Business Connection
Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce
Bonnie Delaney CEO
Bonnie
Momentum is Building — And We’re Just Getting Started!
Exciting things are happening at the Chamber! Over the past few months, we’ve seen a wave of new members joining, our social media reach growing, and a noticeable buzz of energy and momentum building across our network.
From small startups to established businesses, more local leaders are seeing the value of Chamber membership—and we couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome them. Each new member brings fresh ideas, new connections, and adds strength to our collective voice.
Our social media platforms are also seeing record engagement, helping us amplify member news, promote local events, and connect with the community.
We’re also excited to be working on our next Visitors and Membership Guide, a key resource that reaches locals, tourists, and business leaders alike. This guide showcases our vibrant community and the businesses that make it special—and advertising opportunities are still available! It’s a great way to boost your visibility and connect with thousands of readers throughout the year. With over 10k magazines produced it’s a good way to get your business out in front of new folks visiting or moving into our community.
This momentum isn’t just about numbers—it’s about community spirit, shared success, and the joy of supporting one another. Whether it’s one of the new tools in our toolbox, such as our discounted credit card program, advertising opportunities, marketing support or at ribbon cuttings, Business After Hours, or online, we’re seeing more collaboration, more excitement, and more reasons to celebrate.
Thank you to everyone who’s helping fuel this positive energy. The best is yet to come!
Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce
Carson Winter Communication and Outreach Coordinator
Staying nimble in the face of economic downturn with SharedWork
When the economy slows, it can spell disaster for local business. Whether you’re positioned to weather the storm or not though can depend highly on one’s ability to plan ahead.
At WorkSource, we’ve been seeing many organizations resort to downsizing their workforce in an attempt to respond to economic changes. But many don’t realize that there are other options available to business leaders besides layoffs.
The economy is in a constant ebb and flow, and eventually each downturn or prosperous upturn must yield an opposite reaction. But what if one’s actions during a time of slowdown result in making it harder to capitalize on growth?
Reduction of forces, while a logical response to a difficult problem, can also serve to hurt businesses in the long run.
WorkSource knows this better than most, as our Business Services team works with local employers all across Southwest Washington. We know exactly how challenging it can be to find qualified talent, train them, and integrate them seamlessly into an existing workforce.
But what if we told you there was a way to respond to the current state of the economy without losing your staff?
SharedWork is an Employment Security Department program that seeks to benefit both employers and employees with an alternative to layoffs. In this program, employers can reduce employees’ hours between 10% and 50% to save on payroll costs and retain talent.
Employers who participate in SharedWork have the flexibility to manage employee hours on a weekly basis, save money on recruiting, hiring, and training new employees. Keeping these employees on the payroll also means that employers do not have to pay unemployment benefits.
The SharedWork program is open to any legally registered business in Washington with an Employment Security Department number and two permanent employees experiencing a reduction in hours and wages (who are not corporate officers). All permanent and part-time employees who have worked at least 680 hours during their base year are eligible.
While we can’t always predict the state of the economy, we can do our best to protect our investments. And make no mistake, good employees are an investment.
If you’re interested in the SharedWork program, reach out to sharedworkplansect@esd.wa.gov or visit https://esd.wa.gov/getfinancial-help/sharedwork-program/about-sharedwork to learn more.
And if you’d like to learn how our Business Services team can help you navigate tax breaks, reimburse training wages, or promote your openings, reach out to Mike Vezzola at mike.vezzola@esd.wa.gov.
WorkSource is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Washington Relay Service 711.
This program receives support and funding from a U.S. Department of Labor grant(s) provided through Workforce Southwest Washington. Read more about WSW federal funding at WSW Funding Disclosures: https://workforcesw.org/federal-fundingdisclosure
Did you know the chamber has its own radio program?
Every Wednesday at 6PM or catch a recording of it on Sound Cloud
Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce
Riley Smith
Administrative Asstistant & Visitor Center Manager
This Month in History: Peter W. Crawford
June marks 136 years since the passing of Kelso founder Peter W. Crawford, who died on June 10, 1889. Crawford founded the city in 1884, naming it after his hometown of Kelso, Scotland. The city continues to embrace its Scottish heritage through the Kelso Highlanders at Kelso High School and the vibrant Highlander Festival, which celebrates Scottish and Celtic culture. Crawford’s legacy lives on in Kelso, with landmarks such as the Peter Crawford Bridge and Crawford Street named in his honor.
Board of Directors
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 Mayor City of 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
Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce
Elisha Jolma Business Development
T-Minus Two Weeks to Tee Time!
We are just two weeks away from our Annual Chamber Golf Tournament, and I have to say, I’m incredibly thrilled and pleasantly surprised by the amazing turnout and enthusiastic participation this year!
I kicked things off in early April with a simple email to our loyal annual sponsors and participants, and the response has been nothing short of phenomenal. From hole sponsors to golf carts, desserts to tee flags, and everything in between, your support has been overwhelming. A huge shoutout to our Title Sponsors, Safecover Roofing and Pacific Office Automation, along with Propel Insurance, Stirling Honda, Glacier Northwest (CalPortland), Koelsch Communities, Gibbs & Olson, and Twin City Bank for going above and beyond to make this event a success.
Thank you also to Fidelity Title, The Jewelers Bench Inc., D&P’s Restaurant LLC, Red Canoe Credit Union, Carl’s Towing, and
Monday, June 16th, 2025
Longview Country Club 41 Country Club Dr Longview, WA 98632
If you'd like to sponsor, participate, or be involved in this incredible event, please reach out to Elisha at ejolma@kelsolongviewchamber.org or text/call 360-562-1313. We'd love to have you join us!
Three Rivers Eye Care for sponsoring both a team and a hole, your dedication is what makes this day possible. We’re also thrilled to welcome back Scott and Tiffani from Snap Fitness West Longview to the Chamber and extend a warm thank-you to Shane Nicolaides (CMG Home Loans), Heather White (Realty ONE Group Pacifica), and Erik Lassen (Almost Outdoors) for not only joining the Chamber but did so to dive right into the tournament! And a big shout out to Jared Neiman Photo & Video Productions, who will be out on the green all day capturing team photos and candid shots to commemorate the big event.
There are still a few team spots and opportunities to sponsor the19th Hole, an awesome opportunity to showcase your business on social media, at the awards dinner, and even on the radio.
Mark your calendars! Get ready for a full day of golf, great food, raffle prizes, and celebration, we can’t wait to see you there!
Kristin Stafford Accounting Manager
Tips for Getting Paid on Time
Late payments are a common headache for many businesses, especially in uncertain economic times. That’s why I’m sharing real-world tips on how to stay on top of outstanding receivables and keep cash flow steady.
I’ve been leading an effort to tighten collections and reduce overdue invoices since I began in my position. Here’s my philosophy. It’s not about being aggressive, it’s about being consistent and clear. We review our accounts regularly, reaching out to customers sooner, and making sure we’re easy to work with when it comes to resolving issues.
Here are a few practical takeaways I recommend for businesses looking to improve their collections:
• Set Clear Payment Terms: Make sure your invoices spell everything out—due dates, methods of payment, and who to contact with questions.
• Follow Up Regularly: Don’t wait months to check in. A quick, polite reminder after the due date can go a long way.
• Make It Easy to Pay: Offer flexible payment options if possible, and ensure customers know how to make payments quickly.
• Build Good Relationships: Sometimes a friendly conversation is all it takes to move things along. People are more likely to pay someone they trust.
• Know When to Push Harder: If a client consistently delays payment without reason, it may be time to get more firm—or bring in outside help.
Staying focused on receivables has a great impact on your business, including improving cash flow. I encourage businesses to treat collections not as a last resort, but as part of everyday operations. Staying organized and proactive can make a big difference—and help avoid financial stress down the road.
Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce
Hosted by:
Penny Parvy
May’s Business After Hours was a fun night, thanks to the warm hospitality of Penny Parvi American Life Insurance—and the unforgettable charm of her event space, The Basement on Allen.
The Basement on Allen offered the perfect blend of cozy ambiance and fun atmosphere. Penny went above and beyond to create an inviting experience, with delicious refreshments and a genuine enthusiasm for bringing the business community together. Whether it was the relaxing lounge area with live music or her attention to every detail, the evening was filled with positive energy and great company.
A big thank you to Penny Parvi and the American Life Insurance team for hosting such a memorable event—and for showing us just how perfect The Basement on Allen is for networking, celebrations, and everything in between.
City of Longview
Jennifer Wills City Manager
A Glimpse into the Lives of Longview's Everyday Heroes
Irecently had the incredible honor of attending Fire Ops 101 in Boise, Idaho, an immersive, hands-on experience hosted by IAFF District 7 to give elected officials, city administrators, and policymakers a real look into the work our firefighters do every single day. And let me tell you: it was humbling, exhausting, emotional, and unforgettable.
to ventilate a roof using a chainsaw, climbed a four-story ladder, and busted open doors. And while every station was intense, I was deeply impacted during the “mega code” exercise performing CPR in the back of an ambulance brought up personal emotions tied to my own family’s experience with cardiac arrest.
In 2018, my husband suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while fishing on the Columbia River. Two off-duty Longview firefighters happened to be in a nearby boat. They jumped onto our boat and began CPR immediately while his friend motored toward the Rainier Boat Launch. There, he was shocked by an AED and brought back to life. I already knew how heroic our firefighters were but that day, they saved my family.
So yes, I was emotional during the “mega code” CPR drill. Because I know what it’s like to be on the other end of that call. And I know how it feels to have someone you love come back because trained professionals stepped in when every second mattered.
Throughout the day, I donned full turnout gear including helmet, gloves, mask, boots, and a SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus) and participated in some of the same physically and emotionally demanding scenarios our firefighters face every day. I crawled through smoke-filled rooms in complete blackout conditions, helped extract a person from a crushed car using hydraulic tools, learned how
Even outside the drills in Idaho, it was the more of the stories that stayed with me. Throughout the day, I listened to firefighters talk about their experiences: what it’s like to be the first on the scene of a tragedy, to make split-second decisions that can save or change lives, and to carry the weight of what they’ve witnessed back home with them. It’s not just a job - it’s a calling.
It’s important to remember that our firefighters, police officers, and emergency responders are not called on our best days, they show up for us when we are at our lowest. They carry not just hoses, medical equipment, and safety, but the invisible weight of trauma, stress, and relentless responsibility. They don’t just deserve our admiration; they deserve our support.
As a city, we have a duty to care for those who care for us. That means providing the resources they need to stay safe on the job, and the support they need to stay well off the job. For our first responders, there is no such thing as “leaving work at the door.” Every call they go on adds to the mental and emotional load they carry. It’s our job to make sure they’re not just surviving when they get home, but they’re thriving.
My gratitude to IAFF Local 828, to President Dave Lamb (who was
also my partner and literal shadow for the day in the 90-degree heat), and to all our emergency personnel. Thank you for your courage, your compassion, and your commitment to this community. We see you. We support you. And we’ll keep showing up for you just like you’ve always shown up for us.
For more information about the Longview Fire Department, please read the 2024 LFD Annual Report.
Ribbon Cuttings
Celebrating Growth and Community: May Ribbon Cuttings
This May, the Chamber of Commerce proudly welcomed three exceptional businesses with official ribbon cutting ceremonies: Pacific Electrical Services, Cowlitz Valley Compost, and Columbia River Floor Covering. Each event celebrated not only business growth, but also the shared commitment these organizations bring to strengthening our local economy and community.
Pacific Electrical Services
Pacific Electrical Services kicked off the month with a lively ribbon cutting at the Chamber Office. Known for their professionalism and reliability, offering residential, commercial, and industrial electrical solutions. You can reach them at info@pacific-elec.com or by calling 564-262-2566.
Cowlitz Valley Compost
Mid-month, Cowlitz Valley Compost celebrated the grand opening of their sustainable composting facility, marking a big step forward in local environmental stewardship. Specializing in organic waste recycling and premium compost production, the company is helping
to reduce landfill use and support healthy soil in Cowlitz County and beyond. Their ribbon cutting included guided tours of the facility and education on the importance of composting for agriculture, landscaping, and home gardening. They can be reached at 360-2538461 or acct@compostproducts.com.
Columbia River Floor Covering
Wrapping up the month was Columbia River Floor Covering in Rainier, a trusted name in flooring design and installation. With their newly remodeled showroom now open to the public, the team showcased a wide range of flooring options—from hardwood to carpet to luxury vinyl. The ribbon cutting event welcomed customers old and new and introduced new owner Marc and Sabrina Hagedorn. The Chamber congratulates them on their continued success and commitment to quality craftsmanship. They can take care of all your surface needs, contact them at 503-556-0171 or via email at tina@ divinesurface.com
Looking Ahead
These ribbon cuttings are more than ceremonial—they represent local innovation, job creation, and community pride. We’re excited to see these businesses thrive and thank everyone who joined us in celebrating their achievements.
If your business is opening, relocating, or celebrating a milestone, we’d love to help you mark the occasion. Contact the Chamber to schedule your own ribbon cutting!
A big THANK YOU to all the new and loyal members who have started or continued their partnership with us this month:
• Columbia River Floor Covering
• WorkSource SW Washington
• Walt's Meats
• River Ridge Real Estate - Kristin Cheatley
• Pacific Electrical Services
• Chrome City Guide Service, LLC
• Soundguy Productions
• Salty Beaver
• Rise & Thrive Wellness Collection
• NW Apothecary, LLC
• 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
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
SPENCER CREEK STATION
