June 2019 Business Connections by Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce

June

2019

Business Connection

Volume 11, Issue 6

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce

Frank McShane with Square Peg Consulting kicked off the current Boot Camp series May 17 with the topic Situational Leadership. McShane's column on Situational Leadership is on Page 8

Leadership Series Bringing Big Numbers to the Table

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Team Bill Marcum, CEO Amy Hallock Project Manager Pam Fierst Office Manager Joelle Wilson Social Media Services

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

ike the military training it’s named after, the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce’s Boot Camp is brief and intense. Each six-week course delivers a punch of common-sense business advice from local, regional and state experts. With three classes remaining in the current leadership series, the participation numbers have blown CEO Bill Marcum away. “Years ago there used to be a Leadership Academy,” Marcum said. “I have been asked about it several times, so this year I decided to add leadership as a series of Boot Camp. Wow, I did not expect this much interest. We have over 40 people attending each of the sessions.” For those who subscribe to FOMO (fear of missing out), fear not, there’s still time to catch: • Former Kelso Mayor and Futcher Group managing partner and CPA David Futcher who will walk participants through Leadership Strategies June 7.

• Bill Chapman, principal of Shepherds Hill and former Millennium Bulk Terminals CEO, who will present Building Leaders From Within the Organization June 14. • Renée Sunde, president and CEO of Washington Retail Association, who closes out the series speaking on Women in Leadership June 21. “I think we have a very strong group of facilitators, who so far have provided excellent information to the group,” Marcum said. He feels particularly fortunate to be able to bring Sunde to Longview to speak to the timely topic of women in business. “As I was putting the facilitators and topics together I was at a board meeting and a discussion started about the differences a women has in leading a company versus a man,” Marcum said. “Over the next few days I asked several women in leadership roles and each said yes, it is much different.” Women in Leadership became a topic. For more Boot Camp, see page 3

2019 Small Business

BOOT CAMP 2019 Series continues Friday, May 17 Friday Mornings ★ Lower Columbia College

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LEADERSHIP six pack

May 31 May 24 Building Organizational Motivating yourself Culture and Others Chris Bailey, LCC President

May 17 Situational Leadership Frank McShane Square Peg Consulting

June 21 Women in Leadership, Renée Sunde Washington Retail Association

June 14 Building Leaders from within the Organization Bill Chapman, Principal Shepherds Hill, LLC

June 7 Leadership Strategies David Futcher Futcher Group

No pricing change since 2013!

100 Members

★ $160 Non-Members Sponsored by:

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www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

Boot Camp, continued from page 1 In the seven years since Marcum and Lower Columbia College President Chris Bailey dreamed up Boot Camp the Chamber has hosted three series a year for 144 total classes (counting bonus courses) reaching hundreds of local business members. Their dream was designed as an affordable educational program to fill the post ribbon-cutting void with tools and tips to keep others’, specifically new business owners, dreams running. Each class is designed with information business leaders can implement as soon as they get back to the office from experts in areas like human resources, finance, marketing, sales, security and technology. Courses have covered the nuances of reading profit and loss summaries to how the state’s legalization of marijuana will impact business. The six-pack price hasn’t changed since 2013. Each series costs Chamber members $100 and nonmembers $160. Each registrant is

encouraged to Join Us bring a friend, Fridays, 7:30-9am spouse or busiLower Columbia College ness employee Register at: www.kelsolongviewchamber.org for free. Classes More information: See Page 2 are also offered individually, $25 each for members and $35 for nonmembers. “Several companies have sent multiple people who they see as potential mangers and department heads for the future of their company,” Marcum said. Coming up: Social media and employee retention are two of the six topics planned for the next series.

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(360) 423-5220 Longview www.walstead.com June 2019 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 3

Cowlitz County Commissioners By Arne Mortensen

The Cost of Solving Homelessness

Many years ago, while I was a graduate student, my wife and I visited my in-laws in Payson, Ariz. While I had plans to just remain idle, they had plans to show me historical areas in the vicinity. I owe them thanks for that because they showed me another part of Americana that mostly remains unseen. It is the America of liberty…and, yes, the tribulations of carving a life in a wilderness. Among others, I was enthralled by the copper mines of Jerome, fascinated by Montezuma’s Well, and directly impacted by Zane Grey’s cabin…all of these seemed to be in the middle of nowhere. Someday I will go back to see what still fits my memory, but for now, let me tell you how this bears on our current state of the county. Today we struggle with a problem of homelessness in the county. A red flag of political correctness immediately strikes us, as we note that “being homeless” is now described as “experiencing homelessness,” as if some irresistible, beyond human control, external force has taken over. It is hard to tell what it is that we, citizens, would do if we were permitted to handle the situation without external “guidance.” What once was a modest document-recording fee (~$5); now is $99, or did it go up again? That money goes to the state, which then takes its cut and reallocates it to the county for use on programs under their detailed prescription, to combat homelessness. We can refuse the money, in which case, the state keeps the money and uses it for their purposes on homelessness. I suspect that would be worse use of our money, but maybe refusing to play their game would be better for us? You’ve all heard the arguments to justify the current approach. No one can challenge the facts; they are what they are. One fact is that the problem has grown, even as growing amounts of private and taxpayer money is spent on the problem. A rational person would

have to question the method (not the intent) of the approach. Let’s assume that the current approach is the solution: Why will no one answer the question of “what is the maximum amount of money that Cowlitz County citizens are willing to pay to solve the problem?” Is it because the answer is too scary and unbounded because there is no solution under the current approach? If I use the $100,000/ year spent by Seattle on the homeless, and I use the data reported by various entities in Cowlitz County (~500, arguably), I come up with approximately $1,900 per year per family of four in Cowlitz County. I sincerely doubt that our citizens are willing to spend that kind of money. Do they even have it? Back to Americana: I’m afraid I have run out of space so I must be brief to a fault. From looking at a glass enclosed handwritten manuscript of Zane Grey, I learned that he did not just write; he rewrote and rewrote. The manuscript looked like a chicken with inked feet had its way upon it. Yet, when I buy his book, I get a cleaned-up copy. What if we were willing to revise our policies! We are stuck in a rut of deep and wide proportions by our inability to focus on outcome, which many entangle with assessment of motivations. “Government has three primary functions. It should provide for military defense of the nation. It should enforce contracts between individuals. It should protect citizens from crimes against themselves or their property. When government – in pursuit of good intentions tries to rearrange the economy, legislate morality, or help special interests, the cost come in inefficiency, lack of motivation, and loss of freedom. Government should be a referee, not an active player.” – Milton Friedman

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Frank Panarra, President

Ken Botero Longview City Council

Bruce Pollock Bicoastal Media

Bianca Lemmons, President Elect Cowlitz County Title

Bob Crisman Gallery of Diamonds

Tom Rozwod NORPAC

Chris Roewe, Vice President Woodford Commercial Real Estate

Rich Gushman Gibbs & Olson

Ted Sprague Cowlitz Economic Development Council

Neil Zick, Treasurer Twin City Bank

Marlene Johanson Red Canoe Credit Union

Lisa Straughan Express Employment Professionals

Michael Claxton, Legal Counsel

Wendy Kosloski Teague's Interiors

Michael Vorse Minuteman Press

Foster Farms

Walstead Mertsching

Nick Lemiere, Executive Board Edward Jones

Nancy Malone Mayor of Kelso Cherelle Montanye St. John/PeaceHealth

4 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | June 2019

Dennis Weber Cowlitz County Commissioner

Discover!

www.portofkalama.com

Did you know the Port collaborates to educate students on local careers? Did you know that businesses at the Port of Kalama employ more than 1,100 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 Through work at the Kalama Career Fair and ongoing engagement of Port businesses in educational programs, the Port of Kalama continues to build close relationships between students, the faculty of Kalama Schools and the Port’s business community. “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. “We want to help create a balanced opportunity for students to learn about a range of careers and business opportunities—there are amazing jobs right here and businesses that offer world-class advantages in Kalama.” One eager Port business partner and Career Fair participant is Rob Rich, vice president of marine services at Shaver Transportation. “I want students to know what is expected of them when they seek a job—they need a high school education, they need to demonstrate that they are capable of learning and that they can take direction,” says Rich. “And I’d encourage other Port businesses to join us—it’s so important to reach out to these kids while they are in high school to offer them job exposure and help them to discover their passion. It’s the best time to help them along their life career path.”

https://portofkalama.com/discover-the-portcollaborates-with-schools-and-businesses-toeducate-students-on-career-opportunities-righthere-at-home/

Chamber CEO’s Message By Bill Marcum

Award Ceremony Was a Night For Shining Stars and Good Apples It was a great night for business and educators in Kelso and Longview May 1. We had more than 260 people attend the Pillars of Strength and Crystal Apple Awards. What makes this night so special is having a room filled with people who give 100 percent to their jobs, business, friends, neighbors and these two communities. The cheers as nominees were announced and the roar of the ovation when the winners were announced was deafening. I did not think it could get better than last year and yet it was. For the first time in three years we were back at the Cowlitz County Event Center. Mike Randall and his staff did an excellent job of setting up the venue. Mike Casetta with Summerland Catering provided a wonderful, plated dinner and dessert. Chamber Project Manager Amy Hallock and her volunteer group did an amazing job of setting up the decorations, table linens and napkins all in a gray and lime green color scheme. It was a beautiful setting.

Teedara Garn and Kelly Godden battle for the Rising Star Award. Teedara won.

One of the most special parts of the evening is bringing up our scholarship winners and providing them with a certificate for $500 to $1,500 toward their continuing education next year. Six years ago the Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber’s Lower Columbia Professionals gave away three $750 scholarships. This year we gave away 16 scholarships totaling $26,000. Wow! It was awesome seeing our young people on stage and hearing about them and their future plans. To top off the evening we offered our centerpieces from Jansen Floral Effects to help raise funds for next year’s LCC Foundation donation. We raised $1,305 that night, enough for one LCC scholarship at next year’s event. Thank you to all who put money in the envelopes. We are off to a great start to hopefully provide even more scholarships next year. This event doesn’t happen without the help of sponsors to offset some of the expenses, pay for the students and their families to attend and help hold the cost down to our membership in attendance. We offer a huge thank you to: PeaceHealth, C’s Photography, KUKN/ KLOG/The WAVE, Red Canoe Credit Union, Davis and Associates, Gibbs and Olson, Express Employment, Interfor-Longview, Jansen

6 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | June 2019

Floral Effects, Nick Lemiere – Edward Jones, Foster Farms, Copies Today, Signature Transport, Bicoastal Media, Ecological Land Services, Specialty Rents, Teague’s Interiors, Cowlitz PUD, Copies Today and Lower Columbia College. I also need to give a big thank you to the Education Committee and chair Jill Diehl for all their hard work, long hours of poring over the nominees for the event, reviewing all the scholarship applications and narrowing them down to the winners... a very difficult thing to do, thank you all. Last and certainly not least a big thank you, way to go, GREAT JOB... all those things to Amy. It is one of our largest events and she coordinates attendees, nominees, winners, scholarship winners and their parents, the food, the venue and so much more. Thank you Amy... AWESOME JOB! And thank you, every one of the 260-plus who attend the event. Without each of you making a difference in our community, going the extra mile, doing that little extra in the classroom or in the boardroom we would not be the giving, generous communities we are today. So, again thank you.

Calendar Wednesday June 5 – 7:30-8:30am Ambassadors Meeting Columbia Bank Friday June 7 - 7:30-9am Business Bootcamp Leadership Strategies Lower Columbia College Monday June 10 – Noon Chamber Executive Board Mill City Grill Tuesday June 11 - 5:30-7:30pm Business After Hours Antidote Friday June 14 - 7:30-9am Business Bootcamp Building Leaders From Within the Organization Lower Columbia College Monday June 17 - 1pm Shotgun Start Chamber Golf Classic Three Rivers Golf Course Friday June 21 - 7:30-9am Business Bootcamp Woman in Leadership Lower Columbia College June 21 - 11:45am-1:30pm Quarterly Luncheon Legislative Wrap Up Cowlitz County Event Center Tuesday

Lower Columbia College By Chris Bailey President

LCC Offers Assistance Beyond Traditional Financial Aid There has been an increased focus on the financial needs of college students beyond tuition and books in recent months. Homelessness and food insecurity are just two of the pervasive financial issues affecting college students across the nation. At Lower Columbia College, there are a number of financial resources available for students beyond traditional financial aid. While these opportunities don’t solve all of our students’ financial woes, we believe that, collectively, they help a great deal. All LCC students (and employees) are provided with bus passes that allow them to ride for free on any RiverCities transit bus. Individuals taking advantage of the service just have to show their LCC identification card when boarding. LCC’s Food for Thought Food Pantry is located on the second floor of LCC’s Student Center. Hours are 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Students need their identification card and current class schedule to take advantage of this service, with no other questions asked. Nonperishable grocery items, grab-and-go snacks, and personal care items are available. Basic Food, Employment and Training (BFET) can assist students with basic food benefits and childcare. Offered in partnership with the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), LCC’s BFET Office is located in the Career and Employment Services Center in the Admissions Building. The Workfirst Program is offered in partnership with the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), and can help with

expenses related to tuition and fees, childcare, transportation and more. LCC’s Workfirst offices are located in the Admissions Center, ADC 140. Worker Retraining helps qualified dislocated and unemployed workers get additional training or start a new career, and can assist with tuition and fees, living expenses, etc. Interested parties can learn more in the Career and Employment Services Center in the Admissions Building. The Opportunity Grant Program can help unemployed or underemployed adults seeking a certificate or degree in a high demand field with college expenses including tuition and fees, books, and/or tools. More information is available online or in the Career and Employment Services Center in the Admissions Building. The Passport to College Promise Program helps eligible students from the foster care system by providing quarterly grants of up to $1,500. Interested parties can learn more about services for foster youth in the Career and Employment Services Center in the Admissions Building. Learn more about these special programs and services at lowercolumbia.edu/studentfinancial-help. Learn more about traditional financial aid at lowercolumbia.edu/financial-aid. Learn more about the vast number of scholarships available to LCC students at lowercolumbia.edu/scholarships. You can also get more information about how to donate to support student scholarships on this page.

June 25 - Noon Chamber Board Meeting Mill City Grill (Moved due to Chamber Golf June 17) Every Wednesday Chamber Connections KEDO/1400 AM or 99.1 FM 3-4pm Stream live at www.kedoam.com

June 2019 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 7

The Executive Corner By Frank McShane Square Peg Consulting

Navigate With Situational Leadership

Business challenges are always changing, some bigger and riskier than others: sales increases, cost reduction, new product or service introductions, big projects, etc. The ability of your people to handle those challenges also changes, depending on the experience level they have in dealing with such situations. Leadership is required to successfully navigate these opportunities, but the same approach may not work in each one. Skillful leaders learn to apply Situational Leadership for success.

What Makes Situations Different? Situations differ not only on the goal to be achieved, but also on the level of challenge or risk involved compared to the extent of experience your people have in handling that specific challenge. The diagram below uses sales increase versus business turnaround to illustrate different levels of risk, compared to increasing levels of experience from rookie to expert.

Why Situational Leadership? Here are some reasons for varying your leadership style to fit a specific situation: • There is no one size fits all approach.

Rookies at Business Turnarounds

Experienced at Business Turnarounds

Rookies at Increasing Sales

Experienced at Increasing Sales

Level of Challenge

• People give their level of effort voluntarily.

Low Low

• What works in one situation doesn’t work in the next.

Level of Experience

• You get better results. • You create more capable employees.

Matching Leadership Styles to the Situation: Different Leadership Styles: There are many models for different leadership styles. The one below is based on the degree of directive behavior (giving orders) that you apply compared to the degree of supportive behavior (teaching, encouragement) displayed:

Using our leadership styles model above, each style is matched to a different situation, from primarily directive (S1) for the inexperienced business turnaround, to directive / supportive coaching (S2) for experienced turnarounds, primarily supporting (S3) for lowerrisk inexperienced sales increases, and finally hands-off delegating (S4) for experienced sales increases. Hi

Experienced at Business Turnarounds

Rookies at Business Turnarounds

Level of

Challenge

Low

Rookies at Increasing Sales

Experienced at Increasing Sales

Low Level of

Experience

Key Takeaways: • Increase your own leadership self-awareness and flexibility. • Size up the situation first – level of challenge or risk to the business. • Assess the employee / team’s experience level to handle that specific situation. • Apply the leadership approach that fits the situation. • Focus on employee growth as much as results to increase future capability.

Residential & Commercial gro.n.control@gmail.com

8 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | June 2019

Frank McShane is president of Square Peg Consulting. For questions or comments, please contact him at fvm@SqrPegConsulting.com or 360-562-1077.

Premier Sponsor

Legislative Wrap Up Luncheon Friday, June 21, 2019 Cowlitz Conference Center 11:45 am - 1:30 pm

A $54 Billion dollar budget, repeal of the Out of State Tax exemption, a $4.5 Billion dollar surplus and more new taxes. This is your opportunity to hear from our Legislators about this past session, how they voted, what they supported, what the did not support and you will be able to get answers to those burning questions you have been wanting to ask. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss this opportunity.

$25 in Advance (by June 18th) $35 at the door.

Jim Walsh Representative 19th Legislative District

Brian Blake Representative 19th Legislative District

Gary Chandler VP Gov. Affairs Association of Washington Business

John Braun State Senator, 20th Legislative District

Dean Takko State Senator, 19th Legislative District

City of Kelso

City of Longview

By Councilman David Futcher

By City Councilman Ken Botero

Council's most important job Before I joined the Kelso council, I had a mistaken impression of their role. I thought the council ran the show and were the bosses of city staff. Based on interactions I’ve had the past 14 years, many of our constituents also believe that’s the case. Kelso, however, has a city manager whose responsibilities include personnel management. The manager hires, directs and manages staff, and the council – collectively, not individually – directs the manager. As a result, selecting the right person to be city manager is one of the most important jobs we councilmembers face. For nearly the last seven years, Kelso’s manager has been Steve Taylor. Steve has helped Kelso achieve financial success by reducing our costs and bringing in additional resources from the state, with the help of our legislative delegation. The list of achievements under Steve’s watch is long. One that comes to mind is the hard work he did to negotiate changes to our health insurance arrangements that saved the city more than a quarter million dollars each year, while still providing quality coverage to our staff. You’ve probably heard disparaging characterizations of “Cadillac” insurance plans provided for government employees, but Steve helped Kelso get solid coverage at a reasonable cost. That one effort more than covered his salary since he’s been with Kelso. Steve Taylor is moving to work for Cowlitz PUD in June, and the council now turns its attention to finding his replacement. While much has been made of an internal candidate who is certainly worth our consideration, the council is committed to looking for the best possible pool of candidates to ensure that Kelso has the right leader to continue the positive path we’re currently following. After all, it’s our most important job.

Why are you here in Longview? One question that keeps popping into my mind is: “Why am I here?” When I take a strong look at the beautiful community of Longview, with the positives that outnumber the negatives, I see a place I can be proud. Granted, we do have negative issues, as do other communities; however, we have an abundance of pride that comes from our residents and visitors that make us special. When we create community pride we notice the partnerships with our small businesses and of course those of larger stature within our community. Working together through these partnerships we build on trust, livability and quality of place for our families. Having served on our city council for several years, I look back at the progress we have seen in providing for our citizens and their families. Today we live in a very special place and we invite you to explore and participate with your families in the many attractions in our community. If you are interested in bringing your business or company to a positive community you only need to contact our Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce to realize a future here in Longview for you and your employees. Once here you will be very impressed with our history and the direction of our future. With the summer months here we offer many exciting events for all ages. There is also shopping in historic downtown Longview, theater productions, the symphony orchestra, the historic Monticello Hotel and the R.A. Long family park to enjoy. We are a community where you can stroll and enjoy the local neighborhoods and shopping mall, or if you are interested in exercise join in the many Longview Parks Department activities or play our challenging Mint Valley Golf Course. Lake Sacajawea offers many activities throughout the year. We can keep you busy and healthy. We can also provide you with outstanding education for your young families with eight elementary schools, three middle schools and two high schools, and to continue your education our award-winning Lower Columbia College. Your dream is here and we invite you to join us and find out as I did: “Why are you here?”

Congratulations to Kristy on your advancement to Jr. Escrow Officer!

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 10 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | June 2019

Kristy Norman joined Cowlitz County Title in 2013 as an Escrow Assistant. Kristy’s love for the industry, along with her knowledge and bubbly personality will provide for an exceptional experience to you and your clients. Please congratulate Kristy by directing your next transaction to her and see how “Service is the Difference” at Cowlitz County Title. 1159 14th Avenue, Longview, WA 98632 Phone: 360.423.5330 • Fax: 360.423.5932 • www.cowlitztitle.com

Workforce Southwest Washington By Alyssa Joyner Industry Initiatives Manager

Training Center Tours Give Students Firsthand Look at Careers In The Trades More than a dozen high school students from Longview and Kelso school districts got a firsthand look at training and career opportunities in the trades during a May 10 event organized by Workforce Southwest Washington (WSW), the local workforce development board for Clark, Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties. Two vanloads of Kelso School District students from welding, engineering/CAD, automotive and construction programs, accompanied by teachers and staff, joined students from Longview’s Mark Morris and R.A. Long high schools on the outing. The day began with Bridget Quinn, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 48’s workforce development coordinator and a journey-level electrician with 19 years of experience, touring the students and educators through the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)-IBEW training center, explaining the apprenticeship program and teaching the students how to wire a light switch. “I hope the tour was educational and left attendees with a better understanding of what we do in the Building Trades Apprenticeship Training world, said Mike Bridges, IBEW Local 48 business representative and WSW board member. “It truly is an amazing opportunity for folks who would like to get into a rewarding career and “earn while they learn.” A pizza lunch was followed by the students re-boarding their buses and traveling to the Labaorers' International Union of North America (LiUNA) Local 737 training center. After hearing about the benefits of being a laborers apprentice, watching new apprentices complete training and seeing the facility, Ivan Castille, Oregon South Idaho (OSI) laborers training representative, showed them different types of equipment, let them lift chains to get a sense of how heavy they were and demonstrated the radio language used by crane operators when delivering materials to a building site. It was a great opportunity for both students and instructors to see the trades in action. Kelso School District teacher Lance Ganieany commented that his students liked learning they have other options besides college. They said hearing apprentice information and what they do was helpful, educational and real life. Sam Kell, Career Technical Education (CTE) apprenticeship teacher at Mark Morris High School, said the event helped students see the different focus areas of training to be an electrician or laborer and that they see these as very valuable and lucrative careers that are accessible to them. Since the trip, one of Kell’s students was hired as a material handler with plans of starting an electrical apprenticeship at a local Longview company. “The future is looking good for skilled trade opportunities, Bridges said. “Between the work we have going on, work forecasted for the future, and the mass exodus of the baby boomer generation, we have a growing need in the trades that will continue for the next decade, at

least.” Even the educators came away with new information, including that “the benefits are out of this world and that the trades really take care of their people; the family-feel really came across in both presentations.” Several elected officials attended the event. Reps. Jim Walsh and Brian Blake and staff from the offices of U.S. Sens. Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray participated in the tours and spoke with the students.

Students lift chains used for moving materials

“Enabling today’s via crane during a tour of the LiUNA Local 737 young adults to make training center. choices about their education and careers based on exposure to a variety of options is key to developing the skilled workers construction and manufacturing businesses need,” said Kevin Perkey, Workforce Southwest Washington CEO. “WSW provides opportunities for our young adults to meet with and hear from companies and organizations involved in industries that provide family-sustaining wages and jobs with the potential for growth and advancement,” Perkey continued. “These connections help to develop the region’s workforce and contribute to the growth of our economy.” In addition to funding career and training programs for students who have not completed high school, Workforce Southwest Washington helps coordinate events for businesses to engage with their future workforce by providing hands-on career exploration activities that help students learn about job and career options and training opportunities. Businesses can gain much by participating in activities involving young adults. It’s a great opportunity to invest in your future workforce! Contact me to discuss ways your business can get involved with our community’s young adults and help shape your future workforce. Alyssa Joyner is the Industry Initiatives Manager at Workforce Southwest Washington. Reach her at ajoyner@workforcesw.org or 360-567-1076. June 2019 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 11

Our Current Project

Renaud Electic is moving into the Searing Building. They have hired Mountain View Commercial Contracting to do all the improvements. Searing closed its doors after nearly 50 years and another long time Longview business, Renaud Electric, is moving from its location of more than 55 years to the Searing location. Mountain View Commercial Contracting is doing all the construction necessary to make that transition a smooth one.

Our Services

• ADA Compliance Surveys • Construction Documents • Specifications • Value Engineering • Construction Planning • Build Site Analysis • Design Build • Site Research

• Ground Up Construction • Tenant Improvement • Cost Estimating • Site Development • Remodeling • Space Planning • Program Management • Building Master Planning

We love what we do!

Our builders come to work smiling and ready to build your dream. They have a passion for their work and are qualified to build your design.

Dan Frazier Owner

Licensed & Bonded

360-749-3107 mtvcontracting.com 199 Rocky Point Road, Kelso WA 98626 MOUNTVC853D6

Business Toolbox By Jerry D. Petrick Certified Business Adviser

Looking at Your Income Statement in a New Way – What's Your Constribution Margin? We have been looking at the profitability of your business in terms of cash flow and how components such as inventory and accounts receivable impact your overall business. In this article we will look at your income statement in a new way that gives you the ability to understand and manage your business in a more informed and profitable way. This topic may feel theoretical or hypothetical to you at this stage of your business ownership career. I want to encourage you to try looking at your business through some of the follow ideas/steps/tools and see what you may learn. Look at the Income Statement in the Standard Way Standard Income Statement Sales

- COGS

= Gross Profit

- Operating Expenses

= Net Profit

The example above should look very familiar – now we will look at your income statement in a new way. To do this I want to introduce some terms that don’t typically appear on your financial statements; these terms will provide you more of an understanding and insight as to how costs actually behave in your business.

Management Income Statement Sales

-Variable Costs

= Contribution Margin (Amount left to cover fixed costs and profit)

-Fixed Costs

=Break-Even Here is a simple example: Jerry’s Pen Company Pens Sell for $1.00 each Pens cost $0.50 each Commissions $0.10 paid on each pen sold Variable costs $0.60 per pen Variable cost % = 60% (selling price/variable cost) If I sell pens for $1.00 Pens cost me 0.50 I pay commissions of 0.10 per pen My variable costs are 0.60 per pen

How do costs behave?

Fixed Costs: Don’t change based on sales

Examples of Fixed Costs:

• Rent/lease

• Fire insurance

• Internet

• Salaries

Variable Costs: Change in proportion to sales

Examples of Variable Costs:

• Freight

• COGS

• Direct Labor

• Commissions

Looking at the Income Statement in a NEW WAY

I have $0.40 left to cover fixed costs and profit This is called the CONTRIBUTION MARGIN (the amount each sale is ‘contributing’ to cover fixed costs and profits). In this case the Contribution Margin is 40% as a percentage of sales. I want to know…If my fixed costs = $800,000 how much in sales do I need to break-even? Fixed costs = $800,000, Contribution Margin = .40 (40%) Break-Even = Fixed Costs/Contribution Margin = $800,000/.40 = $2,000,000 I need to have sales of $2,000,000 to break-even based on my fixed costs of $800,000 for the year. This is VERY important for you to understand to know your break-even sales number (which includes profits)! For more Petrick, see page 15 June 2019 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 13

Kelso School District

Longview Public Schools

Superintendent Mary Beth Tack

Superintendent Dan Zorn

An education in high school arts The research around the value of arts in education is tremendous. Study after study shows that not only does studying art and music improve creativity, social development, and self-worth, but it also improves skills in math and reading. Studies also show students who study art are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement and three times more likely to be awarded for school attendance. We’re proud to say that the arts are alive and well in our district; and especially at Kelso High School. The robust program there has 10 passionate instructors that, combined, teach 24 classes. The high school has 12 art classes, 10 music classes, and two theater classes. For students, that means there’s a lot of opportunity for personal expression, growth, development, and leadership skill building. With fine arts options that include illustration, painting, ceramics, photography and spirit art, the magnitude of creative work moving through the school each year is impressive. On average, 2,700 ceramic pieces are fired in the high school’s kiln, and more than 100 pieces of art are framed for the Spring Art Show, alone. Five pieces of art from Kelso High students have been hung in the U.S. Capitol after winning first place in the annual Congressional Art Competition. Just this year, two of our students’ art placed second and third in our 3rd Congressional District and their art will be displayed in Congresswoman Herrera Beutler’s office for the next year. In addition to the 10 music classes we offer, there are three after-school bands. Kelso High music department has put on 64 performances this year. Of the 200 students enrolled in music classes, 30 of them are in leadership positions, 29 competed at the state level, five made all-state honor groups, and another 16 are part of other honor bands. Between the two theater classes and the after-school Theatre Club, that department put on five theatrical shows this year and will have done nine fundraisers to support those productions. Thirteen of their students are active members in the International Thespian Society, and 16 more are eligible for induction, which takes place at the end of the year. All of this makes for a richer, more fulfilling education for our students. It also helps them stay in school and go on to pursue higher education. According to the National Endowment for the Arts, students who had intensive arts experiences in high school were three times more likely than students who lacked those experiences to earn a bachelor’s degree. They also were more likely to earn “mostly As” in college. With our mission of preparing every student for living, learning and achieving success as a citizen of our changing world, we will continue to offer a hearty arts program for Kelso kids. 14 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | June 2019

Capital bond – We listened In November 2017, 58 percent of the community voted to pass a capital bond for Longview Public Schools. While 58 percent support is great, capital bonds require a 60 percent yes vote to pass. After the 2017 bond measure failed, we knew it was important to get back into the community to say “thank you for the support” and listen to why more folks did not vote for the bond. Since November 2017, we conducted 14 community input sessions about facilities to listen to the concerns and priorities of our community and staff. Additionally, we commissioned a scientific study and a digital Thoughtexchange survey to get more feedback from local residents. The community input sessions brought parents of students, parents of former students and homeowners together to discuss district facilities. People were very passionate during the input sessions, explaining their thoughts and how best to move forward for the good of the kids. What we learned is community support for Longview Schools is strong. The scientific study revealed 70 percent of local residents had at least some level of support for a bond of $115 million, which affirmed feedback from the input sessions. Five priorities emerged from the listening sessions starting with district wide safety and security. People want students and staff members to be safe at school, so the 2019 bond measure includes remodeling every school to include modern security elements and control access to buildings. The focus of these upgrades will include increased security at the entrances of each of our schools. The community wants the district to help kids be as work ready as possible by offering the best vocational/career technical programs in the area. The 2019 bond measure includes $8.4 million to remodel and expand vocational classrooms and work areas, while bringing all equipment and tools up to industry standards. The community understands the need to replace old, worn out school buildings. From this feedback, the school board voted to tear down the existing Northlake and Mint Valley elementary schools and build new, larger buildings. Building two larger elementary schools will allow the district to work with the community to update elementary and middle school boundaries and prepare for future population growth west of town. During the community listening sessions, people frequently indicated the importance of updating Memorial Stadium, installing artificial turf and a new track and upgrading the existing grandstand. The 2019 bond measure includes $7 million for Memorial Stadium sports complex to support boys and girls sports. Installing artificial turf will also allow for expanded year round usage of the field by our schools and community. School buildings are used extensively, with hundreds of kids running the halls by day and community groups using facilities in the evening. Wear and tear is predictably significant. Each school, with the support of our facilities department, compiled a list of large repair projects needed to extend the life of our existing facilities. These improvements are also included in the bond measure. If voters approve the bond, schools like For more Longview Schools, see page 15

Longview Schools, continued from page 14 Olympic Elementary will receive substantial upgrades and remodeling. Each school will get some large repairs completed. The result of listening for the past 18 months is a bond measure that we believe reflects the priorities of our community and benefits every school in the district. If you have questions or want more information about the November 2019 bond request, please contact me. I would be happy to meet you individually or talk to any group. Thank you for supporting Longview Public Schools.

Petrick, continued from page 13 BREAK-EVEN WORKSHEET: DOLLAR BASIS Step 1: Classify Your Costs Using your most recent income statements classify all costs as either FIXED or VARIABLE then total each category (planned profit should be treated as a FIXED cost – if you are in doubt about an expense treat it as fixed to be most conservative).

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Actual Total Sales

= $ _______________________

Total Variable Costs

= $ _______________________

Total Fixed Costs

= $ _______________________

Step 2: Calculate Variable Cost % “For every $1 of sales, what percent goes away to variable costs?” Variable Cost % = Total Variable Costs/Actual Total Sales = ______ % Step 3: Calculate Contribution Margin “For every $1 of sales (after paying for variable costs), what percent is left to cover fixed costs…plus any targeted profit?” 100% Variable Cost Percentage = 100% - _______ % = ________ % Step 4: Calculate Break-Even Sales “How many ‘cents-es’ does it take to cover your fixed costs?” Break-Even Sales = Total Fixed Costs/Contribution Margin % = $ ___ Step 5: Check Your Calculations “Does the sales level you figured actually break-even or give you the profits your targeted?” Break-Even Sales _______________ (minus) Variable Costs* - _______________

(equals) (minus) (equals)

Contribution $$ = Fixed Costs New Profit =

_______________ _______________ _______________

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*Compute this figure by multiplying Break-Even (above) by the Variable Cost Percent in Step 2. Once you have taken this look at your income statements you will have a new understanding of the dynamics of your costs as they impact your ability to generate profits. I hope you take a fresh approach to managing your finances and learn some new distinctions of how you can improve the performance of your business. This article was prepared by Jerry Petrick, MBA, and Certified Business Adviser with the Washington State University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Longview. Jerry provides nocost, confidential business advisory services by appointment. He can be reached via email jerry.petrick@wsbdc.org June 2019 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 15

By Chuck Nau Retail Consultant and Sales and Managment Trainier – Murray & Nau, Inc.

Negotiating in These Tough Times

Negotiating, or the simple art of working with another to reach an agreement, is often challenging in good times. Layer on top of that challenge a tough economic environment, and it’s easy to understand how troublesome seeking resolution, compromise or agreement with another can become. Very often in your selling and managing career you are called upon to negotiate, and that alone may cause you a certain amount of anxiety. More often than not, many of us might anticipate that any and all negotiations are difficult situations... To help diffuse your anxiety, minimize some of the consternation, and strengthen your confidence, remind yourself that in negotiating, your objective is not to win or lose at the expense of the other. Don’t look at the negotiation as a problem, but rather an opportunity to excel! Your objective is to seize the opportunity to build a bridge and establish, or reestablish, a relationship, with your client, a vendor, a coworker or a friend. As you approach your client, a vendor, a coworker or a friend in a negotiating mode, consider, if you will, the following... • Be Prepared. Prior to meeting with your client, coworker or a friend make every attempt possible in a timely fashion to learn all you can regarding the current situation and any prior contributing factors. Think through your options, objectives and goals in relation to the current circumstances. What would you like to do? What can you do? Initially begin to prioritize some of your options. • Set the Parameters. At the outset, work to establish open and honest communication between all the involved parties, strive to develop trust, and remember that in order to gather information you need to LISTEN. Don’t tell...rather, ask questions. Be sure that individuals you are negotiating with are able and willing to make any necessary decisions. • Don’t Delay. Procrastinating or putting off the negotiations ‘til tomorrow may not be in ALL of the parties’ best interest. Then again, allowing all parties time to let the emotions subside may, indeed, be of benefit. The key is to communicate in a timely fashion, set a resolution timetable, and be faithful to it. • Take the Initiative. Be empathetic. Demonstrate, to ALL individuals involved, that you and your small business have a course of action in place to meet and resolve some, if not all, of the parties’ key issues. Be willing to acknowledge an error, but don't nec16 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | June 2019

essarily apologize, and be prepared to articulate what steps you will take to prevent its reoccurrence. • Go or No Go. At what point will you feel it necessary to stop the negotiations or bring in additional support or decision makers? If this situation develops, what would be your next step and will it jeopardize not only the current situation but also your future relationship with this advertiser, coworker or a friend? • Walk Softly. Don’t be concerned with how fast you are moving toward a compromise, rather be sure you are headed in the right direction. Small compromises along the way may build to an acceptable overall solution. • Thank You. Express your appreciation to the client, vendor, coworker or friend for bringing this, and possibly other (or past) situations to your attention. • Call Back. After an agreement has been reached, touch bases with your client, vendor, coworker or friend to see if their expectations or understandings were met, continue to reinforce your resolution and the value you (and your business) place on the relationship with that client, vendor, coworker or a friend? • Re-establish Your Relationship and Marketing Partnership. Working through a successful compromise and establishing common goals now will help you reestablish and strengthen a future long term relationship and partnership. Last but not least, remember, again, that in negotiating, your objective is not to win or lose, at the expense of the other. Simply put, it’s the simple art of working with another to reach an agreement, a compromise, a first step forward. Good luck!

© Murray & Nau, Inc. Chuck Nau of Murray and 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 June be directed to Chuck via email: murnau@nwlink.com or at 425-603-0984.

2019

Monday, June 17, 2019 1 pm Shotgun Thank you John Paul for this great photo. Lessons included.

Make your Reservations Early! Early Entry Fee $500 per Team of 4 (Price goes to $600 on June 3rd) $125 per Individual ($150 after June 3rd) Includes: Lunch, driving range, $5,000 putting contest, awards ceremony, steak dinner, 18 holes of fellowship, $10,000 hole-in-one opportunity, a great tee prize and two carts per team. We will give you a call the first week of June to secure the people playing on your team. Register at www.kelsolongviewchamber.org or call the Chamber 360-423-8400

Cowlitz Wahkiakum Council of Governments By Bill Fashing Executive Director

Transportation Safety Planning Continues The Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Government (CWCOG) is in its third year of safety performance measures 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 accidents on our road system. The CWCOG will be working with both Oregon and Washington in this effort as our metro area is bi-state and includes Rainier, Ore.; 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

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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 five-year running average number of fatalities on our road system was 510.0 in 2018. This is up by 60.0 from the 2014 number. Planning efforts will be focused on employing changes directed at moving this number toward zero. In the Longview/ Kelso area we have seen a five-year average of 3.2 fatalities up 0.6 fatalities since 2014. Part of the performance standards process will also include a target for non-motorist fatalities and serious injuries. The local statistics for non-motorist fatalities and serious injuries show an upward trend from 4.3 in 2014 to 6.6 in 2018. A portfolio on Washington Safety Performance can be found on the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) website. Explore the website for more information on how you can assist in making our roads safer one person at a time. June is national safety month and you will hopefully see a variety of 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 still underway on the impacts of legalized marijuana use and on the impacts of phone usage while driving but both are playing a role in the increasing number of fatalities in the region and in the state of Washington. We may never eliminate roadway fatalities, or even serious injury accidents, but efforts will continue to improve safety conditions in an attempt to create a downward trend. What can we do to make a difference? By far, the elimination of high-risk behavior will have the most immediate and lasting impact on roadway safety. Each of us need to be more aware of how our driving is impacted by the many distractions we have available in our vehicles. As we begin the summer months and we get out to enjoy the long-awaited sunshine, take time to put away our phones and deal with any possible distractions before taking off in your vehicle. We should also buckle up, slow down, and watch for motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians in an effort to help make progress toward target zero. It is up to each of us to do our part.

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Mind Your Own Business (at the Library) By Chris Skaugset Director – Longview Public Library

Kids and Adults Can Rocket Ahead With Summer Reading Programs It is almost June and with the month of June comes our Summer Reading program. The cooperative program involving nearly all of Cowlitz County libraries will begin when school gets out. Multiple studies have shown that children who continue to read during the summer break from school do not suffer as much of the “summer slide” when they return to school in the fall (well, almost fall). The “summer slide” occurs when children reach a certain point of learning by the end of the school year, but when they return for the next year, they have slid back to some point earlier in the curriculum. Keeping kids’ minds engaged during the summer is one great way to helping beat back the “summer slide.” This year’s Summer Reading program theme is a Universe of Stories and this space-themed program should be fun for kids of all ages. Especially this year as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing in July. In addition, due to some unexpected scheduling issues this past winter, the all-Cowlitz County adult reading program is taking place this summer instead of its usual winter. Children and adults can win prizes while keeping their brains active and engaged. Sign up starts on June 14 and story times and programs will begin the week after. For your reading pleasure, I have listed a few of our more recent space-related books from the sciences and science fiction. Come explore some of these and many, many more titles at your Longview Public Library. The first novel I have for you is critically acclaimed Jack Skillingstead’s latest, the wonderful “The Chaos Function”. Saving the love of her life with a piece of ancient technology and leading the world to its potential climax is just part of this great book. Frenetic pacing, drama, suspense and a compellingly realistic main character adds up to a great summer read filled with time travel, dystopian futures, big scientific ideas and philosophical debates on what it all means. The next one is “The City in the Middle of the Night” by Charlie Jane Anders. Already considered one of the best books of 2019, Nebula award winner Anders takes readers to the distant future where humankind has left earth and find themselves colonizing a barely inhabitable planet just trying to survive. Incredible world building and emotional richness (ala Ursula le Guin) make this a great novel not just a great science fiction novel. “The Dreamers” by Karen Thompson Walker is another wonderful work that straddles the line between science fiction and reality.

20 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | June 2019

When people in an isolated college town begin falling asleep and not waking up, their brain’s show a heightened level of activity never seen before, but exactly what are their brain’s dreaming about? This is the premise Walker’s brilliant, and beautifully written, second book (“All the Birds in the Sky”) that leaves the reader wondering what she will write next. “We choose to go to the Moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard; because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one we intend to win.”—President John F. Kennedy As I mentioned before, this year is the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11’s history-making landing on the moon and while there are several books coming out this year in honor of the event, I wanted to bring your attention to a pair of them that I think you will find worth your while. The first is noted historian, and bestselling author, Douglas Brinkley’s “American Moonshot: John F. Kennedy and the Great Space Race”. Narrative nonfiction at its best, this book interweaves the scientific, political, and historical pieces of this amazing accomplishment into a fascinating tale of something incredibly wonderful that came out of The Cold War. The second book is “Shoot for the Moon: The Space Race and the Extraordinary Voyage of Apollo 11” by Jim Donovan. Another narrative joy, Donovan’s work not only explores the astronauts on this historic mission but the thousands of people behind the scenes who made this incredible event happen. Both works will not only tell you the great, often harrowing, story of humankind reaching the moon with exceptional detail but without losing the pure magic of the people and events. Finally, I have “Losing the Nobel Prize: A Story of Cosmology, Ambition, and the Perils of Science’s Highest Honor” by Brian Keating. The author, a noted cosmologist and inventor of the BICEP (Background Imaging of Cosmic Extragalactic Polarization) experiment, tells the inside story of the discovery and the scientific drama that followed. A fascinating account of what modern science has, at least in some ways, become and asks the question if the Nobel Prize is really the ultimate scientific achievement, or is it instead creating a scientific reality that leads to the exact opposite.

Longview and Kelso Downtowners By Lindsey Cope President

What is going on in downtown Longview?

Last year when the new board was elected to the Longview Downtowner’s we had a goal to increase engagement, membership, and awareness. I think that we can confidently say that though we still have work to do, there will always be work to be done, we accomplished those three goals.

Ashley Eckert – Realty One Pacifica Group, Secretary

Our paid membership increased from 10 to 50! Through events we increased business engagement and confidence in the direction we were going. We brought in many new faces and drastically increased our publicity through social media, positive relationships with media and being consistent. Everyone on the 2018-19 board also has had some training in relationship to nonprofit organizations, leadership and succession planning. Using our combined experience and knowledge we were able to make organizational changes that will encourage continuity of events and goals, implement succession planning, and set us up for future opportunities such as grants. I am proud of the work we have done and am thrilled to kick off the fiscal year with double the board members, more new members, and once in a lifetime opportunity with The Great Race!

Wendy Kosloski – Teague’s Interiors, Director

Please welcome our 2019-20 Board of Directors: Lindsey Cope – Cowlitz Economic Development Council, President Marc Silva – Columbia Bank, Vice President

Lorie Bickar – Heritage Bank, Treasurer Lonnie Knowles – Community Supporter and Consultant, Director Pat Palmer – Copies Today/Speedy Litho, Director Michelle Philbrook – Posh on Commerce, Director Janel Kolbo – J Squared Barrel House, Director Karen Sisson – Stewart Title, Director Josh Carter – KUKN/KLOG/THE WAVE, Director Don’t miss out on our “First Thirstday” event on June 6. Many downtown businesses will be open until 8 p.m. with sales, raffles, promotions and partnerships with other businesses. The ladies at the Tibbetts Mercantile are spearheading this event. You can learn more on Facebook @downtownlongviewwa. The 2019-20 Longview Downtowner’s Board of Directors are working diligently with Columbia River Corvette Club’s Bow Tie Bash Car Show, all the downtown businesses, the City of Longview, our sponsors and more on our first event of the fiscal year, “A Great Day Downtown” featuring The Great Race! Don’t miss out on this jam-packed day of fun in downtown Longview! 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Columbia River Corvette’s Annual Bow Tie Bash Car Show on Commerce and more. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Longview Downtowners Pop-up Market inside Realty One Pacifica Group Longview Downtowners Shop Local Sales/Promotions/Raffles and More – Downtown Businesses 11:50 a.m.

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The Great Race – Racers begin to arrive Noon – 7 p.m. J Squared Barrel House/Longview Downtowners Beer Garden 1 - 3 p.m. Free Family Movie “Cars” at the Roxy Theater – parental supervision required. 2:50 p.m. Last “Great Race” car leaves Commerce Avenue 3:15 p.m. (approximately) Columbia River Corvette’s Bow Tie Bash Awards 4 - 6 p.m. Free Family Movie “Cars” at the Roxy Theater – parental supervision required. June 2019 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 21

Summer of Fun 2019! Columbia Theatre’s first Artist Residency!

HalCyon sHows

aerial arTiSTS and aCrobaTS

6 Performances • 3 Classes • Open Rehearsals

6 PERFORMANCES

Join us for the all-new, first-ever Summer of Fun at the Columbia Theatre!

The chiller is in and the fun is about to begin!

all at 7:00 p.m. Tickets $30 • Friday, July 19th • Saturday, July 20th • Friday, July 26th • Saturday, July 27th • Friday, August 2nd • Saturday, August 3rd

A Portland-based live karaoke band:

KaraoKe from Hell We play, you Sing!

offering hundreds of songs to choose from. Saturday, August 10th 7:30 p.m. for teens and adults $20.

3 OPEN REHEARSALS all 1:00 p.m. -2:00 p.m. free admission • Thursday, July 18th • Thursday, July 25th • Thursday, August 1st

3 CLASSES Aerial, Handstands & Flexibility Halcyon Shows, which brought the high flying aerial arts show “Aureum” last season are back to teach you how it’s done! Open to all skill levels. Classes divided into three age groups ranging from ages 6 to 18 starting July 1st. Limited spots available. Call for more info. $120 for 4 classes

Missoula Children’s Theatre:

Gulliver’s Travels

Summer TheaTre WorkShop for kidS

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Comedy CompeTiTion Starring “Tonight Show’s” kelsey Cook, comedian past winner kermit apio, and special guests. Friday, August 16th 7:30 p.m. for adults $35. Join us the night before “Squirrel Fest” for a load of laughs!

June 24th-29th • 60 kids, 6 days, a whole lot of fun! Auditions on Monday June, 24th, 9:30 a.m. • Call for more info.

for more info (360) 575-TiXX • www.ColumbiaTHeaTre.Com

Wellness in the Workplace By Susie Griffin Corporate and Personal Health Services

Boost Employee Job Satisfaction Scores, Naturally We celebrate the longest day of this year and the kickoff to summer on June 21. Residents of Cowlitz County will be exposed to more than 15 hours of daylight on that Summer Solstice day, supporting the opportunity to venture outdoors. This adventure outside and exposure to nature and its natural elements has been shown through numerous studies and research articles to boost (common sensibly) mental, physical and emotional health. One study involved more than 444 employees across the United States and India. The study focused on full-time employees, working a 40-hour workweek. While the participants shared the commonality of workweek hours, they represented a diversity in age, gender and industry environments. The study found that “natural elements and sunlight exposure related positively to job satisfaction and organizational commitment, and negatively to depressed mood and anxiety”1. Natural elements were considered to consist of either nature directly visible through windows, nature scenes of pictures on walls or as screensavers or immersion in natural settings. Direct sunlight exposure included the participants being outside and indirect sunlight exposure consisted of being near windows with natural sunlight. Direct sunlight exposure, stimulating vitamin D synthesis and the resulting positive impact on health, is not an unknown relationship. Especially important and relevant to residents in southwest Washington, direct sunlight exposure is reduced in the winter months due to overcast skies and rain. This reduction of vitamin D production can negatively affect the body’s immune system, calcium homeostasis and inflammatory response regulation.2 Direct sunlight also influences the sleep-wake cycle or circadian rhythm. Reducing sleep quality has been shown to negatively impact an employee’s mental ability to focus and pay attention.3 Reduction in sleep quality also influences an employee’s physical capacity, diminishing vitality. However, on the positive side, direct and indirect sunlight influences the production of serotonin, the neurotransmitter that affects mood. Bright sunlight positively influences alertness by triggering endocrine and neurophysiological responses in the brain.4 Potentially, the lack of exposure to natural elements and sunlight, either direct or indirect, in the work environment can play a role in how the employees rate their stress levels at work. Unmanaged stress levels can contribute to stress-related illnesses such as depression, hypertension, anxiety, and musculoskeletal problems. Implementing healthier organizational practices such as flexible work schedules, leveraging existing stress-reduction resources like EAP (Employee Assistance Program) and creating new stress-reduction resources such as movement and relaxation options, can help positively affect

employee’s stress responses and overall employee health. However, when organizations implement strategies to improve the quality of the work environment (air, light, sound, space), the opportunity for improved employee health increases. Advocating for increased employee access to natural elements and sunlight exposure is an example of an easy implementation strategy. Taking walking breaks outside, or inside alongside windows, holding business meetings in room with windows, staging live plants and fresh flowers in workspaces, and scheduling walking meetings are examples of increased exposure to natural elements. Increasing employee awareness of these health benefits through organizational communication streams as well as increasing support of employee engagement through executive committee role modeling and organizational and peer support, can help shift an organization’s well-being culture What strategies can you implement in your organization that increases your employees’ interaction with natural elements and sunlight? Those strategies could result in a more engaged and satisfied workforce. 1,2,3,4

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0155614

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June 2019 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 23

Ribbon Cuttings

Better Health Ambassadors celebrated the opening of Empowered Health and Wellness with Lynsie Harriman May 23. The business is located at 803 Vandercook Way in Longview.

We also welcomed Ideal Roofing at their offices at 615 S. Pacific Ave. in Kelso.

24 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | June 2019

Ribbon Cuttings

Now Hiring Deborah Higdon and the folks at Northwest Staffing Resources opened their doors to us for their ribbon cutting.

Downtown Nails moved into its new location on Commerce Avenue in Longview and we celebrated with a ribbon cutting May 20.

See more photos on the Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Facebook page or click here.

June 2019 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 25

Business After Hours Tuesday, June 11, 2019 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Antidote tAp House

716 Triangle Shopping Center, Longview

Drinks! Prizes! Food! 15 advance - $20 at the door

Business After Hours

Cultivate Hope Our May Business After Hours was hosted by Lifeworks May 14. There was plenty to see, learn and enjoy. Thank you!

See more photos on the Chamber’s Facebook page or click here.

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There’s a Difference. June 2019 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 27

New Members Add your business to our growing membership – Call 360-423-8400 Today!

SlapShot USA LLC Cassondra Rosales 2127 8th Ave. Plaza Longview, WA 98632 360-232-8662 info@slapshotusa.com

Downtown Nails LLC Thuy Luu 1125 Commerce Ave. Longview, WA 98632 360-431-0748 downtownnails@gmail.com

Business Association with opportunities to promote trade through Chamber socials, special events and committee participation. • Annual Meeting and Banquet • Networking Events • Committee Participation • Business Contacts • Quarterly Membership Meetings • Civic Representation • Monthly Business After Hours Business Services include marketing for your business, referrals and access to Chamber publications and research data. • Mailing Labels • Membership Window Decals • Member Referrals • Ribbon Cutting • Website Links • Member to Member Discounts • Membership Directory • Tax Deduction • Newsletter 28 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | June 2019

Thai in Town Nui Toyting 1052 14th Ave. Longview, WA 98632 360-703-1129 Nui.kirton@yahoo.com

• 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

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.

2019 January 15: Specialty Rents February 12: Port of Longview March 12: Business and Tourism Expo April 9: Three Rivers Christian School May 14: Lifeworks June 11: Antidote July 9: Three Rivers Eye Center August 13: Monticello Park Prestige September 11: Silver Star October 8: Steele Chapel November 12: Stewart Title December 10: Holiday Mixer

Chamber Connection

We're Listening

Diane Craft from Koelsch Senior Communities and granddaughter Olivia

Brooke Fisher-Clark and Angela Heinlen from Wahkiakum-Cowlitz United Way

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Your Chamber Connectionâ&#x20AC;? EVERY Wednesday

Stream live at www.kedoam.com Local guest and current events 30 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | June 2019

Hosts of the Show: Carey Mackey, Red Canoe Credit Union; Karen Sisson, Stewart Title; Shawn Green, ServPro Longview/Kelso and Marc Silva, Columbia Bank . 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 Amy at the Chamber 360-423-8400

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Kelso-Longview Business Connection monthly newsletter is published the first of each month, posted electronically on our website and over 6,400 emailed to local business professionals, city and county officials. To be included in this monthly email, call the Chamber office at 360-423-8400.

th each mon

Size 1/16 Page 1/8 Page 1/4 Page 1/2 Page Full Page

1 - 3 Issues $110 $175 $205 $325 $625

4-7 Issues $90 $140 $170 $290 $570

8-10 Issues $70* $105* $140* $245* $480*

12 Issues $50* $75* $100* $190* $400*

2" x 2.5" 4" x 2.5" 4" x 5.25" 4" x 10.5" 8" x 10.5"

Dimensions (*Includes ad on website) (*Includes ad on website) (*Includes ad on website) (V) or 8" x 5.25" (H) (*Includes ad on website)

All ads include full color and any design work. Deadline is the 21st of the month prior to publication. Digital files: PDF is preferred. JPEG accepted at high resolution(at least 300 dpi). Non-Members of the Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce, please add 30% to above rates. 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

Advertising Agreement

Date:______________

Business Name: _____________________________________ Phone: ____________________________ Contact Name: _________________

___________________ Cell: _______________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________________ Zip _______________ Email: _____________________________________________ Fax: _______________________________

Number of Issues: 12 month agreement

Invoice

Credit Card

Check

Plus Web Ad: 300W X 100H. Ads can be changed monthly. Signature__________________________________ Ad Rep Signature___________________________

360-423-8400

www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

May Ambassador of the Month Marc Silva Columbia Bank

Family Fell in Love With the Community Marc Silva with Columbia Bank receives our May Ambassador of the Month honors. He began working for Columbia Bank in May 2017 as a branch manager. Prior to that, he worked for Wauna Credit Union as an area manager for their coast branches. Marc grew up between Los Angeles and Camp Pendleton in California. When he was 16 his family moved to Okinawa, Japan, where he graduated from high school and started attending college through the University of Maryland. At 19, Marc moved to Portland, Ore., and attended Portland State University, where he graduated with a degree in social science. While attending Portland State he worked for Sears. That’s where he met his wife Kristin, who was attending Concordia University. After Krisitin graduated from Concordia, she was offered a teaching job at St. Rose in Longview.

“We moved to Longview not knowing anyone,” Marc said. “And after living in Longview for a year we fell in love with the community and purchased our house we have lived in for the last 10 years in Kelso.” The Silvas have a daughter. 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.

Right Care. Right Here. Primary Care n Emergency Department Specialty Clinics n Obstetrics/Gynecology

PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center 1615 Delaware Street, Longview

peacehealth.org/longview

32 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | June 2019

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.

Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts Craig Stein Beverage Dahl McVicker Funeral Homes Entek Corporation Gibbs & Olson, Inc. Life Mortgage Noelle McLean PS Pacific Lumber and Shipping Co. Papé Machinery PNE Construction Red Canoe Credit Union Red Canoe Credit Union – 30th Safway Services, Inc. Searing Electric and Plumbing Steele Chapel Longview Memorial Park The Dog Zone Umpqua Bank Walmart

June 2019 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | 33

For Immediate Release Contact: Jeremy Rush PeaceHealth Manager, Public Relations and Media Engagement 615-255-3967, jrush2@peacehealth.org

ZOOM+Care® board announces appointment of Torben Nielsen as CEO

Proven business innovator and entrepreneur to focus on further transformation and expansion of Zoom’s on-demand healthcare platform VANCOUVER, Wash. – The ZOOM+Care® board today announced the appointment of Torben Nielsen as Zoom’s CEO effective immediately. Nielsen replaces interim CEO Bill Frerichs, who is leaving the company May 30, 2019.

“As we look to continue to evolve Zoom’s presence and offerings, Torben brings a unique mix of experience from startup company to multinational corporation, and from healthcare to high-tech,” said Karl Carrier, chair of ZOOM+Care’s board and PeaceHealth’s Board of Directors. “The board was impressed by his proven track record in areas including product strategy, strategic investments and digital solutions and attracted to his passion for building effective teams and strong corporate culture.” For more than two decades, Nielsen has worked with some of the biggest names in high-tech, healthcare and consumer goods focusing on innovation, growth and customer experience. In addition to working for Xerox and LEGO, Nielsen co-founded and led product and strategy for start-up company HealthSparq (now under Cambia Health Solutions), the second fastest-growing digital health company in the United States in 2016.

Most recently, Torben served as PeaceHealth’s senior vice president of the business transformation office. Prior to joining PeaceHealth Torben served as vice president of innovation and strategic investments at Premera Blue Cross, where he helped define and accelerate enterprise-wide innovation initiatives and lead strategic investments in early to mid-stage startups.

“PeaceHealth acquired ZOOM+Care late last year to accelerate our vision of ensuring greater healthcare accessibility and affordability and to ensure that we remain at the forefront of innovative, person-first, community-centric care. The appointment of Torben Nielsen as Zoom’s new CEO is an exciting step toward these goals. I have no doubt his