Klc biz 9 15

Volume 7, No. 9

September 2015

Business Kelso Longview

Connection Chamber of Commerce

Officials present state of cities to membership

By Brenda Sexton For the Kelso Longview Chamber Longview City Manager David Campbell and his staff are busy putting the final touches on their presentation for the Sept. 16 State of the Cities Quarterly Membership Luncheon. It’s been a busy year for the city and capturing the highlights for the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce membership takes time to find those of most interest to the business community.

“Refinement and polishing,” Campbell called it.

Campbell is scheduled to be joined by Longview Mayor Don Jensen and Kelso counterparts Steve Taylor and David Futcher. The luncheon runs from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Cowlitz Regional Conference Center.

Please see Cities, page 3

Monday

Calendar Friday

Wednesday

September 11 – 7:30 a.m.

Boot Camp Retail Series What does your window/store say to customers?

LCC Heritage Room

Thursday

September 15 – Noon Board of Directors Longview Country Club 41 Country Club Dr., Longview

September 7 – Labor Day Chamber Office Closed September 9 – 1 p.m.

Education Foundation Committee Joint with CWCDC Cowlitz Historical Museum

Tuesday

September 10 – 7:30 a.m.

Ambassador Committee Canterbury Park 1335 3rd Ave., Longview

September 15 – 5:30 p.m.

Business After Hours PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center 17th Avenue Parking Lot, Longview

Thursday

September 16 – 11:45 a.m.

Quarterly Membership Luncheon State of the Cities Cowlitz Regional Conference Center 1900 7th Ave., Longview

September 10 – 5 p.m.

Ribbon Cutting & Open House Real Living The Real Estate Group 1338 Commerce Ave., Suite 101, Longview

Wednesday

Friday

September 18 – 7:30 a.m.

Boot Camp Retail Series Employee Training LCC Heritage Room

Thursday

September 24 – 5 p.m.

Ribbon Cutting Longview Outdoor Gallery

Friday

September 25 – 7:30 a.m.

Boot Camp Retail Series Purchasing Strategies LCC Heritage Room

Every Wednesday

Chamber Connections KEDO/1400 AM – 3 to 4 p.m.

Stream live at www.threeriversradio.com Local guest and current events

Quarterly Membership Luncheon Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2015 Location: Cowlitz Regional Conference Center Time: 11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Cost: $25 advance/$35 at door Join us for the third quarter membership luncheon and meeting! Hear from our Kelso and Longview city officials and mayors on current projects, progress and challenges .

David Futcher Mayor of Kelso

Steve Taylor City Manager, Kelso

Don Jensen Mayor of Longview

Dave Campbell City Manager, Longview

Register at: www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

Kelso Longview Business Connection

September 2015

Cities, from page 1 “We bill the event as an opportunity to hear about the projects, progress and challenges from those in the know,” Chamber CEO Bill Marcum said. “It’s a chance for our members to touch base, catch up and, possibly, peer into the future a bit.”

Featuring a project or initiative that will impact the area’s business community is high on Campbell's list so attendees can expect an update on a recommendation presented to the Longview City Council to develop a Ranney collector on or near the Cowlitz River to serve as the City’s drinking water supply source. More information about the topic, consider it a preview, is featured in Campbell’s column in today's newsletter on page 16.

Taylor and Futcher will present some of the many projects and initiatives taking place in Kelso.

The Washington Way Bridge is scheduled to re-open in November.

The annual luncheon is sponsored by the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce, Gibbs and Olson and Millennium Bulk Terminal.

The cost to attend is $25 in advance and $35 at the door. For information, contact the Chamber.

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

105 N. Minor Road • Kelso, WA 98626 • 360-423-8400 To advertise, call Bill Marcum, 360-423-8400 or e-mail bmarcum@kelsolongviewchamber.org Ad Deadline: 20th of each month.

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

September 2015

CEO’s Message

September 11-13 weekend loaded with things to do

By Bill Marcum CEO – Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Just because it is September and the kids are heading back to school does not mean that summer is over. The month of September has a lot going on and a lot to attract visitors to our area. The big weekend is Sept. 11, 12 and 13.

Wow, there is a lot going on this weekend starting with the Highlander Festival, which brings hundreds of people to Kelso and Longview for two great days of competition and games.

Next on the list is the Tour de Blast bike ride from Toutle to the Johnston Ridge Observatory, which is put on by the Longview Noon Rotary Club, and is a blast, as in, a whole lot of fun. There is also the Chocolate for Your Soul women’s conference at the Columbia Theatre that weekend; however, the event I am most looking forward to is the Longview Early Rotary Club Grapes, Grains and Grooves.

My bias comes from the fact that I am helping to put it together. The event is scheduled for Sept. 11 from 5 to 10 p.m. and Sept. 12 from 2 to 10 p.m.

We have lined up five great bands for entertainment starting with Joe Robbins at 5 p.m. Friday, followed by Raeann’s Groove at 7:30. Both are local performers who enjoy kicking it up on a Friday night. Saturday brings Carrie Cunningham and the Six Shooters between 3 and 4:30 p.m. Check out this short video clip of their performance, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzQXqaEN7g&feature=share Rowdy Oregon country rock band Brewers Grade follows from 5 to 7 p.m. If you like country with a kick you’re going to love this band.

The final group taking the stage will be Jones and Fischer. Claiming the No. 2 spot out of 602 bands in King 5’s Best of Western Washington, Jones and Fischer has been opening for big name artists like Blackberry Smoke, Big & Rich, Trace Adkins and Gloriana. There is no doubt they are on the road to a long and successful career.

Along with all this music Kendall’s Pioneer Distributing will have more than 10 local craft beer vendors, 14 local wineries and three distilled spirit vendors so you can enjoy tasting several different kinds of your favorite beverage. There will also be craft vendors, packaged food vendors and a barbecue and grilling food vendors.

No matter what event, or events, you choose this weekend there is plenty to do, so spread the word.

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Carrie Cunningham & the Six Shooters Winners of the 7th Annual NW Battle of the Bands for 2013. A voting member of the Country Music Association, this songwriting songstress and her fab four bring Alabama style harmonies with five lead vocals, and nine different instruments to the stage.

Brewer's Grade Original, contemporary, diverse and entertaining describe this experienced and fresh sounding group of talented musicians known as Brewer’s Grade. Zac Grooms, Cody Christopherson, Nolan Hare, Al Hare and Joe Smart are not only refined musicians, but together form a sound and energy that cannot be found with just any collaboration. These gentlemen give to music what every great song needs; heart and soul! brewersgrade.com Jones and Fischer Darin Jones and Caleb Fischer have started something unique in country music that has already captured thousands of fans in the US. The two have different styles of music influenced from each of their own hometowns, Seattle and Texas, to form a true and energetic blend that sets them apart http://www.jonesandfischer.com/

L FAL15 20

L L A F 15 20

2015 Small Business

BOOT CAMP

2015 Small Business 2015 Fall Series begins Friday, September 11

BOOT CAMP

Friday Mornings ★ Lower Columbia College

7:30 am - 9 am ★ Heritage Room at LCC - Admin. Bldg.

RETAILING Six Pack 11 2015 Fall Series begins Friday, September Sept. 11 What does your window and your store say to customers?

Friday Mornings ★ Lower Columbia College Talking about window displays, store displays, signage in the store,

dust on Room the items, poor 7:30 am - 9 am ★ Heritage at lighting LCCetc.- Admin. Bldg.

Facilitator: Bob Green, RW Green and Associates.

Sept. 18 Employee Training – Are your employees trained to help the customer or just ring up a sale? Kevin Hunter, The Business Forum Show.

Sept.

25 Purchasing Do you have a plan?

Sept. 11 What does your window andStrategies your store– say to customers?

Facilitator: Jerry Petrick, Certified Business Advisor SBDC Talking about window displays, store displays, signage in the store, Oct. 2 Pricing Strategies – Cowlitz County dust on the items, poor lighting etc.

Facilita tor: Jerry Petrick, Certified Business Advisor SBDC Facilitator: RW Strategies Green and–Associates.

Oct. 9Bob Green, Promotion Advertising: mail, radio, online, print.

Sept. 18 Employee Training – Are your trained to helpChamber the customer Facilitator: Bill employees Marcum, Kelso Longview or just Oct. ring up a sale?

Kevin Hunter, The Business Forum Show.

16 Online Sales? Facebook? How to get in the game!

Sept. 25 Purchasing Strategies – Do you have a plan?

Facilitator: Tom May, May52 Inc.

RETAILING Six Pack

Oct. 2

Oct. 9

Oct. 16

Facilitator: Jerry Petrick, Certified Business Advisor SBDC Pricing Strategies – Cowlitz County Facilita tor: Jerry Petrick, Certified Business Advisor SBDC $ Promotion Strategies – Advertising: mail, radio, online, Members print. $ Facilitator: Bill Marcum, Kelso Longview Chamber Non-Members Online Sales? Facebook? How to get in the game!Register at: Facilitator: Tom May, May52 Inc. www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

100 160

❝

❝

100 Members 160 Non-Members $

Now this is Truth in Advertising ‘Tools you can use to help you immediately’. The Kelso Longview $ Chamber of Commerce hit the nail on the head with their most recent Business Boot Camp. As an administrator and business owner with over 25 years leadership experience, I walked Register at: away every week with new tools, inspiration, motivation and a desire to strive to improvewww.kelsolongviewchamber.org my business by leaps and bounds. The courses were well planned, the content was interesting, relevant, informative, inspiring,, thought provoking and challenging. I can not say that I have ever spent so little and received so much. I can not wait until the next series.

Now this is Truth in Advertising ‘Tools you canbusiness use to help you immeThe best investment in my I have ever made.

Barbara A. Sudar Administrator diately’. The Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce hit•the nail on theLongview Urology head with their most recent Business Boot Camp. As an Owner/Partner: administrator Estetica Day Spa

❞

and business owner with over 25 years leadership experience, I walked away every week with new tools, inspiration, motivation and a desire to strive to improve my business by leaps and bounds. The courses were well planned, the content was interesting, relevant, informative, inspiring,, thought provoking and challenging. I can not say that I have ever spent so little and received so much. I can not wait until the next series.

The best investment in my business I have ever made. www.kelsolongviewchamber.org Barbara A. Sudar • Administrator Longview Urology Owner/Partner: Estetica Day Spa

360-423-8400

❞

Kelso Longview Business Connection

September 2015

Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council

Job growth predictions largely positive

By Julia Maglione Communications Manager – Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council The Employment Security Department (ESD) recently released its annual employment projections report. It provides job seekers, policymakers and training providers an idea of how many jobs exist within industries and occupations, how the number of jobs is expected to change over time and future demand for workers.

ESD predicts the employment growth rate in Southwest Washington from 2013 through 2023 will be better than the rate between 1990 and 2013.

Largest average annual growth rates are projected in occupations in construction and extraction, computer and math, health care support and practitioners and personal care service.

Occupations that will see growth in number of openings include software developers, carpenters, registered nurses, construction laborers, janitors and cleaners (except maids and housekeepers), and wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives (except technical and scientific products).

New to the report this year is an attempt to convert occupation projections into skills projections to help identify

Training for Tech and Manufacturing: RebootNW WorkSource has free grant funds available for education, training and re-employment assistance for individuals who have been out of work 27 weeks or more and are interested in technology or manufacturing jobs. Free information sessions are held the second and fourth Mondays from 1:30-3 p.m. at WorkSource in Kelso. Contact Colleen Paine at 360-578-4231, cpaine@esd.wa.gov or visit www.rebootnw.org to learn more.

skills the workforce will need to succeed in the job market of the future. Not surprising, the fastest growth is projected for skills related to information technology, representing almost one-third of estimated skill numbers and openings. The top three hard skills were food preparation, bilingual and quality assurance.

The report can be downloaded at https://fortress.wa.gov/esd/ employmentdata/docs/industry-reports/employment-projections-2015.pdf or by going to www.esd.wa.gov and searching for “2015 employment projections.”

Speaking of data, WorkSource can provide labor market data to individuals and businesses on the types of jobs that have openings and will be needed in the future. This information could be valuable to students planning their career pathways, current job seekers and those considering a career change.

Contact WorkSource at 305 S. Pacific Ave., Suite A, in Kelso, call 360-577-2250 or visit www.go2worksource.com.

Facilitating Growth Through Leadership and Action

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

Join us today!

Resources • Access • Partnerships

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

Julia Maglione is communications manager at the SWWDC. She can be reached at jmaglione@swwdc.org or 360-567-3176.

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Bronze Bell: $100

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

September 2015

Lower Columbia College

Continued growth, a great time for LLC

By Chris Bailey President – Lower Columbia College

ulty and community leaders. Senator Cantwell was impressed with the quality of students she met, our technology, and with the amount of faculty-student engagement at LCC. The following day, we met with staffers from US Senator Patty Murray’s office. Both meetings were very productive, as we took the opportunity to support our Head Start program, and to discuss federal workforce funding and veterans issues.

Fellow Members, It’s been an interesting month at Lower Columbia College and a lot of good things are happening.

As you have probably noticed, the outdoor pavilion and associated landscaping are nearly completed on the LCC Campus.

Comments have been overwhelmingly favorable from our students, our staff and our community. Thanks to our local contractor, JH Kelly, for their work on the project. The LCC campus has been physically transformed over the past few years and has become a true source of community pride. Next, we will be asking for campus and community input this fall on two potential projects: a Main Building renovation and a new Vocational Building in the more distant future.

We had a visit this month from US Senator Maria Cantwell, who spent over an hour on our campus touring the new Health and Science Building and chatting with students, fac-

LCC administration has been working very hard on budget this year due to declining enrollment and the corresponding loss of revenue to the college. We are pleased to be presenting a budget to the Board that includes this year’s legislative pay raises, as well as glide paths to a balanced budget by the

Please see LCC, page 9

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Diane Craft, President Koelsch Senior Communities

Chris Bailey Lower Columbia College

Michael Julian Kelso Theater Pub

Julie Rinard, President Elect Community Home Health & Hospice

Clayton J. Bartness, DC Longview Chiropractic Clinic

Bianca Lemmons Cowlitz County Title Company

Lance Welch, Vice President PeaceHealth

Ken Botero Longview City Council

Frank Panarra Foster Farms

Joel Hanson, Past President KLOG/KUKN/The Wave

Bob Crisman Gallery of Diamonds

Tom Rozwod NORPAC/Weyerhaeuser

Neil Zick, Treasurer Twin City Bank

Linda DiLembo Three Rivers Mall

Ted Sprague Cowlitz Economic Development Council

Michael Claxton, Legal Counsel Walstead Mertsching

Wendy Hutchinson Millennium Bulk Terminals

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Steve Taylor Kelso City Manager Dennis Weber Cowlitz County Commissioner

Kelso Longview Business Connection

September 2015

Lower Columbia College LCC, from page 8

year degree attainment rates locally. As the most recent Community Report Card shows, only 15 percent of our population over the age of 25 have earned baccalaureate degrees. The state rate is twice that at 30 percent. This negatively impacts efforts to attract new industry. I am pleased to announce that the Lower Columbia Regional University Center now offers 10 undergraduate degrees and two master’s degree programs, facilitated right on our campus. Primary partners are Eastern Washington University, Washington State University, City University, and Warner Pacific College. The newest programs are a Master’s In Business Administration from Eastern Washington University and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Warner Pacific College. Both have successful cohort sizes. Please send potential students our way so we can make the Regional University Center both successful and sustainable.

I hope you all enjoyed your summer this year. I remain LCC Proud, Chris

second year of the biennium. Payroll and benefits currently account for about 86 percent of all college expenditures.

Our primary initiatives continue to thrive. Five years ago, we had just two international students enrolled at our college. This fall, we expect to have 20 international students enrolled. We also expect another dozen to enroll this summer in the short-term program with Atomi University, a four-year women’s university in Tokyo, Japan. Our biggest need from the community is for host families. International students generally want a host family experience in their first year, and the need for host families has limited growth of the program. If you would like to have the wonderful experience of “adopting” a foreign student, please contact me at cbailey@lowercolumbia.edu. The students each pay approximately $500 a month to the host family to offset expenses.

Another of LCC’s major initiatives is to improve the four-

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

September 2015

Business Toolbox

Summer musings...

Working ‘IN’ or ‘ON’ your business

By Jerry D. Petrick Certified Business Adviser IN, ON what’s the difference?

Why should I care?

When it comes to business, there is a huge difference. A business owner needs to work more ON their business than IN it.

How can you tell if you are working IN your business or ON your business?

Which of the activities best describe how you spend your time in your business?

• You make sales calls all day long, • You spend most of your afternoon fulfilling orders and responding to customer questions/issues, • You spend at least one night a week or an entire weekend day doing bookkeeping, payroll and other record keeping tasks.

If so, you are working IN your business AND… You are working ON your business if…

• You invest mornings adjusting your business model to best fit your customer ideal customer profile, • You spend your afternoons scouting for talent, developing your current team, and providing the tools they need to thrive, • You dedicate part of one evening a week reviewing your financial reports, scanning for new business opportunities and markets, and ensuring your business is growing per your plans.

10

You may be thinking, “I am a one person business. I do not have time to work ON my business – I have to work IN the business to keep the money coming in.” I have good news: working IN it and working ON your business are not mutually exclusive. In fact, the most successful business owners must work IN their business while they're working ON it (particularly in the beginning of transitioning from self-employment to creating an enterprise).

It might be out of necessity; your organization might be too lean for you to step out of the daily activities. Or you may need to go back “IN” for a period of time when it's time to improve your existing operations to stay competitive. Or you may love the technical work of your business so much that you don’t ever want to give it up completely.

How can you shift to working ON your business more versus focusing only on working IN your business?

• Spend Time Everyday Working ON Your Business: No matter how busy you are, you can carve out 5-10 minutes at the start or end of your day to take action to make your business stronger and more successful longterm. This could be doing some research on products, prospects, customers, competitors, industry trends, etc.

You could refine your process for invoicing customers to speed cash flow.

• Engage An Advisor/Mentor/Coach: Even Michael Jordan had a coach – someone to help guide and reinforce the actions and behaviors leading to outstanding performance. If you don’t already have someone beyond yourself discuss and strategize your business with you are likely limiting your success and that of your business.

• Set Basic Goals: Actively look for daily activities/processes you can make more effective/efficient. Would it be smart to outsource your bookkeeping services? Engag-

Please see Petrick, page 11

Kelso Longview Business Connection

September 2015

Business Toolbox Petrick, from page 10

MUST understand the distinction between the two.

ing an expert to perform your routine accounting functions – providing you with timely, accurate data and reporting with which to make business decisions. Are there software tools that would help your sales and customer management processes more impactful and consistent? Get started!

Most businesses are started by technicians – people who are skilled at what they enjoy doing, and who figure they would rather work for themselves than for someone else. Most technicians assume that because they are proficient in the technical work of the business, they naturally understand how the business works. In truth, these are two very different activities and require different skills and knowledge. The entrepreneur

Building your business takes three distinct skill sets: 1. The entrepreneur – supplying the vision 2. The manager – provides systems and processes 3. The technician – supplies the output of goods or services The typical business owner personality is: ✓ 10% Entrepreneur ✓ 20% Manager ✓ 70% Technician Sound familiar? Does this describe you…your business?

Consider this…

Research indicates that a Very Good Business Builder would be: • 33% Entrepreneur • 33% Manager • 33% Technician Ultimately, working ON your business is about your perspective. If you want to change your business, the first thing you need to do is to change the way you think about your business.

We look forward to handling your next real estate transaction.

Our Escrow Team…

Why Our Service is the Difference!

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

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

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Bianca Lemmons VP/Manager/LPO

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Shelby Caufman Escrow Officer

Linda Comley Escrow Officer/LPO

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This article is based, in part, on the book “E Myth Revisited”

by Michael Gerber and was prepared by Jerry Petrick, Certified Business Adviser with the Washington State University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Longview. Jerry provides no-cost, confidential business advisory services by appointment. He can be reached via e-mail jerry.petrick@wsbdc. org

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

September 2015

‘Time honored principles about time … YOUR time!’

By Chuck Nau Retail Consultant and Sales and Management Trainer Murray & Nau, Inc.

is your best time? When are you most productive?

Match your best time with those key challenges, and slack time with those lower priority goals. What’s the value of your time? When is your creative time? Ask yourself what's the best use of my time at this instant.

Take advantage, your best advantage of time.

Plan your workday BEFORE it begins, be specific.

Some people say that the real new year begins in September – the relaxed days of summer begin to wane, it is time to get back to work, back to school. It may also be a good time to pause and to look at how you use your time, particularly in this challenging economic environment.

In your busy work day, do you ever call ‘time out’? Do you ever take the time to call ‘time out’ to rethink your selling or managing initiatives for the day? Do you allow yourself time to recover from an emotional success or defeat? When do you substitute to maintain your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well being?

Successful salespeople and managers know where their time goes and where it should go. They also know that time is not taken away by others, rather it is usually given away thoughtlessly by themselves.

Here’s a quick refresher on time management. It is based on a three pronged premise I learned a few years back at Knight-Ridder Newspapers – planning time, organizing time, and controlling time.

•

•

•

•

•

Do you know and understand how you have given away your time? Do you keep a time log, typically in 30- or 60-minute increments, to reveal where your time is used, abused, and wasted? Do you review your log on a regular basis, at the end of each month just as you do your sales or revenue reports to identify time opportunities and time takers (the telephone, e-mail, the Internet, unscheduled appointments or meetings, indecision and procrastination by you, inability to say ‘no’, etc.)?

Do you know yourself and the value of time? When

Have you established a strong priority system? Remember that a priority is a key activity that will be responsible for generating results and leading you to your goals. Identify each and every task as ‘To Keep’ or ‘To Pass’. Any and all tasks that can be delegated should be marked ‘To Pass’. Ask yourself if routine tasks have been minimized or delegated to others.

The remaining ‘To Keep’ tasks should be either classified as ‘urgent’ or ‘important’.

Do you cluster tasks together due to their similarity in location, or resources needed, or simply and obviously they belong together?

Are you flexible? Typically, 40 to 50 percent of your day can NOT be scheduled. Is the remaining scheduled half day or so truly worth the time, effort, and commitment you are making to it?

All of the above should help you identify where you are giving away your time and help you determine if retooling your plan will assist you in allotting your time in a more beneficial and productive manner.

Last but not least, here are some time tested (!!) time saving questions to ask yourself and to share with your staff.

What would happen if this task were left until later, or not done at all? Is there someone else who could do this, and

Please see Nau, page 13

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

September 2015

Nau, from page 12

sales and management trainer. He has been a speaker for and conducted advertising and marketing workshops with retailers,

possibly, do it better? Will this task, if assigned to someone else, help them grow and innovate or will it only waste their time? Is it possible to eliminate or possibly combine this task with another?

Incorporate the aforementioned questions in your daily routine, and you may suddenly find yourself with more valuable time on your hands ... time to invest in yourself!

chambers of commerce, community marketing groups, and retail organizations throughout North America. Based in Seattle, Nau 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.

Comments and questions are welcome and may be directed to

© Murray & Nau, Inc. Chuck Nau of Murray & Nau, Inc. is a retail consultant and

Chuck via e-mail: murnau@nwlink.com or at 425-603-0984.

EmploymEnt law

WALSTEAD MERTSCHING

Attorney Nicole M. Tideman

AT TO R N E Y S AT L AW

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• Alternative Dispute Resolution • Disability Accommodation Issues • Discrimination Claims • Employee Training • Employment Contracts and Manuals • Family and Medical Leave • Hiring, Discipline, and Termination • Investigation of Complaints

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

September 2015

Council of Governments

Decades-old economic development plan holds merit today

By Bill Fashing Executive Director – Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments

cally. Perhaps so has the belief that the economy will continue to grow at a level significant enough to support all communities rural and urban.

One of the early tidbits I uncovered in my career was that all job creation is not equal. This seems obvious but not everyone sees this from the same perspective. “Economic Development Planning” was one of the first books I read about the changing trends in the dominant business operations in this country. The service economy was growing dramatically and outpacing the growth of the manufacturing sector. The service sector promised new and better jobs, but not all of those jobs were capable of supporting a family. We were beginning to understand at that time the growing importance of technology training to meet our workforce needs. We were also losing many of the traditional economic advantages that had made the economy flow which helped build the strong middle class of the 1940s through the 1980s.

Change is inevitable. We can hang on with hope to try and keep change at bay, but our success will likely be limited.

Thus, we need to plan for change. We need to plan for the change we want and that we may be able to impact and force that desired change into reality. Streetscaping and beautification in Castle Rock is an example of what planning and perseverance can do. Economic development is all about knowing what you want, knowing what it will take to get there and then beginning to force the change through dedicated action. Wanting the change is not enough.

Many of you have heard the stories of how Japan planned to become a global economic leader in the ‘60s and ‘70s. They planned, took bold actions, made significant investments in people, infrastructure and technology, to move the country forward and rise to the level of the world’s second largest

I have been reviewing some books in my collection as I address the needs at the Cowlitz Wahkiakum Council of Governments (CWCOG) and work to strengthen a few skill sets.

The book titled “Economic Development Planning” by James Blake that I reviewed had some stark similarities to issues our region is facing even though the book is 25 years old. In 1989, Blake wrote, “not since the great depression has there been so much Your role as concern among business leaders policymakers in suggests your the US regarding existing willingness the need to creto engage in issues ate new and better that matter. Despite jobs for residents the challenges and of almost every obstacles we face, community in the the region continues nation”. While I to have significant would suggest the opportunity. We same is said tomust continue to day following the have the discussion great recession, on what is there are some appropriate for differences that the region. are in play today that were not impacting our lives in 1989.

Factors like social media and climate change have significantly shifted the focus of discussions at most economic development tables. The Bakken oil fields and new discussions on energy are changing the prospects and opportunities for our region. Changes in world power structures, terrorism threats and the flattening of the world are also impacting our ability to maintain and build local economies. The dependence on resource-based economies has changed dramati-

Please see COG, page 15

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

September 2015

Council of Governments

COG, from page 14

from a broad-based constituency. The group serves as the

economy through 2010 when it dropped below China. In the US we have had similar initiatives at the local, state and federal levels with varying success rates. Generally speaking, the US has not seen the level of success necessary to sustain our overwhelming leadership in global business and local economies and many communities are suffering significantly.

The middle class continues to shrink as projected in the ‘80s and ‘90s. In rural America we are seeing the loss of much of our economically active cohorts (workers and buyers) to the larger metro areas where there is hope of better jobs, more opportunity and the big city lifestyle elements.

These elements include walkability, and quality of place that our communities can improve and impact. We are also seeing an aging population in many locations. These trends will not likely change without some catalyst for change.

What can we do today to enhance the regional opportunities over the coming year? What can we do over the next decade? As a planning agency, the COG is constantly entertaining input on what the future may bring and what our local governments and residents want it to become. In the area of economic development the COG prepares a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy as part of the work of the Southwest Washington Economic Development Commission. The planning effort covers Cowlitz, Wahkiakum and Lewis counties and welcomes participation and input

Economic Development Administration Economic Development District and will be holding two summits over the next 12 months. The first will be on Housing for Economic Development and the second will focus on Farm, Fish and Forest, in an effort to capture additional wealth creation initiatives throughout the three-county area. We hope to encourage the use of social media for business opportunities, and find business opportunities in climate change to make a difference for the region.

My intent in writing this is to engage each of you in an effort to move economic development efforts in the region forward. As Chamber members, you are already engaged in efforts to build the local economy. Your role as business leaders suggests your existing willingness to engage in issues that matter. Despite the challenges and obstacles we face, the region continues to have significant opportunity. We must continue to have the discussion on what is appropriate for the region. We must continue to support educational efforts at all levels to make sure the youth in the region get the best education possible and they have hope for the future.

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www.expresslongview.com 15

Kelso Longview Business Connection

September 2015

Kelso

Longview

Get out your kilt for the Highlander Festival

Council gets taste of future drinking water changes

By City Manager David Campbell

By Mayor David Futcher

Last week (this article is being written on Aug. 25), a recommendation was presented to the Longview City Council to develop a Ranney collector on or near the Cowlitz River to serve as the City’s drinking water supply source. A Ranney collector is a well that would pull water from a water-bearing formation underneath or adjacent to the river. The City of Kelso has used a Ranney collector on the Cowlitz for its water supply for many years.

It’s that time of year. Highlander Festival, Kelso’s biggest celebration, comes around the second weekend of every September. If you’ve never been down, you owe it to yourself to come get a taste of our Scottish heritage Sept. 12 and 13.

You may not realize it, but Highland Games are played in a

The recommendation that Longview (along with our water system partner, the Beacon Hill Water and Sewer District) pursue this water source was made by our customer advisory committee, an ad hoc group of 14 citizens representing both the city and the district. The committee met eight times between January and July this year and was charged with the job of evaluating options aimed at improving the quality of our drinking water and increasing customer satisfaction.

series of locations throughout the northwest each summer.

Kelso’s festival is one of the final and best attended of the series, and Tam O’Shanter Park is an excellent facility for the competition.

It’s a little surprising at first to see quite so many guys running around in kilts, but when you see what the athletes can do,

It’s no secret that our water has been plagued with complaints about taste, odor, clarity and scale, along with concerns about health impacts, and, more than anything else, silica, since shortly after our new well field began pulling water from an aquifer deep beneath the Mint Farm Industrial Park in 2013.

Silica is a naturally occurring mineral which is not healthregulated in the United States, but which leaves behind a white, spotty residue upon evaporation. While the number of complaints about Longview’s water has fallen in recent months as operational changes have been initiated and water line replacement projects have been completed, the hope of the advisory committee is that a Ranney collector on the Cowlitz will produce water that, with appropriate treatment, will ultimately result in even fewer customer complaints.

you’ll learn a new respect for the kilted athletes. The ladies and gentlemen throwing stones, tree trunks, and other weights all around the field prepare throughout the year and spend their summer competing in similar contests. New to the festival this year is an arm wrestling tournament on Saturday afternoon.

If athletics isn’t your bag, check out the clan booths, dance contests, Scottish-themed vendors, food options, and the musical performances. Our festival is one of the few stops in Washington for the Wicked Tinkers band, which rock out in a performance best described as tribal Celtic music. Men of

One of the city council’s next steps, if it concurs with the advisory committee’s recommendation, would be to commission a

Worth will add folk music from Ireland and Scotland on both

Please see Longview, page 17

days.

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

September 2015

Longview, from page 16

usage that is much greater than one ERU, much greater. Think restaurants, schools, a hospital or large medical center, a mill or other building and site with many employees, motels, multifamily apartment complexes, and so forth. If you’re an owner or a manager associated with such a business, you should multiply the above residential impact estimate by your particular ERU usage to get a better feel for what the financial cost could be in that setting.

feasibility study to determine the quantity and quality that could be produced by a Ranney collection system. At this point it’s too early to say exactly how much the cost to develop the system might affect their bills – far too early. Nevertheless, depending upon the makeup of the water and the kind of treatment necessary, the capital costs to develop the system have been projected to range from $29.5 to $55.1 million. Those figures were calculated with a confidence level that they could be up to 50 percent higher or as much as 30 percent lower.

The space limits on this article (which Bill has graciously allowed me to exceed) prevent me from including a wealth of other information about Longview’s existing water supply, the customer advisory committee’s work, and the recommendation for how to move forward, so I’ll close simply by inviting you to contact me with any questions or comments. The best places to go to for more information are the Mint Farm Groundwater Project page on the city’s website (www.mylongview.com) and the Longview Drinking Water Improvement Study website (www.longviewwater.org).

Most news media reports of the corresponding impacts on customer water bills have focused on residential accounts, and those impacts have been estimated to result in increases that range from $5-13 per month for the average residential account. In bureaucratic rate-setting terms, that would be $5-13 per “equivalent residential unit” or ERU. However, since I’m writing this article for a business newsletter, keep in mind that many commercial accounts stem from water

The Sky is the Limit!

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

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

Jon Hansen General Manager Fabricast Valve

729 Vandercook Way Longview, WA 98632 1-800-319-2265 | 360-414-4101 twincitybank.com

Creating products to fuel the world

17

Kelso Longview Business Connection

September 2015

PeaceHealth

Do you choose LOCAL for your drug screening services?

By John Schapman Wellness Service Coordinator – PeaceHealth Many employers may not know that they can keep the whole drug screening process local. From collection, testing, review and reporting of results, PeaceHealth Occupational Health in Longview can meet your testing needs. How you ask? PeaceHealth Occupational Health has its own Medical Review Officer (MRO) to review results and report testing in a timely manner.

employer’s drug testing program and evaluating medical explanations for certain drug test results.

Why use an MRO? • Ensure accurate testing: The MRO reviews the lab results to

What is an MRO? It is a licensed physician who is responsible for receiving and reviewing laboratory results generated by an

Please see PeaceHealth, page 19

Get Healthy.

Stay Healthy.

www.peacehealth.org/healthy-you

18

Kelso Longview Business Connection

September 2015

PeaceHealth PeaceHealth, from page 18 make sure the correct test panel was performed and that the correct procedures were followed by the collector. When a drug test is reported positive by the lab, the MRO also contacts the employee to determine if there is a legitimate medical explanation for the positive lab result.

“Helpful Downto-Earth Staff” “I have banked with Fibre Federal for over 18 years. The helpful down-to-earth staff have always given us 100%. Fibre Federal always has very competitive loan rates so we have never had to check anywhere else. Their staff is easy to work with and their knowledge is exceptional.”

- Heather L. Brady, Insurance Agent

• Provide expertise on complicated cases: Did you know some prescription medications or medical treatments could cause a positive test result? In these cases, the MRO will obtain verification of a valid prescription or recent medical treatment.

The test result is then reported to the employer as negative because there is a legitimate, verified medical reason for the positive lab test result. However, if the employee is unable to provide a valid medical explanation for a positive lab test result, the MRO reports the test result as positive to the employer.

• Keep reporting unbiased: Using an MRO to review and interpret the laboratory test results protects the employer from having to make decisions regarding an employee’s claims that his or her drug test result was caused by a medication or medical treatment.

• Provide greater privacy to the employee: This keeps the employer from having to deal with the complicated issues related to the release or disclosure of private employee medical information.

We encourage you to stay local with your drug screening services.

PeaceHealth Occupational Health has competitive rates, quick reporting, and accurate services to ensure your employees are able to get on the job timely.

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Interested in Occupational Medicine, Please contact us at 360414-2332 and ask to talk to one of our account managers today.

NEW Mobile Unit in Service: PeaceHealth Occupational Medicine’s mobile unit has gotten an upgrade. Come check out our new Mobile Unit Sept. 15 at the Chamber’s After Hours event. PeaceHealth Occupational Medicine’s mobile unit provides onsite testing at your facility for audiograms, physicals and drug screening.

19

Kelso Longview Business Connection

September 2015

Mind Your Own Business (at the Library)

Take advantage – September is National Library Card month

By Chris Skaugset Director – Longview Public Library

fort of your own home 24/7.

You can avoid having to wait for a guest pass to access our Internet computers. With your Library card you can reserve a computer up to a week in advance (it’s only available the same day using a guest pass) and go right to your machine instead of having to wait at the desk for a pass.

September is National Library Card month and so I thought I would remind you of all the great things you can do with your library card and the many ways you can get one.

The first, and usually most obvious, thing you can do is checkout material from our large collection of books, magazines, DVDs, audiobooks, theme boxes, and music CDs, just to name a few. If you have an e-Reader or other handheld device and you have access to thousands of e-Books and e-Audiobooks through the Washington Anytime Library. Did you know that you can check out equipment such as video projectors (we have both those that work with laptops and those that work with VHS/DVD players), overhead projectors, slide projectors and screens? As long as you’re older than 18 you can check out the equipment you might need for a presentation, family get-together, wedding, or high school reunion.

There are a number of ways that you can get a library card whether you’re a Longview resident or not. If you’re a Longview resident or reside in the Cowlitz County Partial-County Rural Library District you simply need to come in show proof of address (with ID) and fill out a brief application. If you reside in the service area of the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District or the Timberland Regional Library District, and have a card there, you can get a reciprocal card with us.

But wait, there’s more. Earlier this year a pilot reciprocal borrowing project started between the Longview and Kelso public libraries. What that means is that if you have a library card, in good standing, at one library you will be able to go to the other library, present your card, show proof of address, fill out a short application and receive a card from the other library.

You can also checkout our Culture Cards which through a partnership between the Library and local arts/culture organizations allows you to “checkout” tickets to local cultural events including the Columbia Theatre, StageworksNW, the Southwest Washington Symphony, and Lower Columbia College CenterStage. This is funded by the Longview Library Foundation and has been extremely successful, and popular, with our patrons. They are available usually about a month or two in advance on a first-come, first-served basis. You can check out one set of tickets per library account, per calendar year.

Next, if you are a property owner in Longview, and don’t reside there, or are a Longview business owner you can now get a card as well. If you are a property owner you’ll just need to show us proof of the property ownership, ID, and fill out an application to get your card. If you are a business owner you will need to show your current Longview business license, ID, and fill out an application and get a card issued in the name of the business.

You can access all of the online databases including Consumer Reports, the Auto Repair Center, Reference USA, ProQuest, Student Resources in Context, Price It Antiques and Collectibles, Books and Authors, the Small Business Resource Center, and the Health and Wellness Resource Center from the com-

Next, you can also earn a library card by volunteering for Project Read, the Library’s adult literacy program or the

Please see Library, page 21

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

September 2015

Mind Your Own Business (at the Library) Library, from page 20

Finally, if none of those options will work for you can pay for a non-resident card.

Friends of the Longview Library. As a volunteer with Project Read you will be paired up with a learner and help them

For more information on any of these programs or options

achieve their goals whether it is learning to read, communi-

for getting a library, you can reach us in person, over the phone

cate better, prepare for the citizenship exam, or work towards

at 360-4421-5300, or online at www.longviewlibrary.org

passing the GED or other exam. With the Friends you can

So, come visit your Longview Public Library in person, or

earn a card by volunteering 22 hours to any of the Friends

online, and see what you can do/accomplish/experience/learn

projects or book sales.

today.

A BIG Thank You to

Three Rivers Mall for sponsoring

THE COLOR DASH

21

Kelso Longview Business Connection

September 2015

Cowlitz Economic Development Council

Northwest Innovation Works announces use of ultra-low emissions technology

By Joelle Wilson Communications Manager – Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council

and its first large scale use.

Inslee called the collaboration he sees between NWIW, the State, Cowlitz County, the Port of Kalama, and Chinese officials “outstanding”, adding it will put more than 1,000 people in the construction industry to work and bring more than 200 family wage jobs to the area.

Governor Jay Inslee congratulated Northwest Innovation Works (NWIW) in August as they signed an agreement with Johnson-Matthey Technologies, committing to provide ultralow emission reforming technology to the $1.8 billion methanol facility.

Inslee said the innovative technology “will be a model for the rest of the world. It demonstrates, like nothing we can say, that we can promote a healthy economy and support a healthy planet at exactly the same moment and exactly the same place.

Governor Jay Inslee speaks at the Port of Kalama

“The action we are taking today in Kalama will provide evidence of a low carbon future that promotes jobs and economic growth.”

Ultra-low emission reforming technology is a more energy efficient way to convert gas to methanol than has been used traditionally. It relies upon a combination of electricity and process-generated heat to power production. Because it is highly efficient, the technology uses less natural gas. It results in a significant reduction in carbon emissions, underscoring NWIW’s key objective of achieving global environmental responsibility along with local economic benefits.

Originally developed in the 1980s this is a proven technology with a solid safety record. NWIW’s use of the technology will be the first time it is used at a methanol plant in the United States,

LeeRoy Parcel Manager/LPO leeroy@cascade-title.com

Alison Peters Bonnie Woodruff Diane Kenneway Dennis Bird Escrow Officer/LPO Escrow Officer/LPO Escrow Assistant Senior Title Officer alison@cascade-title.com bonnie@cascade-title.com diane@cascade-title.com dennis@cascade-title.com

Representatives from NWIW and Johnson-Matthey Technologies sign a commitment to the use of ultra-low emission reforming technology.

Lindsey McTimmonds Marketing/Recording recording@cascade-title.com

22

1425 Maple St. Longview, WA 98632 360.425.2950 www.cascade-title.com

Connie Bjornstrom Receptionist/Typist connie@cascade-title.com

Kelso Longview Business Connection

September 2015

Ambassadors of the Month

Busy volunteer Garn garners Chamber honor for August In her short time with the Chamber, Teedara Garn is making a name for herself, once again earning Ambassador of the Month honors in August.

munity,” Garn said. “Logan (her son) is playing football now, then he will play basketball and baseball. Needless August to say when I am not working or at Teedara Garn Cowlitz PUD a Chamber event I am doing something with Kelso youth sports.”

She is also a Seahawk, Mariner and University of Washington Husky fan.

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.

Garn joined the Ambassadors because she enjoys the thought of businesses growing in the community.

“Being an Ambassador allows me to meet business owners and help them to network within our tight-knit Chamber community,” Garn said.

A Kelso High School graduate, Garn attended Lower Columbia College before pursuing a career in retail. Before taking her current position as a human resources specialist with Cowlitz PUD in March, she worked for Famous Footwear and was a branch manager for Twinstar Credit Union.

In her free time, she enjoys relaxing barbecues with her family and close friends and spending time at Tam O'Shanter Park with her son and fiance.

“Besides the Chamber I love Kelso youth sports in our com-

2015 Cowlitz PUD Poster Contest Easy and Fun

All Ages

Prizes

Time to use your artistic talent and creativity to design a poster that demonstrates what electricity means to you and incorporate “80 years of electricity” into your design. Winning entries will be honored at our “80th Anniversary Celebration,” in 2016 . For more details on this contest visit www.cowlitzpud.org.

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

September 2015

Chamber Connection

Selling with Style Stream live at www.threeriversradio.com Local guest and current events

ReMax Realtor Ann Furman shares with hosts Lonnie Knowles and Carey Mackey how she tours homes with her clients in style…a gold limousine.

“Your Chamber Connection” EVERY Wednesday Hosts of the Show: Carey Mackey, Red Canoe Credit Union ; Lonnie Knowles, Stewart Title, and Karen Sisson, Kelso Longview Chamber.

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 Karen at the Chamber 360-423-8400

Rick Johnson stops by to promote Longview Squirrel Fest.

Susan Theriault, Rescued Paws and Pet Thrift Store, and Jessica Mickens, State Farm Agent – Kelso, invite listeners to visit their businesses.

Marcel Goulet with S.C.O.R.E., a non-profit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, and Shawn Green, ServPro, promote their annual blood drive.

24

Kelso Longview Business Connection

September 2015

Welcome New Members

Chamber membership has its privileges Celebrate new Chamber members with us

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

Staples Advantage Chace, CPA, PS An Amazing Garage Sale Store Life Vantage, Inc. Performing Arts Academy, LLC

• Quarterly Membership Meetings • Civic Representation

• Legislative Representation

• Monthly Business After Hours

• Issues Tracking and Information

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

• Task Forces • Candidate Forums

• Mailing Labels

• Legislative Update Breakfast

• Membership Window Decals

• Demographics Publication

• Member Referrals • Ribbon Cutting

Packages

• Website Links

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

• Member to Member Discounts

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

• Membership Directory

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

• Tax Deduction

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

• Newsletter

Platinum Membership Package – $5,000 or $416.66 per

• Business Card Display

month.

• Use of Chamber Logo

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

Representation through action committees, candidate forums and up-to-date action alerts.

Nonprofit Package – $180 or $18 per month.

Join today! Call 360-423-8400 25

Kelso Longview Business Connection

September 2015

Ribbon Cuttings

Purr-fect Beginning Kelso Longview Chamber Ambassadors helped Susan Theriault, Sunny Lane, and volunteers, who keep the store open daily, open up Rescued Paws Aug. 4.

Warm Welcome Agent Jessica Mickens - State Farm, located at 314 S. Pacific Ave., in Kelso recently joined the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce. The Ambassadors hosted a ribbon cutting Aug. 19 for Jessica and her staff.

New Moves Jon and Christine took center stage with their new Rely Local trolley at KUKN Radio Aug. 27. The new Chamber of Commerce members were joined by the Ambassadors for their ribbon cutting.

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

September 2015

Ribbon Cuttings

A Taste of Italy BackStage Café is now the only Italian Restaurant in Kelso and Longview. A new menu was released this week and provides some delicious appetizers, entrees and desserts. Chamber Ambassadors checked it out with Dawn and Michael B. Julian at the Aug. 26 ribbon cutting.

Star Power Ambassadors helped the Chamber’s newest member, Performing Arts Academy, with its ribbon cutting Aug. 25. The business is located at 1215½ Commerce Ave., actually the entrance is in the alley between Commerce and 14th Avenue. They are accepting students now... so call them, 360-423-6060.

27

Kelso Longview Business Connection

September 2015

Welcome Back!



We at 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.

*American Medical Response *Beacon Hill Sewer District *Cascade Title Company *CCS *City of Kelso *City of Longview *Comcast Spotlight *Costco Wholesale *Cowlitz County *Cowlitz County CASA *Cowlitz County P.U.D. *Cowlitz County Title Company *Cowlitz Wahkiakum Council of Governments *David E. Houten, DDS *Diamond Showcase *Document Management Archives *Dorothy Bain Hanson *Emerald Kalama Chemical *Express Employment Professionals *Freddy’s Just for The Halibut *Gordon Sondker *Interwest Benefit Consultants *KapStone *Koelsch Senior Communities *L.G. Isaacson Company *Longview Memorial Park, Funeral Home & Crematory *Lower Columbia College *Miller Paint *onthemark associates *Pacific Tech Construction, Inc. *Port of Longview *Rodman Realty, Inc. *Steel Painters/Railco *Swanson Bark & Wood Products, Inc. *The Golden Palace *The Red Hat *Three Rivers Eye Care

*Walstead Mertsching, PS *Watkins Tractor & Supply Co. *Acupuncture Northwest *Budget Blinds of Longview *Columbia Bank *Columbia Funeral Service *Columbia River Carpet One *Columbia River Mill Outlet *Compendium Consulting *Continental Investors Services, Inc. *Cowlitz County Guidance Association *DeFrancisco Lampitt and Brado PS *DSU Peterbilt *Estetica Day Spa *Fire Mountain Grill & Summerland Catering Services *G L Booth – JG Davis & Associates *Green Hills Crematory – Cascade NW Funeral Chapel *Kay Green *Signature Transport, Inc. *State Farm Insurance – Scott Fischer *Teague’s Interiors *Diamond Residential *Applied Application *Broderick Gallery *American Legion *Coleman Cellular *Port of Woodland *Advanced Dental Services *All Out Sewer & Drain Services *Baker Lumber Company *Brusco Tug and Barge *Carl’s Towing Service & Repair *Carlson’s Heating & Air Conditioning *Cascade Natural Gas Corporation *Coldwell Banker Bain *Cole’s Appliance Repair *Comfort Inn

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*Community Home Health & Hospice *Cowlitz Credit Union *Cutright Wholesale Plumbing Supply *Family Health Center *Industrial Packing *Interiors Plus *Life Works *Longview Housing Authority *Longview Orthopedic Associates *Longview Public Schools *McDonald’s of Longview *Pacific Fibre Products *Nipp & Tuck *Paperback Galore *Rush Insurance/Financial Services *Schlecht Construction *Somerset Retirement Home and Assisted Living *T.C.’s RV and Mini Storage *United Finance *Viking Automatic Sprinkler Company *Wasser & Winters Company *William (BJ) R. Boatsman *Errand Girl *American Family Kari-Ann Botero *Guild Mortgage *Interstate Wood Products, Inc. *Lower Columbia CAP *M & R Painting, Inc. *Mint Valley Federal Credit Union *Newrock Homes, Inc. *Northwest Auto Specialist, Inc. *Retirement Strategies *Simpson Timber Company *Superior Tire Service, Inc. *The OM Home *Triangle Bowl *Cowlitz County Chaplaincy *Biggs Insurance Services

Kelso Longview Business Connection

July 2015

Welcome Back! *Clay Bartness *Comcast *Dick Hannah Toyota *Fred Meyer, Inc. *Heritage Bank, Kelso *Heritage Bank, Longview *Hometown National Bank *Island Sun Tanning, Inc. *Kemira Water *Longview Engineering and Design *McCord Bros. Nissan Dodge *Millennium Bulk Terminals *Minuteman Press *Professional Communications Services *Servpro of Longview/Kelso *Sierra Pacific Mortgage *Sterling Insurance *Twin City Bank *U.S. Cellular *Waste Control Recycling, Inc. *Woodford Commercial Real Estate *United States Army *Lexi’s Pizza *B & B Air Conditioning & Heating – Entek Corp. *Bicoastal Media dba KLYK/KRQT/KEDO/ NEW COUNTRY *Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts *Community Health Partners/Cowlitz Free Medical Clinic *Craig Stein Beverage *Dahl McVicker Funeral Homes *Frontier Rehabilitation & Extended Care Center *Gibbs & Olson, Inc. *Humane Society of Cowlitz County *Life Mortgage *Music & More D.J.s *Noelle McLean PS *Pacific Lumber & Shipping Co. *Papé Machinery *PNE Corp *Pro-Caliber Longview Motorsports *Red Canoe Credit Union

*Red Canoe Credit Union 30th *Red Canoe Credit Union Washington Way *Safway Services, Inc. *Searing Electric & Plumbing *Steel Chapel Longview Memorial Park *The Dog Zone *Utilize I.T., Inc. *Wal-Mart *Red Leaf Coffee *BA Design *American Red Cross *Animal Health Services *Suzanne Arnitz *Baxter Auto Parts *Behrends Body Shop *Bob’s Sporting Goods *Burger King *Collins Architectural Group *Country Village Nutrition Shoppe & Café *Day Wireless Systems *Esteem Salon *Ethnic Support Council *Fiesta Bonita Mexican Grill & Cantina *Foster Farms *Gallery of Diamonds *Global Images Graphic Design & Marketing *Hilander Dental *Hydraulic Service, Inc. *Kelso Rotary *Les Schwab Tire Center *Northwest Motor Service *Overhead Door Company of Southwest *Washington *Peter C. Wagner, D.M.D., PS *ProBuild *Propel Insurance *Shamrock Tavern *Shirley L. Smith *Stirling Honda *Sweet Spot Frozen Yogurt *Taco Time *The Daily News *The Roof Doctor *Twin City Glass Co.

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*Twin City Service Co. *Weatherguard, Inc. *Wilcox & Flegel Oil Company *Workplace Wellness *WorkSource Cowlitz/Wahkiakum OUR LATEST RENEWING MEMBERS *B & R Mini Storage *Banda’s Bouquets *Be Cause Business Resources, Inc. *Best Western Aladdin Inn *Busack Electric *Calportland *Columbia Security *Copies Today Speedy Litho, Inc. *Cowlitz Container & Diecutting *Edward Jones-Nick Lemiere *H & S Enterprises *Habitat For Humanity Cowlitz County *Hart Radiator *Heartsong Massage *J. L. Storedahl & Sons, Inc. *Kaiser Permanente *Les Schwab Tire Center *Longview Timber Corp *Longview Urology *Ocean Beach Self Storage *P. T. Northwest *Pacific Office Automation *Papa Pete’s Pizza – Longview *PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center *Pets, Pawns & Imports *SW Washington Symphony *The UPS Store *TSYS Merchant Solutions *Washington State University Vancouver *Zip Local

Kelso Longview Business Connection

September 2015

In the News

Longview Lions sock hop fundraiser benefits school scholarships

The Longview Pioneer Lions will host a sock hop fundraiser for school scholarships from 7 to 10 p.m. Sept. 16 at the Kelso Longview Elks, 900 Ash St., Kelso.

The King Brothers are slated to perform. The night also includes a nacho bar, raffle and dancing. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.

For information contact Brenda Courser at 360-430-7330.

Back to school means slow down in Longview school zones

Thank You

Reduced speeds in all school zones will be in effect in Longview beginning Sept. 2, with the start of the 2015-16 school year.

Millennium recently made a donation to the CAP Meals on Wheels and GFO training kitchen. The $10,000 each year for the next two years will go a long way in assuring The speed limit in all Longview school zones is 20 miles per the program can continue to serve seniors in need of hour. Signs are removed during the summer in school zone ar- nutritious meals. eas without summer school and are reinstalled approximately one month prior to the start of the school year to prepare drivers to slow down in those areas.

In addition to patrol officers monitoring school zones for traffic violations, Longview will also resume its photo enforcement at six school zones, which include: • Mint Valley Elementary School • Cowlitz Valley Gardens (CVG) Elementary School • Olympic Elementary School • St. Helens Elementary School • Kessler Elementary School • Mark Morris High School There is no warning period for photo enforcement at the beginning of the school year. Drivers violating the speed limit during the hours posted in photo enforced school zones may receive photo enforcement tickets beginning on the first day of school.

New flashing beacon school zone signage is on order and will be installed in all Longview school zones over the next several months. The signs will also include driver speed feedback readers that tell drivers their speed as they approach the

30

school zone.

It is important that drivers maintain a speed of 20 miles per hour or less through the entire school zone to be in compliance with the law. Signs with a higher speed limit are placed at the end of each school zone indicating the speed limit drivers should observe after they pass the sign.

While the number of speeding vehicles in school zones has decreased significantly since the start of the photo enforcement program, the police department is still surprised by the volume of vehicles that travel more than 20 miles per hour in school zones. “We still have more work to do to reduce the number of vehicles speeding through our school zones,” said Chief Jim Duscha.

“Through the photo enforcement program, we have learned that many drivers do not intend to speed through school zones, but that many people are not aware they are traveling in a school zone or they believe that the speed limit is something higher than 20 miles per hour,” Duscha said. “Signage will soon be installed to increase visibility of school zones. Even if

Please see News, page 31

Kelso Longview Business Connection

September 2015

In the News

News, from page 30

In late August, the agency launched the official Longview Police Department Facebook page and opened a Twitter account. Both are listed under LongviewPD.

a driver does not intend to hit a child, doing so at a higher rate of speed has a greater likelihood of injury and death. Therefore, this program is not about driver’s intentions; it is about reducing risk to our youth near the schools by reducing the speed of vehicles traveling through school zones. We ask you to please slow down in school zones,” Duscha continued.

To access the Facebook page, go to Facebook.com/LongviewPD. To follow the department’s Twitter account, go to https:// twitter.com/LongviewPD “This a great opportunity for LPD to interact with the community and share valuable information in a timely manner,” said community service officer Cindy Lopez Werth, one of the department’s public information officers who will help manage the Facebook page. They will post information and pictures as well as provide links to other law enforcement and partner agency pages.

For information about the photo enforcement program, call Longview Police Department at 360-442-5800 or go to the department’s website with photo enforcement questions and answers at www.mylongview.com/police and click on photo enforcement.

Photo enforcement tickets can be paid on-line at www.violationinfo.com. Also, stay updated on LPD news by going to Facebook.com/LongviewPD and liking the page and following the department on Twitter @LongviewPD.

Werth said the department will use its Facebook page to post information related to laws, crime prevention tips, Block Watch, community alerts and announcements about upcoming events, such as the open house on Sept. 26. The department also might use the page to ask for the public’s help in identifying suspects and looking for missing people or stolen vehicles.

Friends of the Longview Library host book sale with something for everyone

The department will use its Twitter account for more immediate and time-sensitive matters, such as major road closures and emergency situations.

The Friends of the Longview Library will be having a Huge Blow-Out Book Sale Sept. 10, 11 and 12 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Library auditorium. You can browse thousands of books, something for every reader. All of the books, DVDs, CDs, and more are for sale at unbelievably low prices.

The official department Facebook page is listed as LongviewPD under the category of governmental organization. It is not to be confused with the Longview Police Department governmental organization page that belongs to the agency in Texas.

The Texas agency also has a Facebook page for its detectives under Longview PD Detectives.

The Friends of the Longview Library is a nonprofit organization that gives volunteer and financial help to the Library.

The proceeds from the book sale will be used to provide the Library with resources to enhance services and programs.

An unknown community member started an unofficial Longview Police Department Facebook page some time ago, but it is not endorsed by either agency. The unofficial page, which is listed as Longview Police Department Police Station, was started in late 2011.

If you are interested in joining the Friends, applications are available at the Longview Public Library. Please call Elizabeth Partridge at 360-442-5321 for more information.

The department will not monitor Facebook or Twitter 24/7, so people should not use it to report problems or crimes. People who wish to report a crime should call 360-442-5800 and ask to speak to a police dispatcher for non-emergency incidents. They should dial 911 to report an in progress, emergency situation in which immediate help is needed.

Longview Police reach out with addition of Facebook and Twitter

Longview Police Department is stepping into the world of social media to reach out to the community to share crime prevention tips and other information.

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

September 2015

Business After Hours

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

Wild, Blue Yonder

Burgers and brats were great, but the real show stopper were the planes at the Chamber’s Business After Hours Aug. 11 hosted by the Southwest Washington Regional Airport. Thanks to the pilots and avaiation clubs that brought their planes for the members to enjoy. Thanks also to Rosemary Siipola, her team and volunteers for a educational and fun evening! Above, the Chamber’s Karen Sisson snapped a photo while racing more than 200 mph, did rolls and a loop courtesy of George Ford and his fantastic plane, she said.

Sue Piper, Columbia River Reader, and Kris Weber, wife of County Commissioner Dennis Weber, soak up some sun.

Kelly Quick talking about his plane to Chamber members.

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Kelso Longview Business Connection

September 2015

Business After Hours

Toledo Turnout Together the Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce and the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce enjoyed a Business After Hours event hosted by ToledoTel Aug. 20. The event provided a great opportunity to network and make new contacts. Thank you ToledoTel for a fabulous evening and thanks for the tour Fred!

Ken Grams, KinetiQ Group, and Kelso Chamber CEO Bill Marcum catch up.

Sue and Spud Downie, members of the Centralia-Chehalis Chamber.

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

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