VISION
SEP/OCT 2018
VANCOUVER
SEASONAL MARKETING IS THE FOCUS OF OUR EIGHT-PART FALL WORKSHOP SERIES, PRESENTED BY CHICK- FIL -A
Magazine
IT’S
SHOW
TIME!
The Chamber's New Ringmaster
AMY O’HARA Invites you to the 9/25
U N D E R T H E B IG T O P Annual Dinner
VANCOUVER
VISION
Table of Contents
Magazine
SEPT / OCT EDITION 4
Staff, Board, Tiers, and Advertisers
6
A Message from the CEO
8
July/Aug Event Highlights
9
Public Affairs Committee
10
Manufacturing Day
11
The Fall Workshop Series and BAH
12
GVCC New Hire: Sarah Cooke
13
GVCC Mentor Program
14-15
Annual Dinner - Social Hour
16-17
Annual Dinner - 2018-2019 Board of Directors
18-19
Annual Dinner - Business & Leadership Awards
20-21
Ribbon Cutting Gallery
22
New GVCC Members
24
Event Calendar
PG 14-19: Eric Sawyer has been a reliable fortune teller for the GVCC. He’s
predicted business prosperity and worked towards it in everything he’s done for the Chamber. Our new 2018-2019 ringmaster is Amy O’Hara of When the Shoe Fits, and she’s equipped to take center stage on September 25th.
PG 9: The Chamber’s Public Affairs Committee is working on 2019
PG 8: Photo recap of the sold out Women’s Golf Tournament
ON THE COVER
Amy O’Hara is the owner of When The Shoe Fits and the Chamber’s 20182019 Chairwoman of the Board. She is on location at Center Stage Clothiers at 14th and Main with photographer Kate Singh. She’s dressed as the Ringmaster of the Chamber’s Annual Dinner themed: Under The Big Top! Hair and makeup by Meghan Hamilton, the owner of Glam Beauty Bar. Photos by Kate Singh Photography
MORE INFO ON PAGES 14-19
PG: 20-21 Ribbon Cutting Photo Gallery. Pictured: The Grand Opening of Boulevard Homes NW (Ginn Company) Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce Vancouver VISION Magazine
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G R E AT 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
ong r t S For A unity Comm
VANCOUVER
CEO/PRESIDENT: John McDonagh CHAIRWOMAN: Amy O’Hara
VISION EDITOR: Chandra Chase
BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIR: Amy O’Hara, When the Shoe Fits CHAIR ELECT: Kevin Getch, Webfor VICE CHAIR: Julianna Marler, Port of Vancouver TREASURER: Lisa Goecke, Perkins & Co. PAST CHAIR: Eric Sawyer, BBSI Preferred Payroll
Winston Asai, Columbia Machine Ben Bagherpour, SEH America LeAnne Bremer, Miller Nash Graham & Dunn Carol Bua, City of Vancouver Jody Campbell, The Columbian Tamara Fuller, Colliers International Bryce Helgerson, Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center Nelson Holmberg, Port of Ridgefield Ben Hoskins, 1 800 Got Junk / You Move Me Robert Knight, Clark College Tim Schauer, MacKay Sposito Kristy Weaver, Columbia Bank Dr. Steve Webb, Vancouver School District Jim West, Zenith Properties NW
STAFF
Supporting our community through local lending and charitable contributions since 1923.
John McDonagh, President/CEO 360-567-1050 jmcdonagh@vancouverusa.com
Chandra Chase, Programs and Communications Director 360-567-1056 cchase@vancouverusa.com
Amy Tanska, Membership Recruitment Director 360-567-1089 atanska@vancouverusa.com
Teresa Lawwill, Community Partnerships Director 360-567-1090 tlawwill@vancouverusa.com
Barb Holbrook, Office Manager & Ambassador Coordinator 360-567-1093 bholbrook@vancouverusa.com Ashlyn Salzman, Events Manager 360-567-1052 asalzman@vancouverusa.com Sharon Batten, Finance 360-567-1080 sbatten@vancouverusa.com
Sarah Cooke, Member Engagement & Communications Specialist 360-567-1058 scooke@vancouverusa.com Jeannet Santiago, SBAP & PTAC Business Counselor 360-567-1051 jsantiago@vancouverusa.com Paul Montague, Business Services Counselor 360-567-1081 pmontague@vancouverusa.com
CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE
PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE
DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE
Columbia Bank SEH America, Inc. Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center Riverview Community Bank Port of Vancouver PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center HAPO Credit Union ilani Resort and Casino The Vancouver Clinic
Columbia Machine, Inc. iQ Credit Union Holland/Burgerville Kaiser Permanente Comcast Business Class BNSF Railway Columbia Credit Union On Line Support The Columbian
Regence BlueCross BlueShield Mackenzie Chick-fil-A Chevron USA
PARTNERS & ADVERTISERS ADCO Commercial Printing & Graphics Kate Singh Photography Beaches Restaurant & Bar Clark Public Utilities Martel Wealth Advisors Inc.
Northwest Personal Training On Line Support Riverview Community Bank Shorty’s Nursery Simply Thyme Catering
Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) The Columbian The Vancouver Business Journal Uptown Barrell Room
1101 Broadway, Suite 100 Vancouver, WA 98660 360-694-2588 yourchamber@vancouverusa.com www.vancouverusa.com facebook.com/yourchamber twitter.com/vanchamber instagram.com @vanchamberusa VOLUME: 128 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. 360-6942588, 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 28, 2018 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.
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
John McDonagh
Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce CEO/President
Leverage Your Membership, Review Benefits (included in dues) & Sponsorship Opportunities Much of this edition of Vision Magazine is about the launching of a new year for the Chamber with our new board and officers. But how about you? How will you take advantage of your membership in the coming year? If you’re reading this, you are a member of the largest business organization in SW Washington and by virtue of that membership you already have a common bond with the other members. You are all committed to a healthy and vital business community and the way we all assure that reality is by doing business with each other. Don’t you think it is about time you really got connected and took advantage of that common bond? As a support and resource organization, we at the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce are about creating opportunities for you to connect with the other members to create relationships and when it makes sense, to do business together. Those opportunities range from those included in your member dues to sponsorships of our signature events. The GVCC website, www.vancouverusa. com, is one of the most visited sites in the region and on the site the member directory is the most visited of our pages. And your listing in that directory is included with your membership. When was the last time you looked up your own business to be sure your information is up to date and complete? We offer monthly workshops hosted by Sarah Cooke, our Member Engagement and Communications Specialist to assist you in completing your information so the listing is working hardest for your business. We also offer every member the opportunity to include events on the community events calendar on our website as well as listed in the weekly eNewsletter Business Matters. The Member News & Announcement section of the eNewsletter, event and job posts, are included as benefits with your dues. No additional costs.
6
Vancouver VISION Magazine Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce
Certainly, there are opportunities for paid advertising both on the website as well as in our weekly eNewsletter and our bi-monthly Vision Magazine. Contact Chandra Chase for information on advertising at cchase@vancouverusa. com or via phone at (360) 567-1056. Twice a year, for a limited number of ads, we host a flash sale for 24 hours. The next edition (Nov/ Dec) will be the final flash sale of 2018. Inquire! The inside cover and inside backpage are the best spots and they are included for 50% off listed rates. If business focused, community-based event marketing is more the experience you’re looking for, we have sponsorship opportunities beginning as low as $125. Through event sponsorships you join an exclusive set of businesses who are highlighted at the event, giving you that added visibility and making sure your staff has the access and the conversations they most want. Many of our event sponsors commit to sponsoring the next year’s event, before leaving this year’s event. Columbia Bank has presented the Annual Golf Tournament for 16 years in a row, and we just heard word today (August 16th) that Vancouver Mall is re-upping their presenting sponsorship agreement for next year due to the quality of attendees at our Women’s Golf Tournament, held at Camas Meadows. From the Holiday Heroes Luncheon, to our Fall and Spring Workshop Series, there is a wide variety of sponsorship opportunities to promote your business and to communicate to our community. Being a Chamber program/ event stakeholder sponsor is more than just submitting a check - it’s a partnership to provide researched-based quality programming for our business community. To learn more about our sponsorships contact Teresa Lawwill, tlawwill@vancouverusa.com or (360) 567-1090. Make this the year you really leverage your membership in the GVCC and make those connections you need and want to make. If you need a nudge or assistance finding the connection you want, let us know and we’ll work with you to make it happen.
Women in Leadership Lecture at Shorty’s Nursery in July with Dr. Dene Grigar and Angela Dowling The WILL event is the 2018 standout program for the GVCC. It has sold out three times in a row via a 24-hour pre sale email, targeting women in c-suite executive or CEO roles in Southwest Washington.
Pictured: Dr. Dene Grigar is the Director of WSU Vancouver’s Creative Media and Digital Culture Program and Angela Dowling who is the President of Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon. Photo by Kate Singh.
The Sold Out Aug 16th Women’s Golf Tournament, presented by Vancouver Mall
Industries Quarterly: Retail
Evosus was our sponsor/host in August and introduced their new Evosus Pro POS solution that is local, portable, and offers inventory controls and links to Quickbooks.
Thank you Tidewater Cove Marina!
Special thank you to our sponsors and golfers that made our 4th Annual Women’s Golf Tournament a SOLD OUT success. Vancouver Mall has confirmed to be our 2019 Tournament Sponsor! Photos by Amanda Goff of Silver Keys Media.
Public Affairs committee
Wide Variety of Topics Reviewed at Public Affairs Meeting Speakers, Trade, Transportation, & More
Don Russo
PAC Co-Chairman Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt
Nelson Holmberg
PAC Co-Chairman, Port of Ridgefield
Share Your 2019 Business Community Priorities
This is your last opportunity to email the GVCC’s leadership for additions/ edits to our annual business priorities for next year. Our four focus areas are: Economic Development, Infrastructure, Education & Workforce Development, and Environmental. Email John McDonagh at jmcdonagh@vancouverusa.com.
The July 2018 Public Affairs Committee meeting was packed with lots of tremendous information. We led off with Teresa Brum, Economic Development Director with the City of Vancouver, describing the purpose of and the issues which could be addressed by a Downtown Improvement District (“DID”). A DID is a self-funded mechanism for a business district’s management and revitalization. It can address issues such as public safety, cleaning/trash removal, business development, parking and the like. If adopted, the DID becomes and is funded by a special property tax assessment, designed for building owners and not business owners. If put in place, there would be a rate payers advisory board with the Vancouver’s Downtown Association (VDA) acting as the City’s primary partner with control over funds collected and the vendors hired. There are currently about twenty-five (25) DIDs in place in the State, and Vancouver is one of the largest cities in the State without a DID. The Public Affairs Committee invited Ben Bagherpour, SEH America’s face in this community, to speak to us about the effects of the recent trade tariffs to his business. Ben noted that steel is an element of the equipment SEH routinely
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purchases. In addition, wire from Japan and South Korea and steel drums from Mexico and Canada are being impacted with tariffs. In the semi-conductor industry, there are numerous items purchased which in turn are impacted by these tariffs. David Konz of Tidewater noted that at as of July 17th, the imposed tariffs had not yet impacted wheat. If tariffs are imposed on US wheat, our biggest competitors, Canada and Australia, stand to gain and there will be a large impact to the barge companies and other modes of transportation moving US grown wheat. Further, because of the tariffs imposed on steel, Tidewater is holding off on investing in new barges. Contractors are impacted by rising costs of tools, nails, screws and steel structures. Your Chamber is again partnering with CREDC and ICC on shared legislative priorities so as to reshape the “voice of business” for 2019. The key topics at this point include workforce development and education – a continued need for STEM awareness as well as preparing our schools and our students for available posthigh school careers, knowing that more than half of our graduates will not pursue a 2 or 4-year college degree. Local schools need to prepare students for skilled living-wage jobs here in SW Washington. This improves lives and builds our economy while strengthening our future. Other key topics include infrastructure and expanding broadband to help economic growth in rural areas. Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle updated the PAC on several issues: waterfront ribbon cutting ceremony on September 29th; a downtown parking policy is in development; stop lights are to be removed on SR 500 at Falk and Stapleton; the City has a Letter of Intent for development of Block 10 (the vacant lot between Washington and Columbia on the East and West, and 8th and 9th Streets on the South and North; the City has asked the Governor to fund WSDOT to continue the process of moving forward in baby steps with regard to a replacement bridge, and on a related matter, the City and our Mayor have attended many meetings concerning tolling. Oregon has clearly heard the message from Vancouver. (Reminds us of the Revolutionary War – no taxation without representation).
EMPLOYMENT RESOURCES update
Paul Montague
The GVCC Business Solutions Counselor pmontague@vancouverusa.com (360) 567-1081
Manufacturing Day is October 9th The 3rd Annual Manufacturing Day event will take place October 9. It’s a great opportunity to showcase your business, demystify the industry and spark career interest in our young adults – the next generation of workers! The event is a collaboration between Workforce Southwest Washington (WSW), WorkSource, Partners in Careers and Clark College and is part of the workforce system’s ongoing efforts to create a manufacturing workforce pipeline of local youth to help you grow and sustain your business. We encourage you to sign up and participate. The event will be held on Clark College’s main campus. Participating employers are asked to invest in our youth and your industry by sponsoring the event with a suggested donation of $250. At the event, we ask you to engage with students by answering and asking questions, and imparting information about your business, types of jobs, salary ranges, education and training needed and the manufacturing industry in general. We also ask that each business have an interactive display such as tools, widgets, an informational/video tour of your business, a quick hands-on project such as an assembly line demo or another idea. Approximately 200 students will be attending, most of which are high school juniors and seniors, and some
of out-of-school young adults ages 16-24 who are engaged with WSW-funded youth programs. We hope you will participate in Manufacturing Day. Space is limited. Register via an easy online form by September 14 to reserve your spot! For more information or assistance, contact Melissa Boles, Program Manager, at mboles@workforcesw.org or 360.567.3185.
Photo courtesy of Workforce Southwest Washington at last year’s event
2018 The Year of Change Southwest Washington SHRM
l a u n An Fall e c n e r e Conf Keynote Speakers: John Stanley, EEOC Tom Tomasevic, T2 Teams Rep. Paul Harris, WA State
Vancouver Hilton Convention Center 301 W. 6th Street, Vancouver October 26, 2018 7:15am to 3:15pm swshrm.org
Upcoming EVENTS get involved
RSVP at vancouverusa.com for your space at the Chamber’s Fall [Seasonal Marketing] Workshop Series on season-based marketing campaigns on Tuesdays and Thursdays (eight sessions) in September. Lunches are included by our program sponsor by Chick-fil-A. Tues, Sept 4 Kevin Getch, Webfor
National Days, Holidays, and Seasons – Oh My – How to Start your Seasonal Marketing Approach
Tues, Sept 18 Alan Hwang, ACH Marketing A Digital-Only Strategy to Maximize Cyber Monday
Thurs, Sept 6 Ronnie Noize, DIY Marketing Center
Tues, Sept 11 Amanda Goff, Silver Keys Media
Thurs, Sept 13 Kristin Taylor, Your Brand Partner
Thurs, Sept 20 Danielle Walker of Chick-fil-A
Tues, Sept 25 Ronnie Noize, DIY Marketing Center
Thurs, Sept 27 Lacey Faught, Clark College & Spry
Structuring a Season-Based Marketing Campaign / The Nuts and Bolts
The Big Game / Score the Touch Down on Superbowl Sunday
No Need to Get Spooked Over Visual Marketing for the Seasonal Holidays
Ho Ho Ho! Marketing the Christmas Season with more than just JOY
Translating the Power of Gratitude (Thanksgiving) into your Marketing
Plant a Seed in Fertile Soil and it will Grow! Seasonal Campaigns on Social Media are Ripe for the Picking!
Keep Up-To-Date with Monthly Chamber Events, Consistent Contact Builds B2B Networks Business After Hours - 2nd Tuesdays September 11th Business After Hours @ Bloodworks NW from 5-7pm 9320 NE Vancouver Mall Drive Join the Chamber for drinks, prizes and great company at Bloodworks NW as they dedicate this event to the brave men and women of 9/11. Bloodworks NW is an essential component of our region’s emergency response and healthcare system - providing a safe, stable, and community-based blood supply. At the BAH, you’ll have the opportunity to tour the facility and learn about the bloodmobile.
Ready, Set, Go! Wellness Workshops - 4th Thursdays On Thursday, September 27th the GVCC welcomes a panel on breast feeding in the workplace, coordinated by our partners at Clark County Public Health. The Ready, Set, Go! Wellness Workshop series is a monthly workshop dedicated to the issues that impact employees in Southwest Washington. Our host and presenting sponsor is Mackenzie and the workshop takes place in their 2nd floor conference room in the Hudson Building in downtown. A healthy lunch is provided by Chick-fil-A, which includes salads, wraps, fruit, and other low calorie options.
SW Washington Leads & Needs 1st & 3rd Wednesdays
One of the Chamber’s longest running events is Southwest Washington Leads & Needs. Attendance is regularly at the 75 participant mark, with quarterly drawing events swelling to over 100. The doors open at 7:15am at Beaches Restaurant and Bar and the program begins at 7:30 sharp. Leads and Needs consists of around-the-room introductions, announcements from the sponsor, and small group break out sessions. Upcoming sponsors: Heritage Bank (9/5), Social Leads Strategy Pro (9/19), Waverly Realty (10/3), and The Salvation Army (10/17).
Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce Vancouver VISION Magazine
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GVCC STAFF spotlight
The Chamber Hires Sarah Cooke, New Member Engagement & Communications Specialist Sarah Cooke
Member Engagement & Communications Specialist scooke@vancouverusa.com (360) 567-1058
With 1,200 businesses at the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce (GVCC), every member experience is different. This is why we have such individualized programs tailored for each business’ needs and preferences. In my short time as the GVCC’s newest Member Engagement & Communications Specialist, I have had the privilege of meeting numerous members in our community. Understanding what a member needs from the Chamber and how we can help facilitate the organization’s progress is my focus. I recently met up with Lori Lindberg and Marcy Sprecher from Rocksolid Community Teen Center in Battle Ground. The initial objective of our meeting was to discuss how Rocksolid could utilize the Chamber’s platform for publicity of upcoming events and getting the word out about their volunteer opportunities. Not only did we share our marketing opportunities, but we found ourselves collaborating with Rock Solid’s summer camp program and our stemCONNECT program that is focused on career connected learning visits between middle/high school aged kids and local businesses. We covered the Chamber’s mentors, other programming and how to overall engage further within the Chamber. In my new role, as Member Engagement & Communications specialist, I first focus on our members preferences and goals. Then, I can recommend a strategy to cater to the immediate needs of the business or organization. Last year the GVCC hosted over 125 events. Events are an important aspect of engagement within our Chamber. They are an opportunity for individuals to establish relationships, discuss ideas, and reach other businesses that they may not normally contact. From our acclaimed Women in Leadership Lecture Series, to our bi-monthly Leads & Needs, to our ever popular Business After Hours, members are able to experience a unique approach to their engagement. It’s more than showing up for events. We have a
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networking workshop series (hosted by DIY Marketing) that can help you maximize your time and energy within Chamber events. In my role here at the GVCC, I lead our Business of the Week social media featurette which spotlights businesses who really go the extra mile and lead by a positive examples in our community. This is a great platform for individuals to show what they do behind the scenes - not necessarily in a networking environment. Recently, Nana’s Tiny Cakes, PIP Printing, and ICEovation were featured. I was able to meet with each of these wonderful business owners and learn more about what they do best. Their personal stories, and gain insight as to how I can connect them with other members in the future, is an extremely rewarding part of this role. There are many other options for individuals to engage with the Chamber outside of our networking event cycle. For instance, workshops! These sessions are great for those who want to learn more about seasonal marketing techniques, social media presence and influence, your Chamber website optimization, in addition to how-to sessions with a small business focus. We’re coming up to November and it’s a time for all businesses with less than 15 full time employees to compete for the Chamber’s $2,000 Small Business Saturday Grant, copresented by Columbia Credit Union. Small businesses compete by participating in a hashtag contest on social media that starts on November 1st and ends on Small Business Saturday. It’s about quality over quantity and no voting is involved. The goal is to flood social media with small business promotional posts to raise our collective voices and to kick off the holiday shopping season with small businesses in mind. At the Chamber, our goal is to make your goals, come to fruition. We can help by with publicity, connections, advocacy, and mentorship to name a few. But remember: every member is different. We want to make sure that you have an individualized focus whether that be by having coffee with you to discuss your needs, or an email correspondence discussing what works and what doesn’t. There are amazing people in our community and I am eager to create many long-lasting relationships in my new role. I look forward to hearing about how we can help you.
Vancouver VISION Magazine Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce
Photo by Kate Singh Photography
Calling All Members to Utilize the GVCC’s Skill-Based Mentorship Team The GVCC’s Mentoring team is another opportunity to formally connect inside the membership with the transfer of knowledge in mind. Our six talented mentors have all designated a skillset that they are willing to share with other GVCC members. Amy Lodholz, the Development Director for Evergreen Habitat for Humanity has the mentor focus area of nonprofit coordination/management and fundraising campaigns. Eric Sawyer, the Chamber’s Immediate Past Chairman of the Board and Area Manager of BBSI has the mentoring focusing areas of leadership development, public speaking, sports and recreation industry. Dr. Gloria Arroyo-Grubbs, owner of Tri Star Chiropractic has the mentoring focus area of employee wellness programming and development, and family/employee health. Julie Arenz from iQ Credit Union (startups / Downtown), Morgan Hutchinson of High End Marketplace (social media, brand development, emerging industries), and Mari Jessup of Miller Nash Graham & Dunn (women in business, office productivity) round out our team. The Mentor Team Liaison is Sarah Cooke, the Chamber’s Member Engagement & Communication Specialist. Email her for the three month cycle starting in January at scooke@vancouverusa.com.
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LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! The Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce invites you to the Chamber’s Annual Dinner with your peers to celebrate business prosperity in Southwest Washington. Join us “Under the Big Top” on September 25th from 4:30-7:00 p.m. for a vintage circus-themed Annual Dinner, presented by the Port of Vancouver USA. This is an event dedicated to enjoying the company of fellow business owners, entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and employees across Chamber membership. We want to thank you, our members, for a fantastic and vibrant year full of successful grand openings, expansions and sold out programming.
YOU ARE THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH. BEARDED LADY Champagne cocktail topped with a cotton candy beard
THE CHAMBER’S ANNUAL DINNER
SCHEDULE 4:30-5:30
SOCIAL HOUR 5: 5:30-6:15
BOARD
INSTALLATION 6:15-7
BUSINESS & LEADERSHIP AWARDS
THE SOCIAL HOUR Get into the theme - rent an outfit from our friends at Center Stage Clothiers! *All clothing from the photoshoot is from www.centerstageclothiers.com
e… al your fortun sies will reve ur palm yp yo g g ve in ha el Trav Tellers to e un rt Fo ia land s read Stop by Port or tarot card
At the social hour, you will be greeted by circus performers and our very own
TRAVELING
CIRCUS
CARNIES by visiting VIP Photo Booth Enjoy CONCESSIONS for a limited time only during the cocktail hour Capture your
Take a ride on the RING OF FIRE, it might turn you upside down… (A creamsicle beverage with a fiery sugar rim) Get a taste of the BEARDED LADY…a champagne cocktail topped with a cotton candy beard Enter the big top through velvet drapes and enjoy the sights of
FIRE
AND
ICE, wild animals, and scrumptious desserts
Try your hand at games of chance by visiting
BOOTHS VIPS will have
CARNIVAL
run by the Port of Vancouver USA extra special delicacies from under the sea and from the vine
AMY O'HARA ERIC SAWYER
SARAH
COOKE
TERESA LAWWILL
THIS YEAR'S RINGMASTER It is a great honor for me to be the incoming Chairwoman of the Board of Directors for the GVCC. I am not exaggerating when I say my time spent with my fellow board members is a treasure as these are some of the brightest, engaged and supportive people I have ever had the pleasure to know. That coupled with John and the astounding GVCC staff makes this a pretty good gig. I moved to Vancouver 25 years ago but the job was as a travelling sales representative – yes, selling shoes - so I really just used it as a place to unpack and repack and I did not make the effort to really join this community. Boy was I missing out. When my husband and I opened our first shoe store in 2004 I was blown away by the support and enthusiasm from all over the area but especially by the Chamber of Commerce. I will never forget those wonderful red blazers coming to do a ribbon cutting for us. Not to get corny but it still tears me up a little. It can be terrifying to ‘hang out your shingle’ and you need all the support and resources you can get your hands on. That I now have the chance to be that kind of support to someone else? To help the area business community thrive and grow? Well that means the world to me. I love the amazing collection of communities that make up this area and I intend to do all I can to make a positive impact. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for the opportunity.
-AMY
O'HARA
CENTER STAGE ACT #1
We will ceremoniously change over our Board of Directors for the 2018-2019 year in a dazzling display of SW Washington’s finest.
EXECUTIVE
Chair: Amy O’Hara, When The Shoe Fits
Chair Elect: Kevin Getch, Webfor
COMMITTEE
Vice Chair: Juliana Marler, Port of Vancouver
BOARD
Treasurer: Lisa J. Goecke, Perkins & Co
Immediate Past Chair: Eric Sawyer, BBSI
MEMBERS
Winston Asai, Columbia Machine Inc. Ben Bagherpour, SEH America LeAnne Bremer, Miller Nash Graham, & Dunn Carol Bua, City of Vancouver Jody Campbell, The Columbian Tamara Fuller, Colliers International Bryce Helgerson, Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center
Nelson Holmberg, Port of Ridgefield Ben Hoskins, 1 800 / You Move Me Robert Knight, Clark College Tim Schauer, MacKay Sposito Kristy Weaver, Columbia Bank Dr. Steve Webb, Vancouver Public Schools Jim West, Zenith Properties NW
ACT #2
Then, Amy O’Hara of When the Shoe Fits will take the lead as Ringmaster from Eric Sawyer, who will share his predictions of good fortune. We will also acknowledge a top performer, who will be stepping off our Board: Eric Olmsted of On Line Support.
INCOMING CHAIRWOMAN’S REMARKS
2018-19
RS O T C BOARD OF DIRE
CLOWN'N
AROUND
The show must go on, so we’re giving you the chance to outperform other tables in the room and pick the best dessert of the evening from our grand dessert display. This dessert dash is sponsored by HAPO Community Credit Union and supports our Small Business Grant program, which provides cash grants to small businesses in Clark County. Small Business compete in a month-long social media contest that
DESSERT
DASH
ends on Small Business Saturday. The lucky winners of this competition use the grants to receive additional certification or degrees in their field, to purchase equipment for their business, or to invest in their company in another capacity.
! E L A N I F THE
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Small
and
large
categories
PRESENTED BY:
START-UP TO WATCH PRESENTED BY:
STATESMAN
OF
THE
YEAR
PRESENTED BY:
COMMUNITY
CHAMPION
PRESENTED BY:
JOHN S MCKIBBIN LEADERSHIP LEGACY AWARD PRESENTED BY:
MEET
US
UNDER THE BIG TOP It wouldn’t be the greatest show on earth without you there!
-ASHLYN
SALZMAN
GVCC Events Manager
Tuesday, September 25th The Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Dinner Individual tickets and sponsorship information are available at www.vancouverusa.com
VIP TABLE SPONSORS
outgoing Chairman of the Board Message
So there we were, my 12 year old son and I lying on the grass looking up at the clouds floating above us like lazy sheep on a warm summer day, when I asked the question. Me- “Ethan, what do you think about you and me going camping and fishing next weekend….just the two of us.” Ethan- “Dad what is it, like 1950 or something?” Me- ... What does this have to do with my last article of the year as your Board Chair for the GVCC? Abso-freakin-lutely nothing. I just thought it was funny. Seriously though, where I once thought the gap between our current (ahem, clear the throat) mature and established business leaders in our community and our up-and-coming younger generation (Millennials mostly) was significant, I’m now starting to think and see that it’s not quite what it once was. We have a dynamic infusion of young talent in our community starting up businesses, taking over others in 2nd and sometimes 3rd generation succession plans. It’s exciting. It’s a great time to be in business in Vancouver. The downtown core is bustling, waterfront progress is happening daily, unique and delicious restaurant options are becoming commonplace. If you don’t believe me just stop in at Little Conejo, or Mighty Bowl, Funky Fresh, or Treat. Are you kidding me with their food? Good grief Charlie Brown…..(crap, that’s another 1950’s reference). When I started my first term several years ago as Board Chair I challenged the Millennials in the community to really step it up and become the next generation of leaders. Now, a few years later it’s exciting to see what’s going on. Oh I’m not saying my challenge had anything to do with that, I’m just excited to see that we have some really talented young business leaders in our midst with some exciting new spins on foods, services and products.
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Specifically recapping this last year at the GVCC I’m proud of the talented team for all that they do every day. The brand new Women in Leadership Lecture Series is so good and so well attended that unless you bought your tickets in the first 30 minutes after they became available, you weren’t getting any. Most GVCC events in general were basically sold out in 2018, including both of the golf tournaments. The March Madness Membership drive was insane, and I still contend that Kareen Mills stuffed the ballot box at the buzzer, but video review by Steph The Ref and Commissioner Tanska said they counted!?!?!? Where is Bobby Knight with a chair to throw when you need him. (Dated myself again didn’t I?) Business Advocacy this year has been top notch with letters of support for groups and projects that benefit business in SW WA. What a great year. Honestly looking back, how’d we get it all in? So, if my son’s not up for a camping and fishing trip who wants to join me. Just to be clear, there will be no Fortnite and/or cell service where we’re going. LOL Thanks for a GREAT YEAR!!!!
-ERIC
SAWYER
RIBBON CUTTING photo gallery GRAND OPENING
Boulevard Homes NW (A Ginn Company)
Leverage Your Ribbon Cutting to Create Social Media Buzz The party is set, the hard work is done. You’ve collected your staff, cleaned your space, set the stage with food and beverages for your Ribbon Cutting celebration. The Chamber’s Ambassador team is on their way. We challenge you to think of one more element to your ribbon cutting event - how to use it to encourage your guests to post about your business. The crowd of customers, chamber members, ambassadors, and employees are your support net. Make the ASK at your event during the speech, prior to cutting the ribbon.
Contact Barb Holbrook to book your Ribbon Cutting at bholbrook@vancouverusa.com or (360) 567-1093.
NEXT LEVEL EVENT
GRAND RE-OPENING
Give your Ribbon Cutting attendees clear and simple instructions. Like what? • Share you business’s hashtag. • Ask them to check themselves in at your location. • If they share pictures, ask that you be tagged in them. • And, our best advice - ask them to share their experiences working with your company successfully during the event. You could even tie that to a grand prize at your event - encouraging them to post during the party at that moment! We understand that event details can quickly become overwhelming - but remember why you’re cutting the ribbon in the first place - publicity!
NEXT LEVEL EVENT
GRAND RE-OPENING
CAR GIVEAWAY GROUND BREAKING
GRAND OPENING!
PRODUCT ROLLOUT
GRAND OPENING!
FOUR NEW SHOWS!
ANNIVERSARY
GRAND OPENING!
GRAND OPENING!
new gvcc members Abbott & Associates Professional Placement 650 NE Holladay St Suite #1600 Portland, Oregon 97232 abbott-associates.com Academy Mortgage 8100 NE Parkway Suite 140&150 Vancouver, WA 98662 academymortgage.com/branch/ vancouver Aligned Lifestyle Concierge Vancouver, WA 98661 alignedlifestyle.weebly.com Alteration Boutique 8002 A NE HWY 99 Vancouver, WA 98665 alterationbtq.wixsite.com/mysite Ambient Media, LLC 1111 Main Street, Suite 115 Vancouver, WA 98660 weareambient.com Andy Haugen, Keller Williams Premier Partners 2211 E Mill Plain Blvd Vancouver, WA 98661 ahaugen.kw.com CBD American Shaman of Vancouver 2700 NE Andresen Road Suite A5 Vancouver, WA 98661 cbdofvancouver.com CDM Caregiving Services 2300 NE Andresen Road Vancouver, WA 98661 cdmcaregiving.org Daniel E. Wilson, DMD PC (dba Cascade Dental)
16703 SE McGillivray Blvd, Suite 100 Vancouver, WA 98683 cascadedental.com Delish Thai Restaurant 6305 NE Highway 99 Vancouver, WA 98665 delishthai.business.site Dragonfly 360, Inc. 303 East 16th Street, Ste 2 Vancouver, WA 98663 dragonfly360solutions.com Dynamic Funding Solutions Vancouver, WA 98685 dynamicfundingsolutions.com Ecotope 4039 N. Mississippi Ave, Ste 204 Portland, OR 97227 ecotope.com Exobus 13421 NE 83rd St Vancouver, WA 98682 rideexo.com
hearingvancouver.com Heritage Family Law 11105 NE 14th Street Vancouver, WA 98684 heritagefamilylaw.com King’s Way Christian Schools 3606 NE 78th Street Vancouver, WA 98665 kwcs.org Mobile One LLC 12229 N Center Ave Portland, OR 98686 mobileonellc.com Pacific NW Specialty Pharmacy 3801 Main St, Suite A Vancouver , WA 98663 pnsprx.com Rainier Springs Hospital 2805 NE 129th ST Vancouver, WA 98686 rainiersprings.com
Farmers Insurance 3925 NE 72nd Dr STE 104 Vancouver, WA 98661 agents.farmers.com/wa/vancouver/thien-duy-nguyen
Retail Therapy Boutique NW 301 NE 192nd Avenue Suite #206 Vancouver, WA 98684 retailtherapyboutiquenw.com
GenDev 915 SE Broadway St. Ste 103 Vancouver, WA 98660 gendev.co
Rose City Mortgage 8701 NE 54th Street Vancouver, WA 98662 rosecitymtg.com
Hearing Center of Vancouver 16320 SE Mill Plain Blvd Suite 103 Vancouver, WA 98684
Shannon Kolbe - Coldwell Banker 911 W. Main Street Battle Ground, WA 98604
Soft Style Salon 2701 NE 114th Ave, Suite 4 Vancouver, WA 98604 softstylesalon.com Southwest Washington Winery Association 17806 SE 1st. St Vancouver, WA 98684 swwawine.com TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Vancouver 600 SE Maritime Ave #230 Vancouver, WA 98661 twomenandatruck.com/movers/wa/vancouver WestPac Wealth Partners 1353 Officer’s Row Vancouver, WA 98661 thewp2.com Willamette University MBA 905 NW 12th Ave Portland, OR 97209 willamette.edu/mba
Amy Tanska, Membership Recruitment Director
Email: atanska@vancouverusa.com Phone: (360) 567-1089
October is the Chamber’s Annual Membership Drive Share the word with non-members, perks for you & them Starting on October 1, it’s officially the GVCC’s Annual Membership drive. The Membership Committee, Chaired by Amy Tanska, the Chamber’s Membership Recruitment Director will work hand-in-hand with GVCC staff, ambassadors and board members to spread the word about the Chamber in an effort to rally membership during “pumpkin spice” month. For those members who go above-and-beyond and send a warm
lead to Amy Tanska at atanska@vancouverusa.com that converts into membership, your next Pumpkin Spice Latte is on us! Plus, you’ll be eligible for prizes! In years past we’ve given out everything from a $1,000 valued back-page-cover ad of the Chamber’s magazine, to lucrative event credits. This year we’re looking at creating a raffle system. You recruit one new member, you earn a raffle ticket for an amazing prize. It’s
no longer a competition for the total members referred. When you’re talking about membership in the community to someone who hasn’t been to Chamber events or participated in programming - we can help! We have printed materials to assist you. Let your non-members contacts know that when they sign up in October, they will receive 15 months for the price of 12.
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Special thank you to Simply Thyme Catering for being the GVCC’s Women in Leadership Lecture Series sponsor for 2018!
VANCOUVER
VISION
Periodical US Postage Paid Vancouver, WA
Magazine
1101 Broadway, Suite 100 - Vancouver, WA 98660 USA
UPCOMING EVENTS ON VANCOUVERUSA.COM 9/4/18 - 9/27/18 GVCC EVENT Fall Seasonal Marketing Workshop Series Sponsored by Chick-fil-A Details on page 11.
@ RAINIER SPRINGS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH HOSPITAL 3:35pm ceremony Attend the Grand Opening celebration at 2805 NE 129th Street.
9/4/18 GVCC EVENT Gold Level Ribbon Cutting @ EXOBUS 4:30pm -6:30pm Help cut the ribbon on this new business and tour their new bus! Exobus will be hosted at Hopworks Urban Brewery @ 17707 SE Mill Plain.
9/11/18 GVCC EVENT Business After Hours @ BLOODWORKS NW 5-7pm $10/members Bloodworks invites you to the party to honor our first responders of 9/11 and showcase how our citizens are saving lives by their donations at 9320 NE Vancouver Mall Drive.
9/5/18 GVCC EVENT SW Washington Leads and Needs @ BEACHES RESTAURANT, Doors @ 7:15 $5/Members The best morning networking in Clark County! Sponsored by Heritage Bank.
9/12/18 GVCC EVENT Ribbon Cutting @ CDM CAREGIVING SERVICES 4:30Pm Ceremony Celebrate their remarkable 40th anniversary at 2300 NE Andresen Road.
9/5/18 GVCC EVENT Website Work Session @ THE GVCC 10am Sit down with GVCC staff and learn how to enhance your online presence. 9/5/18 GVCC EVENT Platinum Level Ribbon Cutting
9/13/18 GVCC EVENT Ribbon Cutting @ SELF BALANCE MASSAGE 4:30pm ceremony Celebrate the Grand ReOpening at 8221 NE Hazel Dell Ave Suite 103. 9/17/18 GVCC EVENT Ribbon Cutting @ PAIN RELIEF
PARTNERS 4pm ceremony Celebrate the Grand Opening at 406 SE 131st Ave Suite 203. 9/18/18 PARTNER EVENT Score Vancouver @ VANCOUVER HOUSING AUTHORITY 1pm - 4pm $35 Small business workshop about telling your company story via brand. 9/18/18 GVCC EVENT Ribbon Cutting @ SONESTA ES SUITES 4pm ceremony Celebrate the Grand Opening at 8005 NE Parkway with food, drinks, prizes and tours. 9/19/18 GVCC EVENT SW Washington Leads and Needs @ BEACHES RESTAURANT, Doors @ 7:15 $5/Members The best morning networking in Clark County! Sponsored by Social Leads Strategy Pro. 9/19/18 PARTNER EVENT Super Powered Networking @ THE GVCC 9:30am - 11:30am At this DIY Marketing Center workshop, you will learn what exactly to do
after you make a connections to turn them into a client. GVCC free access code: strategy 9/20/18 GVCC EVENT Ribbon Cutting @ WELLHAVEN PETHEALTH 2:30pm ceremony Celebrate the Grand Opening at 700 Washington. Meet their TOP DOGS on facility tours and join the party! 9/20/18 GVCC EVENT Platinum Level Ribbon Cutting @ CREATIVE COMPUTER SOLUTIONS 5pm ceremony Celebrate CCSI’s 20th Anniversary in Business! Catering by Simply Thyme and prizes! 9/25/18 GVCC EVENT GVCC Annual Dinner Under the Big Top @ THE HILTON 4:30pm Social Hour 5:30pm - Program $75/person Fortune tellers, jugglers, stilt walkers will delight, custom cocktails like The Bearded Lady will charm you. We will recognize our 2018-2019 Board of Directors and honor our six recipients of the 2018 Business & Leadership Awards. Event presented by the Port of Vancouver.
ANNUAL
9/26/18 GVCC EVENT Ribbon Cutting @ MAUL FOSTER & ALONGI INC 4:30pm ceremony Help us celebrate the Grand Opening of their new offices at 109 E 13th Street. Meet the team, and enjoy food/drinks. 9/26/18 GVCC EVENT Platinum Level Ribbon Cutting @ COLUMBIA CREDIT UNION, BATTLE GROUND 5pm ceremony Help us celebrate the Grand Opening of Columbia Credit Union’s newest branch in Battle Ground at 1013 SW Scotton Way. 9/27/18 GVCC EVENT Ready, Set, Go! Wellness Workshop @ MACKENZIE Noon - 1pm $15 includes lunch Please join us as we welcome an informative panel on breastfeeding in the workplace. 9/26/18 GVCC EVENT Gold Level Ribbon Cutting @ YOUR PARTY CENTER 4:30pm ceremony Help us celebrate the Grand Re- Opening of
DINNER SEPT 25
RU
N
Photos by Kate Singh Photography
AWAY WITH
US
their location at 3006 NE 112th Ave Suite E. Expect food, drinks, music & entertainment. 10/3/18 GVCC EVENT SW Washington Leads and Needs @ BEACHES RESTAURANT, Doors @ 7:15 $10 @ The Door The best morning networking in Clark County! Sponsored by Waverly Realty. 10/3/18 PARTNER EVENT Networking for Newbies @ THE GVCC 9:30am - 11:30am At this DIY Marketing Center workshop, you will learn the secrets to effective networking. GVCC free access code: newbs 10/4/18 GVCC EVENT Ribbon Cutting @ ZZOOM MEDIA 4pm-6pm Join the GVCC Ambassador team to cut the ribbon at 701 Main Street. 10/16/18 GVCC EVENT Business After Hours @ THE SPARKS BUILDING 5-7pm $10/Members The tentants of the Sparks Building invite you for a multi-stop tour and networking event!