Business Connection
Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce
Bonnie Delaney CEO
Welcoming a New Opportunity at the Chamber!
The Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce would like to send a big thank you and our very best wishes to Elisha Jolma of Sho’me Real Estate as she returns to her real estate company full-time. While her time with us was short, it was impactful! We’re grateful for the hard work and creativity.
Now Hiring: Business Development Representative
Elisha’s transition has opened a full-time opportunity to join our Chamber team in a vital role that helps local businesses grow and thrive.
We are now hiring a Business Development Representative, based out of our Kelso office, serving businesses throughout Cowlitz County.
Position Summary:
We’re looking for an energetic, creative, and sales-driven professional who enjoys building relationships and helping businesses succeed. This role focuses on connecting members to opportunities through Chamber membership, sponsorships, and advertising that support their goals, marketing, and brand development.
Job Details:
• Title: Business Development Representative
• Location: Kelso, WA (In-office + field-based across Cowlitz County. Must have reliable transportation)
• Type: Full-time
• Compensation: $60,000 base salary + commission
• Benefits: Mileage reimbursement, phone allowance, medical insurance stipend
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Caller's Circle - $500
• Sponsor Signage at the event
• Social Media Mentions before and a er
• 2 Event Tickets
Single Game Sponsor - $150
• Mention during your game
• Social Media Mention
• Game prize valued at $100
Lucky Dauber Sponsor - $750
Blackout Game Sponsor - $600
• Mention at the event
• Mention during your game
• Social Media Mention
Tickets Now Available
• 4 tickets
Everything in Caller's Circle plus:
• Radio promotion leading up to the event
Title Sponsor - $1,000
Everything from the tier above plus:
• 6 VIP tickets
• Exclusive naming rights: "Island Bingo sponsored by [Your Name]"
• General Admission: Dinner, 20 Game Cards - $35.
• VIP: Dinner, 40 Game Cards, Drink Ticket and Dauber - $50.
VIP doors open at 5 PM, General Admission doors open at 5:15 PM
• Children's Bingo Admission: Dinner, 10 Game Cards. $20. Must be with a paying adult.
Bonnie Delaney CEO
Responsibilities Include:
• Selling Chamber memberships, event sponsorships, and advertising
• Building partnerships with local business leaders
• Representing the Chamber at events and public functions
• Supporting community visibility and engagement through creative marketing strategies
Ideal Candidate:
• 2–5 years of experience in sales, business development, or marketing
• Excellent communication and follow-up skills
• A creative thinker who thrives in a team environment
• Comfortable working in-office and independently in the field
If you or someone you know is ready to step into a fun, fast-paced role that makes a real difference in the business community, we’d love to hear from you.
To apply, email your resume and a brief cover letter to: resume@kelsolongviewchamber.org
Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce
Bonnie Delaney CEO
Want to Get More Involved? Become a Chamber Ambassador! Board of Directors
Sean Kiffe
President
NORPAC
Are you looking for a fun and rewarding way to connect with more people in the community? Consider joining the Kelso Longview Chamber Ambassador Team!
Our ambassadors are enthusiastic volunteers who help welcome new members, support Chamber events, and build stronger connections throughout Cowlitz County. It’s a fantastic way to raise your visibility, expand your network, and be part of something that truly makes a difference.
Ambassador Expectations:
• Attend monthly Ambassador meetings
• Participate in ribbon cuttings (when available)
• Attend Business After Hours events
• Volunteer at Chamber functions and special events
• Help bring new members into the Chamber
• Encourage attendance at Chamber programs and events
It’s not just about the to-do list, it’s about having fun, building relationships, and being a face of the Chamber in the community.
If you love meeting new people, supporting local businesses, and getting involved in what’s happening around town, we’d love to have you on the team!
Interested?
Contact the Chamber office at bdelaney@kelsolongviewchamber.org or call us at 360-423-8400 to learn more or attend our next meeting as a guest.
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
Veryl Anderson
City Council Mayor 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
Keith Johason
Smurfit / Westrock
Kristin Stafford Accounting Manager
Navigating the Ebbs & Flows of Business: Why Chamber Membership Matters More Than Ever
Business is rarely a straight line. Some seasons bring booming sales and fresh opportunities, while others demand grit, adaptability, and creative thinking. These natural ebbs and flows are part of the entrepreneurial journey, and one of the best ways to stay steady through it all is by being part of a strong, local business community.
That’s where your Chamber of Commerce comes in.
Chamber membership is more than just a plaque on the wall or a directory listing. It is a powerful way to invest in the success of your own business while strengthening the broader economic landscape we all depend on. The dues businesses pay—whether small startups or established enterprises—go directly toward programs and services that benefit every member of the local business community.
Your financial support helps fund:
• Community events and networking opportunities that drive foot traffic, increase visibility, and foster lasting connections.
• Marketing and promotional efforts that spotlight local businesses and encourage residents to shop, eat, and hire local.
• Educational workshops and resources that help business owners adapt, innovate, and grow.
• Advocacy at the local and state levels, ensuring business voices are heard on policies that affect our region.
• Youth and workforce development initiatives, such as scholarships, internships, and job fairs that prepare the next generation.
These are not abstract benefits. They are real, tangible ways your Chamber works to keep the local economy healthy, connected, and resilient.
When businesses support the Chamber by joining, staying current on dues, and participating in events, they help create the kind of vibrant business climate where everyone has a better chance to succeed.
Even if times are tight, staying active in the Chamber is a strategic move. Think of it not just as a membership fee. Think of it as an investment in a support system that will continue advocating for you, promoting you, and connecting you—through the highs and the lows.
If you're already a member, thank you. If you are not yet part of the Chamber, we invite you to join us and be part of something greater than any one business.
Escape to paradise for a night of Island Bingo—where lucky numbers, hot prizes, and tropical vibes bring the fun! It’s a family-friendly evening full of laughs and island flair.
VIP - $50
Limited drop-in childcare is available, courtesy of our friends at the Children’s Discovery Museum, so everyone can have a great time!
Dinner, 40 Game Cards, Drink Ticket and Dauber
General Admission - $35 Dinner, 20 Game Cards
Children's Bingo Admission - $20 Dinner, 10 Game Cards. Must be with a paying adult.
VIP doors open at 5 PM, General Admission doors open at 5:15 PM
Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce
Bonnie Delaney CEO
Hosting Business After Hours is a Smart Move Reserve Your 2026 Spot Now!
Hosting Business After Hours is one of the most effective ways to put your business in the spotlight while making meaningful connections with local professionals. These monthly networking events bring together Chamber members, community leaders, and potential customers in a relaxed, welcoming setting—right at your location.
But the exposure doesn’t stop at the event itself.
When you host, the Chamber provides a full marketing push to promote your business. This includes a featured article in our newsletter, printed flyers posted at the Chamber office and Visitor’s Center, promotion on our website, and a strong social media presence both before and after the event. We also personally invite all Chamber
members and work with the hosting member to ensure a meaningful turnout.
Whether you’re looking to introduce new services, showcase a remodel, or just bring people through your doors, Business After Hours is a powerful tool to grow your reach and strengthen your community presence.
The 2026 hosting calendar is now open. If you're ready to make your mark, contact the Chamber at 360-423-8400 or info@ kelsolongviewchamber.org, we’d love to help you grow your business and expand your reach by hosting a 2026 Business After Hours.
Longview Public Schools
Rick Parrish Executive Director of Communications & Operations
Longview Public Schools Prepares for a Successful Start to the New School Year
While students enjoy their summer break, Longview Public Schools staff have been hard at work preparing for the year ahead. Many of our support personnel—including trades workers, technicians, and central office staff—spend the summer getting schools ready for learning. From refreshing classroom technology and repairing buildings to hiring personnel and distributing new curriculum, the focus is on creating welcoming, well-equipped spaces for students and staff.
These preparations reflect our ongoing commitment to being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars while investing in the future of our students—and our community.
Classrooms across the district are being updated with modern technology that supports effective teaching and student learning. These upgrades ensure students have access to the digital tools needed to succeed in a fast-paced, technology-driven world. Because technology is central to nearly every career field, these improvements help prepare students for college, careers, and life after graduation.
The district is also rolling out updated curriculum in key subjects. These new materials reflect current standards and instructional best practices, giving educators high-quality resources to engage and challenge students.
Behind the scenes, our maintenance teams are busy making essential repairs and improvements. Larger projects—like roof replacements, and the renovation of Memorial Stadium—are contracted to local businesses such as JH Kelly, and Weatherguard, helping to keep tax payer dollars in our own community.
All of this work requires thoughtful planning and responsible budgeting. Longview Public Schools remains committed to using public funds wisely and transparently to support student success.
By investing in updated facilities, current curriculum, and modern technology, Longview Public Schools is preparing students not just for the classroom, but for their future roles in the workforce and our local economy.
Become a Chamber Member Today!
Add your business to our growing membership. We offer several 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
• Civic Representation
• Monthly Business After Hours
• Quarterly Membership Meetings
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 & Information
• Task Forces
• Candidate Forums
• Legislative Update Breakfast
• Demographics Publication
Membership Packages
• Diamond
• Platinum • Gold • Silver
• Bronze
• Standard • Nonprofit
Carter Venture Solutions
Diane Craft Koelsch Communities
Christy Faul Longview Self Storage
James Hoyt Heritage Bank
Kevin Kerns Bi Costal Media
Nick Lemiere Edward Jones
Eric McCranddall Family Health Center
Seth McNally Children's Discovery Museum / KLOG Radio
Pam Whittle Realty One Group Pacifica
Washington Small Business Development Center (SDBC)
Kyle Todd Certified Business Advisor
Cybersecurity Essentials Every Small Business Should Know
When you think about cyberattacks, you might picture big corporations being targeted - but the truth is, small businesses are just as vulnerable, if not more. In fact, over 40% of cyberattacks target small businesses, and many never fully recover from the damage.
The good news? You don’t need to be a tech expert to protect your business. A few smart steps can go a long way in keeping your dataand your customers - safe.
Why It Matters
From customer payment information to employee records and financial accounts, small businesses often hold sensitive data that’s valuable to cybercriminals. A single attack can lead to:
• Costly downtime
• Loss of customer trust
• Legal consequences
• Long-term reputational damage
5 Steps to Strengthen Your Cybersecurity
1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords (and a Password Manager)
Avoid using the same password across platforms. A password manager like LastPass, Bitwarden, or 1Password can help you generate and store strong, unique passwords securely.
2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA requires a second step - like a text code or app notificationwhen logging in. It makes it much harder for hackers to access your accounts, even if your password is stolen.
3. Keep Software Updated
Whether it’s your website platform, point-of-sale system, or antivirus software, always install updates promptly. Many updates patch security holes that hackers could exploit.
4. Train Your Team
Phishing emails are still one of the top ways cybercriminals gain access. Educate your employees on how to recognize suspicious links, unexpected attachments, and fake invoices.
5. Back Up Your Data Regularly
Use secure cloud storage or an external drive to back up important files. In the event of ransomware or accidental deletion, you’ll have a fallback plan.
Tools & Support You Can Use
• Antivirus & Endpoint Protection: Norton, Malwarebytes, or Microsoft Defender
• Cloud Backup: Backblaze, Carbonite, or Google Workspace backup tools
• Firewall & Network Security: Make sure your router has a firewall enabled, and consider a virtual private network (VPN) for remote work
• Website Security: Use SSL certificates, strong admin passwords, and site monitoring services like Sucuri or Jetpack (for WordPress)
Need Help? Talk to Your Local SBDC
The Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC) can connect you with no- or low-cost cybersecurity resources and training tailored for small businesses.
Bottom line: You don’t need a big IT budget to stay secure. With some simple tools, employee awareness, you can protect your business and build trust with your customers.
This article was prepared by Kyle Todd, a Business Advisor with the Washington State University (WSU) Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Kyle provides no-cost, confidential business advisory services by appointment. He can be reached via email at Kyle.Todd@wsbdc.org.
Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce
Riley Smith Administrative Asstistant & Visitor Center Manager
This Month in History: The Birth of Castle Rock
Stepping beyond the Kelso–Longview area into the greater Cowlitz County region, you'll find the charming town of Castle Rock, located just off I-5. On August 1, 1852, settlers William “Uncle Billy” Huntington and Eliza Jane Huntington filed a land claim that would eventually become the modern-day city. A few months later, in November, another settler, John Beek, established a homestead at what is now
the northern end of the city. Castle Rock was officially platted on December 12, 1888, and incorporated on June 20, 1890.
William Huntington passed away in 1894, followed by Eliza in 1896. Both are buried in Jackson Cemetery, in their beloved hometown of Castle Rock.
Eliza Jane Huntington
William Huntington
to the Chamber
THANK YOU
• Catlin Properties Inc. (CPI)
• Cowlitz 911
• Cowlitz River Rigging, Inc.
• Daava Mills Consulting
• Educational Service District No. 112
• Emerald Haven
• Emergency Support Shelter
• Erickson Glass Company
• Kelso Business & Community Association
LOWER COLUMBIA ENDODONTICS
to our loyal members who have continued their partnership with us this month. We're proud to spotlight the following members for their ongoing support:
• Kelso Car Wash, LLC
• Longview Pawnbrokers
• Longview Physical & Sports Therapy Service
• Longview Self Storage, LLC
• Northwest Forest Link
• NW Muddy Puppy
• Opsahl, Dawson & Company, P.S. - Kelso
• Port of Kalama
• Progress Center
• Quality Signs & Design
• Realty One Group Pacifica - Brad & MaryAnn Whittaker
• Roofing Systems Northwest
• Three Rivers Law Center
• Timberland Legal Aid
• Tyree Oil
• VIP Mortgage
If you were driving by Stewart Title on the second Tuesday in July and saw a tent and a bunch of people having fun—you didn’t imagine it! You missed out on our July Business After Hours, hosted by Stewart Title, and it was a fantastic evening.
Their parking lot transformed into a lively gathering filled with great conversations, networking, and lots of laughs. The sunny weather made it the perfect setting for networking and to enjoy some barbecue.
A huge thank you to the team at Stewart Title for being such welcoming and generous hosts. They helped set the tone for one of our most enjoyable Business After Hours events of the year.
Thanks to everyone who joined us—and if you missed this one, be sure to mark your calendar for August 12 for the next Business After Hours hosted by Three Rivers Christian. We look forward to seeing you there!
Hosted by
SPENCER CREEK STATION
Ribbon Cuttings
Welcome New Members!
The Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce was proud to welcome Massage New Edition to the local business community with a ribbon cutting on July 24.
Massage New Edition offers a fresh approach to wellness, focusing on personalized therapeutic massage services in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Owner and licensed massage therapist Sarah Pryor shared her excitement about opening the new space and passion for helping clients relax, recover, and restore balance in their daily lives.
Massage New Edition is now accepting new clients. For more information or to book an appointment, visit https://www. havenmindbody.com/ or call 360-762-4806
Welcome to the Chamber family, Massage New Edition!
Let's Celebrate Your Milestone in Style!
Host a ribbon cutting event and share your success with the community! It’s the perfect way to showcase your business, build buzz, and connect with local leaders and customers. Ready to make it official? Schedule your ribbon cutting with us today!
Contact Bonnie Delaney at 360-423-8400 or email at: bdelaney@kelsolongviewchamber.org
