Business Connection
Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce
Finding Opportunity in Every Challenge: A Year of Resilience at the Chamber
As Winston Churchill wisely said, “The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty.” This perspective has never been more relevant than in the past year at the Chamber. As I approach my one-year anniversary on April 1st, I can’t help but reflect on how much has changed and how far we’ve come.
One of my first experiences with the Chamber was last year’s Pillars of Strength and Crystal Apple Awards—an event dedicated to honoring businesses, organizations, and educators who make a lasting impact in our community. It was a powerful introduction to the heart of what our Chamber stands for: celebrating resilience, dedication, and the spirit of service. Now, as we prepare for this year’s event, I find myself looking back on the challenges, growth, and opportunities that have shaped both the Chamber and my own journey over the past year.
Resilience isn’t just about weathering the storm—it’s about finding the silver lining and using it as a steppingstone toward something better. That mindset has driven our Chamber forward, strengthening our ability to support our members, foster collaboration, and creating meaningful connections that make a difference in our community.
As we look ahead, I am filled with optimism. The challenges of the past year have only strengthened our resolve, and I have no doubt that we will continue to turn every difficulty into a chance for success. The Pillars of Strength and Crystal Apple Awards remind us that perseverance and innovation are what keep our community thriving.
Thank you to all our members, partners, and supporters for your unwavering commitment and resilience. Together, we are building a community where optimism and inclusiveness thrive, and we are poised to achieve even greater things in the year to come.
I’m excited to see what my second year at the Chamber will bring and grateful for the challenges, opportunities, and connections that continue to shape this incredible journey. Here’s to embracing the future with open arms and an unshakable belief in the power of growth and possibility.
Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce
Bonnie Delaney CEO
Kelso Business and Community Association
Lindsey Cope President
Successful Shamrock Shuffle Success Paves the Way for Kelso Clean-Up & Plant Day!
The Kelso Business and Community Association is thrilled to announce that the 2025 Shamrock Shuffle Adult Easter Egg Hunt was an amazing success! Thanks to the incredible turnout, enthusiastic participants, and generous contributions from our community, we raised funds that will go toward refreshing the flower planters at Kelso businesses and supporting future events that help strengthen our local businesses and the Kelso community.
A huge thank you to our sponsors who made this event possible: American Family Insurance – Penny Parvi, NORPAC, Longview Kelso Building Trades, Barbara Stephenson - Realtor (Windermere), Habitat for Humanity, Catelyn’s Place Salon & Day Spa, Noelle McLean Attorney at Law, Continental Investor Services Inc., United Rentals, Fiesta Bonita, Cowlitz County Tourism, Cowlitz County Event Center, White’s Cleaning Company, Alliant, Papa Zuzu’s Pizza, City of Kelso, Hilander Dental, 360 Fit, Wilcox & Flegel, JoJo + CoCo Boutique, TrolleyLocal.com, Red Leaf Organic Coffee, Bigfoot Print Company, Members of Longview American Legion Post 155, Red Canoe Credit Union, KLOG/KUKN/The Blitz!
We couldn’t do it without the dedication of our volunteers, prize donors, and all who participated—your involvement makes a real impact!
Next Up: Kelso Clean-Up & Plant Day!
Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 26, from 9 AM to noon,
as we come together for a community-wide cleanup and planter refresh, using some of the funds from Shamrock Shuffle! We will be picking up trash and tidying up around Kelso as well as planting and updating the flower planters at local businesses.
Thanks to a generous donation from Castle Rock Blooms, we now have 20 more planters, bringing our total to 80 planters to beautify our city! Meet at the Kelso City Hall parking lot to get assigned to various cleanup and planting projects. Bring gloves, grabbers, and any tools you’d like to use.
Let’s keep Kelso looking great—see you there!
Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce
Elisha Jolma Business Development
A Month of Growth and Connection in My New Role
Stepping into my new role as the Chamber Business Developer has been an exciting journey! Over the past month, I’ve had the privilege of meeting one-on-one with businesses throughout our community, gaining valuable insight into how we can better serve them and showcase the incredible work they do within the Chamber.
One of the most rewarding aspects has been engaging in open conversations about how to maximize our upcoming events, including the Pillars of Strength and Crystal Apple Awards on May 1st and the Annual Kelso Longview Chamber Golf Tournament on June 16th. The enthusiasm from local businesses and school districts has been incredible, and it’s inspiring to see how these events can strengthen business-to-business relationships while supporting educators and scholarship recipients.
Additionally, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with businesses that weren’t yet aware of the many benefits of joining the Kelso Longview Chamber. Being able to highlight the opportunities available to them has been both rewarding and energizing.
As many of you know, community is a true passion of mine, and this past month has reinforced just how much we can accomplish when we work together. In just a few short weeks, we’ve made meaningful progress, and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the year has in store. Thank you all for your support. I’m looking forward to continuing this journey with you!
See you at the next event!
Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce
Kristin Stafford Accounting Manager
Reflecting on My Journey at the Chamber: Growth, Connections, and Looking Ahead
As I sit here today, reflecting on my time at the Chamber, I am amazed at how far I’ve come—both personally and professionally. I’ve witnessed tremendous growth, not only within myself but also within the Chamber, and I’m filled with anticipation for what the future holds for both me and the organization.
I began my journey with the Chamber in August 2024, just two days before the Quarterly Membership Luncheon. This event marked my first experience with the Chamber, and I remember working at the registration table, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. Our incredible Ambassadors showed me the ropes, handling the registration while guiding me through the process. Being an introvert by nature, I was apprehensive about interacting with so many people I didn’t know—but I powered through it. From there, I attended my first board meeting, my first after hours function, my first scholarship fundraiser, etc. I got through each one of those as well.
While my core responsibilities were familiar, the added elements of my role, such as attending Business After Hours events, quarterly meetings, etc., were new to me. What I’ve learned, however, is that these events offer invaluable opportunities for growth. They are always refreshing, and I find it especially rewarding to see, now, familiar faces and connect with others in a relaxed, yet professional setting. There’s something truly energizing about walking into a room where everyone is engaged, smiling, and sharing stories. These events allow me to build relationships, exchange ideas, and catch up with community business partners in a way that feels natural and unhurried.
As I continue settling into my role, I’ve come to appreciate the balance these events offer—professionalism combined with personal connection. It’s been a privilege to engage with people who share a common passion for growth and success, while also getting to know them beyond the typical formalities of meetings or emails. Each interaction reinforces the importance of community, and it’s a constant reminder that business is not just about transactions, it’s about cultivating lasting connections.
As I grow in this position, I’m embracing these moments as
opportunities to listen, learn, and contribute to the conversations that shape our business culture. It’s exciting to be part of a team where collaboration is key, and each encounter brings new insights. I look forward to the future, knowing that these events will continue to help me forge meaningful, long-lasting relationships, and further integrate me into the Chamber's dynamic environment.
Fair Housing Forum
EVENT SCHEDULE
Columbia Theatre Longview
March Business After Hours Kicks
Off Columbia Theatre’s Centennial Celebration!
March’s Business After Hours was nothing short of spectacular as we gathered at the iconic Columbia Theatre to kick off their 100-year celebration! This historic gem has been a cornerstone of our community, bringing arts, culture, and unforgettable performances to life for a century— and now, it’s time to celebrate!
With the theatre’s official 100th birthday on April 4th, they’re rolling out an incredible lineup of FREE events and activities for the public. This is your chance to experience the magic of the Columbia Theatre while supporting a venue that has been entertaining and inspiring for generations.
Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime celebration! Visit www.columbiatheatre.com to check out the full list of centennial events and grab your free tickets today!
Let’s show our support and make this milestone one to remember—cheers to 100 years!
Hosted by:
Vancouver Clinic and WorkSource join forces to create talent pipeline
Every week, WorkSource has hundreds of qualified job seekers walking through our doors, looking for help with discovering their next step. These job seekers can access free resume reviews, workshops, career guidance, mock interviews, and in some cases: job training and support services that can help remove barriers from returning to work.
But thanks to our Business Services team, we also work directly with companies to help them find candidates for their open positions.
Vancouver Clinic is one of WorkSource’s employer partners. Founded 89 years ago, the local healthcare provider offers a wide range of medical services, including primary, specialty, surgical, and urgent care. With over 2,100 employees, Vancouver Clinic is an important keystone in Southwest Washington’s healthcare community.
Since 2018, WorkSource customers have completed three apprenticeships and eighteen On-the-Job Trainings—a wage reimbursement program that allows businesses to take a risk on new talent, with a minimized financial investment. In total, WorkSource has paid $64,369 in training dollars to Vancouver Clinic.
Suzanne Sparhawk, the Senior Recruiter at Vancouver Clinic, works to identify and recruit talent to support their clinical positions through the entirety of their organization. “One of the most rewarding aspects of my work,” says Sparhawk, “is knowing that my efforts have a direct and meaningful impact on the lives of other people.”
WorkSource and Vancouver Clinic began working together after Sparhawk was introduced to WorkSource Business Services Navigator, Karin LaValla, by Sean Moore—the Senior Project Manager for Healthcare at Workforce Southwest Washington. From there, Sparhawk and LaValla began working closely together, to see how WorkSource could help fulfill Vancouver Clinic’s staffing needs.
How we work with employers is multi-faceted, but the primary method of creating a talent pipeline is through communication. Sparhawk kept in touch with our Business Services team to keep them in the loop regarding their hiring needs. Then, those hiring needs were shared with Employment Specialists in our Vancouver center.
Each of these Employment Specialists has their own case load of job seekers. When they hear about an open position that could fit their customer’s experience and skillset, they can forward their resume to the Business Services team.
But there are more ways for employers to engage with WorkSource, and what makes Vancouver Clinic such a great partner is how they’re willing to go the extra mile.
Suzanne Sparhawk has spoken directly to aspiring CNAs at our CNA Information Sessions, where she was able to talk to them about Vancouver Clinic as a potential employer for when they finish their
Cherry
Blossom Cherry Blossom Cherry Blossom High Tea High Tea High Tea
Saturday, April 19th, 2025
Join us for an elegant afternoon as we host the Cherry Blossom High Tea to support our Ag Club!
Indulge in a delightful selection of savory bites, sweet treats, traditional scones, and more You won't go hungry while sipping on your favorite tea! We’ll also have a raffle with tickets available to purchase perfect for supporting a great cause while enjoying the festivities
Seating Times: 11:00 AM 1:00 PM 3:00 PM
$40 per person, reservation required
Eagle and Child Café, Beacon Hill Campus 257 Alpha Dr., Longview, WA 98632
To reserve your space and purchase your ticket:
visit our website, 3riversschool.net and click the
NEW MEMBERS
Add your business to our growing membership Call 360-423-8400 Today!
Membership packages to fit your needs
Business Association with opportunities to promote trade through Chamber socials, special events and committee participation.
• Annual Meeting and Banquet
• Networking Events
• Committee Participation
• Business Contacts
• Quarterly Membership Meetings
• Civic Representation
• Monthly Business After Hours
Business Services include marketing for your business, referrals and access to Chamber publications and research data.
• Mailing Labels
• Membership Window Decals
• Member Referrals
• Ribbon Cutting
• Website Links
• Member to Member Discounts
• Membership Directory
• Tax Deduction
• Newsletter
• Business Card Display
• Use of Chamber Logo
Representation through action committees, candidate forums and up-to-date action alerts.
• Legislative Representation
• Issues Tracking and Information
• Task Forces
• Candidate Forums
• Legislative Update Breakfast
• Demographics Publication
Membership Packages
• Diamond
• Platinum
• Gold
• Silver
• Bronze
• Standard
• Nonprofit
A big THANK YOU to all the new and loyal members who have started or continued their partnership with us this month:
• Chrome City Guide Service, LLC
• Soundguy Productions
• Salty Beaver
• Rise & Thrive Wellness Collection
• NW Apothecary, LLC
• Divine Surfaces
• The Lovely Lia Esthetics
• Americana Health & Rehabilitation Center
• Big Smoke in Little Kalama
• Up to Par Cleaning LLC
• J.S. Chappell, LLC
• Pape' Material Handling
• Employer's Overload
• Sides Bookkeeping Services
• Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of Southwest Washington
Washington has a spending problem, not a revenue problem
WA Median Household Income – 55%1
• 2013: $60,106
• 2023: $93,440
State Tax Revenue – 99%2,3
• 2013: $17.8B
• 2023: $35.4B
State Spending – 114%4
• 2013-15: $33.6B
• 2023-25: $72B
1. https://www.statista.com/statistics/206032/median-household-income-inwashington/
2. https://dor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2024-06/Table1_2023.pdf
3. https://dor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2022-03/Table01_5.pdf
4. https://fiscal.wa.gov/Spending/SpendHistFundBienChart
Recent state spending choices:
2021:
• $16B increase in spending (federal relief funds)
• $2B Rainy Day Fund spent (despite no budget shortfall)
• 12.4% spending increase over 2019–21 budget
• 7% annual inflation rate
2022:
• $11B increase in spending in the 2022 supplemental budget
• 8.6% spending increase to 2021-23 budget
• 6.5% annual inflation rate
2023:
• $8B increase in spending in the 2023-25 budget
• 10.2% spending increase over the 2021–23 budget
• 3.4% annual inflation rate
2024:
• $2B increase in spending in the 2024 supplemental budget
• $5B in spending above revenue projections
• 3.1% spending increase to 2023-25 budget
• 2.9% annual inflation rate
2025:
• Record tax revenues ($10B increase over four years)
WA Businesses pay their fair share:
• 49.7% of all state and local taxes – o CA & OR businesses contribute under 42%
• Highest workers’ compensation benefit payments in the nation
• Highest state minimum wage in the nation
• 2nd highest unemployment insurance (UI) payments in the nation
• $2B paid this year by employers through UI employer tax rates.
Association of Washington Businesses
What’s at stake?
The chart shows the inflation-adjusted tax increases since 1994 that have exceeded $200 million. The years shown are the year of enactment; the blue bars are the taxes being considered this year.
Voters Attribute State Budget Shortfall to Failure to Control Spending
A statewide poll of 600 registered voters by Fulcrum Strategic and EMC Research in January found:
• Economic Concerns: 71% worry about the state economy and job availability.
• Legislative Spending: 76% believe the Legislature has enough
money but spends it ineffectively; 65% don’t trust lawmakers to handle tax dollars responsibly; over 90% say doubling state spending in the past decade hasn’t improved key quality-of-life issues.
• Budget Shortfall: 59% attribute it to the Legislature’s failure to control spending, even before hearing pollster messaging.
• Key Issues: Voters see little progress on cost of living, housing, homelessness, public safety, and K-12 education.