Business Connection
Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce
Meet The Chamber’s New Business Development Person!
xciting things are happening at the Chamber, we’ve just added to our team—Elisha Jolma! As the owner, designated broker and realtor of Sho’me Real Estate, Elisha has built a reputation for leadership, hard work, and results. Her community ties, business expertise, and ability to turn ideas into action make her the perfect fit to drive business development at the Chamber.
Elisha brings a wealth of experience in business development, marketing, and relationship-building, making her the perfect fit to lead the charge in expanding Chamber partnerships. She’s here to help businesses grow, thrive, and maximize the incredible opportunities the Chamber has to offer.
Speaking of opportunities, get ready! The Chamber is rolling out new membership offerings, new valueadded options and new advertising opportunities, and Elisha will be at the forefront, helping businesses tap into fresh ways to connect, engage, and succeed. From selling sponsorships to boosting advertising visibility, she’s here to ensure your business gets the exposure it deserves.
With Elisha on board, the Chamber is gearing up for an exciting year filled with innovative programs, powerful networking events, and countless opportunities to elevate your business. So, if you’re looking to get more involved, increase your brand’s reach, or simply meet one of the most energetic go-getters in town, reach out to Elisha—she’s ready to make things happen!
Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce
Bonnie Delaney CEO
Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce
Bonnie Delaney CEO
Chamber Boot Camp Reimagined: Expanding Business Training Opportunities
The Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce a fresh new look to our Business Boot Camp! We recognize the wealth of incredible business training happening in Cowlitz County. That’s why we’ve partnered with WorkSource, Business Impact NW, and The Cowlitz Wahkiakum Council of Governments to bring free or reduced-price business classes to our members and the broader community.
The first opportunity kicks off on March 28 at the Chamber office, where one-on-one business coaching will be available. Entrepreneurs and business owners can schedule a dedicated time or simply drop by between 10 AM and 2 PM for expert guidance on everything from how to set up a new business to what information you need to keep to file your business taxes every year.
Event Details:
• Location: Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce
• Time: 10 AM – 2 PM
• Schedule a Coaching Session: Click here
This initiative ensures that business owners in our community have access to high-quality training and support, empowering them to thrive. Keep and eye out we will be posting additional information about upcoming learning opportunities in the days and weeks coming up. We look forward to seeing you there!
For more information, contact the Chamber office.
Sean Kiffe President NORPAC
Pam Whittle President Elect Realty One Group Pacifica
Jason Meunier Treasurer Fibre Federal Credit Union
Nicole Tideman Legal Counsel Walstead Mertsching
Diane Craft Vice President Koelsch Communities
Rich Coleman Bicoastal Media
Duane Dalgleish Cowlitz PUD Michelle Domenico St. John/PeaceHealth
Bill Fogarty Twin City Bank
Kristin Gaines Alcoa
Kelly Godden Specialty Rents
Veryl Anderson City Council, Kelso
John Paul KUKN-KLOG-101.5 The Blitz
Ted Sprague Cowlitz Economic Development Council
MaryAlice Wallis City of Longview
Seth McNelly Children's Discovery Museum
Elish Jolma Sho'me Real Estate
Keith Johason Smurfit / Westrock
Cowlitz Economic Development Council
Ted Sprague President
The Benefits of Foreign Trade Zones
Considering the attention being paid to tariffs recently, I thought now is a good time to review the benefits of Foreign Trade Zones. The leaders of the Cowlitz Economic Development Council (CEDC) created Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) #120 over 40 years ago as an innovative way to assist local business and recruit new business into Cowlitz County. FTZs are designated areas within a country's borders where imported goods can be stored, processed, and re-exported without being subject to the country's customs tariffs, duties and taxes. If you have ever considered applying for FTZ status, the following are the top four reasons why businesses may choose to utilize a foreign trade zone:
Duty and Tax Benefits: One of the primary reasons for using an FTZ is to take advantage of duty and tax benefits. When goods are imported into an FTZ, customs duties and taxes are suspended until the goods leave the zone for consumption within the domestic market. If the goods are re-exported from the FTZ, no duties or taxes are paid at all. This can result in significant cost savings for businesses, making them more competitive in both domestic and international markets.
Improved Customs Procedures: FTZs streamline customs procedures and allow businesses to defer customs duties and formal entry processes until the goods are shipped into the domestic
market. This provides greater flexibility in managing inventory and cash flow, as companies can hold goods in the FTZ for an extended period without incurring customs costs.
Supply Chain Efficiency: Utilizing an FTZ can enhance supply chain efficiency. Companies can bring in raw materials and components duty-free, process them into finished goods within the FTZ, and then distribute them both domestically and internationally. This process reduces transportation costs and can lead to shorter lead times, making businesses more agile and responsive to market demands.
Trade Facilitation and Inverted Tariffs: FTZs can be particularly beneficial for industries that face inverted tariffs, where raw materials have higher import duties than the finished products. By importing raw materials into an FTZ and processing them into finished goods, businesses can avoid paying higher duties on the raw materials.
The existing FTZ #120 is limited in its acreage within Cowlitz County. If you are interested in learning more, please give us a call
– 360.423.9921
Hosted by: Columbia Theatre Longview
Lower Columbia College
Kendra Sprague Vice President of Foundation, HR, & Legal Affairs
Opportunity Can’t Wait: Together, We’re Building Futures - LCC Foundation
The Lower Columbia College Foundation was established in 1976 through generous gifts from Phillip and Jeanne Wertheimer. The vision of the Wertheimer family, along with the members of the initial Foundation Board of Directors, was to create avenues for excellence in education at LCC.
Led by this vision, the Foundation exists solely for charitable and educational purposes. By securing private funds to supplement the college’s traditional revenue sources, the Foundation works to support the college’s educational programs and services, and to enhance the college’s strategic goals.
Many of LCC’s alumni, retirees and friends came from humble beginnings, but made a better life for themselves, their families, and the community through hard work and persistence. As testimony to their affinity for LCC, many have also committed to making a difference in the lives of its students, and to ensure LCC continues to provide quality education for the community for generations to come. The Opportunity Can’t Wait campaign has brought our community together to drive meaningful change, raising $13.5million towards our $15 million goal over the past two years. This bold effort will unlock $42.1 million in public funds, including key funding from the State of Washington for the new Center for Vocational and Transitional Studies, which was included in the Governor’s budget released in December 2024 and on track for funding in the 2025-27 biennium. As we move into the final year of the campaign, we are proud to see this shared vision creating a brighter future for our students and region.
Thanks to your support, we’re making significant progress:
• Driving Innovation: Planning is underway for the new Center for Vocational and Transitional Studies set to house cutting-edge programs in welding, machining, and IT, as well as apprenticeship
and career prep programs. Charitable gifts will fund the state-ofthe-art tools and equipment to ensure the new vocational center becomes a world-class skills center serving local high schools, industries, and unions.
• Leading Change: More than 970 students have already benefited from scholarships and emergency support funded by the campaign, ensuring access to education despite financial barriers.
• Empowering Students: Athletic facilities are receiving muchneeded upgrades, including renovations at Story Field, enhancements for soccer at Northlake Field, the addition of a new on-campus softball batting cage, and improvements to the softball fields at Tam O’Shanter Park, all supporting our student-athletes.
Inspiring Community Impact
“Our students are at the heart of everything we do,” says LCC President Matt Seimears. “This campaign represents a shared commitment to their success and the strength of our region. We’re deeply grateful to everyone who has made this progress possible.”
Campaign co-chair Max Anderson adds, “The ripples of this campaign’s impact will be felt for generations. It’s exciting to see how this effort is already transforming lives, and we invite everyone to help us finish strong.”
Join Us Today
With $1.5 million remaining to reach our goal, your support will accelerate our momentum and help create lasting change for our students. Be part of this transformative effort that's reshaping our community's future. Learn more or make your gift today at https://lowercolumbia.edu/ foundation/opportunity-cant-wait/ or scan the QR code.
Did you know the chamber has its own radio program?
Every Wednesday at 6PM or catch a recording of it on Sound Cloud
City of Longview
Angela Abel Public Information Officer
Longview’s 2025 Citizen Summit: Shaping the Future Together
The City of Longview is excited to announce the 2025 Citizen Summit, inviting residents, business owners, and community leaders to collaborate on shaping the city's future. With the theme "Focus on What's Strong, Not What's Wrong," this year's summit aims to highlight Longview's strengths and explore actionable steps to build upon them.
Mayor Spencer Boudreau emphasizes the importance of this approach, stating, "We’re not just talking about challenges—we’re focusing on what makes our city great and how we can build on that for the future." The event will feature guided discussions designed to connect community members with city officials, explore Longview's opportunities, and identify specific actions to propel the city forward.
Two public sessions will be held at the Woman's Club (835 21st
Ave.), offering flexibility for attendees:
• Session 1: Wednesday, March 19, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM
• Session 2: Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
While registration isn't mandatory, RSVPs are appreciated for planning purposes. Interested individuals can RSVP at https://bit. ly/CitizenSummit2025.
In addition to the public sessions, the city will host a stakeholder session in April for businesses and community groups. Those interested in attending can email pio@mylongview.com for more information. There is also more information on the citizen summit on our website: News Flash • Citizen Summit 2025: Focus on What’s Strong, No
Kelso School District
Mary Beth Tack Superintendent
Proposed Boundary Adjustment in Kelso
As part of our ongoing efforts to ensure our schools are aligned with enrollment patterns, Kelso School District is considering a boundary change for the 2025/26 school year that will affect approximately 26 families. We understand any change impacting our students’ school experience is significant, and we are committed to keeping the community informed throughout this process.
Under the proposed change, future students residing in the West Kelso area will be assigned to Wallace Elementary and Coweeman Middle Schools, instead of Lexington Elementary and Huntington Middle Schools, which they currently attend. However, current students residing in the West Kelso area who attend Lexington and Huntington Middle Schools may continue to do so by completing a School Choice Application (see website for transportation information).
We value your input and encourage you to participate in a survey (bit.ly/boundary-survey) by March 28th. Your input helps us make thoughtful, community-driven decisions.
Additionally, we will host an open house on April 17th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Wallace Elementary School (1213 S 5th Avenue). This will be an opportunity to learn more about the proposed boundary change and ask any questions you may have.
A public hearing on the proposed boundary change will be held on April 21st at Kelso District Office – 601 Crawford Street – 6:00 pm. Following the hearing, the School Board will make a potential decision regarding the boundary adjustment on May 5th. The School Choice application window for affected West Kelso students will run from May 6 - May 21, pending School Board approval of the boundary change.
For more information about the boundary adjustment, timelines, frequently asked questions, and ways to participate in this process, please visit our dedicated webpage at bit.ly/ksd-boundary. A map of the affected West Kelso area is also available there.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
Please feel free to send any questions or concerns you have to boundary.input@kelsosd.org. Your feedback helps us ensure the best decisions are made for our students and families.
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Membership Luncheon
Wednesday March 19, 2025
Join a panel discussion with our county’s Port Executive Directors
Meet our Port Executive Directors
Dan joined the Port in 2017 as the Chief Operating O cer and was named CEO by a vote of the Commissioners in 2020. Prior to joining the Port of Longview, Dan served as a Director at both the Port of Bellingham and the Port of Anacortes. Dan received a master's degree in Ocean Systems Management from MIT, and an undergraduate degree in Marine Transportation from the Maine Maritime Academy.
Mark, a Kalama native, has worked at the Port of Kalama since 1989 and became Executive Director in 2013. He previously managed capital projects, environmental compliance, and marine terminal activities.
Mark serves on the Cowlitz Economic Development Council, as President of Envision Kalama, and as Chair of the Washington Public Ports Association Legislative Committee. He is President of Petrichor Broadband, providing fiber optic installations for ID & WA public agencies.
Jennifer has served as the Executive Director for the Port of Woodland since May 2014. Prior to being at the Port, she spent six years as the economic development planner for the Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments. Jennifer received her BS in Psychology, Geology, Geography, and Political Science at Eastern Oregon University, and a Masters in Public Administration from Portland State University.
Dan Stahl
Port of Longview
Mark Wilson
Port of Kalama
Jennifer Wray-Keene
Port of Woodland
Kelso Business and Community Association
Lindsey Cope President
Let the Shenanigans Begin! Get Your Green On for the 2nd Annual Shamrock Shuffle Adult Easter Egg Hunt Fundraiser!
Are you feeling lucky? The Kelso Business & Community Association (KBCA) invites you to unleash your inner leprechaun at the Shamrock Shuffle Adult Easter Egg Hunt Fundraiser, beginning at 11:30 am on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Tam O’Shanter Park!
This 21+ St. Patrick’s Day-themed adventure is back and bigger than ever, with more than 2,000 eggs hidden throughout the park. Each egg is filled with prizes ranging from $1 to $500 or more – think cash, gift cards, jewelry, booze and other treasures! And everyone starts with at least one egg in their Bag O’Gold thanks to Penny Parvi American Family Insurance and NORPAC! Proceeds directly support community initiatives like the Kelso flower planter program, Kelso Kids Bridge Market, Progressive Dinner/History Walking Tour, and new efforts to promote Kelso’s growth and vibrancy.
Choose Your Level of Luck!
Lucky Lad or Lass Ticket ($30): Includes a reusable "Bag O' Gold," one prize egg to start, a poncho (just in case), and a deluxe "I Got TOO Lucky" kit with a free beer at our prize redemption party immediately after the hunt, at Papa Zuzu’s Pizza in downtown Kelso!
Shenanigans Seeker Ticket ($45): Everything above, PLUS a 5-second head start and two extra prize eggs to get ahead of the pack.
Gold Digger Ticket ($60): For those who take their treasure hunting seriously, includes a 10-second head start and three extra prize eggs to boost your chances of scoring big!
Get your tickets now at www.letsgokelso.com/shamrockshuffle
Would your business like to donate a prize? Reach out to cope@ cowlitzedc.com
A huge shoutout to our amazing sponsors who make this event possible:
• Penny Parvi - American Family Insurance
• NORPAC
• Copies Today
• Barbara Stephenson - Windermere Realtor
• Cowlitz County Habitat for Humanity
• Longview Kelso Building Trades
• Noelle McLean PS - Attorney at Law
• Continental Investor Services
• Catelyn's Place Day Spa
• Cowlitz County Tourism and Cowlitz County Event Center
• Fiesta Bonita
• United Rentals
• KUKN/KLOG/The Blitz
• Red Leaf Organic Coffee
• White's Cleaning Company
• JoJo + CoCo Boutique
• Wilcox & Flegel
• Hilander Dental
• Red Canoe Credit Union
• Bigfoot Screen Printing
• Longview American Legion
• Papa Zuzu's Pizza
• City of Kelso
• Cowlitz Economic Development Council
• TrollyLocal
We can’t wait to see you at the Shamrock Shuffle, March 15th! Tickets are limited!
Buy yours today before they disappear like a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow!
Hosted
by:
On February 11th, the Kelso-Longview community gathered to celebrate a century of legal excellence at Walstead Mertsching, P.S., during a special Business After Hours event. This milestone marks 100 years of dedicated service, tracing back to 1925 when Howard J. Atwell and Ronald Moore first opened their office in the old Masonic Building in Kelso.
Over the decades, Walstead Mertsching has grown into one of Southwest Washington’s most respected law firms. The firm’s leadership has evolved with the addition of notable attorneys, including Jerome R. Walstead, Charles T. Mertsching, and many others who shaped its legacy. Several members have also served in public office, further reinforcing the firm’s deep ties to the community.
Attendees enjoyed an evening of networking, refreshments, and a look back at the firm’s rich history. The event was not only a celebration of past achievements but also a testament to Walstead Mertsching’s continued commitment to serving the region for years to come.
Here’s to another century of excellence!
Business Breakfast in Kelso on March 26
The economic health of Southwest Washington rests on the shoulders of both employees and employers. WorkSource works hard to connect job seekers and individuals wanting to advance in their careers with training, transportation assistance, work uniforms, free workshops, job placement and more!
But that’s just one half of the work we do.
WorkSource has a dedicated Business Services team that works with local companies to aid in their employee recruitment and training through wage reimbursement programs, navigating tax credits, hiring Veterans, and providing access to a qualified talent pool.
Our Business Services team can help you:
• Craft job postings for improved results.
• Source job candidates through job fairs and hiring events.
• Identify possible tax credits.
• Provide customized workforce data analysis.
• Establish market-competitive wage rates to attract and retain talent.
• Grow skilled workers with apprenticeships, internships and training options.
WorkSource will be hosting a Business Breakfast at its center in
Kelso to speak with businesses directly about how WorkSource can help them with their hiring. Come visit our center and learn how WorkSource and your business can work together.
The event takes place on March 26 from 8:30-10 a.m. at WorkSource Cowlitz/Wahkiakum. Because space is limited, we urge businesses to register for the event as soon as possible to secure their place. Businesses can register for the event here: https://bit.ly/4juXf6F
To learn more about the event or get connected to WorkSource’s Business Services team, please reach out to Margarita Marochkina at margarita.marochkina@esd.wa.gov or 360.433.1279.
WorkSource Cowlitz/Wahkiakum is located at 305 S Pacific Ave., Suite 101, Kelso, WA. Office hours are Monday through Friday (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) for virtual and in-person services. The center is across the street from the Kelso Theater and next door to the Kelso Police Station. Language services are available upon request.
WorkSource is a network of nonprofits, community-based organizations, local and state agencies working in partnership to provide an array of employment and training services to individuals and businesses in Washington State. WorkSource is funded through the local workforce development board, Workforce Southwest Washington. For information, visit www.WorkSourceWA.com.
Carson Winter is the Communications & Outreach Coordinator at WorkSource. Reach him at carson.winter@esd.wa.gov or 360.735.4962.
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:
• 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
• The Main Event Party Store
• Country Financial
• EPIC Coalition
• Reliques Longview
• BBSI
• Tierra Interpreting
SPENCER CREEK STATION
