October 2012 Business Connection

Volume 4, No. 10

October 2012

Business

Connection

Kelso Longview

Chamber of Commerce

Future of Our Cities looks bright

By Vanessa Johnson For The Chamber On September 13, 130 local business representatives and the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors congregated at the Kelso Red Lion Hotel to listen to the “State of Our Cities” address.

This quarterly meeting focuses on how Longview and Kelso are doing financially and what is expected in the months and year to come. The orators for this meeting are none other than the current city officials.

Kelso

Kelso presented first and started by announcing its excitement for its new City Manager Steve Taylor, who at the time of the meeting had only been in office seven days.

David Futcher, five-year Kelso Mayor, discussed the pride his citizens have in their city and how that pride, embodied in the phrase “We are Kelso,” keeps them

Calendar Monday

October 1 - 3 p.m.

Ribbon cutting for Sub Zero 1208 Washington Way, Longview

Wednesday

October 3 - 8 a.m.

Education Foundation Meeting Monticello Hotel

going as the economy slowly but surely gains more ground.

Mayor Futcher congratulated his financial team for its excellence in financial reporting during the past seven years, Future plans for the city of Longview could include which has earned Kelso merits and aid street upgrades. in the cities good “Starbucks took the lanes from the old standing. Unfortunately that doesn’t bowling alley and made tables out of make up for the fact that “retail is still them,” said Mayor Futcher, which is a having some challenging times,” Mayor great way to move forward while paying Futcher reported, but “Kelso is open and homage to the memories of the past. As ready for business, until then we will do we move forward, there are great hopes with what we have for our citizens.” for the improvement of the downtown As for now, Kelso is excited to see some area as buildings get updated and attract growth in projects such as the complemore business. Kelso leaders demontion of the Wilco store located at Kelso strated their understanding for the useDrive and the new Jack in the Box and fulness of collaboration as they discussed the Starbucks renovations at Exit 39. the partnerships with the library and the These stores helped to enhance the apPlease see Our Cities, page 3 pearance of the city.

Thursday

Tuesday

October 4 – 4 p.m.

Ribbon cutting for Horizon Events 1267 Commerce Ave., Longview

October 16 – 5 p.m.

Business After Hours Canyonview Cyclery 1051 14th Ave., Longview

Monday

Thursday

October 8 – 11 a.m.

Ribbon cutting for Red Leaf Coffee 209 West Main St., Kelso

October 25 – 5:30 p.m.

Lower Columbia Professionals Meeting Hop N Grape 924 15th Ave., Longview

The Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce presents:

Date: 12•12•12 Location: Downtown Longview Time:

Prizes for: • Top 12 Overall Finishers • Best Festive Costume Individual • Best Festive Costume Group

Cost:

(Broadway & Commerce intersection)

5k 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Kids’ Backwards Run 5:40 p.m. $25 per adult (with shirt) $18 per adult (no shirt) $65 for Families of 4 ($10 each additional shirt)

Register by Thursday, November 29th online at www.kelsolongviewchamber.org or call the Chamber at 360-423-8400 Sponsored by:

Bring out your festive gear and holiday cheer for this moonlight 5k, and run to the tune of our local school bands/ choirs throughout the course route, prizes and refreshments at the finish line. Explore and experience our historic downtown businesses before, during and after the event. Don’t miss out on this inaugural event!

Packet pick-up for registrations w/shirts Dec. 10 & 11 9-5pm at the Chamber Office

1563 Olympia Way | Longview, WA 98632 | www.kelsolongviewchamber.org Phone: (360)423-8400 | Fax: (360) 423-0432

Kelso Longview Business Connection

Our Cities, from page 1 Three Rivers Mall, The Lower Columbia police science class and their work with Habitat for Humanity.

Longview

Dennis Weber, Mayor of Longview, and Bob Gregory, City Manager, took the podium with their “Delivering on a Promise” presentation that included discussions about; continuing effective financial management, continuation of safety efforts and the preservation and enhancement of neighborhoods.

“Revenue and expenditures are down,” reported Mayor Weber, and “we have had to cut staff.” Efforts were made to protect police and fire so that their promise of continuation of safety could be upheld.

With the money allotted to them the police

October 2012

have taken to a new data driven technique that allows crime to be statistically analyzed. This technique allows for analysts to pinpoint areas of high crime and distribute police to that area. “[Highlands] has been an area of emphasis,” said Gregory, but with “citizen involvement, neighborhood associations, community coaching and LPD community service units, Highlands crime reduction has been a success.”

Aside from uplifting the neighborhoods by keeping up with safety measures, the city is also looking at uplifting the streets themselves. Due to an increase in material costs the amount it once took to do repairs on streets and roads has increased beyond the allotted budget. Money that could be generated by a proposed $20 license fee on tabs would be able to supplement the amount needed to keep up with street

maintenance. The proposal is subject to voter approval and as Mayor Weber hopes “citizens will get the information and make a good choice.” For more information and to see all of the Longview presentation go to www. mylongview.com.

As we all know business and consumerism go hand in hand and as Mayor Weber noted in his presentation the household median in our area is below both the state and national average coming in at $46,000 per year. With less household income people are going to either be more frugal with their money or want to make sure they are spending what little they have on quality experiences and products. From the sound of the meeting the economy is doing its best to turn itself around, but it is up to the citizens and local business owners to come together with collaboration, cooperation and conversation to boost consumerism.

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

October 2012

‘My Advertising Did Not Work...How Do You Know?

By Chuck Nau

the advertisement was appearing in their local media.

Have you ever had the experience of TEACHING a retailer or service provider’s staff what’s on sale in THEIR business by showing them the copy of the ad you have in your hand? Is this happening in your business today?

Here are four simple methods to consider for tracking your advertising campaigns and the RESULTS they generate...

• Revenue – Track your business’ TOTAL revenue by day or by week, two weeks BEFORE the advertising campaign starts, DURING the time the advertising campaign is in progress (e.g. in the newspaper, on the air, etc.) and two weeks AFTER the completion of the campaign.

• Transactions – Track your business’ TOTAL number of transactions by day or by week, two weeks BEFORE the advertising campaign starts, DURING the time the advertising campaign is in progress (e.g. in the newspaper, on the air, etc.) and two weeks AFTER the completion of the campaign.

Counting the number of shoppers in your business is irrelevant...shoppers may be many, but BUYERS build and grow your business.

• Inventory – Track your business’ inventory changes for the week or the month, as noted when you reorder, BEFORE the advertising campaign starts, DURING the advertising campaign and two weeks or for the month AFTER the completion of the campaign.

• Advertised Inventory - Track your business’ advertised inventory changes for the week or the month, as noted when you reorder, BEFORE the advertising campaign begins, DURING the campaign and two weeks or for the month AFTER the completion of the campaign.

As an example...if two weeks before beginning the advertising campaign, your business sold an average five John Deere tractors, during the campaign you sold nine John Deere tractors and after the completion of the campaign your business sold an average seven John Deere tractors – you know the campaign was successful in increasing the average sales of John Deere tractors from seven to nine.

Additionally, using the John Deere co-op advertising funds you have accrued REDUCED the investment cost of your

Over the last four months...in this space...in your Chamber newsletter, I have reviewed a number of advertising initiatives...

• “When Business is Tough to Get... ” outlined the importance of advertising in a challenging, struggling or recovering economic environment. [June 2012] • We explored strategies to overcome the proverbial... “No Money to Advertise ...?” by identifying areas within your business or service to invest in, without increasing your budget! [July 2012] • Next, we took a moment to step back and reinforce the value and benefits of shopping locally, in YOUR community...

“It’s All About Your Local Community.” [August 2012] • Last, but not least, my most recent column took a look at the WASTE of your time and your business’ ad dollars when you buy or place a single, one at a time ad. We reviewed a much better and more successful RESULTS GENERATING advertising campaign... “Once is Not Enough.” [September 2012] All of these columns and the subject of this month’s column focus on the question... “Why doesn’t my advertising work?”

My response, if I were a media representative, would simply be “How Do You Know?” I have asked that question of many of my retail clients and discovered that many of them, and possibly you and your associates, simply do not know.

So, let’s solve that dilemma and continue to help enhance the growth of your business, the Kelso-Longview community and YOU grow!

But first, let’s clarify one thing...many and varied reasons could, and do, contribute to a less than successful campaign: An initial error in identifying target audience, which, in turn, may have lead to incorrect media selection; poor merchandise or sale offered; weather; poorly designed ad copy; you and/or your associates believe, but cannot confirm poor performance; ad tracking results not available; better competitive offer from some other retailer offered at the same time.

The list goes on.

In my experience, one of the largest contributing factors to poor sales results from an advertising campaign is lack of training. A retailer or service provider’s staff was not aware of what was on sale or for that matter was not even aware that

Please see Nau, page 11

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Ambassador Q & A

Kelso Longview Business Connection

Sherry Bean

October 2012

Pam Fierst

Employers Overload

Red Lion Hotel and Conference Center Kelso

FAMILY: Husband, Al Bean

FAMILY: Husband, Destry Fierst, son, Justin Holst, daughter, Desiree Zimmerman, son, David Fierst, daughter, Cheyenne Fierst and five grand kids.

HOW LONG HAVE YOUR BEEN AN AMBASSADOR? Quite a while

HOW LONG HAVE YOUR BEEN AN AMBASSADOR? 10+ years

WHAT PROMPTED YOU TO BE AN AMBASSADOR? I worked with the Ambassador Committee while Vice President of Membership for the Chamber, and decided to stay on.

WHAT PROMPTED YOU TO BE AN AMBASSADOR? I was a new GM for a hotel and started going to Business After Hours and felt like a wallflower and wanted to find a way to promote my company. I had seen these people in red coats and how they were interacting with everybody there and I knew that was what I wanted to do. So I started asking how I could get a red coat and I wanted to be at the door to open it for every guest coming in, I wanted to shake their hand and introduce myself and my company to each and every one of them.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT VOLUNTEERING WITH THE AMBASSADORS? Getting to meet other business owners and employees; helping companies become chamber members or get the most out of their chamber membership; participating in events.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT VOLUNTEERING WITH THE AMBASSADORS? I love going to ribbon cuttings because I get to know the new companies and what they do or I get to see the milestones that a company has achieved through the years. This is very exciting and I love that I get a chance to be a part of this event with them.

YOUR FAVORITE AMBASSADOR STORY? We had an After Hours at the Hotel Monticello after Larry Juell died.

Someone asked me to check on Anabelle Juell to see if she needed anything. She grabbed on to me and wanted me to help her while she delivered a short welcoming speech to the group. She didn’t want to go up to the microphone alone, and I worried that she wasn’t really steady on her feet. I had to ad lib and try to keep from laughing while we bumbled through—the blind leading the blind. I was sort of instant speech writer and moral support. Sometimes ambassadors just have to have a good sense of humor and “go with the flow.”

DO YOU VOLUNTEER WITH ANY OTHER ORGANIZATIONS? My family loves working with other groups throughout the year. We always love doing Relay for Life, and working with Parks and Recreation on Cast for Kids or helping out at Bobs with Cowlitz Game and Anglers at the trout pond. Plus, I try to stay very active in my youngest daughter’s life by helping with Mount Solo PTSO and I also sit on the board of the Longview Soccer Club.

DO YOU VOLUNTEER WITH ANY OTHER ORGANIZATIONS? Not as much as I used to.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? I would have to say that I am proud of my kids, and the things that each one of them has done with their lives. Then I would have to say that I never thought that I would be where I am in my career and I hope that I am a good role model to my kids and show them that there is nothing that you can’t do as long as you set your mind to it.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? My children and grandchildren.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO FOR FUN? Family gettogethers, boating, playing cards, traveling, weekend outings.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO FOR FUN? I like to go camping, fishing, hiking, traveling and just sightseeing in my spare time.

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

October 2012

Glass businesses bring sparkle to Cowlitz The music series at Johnston Ridge was a big hit this summer.

By Ted Sprague President - Cowlitz Economic Development Council Good news for our economy as the Port of Kalama announced the location of All American Containers LLC and Bennu Glass held a ceremonial ribbon cutting on September 11th, the anniversary of the Cameron Glass shut down.

expand its food packaging and container operations from the Port of Kalama location.

The Port of Kalama will become home to another major national company expanding operations to serve the West Coast’s burgeoning wine industry. All American Containers LLC, one of the nation’s largest suppliers of glass, plastic and metal containers, has chosen the Port of Kalama to expand distribution of full service packaging and bottles for the wine industry. AAC Pacific Coast, a division of All American Containers, moved into the 33,000 square foot Kalama facility this month and plans to be operational by October 1, 2012.

Concert Review The CEDC took a chance behind the leadership of Alice Dietz, CEDC Director of Programs, and started a music series at Johnston Ridge this summer. This was uncharted territory for us and we had no idea how successful it would be. All fears were put to rest as each concerts’ attendance grew and grew. The bands and audience agreed; it is one of the best venues to hear music in the United States. Please join us next summer!

All American launches operations in the Pacific Northwest after being awarded a distributorship with Bennu Glass, a wine bottle manufacturer that just fired up production at the Port of Kalama in July 2012. The company will provide another distribution channel for Bennu’s annual production of more than 100 million bottles. All American will also

For more information or to get in touch with staff, please go to our website – www.cowlitzedc.com.

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Team Bill Marcum, President/CEO Amy Hallock, Bookkeeper Brooke Fisher, Project Manager

Melissa Nusbaum Broker/REALTOR®

Kelso Longview Business Connection is published monthly by the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce 1563 Olympia Way • Longview, WA 98632 • 360-423-8400

Northwest Properties

1118 Ocean Beach Highway, Longview, WA 98632 Direct 360 442-7802 Cell 360 904-6272 E-Fax 360 442-7831 mnusbaum@prunw.com www.mnusbaum.prunw.com

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

Ad Deadline: 20th of each month.

An independently owned and operated member of BRER Affiliates Inc. Not affiliated with Prudential. Prudential marks used under license.

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

October 2012

President’s Message

Lace up for business Boot Camp

By Bill Marcum President and CEO

business. The big question we are wrestling with is what are those specific topics that you the business owners/managers see as a priority in your business? Of course as listed above the topics are long and could get longer but you could help determine the priority of this list. Email me at bmarcum@kelsolongviewchamber.org and let me know what you think should be a priority topic for the Small Business Boot Camp.

As you all know by now, I spent 31 years on the member side of the Chamber of Commerce. A board member for the Longview Chamber and the Enumclaw Chamber and the one thing I always wished the Chamber could do was give me more opportunity to learn about business. Not just me, but my staff.

Be it sales, bookkeeping, reading financial statements, social media, customer service, even simple things like how to answer the phone.

I am always amazed when I walk into a business and the person behind the counter is texting or doing something on their phone and doesn’t even acknowledge that I am there. As a business owner/manager there are some things you are good at, some things you are really good at and then there are some things you just are not very good at. The key is to hire good people who can do things you cannot do very well. So, hiring is a critical part of any small business. The other option is to continue to learn more about those things you struggle with.

My goal is to have the Boot Camp up and running by February 2013, which means we need to determine the topics for each month by the end of November. We also need to know what day of the week and what time would work best for you, the business owner, and eventually for staff to attend. Right now we are looking at the first and third Wednesday of each month from 7:30 to 9 a.m.

Small Business Boot Camp, helping you and your business be more successful.

So based on these needs the Kelso Longview Chamber is working on an education/training curriculum called Small Business Boot Camp. I have been talking with Chris Bailey, President, Lower Columbia College, Jeanne Bennett, Executive Director, Southwest Washington Workforce Development and many others about the need and the opportunity to help our local businesses be more successful through some kind of down and dirty workshop that is geared to hands-on business.

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October 2012

October brings music and zombies downtown

By Janice Forbes President, Longview Downtown Partnership Owner, Highlander Cycling Imports

trio on the violin, clarinet and piano; and the Oregon Ballet Theatre provides the grand finale to an exciting month of classic theatre.

For details go to www.columbiatheatre.com.

Are you into art? Or music? How about wine tasting? Classic live theatre? Harvest Festivals? A wild run-in-the-streets game of zombie tag?

Downtown Longview has something for everyone this October!

The 2nd Annual Harvest Festival and Zombie Apocalypse on October 13 promises to be an all-day, all-night extravaganza with something for everyone. Begin the day on Commerce Avenue at 10 a.m. where kids can trick-or-treat the shops, carve pumpkins, climb haystacks and enter a costume contest while adults can shop local and enjoy a variety of unique vendors. Donate blood from 1 to 6 p.m.

The Zombie Apocalypse, from 3 to 10 p.m., launches with JELL-O brain eating, best zombie contests and urban tag!

First Thursday Downtown offers much for the sophisticated art and wine connoisseur. Stroll downtown October 4 beginning at 5 p.m. and enjoy: • Wine tasting at The Bistro with extra prizes if you wear your favorite team’s jersey! (Reservations recommended) • A photography exhibit of The Hill People of Thailand by Mary Ann Dawkins at Teague’s Interiors.

• The grand re-opening of The Secret Garden and Horizon Events now located inside Teague’s Interiors.

Two more exciting events top off the evening – a Zombie After Party at the Island Casino from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. and a Franken Flirty and Zombie Zumba! at Lite Weights for Women from 9 p.m. to midnight.

For more information call DIY at 360-423-3747 or go on Facebook Apocalypse 2012: Zombies Invade Longview.

• Art exhibits at Lord & McCord featuring jewelry by Jesse and Walter Camerer and painting by Michael Metz.

Monticello Hotel

The Columbia Theatre highlights the new season with The Movement - a documentary of courage and perseverance; a Symphony Fall Concert

by Southwest Washington Symphony; Prima Trio - an award-winning

So come on Downtown this month where everything’s waiting for you!

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

October 2012

Kelso

Longview

Welcome our New Manager

State of the City:

Tennant Way Revitalization

By Mayor David Futcher Kelso is back in the hands of a full-time manager again, and we got a good one, folks.

By Mayor Dennis Weber At the Chamber’s recent quarterly luncheon, City Manager Bob Gregory and I highlighted our award-winning financial management, our police initiatives and Highlands cleanup, advanced life support via firefighters, and the need for more street maintenance resources. But we ran out of time before we got to Tennant Way.

Steve Taylor moved to Kelso from the Spokane area, and has jumped in with both feet.

We were fortunate to have Police Chief Hamilton fill in as the interim manager while the position was vacant, but it’s hard for any mere mortal to fill two full-time positions completely.

Having Steve on board will bring back the focused leadership we can expect with a full-time manager.

Steve’s background includes time on the Spokane Valley City Council, so he understands the needs of our council members.

His experience on the staff of a U.S. Representative and as the Government Affairs Director for a building association gives him the skills needed to get our message across to our legislators. And his stint as the city manager at Connell provided the background we wanted in the nuances of running a Washington city.

A decade-long effort to attract new businesses there involved new street construction and utilities along 7th/ Wheeler/9th (the old Par Three Golf Course) utilizing a federal EDA grant and a local improvement district. New zoning allowed for box stores (Home Deport and Walmart), professional offices (the new Pacific Surgical Institute), and the First Baptist Church. Not far away is the increasingly popular Youth and Family Link Complex on Douglas. Toward the bridge, the Monticello Convention Marker and the Dog Park at Gearhart Gardens continue to attract visitors.

There’s no better test for a new city manager’s creativity than to dump a budget on him that demands new approaches to dealing with dwindling revenues. Steve has a strong financial background, and I look forward to working with him in developing those solutions.

More recently infrastructure improvements include a railroad spur and traffic improvements at 14th/15th/California Way, paid for in part by federal safety grants and mitigation fees. And they’re working: We’ve all watched the expansion of the nationally recognized Swanson Bark & Wood Products. And not only do we have the new Lower Columbia Pathology lab (at the old Goodwill location) but work is under way for a new NAPA store.

Now, if we can just get him in a kilt…

Kelso Mayor David Futcher introduced recently hired City Manager Steve Taylor at the State of Our Cities event.

An ambitious green-up plan for Tennant Way is now closer to reality. Envisioned as a key element in the City Council’s Environmental Strategic Initiative, it will highlight two major efforts: low-impact storm water features (i.e. trees, swales, and rain gardens) plus another entryway sign welcoming travelers and investors.

Longview – Where Opportunity Knocks!

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

October 2012

Business Toolbox

Things to think about for business growth

By Jerry D. Petrick

√ Think about adding the ‘+1 button’ to your website – When someone clicks the +1 button on your site her friends and contacts see the annotation on search results and ads with the same URL. Take a look at www.google.com/webmasters/+1/ button

As we start the calendar fourth quarter I thought I would share some of the most consistent issues and topics we have been working on with local business owners.

√ How effective is your website? To find our take a look at: www.google.com/analytics This free tool will show you how visitors found your website, and what they did when they got there.

Web Presence – Social Media The areas of business marketing and sales development are clearly among the hottest for virtually all businesses. No matter what your situation: not on the web, use it for personal things but not business, setup a site years ago – never used it, been meaning to do that sometime, avid user of the internet to drive sales and marketing of your business, and we don’t sell to consumers so the web is not relevant to our business– your business MUST be on the web!

√ Want to track your competition, industry, and your own news? Try setting up alerts to let you know when something happens www.google.com/alerts √ Include images or video (YouTube) especially on your landing page; above the scroll.

Has an employee embezzled from your business? Here is an incredibly effective and easy way to encourage restitution.

Check this out from Frank Abagnale (yes, the “Catch Me if You Can” guy) https://www.nsbank.com/fightfraud/1099.jsp

Why should you bother to set up and use a website for your business?

• 97 percent of consumers who use the internet research products and services online before buying. (Source: BIA/Kelsey Group. User View Wave VII May 2010).

• If a person is searching – they are likely buying – so your challenge is to get them to buy from YOU!

A final interesting tidbit for you – do you own or lease a photocopier? Nearly every digital copier since 2002 has a hard drive. The hard drive captures and stores ALL information ever copied on that machine. Take a look at this CBS News video to see what this means to you. http://www.cbsnews. com/2100-18563_162-6412439.html Coming Event – Business Best Practices Series November 1st, 2012 – 7:30-10:00 am

Tips:

Financial Strategies: How to effectively position your business for growth and expansion

√ Content is key – keep your site up-to-date, engaging, and use important key words.

In order to plan for the long-term health of your business, it is important to use your financial statements and your internal resources to set goals and to identify tactics that will help you reach your goals.

√ Use tools to find out how Google sees your site (http:// www.google.com/webmasters) √ Consider Search Engine Marketing (SEM) – you don’t pay to show ads; pay only for clicks on ads. A couple of options www.google.com/adwords or www.google.com/awexpress

For more information and to register go to: http://wsbdc.org/class-detail?classid=463&sday =01&smonth=11&syear=2012

√ By 2013 more people will use their mobile phones than computers to get online – to get found on mobile devices test your existing site to see how mobile compatible it is: visit www.howtogomo.com

This article was prepared by Jerry Petrick, Certified Business Advisor, MBA, SPHR with the Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Longview, WA. Jerry provides no-cost, confidential business advisory services by appointment.

He can be reached via email jerry.petrick@wsbdc.org.

√ 90 percent of consumers online trust recommendations from people they know – 71 percent say reviews from family members or friends influence purchase decisions (the ever illusive word-of-mouth referral).

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

Nau from page 4 campaign. The campaign’s success also INCREASED future John Deere co-op advertising funds available to your business. A plus on top of another plus in growing your business!

Have FUN and Good Luck! © Murray & Nau, Inc. Chuck Nau of Murray & Nau, Inc. is a Seattle area based consultant and sales and management trainer. He is a 25-year veteran of advertising, sales, media and management, who knows and

October 2012

TUNE IN every Wednesday Your Chamber Connection

understands the everyday challenges of starting up, growing, and surviving in today’s ever changing retail climate. He has spoken to and conducted workshops for a number of local retail and chamber organizations, national publishing groups, national retailers and manufacturers, state press associations, and newspaper groups.

Comments and questions are welcome

KEDO AM 1400 – 3 to 4 p.m.

Contact the Chamber to schedule YOUR 10-minute business spotlight

and may be directed to Chuck via email: murnau@nwlink.com or at 425-6030984.

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

Bianca Lemmons Cowlitz County Title Co.

Micheal 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 Chair Cascade Networks, Inc.

George Raiter Cowlitz County Commissioner

Diane Craft, Vice Chair Koelsch Senior Communities

Jerri Henry, Chair Futcher-Henry CPA Group

Joel Hanson, Chair Elect KLOG KUKN The Wave

Ginny Whiffen Red Lion Hotel & Conference Center

Michael Claxton Walstead Mertsching

Ted Sprague Cowlitz Economic Development Council

Julie Rinard Community Home Health & Hospice

Sara Cave PeaceHealth

Neil Zick, Treasurer Twin City Bank

Trusted.

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.

Bianca Lemmons Vice President/Manager

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

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

October 2012

After Hours

Hotel Happening September’s Business After Hours brought Chamber members and their guests to the Monticello Hotel for an evening of entertainment and good times.

12

Kelso Longview Business Connection

October 2012

Spotlight Julie Rinard - Board Member Community Home Health & Hospice - Gift Planning Manager

Being involved in Chamber expands community circle and pet family “I work with supporters and volunteers who inspire me every day,” she said. “I had been a supporter for 10 years prior to being hired. Many years ago, I saw a dear friend pass away at hospice. The care and comfort that she and her family received had a profound impact on me. Since then, many of my friends and family members have experienced care from Community Home Health & Hospice.”

Driven by the encouragement of others who enjoyed the benefits of their Chamber involvement, Julie Rinard started volunteering with the Chamber in the early 1980s.

“I refer to it as involvement rather than membership,” Rinard said. “Because that is where I see the value. To this day, I continue to enjoy relationships established in the 1980s.”

Costs are escalating, regulations are rising and government reimbursement is decreasing, she said of the industry. “In these difficult economic times, many are hard-pressed to afford healthcare, increasing the use of our charity care program. More patients and families require care than ever before. During fiscal year 2010-11, we served 9 percent more home health patients and 13 percent more home care clients than the previous year. We served 1,146 hospice families, which is an increase of 22 percent over the prior year. As we celebrate our 35th anniversary through 2012, we are reminded that we would not be able to care for patients without community support.”

Rinard, who is gift planning manager for Community Home Health & Hospice, was an original ambassador and part of the task force that established the role of the “new” ambassador committee.

“We modeled our plan after the very successful ambassador program at the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce,” she said.

Rinard enjoys visiting Central Oregon and the Chambers in Sisters and Bend are two of her favorites. Like the Kelso Longview Chamber, she said, they have a wealth of helpful information for residents and visitors.

Rinard is also a member of Kelso Rotary; serves on the Patient Advisory Council for St. John Medical Center and is working toward achieving Certified Fund Raising Executive (a credential for fundraising professionals).

“Involvement with the Chamber has introduced me to many people who care about our community,” she said.

Through the years, Rinard has served on numerous committees and worked on events and fundraisers for the Chamber.

She graduated with the 2002 class of the Lower Columbia Leadership Academy and was one of the first hosts of the Chamber radio show and served in that role for three years.

In what little spare time she has, she enjoys attending community events, scouring antique stores, hiking, bicycle riding, working on Pilates, traveling and sewing and crafts.

She and her husband Dan of 31 years recently expanded their family.

“The Chamber board members bring diverse experience, insight and talents to our work. It’s an honor to be part of this high-energy group,” she said.

“At this year’s Chamber Mega Mixer, a conversation with Rick Johnson of the Humane Society of Cowlitz County resulted in my husband and I fostering and then adopting our newest family member – a miniature long-haired dachshund named Buster. We knew right away that he would fit in with our lifestyle - he loved Squirrel Fest!”

Four years ago, Rinard joined Community Home Health & Hospice as the development coordinator. She was promoted to gift planning manager this year, where she is tasked with ensuring a strong base of ongoing financial support through securing major and planned gifts.

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

October 2012

New Members

Join the Chamber today. We’ve made it simple.

Business Association with opportunities to promote trade through Chamber socials, special events and committee participation.

New Members

Go Fourth Festival Association Mt. St. Helens Cellars Sub Zero Ice Cream & Yogurt Red Leaf Coffee Priscilla Johnson–Farmers Insurance Three River’s Athletic Club/3RAC Crossfit Hop-n-Grape

• Annual Meeting and Banquet • Networking Events • Committee Participation • Business Contacts • Quarterly Membership Meetings • Civic Representation • Monthly Business After Hours

• 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

Business Services include marketing for your business, referrals and access to Chamber publications and research data.

you

health.

You know . We know Let’s get together!

For class information or to register, visit www.peacehealth.org/st-john or call 360-501-3701.

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

Join us for one of our FREE events:

 Heart Health 101

Friday, October 5, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

 Pre-Diabetes 101

Friday, October 12, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

 Bladder Health 101

Wednesday, October 17, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

 Weight Loss 101

Packages

Friday, October 19, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

 Prescriptions for a Health Life:

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.

Nutrition, Exercise, Weight Management

Wednesday, November 7, 6:00 p.m. (Social time) 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. (Presentation)

Make the 1st Wednesday of each month “Red Hot Mammas” night!

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

October 2012

Ribbon Cutting

Let Them Eat Cake

Kristi Keller and the team at Kristi’s Custom Cakes have some fun at their Chamber ribbon-cutting ceremony September 28.

Alzheimer’s Disease, Frontal Temporal and other Dementias Yanan Shang, M.D.

Neurologist at PeaceHealth

• Diagnostic Approaches • Treatment Techniques • Management options • Clinical Trials Information When: Where: Who: rSVP:

thursday, october 25, at 7:00 pm canterbury inn, 1324 3rd Ave., longview Family/friends of those with memory loss/dementia. call (360) 425-7947 for information and reservations. enjoy refreshments and door prizes.

Our 24 hour on-site licensed nurses or caregivers will provide complimentary dementia care during this presentation. If you wish to take advantage of this service, please call the day before. For more information and reservations at (360) 423-2200.

CAnterbury inn

A Koelsch senior communitY

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at

Location: 1051 14th Ave. Time: 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Cost: $10 in advance or $15 at door Register online: www.kelsolongviewchamber.org