April 2013 Business Connections

Volume 5, No. 4

April 2013

Business Kelso Longview

Calendar Thursday April 4 – 11 a.m.

Connection Chamber of Commerce

The State of Education address drew a large crowd for its informative presentations.

Ribbon Cutting Family Finance Resource Center 1207 Commerce Ave., Longview

Tuesday April 9 – 4 p.m.

Ribbon Cutting Valley Bugler – Relocation 803 Vandercook Way, Suite 9, Longview

Tuesday April 16 – 5:30 p.m.

Business After Hours Cascade Networks 1111-11th Ave., Longview $15 advance/$20 at door www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

Wednesday April 17 - 1 to 7 p.m.

Building Bridges - A Regional Business Showcase Cowlitz Regional Conference Center 1900 7th Ave., Longview FREE Admission to Public

State of Education

Kindergarten to college topics covered at luncheon Despite declining enrollment and dwindling funding, the education system in the Longview and Kelso area is strong, moving forward and excited about the partnerships forming in the community.

That was the message presented to close to 130 business leaders and representatives from the education system Thursday at the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce’s State of Education address.

“There is always so much negative talk about education locally, statewide and nationally that it was impressive to see what each school is doing to make a positive impact on our kids,” Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce CEO Bill Marcum said.

The crowd filled the room set-aside at the Cowlitz Regional Conference and listened intently to Lower Columbia College President Chris Bailey, Kelso School District Superintendent Bob MacGregor and Longview School District Superintendent Suzanne Cusick.

Just a scant two-hour luncheon, the event was packed with information.

For example, the Longview School District plans to launch full day kindergarten

at all its elementary schools and the Kelso School District will be part of a state teacher evaluation test program.

New course work is coming to secondary education, much of it targeting the STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Math – movement.

Lower Columbia College is expanding its campus with new buildings and its programs with fresh offerings.

A new health and science building is scheduled for completion in the Fall of 2014, about the same time a cohort program for a bachelor of science in nursing with Washington State University-Vancouver is proposed to start.

In a recent article for the Chamber, Lower Columbia College leaders also talked about their partnerships with Eastern Washington University to offer a bachelor of arts in interdisciplinary studies and a BS in applied technology. The college will also continue offering a bachelor of arts in elementary education through City U of Seattle.

Business Connection

April 2013

Millennium Bulk Terminals offering tours

• Tour Only – Noon to 1 p.m., Monday, April 8 OR Presentation and Tour, 2 to 4 p.m.

Dear Kelso-Longview Chamber Members: I would like to extend an invitation to each Chamber member to come and visit the Millennium Bulk Terminals-Longview site.

We believe that through environmental clean-up and the import and export of bulk materials, this site has the potential to be not only a local economic driver, but an important site for our state’s economy.

• Presentation and Tour – 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 9.

• Presentation and Tour – 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 10.

Each tour will last approximately 90 minutes. As this is an industrial site, you’ll need to wear close toed shoes and long pants. Please RSVP by emailing g.ramey@millenniumbulk.com.

We would like to show you, first hand, the scale and nature of the site and answer questions you may have about our company, current operations and future plans.

Space is limited, so please RSVP. If you are unable to make it to one of the tours, but still have some questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly at 360-4252800.

We have made multiple times available to help fit your busy schedules. Also, you may have already seen our presentation, but would like to come and take a look at the facility to see what has changed since you were here last. For those folks we’ve scheduled a time for the “tour only.”

I look forward to seeing you, Ken Miller

You can sign up for one of the following dates/times:

CEO, Millennium Bulk Terminals-Longview LLC

The Sky is the Limit!

We started in a garage in April 2007. Twin City Bank has provided us the necessary funding to grow our business into a multi-million dollar company.

By early fall Twin City Bank will help us move into our new 15,000 square foot facility with room to continue our growth.

Jon Hansen, General Manager Sid Somers and Steve Norby Fabricast Valve

729 Vandercook Way Longview, WA 98632 1-800-319-2265 | 360-414-4101 Creating products to fuel the world

www.knifegates.com

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twincitybank.com

Kelso Longview Business Connection

April 2013

Director’s Message

Dramatic changes in the foreign-born population revealed by 2010 Census

By Steve Harvey Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments, Director

Growth will likely come from a new direction. Households dominated by ethnic and racial minorities are generally quite a bit younger and are forming families. The segment of the population that will drive most of the natural increase in population (through the birth rate) for the foreseeable future is now much more diverse in makeup. The chart below indicates recent trends and growth in the diversity of our school age population.

During the past 50 years, the size, origin, and distribution of foreignborn residents in the United States has undergone dramatic change. In 1960, there were 9.7 million persons in the U.S. who were born off shore, representing 5.4 percent of the total population. With the exception of the ‘70s, this portion of our population has climbed steadily. Results of the 2010 census reveals the highest number of foreign-born residents – 40 million persons – representing 12.7 percent of the U.S. population. But, even more dramatic is the fact that minorities drove 92 percent of the country’s population growth.

The full implications of this trend have yet to be felt, but would likely include: • Ensuring that schools located in minority neighborhoods are not under-resourced and offer the same quality of educational opportunity; • Increased complexity of providing public services to families speaking different languages, carrying different traditions, as well as family structures; • The need to address poorer outcomes currently experienced by minority populations in education and workforce programs.

Other shifts are seen in the past 50 years:

Thus, as a whole, our nation and this region are increasingly aging and white on the one hand, and increasingly young and multihued on the other. However, for the wise entrepreneur, there may be new, untapped economic opportunities for local businesses to meet new market demands.

• In 1960, 75 percent of immigrants were from Europe and settled in the northeast and midwest. In 2010, 53 percent are from Latin America, 28 percent from Asia, with settlement patterns in the south and west.

• In 1960, the median age of foreign-born persons was 57.3; in 2010 it was 41.4, which bucks the general trend towards an aging population.

• In 1960, foreign-born persons represented one in 20 U.S. residents; in 2010 that ratio was one in eight residents.

Locally, during the past decade there has been a slowing in population growth caused by people moving into the county, or in migration. For several decades, approximately two-thirds of Cowlitz County’s population growth has been attributed to a net increase in people moving into the county.

Given the aging of the large “boomer” population and the slow economic recovery, in migration as part of our historical growth pattern is expected to slow dramatically for some time.

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Business Connection

April 2013

Tips and tricks for hiring the right fit

By Darcy Hoffman Southwest Business Liaison WorkSource • Interview questions – What’s okay to ask? What should I ask to find out if this person is truly qualified for the job I’m offering?

Hopefully you’ve been reading this series on WorkSource services for businesses each month and you might be thinking of contacting us the next time you need to hire someone so that you can take advantage of our recruiting and screening services or our On-the-Job Training program. Well, it just so happens that WorkSource Business Services will be presenting at the May 1 Small Business Boot Camp series. Our presentation is titled, “Hiring the Right Person – Does the Person Fit the Job? Company?” We hope that you’ll come meet us.

• Job descriptions – How do I create an effective one that will attract the right candidates?

• JobFit – the true assessment that will help you hire the right person the first time.

See you there!

To get connected to a Business Services Consultant whose expertise lies in your industry, contact Darcy Hoffman, Business Services Manager at 360-735-5038 or dhoffman@esd.wa.gov.

Sound interesting? Well if you’ve ever hired the wrong person, then this session is for you. We’ll have an interactive discussion that will require your participation. We want to hear about your experiences hiring employees – and we’ll offer tips and tricks to doing it better next time. We’ve all made a poor hiring decision before; the important thing is that we continue to improve our practices and processes (because employee turnover is expensive, right). This seminar will provide quick and easy tips that can be implemented right away to help you – hire the right person... the first time.

Our years of experience add up to Consistent, Courteous & Complete Title & Escrow Services.

We will also be offering JobFit as a tool that Kelso Longview Chamber members can take advantage of at no additional cost.

The Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council (SWWDC) has already made the investment on behalf of all businesses in the southwest Washington region. This soft skills assessment determines if there’s a “fit” for a potential new hire at your organization for the job that you are trying to fill. The assessment is customized for each business, for each position and provides the information that can usually only be gleaned from observing a person on the job for several months... it paints the picture of the total person when used in combination with a resume and an interview.

Connie Bjornstrom

In addition to an in depth question-and-answer sessions, where we’ll answer any and all questions that you might have about hiring, the three major topics that will be covered during this session are:

Dennis Bird

Lindsey McTimmonds

Alison Peters

Phone: 360.425.2950 Fax: 360.425.8010

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LeeRoy Parcel

Bonnie Woodruff

Joel Lengyel

1425 Maple St. Longview, WA 98632

Kelso Longview Business Connection

April 2013

STEM jobs viewed varied and multilevel

For me, the definition of STEM jobs is much broader and based on occupation rather than industry. Most descriptions of STEM jobs that you find are based on industry; for instance, physical sciences, engineering firms, and architecture are considered to be STEM industries. Although these companies do employ a majority of STEM professionals, they also employ many support staff as well, such as secretaries, janitors, etc.

On the flip side, if you look at data based on jobs, you will get a better picture of the number of STEM jobs out there. For instance, the hospitality industry is not traditionally considered to be STEM, yet they may employ IT professionals, finance personnel, etc., which are considered to be STEM. By looking at occupations rather than industry, you will get a more accurate picture of the STEM workforce.

In addition to defining jobs based on occupation rather than industry, I also take a broader view on what a STEM Job is. I don’t view STEM jobs as those that primarily require a bachelor’s degree or higher; but rather, I see them as a spectrum of occupations with varying levels of required science, technology, engineering and math skills. For instance, a manufacturing company may employ an electrical engineer with a bachelor’s degree, but they may also employ an electrical technician with a certificate. Although one position requires much more education, they both require some level of STEM skills and are therefore both considered to be STEM to me.

STEM Fest “A community event designed to help students explore their passion, pursue their vision and determine their own success.”

In September 2013, the Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council (SWWDC) will host the area’s first annual science, technology, engineering and mathematical festival. STEM Fest connects K-12 youth directly to the local STEM industry through fun-filled, career exploration activities hosted by local businesses.

Students, their parents, and teachers will be invited to travel to local companies to participate in one- to two-hour activities including tours, contests, experiments, excursions, and talks to raise their interest level in and knowledge of the local STEM industry. Businesses will be able to choose the age group of the students they’d like to attend (elementary school, middle school, and high school), the number of participants, the day of their activity (September 20, 21, and 22), the time slot, and type of activity.

If you are interested in hosting an activity or just participating in the event, please visit the STEM Fest website at http://stem-fest. com or contact Mary Brown at mbrown@swwdc.org.

By Mary Brown Director of Strategic Initiatives Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council What is a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) job?

This is a question that most people struggle with and has been difficult to define. Try Googling this and you will find a cadre of answers. In 2012, the Department of Homeland Security defined a list of “STEM” degree programs that included everything from agroecology to business statistics. Another list, produced by the National Science Foundation, narrows this down to more traditional fields, including physical science and engineering.

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

April 2013

Business Toolbox

Join the online revolution Engage in radical self-promtion

By Jerry D. Petrick Certified Business Adviser Washington Small Business Development Center

visible and good things can happen from there.

Here are some things that have NOT changed with and about social media.

• Begin with a goal, a plan and way to measure success – what do you want your social media effort to achieve? How will you know if it is getting the results you want?

• A channel, not a destination – in most cases, social media is not your business – it is a tool to do your business • Financially free and time expensive (you get the point) • Commitment driven – you drive it – if you make it important it will be if not…

Here are some ways to be present to win: √ Listening to the conversations you are interested in √ Participating in those conversations √ Publishing information √ Facilitating a conversation

The goal of social media is to increase sales. Really? Social media provides the tools that enable us to have online conversations. I know, the common advice out there today about social media is don’t try to sell anything to anyone. The idea of social media is to be part of the conversation to build relationships over time. Of course, our goal in business is to sell more stuff to more people.

The new revolution in business is social media marketing.

If done right, it can be your key to radically improving sales.

The question is how you increase sales by using social media?

Sun Tzu in the “Art of War” explains that strategy is determined by the terrain. Here is an overview of the social media terrain.

There are three ways your customers eventually find you online: 1. Search engines 2. Browsing 3. Recommendation Susan Boyle, chances are you have heard of her, the Britain’s Got Talent superstar already had just under 40,000,000 views on one YouTube video in just 11 days. She is listed on the second page of most viewed videos of all time for YouTube.

Most of us heard about her because her performance was recommended to us. The idea is you want your business, your products and your services to be recommended as well.

Social media gives your word-of-mouth marketing a megaphone. You have a good business; your customers love you.

You just need more customers. Here is an important rule of social media marketing.

Listening Ask your customers which social media they use. Twitter, Facebook, forums, YouTube, Yelp, others? You can also search topics that relate to your business to find where relevant conversations are occurring online. You can use Google alerts and www.search.twitter.com to find articles, blogs, newsletters, and other online content that will help you gain insights into your customers, your industry, and discover a whole new world of ideas.

Keep your plan in mind – some critical steps: • Review properties – find out which social media align best for your business • Find target segments – what type of customer are you looking to get the attention of?

• Identify opportunities – short list your focus • Craft message – what do you say?

• Maintain effort – ain’t a one time show • Measure, adjust repeat! Repeat! Repeat!

You Must Be Present to Win Out of sight is out of mind. There is a saying in business, “You must win mind share before you can win market share.”

Social media is where conversations and recommendations are happening. By joining the conversation you become

Please see Petrick, page 8

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Business Connection

Petrick, from page 7

Participating By participating on social media websites like Biznik. com, Linkedin.com, Twitter. com and hundreds more just like them you can create a profile that will show up on the front page of search engines. (I was surprised today to find I was on the front page of Google when I searched my name.) Participating in social media increases the likelihood that you will show up on the front page of search engines when customers are

April 2013

looking for you.

Some interesting ways to participate: You can start a blog, comment on other people’s blogs, comment on relevant news articles, comment on published online articles, and link to interesting information on your website and other people’s websites on Twitter.

to your website. There are hundreds of places to publish your information.

Facilitating Websites like Biznik.com, Linkedin.com, Facebook, Ning.com, and others like them allow you to create social networking groups for free, for your customers. You can facilitate your own conversations that will meet the specific needs of your existing and new customers.

Social Media is More Customer Service than Sales and Marketing There is a buying process customers go through when they are deciding to do business with you: 1. Awareness 2. Consideration 3. Purchase 4. Loyalty Social media helps with the awareness, consideration, and loyalty aspects of the buying process. Think of social media marketing as a customer service outreach. Chances are, you are already good at customer service and social media gives you exposure to new people very quickly.

Publishing You can publish (for free) pictures, videos, articles and announcements. Your new customers will find your published materials and those materials will link back

Rockin’ Roll into Spring!

April 17th at Noon

Canterbury Park 1335 3rd Ave. in Longview

Join us in your 50’s attire for lunch & an afternoon of fun…

Enjoy live music from the 50’s & 60’s performed by “Chordiac Arrest” featuring local celebrities. Raffle prizes!

Seating limited, RSVP by April 15 (360) 501-5100

CANTERBURY

“Give Them Something to Talk About” You know what I mean.

Believe me; we are all learning how to use and how to win customers with social media. I’ve talked to several social media experts and they

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admit they are still learning and discovering. No one has all of the answers. So don’t feel badly as you feel your way through this new terrain.

The best advice I have heard about social media marketing is to spend no more than one hour per day working on it.

You are already busy enough.

What you put online stays online and works for you 24/7. So giving it an hour a day allows you to build slowly and get better as you go.

You may not get results over night; however momentum will build as you give them something to talk about.

Radical Self-Promotion – Crawl, Walk, Run People do business with people they know, trust, and like. Social media gets you out there. You are the face of the company. As you participate and publish you build credibility and trust. That’s why we call it “radical selfpromotion.” We want to get to know you. Start small. Crawl, then walk, and then run. Do one social networking site at time and then add more as you go. The good news is, you become visible, your search engine ranking improves, you encourage raving fans, you get recommendations, you get to know your customers better, you get to meet new people, and yes social media will result in more sales. I highly recommend it.

Please see Petrick, page 10

Small Business

BOOT CAMP Wednesday Mornings ★ Lower Columbia College 7:30 am - 9 am ★ Heritage Room (LCC Admin. Building)

Six Pack

-

$

100 Member Price

160 Non-Member Price

$

Register Online Today!

Tools You Can Use to Help Your Business Lim

Immediately!!

it 25 p Cam er p Se ssio n!

Financial Six Pack

R E OV

March 6 Cash is King - Understanding your business’s cash generating capability and value.

Facilitator: Frank McShane, Cascade Networks March 13 Budgeting - Income, Expenses and Pay Roll. Room Main 147. Facilitator: David Futcher, Futcher-Henry CPA March 20 Income Taxes - City, State & Federal.

Facilitator: Jerri Henry, Futcher-Henry CPA March 27 Monthly Financial Statements - How to read them and what to look for? Facilitator: Joel Hanson, KLOG-KUKN-the WAVE April 3 QuickBooks - Using it? Any reports any time. Simple. LAB at WorkSource. Facilitator: Frank McShane, Cascade Networks April 10 2013 Legislative Session: How is it going to affect my bottom-line? Facilitator: Gary Chandler, Vice-President Government Affairs AWB

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Boot Camp

NO Charge if YOU have attended at least one Six Pack !

Wed., Oct. 23 Critical Thinking and Problem Solving -Utilize your own think tank to solve Critical issues. Facilitator: Chris Bailey, President Lower Columbia College

360-423-8400

Human Resources Six Pak

Marketing and Sales Six Pack

Sept. 4 Marketing - Behind the scenes, analysis, budgeting and understanding Facilitator: Chuck Nau, Murray Nau, Inc. Sept. 11 Marketing - On Stage, Strategies, tactics, implementation Facilitator: Chuck Nau, Murray Nau, Inc. Sept. 18 Social Media Marketing - What is it really and why do I need it? Facilitator: Norma Davey, KLOG, KUKN and the WAVE Sept. 25 Sales People - Value, expectations, inspection of those expectations Facilitator: Bill Marcum, Kelso Longview Chamber Oct. 2 Sales 101 - Bring your sales people any and all. This session is for them. Facilitator: Chuck Nau, Murray Nau, Inc. Oct. 9 Customer Service - How to answer the phone to working with difficult customers. Facilitator: Chris Bailey, President Lower Columbia College Bring any and all of your employees, this involves the entire business.

May 1 Hiring the Right Person - Does the person fit the job? Company? Facilitator: Darcy Hoffman, WorkSource May 8 Employee Handbook -Important? You Bet! Facilitator: Don Schilling, HR Director, Weyerhaeuser May 15 Most Common HR Mistakes -They could cost you money. Facilitator: Christopher Bradberry, COO Fibre Federal Credit Union; Stephanie West, HR Manager May 22 The New Marijuana Law -How to protect your business/employees. Facilitator: Robbie Berg, HR Director, Cowlitz PUD May 29 Attract and Keep your best Employees - What the experts say. Facilitator: Kendra Sprague, HR & Legal Affairs Director, Lower Columbia College June 5 Firing in an at will state - Risks and Rewards.

Facilitators: Lisa Straughan and Kari White, Express Employment Professionals

Chamber Members Non-Chamber Members

g Brin r, … p u pe Sign ookkee r, ge rb you r mana you spouse e! r you a charg xtr no e

100 per Six Pack

$

or $25 per Camp

160 per Six Pack

$

or $35 per Camp

Register Online Today!

www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

Business Connection

April 2013

Petrick, from page 8 Social Media Action Plan: • Search online for information about your industry or line of business • Join and check out several online communities as you have time • Pick one social media website at a time and learn how to use it • Spend one hour a day listening, participating, publishing, and/or facilitating • Track website traffic, search page rank, and increased sales for effectiveness Tools to manage social media: • Dashboards like Tweetdeck, Hoot-

suite, uberVU and Sprout Social • Analytics like Sysomos, EdgeRank and Simply Measured • Monitors like Alerti, Radian6 and SocialMiner • Social CRM like Shoutlet, SpreadFast and Tweetpi Tools to research social media trends and data: • www.ignitesocialmedia.com • www.alexa.com • www.quantcast.com • www.pewresearch.org • www.othersonline.com Ignoring the reality of how business is

done today will only make your success more elusive. Go ahead and incorporate social media into your business model and see how it can improve your bottom line.

This article was prepared by Jerry Petrick, MBA, SPHR, PMP and Certified Business Adviser with the Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Longview, Wash. Jerry provides no-cost, confidential business advisory services by appointment. He can be reached via email jerry.petrick@wsbdc. org.

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

April 2013

When business is tough to get, it’s the time to get tough

By Chuck Nau Retail Consultant and Sales and Management Trainer Murray & Nau, Inc. As we move into midyear 2012, all indications are that a SLOW recovery is occurring. Once again, despite the glimmer on the horizon, are you and your business associates asking each other the question, “Why Advertise?”

Why advertise in a slow recovery period, when shoppers and buyers continue to be very cautious and when business is tough to get?

Simply put...those retailers, service providers, professional businesses and companies that maintain or increase their advertising spending during a challenging economic environment do, indeed, get ahead.

In a slow economic recovery, business in NOT bad. Rather, business is tough to get.

For those local retailers, service providers, professional businesses or companies who take an assertive, yet well thought out, consistent and ongoing advertising program, opportunities do exist to increase sales and profits which in turn leads to an increase in market share.

A REDUCTION in advertising expenditures guarantees reduced profits, sales and lost market share due, in part, to three significant impacts ... LOSS of top-of-mind awareness, LOSS of image in the marketplace and local community and a CHANGE in attitudes and perceptions held about the retailer, service provider, professional business or company.

Why should you advertise in a slow or slowing economy?

To be successful, to grow and to survive, a retailer, a service provider, a professional business or company needs to have a constant presence in their community. This presence comes through a community awareness of that business of ‘who they are’ and ‘what they do’. This awareness and presence is achieved through a consistent and ongoing advertising program.

What strategy might you undertake to seize the opportunity presented by an economic downturn? Consider, if you will the following...

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• Stress BENEFITS. Talk VALUE. Your customers and potential customers are looking for reassurances during these challenging and, possibly, uncomfortable times. Stress benefits and values, rather than just price, in your advertising message thereby reducing buying risk for your customers and potential customer.

• Capitalize on your local AWARENESS and FAMILIARITY. Your customers and potential customers should be aware of and familiar with you, your local business, service or company through past advertising campaigns. Leverage that awareness and familiarity to reduce (buying) reluctance while reinforcing the advantages of safety and security in shopping locally.

The best advice and the best value ... always come from someone you KNOW! • Maximize COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES. Seize the moment when your competitors, both new and old, may be cutting back or eliminating their advertising, by identifying and articulating what makes you and your business, service or company unique or different from others. Providing the community, the marketplace, with information about ‘who you are’ and ‘what you do’ will grow market share.

• It’s all about LONG TERM. Implement your plan and the preparation you put in place when the business decline first began. With the economic uncertainty, continue looking to and designing the future, rather than seeking to reinvent the past or worry about the present!

• Don’t buy an ad. Buy an IDEA, a CAMPAIGN. Talk to your local media professionals about investing in a series of ads, within a timeframe, with a budget that you have allocated, to meet an identified need, problem or opportu-

Please see Nau, page 12

Kelso Longview Business Connection

April 2013

Nau, from page 11

By creating a public awareness of ‘who you are’ and ‘what you do’, you help your community, your business, service or company and you GROW.

nity with a desired outcome...rather than placing a one time, single shot ad or promotion.

FAMILY FUN!

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Team

2013

© Murray & Nau, Inc.

Chuck Nau of Murray & Nau, Inc. is a retail consultant and sales and management trainer. He has been a speaker for and conducted advertising and marketing workshops with retailETS ers, chambers of commerce, community marketing groups, TICK and FOR retail organizations throughout North America. ALL or

Bill Marcum, CEO Amy Hallock, Bookkeeper Brooke Fisher, Project Manager Kelso Longview Business Connection is published monthly by the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce.

1563 Olympia Way • Longview, WA 98632 • 360-423-8400

C OM FAMILYBasedFUN! in Seattle, Nau is a 25-year veteran of advertising, R FR ITE E D OR BS

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360-703-3195 GAMES GAMES WWW.COWLITZBLACKBEARS.COM 6:35

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Corvallis Knights

Season Tickets now on sale!

Call or order from our website!

Baseball…the way it used to be!

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FAMILY FUN! 2013

2013

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1 Comments and questions are welcome and may be directed to GAMES Chuck via email: murnau@nwlink.com or5 at 425-603-0984.

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To advertise, call Brooke Fisher, 360-423-8400 ext. 16 or email bfisher@kelsolongviewchamber.org.

Ad Deadline: 20th of each month.

OFFICIAL SCHEDULE

E sales, media and management, who knows and understands UR W O the everyday challenges of starting up, growing, and surviving in today’s ever changing retail climate.

6:35

Like us

Follow us

Kelso Longview Business Connection

April 2013

CEO’s Message

Momentum building toward Chamber office’s big move

By Bill Marcum Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce CEO ished and a new manufactured structure will be put We are four weeks into our new education proin place. These prefabricatgram Boot Camp, 18 classes total, geared to helping ed buildings have improved you the business owner, manager, bookkeeper, sales a great deal in the past 30 manager, office manager or sales person manage years, which will greatly your area of responsibility better and have a better enhance the look and apunderstanding of those responsibilities.

Four weeks into Boot Camp and getting peal of the new Information We have had 13 to 16 per class with great preCenter and Chamber officready for more. sentations by facilitators Frank McShane, Cascade es. Our goal is to be in this Network, David Futcher, Futcher-Henry Group, Jerri Henry, new facility before the end of the summer.

Futcher-Henry Group and Joel Hanson, KLOG, KUKN and And don’t forget to attend the Building Bridges Showcase, the WAVE. Each is an owner or general manager of their comApril 17, at the Cowlitz County Conference Center from 1 to 7 pany and provided great insight into their specific presentap.m. The showcase is a revised version of the Expo we have had tion. We wish to thank these individuals for their time and the past couple of years. Approximately 100 businesses will be commitment to the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce. showcasing what they do and why it is important to support loThe next Boot Camp starts at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 1, cal business here in Cowlitz County. Everyone is invited; prizes in the Heritage Room at Lower Columbia College. This six- will be given out all day by our venders and the Chamber of week camp series deals with the Human Resource side of your Commerce. Come see what’s the buzz… business. The cost for Chamber members is $100 for all six Also, the Chamber Golf Classic is set for Monday, June 17, at sessions, and you can designate any two people from your the Longview Country Club. The committee will be contactbusiness to attend each week. Local human resource managing you about sponsorships and raffle and auction prizes, so be ers and directors will be on hand each week to facilitate topics thinking about your team and how your company can particilike, Hiring the Right Person, Employee Handbooks, Compate. mon HR Mistakes, Attract and Keep Good Employees, Firing In An At Will State and the controversial topic regarding the new marijuana law. We currently have about 15 people registered and there is room for 20, so sign up today.

As some of you have noticed the Chamber of Commerce building at 1563 Olympia Way is for sale. The Chamber, in partnership with the City of Kelso, City of Longview and Cowlitz County, will be moving into a new structure at the current location of the Kelso Visitors Center. As you can imagine, it has been quite a process with two cites, the county and, actually, the State of Washington, as the property the visitors center currently sits on is owned by the state Department of Transportation. After nearly a year of conversations with all parties, the current 30-plus-year-old trailer will be demol-

13

April 17, 2013

1:00 pm - 7:00 pm COWLITZ COUNTY REGIONAL CONFERENCE CENTER

Building Bridges

A REGIONAL BUSINESS SHOWCASE

Booth Space (36 Available)

SIGN UP NOW WHILE SPACE IS AVAILABLE!

Includes 2 lunch tickets • extra tickets $15

Chamber Member

Non-Chamber Member

$550 after March 15, 2013

For information on joining the Chamber visit: www.kelsolongviewchamber.org/members/become-member

(This includes any area Chamber Member)

Table Space (84 Available) Chamber Member (This includes any area Chamber Member)

$300 after March 15, 2013

$700 after March 15, 2013

Includes 2 lunch tickets • extra tickets $15 each

Non-Chamber Member $400 after March 15, 2013 For information on joining the Chamber visit: www.kelsolongviewchamber.org/members/become-member

Additional Sponsorship Packages Available Includes booth space, logo on all printed material, logo on website, banner at event and all advertising.

Call today 360-423-8400 or register online www.kelsolongviewchamber.org Major Sponsors:

Media Sponsors:

Kelso Longview Business Connection

April 2013

Longview Downtown Partnership

New leadership on the horizon for LDP

By Janice Aday-Forbes President, Longview Downtown Partnership Owner, Highlander Cycling

“Fibre Federal is part of our continued success.”

“Fibre Federal has been our advocate from our very first coffee date. They offer us online options, convenient locations and personalized business teller services, and even call us directly if there are any questions regarding our daily banking. Having a credit union available to us 24 hours a day is a huge part of our continued success.”

- Barb Sudar and Kim Schlais, Owners of Estetica Day Spa At Fibre Federal, we advocate for every business we serve. Call or visit us to learn more about the business services we offer, and let us help you put your business’s best face forward.

Longview Downtown Partnership members are invited to attend the April Membership Meeting to vote on a new slate of officers for the 2013-14 term.

Recently, the Partnership voted to return to a five-person executive board with standing committee chairpersons who will also have voting rights. Nominations closed March 31.

Positions include President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. Candidates will present their positions for moving the organization and the Downtown forward prior to the official vote.

If you or someone you know would like to serve for one year on the LDP Board, please contact me at janice@highlandercycling.com. It’s shaping up to be an exciting year to become involved!

The LDP Members’ Meeting will take place at 5:30 p.m. April 16 at JT’s Steakhouse.

TUNE IN every Wednesday Your Chamber Connection 360.423.8750 1.800.205.7872 www.fibrecu.com

KEDO AM 1400 – 3 to 4 p.m.

Contact the Chamber to schedule YOUR 10-minute business spotlight

www.facebook.com/FibreCU Federally insured

by NCUA

Banking made easy

15

Business Connection

April 2013

Getting educated on development 3 4

Raise awareness of economic development opportunities in Cowlitz County.

By Ted Sprague

President - Cowlitz Economic Development Council

Promote and enhance quality of place.

The four goals have multiple sub-goals and targets to be achieved; some are easy to measure while others are more complex.

The quality of place goal is particularly troublesome to measure. A quality place is difficult to define, but one seems to know it when one sees it. We are attempting to promote and enhance quality of place in many different ways. One example of this is the Music on the Mountain concert series that begins its second year June 29. Prior to TIPs Strategies the CEDC would have never considered being a part of a concert series.

With the publishing of “Turning Point, An Economic Development Strategic Plan” created by TIP Strategies the Cowlitz Economic Development Council (CEDC) embarked on new territory. The TIP plan allowed us to venture into new and diverse areas of the economy that we previously did not involve ourselves.

The plan had four overarching goals:

1 2

Build resources and programs to improve economic development competitiveness.

Ensure adequate sites and infrastructure is in place to attract new businesses.

Another aspect of economic development that affects quality of place is our education system. There has been a lot of debate recently regarding the potential merger of the two high schools in Longview. While CEDC has not weighed in directly on the debate, we do think it is our responsibility to contemplate potential uses of the property along 15th Avenue. Clearly, Lower Columbia College has an interest on the potential uses of the site, but as citizens, we should all concern ourselves with the viability of the school district, its properties and potential former properties.

The Right Workplace Care Here.

Right

We have invited Don Cardon, CEO of Cardon Development to be our Keynote Speaker at our Annual Meeting at noon on Tuesday, April 9 in the Cowlitz County Expo Center (register on our website www.cowlitzedc.com). As a private developer, Don applied his visionary and consensus building abilities through the creation of Phoenix Future — a collaboration of key business, political and financial leaders who initiated CityScape. Widely acknowledged and credited as the sole catalyst for this iconic development, CityScape is a three city-block mixed-use $1.2 billion development located in the very heart of downtown Phoenix and is the largest private investment in downtown Phoenix history. Our annual meeting is not an opportunity to debate the pros and cons of a school merger, but a look into the future of what could take place on the site if the schools do merge.

SERVICES INCLUDE: Injured Worker Care

Respiratory Protection

Pre-employment, DOT, and HazMat Exams

Drug and Alcohol Screening

Hearing Conservation

CPR and First Aid Training Mobile Unit Services

360-414-2332 After hours drug and alcohol testing on call 24/7 at

360-501-0337

1405 Delaware St., Longview, WA

www.peacehealth.org/st-john

16

Kelso Longview Business Connection

April 2013

Longview

City works the bugs out of birch tree issue

By Mayor Don Jensen

city was not the only applicant for these funds. The county had 13 other applicants.

The City of Longview is in the midst of removing approximately 90 of the city’s 810 birch trees this winter.

We are well into this undertaking and by the printing of this may be done.

I am happy to say the County Commissioners granted $300,000 dollars to our project. This money will make it possible to partner with a developer to improve the streetscape in the area of the Columbia Theatre between 12th and Commerce avenues on Vandercook Way. The county was very generous

We will replant the removed trees with a species that we hope will not have aphids or be to their taste. All birch trees will not be removed but a thinning of trees will happen.

We will remove every other tree trying to create breaks between birch trees to try to keep aphids from going from tree to tree. Aphids seem to have a taste for their own species of tree some like birch, some like other types of trees. We hope that our experiment will work.

with this funding and I thank them.

As most, if not all of you, know we now are on well water from the Mint Farm. We had some complaints about water taste. The problem with the complaints was they occurred before we turned on the new water supply. I among other council members had a chance to taste the new well water as it was turned on and I can tell you the flavor was like a crystal clear mountain stream. We are now looking at what to do with the

The city had applied for funding from the Rural County Public Facility Funds. This money would be used to supplement the Phase 1 portion of the downtown streetscape. The

old water treatment plant. The intake structure will be retained to provide water for flushing the lake.

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Anne O’Connor onthemark associates

Bianca Lemmons Cowlitz County Title Co.

Michael Julian Kelso Theater Pub

Chris Bailey Lower Columbia College

Clayton J. Bartness, DC Longview Chiropractic Clinic

Chet Makinster Longview City Council

Frank V. McShane, Past President Cascade Networks, Inc. Jerri Henry, President Futcher-Henry CPA Group

Dennis Weber Cowlitz County Commissioner Joel Hanson, President Elect KLOG KUKN The Wave

Michael Claxton Walstead Mertsching

Ted Sprague Cowlitz Economic Development Council

Sarah Cave PeaceHealth

Steve Taylor Kelso City Manager

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Diane Craft, Vice President Koelsch Senior Communities Ginny Whiffen Red Lion Hotel & Conference Center Julie Rinard Community Home Health & Hospice Neil Zick, Treasurer Twin City Bank

Kelso Longview Business Connection

April 2013

Chamber Board Spotlight Clay Bartness – Longview Chiropractic

Community involvement makes sense in business and personally For Dr. Clay Bartness community runs deep.

his success in day-to-day life and his community.

The chiropractor and president of Longview Chiropractic spent 14 years on the Longview School Board, two terms as Longview Country Club President and a number of years serving and leading on state and national boards associated with his profession.

In those 40 years of supporting the community, he’s seen change.

“I’ve seen Longview grow,” he said.

“When I first came here logging was huge. I don’t see as many tree fallers as I used to.”

That’s just for starters.

And, he is currently sitting on the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, his second stint. He spent 15 years with the Chamber Board many years ago.

Although Fibre and Weyerhaeuser still have a presence in the area, other big industries have since left, creating a void that today is starting to be filled.

“I think to be successful in business you need to be involved in the community,” Bartness said. “I wanted to give back.

Longview has been good to me.”

His profession has taken its own share of hits lately.

“The healthcare industry has changed dramatically,” he said, challenging professionals to keep up and stay ahead.

After celebrating 65 birthdays and with 40 successful years of business in Longview to his credit, it’s easy for Bartness to look back and reflect on the community and its growth, as well as his own.

He said he “quit” the Chamber when it was supporting a bill that would hurt his business. The divorce was fairly short lived.

He returned, due in part to his friendship with new CEO Bill Marcum and the Chamber’s role as a leader in the community.

Growing up in Puyallup, Wash., Bartness remembers it as a small community where, as a kid, you felt safe staying out late and playing games in the streets with friends. When it was time to raise his own family and start a business, he found Longview was a similar setting.

“I believe in what the Chamber does,” he said. “They do a lot of great things in the community. I think the Chamber has evolved.

“I was heavily involved when I was young and I think that’s one of the reasons I was successful. I think young people need to get involved in their profession and their community; being good business people and good human beings.”

“I think Longview is a nice city, or town, depending on how you look at it,” he said. “It’s a great place to live. The education system is good, that’s why we moved here. It’s a great place to raise a family.”

As he plans for retirement, which still seems distant to him, Bartness has pulled back the reins on his involvement a tad.

He’s trying to squeeze more golf into his life. Longview’s greens provide plenty of opportunity to link up with his passion, but he admits, when possible he enjoys escaping to Palm Springs and swinging a club in the sunshine.

Education is important to Bartness. In addition to the time he spent on the Longview School Board, he also served on the Board of Trustees for the University of Western States. There, they awarded him with an honorary doctorate of laws degree for his work not only on behalf of the university, but also for 18

Monday Morning Leadership

Monday Morning Leadership helps managers accept responsibility for their teamsí performance and provides practical tips and strategies for raising performance levels.

During this session youíll learn how to: 

Become a driving force in your organization



Manage your falling stars, middle stars and superstars



Develop strategies for taking control of your time



Focus on high priority tasks



Motivate employees



Hire right



Determine the main objective for your team

About this event: Based on the book of the same name by renowned author, speaker, and business owner, David Cottrell, Monday Morning Leadership offers the knowledge you need for effective leadership and helps you apply it to your organization.

About Stacy Stack: Stacy Stack is Director of Training and Development for the Express Employment Professionalsí offices. As a professional trainer, Stacy motivates her audience through expertise, charisma, and humor. She is an expert in assisting businesses in analyzing staffing practices and identifying performance improvement strategies. Stacy also regularly instructs specialized workshops for client companies and temporary associates to enhance workplace performance.

SPONSORED BY:

WHEN: May 14, 2013 Full breakfast and networking at 8:00am Workshop from 8:30-11:00am WHERE: Cowlitz Convention Center 1900 7th Ave. Longview, WA 98632 COST: $20.00 per person for early registration; $35.00 after April 26.

All current Express clients will receive 2 free tickets to attend.

2.5 HRCI credits

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Each participant will get a copy of the book, Monday Morning Leadership; prior to the Workshop RSVP: expresstraining.eventbrite.com or call Lisa Straughan at: 360-414-1200

Kelso Longview Business Connection

April 2013

Ribbon Cuttings

A Force to be Reckoned Chamber Ambassadors turned out to support American Workforce Group, 1104 14th Ave., Longview, at its March 4 ribbon cutting.

Soaring Ahead The Chamber’s Read Coats helped the Longview Eagles No. 2116 with their ribbon cutting March 13. As new members, the Eagles also hosted March’s Lower Columbia Professionals evening.

Drop by and say hello at 1526 12th Ave., Longview.

Trusted.

CALL

Since 1982, Cowlitz County Title has been the company the community turns to when buying, selling or refinancing a property.

Whether you need title, escrow or property search information, come in for our exceptional service. Leave with the confidence that your real estate investment is properly insured and protected.

BEFORE YOU

Bianca Lemmons

DIG

Vice President/Manager

1159 14th Avenue, Longview, WA 98632 Phone: 360.423.5330 ■ www.cowlitztitle.com

20

Business Connection

April 2013

Ribbon Cuttings

Healthy Turnout

Pumped Up

The Chamber Ambassadors helped Dian Cooper and team cut the ribbon on the new Family Health Center Clinic at 300 Oak St., Kelso, March 7.

The Ambassadors were busy March 8 welcoming F.O.E. Fitness as new Chamber members. Check out the facility at 1426 12th Ave., Longview.

FOR SALE

Longview $299,500 Commercial office on the Civic Center Circle. Located between City Hall and the Post Office. Foyer has built-in display racks. Offices have moveable partitions for flexible use of space. Full basement for plenty of storage. MLS #453846 1700 Hudson Street, Suite 101 Longview, WA 98632

Ph: 360-578-9922 Fx: 360-575-1098

21

“WE WANT YOU FOR A 5K!” Jingle in July 5k Fun Run/Walk

Thursday, July 4, 2013 • 11:30 am

Three Rivers Mall • 351 Three Rivers Drive • Kelso

Registration with shirt deadline: Wed., June 19th Registration without shirt until: Race Day 11:00 a.m.

Organized by Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce and Three Rivers Mall COST: Individual: $25 with shirt/$20 no shirt Family of 4 including 4 shirts: $65 (for additional family members is $10 extra per shirt) Company Team Discounts: $5 discount for 100+ entries, $2 discount for 25-99 entries) REGISTER: www.kelsolongviewchamber.org PACKET PICK-UP: Three River’s Mall (Food Court) July 2nd & 3rd, 10 am-6 pm START/FINISH LINE: Food Court entrance of Mall PRIZES: Awarded for most festive group and individual costumes

Questions contact Race Director, Brooke Fisher

(360-423-8400)

A portion of run proceeds goes to Go Fourth Festival Association

Business Connection

April 2013

Welcome New Members

Chamber membership has its privileges Celebrate these new Chamber members with us Business Association with opportunities to promote trade through Chamber socials, special events and committee participation.

* The OM House * Triangle Bowl * F.O.E. CrossFit * Cowlitz Valley Runners

• 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 • Web Site 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-todate Action Alerts.

• Legislative Representation • Issues Tracking and Information • Task Forces • Candidate Forums • Legislative Update Breakfast • Demographics Publication

Packages

Basic Membership Package - $275 or $26 per month.

Bronze Membership Package - $500 or $46.66 per month.

Silver Membership Package - $1,000 or $86.33 per month.

Gold Membership Package - $2,500 or $211.33 per month.

Platinum Membership Package $5,000 or $416.66 per month.

Diamond Club Membership Package $10,000 or $834 per month.

Join today! Call 360-423-8400 Spring into action with us!

Facilitating Growth Through Leadership and Action

We are a membership based not-for-profit organization.

Join us today!

Resources • Access • Partnerships

On Saturday, June 8th, we’re asking community members to join Express as we volunteer to help fight hunger with a county wide food drive to help support our local food banks.

Help us change the world in our very own hometown.

1452 Hudson St. • US Bank Building Suite 208 • Longview, WA 360.423.9921 www.cowlitzedc.com

360.414.1200 • www.expresslongview.com 23

Chamber April 2013

Business Connection

April 2013

Business Briefs

When will Washington State have $100 billion to spend?

Government spends a lot of our tax dollars and that isn’t going to be curtailed to any significant degree.

By Jan Teague

Washington Retail Association is offering members three free webinars this year in cooperation with the Council of State Retail Associations.

WRA co-sponsors three free webinars

President/CEO, Washington Information Network

• Intro to Social and Mobile Media Marketing, April 24 – 6:30 a.m. MT / 5:30 a.m. PT (Webinar 1) or 9:30 a.m. MT / 8:30 a.m. PT (Webinar 2)

I think that the proposed $81.4 billion in state spending is getting pretty close to that $100 billion mark, don’t you? It took a decade to increase our spending by 24 percent or roughly $1.5 billion per year. This year we expect to have $2 billion more to spend than we had last year.

• How small retailers can recognize and prevent shoplifting, May 21 – 6:30 a.m. MT / 5:30 a.m. PT (Webinar 1) or 9:30 a.m.

MT / 8:30 a.m. PT (Webinar 2)

I think in another decade, we will have combined spending of over $100 billion. I find that idea totally shocking. You can see the details for yourself by clicking on this 2013-15 budget link (http://fiscal.wa.gov/BudgetA.aspx) to a state fiscal information website.

• Intermediate Mobile and Social Media Marketing, June 27 – 6:30 a.m. MT / 5:30 a.m. PT (Webinar 1) or 9:30 a.m. MT / 8:30 a.m. PT (Webinar 2).

Please contact Jan Teague, WRA’s President/CEO, if you have questions at 360-943-9198, ext. 19 or a jteague@retailassociation.org.

How did we get this far? The state budget is bolstered by Federal funds. They make up around 25 percent of funds, according to Senator Michael Baumgartner from Spokane, who published a handy guide to the budget. But the more revealing growth in state spending details were published a few weeks ago by the Everett Herald.

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Once you add in all the various funds for government operations, transportation, social services, higher education, public schools, special appropriations, and natural resources, the whole flow of tax dollars is over twice what the state collects in sales tax, B & O tax, and property tax.

The budget talks are focused on spending more for education.

The Senate will be publishing its budget next week and the negotiations will start in earnest after that. The two sides will be fighting over millions, not billions. It’s all important, but let’s be real.

GET ON WITH BUSINESS. Get High-Speed Internet for a fast, worry-free connection in your business or home.

Call Today!

360 414-5990 www.cni.net

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Easy to Order Call for a FREE Site Survey

Business Connection

April 2013

Business After Hours

Life Is Good LifeWorks proved life doesn’t have to be all work, it can be fun March 12 as it hosted the Chamber’s Business After Hours event. A special thanks to Summerland Catering for providing the great food.

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360-353-3790

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1413 Commerce Ave. 360-575-9804 www.elamshf.com

www.highlander-cycling.com

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Business Connection

April 2013

Tour de Chamber

Catch the Wave Chamber Project Manager Brooke Fisher has been a tour de force visiting members during her Tour de Chamber event. On March 15, Brooke found herself on a white water adventure with the crew at Red Canoe Credit Union.

Thumbs Up!

Ahhhh!

A day of relaxing was just what Brooke needed before all that paddling. Brooke found just the place March 13 with Barb Sudar at Estetica Day Spa.

Brooke stopped by Heritage Bank March 26 and gave the thumbs up to their "Show the Love" Facebook campaign. Like them on the popular social media site and get a $1 donated to your choice of charity!

Fab Fibre Folks Brooke received some sound business advice from the staff at Fibre Federal Credit Union March 22.

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Monday, June 17th Longview Country Club

Shotgun 1pm

$500

per 4 person team before June 1st. $600 after.

Make your reservations Early!

Early Entry Fee $500 per team of 4 or $150 individual.

Includes: Lunch, driving range, $5,000 putting contest, awards ceremony, BBQ dinner, 18 holes of fellowship $10,000 hole-in-one opportunity and two carts per team. We do not need your teams players today.

We will give you a call first week of June to secure the people playing on your team.

Register your Team at

kelsolongviewchamber.org