February 2022 Business Connection

Business Connection Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce

A young Sasquatch visited Lady Squatch Apparel

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Julie Rinard

Project Manager

k February 2022

Volume 14 • Issue 2 Business Connection is published monthly by the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce 105 N. Minor Road • Kelso, WA 98626

sQuatch Fest adds up to fun

T

STAFF

Bill Marcum, CEO Julie Rinard, Project Manager Pam Fierst, Office Manager

hanks for going sQuatchin’ with us! Here’s sQuatch Fest 2022 by the numbers.

2,484 5 4 6 7 10 31 68

Attendees from across the United States World-renowned speakers

Local

breweries

Varieties of wine from Bateaux Cellars Food trucks

k CONTACT US

360-423-8400 kelsolongviewchamber.org To advertise, call Bill Marcum 360-423-8400 or bmarcum@kelsolongviewchamber.org Ad Deadline 20th of Each Month

Activities in Kids’ Cave

Themed merchandise vendors Volunteers

Chamber CEO Bill Marcum hangs around with carved Sasquatches

And too many Sasquatch sightings to count…

The first sighting was our 15-foot inflatable Sasquatch that greeted everyone at the front door!

For more sQuatch, see page 2

sQuatch from page 1

sQuatch Fest host Craig Yahne kept things lively both days. He included activities that involved audience participation, such as a sQuatch calling contest, Talk’N sQuatch and a speaker forum.

Speakers Dr. Jeff Meldrum, Cliff Barackman, Ron Morehead, Shane Corson and Derek Randles drew crowds that filled the speakers’ room. A last-minute surprise was the display of a Sasquatch nest replica constructed by Shane Corson of the Olympic Project. All the speakers were available to meet attendees at their booths and autograph their books.

Kids’ Cave was a busy, high-energy space for families. The kids played games, won prizes, built projects, played cornhole, met costumed characters, mugged for photos, played tabletop carnival games, enrolled in books from Dolly Parton Imagination Library, colored and made crafts. They also enjoyed climbing the blocks that were on loan from the YMCA of Southwest Washington and tumbling in inflatable wheels from The Main Event Party Store. Every child went home with a balloon, too. Thank you, CalPortland for sponsoring Kids’ Cave and helping us make it bigger than ever.

Brew Mountain was also a busy place, as adults enjoyed nine beers and six wines during the two-day event. Revenue from Brew Mountain supports the Lower Columbia Professionals scholarship program for local students. The tips for scholarships were appreciated! Special thanks to Ashtown Brewing Co., Bateaux Cellars, Explorer Brewing Co., Five Dons Brewing and River Mile 38 Brewing Co. for participating in Brew Mountain and pouring alongside our volunteers.

Between all the other activities of sQuatch Fest, there was shopping! Attendees found many different types of themed merchandise, including apparel, books and art. Many vendors made comments about our friendly community and told us they will be back for sQuatch Fest in 2023. Three vendors joined the Chamber because of their positive experience with sQuatch Fest. The Ambassadors will welcome them with ribbon cutting events soon.

We’d like to thank these vendors for their great variety of food and beverage choices: Cousin Yeti’s Food Fired Pizza, Double J’s Food Truck, Funnel of Love, The Islander, Kiwanis of Kelso Longview, Rustic Cup Mobile Coffee and Shave Ice, Summerland Catering and Guse’s Gourmet Coffee. sQuatch Fest was impacted by COVID as volunteers who were committed to sQuatch Fest were unable to participate. Lower Columbia Professionals stepped up! These hard-working leaders worked extra volunteer shifts and called on their friends and family members to help. They worked in Brew Mountain, Kids’ Cave, registration, vendor and volunteer check-in, the Chamber merchandise booth, security and assisted the speakers. Thank you, Lower Columbia Professionals!

Groups of employees from Fibre Credit Union and Foster Farms also joined in and helped every place they were needed.

2 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | February 2022

Special thanks to these volunteers: Kelly Godden, Specialty Rents Laura Hight, Center for Constructive Resolution– The Mediation Center Keith Johanson, Westrock Marlene Johanson, Heritage Bank Vashti Langford, Cowlitz Indian Tribe Marc Silva, Columbia Bank Karen Sisson, Retired Darrell Whittle, Realty One Group Pacifica Pam Whittle, Realty One Group Pacifica Teedara Wolf, Cowlitz PUD We appreciate our sponsors who make sQuatch Fest possible: The Daily News Radio stations KLOG-The Blitz-KUKN-Cowlitz County Digital Radio stations Real Country-KEDO-KLYK-The Peak-Rocket 107 CalPortland Evergreen Home Loans Longview West The Home Depot Country Financial, Agent Jennifer Penfold Twin City Bank Gibbs & Olson Mill City Grill Catlin Properties, Inc. The Main Event Party Store D and C Lemmons, LLC Dale McGhee and Sons Well Drilling Kelso Super 8 Lower Columbia Longshoremen’s Federal Credit Union Heritage Bank Keller Williams Star Team, Agent Mike Wallin Prographyx Posh on Commerce Specialty Rents Save the date for the seventh annual sQuatch Fest January 27-28, 2023

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Speakers engaged the audience in lively conversation during the speaker forum

sQuatch Fest 2022!

Volunteers helped kids build projects in Kids’ Cave

Speakers filled the house both days

4 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | February 2022

Olympic Project researchers showcased a replica of a Sasquatch nest they discovered in a forest

Sasquatch will be back Jan. 27-28, 2023

Bateaux Cellars poured six varieties of wine

Marlene Johanson and Marc Silva pouring beer for Five Dons Brewing

The speakers’ booths were a popular stop for autographs between presentations

Kiwanis of Kelso Longview served barbecue burgers and raised funds for local scholarships

The Main Event Party Store turned Kids’ Cave into a party Kids’ Cave was popular with families

Kelso Longview Business Connection | February 2022 | 5

2022 Small Business

BOOT CAMP Spring Series starts Friday, March 4 Friday Mornings ★ 7:30 am - 9 am American Workforce Group Event Center 1145 14th Ave., Longview

Boardmanship series

March 4 Role of the Board vs the CEO Frank McShane Square Peg Consulting

March 11 Financial Accountability Marlene Johanson Heritage Bank

March 18 Handling Conflict Jennifer Leach Past President Longview School Board

March 25 Working as a Team Frank McShane Square Peg Consulting

April 1 Succession Planning Chris Bailey LCC President

April 8 Facilitating and Leading Meetings (Roberts Rules) Jennifer Leach Past President Longview School Board

$

No pricing change since 2013!

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★ $160 Non-Members

360-423-8400

leadership 2.0 series Starts in May

Sponsored by:

www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce Bill Marcum CEO

Lisa Straughan, President Express Employment Professionals Marlene Johanson, President Elect Heritage Bank Marc Silva, Vice President Columbia Bank Neil Zick, Treasurer Twin City Bank Chris Roewe, Past President Woodford Commercial Real Estate Michael Claxton, Legal Counsel Walstead Mertsching

Breakfast meeting serves up information and opportunity

O

ur Legislative Briefings started Jan. 24 at 7 a.m. via Zoom. We had 24 people in attendance including all six of our 19th and 20th District legislators. Our 19th District Reps. Jim Walsh and Joel McIntire; 20th District Reps., Peter

Abbarno and Ed Orcutt and our 19th District Sen. Jeff Wilson and 20th District Sen. John Braun. I want to thank everyone who attended, especially our elected representatives.

This is a short session, 60 days and there is a lot on the table that affects you and your business like the WA Cares Act, which every employee must participate in whether

David Cuddihy The Daily News

they live in Oregon, Washington, Idaho or any other state for that matter, natural gas

Duane Dalgleish Cowlitz PUD

There is not a better way to communicate with your legislators than these morning

legislation, gas tax increases, pay per mile tax, estate tax and much more. briefings. They need to hear from you and you have them on the screen, right before

Jason Gentemann Foster Farms

you looking for you to comment and give them direction on these subjects.

Rich Gushman Gibbs & Olson

is early but it’s worth it. You need to be informed and have some say about what is

Keenan Harvey City Council, Kelso

employees.

Nick Lemiere Edward Jones

importantly our six legislators participate. From retail and professional services to real

Cherelle Montanye St. John/PeaceHealth John Paul KUKN-KLOG-101.5 The WAVE Bruce Pollock Bicoastal Media

We meet every Monday between now and the end of the session. I know 7 a.m. happening in Olympia that can in some cases critically affect your business or your We are one of the only chambers in the state that has a weekly briefing and most estate and construction you are affected.

Dale Lemmons with Signature Transport is the Chamber’s Chair for the Government Affairs Committee. Dale, like many people in transportation, are concerned with gas prices, the taxes on that gas and the lack of drivers in the workforce... the shortage of drivers and delivery costs affects every business.

I am asking you to attend, comment, participate and be engaged in helping our legislators work on your behalf to make things better for business in Washington state

Christine Schott City of Longview Councilmember

and specifically Cowlitz County.

Ted Sprague Cowlitz Economic Development Council

8400. We need your voice.

Contact me for the Zoom link at bmarcum@kelsolongviewchamber.org or 360-423-

Michael Vorse Minuteman Press John Jabusch Cowlitz County Commissioner

Kelso Longview Business Connection | February 2022 | 7

Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments Bill Fashing

Executive Director

Planning tools for economic development

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s the federally designated Economic Development District for Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties, the Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments (CWCOG) works to track and monitor data on the region as part of its planning role. A new resource recently became available, and I have included information from the National Economic Resilience Data Explorer (NERDE) here.

The following summary provides an overview of economic indicators for Cowlitz County.

The CWCOG prepares the regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) document every five years. The current CEDS can be found here. The CEDS contributes to effective economic development in the region through a locally based, regionallydriven economic development planning process. Economic development planning – as implemented through the CEDS – is not only a cornerstone of the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) programs, but successfully serves as a means to engage community leaders, leverage the involvement of the private sector, and establish a strategic blueprint for regional collaboration. The CEDS provides the capacity-building foundation by which the public sector, working in conjunction with other economic actors (individuals, firms, industries), creates the environment for regional economic prosperity. Information made available through this new tool will support the development of the next CEDS document planned to start in late 2022.

The following data addresses COVID-19 impacts to the Cowlitz County economy.

For more CWCOG, see page 9 8 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | February 2022

CWCOG from page 8

The tool includes data and analysis for key indicators, demographics, workforce, local economy, industry, risk and resilience, and COVID-19 impacts. You can explore additional information and delve deeper as you may have interest using the tool that can be found here. The resource includes two tools for consideration. The first is at the county level and the second is at the Economic Development District.

Lower Columbia Investment Network The CWCOG and area economic development partners are continuing to develop a program to promote local investments in local businesses. The Lower Columbia Investment Network (LCIN) connects local investors who want to see their money improve Cowlitz and Wahkiakum communities with local business owners or entrepreneurs in need of capital to grow or start a business. LCIN members are area residents who understand that keeping their funds local facilitates economic self-sufficiency and job growth in Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties. Business opportunities are distributed to members as they are received, and members come together for business profile and networking events three to four times per year. In person meetings will begin soon. Watch local media for additional information and email me to get on the email notification list. Information is included below for both possible investors and for possible business interests.

I want to invest in Lower Columbia businesses…

Anyone interested in investing their money into a Cowlitz or Wahkiakum county community business is welcome to join

LCIN. The LCIN is not a bank or loan fund and members do not make collective investment decisions. CWCOG acts only as a matchmaker and members work directly with businesses on investment opportunities.

LCIN is a way to see where your money is going, who it is helping, and the direct impact it makes. It enables you to invest in local businesses of your choosing that make your community the unique place it is. LCIN is not a venture fund, a bank or a financial institution. LCIN consists of individuals who support surrounding businesses by investing locally – putting their funds to work within their neighborhoods. By investing in a local enterprise, you support your local economy, facilitate greater economic self-sufficiency and increase the local quality of life.

I want to start or grow a Lower Columbia business…

Any business based in Cowlitz or Wahkiakum county is welcome to seek out funding partners. Business owners must be prepared to share detailed information about their business with the possible investor, submit an Investment Opportunity Submission Form and present their idea to investor members.

LCIN is an alternative to banks or other commercial lenders.

It offers businesses the opportunity to borrow money from your neighbors, customers and others interested in your success.

More information on the program will be provided at www. cwcog.org as it become available. If you would like to be included on the mailing list for future meetings, please contact us.

Kelso Longview Business Connection | February 2022 | 9

Workforce Southwest Washington

New year offers opportunities for new skills

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s we enter the new year, there is a proclivity to improve ourselves – setting goals we would like to accomplish over the year. Why not make 2022 the year to polish up your career skills and learn new ones?

The available LinkedIn Learning pathways in Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum counties are:

Workforce Southwest Washington (WSW) invests in numerous organizations that provide a multitude of services for jobseekers wanting to gain new skills to improve employability, those currently working and wanting to advance in their careers and businesses looking to improve the skills of their employees.

One of our partners, WorkSource, offers a diverse set of workshops each month. From “Using Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace” to “Engaging the Generational Workforce,” the workshops are designed to help jobseekers and currently employed individuals gain new knowledge and navigate the job seeking process.

At the helm of the workshops program is Traci Wise, regional facilitator and webinar instructor. Wise was brought on at WorkSource to develop workshops based on a list of essential skills aggregated through research. Wise began to develop the workshops from the list of 90 skills, creating dynamic in-person classes with personal and group activities.

Wise’s workshops cover an array of topics, including 2nd Act: Overcoming Ageism, Effective Teamwork, Resolving Conflict @ Work, Mature Worker Resume and Interview Skills, Workforce Communications, Belonging at Work and Business Culture, among others.

In March 2020, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Wise transformed the workshops from in-person to online. With the switch to online, the workshops became more accessible to a larger number of individuals. Now people from all over the state can virtually attend the southwest Washington workshops. Wise’s workshops continue to evolve with the ever-changing job market and she is developing new workshops for 2022.

Additional workshops led by the WorkSource team cover LinkedIn for Professionals, The Salary Talk, Refining a Diamond – Justice Involved Employment, Financial Capabilities, Strategies for Success, Online Job Applications and Introduction to Computers.

Keep up to date and register for workshops on the WorkSource website.

Additionally, WSW developed partnerships with LinkedIn Learning and Career Karma to provide digital career pathway trainings. Those services are also available through WorkSource.

Since inception, LinkedIn Learning has served 389 participants.

The career pathways focus on digital field and technical skills and more pathways continue to be developed based on regional demands.

10 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | February 2022

Across the pathways, WorkSource offers access to 145 LinkedIn Learning courses. The pathways are available for current jobseekers, as well as businesses looking to improve worker skills and provide learning opportunities for their employees.

LinkedIn Learning is a self-paced program, which can be done on a desktop of mobile device. Similarly, the Career Karma partnership is an online training program, with the goal to train and place women, people of color and other historically underrepresented populations in the technology sector. The Career Karma partnership, which began in 2020, serves 20 jobseekers per year.

Additional resources for those who enroll in the LinkedIn Learning or Career Karma programs through WorkSource include access to a career coach, connections for housing, food, childcare, transportation and assistance procuring work clothing and supplies.

For businesses interested in LinkedIn Learning pathways, fill out WSW’s business request form and express your interest in LinkedIn Learning.

In the next few weeks WSW will have funds available for businesses to train their existing workforce. Watch our Business Resources page for updates.

For jobseekers interested in LinkedIn Learning pathways or Career Karma, reach out to WorkSource Vancouver at 360-735-5000 or WorkSource Cowlitz/Wahkiakum at 360-577-2250 or contact Traci Wise at CoachTraci@careersnw.org.

Workforce Southwest Washington (WSW) is the Local Workforce Development Board (LWDB) designated by federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) legislation to oversee For more WSW, see page 11

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It’s all person to person. We simplify an otherwise complicated process by navigating our members every step of the way. We offer commercial real estate loans, construction loans, vehicle and equipment loans, and business lines of credit, all designed with your needs in mind.

“

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WSW from page 10

the public workforce system in Cowlitz, Wahkiakum and Clark counties. WSW is a nonprofit organization and funds services that help individuals gain skills to obtain good-paying jobs or advance in their careers and help companies recruit, train and retain workers. Since 2003, WSW has invested more than $100 million in southwest Washington. Investments include employment training services for businesses, career coaching for adults, and GED programs for young adults. Learn more at www.workforcesw.org.

WorkSource is a network of local, nonprofit and state agencies that provides an array of employment and training services to job seekers in Washington State. Customers access services electronically through www.WorkSourceWA.com or a network of more than 60 WorkSource centers and affiliate sites across Washington State. WorkSource centers in Kelso and Vancouver provide services including job search support, funding for job training, workshops and classes, and connections to housing, childcare and other services to assist job seekers.

Service is the difference!

Glenda Beam

Amy Hoyer

Escrow Officer

Escrow Officer

Brittney Rexford Escrow Assistant

Michelle Mortensen

Jason Hanson

Darren Plank

Title Officer

Policy Typist

Title Officer

TRUSTED FOR OVER 39 YEARS Leah White

Carrie Staggs

Escrow Assistant

Escrow Assistant

Theresa

Pam McCormick

Steve Quaife

Branch Manager

Bookkeeper/Recorder Campbell Order Desk/Receptionist

Leah Stanley Title Officer

Melinda Gottfryd

Policy Typist

Breshae Brunette Megan Howerton Title Plant Admin

Title Typist

Most in-depth title plant in the county.

Accurate Reliable Timely Locally Owned 1159 14th Avenue , Longview, WA 98632 360.423.5330 www.cowlitztitle.com Kelso Longview Business Connection | February 2022 | 11

Business Toolbox Jerry D. Petrick

Certified Business Adviser

News your business can use

A

mazingly we are already well into the new year – 2022 is moving right along. This month I have put together a collection of information, ideas, and suggestions to help you/ your business in several ways. I hope you find these tidbits to be useful.

2022 Compliance Tips From CPAs CPA firm VSH offers these 2022 reminders in its latest newsletter: Does Your Business Need to File Forms 1099-NEC or 1099MISC?: If you use independent contractors to perform services for your business, for each one you pay $600 or more for the year, you are required to issue the worker and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 1099-NEC no later than Jan. 31, 2022, for 2021 payments. Read more here.

Start 2022 Off Right, Clean Up QuickBooks: January is always such a transitional month. You’re trying to wrap up everything that didn’t get done during a hectic December. At the same time, you have to jump into the new year and start doing your regularly scheduled work. It can be hard to tell sometimes which year you’re working on.

Learn more about important QuickBooks clean-ups here.

State of Washington Business Updates Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL): Effective Jan. 1, the Department of Licensing will review “preliminary applications” (Criminal Conviction Screening form) from individuals with past criminal convictions who want certain professional licenses. The review will not approve the license. It will determine whether the type of conviction is related to the license. This service is optional. It is intended to give applicants information before they spend time or money taking any required classes or exams or paying licensing fees. Visit the DOL criminal conviction screening webpage for information and to apply.

Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR): The annual 2021 Excise Tax Return is available and due April 15. Have you completed all your business for the year? Why wait to file? Go to https://dor.wa.gov/LogIn. Don’t risk missing the due date. File now and be done with it.

Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) WA Cares Fund Employer Update: The legislature and Gov. Jay Inslee announced plans to change and improve the WA Cares Fund during the 2022 legislative session, which is scheduled to conclude in March.

Per direction from the governor, ESD will not collect premiums from employers until April 2022 or until the legislature gives further direction. However, the existing law still directs employers to begin collecting premiums from their employees beginning Jan. 1. Each employer will need to decide whether they will implement the law as it stands or await legislative action. The WA Cares website will be updated as more information becomes available.

Paid Family and Medical Leave Premium Rate and Social Security Wage Cap: Starting Jan. 1, the premium rate is 0.6 percent 12 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | February 2022

of each employee’s gross wages, not including tips, up to the 2022 Social Security cap ($147,000). Use this rate for Quarter 1 2022.

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries Wage, Overtime, and Salary Changes for 2022: Minimum wage will be $14.49 per hour in 2022 (up from $13.69). Workers who are 14 or 15 years old may be paid 85 percent of the adult minimum wage, or $12.32 per hour. The minimum salary for executive, administrative, and professional employees and computer professionals and outside salespeople to be considered exempt from overtime will be $1,014.30 per week (or $52,743.60 per year). Additionally, positions must meet other requirements to be exempt – see Changes to Overtime Rules.

Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) Settles Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Claims: D&B is a leading provider of business credit reports, which can impact firms’ ability to build relationships with vendors and other parties. Many businesses have complained of errors in these reports that have cost them time, expense, and opportunities. As detailed an FTC complaint, D&B failed to give businesses a clear, consistent, and reliable process to get these errors fixed. Moreover, D&B profited from businesses’ pain by selling them a line of products that purported to help them improve their reports. In fact, for many businesses, these benefits proved illusory, while the costs were all too real.

Learn how to clean up these errors in your small business credit report here.

Are you operating a co-op? Or interested in starting one? Check out our friends at the Northwest Cooperative Development Center: A co-operative is a business owned and controlled by those who use its services. Although co-operatives resemble other businesses in many respects, they are distinctly different in terms of ownership structure and in the distribution of earnings. In a co-operative, member-users finance and operate the business for their mutual benefit. Control is democratic, and earnings are distributed according to patronage provided by the members or retained in the business for overall member benefit.

Check out their website or recent newsletter for more information!

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Forgiveness If your PPP loan is less than $150,000 you may be eligible to apply for direct forgiveness through the Small Business Association (SBA) using the online portal. Follow these steps to find out if you qualify.

1. Find out if your lender is participating. A list of participating lenders can be found here.

2. Learn how to use our portal.

3. Apply for forgiveness.

Additional information can be found on the SBA website.

For more Petrick see page 13

Petrick from page 12

moving away from the cash wrap?

Pictures ARE worth a thousand words!

We can think of lots of ways for retailers to take advantage of this. These time lapse sequences can highlight all kinds of opportunities in your store. Plus, they can help you recognize any trouble spots.

After you’ve made some adjustments, then do another time lapse study to see whether that helped! What difference did it make?

It’s free. It’s fun. And it’s a great way to involve your staff as well.

Entry Exam for Potential New Items A recent report from Score, has shown new business applications went up 74 percent in 2021 when compared to pre-pandemic numbers of 2019. This growth has included a large increase in digital businesses, with 88 percent of entrepreneurs believing online sales are important source of revenue. Additional statistic about various sector growths can be found within the article here.

Below are some ideas from improving your retail business from the folks at Retail Owners Institute.

In-Store Analytics of Your Shoppers Here’s an FYI for you: all retailers have a powerful tool for understanding in-store traffic flows. It’s in the palm of your hand.

Yes, your smart phone can become your very own in-store traffic monitor. No drones or beacons or other tracking systems needed!

Here’s how it works: • Find a place to set your device – a top shelf, or a corner near the ceiling, or wherever else you can secure it.

• With your camera phone set to video mode/time lapse, it automatically snaps the shutter at whatever time interval you set.

• Then, when you watch the video, it has condensed the action that occurred over hours into minutes.

• And best of all, it can be FREE! Just look on your phone (or tablet.) If it’s not built in, search for time lapse on your app store.

See Your Own In-Store Traffic Patterns

Ahh, the appeal of new items. Or your customer’s ever-growing wish list items.

But, when you are also trying to control inventory, and keep turns up, the challenge is, “Which should you buy?”

• As many retailers are only too aware, if you are not vigilant, you may experience bloated inventories, which can cascade into cash flow problems quickly.

Here are six key questions for you and your buyers to ask yourselves as you consider new items. We think of it as an “entry exam” for merchandise. It’s a quick way to identify which items deserve to be in your store.

1. Can my customers get this item at other stores in my market area?

• YES? Careful, it probably has no pulling power.

2. Is this subject to a lot of price competition?

• YES? Slow turners with weak margins are double trouble.

3. Does having this item in stock help me sell other highermargin merchandise?

• NO? If not, you may not need it.

4. Can I get faster delivery on this item than I am now getting?

• YES? You may be able to cut back on your stock.

5. Do I order larger quantities of this item than I need in order to take advantage of price breaks?

Yes, it is like getting analytics of the in-store shopper behaviors.

Be ready for some surprises!

• YES? Caution advised. You may be coming out on the short end when you figure in all the costs of excess inventory.

• Which way do people turn when they come into our store?

(Is it true what “the experts” say?)

6. Do I have an emotional attachment to this item that reflects my personal taste rather than a business-like response to my customer’s desires?

• Do folks hesitate once inside, not knowing where to go?

• Which displays attract customers?

• Which areas do the customers seem to disregard?

• Are there consistent bottlenecks in certain places?

• How many shoppers get to the back of our store?

• What differences, if any, do you see by time of day or day of the week?

• And, this one is fun, how often do we see our sales staff

• YES? Best to avoid it.

New items? Of course. The customers always want what’s new.

Too much of a good thing? Not anymore!

This article was prepared by Jerry Petrick, certified business adviser, MBA, with the Washington State University Small Business Development Center. Jerry provides no-cost, confidential business advisory services by appointment. He can be reached via email jerry.petrick@wsbdc.org Kelso Longview Business Connection | February 2022 | 13

Kelso Public Schools

Longview Public Schools

Mary Beth Tack

Dan Zorn

Superintendent

Wallace class building boat bound for Japan

A

group of fifth graders at Wallace Elementary are getting their STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) lessons in a fun and unique way this year. In partnership with the Columbia River Maritime Museum, the class is designing, building, launching, and tracking a seaworthy, GPS-equipped miniboat and setting it on a journey across the Pacific Ocean.

The Columbia River Maritime Museum Miniboat Program, which began in 2017, partners students in the Pacific Northwest with their counterparts in Japan, facilitating international exchange and cultural learning. While more than 1,700 students on both sides of the Pacific Ocean have been involved in the launch of 31 miniboats, this class at Wallace Elementary is the first in Cowlitz County to participate in the program.

The entire project is student driven. Students take on roles on project teams, each assuming different responsibilities to work together for the common goal of setting sail their seaworthy vessel.

Teams and their duties include: •

Quartermasters –Launch location, navigation, and recovery instructions

•

Keel Department – Weight, filling, sanding, priming, painting, keel install

•

Sail Department – Design for the sail

•

Hull Department – Paint scheme, sanding, priming and painting the hull

•

Deck Department – Figurehead, deck art, and epoxying recovery instructions

•

Cargo Technology -–Cargo, installing the GPS and waterproofing the hatch

•

Social Media – Weekly Facebook posts (photo/video/text)

•

International Relations – Bi-weekly newsletter-style boat updates to Japan

•

Public Relations – Communicating with media and important people

•

Documentarians – Producing (storyboard, film, edit) a biweekly video

The beauty of this project is that while students are having fun, they’re also getting a global, multidisciplinary STEAM learning experience. Students in the Miniboat Program learn skills in critical thinking, data collection, strategic communications, design thinking, and team participation across a variety of subjects, including: •

Oceanography

•

Environmental Science

For more Kelso Schools, see page 15 14 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | February 2022

Superintendent

April special election supports schools

T

he district has been busy planning for the future and in doing so, is rolling out a replacement Capital Projects and Technology Levy proposal for voters in April.

In 2018, 61 percent of voters approved a Capital Projects and Technology Levy. The 2018 levy is expiring, so a replacement levy proposal will be sent to the voters to consider as part of the April 26 special election. The district has taken a balanced approach to assure that a wide range of facility needs are addressed and that all schools benefit from the planned improvements. Additionally, the replacement levy has been designed to assure that locally voted school property tax collections over the four years of the levy will remain less than they were in either 2021 or 2022.

The replacement Capital Projects and Technology Levy generates local funds for expenses not fully funded by state or federal dollars.

School districts did receive federal emergency relief funds due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the emergency funds can only be used for specific pandemic related expenses. These funds cannot be used for any of the projects included in the levy request such as roof replacements, lighting and electrical upgrades, large plumbing repairs, technology updates, school security enhancements, playground improvements, and athletic facility upgrades.

The levy allows the district to keep buildings and classrooms ready for quality teaching and learning by funding major maintenance, repair, and security projects. The levy money is also used to upgrade technology, refresh classroom computers, and replace student Chromebooks.

If the replacement levy passes, funds will be used to improve classroom environments by upgrading things like worn carpet and old lighting. It is also used to extend the useful life of school buildings by repairing and replacing leaking roofs, fixing electrical systems and plumbing and attending to other facility maintenance needs.

Another priority area includes improvements to safety and security in all schools and includes projects like securing school entrances, installing and maintaining surveillance cameras in key areas of each school, updating fire alarm systems, and updating and replacing broken or unsafe playground equipment.

When it comes to technology in our schools, the replacement levy is essential for updating computers, classroom technology tools and assuring access to needed online learning resources.

We have many computers and technological tools being used by our students and staff each day and all of these devices need to be replaced and/or repaired when they wear out. Computer literacy is a critical part of the education program today and it is made possible with technology upgrades funded by our local levy.

The levy was also designed to help repair and maintain our For more Longview Schools, see page 15

Kelso Schools

Longview Schools

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Ocean Plastics

athletic facilities for boys’ and girls’ sports to make them safer

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for practice and play. While the majority of funding will be

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used for school building repairs and technology, a portion of

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Geography

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Writing

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Marine Traffic/Trading Route

We are excited about the interactive learning this program is providing and so grateful for the opportunity given to our students.

You can read more about it in this Daily News article, and follow the project’s Facebook page at CRMMminiboats.

the proposed levy dollars is slated to focus on getting Memorial Stadium back in good condition. This would include adding a turf football/soccer field, a new running track, repairing the stadium roof and adding visitor bleachers.

If you would be interested in learning more about the replacement levy, I would be happy to meet with you or you can visit our website at longviewschools.com where you will find informational materials, presentations and videos that provide additional details.

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There’s a Difference.

Kelso Longview Business Connection | February 2022 | 15

Lower Columbia College Chris Bailey President

Community colleges exist to transform lives

C

ommunity colleges are uniquely positioned to provide the kind of second chances that quite literally change lives.

By law, community and technical colleges in Washington state are open enrollment. That means there are no academic barriers to admission such as minimum test scores or high school grade-point average requirements.

At Lower Columbia College (LCC), we don’t even charge an admission fee. Prospective students literally only need to fill out an online admissions form and they’re in, period. We also provide ample opportunity for those who need to brush up on their math or English skills. Students can take preparatory courses either before or while they’re pursuing a college certificate or degree.

Students choose how they want to prepare for college level studies at LCC. They can enroll in our Adult Basic Education program for only $25 a quarter, with scholarships available for those need them. Or they can enroll in credit-bearing pre-college English and math courses, which provide access to financial aid.

In Washington state, aid is available for both documented and undocumented students. Community college tuition is fully covered for students in families of four making about $51,000 a year, and partially covered for those making up to about $92,000.

Those of us who work at community and technical colleges know the transformational effect our programs can have on students. Take Brittany Lovely, for example, recipient of a 2022 Transforming Lives Award from the state’s association of community and technical college trustees. The awards recognize current or former students whose lives have been transformed by attending college in Washington. I am happy to report that not only did Brittany win the award, she was also selected to be a keynote speaker for the January awards ceremony that was, unfortunately, canceled due to the pandemic.

Brittany’s inspirational story speaks to strength and resilience, and the power of finding encouragement and support in unexpected places. While she was in prison, Brittany reluctantly attended a required “job skills” course. Although she was not particularly excited about it, she ultimately decided to sit down with the instructor to start exploring career options; a conversation that ultimately led Brittany to pursue higher education.

Like many LCC students, Brittany didn’t picture herself in college.

With some encouragement, however, she filled out an application for financial assistance and enrolled at LCC following her release from prison. After a few quarters, Brittany got connected to an LCC program designed for students from historically underserved groups called TRiO Student Support Services.

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“I remember recounting the trauma and decisions that preceded my prison stay, yet she {the TRiO advisor} was writing things like ‘resilient, resourceful, determined.’ I didn’t understand how she picked those traits out of the ugly truth I was sharing. This was the first glimpse I got of myself that wasn’t riddled with shame. I found TRIO to be my home. They were not only fully accepting of who I was and where I’d been, but celebrated each tiny win with me. Slowly, they helped me shed some of the stigma I was carrying around and trade it for bits of confidence.” ~Brittany Lovely, 2022 Transforming Lives Award Winner Brittany not only succeeded at LCC, she thrived. She graduated with highest honors from LCC, then went on to graduate summa cum laude from Washington State University-Vancouver with a Bachelor’s in Public Affairs and a concentration in Justice. She worked for LCC’s TRiO program for a while, then went on to work for the Washington State House of Representatives. She found her calling with public policy, and now works for the Statewide Reentry Council, where she uses her own story to influence legislation for others who are struggling to find their way.

I hope you will join me in honoring Brittany, and the thousands of other successful students who got their second chance at LCC.

rve Reserly!

Ea

2022 VISITOR & MEMBERSHIP GUIDE

E DEAARLY Feb DLINE ruar

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Electronic Files • Should be emailed to bmarcum@kelsolongviewchamber.org • Please include your company name and publication in the subject line.

Logos, Images, Photos • Formats: High resolution JPG, EPS, TIFF, PDF • Resolution must be 300 dpi. Images from the internet cannot be used.

Full Files • PDF format, output to High Quality Print setting.

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Kelso L ongview 2020 Vi sitor Gu ide

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105 Minor Road Kelso, WA 98626

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Shop Local

LONGVIEW

CENTRALIA

1413 Commerce

1530 S. Gold St.

360-575-9804

360-807-1211

City of Longview

City of Kelso

MaryAlice Wallis

Mike Karnofski

Mayor

Mayor

Thank you for more time to do more

Exciting projects coming in 2022

T

K

wo little words gave me pause one afternoon while visiting the Longview post office. A mail clerk offered a little boy a candy cane, and the boy, looking up at his mother for approval, readily accepted. Without a prompt from anyone, the young child looked up at the clerk and said, “Thank you.”

How far such simple words can go.

Many times, opportunities are missed to express gratitude; but a statement of gratitude is not a trend, is not an old fashioned or outdated phrase, or empty words. Gratitude comes from a pure place inside the giver.

I’d like to take this time to express my gratitude to the Longview City Council for reappointing me as your mayor for Longview for the next two years. There is much personal satisfaction in working alongside sharp, dedicated individuals, who strive for excellence. Much work has been accomplished, and we have much work to do as a city council, but I am confident in the direction ahead. Thank you, city council, for believing in me, and for the opportunity to lead at this time. Thank you to the City of Longview departments and especially for City Manager Kurt Sacha for your leadership, and excellent planning, preparation, and foresight for our city.

The future of Longview is bright! Here are some of the great acknowledgements to look forward to in 2022.

1.

New voices added to the Longview City Council team: Congratulations to City Councilors Angie Wean and Spencer Boudreau.

2.

New housing opportunities at Mt. Solo Estates Phase 2 and more to come!

3.

46 acres, comprising 15 business lots available at Longview Business Park on Beech Street.

4.

Upgrades at Lake Sacajawea Park, Hemlock Plaza, and Martin’s Dock.

5.

American Recovery Plan Act infrastructure and development opportunities throughout the city.

May we all continue to find joy in each day, be kind toward one another, and let 2022 be the year of gratitude!

elso has several exciting projects planned for 2022 that will continue to improve the city.

The third phase of the Tam O’Shanter park improvements will be completed this summer. This will be a road around the east and north sides of the park which will provide a second exit. The road will start at the parking lot near the softball field and go out along the north side of the park connecting with the main road into the park from Allen Street. The improvements will also include about 80 additional parking spots behind the softball fields.

The Hazel Street railroad overpass will also be started this summer. The overpass will eliminate two at-grade railroad crossings at Yew and Mill streets. This will provide an improved and safer access to the area between the railroad and Cowlitz River. There is land for residential and commercial development that will be more accessible and available for development when the overpass is completed.

With the re-establishment of the Kelso Business and Community Association (KBCA), the City and KBCA will begin work on America in Bloom for the downtown area. The downtown will also have significant street and infrastructure work on Cowlitz Way, North Pacific Avenue, Oak Street and 4th Avenue. This includes paving and underground work. Safer routes to school will also be the result of a $2 million project near Huntington Middle School.

There are some longer-term projects that may get a start this year, including a study for a potential community center, a review of the City’s potable water system and potential improvements of property at Exit 36 and Anchor Point. Stay tuned for hopefully more on these projects later in the year.

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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 Kelso Longview Business Connection | February 2022 | 19

Cowlitz County Commissioners Arne Mortensen

County Commissioner, District 1

Emergency Rental Assistance Program – the other side

I

n January of this year, the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) approved a contract to accept from the Department of Commerce $9.4 million to provide rent and utility assistance. This program goes by the name of Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) 2.0. Under ERAP 1.0, the County, through LCAP (What does this stand for?), provided circa $6 million in assistance, but each assistance grant had to be rationalized to a COVID consequence; under ERAP 2.0 awards are not required to be tied directly to a COVID cause. This release of the tie-in makes sense because it saves the gymnastics that people go through to relate their plight to some COVID-related factor.

PUD service; let’s see, I think I’ll set my thermostat at 72, not 68. None of this should be a surprise to anyone; this is like the tragedy of the commons, which is well understood.

The BoCC was not unanimous in accepting this program, and it is useful to examine the reasoning, because it has bearing on our longterm situation, both here and the nation.

An argument is made that rental assistance prevents homelessness.

This is true for the one being subsidized (we pick winners and losers), but overall, it does nothing to reduce homelessness. Only more housing stock will help.

First, we should agree that there is no free money. Government money comes from current and future taxpayers; it also takes from everyone today via inflation, which eats away at buying power. The minimum questions that always should be asked about government spending are: 1.

What are the hidden or opportunity costs that are foregone otherwise?

2.

Is this sustainable? In other words, for $1 spent today will the return within a relative future be at least $1.

3.

Is the expenditure one that cures a problem or makes it worse, statistically speaking?

Looking at the philosophy of subsidizing utility bills is pretty easy: The public utility district (PUD), just like any other business, suffers losses when their product is taken without receiving payment in return; this, of course, is a polite way of describing theft. When local businesses suffer shoplifting, the merchant either goes out of business or spreads the loss over by raising its prices; thus, its paying customers cover the loss. I am unaware of any subsidy assistance program for these merchants, but for some reason people think the PUD is different.

But the PUD is not different; it is just like any other business with the arguable exceptions about the heavier regulation it faces. Government should not have agents at the exit of the merchant’s store, checking for purloined items and paying for them. Aside from many other problems that such a policy would create, it certainly would encourage a lackadaisical attitude about shoplifting.

By subsidizing PUD bills, government subsidizes delinquency. The costs for the PUD to provide service does not change, but the number of customers paying their bill will diminish; the end is a collapse.

Furthermore, there is no incentive to be a prudent consumer of the 20 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | February 2022

Looking at rental assistance is more complicated, but the principle is the same: As it is with the PUD assistance, there needs to be a whole system setup to decide who merits assistance. What criteria should we use? Can we ever do something that is fair? Probably not: Money is fungible, so rental assistance typically releases money that should be spent on rent in favor of spending it on less important items.

The program intrinsically is unfair at many levels. Subsidizing rent with taxpayer money is like saying: “I want to live beyond my means, and I am okay asking my neighbors pay the difference.”

These are some of the effects caused by rental assistance: •

There is such a demand for rental properties that rent assistance means that someone who could pay rent is locked out by someone who is being subsidized.

•

By subsidizing rent, landlords have no incentive to compete in a fair market. This makes the cost of housing grow.

•

The window for fraud is large. We already have seen some fraud with ERAP 1.0, but there are many ways to defraud that would be difficult to catch.

Summarizing: 1.

We do not know the opportunity costs of this program.

However, it is clear this program begets more trouble and more demand for taxpayer funding.

2.

It is not sustainable. This is a money pit. No matter how the arguments are couched, taking taxpayer money to fund the lifestyle of others is poison.

3.

Does the program cure a problem? No, it worsens the problem.

It undermines individual responsibility and punishes work.

It transfers power from the individual to the government and leads to unhealthy dependency on handouts. These are all very destructive of productive societies.

Let’s not forget that government housing and welfare programs are what destroyed the Soviet Union. Never in history has a society prospered by redistribution of wealth at the hands of government. And that is what this program does.

New Members Add your business to our growing membership.

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

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Look Who Joined in January Direct Auto Insurance

Donna Wight 3715 Ocean Beach Highway Longview, WA 98632 360-762-6112 donna.wight@directauto.com

Sierra Pacific Mortgage Company LaDonna Page 905 Broadway Street Longview, WA 98632 360-429-0202 Ladonna-page@spmc.com

Iron Ridge, Inc.

Jessica Westcott 1339 Commerce Avenue Longview, WA 98632 360-751-3374 jessica@ironridgeinc.com

Guse’s Gourmet Coffee

Samantha Thompson 1208 Commerce Avenue Longview, WA 98632 360-425-8940 pounderbuilding@outlook.com

Just Write Mobile Notary

Tammy Neuman 3142 Maple Street Longview, WA 98632 503-756-9276 justwritemobilenotary@msn.com

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Membership Packages Basic • $275 or $26 per month Bronze • $500 or $46.66 per month Silver • $1,000 or $86.33 per month Gold • $2,500 or $211.33 per month Platinum • $5,000 or $416.66 per month Diamond Club • $10,000 or $834 per month Nonprofit • $180 or $18 per month

Kelso Longview Business Connection | February 2022 | 21

Longview Downtowners Lindsey Cope

President; also Vice President, Cowlitz Economic Development Council; facilitator Kelso Business and Community Association

Stategic plan outlines plenty of events

D

owntown Longview is buzzing with excitement and heading into strategic planning. Before March 2020, we experienced record low vacancy rates, high recruitment success, record membership involvement, and phenomenal support from our community for our events.

For the past two years, we have been focused on survival and now we are looking at how we get back to thriving. We plan to have the community involved in these plans through surveys while we build out programs for this and future years. What is our and the community’s wish list for downtown Longview?

While we work toward this, we are continuing with our monthly Shop Local Saturday events on the fourth Saturday of every month.

You can find specific information and specials on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/downtownlongviewwa under events.

Feb. 12, we will have a downtown “Galentines” Shopping event led by Britney Collings of Jade Ann Clothing. She is finalizing the participating stores to be included in a passport program that will enter the participants in a raffle drawing for gift cards to many of

our downtown businesses.

March 12, downtown Longview is bringing back Shamrock Saturday.

This will feature themed St. Patrick’s Day fun and maybe even a pub crawl. One can make a fun day out of visiting our downtown establishments including, but not limited to: J Squared Barrel House, Tapped Roots, Broadway Barrel Room, Antidote Tap House, Mill City Grill, Ashtown, Roland Wines or Five Dons Brewing.

The first Saturday of every month is a chance to meet with other likeminded friends and clean up downtown Longview. Realty One Pacifica hosts this event and is working toward an Adopt a Block program.

This summer, or early fall, we are working with KUKN Country to bring a rising star country music artist concert to downtown along with a day of fun to go along with it.

We are delightfully busy implementing fun events for the first quarter and building out continued growth and prosperity for downtown Longview and beyond.

Don’t forget to eat local, drink local, and shop downtown Longview!

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Calendar FEBRUARY

MARCH

2

2

3 4 7 9 10 14 15 16 17 21 22 23 28

Your Chamber Connection radio show, 6pm, KEDO 1270 AM or 99.9 FM Education Foundation, Zoom, 8:30am Chamber Ambassadors, 7:30am, Columbia Bank Ribbon Cutting, Dunn Maintenance Chamber office closed Legislative Briefing, 7am, Zoom Your Chamber Connection radio show, 6pm, KEDO 1270 AM or 99.9 FM Education Foundation, 8:30am, Zoom sQuatch sQuad, 4pm, Mill City Grill Up, Up and Away, 6:30am, Mill City Grill Legislative Briefing, 7am, Zoom Chamber Executive Board, Noon, Mill City Grill Business After Hours and Ribbon Cutting, People's Injury Network, 5:30pm Your Chamber Connection radio show, 6pm, KEDO 1270 AM or 99.9 F Lower Columbia Professionals, 4pm, Mill City Grill Presidents Day, Chamber office closed Legislative Briefing, 7am, Zoom Ribbon Cutting, Just Write Mobile Nortary, 11am Chamber Board, Noon, Mill City Grill Your Chamber Connection radio show, 6pm, KEDO 1270 AM or 99.9 FM Legislative Briefing, 7am, Zoom

3 4 7 8 9 10 11 14 15 16 18 22 23 25 30

Education Foundation, 8:30am, Zoom Your Chamber Connection radio show, 6pm, KEDO 1270 AM or 99.9 FM Chamber Ambassadors, 7:30am, Columbia Bank Boot Camp Boardmanship Series, 7:30am, American Workforce Group Legislative Briefing, 7am, Zoom Business After Hours, Center for Constructive Resolutions – The Mediation Center, 5:30pm Your Chamber Connection radio show, 6pm, KEDO 1270 AM or 99.9 FM Lower Columbia Professionals, 4pm, Location TBD Boot Camp Boardmanship Series, 7:30am, American Workforce Group Legislative Briefing, 7am, Zoom Chamber Executive Board, Noon, Mill City Grill Your Chamber Connection radio show, 6pm, KEDO 1270 AM or 99.9 FM Boot Camp Boardmanship Series, 7:30am, American Workforce Group Chamber Board, Noon, Mill City Grill Your Chamber Connection radio show, 6pm, KEDO 1270 AM or 99.9 FM Boot Camp Boardmanship Series, 7:30am, American Workforce Group Spring Quarterly Luncheon, Elks Lodge, Kelso Your Chamber Connection radio show, 6pm, KEDO 1270 AM or 99.9 FM

Kelso Longview Business Connection | February 2022 | 23

News & Events

News and events come from our website, press releases, and public information shared with us.

To see more visit kelsolongviewchamber.org

Receive hands-on experience with workshops to improve business

Following our successful spring 2021 series, the Cowlitz Economic Development Council (CEDC), in partnership with Lower Columbia College (LCC), and the Cowlitz Wahkiakum Council of Governments (CWCOG), is offering three new education workshops for businesses. These workshops are designed to provide businesses with the knowledge needed to improve performance with step-by-step tasks to apply what is learned. Each class will be in the following format: Week 1, in-person class that teaches the content and outlines the work ahead; Week 2 and 3, online independent work (apply what you learned); Week 4, in-person class to review work completed and how it applies to your business.

Preregistration is required. Class information is below: 1. Finding Your Target Market, in-person Feb. 8 and March 1, from 9 to 11 a.m. The key to a successful business begins with a comprehensive understanding of who will purchase your product or service. Most small business owners believe everyone is a customer – this simply is not true. Knowing your customer’s interests and desires will make it easier to sell them your product.

Keep up with the latest on your heart.

peacehealth.org/hearthealth

24 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | February 2022

Register for $25 at bit.ly/lccTargetMarket 2. Developing Marketing Content, in-person March 8 and March 29, from 9 to 11 a.m. Advertising and marketing are a constant struggle that requires both creative skills and psychological analysis of your target audience. This workshop will introduce simple tools and techniques that help small business owners create effective marketing content. Register for $25 at bit.ly/lccMarketingContent 3. SWOT Analysis and Business Action Plan, in-person April 12 and May 3, from 9 to 11 a.m. Effective business management requires the constant review of all aspects of business operations.

Using the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) method to analyze your business will help you develop an effective action plan for improving productivity and increasing revenue. Registration cost is $25. Email nrichie@lowercolumbia. edu to register.

Limited space is available. Scholarships are available for financial hardship. Contact Lindsey Cope, CEDC vice resident, for information at cope@cowlitzedc.com or 360-560-3286.

For more News and Events, see page 25

News and Events from page 24

WestRock announces plans to construct box facility in Longview WestRock Company announced plans recently to build a new corrugated box plant in Longview to meet the growing demand from WestRock’s regional customers in the Pacific Northwest.

“WestRock’s corrugated packaging business in the Pacific Northwest continues to perform well, with strong relationships with customers in attractive growth markets,” said David B. Sewell, chief executive officer, WestRock. “Our new corrugated packaging plant will enable our team in this region to serve these customers even better in the future, with a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility that will provide new capabilities and efficiencies for our customers.”

The new plant will serve all industry segments and markets in the Pacific Northwest. When completed, this new plant will replace the company’s existing corrugated operations in Longview. The new plant will be co-located with the Longview paper mill operations and will increase the integration of the mill’s containerboard.

For more News and Events, see page 27

The Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce would like to THANK the following loyal members for renewing their partnership with us this month.

Budget Blinds of Longview Columbia Bank - Longview Branch Columbia Funeral Service Columbia River Carpet One DeFrancisco Lampitt and Brado PS DSU Peterbilt Fischer Insurance Agency, Inc. - Scott Fischer, State Farm Agent G L Booth – J G Davis & Associates Green Hills Crematory – Cascade NW Funeral Chapel

Consistent Courteous Complete Title and Escrow Services

Kay Green Lower Columbia Contractors Association Signature Transport, Inc Summerland Catering Services Teague's Interiors

1425 Maple Street • Longview, WA 98632

360.425.2950

www.cascade-title.com Kelso Longview Business Connection | February 2022 | 25

Join Us For a Fun Winter Networking Event!

Tuesday, February 15 5:30 to 7:30 pm PEOPLES INJURY NETWORK NORTHWEST 852 Commerce Ave., Longview

At 6 pm, join Chamber Ambassadors as they welcome PINN to the Chamber with a Ribbon Cutting

Delicious food and beverages Fun FRIDAY, prizes DEC 21 Parking available on Commerce Ave. and across the street at Furniture World Tickets available at kelsolongviewchamber.org $15 in advance, $25 at the door

from page 25

Lower Columbia Professionals dinner raises money for scholarships

The Lower Columbia Professionals (LCP) are hosting a scholarship fund event Feb. 10 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Mill City Grill.

Up, Up and Away is planned as a spaghetti feed and more. LCP plans to have 200 LED balloons available for purchase at $30 each.

Each balloon contains a prize. Prizes include a diamond pendant, Mexico trip, Great Wolf Lodge excursion, guided fishing trip and gift cards.

The night will also include music by CloudShine.

Tickets are $25 pre-order or $35 at the door.

Applications being accepted for Historic Preservation Commission

The City of Longview is accepting applications for three vacancies on the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC).

The responsibilities of the HPC include identifying and actively encouraging the conservation of the City’s historic resources by initiating and maintaining a register of historic places and reviewing proposed changes to register properties. It also raises

community awareness of the City’s history and historic resources, and serves as the City’s primary resource in matters of history, historic planning, and preservation.

Meetings take place on the fourth Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m.

These are volunteer positions and members of the Board receive no compensation for their services. Applications are completed online at https://www.mylongview.com/506/BoardsCommissions. The application process will be ongoing until filled, with first review Feb. 17.

For more information contact Adam Trimble at 360-442-5092.

The City of Kelso is accepting applications for firework stand permits

Due to the size of population, the City of Kelso is limited to allow for three fireworks stands each year. Permits may be granted, or denied, based upon the city manager’s assessment of the applicant’s experience and demonstrated record together with such other factors as are determined to be in the best interest of and benefit to the community. All applications to operate fireworks stands shall be made no later than May 2.

Colin Mochrie's

Friday, March 4, 2022 at 7:30PM From the brilliant minds of Improv Legend Colin Mochrie & Master Hypnotist Asad Mecci A brand new, mind-blowing, jaw-dropping, slide-splitting show where 20 volunteers are hypnotized on stage, whittled down to five of the best who do improv scenes with Colin Mochrie WHILE THEY ARE STILL UNDER HYPNOSIS. What can possibly go wrong? Come and see for yourself!

BER CHAM NT! OU DISC Gold Adult f f o rd: 20% de wo o c h wit ber1 cham

Tickets: $50- $55/17 & under: $20

Columbia Theatre Longview Box Office: 360.575.8499/ www.columbiatheatre.com Kelso Longview Business Connection | February 2022 | 27

Melissa Boudreau, Kelso School District

Justin Zakariassen and Gabbi Graves, Evergreen Home Loans – Longview West

Your Chamber Connection Radio Show

Shannon Imboden, Stewart Title

Wednesdays at 6 pm KEDO 1270 AM or 99.9 FM

Contact Julie Rinard at 360-423-8400 or jrinard@kelsolongviewchamber.org to schedule your interview

John Trussell, Synergy One Lending

Mike Karnofski, Kelso Mayor Jak Massey Longview Soccer Club 28 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | February 2022

2022

February 15: Peoples Injury Network Northwest March 8: CCRC-The Mediation Center April 12: Cowlitz Indian Tribe May 10: Kelso Longview Elks Lodge #1482 June 14: Canterbury Park July 12: Fidelity National Title August 9: The Jewelers Bench, Inc. September 13: Lower Columbia Longshoremen’s Federal Credit Union October 11: Frontier Rehabilitation & Extended Care Center November 8: Stewart Title December 13 Holiday Mixer: Kelso Longview Elks Lodge #1482 Interested in hosting Business After Hours?

Contact the Chamber at 360-423-8400 or email jrinard@kelsolongviewchamber.org

Business Connection Advertising Rates Effective August, 2020 The Kelso Longview Business Connection monthly newsletter is published the first of each month, posted electronically on our website and emailed to over 7,000 local business professionals, city and county officials.

To be included in this monthly email, call the Chamber office at 360-423-8400.

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

1 - 3 Issues

4-7 Issues

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$90 $140 $170 $290 $570

8-10 Issues

12 Issues

$70* $105* $140* $245* $480* *Includes ad on website

$50* $75* $100* $190* $400*

Dimensions 2" x 2.5" 4" x 2.5" 4" x 5.25" 4" x 10.5" (V) or 8" x 5.25" (H) 8" x 10.5"

All ads include full color and any design work. Ads may be changed monthly. Deadline is the 21st of the month prior to publication. Digital files: PDF preferred, high resolution JPEG accepted. Non-members of the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce, please add 30% to above rates.

To advertise or request additional information, please call 360-423-8400 or contact: CEO Bill Marcum bmarcum@kelsolongviewchamber.org Project Manager Julie Rinard jrinard@kelsolongviewchamber.org

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