October
2017
Volume 9, Issue 10
Business Connection Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce
Past Jingle all the Way events included swag bags from local merchants.
Dressing for the holiday Jingle event has become part of the tradition for participants. It puts the fun in the run.
Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Team Bill Marcum, CEO Lindsey Cope, Project Manager Amy Hallock, Visitor Information Center and Office Manager Kelso Longview Business Connection is published monthly by the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce 105 N. Minor Road • Kelso, WA 98626 • 360-423-8400 kelsolongviewchamber.org To advertise, call Bill Marcum, 360-423-8400 or email bmarcum@ kelsolongviewchamber.org Ad Deadline: 20th of each month
Jingle all the Way great run for the community Laughing all the way, Kelso Longview Chamber
of Commerce Project Manager Lindsey Cope says the past six years have been a great “run” for the Jingle all the Way 5K.
Jingle all the Way started in 2011 as a familyfriendly community event to celebrate a special time of year while at the same time promoting business downtown. Last year, the evening fun run drew
hundreds of costumed participants downtown. “Our Chamber is really unique in that we are able to focus on many areas to enrich our community and help our businesses become more successful,” Cope said. “Beyond networking, consulting, government affairs, the Education Foundation Committee, and continuing business education, we also For more Jingle, see page 3
12/09/17
Festive Sponsorship Levels Grand Bell: $1,000
Logo on all marketing materials, website, advertising, radio ads, large logo on shirt, runner’s bag, banner at event (provided by Sponsor), promo item inside runner’s bag, and six (6) free registrations.
Gold Bell: $500
Logo on all marketing materials, website, advertising, medium logo on shirt, promo item inside runner’s packet and four (4) free registrations.
Silver Bell: $250
Logo on all marketing materials, website, advertising, logo on shirt, promo item in runner’s bag, two (2) free registrations.
Bronze Bell: $100
Promo item in runner’s bag and listing as ‘Friend of the Jingle’ on marketing materials
Jingle, continued from page 1
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try to create events for the entire community.” The “Jingle” as it has become know is a great example, Cope said. “The yearly event is festive, affordable, family friendly, fun and healthy. All of these factors help contribute to its yearly success,” Cope continued. “Families come and dress up. Maybe mom or dad push a stroller. The kids get to meet Santa and color. It is health-conscious making it a great event for businesses that are looking to encourage their employee’s wellbeing to sponsor the event or even a team. Sometimes it’s a little wet outside or a little chilly but the smiles of all the participants warm it right up!”
The yearly event is festive, affordable, family friendly, fun and healthy. All of these factors help contribute to its yearly success. Lindsey Cope Chamber Project Manager
There’s plenty of time to wander through downtown for holiday shopping before the Jingle 5K Run/Walk kicks off at 5 p.m.
This year, the Chamber plans to shift the event a few blocks to the Longview’s Historic Civic Center, setting the Jingle’s “home base” at the newly refurbished Monticello Hotel. “The City of Longview does a phenomenal job with decorating the center park and it will be better lit for our participants,” Cope said. “It will still be centered around promoting our downtown business without forcing the closure of their streets. So far the response to this change has been very positive.”
Cope is encouraging everyone to put some “Jingle in your Jangle” and join the Chamber December 9 for the run. Registration and sponsorship information is available on the Chamber’s website www.kelsolongviewchamber.org or by calling the office at 360-423-8400. Event updates can also be found on the Chamber’s Facebook page.
E V A S e th ! E T DA
12/9/17 Sponsorships available now! 5:00 pm - 5k Run/Walk Registration: www.kelsolongviewchamber.org
October 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 3
Chamber CEO’s Message
Calendar Tuesday October 3 – 11:30am Ribbon Cutting Snap Fitness West Longview 3707 Ocean Beach Hwy, Longview Friday October 6 – 7:30am Small Business Bootcamp How to Generate Higher Profits Jerry Petrick, SBDC Certified Business Advisor Heritage Room, Lower Columbia College 1600 Maple St, Longview October 6 – 11:30am Ribbon Cutting Grace’s Bridal Boutique 1315 Hemlock St, Longview Monday October 9 – Noon Government Affairs Meeting Teri’s Restaurant 3225 Ocean Beach Hwy, Longview Friday October 13 – 7:30am Small Business Bootcamp New Paid Family Leave Bill Nicole Tideman, Attorney at Law Heritage Room, Lower Columbia College 1600 Maple St, Longview Tuesday October 17 – 5:30-7:30pm Business After Hours Steele Chapel Longview Memorial Park 5050 Mt. Solo Rd, Longview $15 in advance; $20 at the door
By Bill Marcum
Others notice when you hire great talent Once again we will have a change in personnel at the Kelso Longview Chamber. Project Manager Lindsey Cope will be leaving the Chamber October 6. She is heading to the Cowlitz Economic Development Council (CEDC) to work with Ted Sprague. I find it very fulfilling that the project managers we’ve hired during the past five years have all gone on to other position within our community. If you hire great talent, business owners see that talent and want to steal them away. Brooke Fisher was the first. After her time at the Chamber, she moved on to become the executive director for the United Way of Cowlitz and Wahkiakum Counties, where she is doing a great job helping that agency rebound and move forward in the community. Karin Sisson followed Brooke, and after two years with the Chamber went on to NORPAC and has recently accepted a position with Stewart Title. Proof again good people get
Friday October 20 – Noon Lower Columbia Professional’s Meeting Antidote Tap House 716 Triangle Shopping Ctr, Longview Friday October 27 – 6-10pm Lower Columbia Professional’s SPOOKTACULAR! Kelso Longview Elks Lodge Membership Drive 900 Ash St, Kelso $20 per person Every Wednesday Chamber Connections KEDO/1400 AM – 3-4 pm Stream live at www.kedoam.com
4 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2017
scooped away – great for them. Lindsey followed Karen and has done a super job in the 15 months she has been with the Chamber, which even included having a baby. She handled all the duties, all the committee meetings, board meetings, Ambassador Committee, Education Committee, ribbon cuttings, membership meetings, and not to mention the special projects like Jingle all the Way, business and education awards and bingo. She also worked with the Lower Columbia Professionals assisting with their six events during the year raising more than $17,000 toward local scholarships. While it can be frustrating losing great talent, there’s a challenge in finding another talented replacement that is very fulfilling. It’s rewarding to see people who do a great job move on to expand their horizons. Thank you Lindsey for the effort you provided and best wishes on your future.
PORT TALK PORT OF LONGVIEW NEWSLETTER
Workers remove the old Continental Grain Terminal’s dock, making way for redevelopment and new customers.
IMPROVEMENTS MADE FOR THE GOOD OF THE COMMUNITY The Port of Longview is constantly in competition with neighboring ports to attract cargo from all over the globe. No port is immune to the changing needs of a customer. Now, it’s more important than ever to have strong, reliable infrastructure to attract cargo that will secure jobs and economic benefits for our community. A look at the Port’s Bridgeview Terminal.
5 MAJOR PROJECTS IN 2017 AT THE PORT Berth 4 Redevelopment: Constructed in the 1920’s, the former Continental Grain Terminal is ready for a second chance at economic development. To date, the former dock has been removed and replaced and a construction material study is underway to establish the demolition plan.
Bridgeview Terminal: In the fall of 2017, the Port of Longview began seeking companies interested in operating Bridgeview Terminal. The Port selected a successful proposal and is now in negotiations with International Raw Materials.
Infrastructure is paramount to customers deciding where to land their business. Customers are looking for a port that can efficiently and safely discharge their cargo and get it to its destination as quickly as possible. This means looking at infrastructure such as rail, available equipment and storage options that will best accommodate their cargo needs. The Port of Longview has these features and more, making it an appealing destination for customer’s cargo. However, competing ports also have strong features, making the West Coast one of the most competitive markets for cargo movement.
resources into revitalizing the Willow Grove Park and Boat Launch and have continuing plans to improve this local gem.
Port to make significant rail investments. Plans are underway to expand the existing Industrial Rail Corridor so it can continue to provide uninterrupted rail access between the Port and the mainline.
By adding extra capacity to the IRC, customers will be able to move their cargo in and out of the Port more efficiently than ever before. This expansion will give the Port of Longview a competitive advantage over neighboring ports.
Maintaining Equipment: The Port has more than 200 pieces of rolling stock and conveyors that it uses to move cargo daily. It is essential that equipment is maintained and ready to roll to keep business moving.
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…That warehouse 8, which the Port still uses for cargo storage, was one of the original buildings of the Long Bell Lumber Company from the early 1900’s? … It costs approximately $40,000 to replace a set of tires on each of the six log stackers the Port owns?
The IRC has played a key role in bringing new customers to the Port.
COMMISSION MEETINGS
Jeff Wilson / District 1 Doug Averett / District 2 Bob Bagaason / District 3
Regular meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month at 10:00 am and are open to the public. Meeting times are subject to change. For more information, visit portoflongview.com.
Norm Krehbiel
PORTOFLONGVIEW.COM
The Port of Longview’s key transportation connections to the deep-draft Columbia River shipping channel, mainline rail and Interstate 5 have played a vital role in attracting new customers and stimulating economic benefits for our community.
COMMISSIONERS
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
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The Port of Longview works hard to attract cargo from around the world to benefit our local community. Improvements to infrastructure and the acquisition of equipment play a vital role in attracting new customers to our area.
The Port of Longview is in the process of expanding its Industrial Rail Corridor (IRC) from two tracks to nine tracks. This additional capacity will allow trains to move simultaneously, add storage for two unit trains on the side tracks and accommodate the growing length of unit trains.
Expanding Rail: Growing demands have spurred the
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“If we are not moving forward and making improvements, then we are moving backward,” said Commission President Doug Averett. “Customers can take their business wherever they choose. We want them to choose the Port of Longview. We want the jobs. We want the economic benefits for our community.”
WORKING ON THE RAILROAD FOR LOCAL ECONOMIC BENEFITS
Willow Grove: The Port has invested significant time and
DID YOU KNOW...
In order to edge out competitors and bring economic benefits to the community, we must constantly make improvements. Each and every investment made at the Port is done for the direct benefit of local citizens.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PORT Is there information you would like to see in Port Talk, or do you have questions related to a story that was featured? Please email info@portoflongview.com, or call 360.425.3305
T. 360-425-3305 F. 360-425-8650
10 PORT WAY LONGVIEW, WASHINGTON 98632
Workforce Southwest Washington By Julia Maglione Communnications Manager
WorkSourceWA.com launches new web page to help retailers fill open jobs The Washington Retail Association and WorkSourceWA.com have partnered to create a spotlight page to encourage job seekers to explore retail as a career. The page provides information on retail employment tracks, potential wages, training and testimonials from people who work in retail. WorkSource offers companies what online-only job sites can’t – business solution professionals. Located at WorkSource centers, they can provide one-on-one staffing assistance at no cost to you. They can: • Help you find candidates • Hold hiring events and job fairs to find talent • Screen your applicants and connect you to qualified candidates Try www.WorkSourceWA.com as your retail hiring solution. You’ll find more than 150,000 resumes – from entry level to upper management. Post your positions at no cost and use state-of-the-art technology to search for candidates. Retail is connected to one in four jobs in America’s workforce, and
LeeRoy Parcel Manager/LPO leeroy@cascade-title.com
Alison Peters Bonnie Woodruff Diane Kenneway Dennis Bird Escrow Officer/LPO Escrow Officer/LPO Escrow Assistant Senior Title Officer alison@cascade-title.com bonnie@cascade-title.com diane@cascade-title.com dennis@cascade-title.com
Lindsey McTimmonds Marketing/Recording recording@cascade-title.com
1425 Maple St. Longview, WA 98632 360.425.2950 www.cascade-title.com
Connie Bjornstrom Receptionist/Typist connie@cascade-title.com
6 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2017
WorkSource has put tools online to help job seekers: • Discover the retail industry • Find available training • Experience retail with video testimonials • Find and apply for open retail jobs • Find hiring events under the Careers Resources tab on www.WorkSourceWA.com or look for retail jobs by occupation and area using the Search feature. “Our industry and retail sales have been growing steadily throughout the state in recent years,” said Jan Teague, President/CEO of the Washington Retail Association. “That growth has generated a wide variety of job opportunities, often with great benefits. Retailers are ready to hire a variety of job seekers, from career-oriented applicants to those looking to earn a few extra dollars for the holidays.” Check out WorkSourceWA.com and start posting your jobs today or contact Donna Hughes at WorkSource Cowlitz/Wahkiakum at dhughes@esd.wa.gov or 360-578-4259 for assistance.
Government Affairs By Peter Bennett
Chamber board supports school bond Because of the school funding implications of the McCleary decision the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee has increased their attention to educational issues being discussed in Olympia. The weekly meetings held with Gary Chandler of the Association of Washington Business (AWB) and our elected state senators and state representatives regularly address how the Chamber can, and should, support our local schools and the school superintendents from both Kelso and Longview are often in attendance at the meetings. The Longview school Superintendent Dan Zorn was the speaker at the September monthly meeting of the committee. Dr. Zorn explained the status of the school district’s buildings and the decision-making process that was used to develop a school bond proposal for the November 2017 ballot. The leader of the community group supporting the bond issue, Jo Brewer, was also at the meeting and she explained
the effort underway to inform the public of the necessity for this bond and build the necessary support to get the measure passed. Following the presentation and discussion of the need and purpose for the bond revenues, the committee unanimously voted in favor of recommending that the Chamber Board take an official position in support of the school bond levy as follows: “The Kelso-Chamber Board of Directors in recognition of the importance of quality education to the economic vitality of this area fully supports the Longview Public Schools bond request on the November 7, 2017 ballot.” We were happy to hear that the Board accepted and acted on our recommendation will replace and renovate the four school buildings that are in most urgent need of improvement.
Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Lance Welch, President
Chris Bailey Lower Columbia College
Nick Lemiere Edward Jones
Clayton J. Bartness, DC Longview Chiropractic Clinic
Chris Roewe Woodford Commercial Real Estate
Neil Zick, Treasurer
Ken Botero Longview City Council
Tom Rozwod NORPAC/Weyerhaeuser
Michael Claxton, Legal Counsel
Bob Crisman Gallery of Diamonds
Ted Sprague Cowlitz Economic Development Council
Julie Rinard, Past President
Wendy Hutchinson Millennium Bulk Terminals
Steve Taylor Kelso City Manager
Joel Hanson, Past Past President
Wendy Kosloski Teague's Interiors
Dennis Weber Cowlitz County Commissioner
PeaceHealth
Linda DiLembo, President Elect Three Rivers Mall
Frank Panarra, Vice President Foster Farms
Twin City Bank
Walstead Mertsching
Community Home Health & Hospice KLOG/KUKN/The Wave
October 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 7
City of Kelso
City of Longview
By Mayor David Futcher
By City Councilman Ken Botero
Let's find the balance for growth Balance is good. When it comes to siting industrial facilities in the state of Washington, balance is not what we have. Even the most aggressive development proponent would say that we shouldn’t probably allow a new business to dump toxic waste, regardless of how much they wanted to spend building their plant and employing people. There needs to be a balance between economic growth and environmental responsibility. Unfortunately, it seems that the more aggressive environmental defenders see balance as being zero development and 100 percent environmental protection. That, my friends, is not balance. The mantra among some in the community is that “we can do better.” That might be true. But when “better” comes along, do they pledge to support it? Do they even agree on what “better” would look like? Or would that “better” thing still be met with distrust, animosity and hyperbolic claims? After this week, I fear that would be the case. Kelso looked at simply adopting a plan for some industrial land that basically said, we’d like to see industrial growth on this property. With no actual project even being proposed or considered, there was still a room full of folks who wanted us to come to a full stop on development. Farther south, the proposed Kalama methanol plant is being asked to consider how much pollution will be generated not by them, but basically by anyone who might ever consider using their product. Cowlitz County, and specifically Kelso, need outside investment. It’s the only thing that can impact poverty in our community. For those opposing development, poverty is not typically a concern. Sure, you’d love to be the next Silicon Valley and attract that investment from business looking to take advantage of our large base of college-educated technology specialists. Only problem is, that’s not what we have. We have hard-working people, proud of their bluecollar heritage, and we need more places for them to work and more outside funds to help pay for our infrastructure. A balanced approach to development can provide that. Our current unbalanced climate will fail miserably.
My home, my community Greetings from the jewel of southwest Washington, the beautiful and proud city of Longview, Washington. If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit our quality of place let me give you a quick rundown of our dream and our efforts to give you a quality experience. Longview’s population is 37,000 and growing. We don’t have many name-catching businesses in town; however, the small business population in Longview is very involved with the community and provides a very positive atmosphere for our citizens. Along the same line, our citizens realize our small businesses need the support of our local community to be successful. Through that support, several entrepreneurs have found they can compete with even the largest companies in the same field. It’s important to make the most of every opportunity and our local, small businesses also support the community through special programs and activities that bring the community together. The Longview Downtown Partnership is very active in supporting all of the businesses in the downtown district, and if you haven’t walked the new downtown corridor lately you need to do so and take in the positive atmosphere provided by the abundance of small businesses. Stop by the Triangle Shopping Center, hopefully you can find parking due to the many businesses that provide a positive experience, and while you are visiting don’t forget our own OUT WEST as you travel Ocean Beach Highway and the great community, and business partnerships that make this a rewarding experience. Our small businesses contribute to the citizens of Longview through their services and the help they provide to the many, many programs – youth sponsorships, food drives, sporting activities, Longview school district events, Lower Columbia College educational activities, as well as theaters, plays, and orchestras. Don’t forget the great Longview Outdoor Gallery and the many statues throughout the downtown core. I would also invite you all to join in the beautiful Longview parks programs that enhance our beautiful jewel of southwest Washington, Longview.
Locally Owned, Family Owned and Here to Stay! Offering the best in quality and selection.
1157 3rd Avenue, Suite 218
1413 Commerce Ave.
360-575-9804
www.elamshf.com
8 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2017
1157 Longview, 3rd Avenue, WA Suite 98632 218 1157 3rd360.952.3100 Avenue, Suite 218 Longview, WA 98632 Longview, WA 98632 www.amadaseniorcare.com 360.952.3100 360.952.3100 www.amadaseniorcare.com www.amadaseniorcare.com
Cowlitz County Commissioners By Dennis Weber
Monetizing the landfill – prudence or foolish risk?
Since leaving the Longview City Council, I have learned a lot about differences between city and county government, especially when it comes to financing a solid waste operation. The county used taxexempt general tax obligation bonds to borrow the needed $30 million for the acquisition of the landfill and construction of the leachate pipeline. This is significantly different from the municipal revenue bonds the city uses for capital improvements in city utility operations. In other words, the landfill investment was guaranteed by the “full faith and credit” of the county’s general fund which is predominantly funded by property taxes. So far the bond payments have all been made from utility revenue. The promised investment, as former Commissioner George Raiter has repeatedly explained, was to provide revenue for general fund operations at the same time insuring comparatively low rates for Cowlitz County customers. To date, however, much to our chagrin, the county landfill staff has yet to make a return on investment to the general fund. A key partner in keeping local rates affordable is Waste Control. They became invaluable partners with the city when then Mayor George Raiter led the council to privatized our garbage collection system in the 1980s. They have continued to be invaluable partners with the county’s landfill operations. That’s a partnership we want to maintain. However, in 2014 our county landfill manager recommended negotiating the sale of the landfill following the governor’s carbon tax proposal. Under the Inslee tax plan companies can average emissions among various landfills to avoid stiffer penalties on the newest landfills which produce gas at very high levels, a process that lessens over the years. Our staff recognized that with only the one new municipal landfill at Headquarters, the tax would become prohibitively expensive, thus threatening our property tax guarantee of bond payments. The BOCC at that time declined to support staff ’s recommendation, preferring to wait for staff to acquire more experience in running the 300-acre operation. In the meantime, we have supported efforts to exempt municipal landfills from the carbon tax through our county associations, in support of industry associations in which our own Waste Control owners are leaders and directly with the Department of Ecology. Such exemptions are typical in other states, including California. So far, though, the DOE has not made such a change. We urge you to join us in supporting moves to add the exemption language. Following the staff recommendation, however, private companies began coming to us seeking access to the landfill operations. The
BOCC did not reach out to them and we turned down their requests until this year, hoping that our staff would develop the expertise and skills to expand the volume coming into the landfill with outside customers. What changed was that our top two certified landfill managers retired at the end of April 2017 providing us with the need to bring in new management. As a result, the BOCC decided to pursue investigating the possibility of private management to address both concerns regarding the tax liability and the long-sought goal of monetizing the operations. Consequently, we have retained the services of Mr. Steve DeJulio, arguably the state’s leading legal authority on utility operations, including landfills. I argued against including the word “sale” in our official resolutions regarding the RFQs and argued for granting our own Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) the additional time they requested. I certainly will not support any proposal to sell the landfill. In fact only Commissioner Arne Mortenson has mentioned a willingness to sell, although his stated price tag is $1 trillion. Only through a lease can the citizens of Cowlitz County maintain control over the waste stream and be assured that rates for Cowlitz County customers remain low for the foreseeable future, that operations become more efficient, and that a return on investment to the general fund is actually achieved. Monetizing the landfill operations is only possible through the increased volume produced from outside contractors currently sending waste east of the Cascades. In the past month, forest fires in the Columbia Gorge have blocked the main route to those landfill and many companies have diverted the hauling to Headquarters – bringing in unexpected revenue. Our landfill is currently permitted to accept 1 million tons a year, but so far we have only been running at 50 to 65 percent of the permitted amount. There is plenty of capacity to achieve all of our goals assuming we are able to negotiate the best deal possible. Hence, we have retained the expertise of Mr. DeJulio to assist us. Also to assist us in weighing our financial opportunities, the BOCC asked financial expert Moss-Adams to update the figures and assumptions used originally in the acquisition negotiations with Weyerhaeuser. That report which comes at the SWAC’s request for more detailed information regarding the financials of the landfill operation, will cost from $35,000 to $40,000 and should be available in time for SWAC’s next scheduled meeting in October. That will be in time for their review of the responses to the RFQs. October 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 9
Membership Drive for the Kelso/Longview Elks
Business After Hours
Red Letter Day
LeeRoy Parcel with Cascade Title was a big winner at our September Business After Hours. Thank you Red Kitchen for hosting the event.
See more photos on the Chamber’s Facebook page or click here.
October 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 11
Business Toolbox By Jerry D. Petrick
Certified Business Advisor
How to choose an advisor, mentor, or consultant for your business Consultant, advisor, mentor or licensed professional – which is/ are best for you?
Some Examples of How SBDC Business Advising Can Impact Your Business
As a certified business advisor with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for several years my answer would be, “You bet, you may need all these professionals and more!” But let’s look at the question in little more detail to see what the best answer is for you, the entrepreneur.
Business advising typically covers one or more of the five functional areas of business:
The following is based on my experience as an economic development professional for more than a decade and a certified business advisor for the past six years; having worked with more than 1,000 clients in diverse industries. What are the differences between a consultant, advisor and mentor? You can easily find definitions for these varied sources of sage/ technical/and experience based opinions. For the purposes of this article I will suggest the following basic distinctions between the categories. Consultant – an industry or business expert who studies or analyzes your situation, process or environment and provides an authoritative report, usually for a fee. Advisor – a one-time or ongoing engagement with a person who has experience and skills in the business world and access to data, research and other professionals to help you generate alternatives, solve problems and manage your business. A fee may or may not be involved. SBDC does not charge for their advisor’s time. Mentor – supports a no-fee, one-on-one relationship over an extended time to assist you with the formation, growth and management of your business. Larger firms have “internal” mentors, but as the leader of a small business, you will need to find an “external” mentor. Licensed Professional – engaged for a fee for a specific purpose, on a contract or retainer basis, to provide subject matter expertise, advice, and guidance on legal, accounting, insurance or other issues. This article focuses on the advisor function, but all of these different players are necessary resources and are important in their own right. The successful small business owner will learn how/ when to reach out to each as needed.
✓ operations/production/manufacturing ✓ human resources ✓ marketing/sales ✓ finance/accounting ✓ organization/entity management As you might expect, what a business owner does in one of these areas affects the others, so it is often important to have an unbiased, objective, external, and knowledgeable set of eyes and ears to provide feedback and act as sounding board. Also, small business owners don’t usually have time or resources to do extensive research. The SBDC has access to many nationwide sources of data such as Fintel, RMA, Reference USA and IBIS, some of which are also available at your local library. This structured data helps in decision-making and focus. Here are three examples that will give you an idea of how an SBDC advisor can assist you: New Business Owner Ray is an owner/operator licensed building contractor in his first year of business. He initially sought marketing advice and we developed a plan with a sales goal that is tracked monthly. I also recommended a change in the accounting method (accrual vs. cash) in QuickBooks and his outside bookkeeper agreed. In reviewing monthly P&L and AR, we noted a large 90-day receivable of $8,000 and collection would be very important to address. I referred this client to three attorneys who specialize in construction disputes and collection. Estimating, bidding and profit planning are other areas we are addressing now. Employee – Purchasing Business Eli had worked as VP for a medium sized supplier of technical talent to major corporations for years. The owner wanted to retire and Eli was offered the opportunity to buy the firm, which he wanted to do. Eli looked for outside advice to help him chart a course with a three-year timeline to be in position to purchase the business. We discussed asset vs. entity purchases, I provided reliable material for background on the subject, helped guide Eli For more Petrick, see page 13
12 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2017
Petrick continued from page 12 in developing a business plan. We discussed equity and debt mix and when time came to apply for an acquisition loan, multiple lenders were considered for the project. Eli received attractive options for six-figure term loans and he selected the best one. Business Partner Starting New Practice Dr. S was a successful chiropractor in a two-provider practice. She wished to be sole owner and broke off from the partnership to start her own practice in a new location. We started with an organized search for leased or purchased space; she successfully navigated the commercial real estate market to find a location in an area our research study indicated was “underserved”. She is doing well in gross revenue and has cut back to a partial workweek, so she can act more as practice manager.
Selecting an Advisor Write down your key needs or “pain points”. Create a timeline and budget. Then, ask for referrals and research providers. Interview each and ask for background and references. Lastly, be prepared to contribute to the process (after all, you are the expert in your business). Get down to work following the plan you develop, and evaluate your progress as you go. This article was prepared by Jerry Petrick, MBA, CGBP, and Certified Business Advisor with the Washington State University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Longview (with input from John Rodenberg, CBA Tacoma SBDC). Jerry provides no-cost, confidential business advisory services by appointment. He can be reached via email jerry.petrick@wsbdc.org
EstatE Planning & EldEr law
Attorney Michael Claxton Licensed in WA & OR
Attorney Brian Brault LL.M. in Taxation
WALSTEAD MERTSCHING AT TO R N E Y S AT L AW
Walstead Mertsching provides advice and a variety of estate planning services, including: • Asset Protection • Community Property Agreements • Durable Powers of Attorney • Guardianships • Healthcare Directives/Living Wills • Medicaid and Long-Term Care Issues • Probate • Tax and Retirement Planning • Wills • Will Contests
A Full Service Civil Law Firm for over 90 Years CIVIC CENTER BUILDING, 3RD FLOOR 1700 HUDSON ST., LONGVIEW, WA
(360) 423-5220 Longview www.walstead.com October 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 13
In The News
Cowlitz County awarded two federal grants totaling $411,117 For the second year in a row, Cowlitz County was one of 23 rural communities awarded a Washington State Department of Commerce Community Development Block Grant for General Purpose as part of the $10 million awards September 12. In a press release Commerce Director Brian Bonlender stated: “These grants will help strengthen rural communities by helping address a diverse range of essential needs, from priority infrastructure to affordable housing and economic development. “Commerce works with local government leaders to target strategic investments that will support immediate needs and vision for the future of their communities.” “Cowlitz County was the only county to be awarded two grants for two consecutive years. Commerce said they were very excited to see our grant applications for housing rehabilitation projects to maintain affordable housing stock, as they know it is a dire emergent need in our area,” said Katrina Harris, budget analyst with the Washington State Department of Commerce. The first federal grant award is a copy of last year’s grant award. This year’s grant award is for pass-through funds to Lower Columbia Community Action in the amount of $222,410; to rehabilitate another ‘up to 12 housing units’ in non-entitlement areas in Cowlitz County (2016: LCCAP Housing Rehab up to 12 houses; $217,590). This will be distributed through a local assistance program for lowand moderate-income owned units. “CAP is excited about the opportunity to work on preservation of affordable housing stock. This will be a win-win situation with the housing rehabilitation, followed by Weatherization with the added benefit of energy savings,” said Ilona Kerby, executive director. The second federal grant award is similar to last year’s rehabilitation project. This year’s project is for pass-through funds to Housing Opportunities of Southwest Washington to rehabilitate the Phoenix House in the amount of $188,707. This is a 20-unit facility, which provides low-income housing, specifically for homeless parents with children who are successfully exiting drug or alcohol treatment. “Housing Opportunities of Southwest Washington is excited about this award of grant funding and we look forward to working with Cowlitz County to improve homes of families we serve at the Phoenix House," CEO Christina Pegg said. “Affordable, quality housing is a basic building block for families looking for a chance to succeed in school and life. This award and the resulting improvements will help us create an environment that supports that effort and ultimate success.” Cowlitz County Chairman Joe Gardner stated, “I am pleased to hear the news of our recent CDBG grant awards. We have such a shortage of quality, affordable low-income housing here in Cowlitz County. Being awarded back-to-back grant funding for two different types of housing rehab projects is definitely a good start in repairing the quality housing we need.”
2018 student calendar contest focusing on solutions to stormwater pollution Cowlitz Clean Waters, a new local public education campaign targeting stormwater pollution, is sponsoring its first student calendar 14 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2017
contest and it is open to middle school students (grades 6 through 8) within Cowlitz County, including public, private and homeschooled students. Middle school students are encouraged to create artwork or write a haiku or short poem depicting ways to prevent stormwater pollution and to keep our Cowlitz County waters clean, including the Cowlitz, Coweeman and Columbia rivers and Lake Sacajawea. Prizes for art and poetry selected to be in the calendar include Amazon gift cards with a grand prize value of $350. The calendar contest entry form and rules can be found online at https://cowlitzcleanwaters.org/contest. The deadline for submittal is November 7. If you have questions you may contact Van McKay at the City of Kelso at 360-577-3323.
Remittance processing services for city utility payments Since 2007, the City of Longview has contracted with Clark County and Clark Public Utilities (Joint Processing Center) for remittance processing services. They will no longer be providing this service, therefore the city is proposing to contract with a new vendor, Retail Lockbox, Inc. Retail Lockbox, Inc., a private company located in Seattle, has offered to process the City’s utility payments in the same efficient manner and at the same price as the previous vendor. Prior to remittance processing services, the City’s cashiers receipted and processed 8,000 utility remittances each month. More than 75 percent of these remittances arrived via the U.S. Postal Service. The staff time required to handle the volume of activity associated with utility remittances is substantial. Retail Lockbox, Inc. virtually eliminates all human intervention from the time the remittance arrives by mail to the point whereby remittances have been prepared for deposit at the bank. Clients for which Retail Lockbox, Inc. performs remittance processing services include City of Tacoma, City of Boise, the City of Lacey and many more. If approved, in addition to the ongoing efficiencies and improved customer service provided by remittance processing services, the City of Longview will continue to realize savings of approximately $58,000 per year. Life-to-date cost savings through the City’s contract for remittance processing services approximates $500,000.
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Lower Columbia College By Chris Bailey
President
Community colleges and the
American dream
One of the provisions of the 2002 Homeland Security Act was a requirement that the U.S. government provide yearly statistics on immigration. Homeland Security’s Yearbook of Immigration Statistics was the result. One of the many items reported in this massive compendium is the number of persons obtaining lawful permanent resident status (including those receiving “green cards,” admitted as temporary nonimmigrants, granted asylum or refugee status, or are naturalized) in the U.S. every year since 1820. The number of individuals falling into these categories exceeded 1 million for the first time in 1989, and exceeded 1.8 million in 1991 (the highest number recorded in the Yearbook to date). This number is important to community colleges across the nation, since immigrants and others flock to us for English as a Second Language classes as well as affordable precollege and college level classes. Many of our immigrant students come to Lower Columbia College with a high level of skills and abilities. Take Aileen Shepard, for example. Aileen grew up in an impoverished family in the Philippines. With three sisters and four brothers, Aileen struggled to come up with jeepney (bus) fare money to get to and from school. She did not see a future for herself in her home country, so followed a cousin’s lead and applied online to be an au pair in Denmark. Her arrival in Denmark was anything but smooth. Au pairs, or nannies, typically live with a host family and help take care of the children. Aileen’s host turned out to be a divorced man without primary custody of his child. Not eager to return home, Aileen stayed on in spite of odd displays of cash and jewels by the man. On her fourth day in the country, Aileen answered the door to find a fleet of police officers bearing drug-detecting canines. The Denmark police searched the home and took Aileen to their station in Copenhagen, a few hours away. After confiscating her phone (her only connection to anything familiar), they interrogated Aileen for a full day without providing any food or beverage other than black cof-
fee – something she was not accustomed to drinking at the time. Eventually it was determined that Aileen was not connected to the cocaine ring or various “prostitution clubs” run by her employer, and she was released into a foreign country, where she had no immediate employment prospects or connections. She went to stay with her cousin, the only person she knew in Denmark at the time. The visit turned into another – this time legitimate and even wonderful – au pair opportunity for Aileen. The job lasted a year and a half, during which time she had an extended visit from a Longview man destined to become her husband (someone she met online while still living in the Philippines). Eventually Aileen received a fiancé visa and traveled to Longview in 2009 to be with her now-husband. She yearned to return to college after getting a taste of it in the Philippines, and came to LCC to get started. Aileen took the requisite placement tests and was pleasantly surprised to end up in English 101 and the highest level of developmental math. Like other immigrants, Aileen has had to overcome many obstacles since coming to the United States, including having a native language other than English. At LCC, Aileen excelled in her studies and eventually landed a job in the Tutoring Center on campus. She was accepted into the nursing program, and is expected to graduate in March. On September 5 of this year – the day U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the end of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or DACA – Aileen became a U.S. citizen. Aileen is planning to continue her studies at a university and pursue her “American Dream” of becoming a nurse anesthetist. Perhaps more importantly, she hopes to instill the value of hard work and education on her two daughters, ages five and seven. At LCC, we get to hear and celebrate success stories like Aileen’s every day. If you or someone you know could benefit from our English as a Second Language, Adult Basic Education, high school diploma or other programs, please visit us at lowercolumbia.edu.
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By Chuck Nau
Retail Consultant and Sales and Managment Trainier – Murray & Nau, Inc.
Once is not enough Did you buy an ad, a commercial, or a single (direct mail) mailing for your retail business or service today? If you did, you may be wasting some of your own time, your business’ time and profit, and your media salesperson’s time. More importantly, you may be impacting positive results for your advertising expenditure. In essence, your “one at a time”, single ad strategy may be impacting the success of your advertising in your community and the GROWTH of your business. A strategy of buying only a single ad just does not work in building your business, developing a strong (and loyal) clientele, or helping you reach and achieve your marketing goals. It does not work for your business or YOU! Let’s explore a much better advertising strategy for you and your business…namely, an advertising campaign strategy. An advertising campaign selling strategy affords you and your business a number of benefits. Two major benefits are saving time and creating, if not enhancing, results. But first, let’s step back and clarify what we mean by an advertising campaign strategy. An advertising campaign strategy consists of five components and affords your business and YOU five key benefits. The elements of an advertising campaign include a series of advertisements, within a timeframe, with an allocated or set aside budget, to meet an IDENTIFIED need, problem or opportunity with an anticipated goal or OUTCOME. If one of these elements is NOT present at the onset of your advertising schedule, in all likelihood, you will find yourself wasting valuable time, business resources and dollars on a start – stop – start again advertising program. As you may know, one of the major elements in any successful advertising campaign is CONSISTENCY, not necessarily repetition of the same message, but rather a consistent planned advertising program. It is consistent inasmuch as your business’ name and overall message are before your potential target customers on a regular basis. Developing that consistency takes both time and patience. First and foremost, step back and do some REFLECTIVE thinking. Ask yourself (and your employees) to clarify your business goals, strategies and, quite frankly, your hopes and dreams for your business endeavor. Ask questions (“Who are our best customers?”, “What is our competitive advantage?”, “Who are our competitors?”, “How do we plan to grow our business?”) and once you have developed some answers and identified some problems, needs, and opportunities, plan to meet with a representative of your local media (cable, digital, newspaper, radio) sales staff.
16 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2017
Share, on a confidential basis, your business strategies with your media contacts. Solicit their input and ideas. Look for ways to match their media benefits and strengths to your goals, needs, or problems. CHALLENGE them to offer a business solution, an idea, a campaign that will be here not only today, but tomorrow, too! Be sure to share with them how you will SUPPORT the campaign (e.g. prominently displaying the merchandise, signage, sufficient inventory on hand) and what your expectations are (e.g. increased online or store traffic, selling the advertised merchandise, reaching new customers). Double check that your media contacts understand and benefit from the need to plan, plan, plan your advertising strategy to produce the desired results. Demonstrate to them that sporadic and infrequent advertising does not work, rather that consistent advertising, in good times and slow times, delivers the ongoing results and business growth your business and YOU desire! Selling an idea, a campaign, rather than a single ad or two has NUMEROUS BENEFITS for your business and you. Let’s explore some selected benefits. The potential benefits to YOU include time savings (less time conceiving, developing and handling various ad elements), dollar savings through better ad costs control, planned sales events and elimination of last minute poorly executed promotions, and improved utilization (both in planning and payment) of available co-op funds. Most importantly, better response will be achieved in terms of sales, and improved name recognition (... top of mind awareness!) for individual ads and related marketing efforts. The potential benefits to your media partners, much like your own, include time savings through less ad handling, reduced ad ERRORS (and impacts to your business), dollar savings through improved time management which translates into enhanced planning and selling time and stronger media relationships This will lead to better campaigns, more ad SUCCESS, and the resulting available ad dollars being reinvested since campaigns are conceived, refined (e.g. flexibility does exist in campaign selling), planned and executed in a more timely, efficient manner that generates results. The potential benefits to everyone include control of planning and making choices, having time to identify those opportunities and activities in your market that will be responsible for generating results and leading you to your goals. You will be spending more creative and FUN time and less production and crisis reactionary time – acting, NOT reacting. There will be the opportunity to spend more time getting to know and understand your advertising and marketing (media) resources to help you succeed, For more Longview Schools, see page 17
Nau continued from page 16 and enhance BOTH your personal and professional growth. To GROW your business and be successful in your community, partner with your local media, planning and executing an advertising campaign (three months plus) that will benefit you both.
© 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 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 and may be directed to Chuck via email: murnau@nwlink.com or at 425-603-0984.
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Kelso School District
Longview Public Schools
Associate Director Teaching & Learning Lacey DeWeert
Superintendent Dan Zorn
Expanding the reach of AVID As the 2017-18 school year opens, the Kelso School District has taken big steps in regard to the implementation of AVID in some of our schools. AVID, which stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a college readiness program designed to help students develop the skills they need to be successful in college. Students who choose to apply and enroll in the AVID elective class usually take it throughout their middle and high school career, and with the same group of students. AVID’s mission is to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society. KSD is currently in the next step of AVID implementation, which is AVID school-wide. AVID school-wide is when a strong AVID system transforms the instruction, systems, leadership, and culture of a school, ensuring college readiness for all AVID elective students and improved academic performance for all students based on increased opportunities and strong academic support. Kelso High School – Kelso High School is in its third year of AVID implementation and is leading by example for what it means to implement AVID school-wide. The belief behind taking AVID school-wide is to give every student an opportunity to gain access to rigorous coursework and study skills so every student is college or career ready upon graduation. Kelso High School currently has two AVID elective classes: Class of 2020 (current sophomores) and Class of 2021 (current freshmen). The two AVID elective classes serve 25 freshmen and 25 sophomores and assist them in: Cornell Notes, binder organization, accessing rigorous coursework, college and career planning, SAT/ACT prep, collaborative study/tutorial groups and gaining the necessary study skills to be successful in rigorous high school coursework and in their post-secondary plans. Jennifer Hamilton is the Class of 2021 AVID elective teacher and Darin Gardner is the Class of 2020 AVID elective teacher. AmeriCorps member Keila Messex is back for her second year as the tutor coordinator for Kelso High School. Laura Hiatt is the AVID site coordinator and oversees AVID at the high school. As site coordinator, Laura ensures AVID is being implemented with fidelity throughout KHS and assists in procuring resources for our AVID elective classes. One crucial step in the AVID elective class process is class tutorials. If you are interested in becoming an AVID tutor or would be interested in learning more about AVID, please contact Hamilton, jennifer.hamilton@kelsosd.org or Messex, kmessex@cowlitzamericorps.org to find out more information. Huntington Middle School – Huntington Middle School is in its second year of AVID, with this its first year with an AVID elective class. Mike Birch is the AVID elective teacher for the Class of 2023 (current seventh graders). Zoe Dieter is the AVID site coordinator at HMS. Huntington has set a building goal of every teacher consistently using Cornell Notes. The idea behind implementing Cornell Notes school-wide is to create a consistent format and expectation for how class notes are given at Huntington Middle School. This step For more Kelso Schools, see page 19 18 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2017
Recapping the district's status I greatly appreciated the opportunity to participate in the recent Chamber’s State of Education luncheon. For those who were unable to attend, this month’s column provides a summary of my comments. Student Achievement Longview Public Schools have two goals: 1) Increase student achievement levels and 2) Improve climate and culture. We primarily rely on our end-of-year state assessments in reading and mathematics to measure our student achievement. Results in reading through the past three years remain relatively unchanged and below state averages. However, one exception is sophomore proficiency levels increased 15 percent over the past three years – which places them above the state average. Math performance levels also show frustratingly – little improvement. One exception is our our middle school results show a closing of the gap between our students’ performance and that of the state. To address our student achievement goals, we are working to assure that each of our classrooms, regardless of content area or grade level, provide all students regular reading, writing and discourse opportunities all of the time. We are focused on improving our instructional practices by creating clear and rigorous standards, assuring lessons are delivered to achieve the standards, increasing student engagement in lessons, and providing effective feedback to our students. Our middle and high schools teachers are using new mathematics materials, and our elementary schools are selecting new mathematics materials to be used next year. We are confident that these focused efforts will help us improve our student achievement levels. Climate and Culture To measure climate and culture in our schools, ultimately we look at graduation rates – and here we have much to celebrate. Since 2012, Longview’s graduation rate has risen more than 11 percent. The gap between our graduation rate and the state average has narrowed to within 1 percent. We are focused upon improving student connectedness to schools and are creating more elective classes for our middle and high school students. We believe that more and more-relevant elective classes help students be excited and engaged in school. We are particularly focused on increasing our students’ access to Career Technical Education (CTE/vocational) classes as we develop a seven-period class day for next year. We added to the counseling services at our middle schools, our five highest-poverty elementary schools now have “climate and culture” specialists who help with the social and emotional needs of our students, and we’ve partnered with local mental health providers to have therapists in a number of our schools. While our efforts have improved the perceptions of our teachers and students about the climate and culture in our schools, the perceptions of our parents have remained stagnant. It clear to us that we have work to do to improve our communication with the parents of the students For more Longview Schools, see page 19
Kelso Schools, continued from page 18
Longview Schools, continued from page 18
is vital in the implementation of AVID, as it allows all students access to note taking skills that can, and will, support them as they access more rigorous coursework. HMS is utilizing AmeriCorps member Cedrique Chaney as its own tutor coordinator. Huntington Middle School is also looking for AVID tutors, so if you are interested please contact Birch, mike.birch@kelsosd.org or Messex, kmessex@cowlitzamericorps.org or Chaney, cchaney@cowlitzamericorps.org to find out more information.
we serve.
Coweeman Middle School – Coweeman Middle School is in its planning year for AVID implementation. The Coweeman Middle School staff is currently exploring AVID and assessing how to implement AVID within the school. Principal Greg Gardner and counselor Emily Cervantes are leading the Coweeman Middle School site team as they explore the possibilities of AVID in their school.
To address ongoing building maintenance and technology needs, we rely on the voter-approved Capital Projects/Technology levy. It provides $750,000 a year for major building maintenance, which is augmented by $500,000 a year from the general fund. An additional $750,000 is earmarked for teaching and learning equipment for our teachers and students. This levy expires in 2018, and a renewal Capital Projects/Technology levy will be requested in February.
Wallace Elementary School – Wallace Elementary School is in its first year of AVID implementation. Principal Ray Cattin and Instructional Coach Julie Toney are leading the work at Wallace to get AVID implemented in their school. The Wallace staff has a desire to become an AVID school and is already utilizing AVID strategies in classrooms and promoting the idea of post-secondary plans.
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Facilities The staff and citizen Facilities Advisory Committee identified many district facility needs in its two years of study. The November 7 facilities bond request attempts to address a portion of elementary school needs to assure that our students have quality learning environments for many generations to come.
New School Funding Model A new school funding model is being phased in over the next two years, and as a result, Longview taxpayers will see some tax relief starting in 2019. The new funding model includes a “levy swap” that limits district’s Maintenance and Operations Levy amounts in exchange for increased support from taxes collected throughout the state. The district’s current M&O levy will expire in 2018; and a lower “Enhancement Levy” will be proposed in February 2018. The new funding model provides increased funding for Career Technical Education, extra learning services in high poverty schools, and programs serving highly-capable and special education students. However, the additional funding for special education still falls short of the district’s special education costs. In addition, under the new funding model, our ability to offer competitive teacher salaries is strained due to the cost-ofliving adjustments provided in Clark County. The year to come holds much promise and many challenges for Longview Public Schools. I look forward to working with each of you as we seek to make the Longview Public Schools the district of choice in southwest Washington.
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October 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 19
PeaceHealth St. John – Wellness in the Workplace Susie Griffin
Wellness Services Coordinator
5 steps to a balanced, stress less life Last month I introduced the first of the five essential steps we will be covering over the next four months as a way of saying goodbye to this year and hello to a more balanced, stress less life. Hopefully you found time between meetings, employee reviews, conference calls and putting out corporate fires to read the article. If you did, congratulations! You just implemented the first step concept: you stopped. Although reading the article isn’t a complete indoctrination, it shares a vital component: breaking out of our habitual way of thinking and doing by making a conscious decision to stop. Making a conscious decision will lead us directly to the second step. However, I am going to make a slight detour and take the more scenic route: ‘Holding onto anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.’ – Buddhist teachings In your professional career, have you ever been passed up for a promotion or had a coworker or manager take credit for your work? Did either one of these happen to you last week, last year or 10 years ago? When remembering your specific situation, does it feel like it happened yesterday? These examples, not uncommon in the workplace, can elicit feelings of anger, sadness, bitterness and a sense of injustice. Over time, if unresolved, these feelings can progress into anxiety, re-
sentment, depression, or rage. Prolonged emotions are stifling. They limit our perspective, self-growth and suck our energy. What is the simplest thing we can do to manage these emotions and move them in a more productive direction? 2) FORGIVE. Forgive not the person, situation or organization that seemingly did you wrong, forgive yourself. Tap into the emotions you feel when you retell or relive the situation. If you feel any tension in your voice, your mind or your body, replace it with empathy, compassion and peace. Be mindful that this practice in self-empathy and compassion is not the same as self-pity. You are not feeling sorry for yourself; you are simply…feeling. Once you have honored the hurt you were (are) experiencing and have tended it with positive and forward moving emotions, you have practiced the act – and the art – of forgiveness. In addition to experiencing more positive emotions more often, numerous research studies show the important and impactful health For more PeaceHealth, see page 21
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PeaceHealth, continued from page 20 benefits of forgiveness:
Tap Into Success “Fibre Federal has been extremely helpful in all of our banking needs, even before Ashtown opened. We appreciate the member service and friendliness.�
1.
Decreases cortisol levels lowers stress
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Lowers resting heart rate
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Decreases pain
4.
Lowers blood pressure
5.
Boosts self-esteem
6.
Lowers anxiety
7.
Decreases symptoms and episodes of depression
So, when you find yourself retelling and reliving a fill-in-theblank situation that rendered you angry five years ago with just as much energy, intensity and feeling as the original situation, stop. Stop talking. Stop blaming the person, situation or organization. Stop the negative feelings. Breathe into the space these actions create with forgiveness. Take responsibility for your perception of and participation with/in that person/situation/organization. Make a conscious decision to learn and grow from and then let go of this situation. Your mind and body will Thank You, which is where we will continue next month. Stop. Forgive. Breathe, let go and be well. http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/forgiveness/art20047692?pg=1 https://inspiyr.com/health-benefits-of-forgiveness/
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September Ambassador of the Month Marlene Johanson Heritage Bank
Chamber spotlight falls on Johanson Marlene Johanson has earned the Chamber’s Ambassador of the Month honor for September. Marlene is a familiar face at Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce events and in the community she has called home for a number of years. She was the Chamber’s pick for Ambassador of the Month in July of this year. In her position as vice president at Heritage Bank where she serves as the Community Banking Manager, she focuses on business development and community outreach. A perfect combination for someone like Marlene who enjoys meeting with customers and prospective customers to learn more about the business owners and their business. Her curiousity invites her to ask everyone she meets, “How did you come to the decision to move to Longview?” Or if they grew up here she asks about the history of their business and family. “I love to hear the history and I have found people love to talk about it,” Marlene said.
She has been an Ambassador for seven years and often mentors new members. When she is not sporting her red coat, she is involved with a variety of organizations, including KLTV, CAP, LeTip of Longview and Meals on Wheels. She has been married to her husband, Keith, for 27 years. They have three adult children and three beautiful grandbabies. Her favorite vacations are Mexico and camping off grid in Pacific Northwest forests. Chamber Ambassadors, known as the Red Coats, are an integral part of the Chamber of Commerce. The Ambassador team is made up of active Chamber volunteers whose responsibilities include meeting and greeting at Chamber events, welcoming new members and assisting at ribbon cuttings and community events. Ambassadors juggle busy professional careers while making time to assist the Chamber at a variety of events year long. If you would be interested in wearing a red coat and representing the Chamber, contact CEO Bill Marcum at the Chamber office.
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There’s a Difference. 22 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2017
The Port of Kalama strives to balance the economy, environment and quality of life to make Kalama the best possible place to live. www.portofkalama.com 360.673.2325
Ribbon Cuttings
Get Movin'
The Chamber welcomed Peter Clarke and ANC Movers into the fold.
Road Warrior
Ariane Boldt, a Norwex independent sales representative, stopped from her busy schedule for a quick ribbon cutting with Chamber ambassadors September 29.
See more photos on the Chamber’s Facebook page or click here.
Rock. Paper. Scissors.
Chamber Ambassadors joined the crowd celebrating the completion of the Historic Downtown Streetscape Project. 24 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2017
Ribbon Cuttings
Welcome Elfin
Ambassadors welcomed Elfin Services with a ribbon cutting at the Chamber office September 21.
Raising Eyebrows Bow down to Brow Down, the newest Chamber member.
Kute Store
Kerry Wale of Kerry's Kollectibles and Gene's Junk
October 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 25
Chamber Connection
Give More 24
The September 20 Chamber Connection centered around Give More 24 with guests like Gian Morelli and Jennifer Rhodes who talked about recipients and programs. Tammy Davies and Kelli Sweet dropped in to rally support for the Lower Columbia CAP senior prom.
“Your Chamber Connection� EVERY Wednesday Hosts of the Show: Carey Mackey, Red Canoe Credit Union ; Brooke Fisher-Clark, United Way, Karen Sisson, NORPAC, and Lindsey Cope with the Chamber. Stream live at www.kedoam.com Local guest and current events 26 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2017
Would you like an opportunity to be on Your Chamber Connection or to have more information about the qualifications of an open house or ribbon cutting? Contact Bill or Lindsey at the Chamber 360-423-8400
Chamber Connection
Busy. Busy. Busy.
Rich Coleman with BiCoastal Media popped in to talk about the annual radio auction, and Joey and Jennifer with Elfin Service came in to talk about their newly launched business. Also, Jarrett Skreen with Ashtown Brewery, no stranger to the Chamber show, invited everyone to Ashtown's fourth anniversary party. He chatted with our special guest host Pam Whittle with American Workforce. Thanks for filling in Pam!
See more photos on the Chamber’s Facebook page or click here.
October 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 27
State of Education
Education First
Longview Public Schools Superintendent Dan Zorn, along with Kelso School District Superintendent Glenn Gelbrich and Lower Columbia College President Chris Bailey updated a packed house on events and new programs happening in their respective fields at the Chamber's Quarterly Luncheon State of Education event in September. PeaceHealth Chief Administrative Officer Cherelle Montanye also took the stage to explain her new position.
See more photos on the Chamber’s Facebook page or click here.
28 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2017
Hosted by Steele Chapel at
New Members
Add your business to our growing membership – Call 360-423-8400 Today!
Snap Fitness West Longview Scott Whitten 3707 Ocean Beach Hwy. Longview, WA 98632 360-425-5900 Grace’s Bridal Boutique Grace Quick 1315 Hemlock St. Longview, WA 98632 360-747-9921 Legal Shield by Lisa Peters Longview, WA 98632 360-562-7125
Southwest Washington Society of Human Resource Management Marissa Keeney 360-771-8131
J Squared Barrel House Janel Kolbo 1520 Commerce Ave., Ste. A Longview, WA
Santa’s Fire Department Sheila Ilagan Longview, WA 98632 360-232-8058 May 52, Inc. Tom May Vancouver, WA 360-951-5300
Business Association with opportunities to promote trade through Chamber socials, special events and committee participation. • Annual Meeting and Banquet • Networking Events • Committee Participation • Business Contacts • Quarterly Membership
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
Meetings • Civic Representation • Monthly Business After Hours
Business Services include marketing for your business, referrals and access to Chamber publications and research data. • Mailing Labels • Membership Window Decals • Member Referrals • Ribbon Cutting • Website Links • Member to Member Discounts • Membership Directory • Tax Deduction • Newsletter • Business Card Display • Use of Chamber Logo
30 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | October 2017
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. Nonprofit Package – $180 or $18 per month.
Welcome Back!
The Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce would like to give a SHOUT OUT and a big THANK YOU to the following loyal members for renewing their partnership with us.
Cowlitz Indian Tribe Epson Portland Erickson Glass Co. Estetica Day Spa Fibre Federal Credit Union – Castle Rock Branch Fibre Federal Credit Union – Kelso Branch Fibre Federal Credit Union – Ocean Beach Branch Fibre Federal Credit Union – West Kelso Branch Fibre Federal Credit Union – Woodland Branch Guesthouse Inn & Suites Kellogg Supply, Inc. Longview Country Club Lower Columbia Economic Development Council Motion Industries, Inc. Mt St Helens Creation Information Center N. W. Deli Distribution, Inc. Pathways 2020 Prestige Senior Living Monticello Park Progress Center Red Lion Hotel & Conference Center Riverview Community Bank Sessions Plumbing & Heating, Inc. Three Rivers Christian School – High School Campus Timothy E. Nelson, DDS Weyerhaeuser October 2017 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 31
2018 Currently taking requests to host a Business After Hours in 2018. If you are interested call 360-423-8400 or email: bmarcum@kelsolongviewchamber.org
January 9: Available February 13: PeaceHealth St. John’s March 13: J2 Barrel House April 10: Available May 8: Columbia Bank June 12: Available July 10: Community Home Health & Hospice August 14: Available September 11: Available October 9: KUKN— Cinema of Horrors November 13: Available December 11: Monticello Hotel (Holiday Mixer)