VANCOUVER
VISION
Magazine
CLARK COUNTY’S
TECH GURU
Make An Appearance
TOP 5 Upcoming Events
& HER STUDENT DISCIPLES
HOW THEY’RE CULTIVATING THE JOB MARKET IN SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON
THIS ISSUE’S SPECI SECTIOAL N:
SOCIAL MEDIA & YOUR BUSINESS Columns from Industry Experts and Academia
RELAUNCH ISSUE: New Content & New Design LADIES ON THE LINKS REVAMPS WITH NEW BRANDING, LUNCHEON & FASHION SHOW HomeStreet Bank Re-Ups as Presenting Sponsor for the 5th Year in a Row
PAC-076_Vancouver_Chamber_5x4.5_May-June.indd 1
3/28/13 3:53 PM
A bold statement, but it’s the real reason we do what we do!
WE MAKE IT EASY TO GET STARTED!
Your 1st session is FREE! MENTION THIS AD AND WE’LL GIVE YOU $50 OFF YOUR INITIAL FITNESS & TRAINING PACKAGE.
TRANSFORM YOUR BODY & CHANGE YOUR LIFE GUARANTEED!
-
www.nwPersonalTraining.com info@nwPersonalTraining.com 360.574.7292|1011 Broadway • Vancouver
Volume 42 • Number 4
THE GREATER VANCOUVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OFFICERS Chair: Kristy Weaver, Pacific Continental Bank Chair Elect: Don Russo, Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt Vice Chair: Eric Sawyer, BBSI Preferred Payroll Secretary – Treasurer: Winston Asai, Columbia Machine Immediate Past Chair: Tim Schauer, MacKay Sposito
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jonathan Avery, Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center Jody Campbell, The Columbian Todd Coleman, Port of Vancouver John Deeder, Evergreen Public Schools Tamara Fuller, NAI Norris, Beggs & Simpson Jeff Harvey, Burgerville Dave Horowitz, Windermere Real Estate Elie Kassab, Prestige Development Alex McMillan, Optimal Living Expert Wayne Nelson, Clark Public Utilities Eric Olmsted, On Line Support, Inc. William Pritchard, Pritchard Orthodontics Don Russo, Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt Rhona Sen Hoss, WSU Vancouver Keith Wallace, Frumenti, Lander & Wallace, P.S. Jeff Woodside, Nutter Corporation
CHAMBER STAFF Kelly Parker, President/CEO 360-567-1050 kparker@vancouverusa.com Darcy Altizer, Vice President, Member Services 360-567-1051 daltizer@vancouverusa.com
THE BI-MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF THE GREATER VANCOUVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Contents PG
04
Top Five Upcoming Events
05
What’s New
PG PG
6/7
Legislative Wrap Up
16
Businesses Celebrate
Susie Bauder, Events Director 360-567-1093 sbauder@vancouverusa.com Matt Hoffstetter, Sales Director 360-567-1058 mhoffstetter@vancouverusa.com Teresa Lawwill, Community Relations Director 360-567-1090 tlawwill@vancouverusa.com Chandra Chase, Communications Director 360-567-1056 cchase@vancouverusa.com Printing Adco Commercial Printing & Graphics, Inc. 360-699-7356 sales@adco1.com www.adco1.com
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 ChamberNews (USPS 008786) is published bi-monthly by the Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, 1101 Broadway, Suite 100, Vancouver, WA 98660. Tel. 360694-2588, Fax 360-693-8279. ChamberNews annual subscription is $25. Periodicals postage paid in Vancouver, WA. Postmaster: Send all address changes to ChamberNews, 1101 Broadway, Suite 100, Vancouver, WA 98660. This publication is dedicated to providing Chamber business news, educating the reader, and providing critical commentary.
JOIN THE GVCC!
Get access to 1,000+ businesses and gain a new team to help your business grow!
PG
Special Section Cha m
ber
B ON
US
SOCIAL MEDIA &YOUR BUSINESS Pull Out Pages
9-12
Practical Tips and Advice from Industry Experts & Academia
ON THE COVER:
Dr. Dene Grigar of Washington State University’s CMDC Program with students: Nicole Buckner and Morgan Hutchinson. Photo by Kate Signh of Aevum Images.
pg 14 &15
TAKE NOTICE
FIVE MUST GO-TO EVENTS
05.09.13 B.A.S.H. (BUSINESS
AND SOCIAL HOUR) The GVCC will host the 2nd BASH event on Thursday, May 9th from 5-7pm at the brand new Share Fromhold Service Center off Andresen Road. The BASH, which stands for Business and Social Hour is designed to bring businessmen and women in Southwest Washington together for fun, networking, refreshments and prizes in different locations around Greater Vancouver. The cost to attend is $10/members and you can register at vancouverusa.com ->Events.
05.21.13 BAH: BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Join the GVCC at the BIGGS Insurance Building, in the newly renovated top-floor Brickstone ballroom for the latest installment of the BAH (Business After Hours) event. The doors open for evening networking from 5-7pm. The cost is $10/ Member. Bring your coworkers, peers, friends and neighbors and network with business leaders of Southwest Washington. Register at www.vancouverusa. com -> Events. This event is sponsored by Biggs Insurance and Brickstone Ballroom.
05.30.13 LEGISLATIVE REVIEW LUNCHEON On Thursday, May 30th the GVCC, in partnership with the BIA of Clark County will cohost the 2013 Legislative Review Luncheon. This event is at Club Green Meadows from 11:30am - 1pm. The cost is $25/person to attend. It’s a great opportunity to hear the summary of the legislative session that recently came to a close. Register at biaofclarkcounty.org. The title sponsored is Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt Law offices.
This event is sponsored by CenturyLink.
06.13.13 THE 11th ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT The Vancouver Chamber knows Golf. We’ve got the best Golf Tournament in Southwest Washington. Sponsorships are sold out. The 144 spaces for player are almost sold out and our tee sponsors are taking our theme: “Around the World in 18 Holes” to another level. Players will visit Italy, France, Germany, Spain, India and Japan - all in one day. Plus, players will make new contacts, have fun and win prizes. The title sponsored is Columbia Bank. The Nike Tent Sponsor is BHP Billiton.
06.25.13 BAH & RIBBON CUTTING EVENT East Clark County’s beauty is a force to be reckoned with; from the Port Marina, Crown Park, historical downtown of Camas to the new ‘Washougal Town Square’ there is much to celebrate and the Greater Vancouver Chamber will be at Camas Meadows to host a grand event to celebrate the opening of their new driving range on their picturesque rolling green hills. This event is sponsored by Camas Meadows Golf Course.
Cha m Rebecca Wooden of Dream Big Community Center won the last quarterly drawing at the morning networking events: Southwest Washington Leads and Needs. She took home an overnights stay at the Vancouver Hilton and a Kadel’s Cascade Auto Body car kit.
monthly recurring events:
Southwest Washington Needs & Lead 1st & 3rd Wednesdays
The Resource Networking Corporate Trainings 2nd Wednesdays
ber
EVEN
TS
CHAMBER LAUNCHES PTAC OFFICE IN SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON The Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce (GVCC) is now the official office in Southwest Washington for the PTAC program. PTAC stands for Procurement Technical Assessment Center and the goal is to help local businesses in Clark, Cowlitz and Skamania County gain government contracts at the local, state and federal levels. As part of the GVCC’s community-wide programming, “We can help generate jobs for local business by assisting business in obtaining contracts with federal, state and local governments,” said Kristy Weaver, GVCC’s Board Chair. “We’re excited to begin offering free consulting and training to companies to help them do business with the government.”
The GVCC also gains a PTAC Business Counselor, Jordana Barclay. She will be at the Chamber’s 11th and Broadway location in downtown Vancouver and help companies with registration, certification and marketing. “It’s a complicated maze for companies starting out and we want to help provide them the tools to be successful,” says Barclay, “we have access to a vast network of resources statewide available through this program at no charge. It’s going to be a great opportunity for businesses in Southwest Washington.”
s ’ t a Wh w Ne
NEW JOB FIT ASSESSMENT TESTS LEAD TO BETTER HIRING DECISIONS
Why you need job fit
When you hire someone, you are investing in their future and the future of your business. It takes time and money to train a new employee and most employees leave due to job “fit,” not because they didn’t possess the skills detailed in their resumes. When you’ve got a stack of resumes and job applications to sort for an open position, the “JOBfit” web-based test can help you narrow down the field of candidates before the interview. This test provides information about applicants: thinking style, behavioral traits, interests total person overview, and there is a place to add interview questions to help judge suitability for the position.
Interviews have a 14% success rate in identifying superior people 63% of all hiring decisions are made during the first 4.3 minutes of an interview
NEW EVENT IN AUGUST: On the first Sunday in August, the GVCC will host the Columbia River Concours d’Elegance Car Show. It’s a luxury parade of exquisite automobiles ranging from antique to awe-inspiring. The Concours d’Elegance tradition will continue on the historical and picturesque mansion-lined lawns of Officers Row in Vancouver; the perfect, beautifully shaded location for attendees and car owners-alike. This event will feature the cars of Carroll Shelby and entries that will receive top-tier judging on historical accuracy, plus the historical accuracy of the dress/attire of their owners, technical merit, and of course, elegance and style – the mainstay of Concours d’Elegance. TITLE SPONSORSHIP OPEN
Visit
www.VancouverUSA.com
for more info
VANCOUVER
VISION Magazine
5
Thank You
TO Pb e r
Cha m rs o rt e Supp
INVESTOR LEVEL MEMBERSHIP SEH America, Inc. Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center Sterling Bank PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE Columbia Machine, Inc. iQ Credit Union Burgerville – Holland, Inc. Chase Bank Kaiser Permanente PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center Chevron USA Comcast Business Class BNSF Railway Columbia Credit Union Online Support Columbia State Bank
CHAMBER EVENT SPONSORS
GOLF TOURNAMENT
JUNE 13 Columbia State Bank LADIES ON THE LINKS
JULY 16 HomeStreet Bank CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE
AUG 04 OPEN
6
May/June Edition
Congratulations to our Chamber members who have been honored in our community this past month.
17 of our members have been voted “Best of Clark County”. Every year the Columbian asks its readers to name the best that Clark County has to offer in retail services and hospitality. It’s a great promotional tool for businesses who can claim the honor for 2013 and it’s a badge of honor recognizing their superb work in customer relations and quality this past year.
Riverview Community Bank
SIGNATURE EVENTS
BY KELLY PARKER GVCC CEO/PRESIDENT
The Vancouver Business Journal named five of our members as finalists in the 2013 Business Growth Awards; Aadland Dental, Webfor, Ryonet, Home Street Bank and Mackay & Sposito.
CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE Pacific Continental Bank
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS & BASH MAY 9 Share/CenturyLink MAY 21 Biggs Insurance JUNE 25 Camas Meadows Golf Club JULY 23 IDM Apartments AUG 27 OPEN SEPT 24 iQ Credit Union OCT 22 iQ Credit Union NOV 19 Glenwood Senior Living
CHAMBER BUSINESSES DOMINATE AWARDS IN CLARK COUNTY Food Category Thai Orchid Burgerville Olive Garden Brunch at Red Lion at the Quay Nightlife Category Best Happy Hour – Beaches Best Sports Bar – The Main Event Best Family Fun Value – Big Al’s Looking Good Category Best Spa Experience – Rinnovo Spa Salon Cars Category Best Auto Buying Experience Dick Hannah Dealerships At Home Category Best Remodeler/Contractor/ Handyman – Fazzolari Custom Homes and Remodeling
Jewelry Store Category Erik Runyan Jewelers Grocery Story & Specialty Foods Category Chuck’s Produce and Street Market Sports and Fitness Category Best Golf Course – Camas Meadows Fitness Facility Category Best Gym - NW Personal Training Best Swimming – Firstenburg Community Center
We congratulate all
our businesses. We encourage you to send us your great news so we can spread the word throughout our membership and throughout the community.
Garden Center Category Shorty’s Garden and Home Financial Category Columbia Credit Union
LEGISLATORS RETURN HOME AND REPORT ON MAY 30TH AT LUNCHEON BY DON RUSSO GVCC PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE CHAIR Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt
As I write this column, our legislators are more than ready to return home now that they are in their last days of the 105 day legislative session. A budget has yet to be agreed upon. Funding for both education and transportation, two critical elements for our community, remains a hot topic in both houses without agreement. Is an extra session in the cards? When our legislators do return home, one of their first meetings will be with you, our Chamber members. You are all invited to the May 30th Legislative Review to be held at Club Green Meadows in Vancouver from 11:30am-1pm. Space is limited and tickets are available at https://biaclarkcounty.webconnex.com/leglunch
www.facebook.com/yourchamber
We thank our co-hosts: the Building Industry Association of Clark County (BIA). It’s the first time we’ve partnered together on this event. This collaboration underscores the importance of partnerships in our community. This past year your local organizations worked together to advocate for stormwater regulations in Clark County that are not punitive to builders and developers. BIA, Columbia River Economic Development Council (CREDC), your Chamber and Identity Clark County all traveled to Olympia to testify in favor of acceptable stormwater regulations for the builders, developers and citizens of our County. Our local organizations shared information and contacts. Representative Liz Pike and Senator Ann Rivers well
News From The Head of the Chamber represented Clark County on this issue. While the proposed Bill failed to win the necessary votes, because of our collective efforts and advocacy, we were able convince the Department of Ecology to return to the table to work on a solution which works for all. Our (actually, your) organizations will continue to advocate through the administrative process. The outcome is critically important to building a strong robust economy in Clark County. (It is important to note that CREDC helped lead the charge on fair stormwater regulations benefitting Clark County even though the County Commission on a 2-1 vote stripped CREDC of its membership dues). Also important to a strong, robust local economy is the proposed CRC project. Governor Jay Inslee visited Vancouver business leaders recently and encouraged us to speak up in support of the bridge. At the meeting with Governor Inslee, both labor organizations and local businesses “testified” as to the importance of a new Columbia River Crossing. Just a few days ago, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood traveled to Olympia and stated that when it comes to the CRC, “all the boxes are checked; all the bureaucratic red tape has been completed.” U.S. Senator Patty Murray added that the “CRC project is vital to our state and our region’s economic future.”
Industrial Ceramics, Sharp Microelecronics of the Americas, Sharp Labs, CH2MHill, Tapani, Killian Pacific, Farwest Steel, Evergreen Memorial Gardens, Waste Connections, Fred Meyer, Robertson and Olson Construction, and Tetra Pack. The Chamber believes we need to build a new bridge to improve both safety in the I-5 corridor and to increase freight mobility for our future growth and prosperity. It is so important to remember that this project is not a local improvement project; rather, it impacts the movement of people and goods along the entire west coast of this great country. Also, a real measurable benefit of building the bridge now is the dramatic number of jobs (thousands) this construction project will generate. We thank all our partners, the businesses, labor groups, ports and commuters who have stated their support for the past seven years. If you’d like to send a message to the Governor you can do so by emailing him at Jay.Inslee@gov.wa.gov. You can also deliver your message in person to your legislators by joining us May 30th at Club Green Meadows for the 2013 Legislative Review. Hope to see you there.
We thank those businesses that have stepped forward and we applaud them for their leadership. Below is a partial list of business supporters representing thousands of real jobs in our community. If you want to see the complete list you can go to www.crc.coalition. com: Legacy Salmon Creek Hospital, Kaiser Permanente, Columbia Machine, nLight, WaferTech, Linear Technology Corp, Kyocera
THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETS MONTHLY AND IS COMPRISED OF ACTIVE BUSINESS MEN AND WOMEN WITHIN THE gvcc MEMBERSHIP
COLU CHAMBER 072012 7.5x7.5in.indd ks
Sign up for your Free daily business e-newsletter! MASTHEAD DIMENSIONS: pixels x e-newsletter 80 pixels (9.722” x 1.11” @ 72 dpi) Columbian’ s new700 business provides (perThe Staci Tucker 4-12-07)
you timely news and information about what’s happening in Clark County’s expanding business community.
072012Chamber
Here’s how you sign up to get your free eNewsletter: 1. Go to www.columbian.com 2. At the top of the homepage click “eNewsletters”. 3. Provide your contact information. 4. Click the BusinessToday box (and any other eNewsletters). 5. Choose the email format you prefer. 6. Click the “subscribe” button. 7. Your eNewsletter(s) will arrive at your inbox the next business day.
To subscribe to The Columbian call 360-694-2312.
Visit
www.VancouverUSA.com
for more info
VANCOUVER
VISION Magazine
7
‘DIGITAL INTERFACING’ DEVELOPMENT IS THE NEXT EVOLUTION FOR ALL BUSINESSES BY KRISTY WEAVER GVCC CHAIR Pacific Continental Bank
Think of how the world has changed since 1890, when the Vancouver Chamber was established. Phones, cars, and television changed the landscape of how we lived - personally and professionally. Recently, the internet has changed us again. Today, we’re faced with another key transition: how we use our ‘Digital Interfacing’ platforms. As a broad term Digital Interfacing is how we communicate through technology. Businesses used to communicate through the internet with websites and direct email only; but now, with the addition of social media (blogs, facebook, twitter, etc) we have a content and management shift. It doesn’t stop there; we’re faced with a permanent shift in the devices that view our content. Your ‘digital’ business portfolio has to transcend these various platforms to successfully communicate. We’re also challenged with understanding how the internet works to increase our business visibility online. Good news, the Chamber is a network of over 1,000 businesses strong and we can help each other with Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Dr. Dene Grigar recently taught a GVCC “Resource Network” training class on SEO. Dr. Grigar had some practical tips to improve your ranking on Google:
FROM THE TOP, THEN LEFT TO RIGHT:
The real estate on your homepage is precious. The upper left hand corner is where the spiders start ‘crawling’ down your page, searching for relevant data. Photos aren’t text so try to put some content at the top of your page. Always think of the ALT tab on photos as the place to put key word text.
CHANGE SOMETHING:
When Google combs your page, they are looking for fresh content. Change something on your page, this increases your relevancy. Create a “News” or “Announcements” section on your homepage, so you have to make weekly or daily updates.
LOOK AT YOUR COMPETITORS:
Put keywords into Google to try to find your business. Investigate the sites that come up first. When visiting them, look at the source code and see what key words and content they are using.
BUILD A PARTNER PAGE AND LINK TO OTHER SITES!
List all of your business connections, partners or supporters. List businesses in your industry with complimenting services or vendors that you work with. Also, create a link every time your business is mentioned in the media or when you get a testimonial about your business. Think of all the ‘connections’ you can make. This is called backlink-
8
May/June Edition
Interfacing,’ see the new special section of These are just a few techniques you can this edition titled: Social Media and your use today to improve your ‘Digital Business on pages 9-12 for more. ing and it builds relevancy.
www.facebook.com/yourchamber
}
In the GVCC’s first-ever Special Section we tap on industry professionals, staff and academia to bring you tips and strategies for your social media content.
SQUARE ONE: PLATFORM OVERVIEW WHY BUSINESS SHOULD CARE: Facebook is the second most vis-
83% of marketers say that social media is important for their business
ited site, behind Google and it’s FREE. It has more users then the total population of the United States. Having a Business page is extremely beneficial for a variety of reasons 1.) It drives traffic back to your website to improve your Google ranking, because business pages are indexed, unlike personal ones. 2.) It’s a way to engage with customers and create new ones. 3.) The ‘live news feed’ is an active wall of information, where ‘friends’ can push your content forward with one click via the ‘share’ link. 4.) It reaches a WIDE demographic of users, unlike any other site. 5.) It allows you to post events, intergrate apps, post pictures, coupons and run contests.
WHY BUSINESSES NEED AN ACCOUNT: Twitter is
a great way to directly connect to your customers and build from their 200+ million active user pool. Twitter users WANT to follow celebrities, businesses, nonprofits and people related to their interests. Think of it as a custom 24-hours-a-day, headline-only news feed. Think short bursts, with twitter’s 140 characters or less post limitation. Twitter posts should be like, “tonights signature $5 drink is a cranberry mojitio from 4-6pm.”
BUSINESSES NEED TO HARNESS THE POWER OF VIDEOS:
Youtube is owned by Google and is the fourth most viewed site on the internet. Youtube is a way to host videos online that you can embed on your website, blogs, on facebook and in other social media platforms. Videos are a crucial piece to any businesses marketing plan. Customers always respond to seeing a product in action, a recap of an event or a promotion video for something new.
WHY BUSINESS SHOULD PIN:
When people browse the internet and find a website or page they like, they “pin” it to their pinterest virtual bulletin board, instead of book marking it. Pinterest is a visual way to save web content AND keep it organized. The aim is to produce articles about your business that people want to pin (pinterest pins images, so put an image with your article). Every user can have countless boards. The GVCC’s pinterest has boards titled: GVCC in the News (where we pin articles about us), Social Media for Business (where we post tips and tricks and strategies for our members), Concours d’Elegance (where we’ve been posting car articles for our new Car Show event). All pins are put on the Pinterest homepage, which is an “All” board, so you can gain followers to your boards with no effort.
BUYING INTO BUSINESS BLOGS: To some business owners a blog seems like a lot of work. Think of a blog as an article about your business; and the copy can be used multiple times 1.) on a blog hosting platform like wordpress 2.) on your website, 3.) forward through social media 4.) and as the copy within a future press release. When your blog is posted on your website it will help with Search Engine Optimization as Google is always looking for new content. Keep in mind to title your blog with keywords.
How it affects business:
Foursquare is not only a “check in” app, but its best used for RECOMMENDATIONS on the fly. Its revolutionizing the word-ofmouth referral. Also this app lets you search for places nearby (via the GPS component) and it personalizes those results to you. Think of it this way: you’ll checked-in at Esther Short park, then you can access the comments/reviews left by your friends in your general location. After scanning the reviews this directs you where to go for shopping, recreation, food and/ or drinks. Turn off the ‘badge’ and ‘mayor” components and don’t allow it to auto post on Facebook or Twitter.
WHY A BUSINESS SHOULD PUT IN THE TIME FOR AN ACCOUNT: According to LinkedIN: a Company Page is a place for com-
panies to provide more information about their products and services, job opportunities, and company culture. Any LinkedIn member can follow a company that has set up a Company Page to get updates on key developments.
IS IT WORTH IT, FOR MY BUSINESS: Google+ is indexed so it helps your busi-
ness get “found” and then directs you to your Google+ account. Via your Google+ hangouts and circles you can acquire followers. They have a +1 report that show you your progress. There are over 400 million Google+ users.
There are
55 + Million facebook Posts Per Day
GRAPH AND STATISTIC FROM: HTTP://BLOG.KISSMETRICS.COM/FACEBOOK-STATISTICS/
Up & Coming for Businesses:
With the launch of instagram profiles in November the use for businesses has skyrocketed. Instagram account holders use pictures to tell a story. This reaches the visual demographic of people, which are potential customers. You can post promo codes in your caption or run a contest with a hashtag marking like asking people to follow you, then post pictures of your best day in Vancovuer with #bestvancouver.
The GVCC’s Special Section: SOCIAL M EDIA & YOUR BUSIN ESS
SOCIAL MEDIA
ACCORDING TO THE 2012 SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING INDUSTRY REPORT:
BREAKING DOWN THE SUCCESSFUL FACEBOOK POST
NOLAND HOSHINO Co-Founder of Bcause
Media and author of the Social Media Optimization guides at SMObooks.com
Facebook is a platform that is constantly changing, like the weather in Vancouver on a Spring day. As a manager of 17 Facebook pages, 14 are local businesses or organizations. Here are a few easy tips to increase audience engagement with your Facebook status updates in Vancouver, WA.
Keep in mind that your posts should trigger an action or reaction. Aim for the heart because emotions motivate people. Most people skim through their Facebook Newsfeed so keep your posts short between 80 – 100 characters. •Fan Photos: Posting images of people, customers, and friends will increase your reach. People love to see photos of themselves (tag them) and will gladly share them to their friends. Tip: Create a photo album with multiple photos of individuals using your product or service.
•Post Fill-in-the-blank: Encourage responses with one word answers from your audience. Example: Giving up [YOUR PRODUCT] is like giving up ___________. •Video Posts: Record a 15-second
•Call-to-action: Tell your followers exactly what to do. You’d be surprised. Example: LIKE or SHARE if you support Vancouver’s Children’s Center. When to post? When you post updates on Facebook its just as important as what you post. If you’re posting pictures of cute puppies and kittens at 3 am and not getting any feedback, then it’s not the content but your timing. The best time to post on Facebook in Vancouver is between 5 pm – 8 pm. Updates at the end of the week and weekend get more clicks than earlier in the week. Check your Facebook Page Insights to determine your best times and days to post for optimal reach. How often to post? More is not better on Facebook. Consistency is key. Posting 1 – 3 times a day will keep your fans engaged and show that you are open for business. Although your Facebook page will differ from other businesses in Vancouver, I’ve outlined a few tips to get you started.
MORE ABOUT EDGE RANK ON PAGE 12
LOCAL SOCIAL MEDIA CLASSES
There are 1.06 Billion total facebook Users, 618 Million daily users & 50 Million Pages
mMORE FACEBOOK TIPS Facebook “Like and Share” Promotion
•Share Links: Posting links to resources and news articles keeps you relevant with your fans. Provide a teaser post that will make them want to click on the link. Example: Here are 5 reasons to drink coffee at Java House. LIKE if you visited our coffee shop. SHARE to tell your friends about us.
See you online!
}
The GVCC’s Special Section: SOCIAL M EDIA & YOUR BUSIN ESS
•Ask Simple Questions: Be direct and ask closed questions.
video on your smartphone and posted it on Facebook. It serves as a personal and slick mini tv commercial ad. Better yet, ask your audience to send you videos of their testimonial, this keeps the Vancouver hometown vibe alive.
According to Facebook’s January 2013 Full-Year Results:
SESSION 1
MAY 9TH, 8-9AM
25 Facebook Marketing Tactics for Businesses to Amplify Their Message
The key is to engage your supporters and reward them for their participation with a promotional gift or service. Have supporters like and share your product for a chance to win.
Create a cross promotion with one of your favorite vendors. This will help you to gain their client equity in the process and vice versa. Post this promotion to your social media pages then link to your website. The name of this game is to ensure a call to action, making sure your promotion ends up with the customer at your website.
KIKI BITTNER CMO of Deane’s Graphics and Advertising
Cross Promote and Link
Contest Vote Online
This promotion asks customers to engage a little more by submitting a vote of their favorite product or person. Services like Constant Contact and Mail Chimp have survey tools you can set up to track information and embed links into your FB post and Website.
Make or forward a video!
Researchers say that one 60 second video is equivalent to 1.8 million words. People retain up to 70% of information that they see and hear at the same time, so get that video up on your website NOW! Videos showing how to use your product, or testimonials from happy customers are my favorites.
Video Blog
A video blog is a great way to show customers new products, how to’s, and information that is relevant to your customers. Buyers are over 60% more likely to purchase a product if they see it being used.
AVOID:
POSTING AND LOGGING OUT
Engage and comment (not just like) other people’s posts down the newsfeed
POSTING TOO MUCH TEXT USING COPYRIGHT IMAGES BURST POSTING
Avoid doing too much at one time, it all shows up on the newsfeed clustered and you don’t want users to unsubscribe from your feed.
SESSION 2
JUNE 13TH, 8-9AM
Staking Your Claim on Search Engines: Make Social Media Platforms Work For You
Photos are a conversation without words and an important element of any social media effort. You must have a good and approachable business headshot, but also, everyday images of your business world. It’s proven that social media posts with photos get more interaction which keeps your business relevant online. Photography plays an important piece. For your website and social media posts keep these four steps in mind when getting your photo taken: 1. Always Face In. Turning your back to the page content is often translated as unapproachable and disconnected. 2. Colors Matters. You clothing colors should compliment your company’s brand. 3. Add Personality. If you have a niche market and a quirky personality, play it up. People want to be associated with humorous, outgoing people on social media platforms. Always play to your personality. 4. Have B-roll Photos. Keep a file of journalist style photos of your business. It’s extremely KATE important to avoid SINGH ‘text only’ post. Your Aevum Images Lifetsyles b-roll should have photos like: sales events, seasonal displays, inside or outside of your store/ business, pictures of inventory, and new hires, etc.
Keep it simple & Include humor!
Using a photo enhances a simple text post. Example by a GVCC Member: Billygan’s Roadhouse.
SOCIAL MEDIA TIPS FROM ACADEMIA BOOK REVIEW & APPLICATION:
GROUNDSWELL’S “P.O.S.T” METHOD IN ACTION LOCALLY Recently, three other students (Marzee Dyer, Setareh Alizadeh, and Nicholas Rudy) and I have strategized and implemented a social media campaign for an annual benefit dinner for Called to Rescue (CTR), a local non-profit organization that fights sex trafficking both in the U.S. and internationally. By utilizing key components highlighted in a book by Charlene Li and Josh Bernoff entitled Groundswell, we built a strategy that would promote CTR’s main objectives including promotion of their benefit dinner and raising local awareness of sex trafficking. Within Groundswell Li and Bernoff highlight their “P.O.S.T.” method, which lays the foundation for embracing and implementing your social media plan. P.O.S.T. is an acronym for: people, objectives, strategy, and tools. Essentially, in building a successful social media campaign, a business (or person) must evaluate who its key audience is, what its key objectives may be, what kind of strategy it will implement considering their audience and objectives, and finally, what tools it will utilize to execute their plan. For the social media strategy we constructed,
we used Facebook and Twitter to reach out to CTR’s audience and implemented a strategy of posting positive content related to MORGAN CTR’s benefit dinner HUTCHINSON Graduating student from three WSU’s CMDC Program morgan-hutchinson.com times daily on both social media channels. We planned our content in advance and used a buffer application that would automatically post our content that we previously loaded. This approach made it easy to maintain content that would engage and inspire CTR’s target audience. Our social media strategy was a huge success, thanks to the guidance of our professor Frank Mungeam who required the reading of Groundswell for our digital literacies course, and continues to introduce us to new and exciting ways to engage with people through social media. You can find out more about our social media strategy and results through the WordPress site our team created for the project: dtc-wsuv.org/wp/salizadeh-portfolio/
7 STEPS TO BUILD A STRATEGY STEP #1: Goals and Objectives. How do your social media goals and objectives tie into your over all goals for your company? STEP #2: Research. Develop a list of social media sites that pertain to your organization and find sites that would be the best for engaging with your target audience. For example, Facebook, Twitter, Google +, YouTube, etc. are just a few sites you can use. STEP #3 Content. Subscribe to blogs and businesses that influence your business and keep track of the people you
follow. Then use this opportunity to put out content for your network to see. STEP #4 Conversations. Let friends and users know that there is a human operating your businesses profile! This makes your business more personable and real. STEP #5 Relationships. Face-to-face interaction is an important aspect in maintaining customer relationships. Attend events that are related to your organization. This will strengthen your knowledge base and build tighter rela-
Sessions are presented by Noland Hoshino of Bcause Media and Michael Perozzo of zzoommedia.com and will be at the Vancouver Community Library in the Columbia Room at 901 C Street. There is no charge to attend, but a donation for the Vancouver Flower Basket Program can be taken. Both events are sponsored by the Vancouver’s Downtown Association and The Uptown Village Association. An RSVP is required via email to admin@vdausa.org, indicate session 1, session 2, or BOTH.
}
tionships with people you have connected with through social media. STEP #6 Track. Keeping tabs on your results is valuable NICOLE because it allows you BUCKNER to visualize how well Graduating student from your strategy is workWSU’s CMDC Program dtc-wsuv.org/nbuckner ing. STEP #7 Analyze. If you find yourself not reaching your goals, reevaluate your social media approach and tailor it until you are satisfied with the results. Remember, developing a successful strategy takes time but will be beneficial in the long run.
The GVCC’s Special Section: SOCIAL M EDIA & YOUR BUSIN ESS
COMMUNICATING THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA WITH PHOTOGRAPHY
SOCIAL MEDIA IMPACTS YOUR SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION
KEVIN GETCH President & Lead SEO
Social media is impacting search engine rankings more these days. Search engines are starting to look for social cues about your businesses importance on networks like Twitter, Google+ and Facebook.
2. A Bevy of Backlinks
The essence of SEO is increasing the amount of high quality links back to your site throughout the web and social profiles are not excluded from this. In fact a social profile containing your URL can be one of the most highly valued links you’ll have. The more your content is shared through social media, providing backlinks to your website, the more search engines will perceive you as valuable to users. While Facebook shares aren’t public and do not have much of an effect on rankings, there is a strong correlation between having a lot of likes on your page and ranking well.
The reasons for this trend are obvious. Social media sites are essentially online consumer communities where people share their experiences and opinions about your brand. As a result, having a presence on these sites and the social activity related to those profiles can say a lot about your business and it’s popularity. So, let’s discuss some of the specific ways that social media can 3. Authorship = Authority One of the most momentous changes affect SEO. that Google has made recently is Authorship. When your content appears 1. Personalized Search Results in search engine results, your picture A lot of people are unaware that they see will now be displayed beside the listing. different search results than someone This signals to Google that you consiselse when using the same keywords. This tently write useful content. The catch is is because search engines base your that you must have a Google+ account results on your location, your past search in order to make this happen and allow history and in some cases your social Google to track your writing across the media activity. If you are signed into web. Google+, the results you see when you Google “restaurants in Vancouver, Wa” Remember that one single tactic alone will show some results from your social will not usually make a difference in circle more prominently. your rankings and traffic from search engines. It is important to take a comThe experience is also richer as you’re prehensive approach to leveraging a able to see what places your friends have sound content and social media strategy recommended. Similarly, if you search in while utilizing SEO best practices. Bing, your results will be affected by the things your Facebook friends have recently “liked” or shared. Thus, if your
www.Webfor.com
The GVCC’s Special Section: SOCIAL M EDIA & YOUR BUSIN ESS
social media presence is strong and your content is frequently shared, you will likely show up in more search results.
GROW ‘LIKES’ ON YOUR FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE #1 Invite your friends to like your page.
#5 Add a Facebook Social Plugin Box to your Blog or Website.
#2 Post a promotion and ask key friends to “share” it to help grow #6 Include a Facebook mention your business. in your existing advertisements. #3 Put a Social Media Icon on your website homepage and contact us page, and ask people to follow you. #4 Put a Social Media link within the Signature of your emails and ask them to “like” your Business Page.
#7 Build buzz around your page by sending out Facebook-only promotion codes. #8 Run a contest and ask people to share your contests posts. #9 Purchase Facebook ads and keep your advertising images fresh.
FACEBOOK FILTERS YOUR POSTS
FIGHT IT! Facebook uses an algorithm to determine who sees your posts. Understanding how it works is vital to your business’s facebook campaign. You interaction on facebook and your posts should be built around their algorithm and tricks to apply it.
IMPORTANT TIP:
Every time you sign onto facebook it auto selects “Top Stories” to sort your newsfeed. Click the drop down menu and select “Most Recent.”
There are three key elements to their algorithm: affinity score weight & time AFFINITY SCORE: This ranks your relationship with your friends and is measured on your interactions with one another. Your goal should be posts that encourage COMMENTS, ANSWERING QUESTIONS/ OPINIONS, and the forward SHARING of your post. When you increase your affinity score your posts are more likely to show up on your friend’s newsfeeds. Weight: After you clear the first hurdle
of interaction with your affinity score, the weight or depth of that interaction is judged next. A comment or a share carries more “weight” than a like. You can build your affinity score and weight by scrollingdown the newsfeed and beginning the conversation. Remember, change your newsfeed sorting option to “MOST RECENT” instead of “TOP STORIES” which is always auto selected. You want to create interactions with comments on your friends page to start building your weight and affinity score with your friends.
Time: Keep your posts fresh and keep
them coming steadily. The older your post is, the less relevant it is. Information inspired by Cara Pring’s article: 20 Ways to Increase Facebook Page Visibility http://www.ignitesocialmedia.com/facebook-marketing/20-ways-increase-facebook-page-visibility-rank-news-feed/ ARTICLES USED TO COMPILE CONTENT WERE PINNED TO THE PINTEREST.COM/GVCCVANCOUVER BOARD TITLED: SOCIAL MEDIA FOR BUSINESSES
Leading the way for Technology Jobs in the Region
GOING BEYOND THE CAMPUS
D
r. Dene Grigar, Director and Associate Professor of Washington State University’s Creative Media & Digital Culture Program has found herself at the helm. She doesn’t stand alone. She’s leading the way, along with the Alisa Pyszka, the
City of Vancouver’s Economic Development Division Manager, her students and faculty at the University, business leaders, education leaders and an engaged public. She’s working to move in one direction:
towards building a viable digital technology economy in Vancouver that will usher in the next generation of
technology based jobs.
Pictured above is part of the #nextchapter team (left to right): Aaron Hahn, Setareh Alizadeh, Dr. Grigar and Lia Thompson. Photos by Kate Singh of www.AevumImages.com.
14 May/June Edition
www.facebook.com/yourchamber
THE CREATIVE MEDIA & DIGITAL CULTURE PROGRAM WSU-VANCOUVER
Over the last six years Dr. Grigar has grown the CMDC program from 44 students to over 175. Her students have touched many Southwest Washington businesses through internships; applying their digital technology skill sets to realworld situations and excelling. Dr. Grigar’s focus is to produce jobready students that possess critical thinking skills relating to technology solutions with a focus on creativity. EXAMPLE OF STUDENTS IN ACTION: Morgan Hutchinson is the student project manager for the Augmented Reality (AR) environment that will take place at the Community Foundation for SW WA’s Annual Luncheon. She and a team of CMDC students have designed ten, 10’x4’ banners (designed by Stephanie Bailey) that have a ‘trigger image’ that when scanned by a mobile device (iPad or smartphone) they set off multimedia objects such as animations, infographics, and video. These were produced by content specialists: Michael Chaudoin, Andrew Dizinno, and Joshua Clem. All media objects were loaded into Aurasma (AR platform of choice) by their team’s AR consultant Jason Cook. In addition, an interactive website for the event was hand coded by web developer Emily Spannring, to archive all media objects so they can be further explored in the future. For more info: www.cfsww. org/events/annualluncheon/ index.html
A DAY IN THE LIFE of
DR. DENE GRIGAR INNOVATION PARTNERSHIP ZONE (IPZ)
#NEXTCHAPTER
Dr. Grigar is the Co-chair of this three-year pilot program that is designed to increase Vancouver’s knowledge, understanding and participation in technology to harness and drive technology development into a job creating industry for Clark County. This spring, the first-phase of #nextchapter successfully took place. It was launched in February, to a crowd of almost 100 engaged businessmen and women, public officials and the general public. The community was charged with reading Douglas Rushkoff’s book “Program or be Programmed,” with 1,000 copies purchased and distributed through the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District. The #nextchapter team hosted ten “Tech 101” community classes and held accompanying public lectures and discussion forums all focusing on the theme of Media Ethics and all drawing back to the book “Program or be Programmed.” The first phase of #nextchapter wrapped up on April 18th with the focus book’s author, Douglas Rushkoff giving two public lectures at the University and the Vancouver Community Library.
The goal of this program is to designate Vancouver as an “Interactive Media and Digital Arts Innovation Partnership Zone” which helps brand our region for future investment in technology based jobs. The innovation partnership zone (IPZ) is similar to a stamp of certification. It verifies that a region has the support of the academia, the public and private sector - all working in harmony to produce the talent, assets, entrepreneurism and infrastructure to house the zone of innovation that they are applying for; in Vancouver’s case: Digital Technology. The #nextchapter program is a concrete example of the work that comes from collaboration of these groups. The proposed application for Vancouver’s IPZ leverages the workforce talent from Creative Media & Digital Culture program; the emerging and existing technology companies in the community, plus the City’s recognition of the importance of the digital technology industry. On the City of Vancouver’s economic development webpage, objective number three is to foster a knowledge based economy to help diversify Vancouver’s job market. The City of Vancouver will apply for the IPZ this summer with the help of other key players.
EXHIBIT IN WASHINGTON DC
Drs. Dene Grigar and Kathi Inman Berens curated a three-day showcase hosted by the Library of Congress that included an exhibit, entitled “Electronic Literature & Its Emerging Forms.” Their exhibit featured digital mediums and the way people have experimented over the last thirty years within them to express their content and art. Overall, this exhibit displays the ever-evolving human spirit. History can best showcase the human desire to push forward and develop new ways to uniquely convey expression - no matter the medium.
CORPORATE/CONTINUING ED
Dr. Grigar has an overall philosophy of education at every level. In addition to her student-teacher model at Washington State University, she has taught many corporate training events on campus and at the Vancouver Community Library. Plus, she’s given countless lectures in the nonprofit arena like the Search Engine Optimization and Web Analytic focused “The Resource Networking” training, which took place on April 10th 2013 for the GVCC Membership. We are planning her next GVCC hands-on workshop for July. Stay tuned for details.
Visit
www.VancouverUSA.com
for more info
VANCOUVER
VISION Magazine 15
RIBBON CUTTINGS
CONTACT Darcy Altizer, VP Membership Services to schedule a ribbon cutting event (360) 567-1051
SIX BUSINESSES CELEBRATED EXPANSIONS, ANNIVERSARIES AND GRAND OPENINGS THIS SPRING
Members of the Famed Vancouver
AMBASSDOR TEAM
sHARE FROMHOLD SERVICE CENTER
will show up in force!
2306 NE Andresen Vancouver, WA 98661
PEAK MOTION PHYSICAL tHERAPY 1905 SE 192nd Avenue - Vancouver, WA
Cha m
PRITCHARD ORTHODONTICS 2404 W Main Street - Battle Ground, WA
ONPOINT COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION 16020 SE Mill Plain - Vancouver, WA
ber
bers Mem als w Rene
51+ Years of Membership
26-50 Years of Membership Clark County Board of Commissioners 26 years Clark County Medical Society 30 years Coldwell Banker Commercial 44 years Colliers International Valuation & Advisory Services 32 years Evergreen School District #114 27 years Miller Nash LLP 32 years Pacific Machine & Development Inc 28 years Paul Schurman Machine Inc 29 years R S Holdings LLC 31 years Wells Fargo Bank 30 years
16-25 Years of Membership Children’s Home Society of Washington 16 years Deane’s Graphics & Advertising 24 years Eric Fuller & Associates Inc 16 years Homewood Suites By Hilton 16 years Kyocera Industrial Ceramics Corporation 22 years Micropump, Inc. 23 years Wacom Technology Corp. 21 years
16 May/June Edition
www.facebook.com/yourchamber
Vancouver Sign Group 62
6-15 Years of Membership ACE Affordable Community Environments 6 years Clark College Foundation 13 years Clark County Title Company 9 years Columbia Treatment Services 9 years Creative Computer Solutions Inc 6 years Evergreen Home Loans 11 years Floyd Watkins & Associates, Inc. 9 years Fort Vancouver National Trust 14 years Fort Vancouver Regional Library Foundation 11 years Global Security 14 years Homewatch Caregivers 10 years JD’s Landscape Maintenance 10 years Just Right Auto Repair 10 years Linda’s Tax Service 11 years New York Life Insurance Company 8 years O’Ryan Industries, Inc. 11 years Port of Portland 11 years Springhill Suites by Marriott 6 years TJ & Associates 12 years Umpqua Bank 7 years United Grain Corporation 9 years Venice Genoa Tile LLC 8 years
years
1-5 Years of membership AAA Washington 4 years Amplify Group Inc. 5 years Any Lab Test Now 1 year Crown Moving Co., Inc. 3 years Frause 3 years Homes for Community Living 3 years HomeStreet Bank 5 years John Jackson-State Farm Insurance 4 years Deloris DuBois Johnson 3 years The Kids Cooking Corner 2 years M5 Plumbing Services LLC 3 years Marriott Residence Inn Vancouver 2 years Shorty’s Garden and Home 4 years Walker & Dunlop 2 years Zenith Properties NW 3 years
CAR FORENSICS
1400 NE 125TH - VANCOUVER PIPER MECHANICAL (360) 771-6984 9317 NE 72ND AVE - VANCOUVER www.carforensics.com (360) 892-8700
THE www.pipermechanical.com GVCC’S NORTECH GRAPHICS 1 (800) 743-6473 2013 STARDUST MATERIALS, ‘RED COAT’ www.nortechgraphics.com LLC 11912 NE 95TH ST - VANCOUVER AMBASSADOR RE COMM, LLC (360) 260-7399 2217 NE 179TH STREET TEAM www.stardustus.com RIDGEFIELD (503) 330-0419
www.recommwa. com
NEW er mb Cha s
ber Mem
HOME STREET BANK - HAZEL DELL 1200 NE 99th Street - Vancouver, WA
INTERDENT-GENTLE DENTAL 800 NE Tenney Road - Vancouver, WA
THAI ORCHID RESTAURANT 213 WEST 11TH STREET VANCOUVER (360) 695 7786
www.thaiorchidvancouver.com
TAKE SHAPE FOR LIFE 5110 NE 53RD COURT - VANCOUVER (360) 798-6629
www.dj4health.tsfl.com
TAPIO CONSTRUCTION 11811 C NE 72ND AVE - VANCOUVER (360) 256-3306
www.tapioconstruction.com
THE COUVE GROUP 601 MAIN ST - VANCOUVER (360) 823-6300
www.thecouvegroup.com
UNLOCK LIMITS COACHING GROUP TONYA RULI LAW FIRM
4400 NE 77TH ST - VANCOUVER 904 ESTHER STREET - VANCOUVER (360) 499-6167 (360) 721-3776
www.johnmaxwellgroup.com/tydye
CORE SYSTEMS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
VANCOUVER SIDE PRODUCTION
4616 NW FRANKLIN STREET VANCOUVER 1412 NE 134TH ST - VANCOUVER (360) 513-8529 www.vancouverside.com (360) 567-1200
www.coresystemsit.com
MARIGOLD MARKETING
812 NW 151ST STREET - VAN1104 MAIN ST - VANCOUVER COUVER (360) 571-5134 360 597 3206
ECI
New Development in Battle Ground, Washington • New retail shopping center anchored by Wal-Mart Supercenter opening May 2014. • Located at the new Scotton/SR 503 signalized intersection. • Pads and retail space available. • Groundbreaking Summer 2013.
www.eclipsepc.com
INTERDENT GENTLE DENTAL 800 NE TENNEY ROAD VANCOUVER (800) 436-8531
www.gentle1.com
LAMAR TRANSIT ADVERTISING 9120 NE VANCOUVER MALL LOOP - VANCOUVER (360) 735-1095
www.lamarnorthwest.com
MODAO CHIC FASHION AND FURNITURE CONSIGNMENT 612 NE 81ST STREET VANCOUVER (360) 546-1163 Map data ©2013 Google
Developed by Principal Properties, LLC.
Call for details: T.J. Fontenette 360.834.1060 • Email: tj@principal-llc.com
modaoconsignment.com
MAURICES 8700 NE VANCOUVER MALL DRIVE - VANCOUVER
NATURAL BODY WORKS MASSAGE AND WELLNESS CENTER 903 MAIN STREET - VANCOUVER (360) 694-9726
www.naturalbodyworksmassage.com
STEAMERS & SCREAMERS 8400 NE VANMALL DRIVE VANCOUVER (360) 597-4521
www.steamersandscreamers.com
STEWART PLUMBING INC.
12603 NE 117TH AVE - VANCOUVER 12712 S.E. 2ND CIRCLE - VAN- (360) 892-5215 www.stewartci.com COUVER (360) 891-9777
PHOENIX INN SUITES phoenixinnsuites.com
event & community recap: THE CHAMBER HOSTED A BRAND NEW SIGNATURE EVENT AT THE KIGGINS THEATRE: VANCOUVER GOES HOLLYWOOD Pictured, left to right: Jeff Woodside of the Nutter Corporation (Chamber Board Member) and his wife Kimberly. Miss. Clark County hopeful Shelby Meader and Dan Wyatt, the Owner of the Kiggins Theatre. Kristy Weaver of Pacific Continental Bank (Chamber Board Chair) and her husband, Kevin. Jody Campbell of the The Columbian (Chamber Board Member) and her husband, Scott. The Kiggin’s Theatre venue. Pictured, left to right: Jamie Birkeland of Riverview Community Bank (Chamber Ambassador), Theresa Didier of Columbia Credit Union and Dave Jacobus of Jacobus CARSTAR (Chamber Ambassador). The Venue of the first BASH, Brewtopia. Sunny Golden and Jamie Telford of the Vancouver Hilton, with Rhona Sen Hoss of WSU (Chamber Board Member). Pictured, left to right: A screen shot picture of Kelly Parker speaking on the video “2013 State of the City - River/City” video posted by the City of Vancouver. Tim Leavitt speaking at the Water Resource Center for the 2013 State of the City Address. A screen shot of the Vancouver Waterfront from the City’s River/ City video.
THE CHAMBER HOSTED ITS FIRST EVER B.A.S.H. EVENT IN MARCH AT BREWTOPIA INSIDE OF WESTFIELD SHOPPING CENTER
THE GVCC CEO/PRESIDENT WAS FEATURED ON THE STATE OF THE CITY VIDEO ESSAY
WAITING ON PICTURE
THE GVCC HOSTED A “MEMBER APPRECIATION” LEADS AND NEEDS MEETING AND GAVE AWAY AN EVENT SPONSORSHIP IN THE END OF APRIL THE GVCC CEO/PRESIDENT SPOKE AT THE PORT REPORT ANNUAL BREAKFAST
ber Cha m e on th
WEB
TAG THE GVCC IN ANY EVENT PICTURES! #GVCC, @VanChamber
18 May/June Edition
www.facebook.com/yourchamber
the chamber's retro program ber C h a m AM R PROG ight Highl
MANUFACTURING GROUP & RETAIL/PROFESSIONALS SERVICES GROUP
The GVCC Retro Program ‘Group for Manufacturing’ is so successful that NO member has ever left after joining. This speaks volumes! Just some of the Retro Program benefits are: larger than average returns over the past three years, your business receives safety consultations that result in fewer claims and a 25-year veteran managing your claims, if one were to occur.
“Using only the energy we need naturally makes for a better bottom line”
Chamber Member Spotlight
- biokleen
read the full articles on
facebook.com/yourchamber
3 QUESTION FACEBOOK FEATURE STORIES april/march
•
John P. Berres, District General Manager of COSCO Fire Protection
Cleanup energy waste. Learn more at clarkpublicutilities.com
•
TIP - Trauma Intervention Program of PDX/Vancouver, Inc.
SUMMERTIME CRUISIN'
Raising Money for Local Kids!
Opening Night... Wednesday, June 5th
•
Lynn Rullman of The Grant House
Every Week All Summer Long, 4-10pm Portland International Raceway, Delta Park It’s more than a Car Show... It’s a Cool Community Event! Cool Rides * Drag Races * BBQ & Bar * Band Games, Prizes & More.... Fun for Everyone!
•
Visit
Lauren K. Harris, CMPE (Clinic Administrator) of Aethena Gynecology Associates
www.VancouverUSA.com
for more info
Info- Call Ali at 699-1592 VANCOUVER
VISION Magazine 19
VANCOUVER
VISION 1101 Broadway, Suite 100 - Vancouver, WA 98660 USA
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #1388 PORTLAND, OR
Magazine
UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR: PLEASE CHECK EVENT WEBSITES FOR FEES AND RSVP REQUIREMENTS
5/8/13 GVCC EVENT The Resource Network Training Event
BEACHES RESTAURANT
7:30AM-9AM
Make the most of morning networking! Sponsored by Pritchard Orthodontics
ESD 122 CLASSROOM AT 2500 NE 65TH (BEHIND GOODWILL OFF 4TH PLAIN)
5/15/13 GVCC EVENT Ribbon Cutting Event KING LASIK
7:30AM-9AM
Owner of NW Personal Training, Sherri McMillian will be the speaker at this seminar event.
17600 NE DELFEL ROAD
Check out their new location! Ceremony at 4PM
5/9/13 GVCC EVENT B.A.S.H. Business and Social Hour
5/16/13 MEMBER EVENT Training Seminar
SHARE FROMHOLD SERVICE CENTER 2306 NE ANDRESEN ROAD - VANCOUVER
BY BUSINESS OUTCOMES CONSULTING CLARK COLLEGE, TECH CENTER
5PM-7PM
View the brand new facility and network with key business men and women in Vancouver. Sponsored by CenturyLink.
8AM-12PM
Learn how to establish order, predictability, and stability in their team’s performance.
5/18/13 MEMBER EVENT BY THE CITY OF VANCOUVER Esther Short Park Planting Day
5/10/13 MEMBER EVENT Open House
BY GODDARD SCHOOL 13201 NE 27TH AVE - VANCOUVER
10AM-11:30AM
Find out more about Goddard’s full-day Kindergarten beginning in the fall of 2013.
5/15/13 GVCC EVENT SW Washington Leads and Needs
MEET AT COLUMBIA & 8TH
9:30AM-11:30AM
Bring gloves, kneeling pads, and trowels. Lunch will be provided through a generous donation from the Hilton.
news worthy
tid bits
5/19/13 MEMBER EVENT
50+ Connections Expo
HOSTED BY HILTON HOTEL & CONVENTION CENTER
11AM - 4PM
Find an array of businesses and non-profit agencies that have the information for Vancouver/Portland residents over 50.
5/21/13 GVCC EVENT BAH: Business After Hours
BRICKSTONE BALLROOM, ON THE TOP FLOOR OF THE BIGGS INSURANCE BUILDING ON 916 MAIN STREET
5PM-7PM
The BAH is the GVCC’s most attended evening networking event and the people at the Brickstone Ballroom are going all out - this is an event you do not want to miss.
5/30/13 GVCC & BIA EVENT Legislative Luncheon Review CLUB GREEN MEADOWS 7703 NE 72ND AVE. - VANCOUVER
11:30-1PM
The session ending legislative report, plus networking. Register at www.biaofclarkcounty.org
5/30/13 GVCC EVENT Ribbon Cutting &
Open House
THE QUARRY SENIOR LIVING 415 SE 177TH AVE VANCOUVER
4PM-6PM
Enjoy appetizers, beverages, music, and tours of the new seventy-two room expansion.
5/31/13 GVCC EVENT Ribbon Cutting
STEAMERS & SCREAMERS 8400 NE VAN MALL DRIVE VANCOUVER
9:30AM-12PM, CEREMONY AT 10AM
This new Clark County business offers enjoyment for parents, grandparents, and their children.
5/31/13 GVCC EVENT Ribbon Cutting
MCCOLLUM’S NORTHWEST AUTO BODY 4615 NE MINNEHAHA ST - VANCOUVER
11AM - 2PM. CEREMONY AT 12:30PM
Enjoy lunch at their “Kick Off to Summer” bbq at their NW shop location.
6/5/13 GVCC EVENT SW Washington Leads and Needs BEACHES RESTAURANT
7:30AM-9AM
Make the most of morning networking! Sponsored by Koeslich Senior Living.
6/19/13 GVCC EVENT SW Washington Leads and Needs BEACHES RESTAURANT
6/7/13 MEMBER EVENT Networking 4 Newbies
GVCC OFFICE @ 11TH & BROADWAY DOWNTOWN
9:30AM-11:30AM
Find out why most networking doesn’t work, and the secrets to making networking your most effective marketing strategy. Hosted by DIY Marketing Center.
6/12/13 GVCC EVENT The Resource Network Training Event
ESD 122 CLASSROOM AT 2500 NE 65TH (BEHIND GOODWILL OFF 4TH PLAIN)
7:30-9AM
Speaker TBA for this business seminar.
6/13/13 GVCC EVENT 11th Annual Golf Tournament
7:30AM-9AM
Make the most of morning networking! Sponsorship open.
6/22/13 MEMBER EVENT Summer Solstice Amazing Scavenger Race 6PM
This fun evening Scavenger Race coupled with the arrival of summer, Costume Contest, Live Band and post-event festivities will create a wonderful community celebration while helping out the Clark County Food Bank. By NW Personal Training
6/25/13 GVCC EVENT BAH: Business After Hours
CAMAS MEADOWS GOLF CLUB
5PM-7PM
Come to network and view the brand new driving range!
CAMAS MEADOWS GOLF CLUB
7:30AM-4PM
The best Golf Tournament in Southwest Washington.
Cha m
ber
e In Th S NEW
VBJ ARTICLE ON COVER OF APRIL 12TH EDITION:
GVCC TO TARGET GOVERNMENT WORK FOR PHOTO BY: NICHOLAS L. SHANNON KULMAC. PHOTO OF: LOCAL BUSINESS KEVIN SAFLEY, OWNER OF VANCOUVER-BASED COTTMAN TRANSMISSION AND TOTAL AUTO CARE