membership also provides: • • • • •
Special access to events, including invitation-only engagements Concierge services with one-on-one attention, custom to your goals Invites to high profile meetings like the Boardroom Breakfast Series and events with our elected officials Sponsorship and/or advertising credits to increase your exposure in the community Tier members are the Chamber’s symbol of our businesses commitment to moving business forward in Southwest Washington
by providing positive business leadership that results in economic growth and vitality for businesses, their employees and our community
Why Tiered Benefits?
The program communicates a consistent message: The Chamber is dedicated to helping businesses of all sizes grow and prosper. Rather than requiring businesses to pay into a “cookie-cutter” membership, this tiered system allows companies to invest in a level that best suits their needs. As a Tier member you receive unparalleled attention to your level of commitment and interests in our business community and perpetuate the culture of the Chamber. Chamber tier membership means advocacy, networking, exposure and shared resources.
Immediate Impact
As a tier member, you will have the opportunity to make an immediate impact on: • Legislative priorities • Strengthening our voice on critical issues regarding our business community in SW Washington • The critical work being done on the I-5 Bridge and transportation infrastructure, workforce development and tax initiatives are just a few of the vital issues our community faces that your Chamber advocates for
Mackenzie - Director’s Circle Tier For Mackenzie, the value in being a tiered member of the GVCC is the ability to be a part of a local organization that engages both business owners and the community, and is connected to policy makers to allow for a coordinated voice to be heard in Olympia. As a tiered member, added value has provided us the opportunity to meet in Olympia with our state policy makers. Being a part of the chamber has allowed us numerous opportunities to engage on important legislative issues and to hear from our policy makers about their positions on critical upcoming legislation. Mackenzie originally joined the chamber when they moved into the new Hudson Building and wanted to be a part of the Business After Hours held with the other tenants. After meeting with their leadership team they decided that the Director’s Circle Tier met with their focus for access and involvement in the business community and Chamber leadership. Todd Johnson of Mackenzie is also a member of our active Public Affairs Committee.
Pictured to the right and directly below: The HAPO Community Credit Union Ground Breaking with the GVCC Ambassador team, CEO, and staff. Pictured bottom left: Representative Liz Pike with (left to right) Don Russo of Schwabe and Co-Chairman of the Chamber’s Public Affairs Committee, John McDonagh the GVCC CEO, and Todd Johnson of Mackenzine a Directors Level Tier Member of the Chamber talking in Olympia about the 2017 legislative session.
HAPO Community Credit Union – Chairman’s Circle Tier
The first thing HAPO did when deciding to open their first Branch in Western Washington was to contact the Chamber. They wanted to be involved at a level that supported the Chamber’s mission, the business community and community at large. HAPO held a ground-breaking ceremony and stated that this was the biggest thing that they had done since opening their first branch. This was in part because they decided to use WELL Building Standard and set the standard for future branches. WELL Building Standard™ a the leading tool for advancing health and well-being in buildings and communities globally. WELL addresses not only the design and operation of buildings, but also how they impact and influence human behaviors related to health and well-being. “We actively look for ways to improve the communities we serve,” Steve Anderson, president and CEO, said in a statement. “Our building strategy will take this to a whole new level. We are extremely excited to welcome the public and our new members here.”
Vancouver Energy – President’s Circle Tier Vancouver Energy is a great example of a member upgrading from the Director’s Circle to the Presidents Circle. Because of their involvement with our event sponsorships and their commitment to community they felt it was the “right thing to do.” Jared Larrabee and Vancouver Energy feels “The Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce does great work connecting businesses and building an active community. We believe in being an integral part of building a strong, vibrant community. The Chamber’s tier membership offers unique opportunities to learn about and become involved in issues that are important to Southwest Washington. We appreciate our partnership with the Chamber and the ability to engage with the community, including local business leaders, elected officials and community advocates.” Jared took advantage of the access the tier membership benefits are designed for. Earlier this year Governor Jay Inslee was visiting and held an information event in Downtown Vancouver. The Chamber’s staff, Board of Director and Tier members received an invitation to this special event.
NorthBank Now.com
new gvcc members
DO YOU KNOW A BUSINESS THAT WOULD BENEFIT FROM THE OCTOBER MEMBERSHIP DRIVE? CONTACT US: (360) 567-1058 or yourchamber@vancouverusa.com
Affordable Floors 7613 NE St Johns Rd STE K Vancouver, WA 98665 www.affordablefloorsnw.com
FedEx Office 204 SE Park Plaza Dr Ste 101 Vancouver, WA 98684 www.fedex.com/office
Returning Veterans Project 833 SE Main St STE 429 Portland, OR 97214 www.returningveterans.org
ALOR Consulting LLC 19425 SE 20th St Apt 130 Camas, WA 98607 www.ALORconsulting.com
HeatGuy, LLC. 5500 NE 109th CT Suite E Vancouver, WA 98662 www.heatguyllc.com
Rose and Thorn 1 Cowlitz Way Ridgefield, WA 98642 www.roseandthornilani.com
APW Distributing Inc. 301 W. 11th Street Vancouver, WA 98660 www.apwdistributing.com
Kathleen Sawyer 3204 NE 58th Street Vancouver, WA 98663 www.KathleenSawyer.com
St. Joseph Catholic Church 6600 Highland Drive Vancouver, WA 98661 www.stjoevan.org
BMW Photography 400 E Evergreen Blvd Ste 101-A Vancouver, WA 98660 www.bmwphotography.net
Longhouse 1 Cowlitz Way Ridgefield, WA 98642 www.longhouseilani.com
Strategies 360 1220 Main St STE 452 Vancouver, WA 98660 www.strategies360.com
Boomerang Therapy Works 210 W. 4th Street Vancouver, WA 98660 boomerangtherapyworks.com
Melissa Duffy Design 4019 NE 91st CIR Vancouver, WA 98665 www.melissaduffydesign.com
The Arc of SW Washington 6511 E 18th Street Vancouver, WA 98661 www.arcswwa.org
Cascadia Development Partners 610 Esther Street Ste 202 Vancouver, WA 98660 cascadiadevelopmentpartners.com
Mountain Man Nut and Fruit Co. 8917 NE 19th Ct Vancouver, WA 98665 Mountain Top Designs 10800 NE 104th Circle Vancouver, WA 98662 Nolan Pearson Cascade Sotheby’s Int. Realty 400 E Mill Plain Blvd STE 305 Vancouver, WA 98660 www.cascadesothebysrealty.com/ agent/nolanpearson/
Trobella Cabinetry, Inc 3201 NW Lower River Road Unit D Vancouver, WA 98660 www.trobella.com
ClarkCountyTalk.com 2962 Limited Lane NW Olympia, WA 98502 www.clarkcountytalk.com ClearCaptions, LLC 599 Menlo Drive Rocklin, CA 95603 www.clearcaptions.com Confettii Couture 1001 Main Street Vancouver, WA 98660 www.facebook.com/pg/confettiicouture Crave Grille 13025 NE Fourth Plain Blvd Ste 104 Vancouver, WA 98682 www.cravegrille.com Daniel Spanski-Dreffin Investment Advisor 1935 SE Oakview Dr Chehalis, WA 98532 www.facebook.com/Daniel.SpanskiDreffin.IAR/ Double Pixel Studios 11405 NW 21st Ave Vancouver, WA 98685 www.doublepixelstudios.com Dr Kenneth B. Gross 4702 NW 129th Street Vancouver, WA 98685
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NorAm Financial Services, Inc. 601 Main Street STE 407 Vancouver, WA 98660 www.noramfinancialservices.com NW Pain Relief Center 16821 SE McGillivray Blvd STE 204 Vancouver, WA 98683 www.loweryourpain.com
Unitus Community Credit Union 800 SE 192nd Ave Vancouver, WA 98683 www.unitusccu.com Vancouver Elks Banquet and Event Venue 11605 SE MCGillivray Blvd Vancouver, WA 98683 www.elks823.org/event-space Vancouver Janitorial Services LLC 9110 NE 44th Ct Vancouver, WA 98665 vancouverjanitorialservicellc.com Vancouver Plastics LLC 2600 NE Andresen Rd. STE 400 Vancouver, WA 98661
Octomaids LLC 1308 NE 134th ST Vancouver, WA 98685 www.octomaids.com
Vancouver Police Officers Guild PO Box 1201 Vancouver, WA 98666 www.vpog.org
OnTrac 3665 NW 32nd Ave Vancouver, WA 98660 www.ontrac.com
Way Enough Decision Coaching 114 SE 103rd Avenue Vancouver, WA 98664 www.way-enough.com
Regnal Media, LLC 1101 SE Tech Center Dr STE 130 Vancouver, WA 98683 www.regnalmedia.com
Yes Restore It! 9511 NE Hazel Dell Ave Apt. 137 Vancouver, WA 98665 www.yesrestoreit.com
Vancouver VISION Magazine Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce
MAXIMIZE YOUR IMPACT
sound - projection - decor - lighting 4AKE Yย R !6 ย PhT WITH Yย ยง #ย PETITIVE QUOTES Ft ANY EVENT SPACE info@wageraudio.com 360-836-0577
Ribbon Cuttings HAPO Community Credit Union’s Platinum Ground Breaking ceremony at 13909 SE Mill Plain Blvd
Peoples Injury Network Northwest (PINN)’s celebration in conjunction with the Business After Hours at 2501 SE Columbia Way
Barb Holbrook Ambassador Coordinator Email to inquire about a Ribbon Cutting event at bholbrook@vancouverusa.com
Uplift Car Giveaway by Chappelle’s Towing (to a community member in need) at Jacobus Carstar at 6710 NE St Johns Rd.
Urban Float’s Platinum Level Ribbon Cutting. In celebration of their one year anniversary! 104 Grand Blvd #110 Vancouver, WA
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Vancouver VISION Magazine Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce
Simply Thyme Catering (event at Hampton Inn) Celebrating their “Second Decade in Business”
Urban Waxx’s Grand Opening at 7904 NE 6th Ave #116 Vancouver, WA
Vancouver Mall’s 40th Year Anniversary Celebration! 8700 NE Vancouver Mall Dr
Biscuits Café “Grand Opening” with New Owners at 1801 SE 164th Ave Suite 103
SNAP Fitness Salmon Creek Membership Celebration at 14313 NE 20th Ave #102a
Elfin Services’s “Honoring Those with Alzheimer” event at Burnt Bridge Creek Elementary School
iQ Credit Union’s “New Location” Grand Opening Celebration 1810 SW 9th Ave
Pacific Perks Coffee’s Ten Year Anniversary at 9014 NE St Johns Rd Suite 111 Available Creations Screenprinting & Embroidery 20th Year Anniversary at 14707 NE 13th Court Suite B102
ALMEA Insurance’s One Year Anniversary event at 201 NE Park Plaza Dr #293
iLoveKickboxing’s Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting at 1825 SE 164th Ave #120
ANDEVENTS: TIDBITS FINAL FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION
Wellness Workshop: Office Snacking Made Healthy
9/27
Pl ati nu m R i b b o n C utti n g Event
9/28
Attend this free Ribbon Cutting event as we welcome one of our newest members: Zenith Properties at 1498 SE Tech Center Place Suite 170. Open House from 2-6pm with the official photo and cutting at 4pm. Wednesday, September 27th @ Noon
Wat ch Chamber on the Move o n F B L i ve
Sponsored by Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center Lunch included by Chick-fil-A RSVP for this informative workshop session hosted by Melissa Martin of Clark County Public Health. In this workshop you’ll watch Melissa assemble ten healthy office snack alternatives, and you’ll get to try them. We’ll mix fun and snack-focused nutrition information in this “Ready, Set, Go! Wellness Workshop!”
10/26 Wellness Workshop: Combat Computer Fatigue
Brianna Worden of BMW Photography (pictured) featured in Ep. 2.
WANT TO PROFIT FROM HVAC ENERGY SAVINGS? BRING US IN. Thursday, October 26th @ Noon
Sponsored by Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center Lunch included by Chick-fil-A Mark your calendars for the October session of the GVCC’s monthly “Ready, Set, Go! Wellness Workshop Series,” presented by Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center. In October we welcome three powerhouses from Cooper Chiropractic: Dr. Cassi, Dr. Cooper and Dr. Karis. This trio will cover chiropractic stretches and exercises to combat computer fatigue. If you experience an achy neck and shoulders, head tension, and/or afternoon fatigue, this workshop will help you finish your day feeling amazing with stretches and exercises to combat the computer fatigue. Doors open at 11:45am with lunch provided at no additional cost by Chick-fil-A. Workshop will begin promptly at noon.
Upgrading to energy-efficient systems can save you money. Energy Trust of Oregon has the expertise and a network of specially trained contractors to get the job done—and our cash incentives help make it affordable.
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SAVE ENERGY. BRING US IN. Visit www.energytrust.org/BringUsIn or call 1.866.605.1676. Serving customers of NW Natural in Oregon and Washington.
Two Different Experiences Focused on Just one Thing..... You!
RESTAURANT
BAR
CATERING
Vancouver WA, 1919 SE Columbia River Drive * 360-699-1592 Portland OR, PDX Airport, Pre-Security * 503-335-8385
WA REHOUSE
Special thank you to Simply Thyme Catering for being the GVCC’s Workshop Series lunch sponsor!
They provided excellent lunches for our fall and spring series - always on time, delicious, and professional.
Vancouver WA, 100 Columbia Street * 360-750-7256
Where is your Business on Google? - WEB DESIGN - SEO - PROGRAMMATIC ADVERTISING - SEARCH ENGINE MARKETING
www.sproutdigital.us
Helping Clark County businesses grow.
(360) 735-4472
Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce Vancouver VISION Magazine
27
VANCOUVER
VISION 1101 Broadway, Suite 100 - Vancouver, WA 98660 USA
Periodical US Postage Paid Vancouver, WA
Magazine
UPCOMING EVENTS ON VANCOUVERUSA.COM: 9/6/17 GVCC EVENT SW Washington Leads and Needs BEACHES RESTAURANT 7:30AM-9AM The best morning networking in Clark County! $5 members, $10 nonmember. Sponsored by PTAC/Worksource. 9/6/17 GVCC EVENT Website Work Session @ THE GVCC 10AM - FREE Sit down with GVCC staff and learn how to fully enhance your online presence. 9/7/17 GVCC EVENT Fall Workshop Series @ THE GVCC
11:30 lunch, Noon Workshop Matt Bisturis (Schwabe) will instruct the workshop: The Legal Framework to Sell or Transfer Ownership of Your Business. The entire seven-part workshop series is presented by Schwabe, Williamson, & Wyatt. Lunch by Simply Thyme Catering. 9/8/17 MEMBER EVENT Super Powered Networking Training DIY MARKETING CENTER 9:30am - 11:30am GVCC CODE FOR ENTRY
Improve your skills networking and partnering with others at this informative session, held at the GVCC.
9/14/17 GVCC EVENT Fall Workshop Series
9/11/17 GVCC EVENT Ribbon Cutting VANCOUVER ART SPACE 12:30pm ceremony Help us celebrate their new facility and enjoy savory snacks at 8700 NE Vancouver Mall Drive.
11:30 lunch, Noon Workshop Alicia Bell and Carla Quisenberry (Miller Nash Graham & Dunn) will instruct: Trademarks, Patents & Copyrights for Business. The entire seven-part workshop series is presented by Schwabe, Williamson, & Wyatt. Lunch by Simply Thyme Catering.
9/12/17 GVCC EVENT Fall Workshop Series @ THE GVCC
11:30 lunch, Noon Workshop Steve Horenstein (Horenstein Law Group) will teach you how to: Evaluate Your Legal Team – Expertise, Fee Structures, and Technology. The entire seven-part workshop series is presented by Schwabe, Williamson, & Wyatt. Lunch by Simply Thyme Catering. 9/13/17 MEMBER EVENT Pay Equity, Paid Time off BIGGS INSURANCE 8am - 9:30am Pay equity, paid time off, and the changing face of wage and hours laws will be covered in this informative session at Brickstone Ballroom: tyson.fuehrer@biggsinsurance.com
@ THE GVCC
9/19/17 GVCC EVENT Fall Workshop Series @ THE GVCC
11:30 lunch, Noon Workshop Don Russo (Schwabe) will instruct the workshop: Renewing Your Business Lease Agreement & Landlord/Tenant Disputes. The entire seven-part workshop series is presented by Schwabe, Williamson, & Wyatt. Lunch by Simply Thyme Catering. 9/19/17 GVCC EVENT Ribbon Cutting IN LIGHT HYPERBARICS 5pm ceremony - FREE The GVCC Ambassadors will help celebrate the growth and expansion of In Light. Festivities at 1601 Broadway Street.
9/20/17 GVCC EVENT SW Washington Leads and Needs BEACHES RESTAURANT QUARTERLY DRAWING 7:30AM-9AM The best morning networking in Clark County! $5 members, $10 nonmember. Sponsored by Vida Flare. 9/20/17 GVCC EVENT The Annual Dinner Officer Installation and Business & Leadership Awards Event THE HILTON Doors @ 4:30, Program @ 5:30pm Please RSVP to attend the GVCC’s most prestigious event of the year. We will ‘pass the reigns’ of leadership to Eric Sawyer as the incoming 2017-2018 Chairman of the Board at this Kentucky Derby themed event complete with live horses, mint juleps, yard games and a dessert derby dash. This event is presented by the Port of Vancouver USA. 9/21/17 GVCC EVENT L&I Retro Program Info Session: Medical @ THE GVCC
7am includes light breakfast In this session you will learn about the Chamber’s Retro Rating Pro-
gram and how you could earn a partial refund in our group program. 9/21/17 GVCC EVENT Fall Workshop Series @ THE GVCC
11:30 lunch, Noon Workshop James Sikora (Landerholm) will instruct the workshop: Human Resources – Best Practices to Avoid an Employee Lawsuit. The entire seven-part workshop series is presented by Schwabe, Williamson, & Wyatt. Lunch by Simply Thyme Catering. 9/26/17 GVCC EVENT Fall Workshop Series @ THE GVCC
11:30 lunch, Noon Workshop Erin Lambley (Landerholm) will instruct the workshop: Data Security - Protecting Company Data. The entire sevenpart workshop series is presented by Schwabe, Williamson, & Wyatt. Lunch by Simply Thyme Catering. 9/27/17 GVCC EVENT Ready, Set, Go! Wellness Workshop @ THE GVCC NOON - 1PM $15 includes lunch Workshop Topic: Ten
healthy office snack alternatives, and you get to try them with Melissa martin of Clark County Public Health. Lunch provided by Chick-filA, monthly workshops sponsored by Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center. 9/28/17 GVCC EVENT Fall Workshop Series @ THE GVCC
11:30 lunch, Noon Workshop Matt Bisturis (Schwabe) will instruct the workshop: Raising Money – Alternatives and Legal Pitfalls. The entire sevenpart workshop series is presented by Schwabe, Williamson, & Wyatt. Lunch by Simply Thyme Catering. 9/28/17 GVCC EVENT Ribbon Cutting PLATINUM RIBBON CUTTING AT ZENITH PROPERTIES 4pm ceremony - FREE Join the party at this Platinum Level Ribbon cutting event including refreshments and tours at 1498 SE Tech Center Place Suite 170.