Business Connection Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce
Kelso Longview Chamber Amy Hallock Project Manager
k JANUARY 2020
Volume 12 • Issue 1 Business Connection is published monthly by the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce 105 N. Minor Road • Kelso, WA 98626
STAFF
sQuatch Fest bigger than ever with Brew Mountain, Kids Cave, cornhole
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Quatch Fest is almost here. And, this year, due to the incredible growth the past three years and the fact we have sold tickets in 14 different states and Canada, we are expanding the event to two days – January 24 and 25. We are excited about what we are bringing back plus the new additions we are planning.
On Friday, the doors will open up at 4 p.m. with Battle of Borders kicking off its two-day, sold-out cornhole tournament in the Loowit room. They are expecting 204 competitors. Across the hall, Antidote Tap House will be hosting a beer garden. They will be rolling in their tap trailer and serving five different varieties of beer and cider. In the beer garden there will also be oversized games to play. Or, take your beverage and wander down the forest hallway CONTACT US and catch Huckleberry, Jeffro and Wild Bill from the Travel Channel’s “Mountain Monsters” 360-423-8400 as they host sQuatch Talk, inviting audience members to share their sQuatchy encounters. kelsolongviewchamber.org The Mount St. Helens room will have nearly 50 vendors selling books, clothing, jerky and so much more. Follow your nose to the patio, where food vendors will be set up with treats To advertise, call Bill Marcum to satisfy Bigfoot appetites, as well as fun follies like tattoos and Axecutionier mobile axe 360-423-8400 or throwing. bmarcum@kelsolongviewchamber.org Ad Deadline 20th of Each Month Saturday doors open at 10 a.m. with a full day of events including the Brew Mountain Beer Bill Marcum, CEO Amy Hallock, Project Manager Pam Fierst, Office Manager Joelle Wilson, Social Media Service
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For more sQuatch Fest, see page 2
sQuatch Fest from page 1
Festival, where guests can choose between a collectible Hop-N-Grape beer mug and The Office 842 wine glass and then fill it with something from the 16 breweries/wineries set up with more than 35 different options of beer, wine and cider. Thinking 10 a.m. is too early for a beer? Columbia Distribution will be serving champagne with elder flower. The cornhole tournament continues. Need a photo to capture the day with your friends? Head to the Silver Star and Triangle Tavern tent, where everyone can pose among the moss-covered furniture. Don’t be surprised if Bigfoot photo bombs the group.
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sQuatch Fest
In the vendor-filled main room, the speaker lineup runs all day and includes: author Dr. Jeff Meldrum; Cliff Barackman from the TV show “Finding Bigfoot”; Olympic Project members Derek Randles and Shane Corson; “Missing 411” author David Paulides; and Clyde Lewis from the nationally syndicated show “Ground Zero”. The “Mountain Monsters” from Friday night return all day Saturday too. Little sQuatches can spend the day in the Kids Cave sponsored by CalPortland making foot molds, singing along with Emmie Blue and The sQuatchie, or hanging out in the video game lounge. Next door in the Bush Cabin, the Cowlitz County Museum will be telling sQuatch stories by candlelight. And if that isn’t enough to fill the day, Guse’s Coffee is hosting a scavenger hunt.
Bigger and Better
sQuatch Fest continues to grow. Last year was a record-setting year for us in attendance, vendors and things to do. Come see what everyone is talking about!
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We hope everyone can join us for a sQuatchie good time. For additional questions or to volunteer at the event, gcall or email me at ahallock@ kelsolongviewchamber.org. Get more information on the Chamber's webpage Follow sQuatch Fest on Facebook for the latest information Beat the day-of event lines and order tickets here
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2 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | January 2020
a Dr. Meldrum signs autographs. b Cornhole athletes warm up. c Emmie Blue and The Squatchie entertain youngsters.
2020
NO TW W DAY O S!
Friday, January 24, 2020 and Saturday, January 25, 2020 Cowlitz County Convention Center Friday 4 pm - 9 pm Saturday 10 am - 8 pm
Friday, January 24 Schedule of Events Speakers:
● Mountain Monsters Huckleberry, Jeff & Wild Bill on stage ● sQuatch Talk – Tell your sQuatch stories
● Craft & Food Vendors ● Axe Throwing ● Cornhole Tournament ● Beer Garden sponsored by Antidote Tap House
Something for the whole family!
Saturday, January 25 Schedule of Events
Speakers: ● Dr. Jeff Meldrum ● Olympic Project - Derek Randles & Shane Corson ● Finding Bigfoot - Cliff Barackman ● Missing 411 - David Paulides ● Ground Zero - Clyde Lewis ● Kids Cave including Emmie Blue & The Squatchie ● Cowlitz County Museum Story Time in the Bush Cabin ● Craft & Food Vendors ● Axe Throwing ● Scavenger Hunt by Guse’s Coffee ● Cornhole Tournament ● Brew Mountain Beer Festival
Mount St Helens Sponsors Hoffstadt Bluff Sponsors
Ape Cave Sponsors
Columbia River Sponsors
Elk Meadows Sponsors
105 Minor Rd, Kelso WA 98626 • 360-423-8400
www.kelsolongviewchamber.org
Discover!
www.portofkalama.com
Did you know the Port, Schools & Businesses educate students on career opportunities? Port businesses interested in exploring internships or project work for students are encouraged to connect with the Kalama School District. Did you know that businesses at the Port of Kalama employ more than 1,200 people? When you drive by the Port you may not see a lot of people or corporate neon signs, but Port of Kalama businesses combine to create a formidable employment community in Cowlitz County. From family-owned ventures to Fortune 500 companies, there are over 30 industries conducting global business and commerce including import/export, manufacturing, marketing, welding and fabrication, steel manufacturing, recycling, trucking and myriad other commercial and industrial enterprises. They choose Kalama for its ideal location in the heart of the Pacific Northwest and proximity to highway, railroad and the Columbia River. The annual Kalama Career Fair offers students a program to learn about the companies in Kalama and throughout Cowlitz County, the wide range of careers available here, the skill sets required, and the pathway to obtaining those jobs. The event, which is organized like a trade show with booths and spokespeople, invites local businesses to participate and share tips on what students should be thinking about and learning in order to secure their job and career path. Now, as an extension of that career learning, the Port of Kalama is working with the faculty of Kalama Schools to engage the business community in quality internships for students. The key is offering real world experience and activities that will further the career education for Kalama high school students. Local businesses interested in exploring on-the-job opportunities and internships for students, should call 360-673-5212 or email Cory Torppa, Career and Technical Education Director at the Kalama School District, cory.torppa@kalama.k12.wa.us. “We have a strong commitment to our community—we exist to create economic opportunity for our region, now and into the future,” says Mark Wilson, executive director at the Port of Kalama and a collaborative partner of the Kalama Career Fair. “It is important for us to help create a balanced opportunity for students to learn about a range of careers and business opportunities— we are encouraging any Port businesses who may have jobs or projects for local interns to offer our kids an invaluable learning opportunity.”
https://portofkalama.com/discover-the-port-collaborateswith-schools-and-businesses-to-educate-students-on-career-opportunities-right-here-at-home-2/
Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Bianca Lemmons, President Cowlitz County Title
Radio general manager brings personality to Chamber board
J
ohn Paul was a persistent 13-year-old. “I kept coming back,” returning to the Longview radio station until they hired him to empty
Chris Roewe, President Elect Woodford Commercial Real Estate
wastebaskets and tidy-up offices on Saturdays.
Lisa Straughan, Vice President Express Employment Professionals
programming skills as an R.A. Long High School student
Paul started developing his on-air personality and and turned his talent into a road show taking him to
Neil Zick, Treasurer Twin City Bank
New York, Oregon, Indiana and Colorado, building an
Michael Claxton, Legal Counsel Walstead Mertsching
major radio markets along the way.
Frank Panarra, Past President Foster Farms
slipping effortlessly into the general manager’s chair
Nick Lemiere Edward Jones Ken Botero Longview City Council John Paul KUKN-KLOG-101.5 The WAVE Rich Gushman Gibbs & Olson Marlene Johanson Heritage Bank Wendy Kosloski Teague's Interiors Nancy Malone Mayor of Kelso Cherelle Montanye St. John/PeaceHealth
impressive and celebrated career in small, medium and In 2014, the Longview native returned home, where his career started – KLOG / KUKN / 101.5 The Wave. “Radio is all I ever wanted to do,” he said. Since returning to his hometown, Paul spends less time on-air and more time building relationships in the community. He has been an active Chamber member, serving as an Ambassador and volunteering with the Lower Columbia Professionals. In 2020, he expands his involvement, joining the Chamber of
❝ It’s my job to help grow business in Longview, partnering with the Chamber makes sense.
Commerce Board of Directors. “Over the past few years I have been able to watch John Paul as he worked his way through the chairs and became the Longview Noon Rotary president,” Chamber CEO Bill Marcum. “And, also as he served on the United Way Board, also moving up to serve as president, so when I heard that John would be joining the board of the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce I was very pleased and relieved as the Board was able to find someone with John’s commitment to the community, and especially the business community.” “It’s my job to help grow business in Longview, partnering with the Chamber makes
Bruce Pollock Bicoastal Media
sense,” Paul said.
Tom Rozwod NORPAC
decades, the Longview-Kelso radio trio is thriving.
Ted Sprague Cowlitz Economic Development Council
said Paul – KLOG (sports), KUKN (country), and The Wave (classic hits).
Michael Vorse Minuteman Press Dennis Weber Cowlitz County Commissioner
With more listeners, who are listening for longer periods of time, then in the past two “It’s a good mix of three different types of radio stations with three different audiences,” “I worry about radio,” Paul said. “How corporate it’s become; how huge it’s become.” Not here. It’s 100 percent local – local advertising, regional news and hometown staff. “We have clients I’ve known since I was five years old,” said Paul, emphasizing how good it is to return home with his wife to raise their three kids with family and friends near in the same community he grew up. Kelso Longview Business Connection | January 2020 | 5
City of Kelso
City of Longview
Dave Futcher
Ken Botero
Councilman
Councilman
The challenges of eminent domain
O
ne of the potentially intimidating powers of government is the right of eminent domain. That is, the right to take private property for public use. The most common
use of eminent domain is probably in the construction of transportation infrastructure, such as roads, bridges and rail lines. While the concept of governmental taking is an anathema to many conservatives, the concept is entrenched within the fifth amendment of the constitution, which requires “just compensation” for any taking of private property. Kelso was recently faced with a decision on whether to pursue eminent domain to complete the final phase of the West Main realignment project. As we considered whether to begin proceedings pursuing such an acquisition, I kept coming back to one question: why would we let one property owner stop a project in which we will have invested 15 to 20 years and probably $15 million? (To be clear, very few of those funds came from Kelso, with the majority coming from state and federal funding.) The final property we need to acquire was about 20 feet of the building formerly housing OfficeMax. The owners weren’t necessarily averse to providing the property to us; we’re just arguing about its value. As the constitution requires, we intend to provide “just compensation” should we use eminent domain. Ultimately, both parties benefit if an agreeable solution is reached without beginning the eminent domain process, which is still Kelso’s first goal. Our consideration of this decision simply was designed to get the ball rolling so that we can complete the realignment project in a timely fashion, and to encourage responsiveness from the out-of-state investment company that owns the property. Eminent domain should be used sparingly, but it is a tool that is absolutely needed. Without it, you end up with situations like China, where highways are built surrounding “nail houses” of those who refuse to sell their property for a project. Such standoffs benefit neither the individual owner nor the community as a whole. Our life as a society hinges on a balance between individual and group rights, and the established laws regarding eminent domain appropriately balance those. 6 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | January 2020
New year begins with new leadership
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reetings and welcome to a new and exciting year, especially here in the Jewel of Southwest Washington, the inspiring city of Longview. With the new year comes many new adventures and challenges and we would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to the new additions in leadership here. Mike Wallin our present Mayor Pro Tem has been re-elected to a third term to represent our citizens on the Longview City Council and brings an abundance of legislative knowledge to assist the council in providing for the growth of the city. Ruth Kendall, who is a retired engineer, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her new position on the Longview City Council and will bring a new perspective to work with staff and the community. Christine Schott is in the real estate field and has served on the planning commission for the City of Longview. She has a great knowledge of many of the challenges, along with the successes of our quality of place. Christine has a great ability to openly discuss community concerns and will provide an active and educated service to all. Hillary Strobel brings her knowledge and positive attitude to working within the community. Hillary has been part of the Longview community for the past couple of years and brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding in the field of public policy and community development. Our newly elected council members are all looking forward to a positive adventure and invite you, the community, and business partners to join with them in building our quality of place, Longview. We also pass along our thanks and best wishes to those who have served us well: Mayor Don Jensen, Scott Vydra, and myself. We have come a long way. This is your community, stand with the new leadership, outstanding City Manager Kurt Sacha and staff and the entire council, new and old. Photos for this column were provided by Ken Botero
Lower Columbia College
Calendar
Chris Bailey
Wednesday
President
January 1 New Years Day Chamber Office Closed Thursday January 2 – 7:30-8:30am Ambassadors Meeting Columbia Bank Wednesday January 8 – 7:30-9am Education Foundation TBD Tuesday January 14 – 5:30-7:30pm Business After Hours Specialty Rents Monday January 20 Martin Luther King Day Chamber Office Closed Tuesday January 21 – Noon Chamber Executive Board Meeting Mill City Grill Tuesday January 28 – Noon Chamber Board Meeting Mill City Grill Friday-Saturday January 24 and January 25 sQuatch Fest Cowlitz County Event Center
Lower Columbia College and the decade ahead
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ig changes have occurred at Lower Columbia College over the past decade. A substantial remodel of the student center was completed in 2011. The decade of 2010-2019 saw the construction of the 70,000-square-foot Health and Science Building and the nearly $2 million Economic Development Administration grant which equipped it. The Stoller Athletic Center remodel was complete, adding nearly 13,000 square feet to the original building. The new fitness center includes new classroom space, a smoothie bar, and a climbing wall. Later, our first campus building, Main, was remodeled to provide a new home for mathematics and for the LCC testing center. In the past decade, Lower Columbia College received numerous state and national recognitions for its work on improving student success. In the course of implementing its campus initiatives, “Achieving the Dream,” and, later, “Guided Pathways,” LCC created the Student Success Fund, where small emergency grants help keep students in school. Later, a food pantry was opened to help students suffering from food insecurity. In 2013, Lower Columbia College opened the Lower Columbia Regional University Center, which now offers more than 80 baccalaureate-and-above degrees to the local public. An international program was also created to promote diversity and worldview. And in the final year of the decade, 2019, LCC offered its first LCC baccalaureate degree, Bachelor of Applied Science, Teacher Education, with an initial cohort of 23 students. The decade ahead shows potential for more positive progress and growth. Lower Columbia College is currently implementing new technology tools to help it serve the public and its students better. On the academic side, Lower Columbia College is intentionally increasing its number of online offerings to meet student demand. LCC will continue to grow its international program. LCC is also working on its second Bachelor of Applied Science degree, this time in Organizational Leadership. LCC pledges to continue its alignment with K-12 programs and to offer more “dual credit” opportunities for students. Perhaps the most exciting possibility for LCC is the potential construction of a new vocational building. The plan is to construct a new 55,000-square-foot building to replace three smaller, older buildings. The new, state-of-the-art skills center will house machining, manufacturing, welding, IT and other programs. As LCC celebrates its 85th year, we look forward to the decade ahead.
Every Monday January 27-April – 7am Legislative Briefing Elks Lodge Every Wednesday Your Chamber Connection KEDO/1400 AM or 99.1 FM 3-4pm Stream live at www.kedoam.com
Kelso Longview Business Connection | January 2020 | 7
Cowlitz Economic Development Council Ted Sprague President
Supporting NW Innovation Works sends a positive message to other businesses
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ecently a letter was submitted to the Department of Ecology on behalf of the Cowlitz Economic Development Council and 24 signers representing a cross section of business and political leaders supporting the NW Innovation Works $2 billion project at the Port of Kalama. I wanted to share with you some highlights from that correspondence. “We are writing to express our frustration and disappointment regarding the Department of Ecology’s decision to further delay the permitting process for the proposed Northwest Innovation Works (NWIW) Methanol facility in Kalama. With this action, we believe the department is falling short of its vision that “innovative partnerships sustain healthy land, air, and water in harmony with a strong economy” and its mission to “protect, preserve, and enhance the environment for current and future generations.”
Consistent Courteous Complete Title and Escrow Services
1425 Maple Street • Longview, WA 98632
360.425.2950
www.cascade-title.com 8 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | January 2020
The Department’s announcement on November 22 that it will perform a new environmental study of the facility’s greenhouse gas emissions, potentially adding a year to the permitting process that has already been underway for over five years is not justified. The explanation provided by the department for this unprecedented delay does not satisfy our community who believes in the scientific merits and is hungry for the job creating benefits this project would provide. The 2019 Supplemental EIS conclusion that the project would displace upward of 14.10 million metric tons of direct and indirect emission from coal-to-methanol production facilities is the latest affirmation of what we have known for years – that this project is an exemplar of industrial innovation that will boost a struggling rural economy and deliver real and substantial environmental benefits to the world. Nearly six years ago, and with great fanfare – including recruitment and support from Governor Inslee – the Kalama methanol project was announced. Dedicated to making materials, the project promised to help our state achieve many of our economic and environmental goals, including helping to address global climate change by displacing coal-based processes in China. The goal is to get this project permitted to prove that we can create family wage jobs, protect our land, air and water, and make a meaningful contribution to confronting climate change. Achieving this balance and setting the necessary standards to encourage other industrial projects to build in Washington state benefits the entire state. No other industrial facility pending approval has the potential to provide these benefits and its timely approval must be a priority. This is a great example of an industrial facility working with the state and community to collaboratively and voluntarily limit its environmental impact. It is setting new standards in environmental protection within the state’s regulatory environment, and it is setting the bar for all industries by collaboratively and voluntarily working with regulators to subject itself to much greater environmental requirements than current rules and laws require. I urge your support of the NW Innovation Works project for the sake of jobs, capital investment and sending a message to other potential investors that Cowlitz County is open for business.
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(360) 575-9804
Kelso Longview Chamber Bill Marcum CEO
Mark your calendars with events and classes to help your business grow
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elow is a list of some of our events for 2020. Put them on your calendar, plan to attend and plan to have a good time networking with other businesses leaders working to do the same thing as most of you... improve business in 2020. Our Business After Hours for 2020 was filled by early October, so if you are interested in hosting please contact us for next year. Yes, that’s right; contact us now for 2021. We can always put you on a wait list for this year in case one of our members is unable to host. Here is a list of this year’s dates. The list is also available on page 11. January 14 – Specialty Rents February 12 – Wheeler’s and Columbia Ford March 10 – Kelso Longview Elks April 14 – Teri’s Restaurant May 19 – Cowlitz Title June 9 – Port of Longview July 14 – American Workforce Group August 11 – Mint Valley Golf Course September 15 – Rotary Clubs of Longview and Kelso October 13 – Farm Dog Bakery/LifeWorks November 10 – Monticello Park Prestige December 8 – Holiday Mixer A few of our major events for the year include: • sQuatch Fest, Friday and Saturday, January 24 and 25. Nearly 2,500 people attended the 2019 event and with more speakers, more venders, more brewers and two days it is going to be an unbelievable event... So, whether you are a true believer or just want to have a fun day make sure you attend sQuatch Fest 2020. • Building Bridges Business and Tourism Expo, March 18. This is a partnership with Cowlitz County Tourism. Last year more than 80 businesses joined us for this joint event. • Business and Education Awards, May 13. Last year the Chamber and the Lower Columbia Professionals (a Chamber committee) awarded more than $24,000 in scholarships to local high school students and presented awards to local businesses and educators from our local schools. • Chamber Golf Classic, June 15. Again this year the Classic 10 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | January 2020
is being played at Three Rivers Golf Course. Same great format, great food provided by the Elks Lodge, along with very marginal golfing skills will be on display. • Island Bingo Night, July 31. This has become a very popular event for us. Last year, Island Bingo drew 300 people to the Elks Lodge to win great prizes from our local sponsors. • Jingle all the Way Run/Walk (December 11) and the Holiday Mixer (December 8), round out the year. Last month, 425 individuals and families dressed up in their favorite holiday attire and walked or ran eight laps around the beautifully decorated Civic Center for Jingle all the Way, and the Holiday Mixer brought 225 people together to celebrate the holidays. The 2020 Holiday Mixer location has not been set yet, so stay tuned. We will also host four Quarterly Meetings scheduled for March 27, June 26, September 18 and November 20. Locations and topics for these meeting have not been set at this time. Boot Camp will start again March 6 with six classes on Boardsmanship; followed by six classes on Leadership II, based on our Leadership I classes from last year, starting May 8 and the final six classes begin September 11. Class topics and speakers for the September sessions are yet to be determined. Starting Monday, January 27, at 7 a.m. join us at the Elks Lodge in Kelso for our Legislative Briefings. This is your opportunity to speak directly to our legislators representing your business in Olympia. Find out what they see as important pieces of legislation that will affect your business, how they stand on those issues and more. There is no cost to attend. Breakfast is available. Anticipated hot topics for this session are the Overtime Rule, predictive scheduling, carbon taxes and of course the continued agenda item of education funding. Make your voice be heard before the decisions are made. We will meet each Monday morning until the session is over. Attend, get involved and express your concerns. Wow, I haven’t even covered the Lower Columbia Professionals events for 2020, Ambassadors meetings, Education Foundation meetings and board committee meetings. I guess I will have to save that for next month. As I have mentioned your Chamber has more than 220 total events, meetings and ribbon cuttings each year. With over 500 members there should be something for each of you that can help your business be more successful in 2020. I’m looking forward to helping you accomplish that goal.
2020
January 14: Specialty Rents February 11: Wheeler & Columbia Ford March 10: Kelso/LV Elks April 14: Teri’s May 19: Cowlitz Title June 9: Port of Longview July 14: American Workforce Group August 11: Mint Valley Golf Course September 15: Rotary October 13: Farm Dog Bakery @ Life Works November 10: Monticello Park Prestige December 8: Holiday Mixer
Business Connection Advertising Rates Effective January 1, 2020 Kelso-Longview Business Connection monthly newsletter is published the first of each month, posted electronically on our website and over 7,000 emailed to local business professionals, city and county officials. To be included in this monthly email, simply call the Chamber office at 360-423-8400. Size
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All ads include full color and any design work. Deadline is the 21st of the month prior to publication. Digital files: PDF, Tiff and JPEG. Non-Members of the Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce please add 30% to above rates. See back for size examples. To advertise or request additional information please contact Amy Hallock at 360-423-8400 or ahallock@kelsolongviewchamber.org or CEO Bill Marcum at 360-423-8400 or bmarcum@kelsolongviewchamber.org.
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Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments Bill Fashing CEO
Transportation Safety – Something We Can All Contribute To
T
he Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments (CWCOG) recently updated safety performance standards for the Metropolitan area. This action is a result of federal requirements set forth for all Metropolitan Planning Organizations nationally and is geared toward the elimination of fatal and serious injury accidents on our road system. This includes occupants of vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. The CWCOG is continuing to work with both Oregon and Washington in this effort as our metro area is bi-state and includes Rainier, Oregon; but, the emphasis in this article will be on Washington. Transportation safety has been a major component of transportation planning for many years. Planners, engineers, and others are continually seeking safer options for moving people through their daily activities. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the target zero concept was started in Sweden and has swept the globe. The FHWA is committed to the vision of eliminating fatalities and serious injuries on our Nation's roadways. According to the FHWA website, “The zero deaths approach uses a data-driven, interdisciplinary approach that FHWA has been promoting for many years. The approach targets areas for improvement and employs proven countermeasures, integrating application of education, enforcement, engineering, and emergency medical and trauma services (the ‘4Es’). A combination of strategies from different focus areas will be necessary to achieve the zero deaths vision.” In Washington, the 2014 base five-year running average number of fatalities on the statewide road system was 450. That five-year running average has increased to 531 in 2018. Planning efforts will be focused on employing changes directed at moving this number toward zero. In the Longview/Kelso area we have seen a consistent increase in the five-year average like the state. Our local numbers have gone from 2.6 fatalities in 2014 to 3.6 in 2018. Part of the performance standards process also includes a target for non-motorist fatalities and serious injuries. The local statistics for non-motorist fatalities and serious injuries show an upward trend from 4.2 in 2014 to 8.0 in 2018.
Data Source: Fatality Analysis Reporting System, Preliminary 2018 Q4 release (ARF) (April 2019), Washington Traffic Safety Commission. Under 23 U.S. Code § 148 and 23 U.S. Code § 409, safety data, reports, surveys, schedules, lists compiled or collected for the purpose of identifying, evaluating, or planning the safety enhancement of potential crash sites, hazardous roadway conditions, or railway-highway crossings are not subject to discovery or admitted into evidence in a Federal or State court proceeding or considered for other purposes in any action for damages arising from any occurrence at a location mentioned or addressed in such reports, surveys, schedules, lists, or data.
You have probably seen messages about transportation safety in the local and national media from the National Safety Council. The National Safety Council has a wide variety of resources on safety at home, work, and on the road. The major causes of fatality accidents are alcohol (impairment), speed, and distracted driving. Drowsy driving is newly recognized as a growing factor influencing accidents. Research is ongoing relating to the impacts of legalized marijuana use and on the impacts of phone usage while driving, but both are of growing concern. Every day, at least nine Americans die and 100 are injured in distracted driving crashes. Cell phones, dashboard touchscreens, voice commands and other in-vehicle technologies pose a threat to our safety. Ignore the distractions and #justdrive. – National Safety Council We may never eliminate roadway fatalities, or even serious injury accidents, but efforts will continue to improve safety conditions in an attempt to maintain a downward trend. What can we do to make a difference? By far, the elimination of highrisk behavior will have the most immediate and lasting impact on roadway safety. For drivers, that means staying focused on the road and staying off of their phones and avoiding other distractions. For cyclists and pedestrians, it means taking a defensive posture as you interact with vehicles. Many of us are not doing what we can to lessen the possibility of death or significant injury by using seatbelts or properly restraining car and booster seats. Washington was trending toward its target zero goal for several years prior to 2014 but due to a significant bump in fatalities resulting from crashes involving unrestrained occupants and increases in distracted driving, we saw increases in fatalities and serious injuries that extend the trend line out extensively. As we begin the new year take time to put your phone away, buckle up, slow down, and watch for motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians in an effort to help make progress toward target zero. Kelso Longview Business Connection | January 2020 | 13
Buiness Toolbox Jerry D. Petrick Certified Business Adviser
H
How the RIGHT question can transform your business
appy New Year’s!
We just finished the latest rounds of retail mayhem; affectionately referred to as the holiday season. As a result of higher than normal shopping and buying activity I find I’m receiving surveys and questionnaires coming across my screens constantly. I usually don’t bother to respond to such requests from large companies – those impersonal, automated, non-caring invasions of my email or voicemail. I am more likely to respond on those rare occasions that a small, local business cares to ask me what I think of my experience at their business. I may be rare, however, I tend to notice not only what businesses do; I pay more attention to what they don’t do! How many seminars or workshops about customer service or increasing sales have you attended where the presenter encourages you to spend time and money to develop elaborate surveys to send to your customers to “hear the voice of the customer”? Have you done it? What difference has it made in your business? Have your sales increased? There is a very powerful body of research conducted by Bain & Company that attempted to find a “simple, practical and actionable indicator of what customers were thinking and feeling about the companies they did business with.” They wanted to develop, “a number that reliably linked these attitudes both to what customers actually did and to the growth of the company. We wanted, in short, to provide a basis for linking improvements in customer loyalty to business outcomes,” reported Bain. Bain, along with their data partner Satmetrix Systems, tested questions with thousands of customers across multiple industries and found that the way customers responded to one question consistently predicted behavior. The one question, the ‘Ultimate Question’ is: “How likely is it that you would recommend Company X [or Product X] to a friend or colleague?” Researchers found that the answers to this question consistently predicted: customer retention, repeat purchases, referrals and other indicators of customer loyalty, profit and passion. Just as importantly, this question is quick, respectful, and easy for both customers AND employees. The preferred way to set up your process is to use the common 0-10 rating scale with the scale where 10 = Extremely Likely and; 0 = Not at All Likely to
14 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | December 2019
recommend you to a friend. The responses tend to cluster into three groups Promoters (9 or 10) – These are your loyal, enthusiastic fans. Passives (7 or 8) – They are reasonably satisfied but are not nearly as likely to remain loyal or refer their friends. Detractors (0-6) – Detractors are unhappy customers and account for upwards of 80 percent of negative word-of-mouth. A very simple way to use this input is to calculate (and pay attention to) what Bain calls a “Net Promoter score,” which is easy to calculate. Calculate the percentage of responders that were Promoters and subtract the percentage of responders that were Detractors: Net Promoter score = % Promoters - % Detractors This single metric can serve as an easy, powerful customer scorecard for your business. The only follow-up question you need to learn to ask is…“Why?” Then LISTEN! So, the new and improved way to understand what your customers think goes something like this: “Thank you for doing business with us, how likely is it that you would recommend ABC Company to your friends?” Then…ask the key open-ended question: “Why?” This is easy, inexpensive, respectful and a true gift to and from your customers. I encourage you to step back from your business for a moment and ask yourself how loyal, happy, satisfied etc. are your customers? How do you know? What are you doing to improve your customer loyalty and likelihood to promote your business? If you want to learn more about the Net Promoter system, I suggest you read the book: “The Ultimate Question 2.0 – How NET PROMOTOR Companies Thrive in a Customer Driven World” by Fred Reichheld. This article was prepared by Jerry Petrick, MBA, certified business adviser with the Washington State University (WSU) Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Jerry provides no-cost, confidential business advisory services by appointment. Contact him via email: jerry.petrick@wsbdc.org
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Cowlitz County Commissioners Mike Moss Cowlitz County Public Works Director (Guest Columnist)
Cowlitz County Public Works – Be Safe, Be Prepared
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inter is upon us! Through inclement weather and hazardous conditions, Cowlitz County road crew members attempt to provide access year round to residents and travelers alike. These crew members respond 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to treacherous conditions that can occur on any location within the varied terrain of the County. They are the first responders when issues arise, no matter the condition or what time of day. They clear fallen trees, snow plow, de-ice, remove slides, clean culverts, repair pot holes and maintain the integrity of the road system, to name a few. Children need to get on the bus, adults need to get to work, and our crews strive to make sure this happens every day of the year. Of our four road shop locations, nearly all crew members are County residents and often times active members of our community. You may see them at their children or grandchildren’s sport activities, next to you at the grocery store or at local parks. They work hard and are most often under appreciated. Our first priority of the Cowlitz County Department of Public Works is the safety of our citizens, crew members and those who
Remember to prepare for all emergencies with a safety kit for your vehicle that should at least include a first aid kit, tool kit, blanket, flashlights, bottled water and granola bars. travel the 527 miles of County maintained roads. Where certain roads are easy to maintain, others prove to have many challenges. In an effort to increase safety and secure the integrity of the traveled way on this road we are constantly evaluating project needs. These projects include raising the guardrail, road overlay, chip/seal, hazard removal and repairing slip outs. For any given project, our staff members have a presence on the work site.
Call 360-577-3030 to report any County road condition issue
Be Safe, Be Prepared
Trusted. For Over 35 Years.
Heavy rain and wind events
Since 1982, Cowlitz County Title has been THE company our community turns to when buying, selling or refinancing a property. Whether you need title, escrow or property search information, our knowledgeable staff, backed by secure underwrites, is here to help you semalessly navigate through the paperwork. Come in for our exceptional service. Leave with the confidence that your real estate investment is properly insured and Bianca Lemmons protected. VP/Manager/LPO
• Slow down!
• Do not drive into deep water
• Do not attempt to drive on, near or around down
power lines – call 911
enforcement and fire/ rescue equipment Snow and ice events
• Slow down!
• Plan ahead and if you don’t have to drive, don’t! Snow
and ice events provide more opportunities for road
related accidents and injuries.
Title Insurance Escrow Service 1031 Exchange
Residential & Commercial Locally Owned
16 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | January 2020
• Bus routes and major arterials roads are the highest priority for plowing
• Priority of plowing roads depends on elevation and duration of snowfall and if schools are open
1159 14th Avenue, Longview, WA 98632 Phone: 360.423.5330 Fax: 360.423.5932 www.cowlitztitle.com
• Move over and use caution around PUD, law
• Leave plenty of room and do not follow closely behind a snow plow
Don’t Miss The New Year at The Columbia! CLASSIC FILM SERIES: TO
HAVE AND HAVE NOT
Thursday, January 9th 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
A 1944 drama set during
Whatcha Gonna Do? World War II—Bogart Bacall’s first film together. Tickets $8. Love Will Find A and Way
PABLO CRUISE
Saturday, January 18th 7:30 p.m.
To hear Pablo Cruise on record is one thing, but to experience the band live is an exhilarating event! “Whatcha Gonna Do When She Says Goodbye?” and “Love Will Find A Way,” headline several other top 20’s. Tickets $45-$55. Students $20.
JUST ADDED: Pablo Cruise Yacht Rock Dinner & Show Package
Get your YachtGold Rock on! seating for Pablo Cruise plus plated and served Willapa Bay Oysters and Shrimp Package includes Section Cocktail with a St. Helen’s Beef Prime Rib Buffet dinner at Mill City Grill before the show. Presented by Columbia Theatre, Mill City Grill and 98.3 The Peak. Tickets $85 per person. Call 360.575.TIXX to reserve your dinner and a show package. Not available online. THE BEST SINGING,
DANCING, STOMPING SHOW YOU’VE EVER BEEN TO!
THE CHOIR OF MAN
Saturday, February 1st 7:30 p.m.
The ultimate feel good show—a pint-filled good time set in a real working pub. The multitalented cast of nine handsome blokes sings everything—pub tunes, folk, Broadway, classic rock—all to roof-raising heights. It’s the best singing, dancing, stomping, pub crawl of a show you’ll ever attend! And the first pint is on us! Tickets $45-$55. Students $20.
THOMAS EDISON: THE WIZARD OF MENLO PARK Sunday, February 9th, 2:00 p.m.
For elementary kids and their families. Learn about Edison’s early years and follow his life story as Patrick and a team of audience members recreate pivotal moments of invention by following Edison’s lessons to live by. FREE Fibre Family Fun activities in the lobby beginning at 12:30 p.m. Tickets: $7 each or 6 for $30.
You
e Invit'r ed
2020 SOUP-OFF!
A Fundraiser for THE Columbia Theatre! SATURDAY, JANUARY 11th, 2020 • 6 - 9 PM COWLITZ COUNTY CONFERENCE CENTER
NA & C ARL FORSBE O L A THE MainStageSeason RG
A Friendly Competition—All in Good Fun for a Good Cause! Proceeds support The Eloise Pepper Arts Education Fund.
GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY! www.columbiatheatre.com • 360.575.8499
Workforce Southwest Washington Alyssa Joyner Senior Project Manager – Manufacturing
Youth Employment Summit is an opportunity to showcase your company to future workforce
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our company is invited to participate in the fourth annual Youth Employment Summit (YES) on March 19 at the Clark County Event Center. Please save the date and register by clicking this link https://bit.ly/2pXp7dZ. More than 10,000 young people in Southwest Washington between the ages of 16 and 24 are not employed or in school (nearly 30,000 in the Portland Metro area). The YES event aims to ensure that number shrinks by providing current high school students an opportunity to explore careers in our region’s highgrowth, high-demand career pathways AND to find first jobs! We are expecting 600 students from school districts in Cowlitz and Clark counties. This is THE place to engage with your future workforce to promote your company and industry, as well as current and future job opportunities. Preparing youth with skills and options is vital for our local economy and crucial for your business! There are several ways for your organization to get involved: • Host a table. We are seeking companies from manufacturing, healthcare, technology and construction to host engaging table conversations and hands-on demonstrations or activities. Don’t worry – we’ll help you design an activity if you need it. • Hire a student. We are seeking businesses in any industry to hire students (particularly those 16-18 years old)! This might just be the single most critical component to a student’s future success
18 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | January 2020
in the workforce. We have to make work opportunities available to young people. Early jobs is where they build the foundation that will propel then forward throughout their careers. It’s where they learn what it means to be a good employee. • Be a sponsor. Business and association support ensures as many young people as possible have an opportunity to participate. Thank you to the Washington and Northern Idaho District Council of Laborers (LiUNA) and Yaculta for signing on as YES sponsors! Please reach out to Darcy Hoffman, director of business services, at dhoffman@ workforcesw.org to learn more about sponsorship opportunities! I would be happy to answer any questions you might have about YES. We hope to see you in March! Alyssa Joyner, Senior Project Manager – Manufacturing at Workforce Southwest Washington can ajoyner@workforcesw.org or 503-410-0408.
rve e s e R rly! Ea
2020 VISITOR & MEMBERSHIP GUIDE
Let visitors and businesses know about you! 12,000 visitors will come into the Visitor Center… and they are looking for YOU!
✔ Used year round by hundreds of local and out-of-area companies. ✔ A resource guide for the community.
Space is limited – Call today! 360-423-8400
Ad Rates
Early Deadline
Regular Rates
Vertical 3.75”w x 10”h 7.83”w x 10.25”h
1/4 Page .................$935 .......... $841 1/8 Page .................$715 .......... $643 1/16 Page ...............$505 .......... $454
Horizontal 7.83”w x 4.9”h
Full Page
All ads are full color at no extra charge. Visitor Guide is also published online. Premium placement including back cover, inside covers, page 2, 3 and 4: add 15%
Vertical 1.83”w x 4.9”h Horizontal 3.75”w x 2.375”h 1/8 Page
3.75”w x 4.9”h
1/2 Page
1.83”w x 2.375”h
1/4 Page
Reserve your space today!
1/16 Page
Mechanical Specifications
Electronic Files • Should be emailed to bmarcum@kelsolongviewchamber.org • Please include your company name and publication in the subject line. Logos, Images, Photos • Formats: High resolution JPG, EPS, TIFF, PDF • Resolution must be 300 dpi. Images from the internet cannot be used. Full Files • PDF format, high quality print setting (300 dpi with fonts embedded) Images for Scanning • Photographs (up to 8.5” x 11”), stationery, menus, business cards, etc. • Artwork for scanning must be clear and unmarked. • Digital artwork is preferred as this will give a higher quality result. If you have any questions regarding acceptable artwork, please call 360-423-8400 or email bmarcum@kelsolongviewchamber.org
105 Minor Road Kelso, WA 98626
360-423-8400 www.kelsolongviewchamber.org
10%
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Full Page ..............$2,230 ....... $2,007 1/2 Page ..............$1,235 ....... $1,111
E DEAARLY D Mar LINE Save ch 2
Mind Your Own Business (At The Library) Chris Skaugset Director – Longview Public Library
Kick off the new year with a good book
A
s we enter 2020, it seems like a good time to reflect upon the last year and some of the great books published. Below are 10 of the best books published in 2019. You can find these titles, and more, at your Longview Library. Join me in making a resolution to read more in 2020! “Trust Exercise” by Susan Choi. In her fifth, and finest, novel, Choi return to the multilayered teacher-student power struggles seared into her book “My Education.” Each section is entitled Trust Exercise. Despite being a reference to a soul-baring acting exercise, “trust” will have little correlation to truth. The third section will render all that came before unreliable while exposing tenuous connections between fiction, truth, lies, and, of course, people. Literary deception rarely reads this well. “On Earth We’re All Briefly Gorgeous” by Ocean Vuong. This first novel by poet Vuong is narrated by Little Dog, a Vietnamese refugee who grew up in Hartford with his mother and his maternal grandmother, Lan. A writer now, he addresses his story as a letter to his mother, who cannot read, to tell you everything you’ll never know. Casting a truly literary spell, Vuong’s tale of language and origin, beauty and the power of story, is an enrapturing first novel. “Nickel Boys” by Colson Whitehead. There were rumors about Nickel Academy, a Florida reform school, but survivors kept their traumas to themselves until a university archaeology student discovered the secret graveyard. Whitehead follows his dynamic, highly awarded, best-selling Civil War saga, “The Underground Railroad” from 2016, with a tautly focused and gripping portrait of two African American teens during the last vicious years of Jim Crow. Inspired by an actual school, Whitehead’s potently concentrated drama pinpoints the brutality and insidiousness of Jim Crow racism with compassion and protest “Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland” by Patrick Keefe. Keefe, a New Yorker staff writer, uses the abduction of a widow and mother of 10 children from their Belfast apartment in 1972, as the entry point for a deep-diving history of the conflict in Northern Ireland and its immense aftershocks. The book is an extensive and wrenching view of this bloody patch of history, especially fascinating in the way Keefe shows how indoctrination worked at the family level. While he identifies it as narrative nonfiction, the writing is more historical account, rather than an exploration, but it will draw those interested in the Irish Troubles. “Exhalation” by Ted Chiang. Chiang’s long-awaited second collection continues to explore emotional and metaphysical landscapes with precise and incisive prose. The stories range in length from The Great Silence, a brief and mournful account of humanity’s search for other intelligent life from the point of view of a parrot, to The Lifecycle of Software Objects, a novella told from the perspective of the inventors and caretakers of digients, sentient software beings. Chiang remains one of the most skilled stylists in sci-fi, and this will appeal to genre and literary-fiction fans alike. 20 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | December 2019
“The British Are Coming: The War for America, Lexington to Princeton, 1775-1777” by Rick Atkinson. This balanced, elegantly written, and massively researched volume is the first in a projected trilogy about the Revolutionary War by the Pulitzer Prize winner. Combining apt quotation (largely from correspondence) with flowing and precise original language, Atkinson describes military encounters, though often unbearably grim, are evoked in vivid and image-laden terms. Aided by numerous maps, this is superb military and diplomatic history and represents storytelling on a grand scale. “Disappearing Earth” by Julia Phillips. The volcano-spiked Kamchatka Peninsula in Far East Russia, where the tundra still supports herds of reindeer and the various Native groups who depend on them, is the evocative setting of Phillips’ accomplished and gripping episodic novel. In the region’s largest city, researcher Oksana notices the clean, new car carrying a man and two young, bird-boned Russian girls and reports her sighting when news breaks that two sisters, living with their single mother, a journalist, are missing. This abduction forms the hub of Phillips’ atmospheric drama of shock and despair. Phillips’ spellbinding prose is saturated with sensuous nuance and emotional intensity as she subtly traces the shadows of Russia’s past and illuminates today’s daunting complexities of gender and identity, expectations and longing. “Falter: Has the Human Game Begun to Play Itself Out?” by Bill McKibben. McKibben has been calling for and leading action against global warming for 30 years, explicating its catastrophic impact on the living world with steady lucidity while also specifying with exceptional candor and perception the ethical and emotional dimensions of the growing crisis. Ultimately, his primary focus in this deeply caring, eloquently reasoned inquiry into environmental and techno-utopian threats is on how we are imperiling the “human game” as individuals and societies. McKibben balances alarm with hope as he celebrates the climate-change resistance movement. “Black Leopard, Red Wolf ” by Marlon James. The first installment in the Dark Star trilogy has been touted as an African Game of Thrones, and, Man Booker Prize winner, James, throws every fantasy and horror creature known into this brilliantly chaotic mash-up of genres and styles. Readers will discover mermaids, vampires, zombies, and witches, along with edge-of-your-seat chills and cheeky humor. Gender-bending romance, fantastical adventure, and an Afrocentric setting make for an inventive and engaging read. “Topeka School” by Ben Lerner. The messy relationship between masculinity and language drives this seeking, eloquent story by poet-novelist Lerner. Adam Gordon is a debate-team prodigy. The son of talk-therapy professionals, Adam loves poetry and believes in the power of words. Seeking early stirrings of today’s sociopolitical tensions in 1990s Kansas, Lerner interrogates Adam’s personal origins, dependency upon language, and the complicity tacit in his adolescent oblivion. However, the fear at the core of this tale—that language, no matter how thoroughly mastered or artfully presented, simply isn’t enough—feels new and urgent.
b c
a
Jingle all the Way Runners Get Into the Spirit
d
e
Hundreds of runners and walkers turned out for our annual holiday event. a Take your mark, get set, go! b It's easy to sport the Rudolph fans. c The Jingle attracts racers of all ages. d Corby the Bear danced all the way. e Kelso high school band. f Our Ambassadors got into the spirit. g Vanessa Johnson and Marlene Johanson wrap gifts for LCP.
f
g
Kelso Longview Business Connection | January 2020 | 21
Kelso Public Schools
Longview Public Schools
Mary Beth Tack
Dan Zorn
Superintendent
Superintendent
Thank you for a great year of support
A
s we begin 2020, I’d like to say thank you for all the ways you’ve supported Kelso School District over the last year. Educating our youth is a great responsibility, one we’re honored to have. It’s also a team effort. Everyone in the community takes part in the growth and success of our Kelso kids, directly or indirectly, and we are so grateful for all you do. In our strategic planning as a district, one of our six goals is to have open and transparent communication with our parents and our community. I’m happy to share that we’re beginning this new year by taking great strides in how we communicate. On January 6 we’re launching a new website platform that includes an app for iPhone and Android smart phones, as well the ability to send push notifications, text messages, and robocalls. With this updated and enhanced platform, we’ll be able to share more of the good things happening in our schools with greater ease and frequency. We’ll also be able to reach families much faster in the event of an emergency. We are looking forward to the new year, and this new decade, with great optimism and renewed commitment to our mission of preparing every student for living, learning and achieving success as a citizen of our changing world.
So much to be grateful for this holiday season
A
t Longview Schools we have a lot to be thankful for this holiday season.
We are thankful for the 6,500 students who attend our schools. Helping kids learn is the reason we got into education in the first place. Nothing brings joy to an educator’s heart more than seeing students learn and grow. When you ask a teacher what the best part of their job is, many will tell you, when a student struggles through a difficult concept and then “the light goes on”. The students and educators in our schools do amazing things and we appreciate each of them. We are thankful for all our school district employees. They are hard at work from early morning until late at night each day. The night before school, building maintenance personnel clean classrooms and facilities, helping create a positive learning climate. The transportation team starts work early each morning as bus drivers pick up kids and deliver them to school. The food and nutrition staff also start the day early getting breakfast and lunch ready for thousands of students. Teachers, paraprofessionals, counselors, secretaries, administrators and other employees arrive at school before the students to make sure each day starts and ends well. Many employees stay late each night helping students learn, advising clubs, coaching sports and helping our kids. We are thankful for the parents and families of our students. Research shows schools perform better when parents are engaged in school and are a part of the learning process. Last year, parents and community members spent about 30,000 hours volunteering in our schools. This high level of engagement enriches the learning process, helps students enjoy school and learn better. We are thankful that the hard work in the classroom is showing great results. For the third year in a row, the high school graduation For more Longview Schools, see page 23
1157 3rd Avenue, Suite 218
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 22 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | January 2020
Residential & Commercial gro.n.control@gmail.com
Longview Schools from page 22
rate finished higher than the state average. Back in 2012, the high school graduation rate dropped to 67 percent. Through the hard work and dedication of our staff, our high school graduation rate is now at 86 percent. The Longview school district is on the rise. Earning a high school diploma provides options for young adults to attend college or an apprenticeship, join the workforce or enlist in the military. We’re proud and thankful to exceed the state average graduation rate each year. Graduation rates are not the only positive indicator, student achievement levels are also improving across the district. We are particularly encouraged by the increased literacy levels of our students. We are thankful for the hard work of our educators, parents, families, and students as we continue to strive for even greater levels of learning.
“First Class Service at Fibre Federal.” “Fibre Federal has assisted us with several of our business needs. They are knowledgeable, friendly, and go out of their way in assisting us with our stringent business needs. We appreciate all they do for us.”
We appreciate the support of the Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Council, labor unions and local businesses. Numerous local companies donate goods, money and time to help students–the generosity is amazing. High school students routinely visit businesses learning about careers and future job opportunities. In return, our students volunteer in the community to both give back and fulfill graduation requirements. We are also thankful for the local elected officials and their support of the district. Legislators from the state, county and local level routinely voice their support, and vote to support, our schools every year. Thank you for supporting our schools, happy New Year’s.
Donna Marko, Owner of Great Escapes Travel Shoppe
Great Escapes Travel Bring your business to Fibre Federal for Business Plus Checking, Business Online Banking, Remote Deposit, low-cost loans, and incredible member service.
360.423.8750 1.800.205.7872 www.fibrecu.com
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Banking made easy
Kelso Longview Business Connection | January 2020 | 23
Longview Downtowners & Kelso Downtown Revitalization Association Lindsey Cope President
Downtown growth on new year agenda
H
appy New Year’s from the Longview Downtowners! Can you believe we are not only kicking off a new year, but a new decade?
The last few years have been one of growth and building for downtown Longview. Additionally, we are looking forward to great growth in the next decade. A new year is a great time to strategize and prioritize our goals for the next one, three, five and 10 years. Afterall, downtown revitalization is more of a marathon than a sprint. Our plans for 2020 begin with growing Shamrock Saturday. Shamrock Saturday is just like Small Business Saturday, but the Saturday nearest St. Patrick’s Day. This year, we are working to add pop-ups, increase décor and encourage our other downtowns in participating. Stay tuned for all the fun on March 14! We are exploring two additional Shop Small Saturday events and
Making Spirits Bright We are successful because of our customers. Their trust and continued business allows us to give back to our communities. In 2019, we donated $1.5 million to local nonprofits and volunteered 4,714 hours to help our neighbors in need. Thank you for your support so we can continue to improve the lives of those around us.
Kelso 1000 South 13th Ave. 360.423.7800 Longview 927 Commerce Ave. 360.423.9800 HeritageBankNW.com | 800.455.6126 |
Equal Housing Lender | Member FDIC
24 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | January 2020
expanding, as well as better incorporating downtown with Crafted Brew Festival and Squirrel Fest. This year, we tested the First Thursday concept of encouraging businesses to stay open later. We will be refining this event with updated marketing, advertising and more. First Thursdays will run from April to October. We will be continuing the beautification of the district with supporting art, clean up, flowers, lights, and other efforts. Small Business Saturday 2020 will be the biggest yet and it will be the 40th anniversary of the downtown Christmas parade! Beyond 2020, we are working toward capital projects including, but not limited to, expanding the streetscape, better incorporation of the areas surrounding Commerce Avenue, partnering with our other downtowns in Cowlitz County and marketing outside of the area. Don’t forget the Longview Downtowners are open to anyone who is interested in the promotion, preservation and development of downtown Longview. Our meetings are the second Thursday of every month at 8 a.m. at the Creekside Cafe and 3 p.m. at Mill City Grill. We hope to see you there! Thank you all for your support in 2019! We appreciate every business owner, shopper, and casual wanderer! Cheers to the new year!
Happening in Kelso I expect this to be a great year for Kelso! In 2020 we are working with the City of Kelso to explore economic development projects including, but not limited to the Six Rivers Trail, America in Bloom, Creative Arts Districts, growing the Avery’s Show and Shine, supporting existing events, utilization of the Kelso Facade Improvement Program, small business programs, business expansion and retention, active tourism marketing, promotion, as well reaching out of the downtown core into West Kelso and beyond. If you are interested in the economic development, promotion, preservation, public art, and Kelso business, please join us at our next meeting February 6 at 9 a.m. at the Cowlitz County Historical Museum. You can find more about our group on Facebook at www. facebook.com/kdrakelsowa
New Members Add your business to our growing membership. Call 360-423-8400 Today!
Business Association with opportunities to promote trade through Chamber socials,
Look Who Joined in December Longview Donuts LLC
Contact: Leng Hok 931 Ocean Beach Hwy. Longview, WA 98632 360-688-8800 Longview_donuts@yahoo.com
special events and committee participation. • Annual Meeting and Banquet • Networking Events • Committee Participation • Business Contacts • Quarterly Membership Meetings • Civic Representation • Monthly Business After Hours
Business Services include marketing for your business, referrals and access to Chamber publications and research data. • Mailing Labels • Membership Window Decals • Member Referrals • Ribbon Cutting • Website Links • Member to Member Discounts • Membership Directory • Tax Deduction • Newsletter • Business Card Display • Use of Chamber Logo
Representation through action committees, candidate forums and up-to-date action alerts. • Legislative Representation • Issues Tracking and Information • Task Forces • Candidate Forums • Legislative Update Breakfast • Demographics Publication
Membership Packages Basic • $275 or $26 per month Bronze • $500 or $46.66 per month Silver • $1,000 or $86.33 per month Gold • $2,500 or $211.33 per month Platinum • $5,000 or $416.66 per month Diamond Club • $10,000 or $834 per month Nonprofit • $180 or $18 per month
Kelso Longview Business Connection | January 2020 | 25
a
Ribbon Cutting Ringing In the Season
In December, our Ambassadors put on their red coats and rang in the holiday season at the Salvation Army's annual Christmas Center.
a Ribbon Cutting. b Julie Feist, corps officer, and Major Larry Feist. c Local Salvation Army Band.
c
b
See more photos on the Chamber’s Facebook page or click here.
26 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | January 2020
Ambassador of the Month Teedara Garn Cowlitz PUD
Veteran Red Coat in top volunteer form Briefly describe your current position: I am a human resources specialist for Cowlitz PUD. My day can be spent doing many different things. However at the end of the day my goal is to make sure all Cowlitz PUD employees understand their benefits and enjoy the experience they have when working with human resources. How long have you been an Ambassador? Seven years now. What prompted you to be an Ambassador? I love being a part of the Kelso/Longview community and helping to make other business people successful. It is great to meet the new businesses and support them while they grow. And continue to build stronger relationships with existing business members and leaders in the community. What do you like most about volunteering with the Ambassadors? My favorite part about volunteering with the Ambassadors is doing the After Hours events. It is so fun to watch people network, socialize and build business connections. Plus I always like working the door because you get the chance to meet new people as they come in. Your favorite Ambassador story? I would have to say my favorite Ambassador story would be anytime I have been to the Pillars of Strength night. It is the best night of the year where Ambassadors along with many others are recognized for all of their dedication and hard work for the year. It is so rewarding to see your peers that you have volunteered with be honored that night. Other volunteer/organizations? Lower Columbia Professionals, vice president of the Cowlitz County Anti-Fraud Coalition, treasurer for Kelso Youth Baseball, Connect to Community committee for Cowlitz PUD *any other things I get asked to do cause I am a yes girl… LOL Tell us about your family. I have one 8-year-old son named Logan, who is very busy playing sports for most of the year. He plays Kelso youth football, basketball and baseball. Logan attends Wallace and is in third grade. My fiancé Michael works at NW Hardwoods and is always busy helping me volunteer at events I sign him up for. I also have three dogs and a turtle that we call our fourlegged children. What is something most people do not know about you? Most people know everything about me. I am a pretty open book. I guess if I had to say one thing I would say volunteering started at an early age for me. My grandparents were very involved in the Masons and Shriners. So when I was young I was a Rainbow girl for the Masons. And always helped my grandpa decorate the Shriners’ float for the daffodil parade in Tacoma every year. What do you like to do for fun? For fun I love to watch the
Seahawks win, go fishing and spend time with my family and friends barbecuing and having many laughs. Favorite snack? Hmm…. Anything chocolate or peanut butter for junk food. Healthy snack would be avocados, which is a new thing cause I did not like avocados until about six months ago. Your guilty pleasure? My guilty pleasure would be taking a little me time every two weeks and getting my nails done. 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.
eBill Sign up TODAY
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computer. tablet. phone. sign up today at 360.423.2210 or https://www.cowlitzpud.org/ebill
Kelso Longview Business Connection | January 2020 | 27
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Business After Hours Holiday Hoedown
Our annual Country Holiday Mixer took place in December at the Cowlitz County Event Center Floral Building. Food was provided by Hop-N-Grape; Corwin Beverage Company the drinks. Thank you to all our sponsors and the more than 200 guests who attended!
a Karen Clemenson was a winner. b Joelle Wilson and Kelly Gooding manned the bar. c Poinsettia winner Leah Green. d CloudShine provided the amazing music. e Carey Mackey took home a wreath. f Marlene Johanson and Mrs. Moriarty. g Specialty Rents & Events decorated beautifully.
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The Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce would like to THANK the following loyal members for renewing their partnership with us this January. American Medical Response B & M Heating A/C Inc Beacon Hill Sewer District Canterbury Gardens Canterbury Park CCS City of Kelso City of Longview Costco Wholesale–Warrenton Cowlitz County Cowlitz County Title Dorothy Bain Hanson Emerald Kalama Chemical Express Employment Professionals (1956) Koelsch Senior Communities L.G. Isaacson Company Longview Memorial Park, Funeral Home & Crematory Lower Columbia College Miller Paint Pacific Tech Construction, Inc. Port of Longview Rodman Realty, Inc. Steel Painters/Railco Tent City Rentals/M&M Productions The Golden Palace The Red Hat Three Rivers Eye Care U.S. Senator Patty Murray Walstead Mertsching PS Watkins Tractor & Supply Company WestRock
30 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | January 2020
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Your Chamber Connection EVERY Wednesday on KEDO 1400AM
Join our hosts Carey Mackey, Red Canoe Credit Union; Karen Sisson, Stewart Title; Shawn Green, ServPro Longview/Kelso and Marc Silva, Columbia Bank for local guests and current events. Would you like an opportunity to be on Your Chamber Connection? Contact Bill or Amy at the Chamber 360-423-8400.
a Jamie Hegstad and Larry Fox with Stageworks promoting The Broken Badge. b Freedom Market's Shane Shaw stopped by to chat.
Stream Your Chamber Connection live at www.kedoam.com
Longview Library Events It’s back! Free movie night with popcorn at the library Longview Public Library is excited to welcome everyone back to Family Movies at the Library. Join in the fun every fourth Tuesday of the month for Tuesday Movie Night. Great movies will be shown inside the library through May, and then out on the llibrary lawn in partnership with Longview Parks and Recreation starting in June. The next big feature will be shown in the Longview library auditorium January 28 at 6 p.m. We can’t tell you the name of the movie, but if you like Bruce Springsteen and movies about the ‘80s, you will enjoy this one. Check the library website (longviewlibrary.org) or Facebook page for more details. Did someone say delicious popcorn? We will have that, too. Space is limited and seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Children must be accompanied by an adult and cannot be left unattended. Auditorium doors will open at 5:45 p.m. and the movie will start at 6 p.m. Bring your friends and family and have a fun time at the
Longview Public Library. The Friends of the Longview Library sponsor this program. For more information, contact Elizabeth Partridge at 360-442-5321 or Daniel Tate at 360-442-5307, or log on to www.longviewlibrary.org.
Makinster featured artist for January's Koth Memorial Gallery display The Koth Memorial Gallery at Longview Public Library will be showing artwork by Jerome Makinster from January 10-31. There will be a public reception for the show January 11 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the Koth Memorial Gallery. Contact Daniel at Longview Public Library at 360-442-5307 for more information about the Koth Memorial Gallery at Longview Public Library.
Your Locally Owned and Operated Community Bank • Checking, Savings and CDs • Business Loans • Construction Loans • SBA Loans 729 Vandercook Way, Longview
(360) 414-4101 www.twincitybank.com
There’s a Difference. Kelso Longview Business Connection | January 2020 | 29
Quarterly Membership Meeting Planning for future airport growth
Southwest Washington Regional Airport Manager Chris Paolini spoke about the future of our local airport December 6 at the Kelso Elks Lodge. Paolini presented the airport's position to support growth and economic development to a full house, and also talked about advances in aviation technology. Event sponsors included Foster Farms, Walstead Mertsching, Ecological Land Services, Gibbs & Olson, Millennium Bulk Terminals, Lower Columbia Association of Realtors, Lower Columbia Contractors Association and the Port of Longview.
Longview is home to one of the safest hospitals in America.
PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center has earned an “A” from the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade. Thanks to the caregivers and providers who made this possible through their meaningful contributions to the delivery of safe, compassionate care every day.
The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is an elite designation from The Leapfrog Group, a national, independent watchdog that sets the highest standards for patient safety in the United States.
Learn more about PeaceHealth’s commitment to safety at peacehealth.org/patient-safety-and-quality
30 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | January 2020