May 2021 Business Connection by Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce

Business Connection Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce

Washington state lawmakers passed a $59 billion two-year operating budget and adjourned on April 25.

Association of Washington Business

k May 2021

Volume 13 • Issue 5 Business Connection is published monthly by the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce 105 N. Minor Road • Kelso, WA 98626

STAFF

Bill Marcum, CEO Amy Hallock, Project Manager Pam Fierst, Office Manager Joelle Wilson, Social Media Service

Legislature adjourns with $59 billion budget, new capital gains income tax

ashington state government will increase spending by $5 billion in 2021-23 after lawmakers passed a $59 billion two-year operating budget and adjourned on April 25. On top of that, the Legislature allocated an additional $10 billion in federal Covid-19

relief. The Washington Research Council runs down the numbers here. The Democratic majority also passed the state’s first-ever capital gains income tax, which would apply a 7% tax on investment income over $250,000 (there are exceptions for real estate, some small businesses and a few other categories). The tax is likely to face legal challenges but Democrats included a provision aimed at blocking a public referendum on the tax, The Seattle Times reports.

“Proponents of the new tax argue it will make Washington’s tax system more progressive,

but there was no equivalent reduction in sales tax or business and occupation tax to help

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

struggling employers,” said Association of Washington Business President Kris Johnson. “It’s simply a tax increase at a time when it wasn’t needed.” The News Tribune’s editorial board salutes several legislative Democrats who broke ranks to oppose “a big step toward the slippery slope of an income tax,” joining Republicans to oppose the capital gains tax.

Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Chris Roewe, President Woodford Commercial Real Estate Lisa Straughan, President Elect Express Employment Professionals Frank Panarra, Past President Foster Farms Marlene Johanson, Vice President Heritage Bank Neil Zick, Treasurer Twin City Bank Michael Claxton, Legal Counsel Walstead Mertsching Duane Dalgleish Cowlitz PUD Rich Gushman Gibbs & Olson Keenan Harvey City Council, Kelso Wendy Kosloski Teague's Interiors Nick Lemiere Edward Jones Cherelle Montanye St. John/PeaceHealth John Paul KUKN-KLOG-101.5 The WAVE Bruce Pollock Bicoastal Media Tom Rozwood NORPAC Christine Schott City of Longview Councilmember Marc Silva Columbia Bank

Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce Bill Marcum CEO

Hiring after the pandemic: Boot Camp professionals offer guidance session

ay kicks off our Spring Boot Camp session with four classes to help businesses with one of the main issues everyone is having right now… hiring qualified people. Starting May 14 and running each Friday until June 4, we will be

“Zooming” with featured speakers from the Southwest Washington Society of Human Resources Management (SWSHRM). Jean Back and Melissa Galindez will be leading the discussion on key topics that will help business owners, managers or human resource specialists come up with a game plan to find quality employees, understand new laws, work through privacy issues and the details of attracting and keeping good people. See our ad on Page 3 for details. Best of all, there is no cost for the four classes. Offering them free is our way to help you and your business find success…all you need to do is attend.

Golf Classic June brings us into golf season and the golf committee is working hard to make sure the Chamber brings more fun to our annual Chamber Golf Classic, which is set for June 21 with a 1 p.m. shotgun start. We are planning a steak dinner, hosted by the Elks, in a tent on the course. Keep in mind our plans will be adjusted for safety based on what phase the governor has our county in at the time of the tournament. I want to thank Stirling Honda for once again supporting the tournament as our Premier Sponsor. In fact, all our major sponsors are back from last year – Twin City Bank is our dinner sponsor; Signature Transport is our beverage sponsor; and Shamrock Grill is our lunch sponsor. Their staff will be on hand grilling burgers for lunch before you tee off. C’s Photography will be there to take team photos and once again Reprographic will have them printed and back to the course by dinner. Express Professionals is our Hole-in-One Sponsor, providing someone a chance to win $10,000 for an ace on Hole 8. Fibre Federal is again sponsoring the Putting Contest. Everyone will putt for an opportunity to be in the finals putting for a $5,000 cash prize. All in all, we have over 40 business sponsors for this fun event. The cost is $500 per team or $125 per person to play if you register before June 7. After

Ted Sprague Cowlitz Economic Development Council

June 7 the entrance fee goes up to $600 or $150 per player.

Michael Vorse Minuteman Press

beverages, lots of SWAG and tons of great raffle prizes you could win.

Dennis Weber Cowlitz County Commissioner

This is one of the most fun events of the year… golf, lunch, steak dinner, your favorite Contact the Chamber or go online at www.kelsolongviewchamber.org to get signed up. If you are a single and want to play, I will get you on a team… no one gets left out. Come and enjoy this fun day, June 21. Events start at 11:30 a.m.

2 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | May 2021

2021 Small Business

BOOT CAMP Special Series Starts Friday, May 14, 2021

Friday Mornings via Zoom ★ 7:30 am - 9:00 am

Hiring Struggles Continue.... Small Business Boot Camp NO COST Business Help... just attend via Zoom Sponsored by the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce and SWSHRM: Southwest Washington Society of Human Resource Management.

Friday, May 14

Leave Laws: Employee Leave Rights

Staying Afloat While Managing Employee Leave Rights

Friday, June 4

Privacy in Employment: Managing an Employer’s Rights to Protect Reputation

and Trade Secrets Against an Employee’s Rights to Privacy.

Presenter: Jean Back, Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt Jean brings more than 25 years of experience in helping manufacturers and technology-focused employers solve problems to complicated employment scenarios. She has broad expertise in litigation, mediation and settlement of employment and business tort claims. She is fluent in all areas of state and federal employment, wage and hour, discrimination, and leave laws. Jean is skilled at training managers and employees in employment compliance. https://www.schwabe.com/attorneys-jean-back

Friday, May 21

Pre-Hire, Hiring & Job Descriptions

Friday, May 28

Salary vs. Hourly: New Rules now apply to Wage & Hours

Presenter: Melissa Galindez, Ultimate Staffing Services, a Roth Staffing Company mgalindez@ultimatestaffing.com

There is no cost to attend any of these Boot Camp classes, however you must register at kelsolongviewchamber.org and the Zoom instructions will be emailed to you prior to the class.

Sponsored by:

360-423-8400

www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

Business Toolbox Jerry D. Petrick

Certified Business Adviser

What areas of your business contribute the most to profits?

ith all the major impacts and distractions your business has weathered over the last year I thought it would be a good time to look at your financials in a way that will help you make better decisions going forward. Most businesses have decided that less is more as far as inventory, offerings, and space are concerned. To help make those decisions we will want to make sure we are keeping and expanding those products/services that provide us the highest profit (Return on Investment-ROI) – hey, if we are going to work all hours of all days, we should get the best return we can. In this article we will look at your income statement in a new way that gives you the ability to understand and manage your business in a more informed and profitable way. Below I provide an example of the “standard” way of looking at your income statement; then I will walk you through a “new” way of looking at your financial statement that will help you know and understand what parts of your business “contribute” the best returns.

•

Direct Labor

• Commissions Looking at the Income Statement in a NEW WAY Management (used for managerial decision making) Income Statement Sales

- Variable Costs

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

- Fixed Costs

= Break-Even

Here is a simple example: Polly’s Pen Company

Let’s look at the Income Statement in the Standard Way.

Pens sell for $1.00 each

Standard Income Statement

Pens cost $0.50 each

Sales

Commissions $0.10 paid on each pen sold

Variable costs $0.60 per pen

Variable cost % = 60% (selling price/variable cost)

- COGS (Cost of Goods Sold/Cost of Sales)

= Gross Profit

- Operating Expenses

= Net Profit

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

Fixed Costs: Do NOT change based on sales

Examples of Fixed Costs:

• Rent/lease

•

Fire insurance

• Internet • Salaries

If she sells pens for $1.00 Pens cost her 0.50 She pays commissions of 0.10 per pen Her variable costs are 0.60 per pen She has $0.40 left to cover fixed costs and profit This is called the CONTRIBUTION MARGIN (the amount each sale is “contributing” to cover fixed costs and profits). In this case the Contribution Margin is 40% as a percentage of sales. She wants to know…if her fixed costs = $800,000 how much in sales does she need to Break-Even? Fixed costs = $800,000, Contribution Margin = .40 (40%) Break-Even = Fixed Costs/Contribution Margin = $800,000/.40 = $2,000,000

• Freight

She needs to have sales of $2 million to break-even based on her fixed costs of $800,000 for the year. As in Polly’s case, it is VERY important for you to know your Break-Even sales number (which includes profits).

• COGS

For more Petrick, see page 5

Variable Costs: Change in proportion to sales Examples of Variable Costs:

4 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | May 2021

Petrick from page 4

BREAK-EVEN WORKSHEET: DOLLAR BASIS Let’s go through a quick exercise to better align your financial reports to your decision-making processes:

Break-Even Sales = Total Fixed Costs/Contribution Margin % = $ _____ Step 5: Check Your Calculations “Does the sales level you figured actually break-even or give you the profits your targeted?”

Step 1: Classify Your Costs

Using your most recent income statements classify all costs as either FIXED or VARIABLE then total each category (planned profit should be treated as a FIXED cost – if you are in doubt about an expense treat it as fixed to be most conservative).

(minus)

Variable Costs*

_______________

(equals)

Contribution $$ =

_______________

(minus)

Fixed Costs

_______________

(equals)

New Profit

_______________

Actual Total Sales

= $ _______________________

Total Variable Costs

= $ _______________________

Total Fixed Costs

= $ _______________________

Step 2: Calculate Variable Cost % “For every $1.00 of sales, what percent goes away to variable costs?” Variable Cost % = Total Variable Costs/Actual Total Sales = _______ % Step 3: Calculate Contribution Margin “For every $1.00 of sales (after paying for variable costs), what percent is left to cover fixed costs…plus any targeted profit?” 100% - Variable Cost Percentage = 100% -______% = ________ % Step 4: Calculate Break-Even Sales “How many ‘cents-es’ does it take to cover your fixed costs?”

Break-Even Sales

_______________

*Compute this figure by multiplying Break-Even (above) by the Variable Cost Percent in Step 2.

Once you have taken this new look at your income statements you will have a different understanding of the dynamics of your costs as they impact your ability to generate profits. I hope you take a fresh approach to managing your finances and learn some new distinctions of how you can improve the performance of your business. The Small Business Development Center is here to help you with this and many other aspects of managing your business well. This article was prepared by Jerry Petrick, certified business adviser with the Washington State University (WSU) Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Jerry provides no-cost, confidential business advisory services by appointment. He can be reached via email jerry.petrick@wsbdc.org

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There’s a Difference. Kelso Longview Business Connection | May 2021 | 5

Cowlitz County Commissioners Arne Mortensen

County Commissioner, District 1

'Science' should solve problems not create them

wish I could write the happy prose that most politicians do. I don’t because I am an engineer by nature and a scientist by training. As an engineer, I look to solve problems, and, you are correct, I can find problems everywhere I look. To understand those problems, I use a scientific method, which often is just “common sense,” an “instinct” developed by personal experience and the collective knowledge of thousands of years of history. Frequently we see phrases that fall into the category of “follow the science” as the foundation to arguments to support government actions, but when it comes to government, science either is unknown or troublesome (inconvenient); “follow the money,” will get you closer to understanding what is going on. Because science is so little understood by the public, the public is ripe for exploitation by government claiming (whether intentionally is irrelevant) its pursuit of your money is in response to a scientific emergency. What can be a more powerful argument than a “scientific study found …?”

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Government is using “science” to pursue two destructive (lethal?) actions. One is the Green New Deal; the other is the SARS COVID-2 lockdown. That enormous amounts of money and power involved in these two areas is beyond question. What should be in question is the claim that science justifies the abandonment of the Constitution and the embarking on this extremely risky and destructive activity. We also should note that the movement of money and power away from the people and toward government is the history of every defunct civilization. Politics and money are like fentanyl and cocaine cocktails, extremely hard to control … some euphoria, and great risk of premature death. Politics and science are natural enemies, so when they are presented to us as a unified front on issues, there often is a rat. Political issues always involve one group trying to gain money and power at the expense of other groups. Because science is blind to all but facts of nature, it must be anathema to the manipulative nature that is politics.

Steve Quaife

What are the facts about SARS COVID-2? Depends on whom and when you ask? Doesn’t sound like the absolute truth we expect from science, does it? Even our CDC steps over its own toes, perhaps reversing itself to collaborate with the politics of lock downs and mask mandates? See this for example. We all know that there are claims made on all sides.

Leah Stanley

So, what are we to do? You tell me? I have ideas (variations of “prove it to me” and “why is that a problem”) based on the firm belief that your life is your responsibility and that it is my job to help you keep ownership over your life and property. But I can’t do that when you play the game of cooperation with a system that breaks the very oath to which it swears allegiance. Without the courage illustrated by Stuffy’s 2, we are just the peasants in a feudal system. Whatever we have is ours only with permission of the master. What would the founder’s say about us?

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Title Officer

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What would government do if it really were constrained to the fundamental purpose of defense of individual rights? Washington State’s Constitution states in ARTICLE I – DECLARATION OF RIGHTS. SECTION 1 POLITICAL POWER. All political power is inherent in the people, and governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed, and are established to protect and maintain individual rights. That should be clear enough for all but the disingenuous to understand.

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Workforce Southwest Washington Kevin Perkey

Chief Executive Officer

Key focus of new workforce strategic plan is business growth and recovery

orkforce Southwest Washington (WSW) has launched a new Strategic Plan focused on creating an equitable economic recovery by supporting business growth and recovery, and economic mobility. Created in collaboration with business, education, staff and community partners, the plan lays out three overarching goals and specific objectives we will work to accomplish in the next three years. Guided by the plan, our efforts will focus on: 1. Business Growth and Recovery – Businesses have access to hire, develop and invest in the skilled workers they need to recover and grow 2. Economic Mobility – Promote equity for every individual by providing access to high-quality employment and advancement opportunities 3. Systems Change – An accessible and effective workforce system exists to advance equity for individuals and to promote the community and economic development goals of the region The economic downturn from the COVID pandemic has disproportionately impacted communities of color, women, younger workers and those with less education and lower incomes. Through our new strategic plan, we will view our investments with an equity lens. And will create strategies for the workforce development system to support individuals from historically marginalized communities and ensure businesses have the workers to grow and recover. Workforce development strategies that help people get back to work quickly or get training to advance in their careers are critical for our region’s economic recovery. Two key initiatives that will be developed to support the plan’s goals are (1) leading the development and expansion of highquality jobs, and (2) building a community-based partnership network of historically underrepresented communities to eliminate barriers to assistance and enable them to have a voice in developing solutions to meet the workforce needs of their communities. To move these initiatives forward, WSW is forming committees around each goal and is seeking partnership and involvement from businesses, community-based organizations and individuals. Companies interested in learning more are invited to attend a May 6 Zoom call. Register at https://bit.ly/3xgjANe. WSW and our Columbia-Willamette Workforce Collaborative partners in Oregon are launching a Quality Jobs Initiative. We’ll 8 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | May 2021

Virtual hiring events With in-person events limited, the workforce system has been hosting virtual/online job fairs. Similar to an in-person event, companies set up virtual booths and representatives chat with potential applicants. Job seekers can even upload resumes. Registration for companies and job seekers is free. Upcoming events include: • Manufacturing Virtual Hiring Event – May 26. Businesses contact ajoyner@workforcesw.org • Veteran’s Virtual Hiring Fair – June or July. Businesses contact ajoyner@workforcesw.org Job seekers with questions about any of these events should contact WorkSource at 360-577-2250 or worksourcesw@esd.wa.gov. be working closely with business, community, and education partners to define what high-quality work means for our region and how we can work together to support a high-quality job for everyone. Learn more by visiting the Business Investments page of WSW’s website. To promote economic mobility, WSW recently released a request for proposals for assistance with the investigation, recommendations and development of a network comprised of community-based organizations and social service agencies in Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum counties, with the common goal of connecting individuals to living-wage employment. We will be putting processes in place to enable more diverse groups to have a voice in developing solutions to meet the needs of our local communities. We are promoting equity for every individual by providing access to high-quality employment and advancement opportunities, including supporting families impacted by the opioid epidemic and individuals re-entering the community from the justice system. There is much work to be done to ensure an equitable economic recovery. We have rolled up our sleeves and have started the work. We hope you will join us. Kevin Perkey is CEO of Workforce Southwest Washington (WSW). Reach him at kperkey@workforcesw.org. WSW leads the public workforce system in Cowlitz, Wahkiakum and Clark counties.

Business Connection Advertising Rates Effective January 1, 2020 Kelso-Longview Business Connection monthly newsletter is published the first of each month, posted electronically on our website and over 6,400 emailed to local business professionals, city and county officials. To be included in this monthly email, call the Chamber office at 360-423-8400. Size 1/16 Page 1/8 Page 1/4 Page 1/2 Page Full Page

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

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

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

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

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

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

All ads include full color and any design work. Deadline is the 21st of the month prior to publication. Digital files: PDF is preferred. JPEG accepted at high resolution(at least 300 dpi). Non-Members of the Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce, please add 30% to above rates. To advertise or request additional information please contact: Amy Hallock at 360-423-8400 or ahallock@kelsolongviewchamber.org or CEO Bill Marcum at 360-423-8400 or bmarcum@kelsolongviewchamber.org

Advertising Agreement

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Business Name: _____________________________________ Phone: ____________________________ Contact Name: _________________ ___________________ Cell: _______________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________ Zip _______________ Email: _____________________________________________ Fax: _______________________________ Number of Issues: 12 month agreement

Invoice

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Check

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

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City of Kelso

City of Longview

Lisa Alexander

MaryAlice Wallis

Councilmember

Mayor

Keeping beautiful city clean is a priority

Applause for our state-funded projects

he weather is starting to change, and with that we are seeing flowers bloom. Keeping our city clean is a high priority. My family and I have been going out weekly to different areas in Kelso and picking up garbage. The Kelso Downtown Association has also held a downtown cleanup a couple of weekends ago. There was a great turnout and in a couple hours we managed to get quite a few bags of garbage removed from our city streets. This was amazing to see. Just a small amount of time made a big difference. I challenge Kelso citizens to help me clean up our city. If each of us takes a small amount of time each week our city will be more beautiful than it already is.

eeing the pink cherry blossoms lining our city streets brings me joy. Somehow that simple sign of spring has invigorated me, and given me a sense of relief knowing the long arduous winter is behind us. Two black crows have taken up residency in the cherry tree outside of my city hall office. I imagine they, too, are encouraged by the activity they see while perched above the city.

As I am starting my second year on council, I am learning more and more all the time. I am on the Transit Authority Board, Parks Board, as well as the Audit Committee. Each of these teaches different things about the city and surroundings. The Transit Board helps me understand how our transit system works. There were trying times through this pandemic that made decisions hard for all. We all worked together for the best way to safely serve our citizens, and still get them where they needed to go. The Parks Board holds a special place for me. I grew up using our parks and I am loving seeing the wonderful improvements, especially to Tam ‘O Shanter Park. It took time but in the end was worth it. There is still more to come in the future as well. The Audit Committee was a challenge for me. I volunteered for this committee so that I could understand where the money is spent each month. This is giving me a better understanding of how the city works. I am proud of our city, and I am proud to call Kelso my home.

During these final days of the state legislative session, my mayoral duties have included representing the city to the legislature – testifying at hearings, challenging the decisions that aren’t in our best interest, and showing gratitude and cheering for our 19th District state legislators in the house and senate. Representatives Jim Walsh and Joel McEntire and Senator Jeff Wilson, as well as our legislative assistants Gordon Thomas Honeywell, Josh Weiss and Annika Vaughn, who work tirelessly to champion victories for Longview. From the bottom of my heart, I am grateful for every hour they work on our behalf.

I am encouraged and grateful. From my seat I see activity around town. Notwithstanding one year ago much of the world shut down due to the pandemic, the city has been striving to keep a “business as usual” motto. City staff work diligently behind the scenes to keep the city purring, and to fulfill policy that council has ratified.

This year, the City of Longview legislative agenda included a request for funds ($1.07 million) to renovate our beautiful Lake Sacajawea – the restoration of our beloved Martin’s Dock, and sidewalks and restroom facilities at Hemlock Plaza. Additionally, the city requested ($15 million) to bridge the funding gap of the Industrial Way/ Oregon Way grade separation project. These funds will provide an opportunity for expansion of freight mobility for the entire region, and will bring construction jobs to our community for years to come. I am pleased to report these funding requests have been tentatively approved and are in the final stages of legislative negotiations. As a refresher, here are some of the remarkable state funded projects we have been awarded in past legislative agendas: • Beech Street extension – Will be business and road ready this summer. • Legends Firing Range – Will be ready for use this year. • Police Satellite Station – Highlands office at Archie Anderson Park – ready this summer.

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• RA Long Park Gazebo – Built in 2019. • Sidewalks and lighting for the Shay Locomotive Pavilion on Longview Public Library property – installed in 2019. Take a look around and soak in the beauty of our community. We are blessed indeed.

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Kelso Public Schools

Longview Public Schools

Mary Beth Tack

Dan Zorn

Superintendent

Expanding hybrid instruction to four days

n the last week of March, Gov. Jay Inslee and the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) announced the acceptance of CDC’s revised guidance recommending three feet of physical distance between students in classroom settings. This revised CDC guidance created possibility and opportunity. Our district team put a lot of time and thought into what this meant for our students and families and how best to proceed. After much consideration for the physical and mental health of our students and staff, and in coordination with our labor leaders, we put together a plan for an updated instructional model. The result was bringing all our K-12 hybrid students back for inperson instruction four days a week as of April 26. In-person days are now Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Wednesdays have remained as they were: remote learning days. The reasons we chose to keep Wednesdays as a remote day are: • Intervention supports. Continuing with the Wednesday remote instruction model allows teachers to use that day to provide small group support for identified students, allowing teachers to provide more individualized attention. They can also use the hours (without students in the classroom) for student outreach, and family communication, to allow teachers and other school staff to address questions and/or challenges families and students might have. Additionally, Wednesdays have traditionally been a shortened day due to our early release schedule. • Deep cleaning. Deep cleaning on Wednesdays adds another mitigation factor, allowing us to make sure we are able to do four days in-person safely before transitioning to five days this fall. From the beginning of the school closure, we have continually expanded learning opportunities in a slow and steady fashion, which is one reason why we have been so successful at it. As always, the health and well-being of our students and staff are our top priority. We remain diligent in our safety protocols, continue to work closely with the Department of Health, and monitor our four key metrics on a weekly basis. To further bolster our supports for students and student learning, we have some great summer school options with a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) focus for K-12 students, which will include bus transportation and meal services. We are truly excited about making this needed transition in a way that we feel best supports our students, staff, and families. It has been a long road, and we’re honored to continue this journey in an intentional way, together. 12 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | May 2021

Superintendent

Focus will soon turn to summer and fall

t has been a busy and productive month at Longview Schools. In mid-April we welcomed all of our elementary students back to school full-time, five days per week. Sports

and activities continue in full swing and planning is underway for high school graduation ceremonies. We are also actively planning our summer facility and technology upgrade projects and preparing for the next school year. The elementary kids arrived for full time, in-person learning with smiles and tons of energy. Each of our schools worked hard preparing our schools to safely welcome the kids to class. The students are doing an awesome job following safety protocols and focusing on learning. The district is serving about 3,000 of our kids in person full-time, five days a week and the remainder are receiving at least two days a week of in-person instruction. We are making plans for high school graduation. The plan right now is to provide our families and students with traditional, in-person graduation ceremonies. We will likely need to limit the number of spectators but will have additional events to allow more family members to be involved in celebrating their graduate. Our high schools will be sending out more information about graduation events in the coming weeks. Each summer our district facilities and information technology teams spend a significant amount of time and effort improving our classrooms and buildings. We are preparing now for a busy summer of projects including replacing the roof at Northlake Elementary, repainting two schools, refinishing gym floors, installing new flooring at multiple schools, increasing security at every school in the district by installing entryway controls and new security fencing and improving some of our athletic fields. Next year may seem a long way off, but planning has already started. The plan is to bring all our kids back to school full-time, five days per week, at all grade levels. Our teachers and staff members have put forth a great effort to support our kids through challenging times this year. I cannot thank them enough for their hard work and achievement. Thank you for supporting our schools. I appreciate your help as we work together toward a better and brighter future for our kids.

Lower Columbia College Sue Orchard

Vice President of Student Services

Supporting LLC students through their educational journey

ower Columbia College’s (LCC) vision is to be a powerful force for improving the quality of life in our community by providing excellent educational opportunities for employment and career development, reducing equity gaps in educational attainment, and maximizing student achievement and learning. Students come to LCC from all walks of life and ready to achieve their educational goals. We understand, however, that many of our students face challenges related to work, parenting, or meeting basic needs, such as food and housing security. Additionally, many of our students come from families with little to no college-going experience, and while they understand that a college degree is important, choosing a career pathway can be daunting. To engage and support our students, LCC operates from a holistic approach to aid students in their educational journey.

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360.425.2950

www.cascade-title.com

This means meeting students where they are, addressing their individual needs, leveraging their strengths, and focusing on student learning and career outcomes. New students participate in a curated onboarding experience, thus depending on their individual background, program of study, or specific needs, resources and supports are tailored to their circumstances. For example, Veteran students are connected to LCC’s Veterans Resource Center and funding sources, professional technical students learn about workforce development grants and services, and transfer students may begin meeting with a TRiO adviser and learning about LCC’s University Center and transfer school pathways. Students also begin a brief career assessment during the new student steps and build on their career decision making through their College Success course, thus tying students’ program plans to their career outcomes. Throughout the process, students are assigned a point person to assist them with getting started at LCC, and they work closely with a faculty adviser throughout their time at the college. Understanding and seeing an end goal at the beginning of a journey leads to higher likelihood of achieving those goals. Students who stop out of college (or many never begin) often do so because of nonacademic barriers, such as financial obstacles and limited college-going experience. Thus, the focus at LCC is to provide all students with the type and intensity of support they need to identify and select the best pathway to achieve their educational and career goals. Relationships are key – students who have strong relationships with peers and instructors are more likely to feel that they belong in college, and they are more likely to have access to information and resources that can help them succeed. LCC offers a multitude of financial supports, including Pell grants, Washington College Grant, student employment, LCC scholarships, Veterans Benefits, and Workforce Education. Emergency funding, childcare assistance, a food pantry, and other resources are also available to students. Through relationships with faculty, advisors, and peers, and by engaging in student programs and activities, students develop strong college-based relationships throughout their college journey. Through dedicated staff and faculty, local, state and federal resources, and personalized support and engagement with our students, LCC is here to assist students in identifying and completing their career goals. Kelso Longview Business Connection | May 2021 | 13

Calendar May 2021 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday 1

5 Chamber

6 Chamber

11 Chamber

14 Boot Camp,

18 Chamber

21 Boot Camp,

28 Boot Camp,

31 Memorial Day

Education Foundation, 8am, ZOOM

Executive Board, Noon, Mill City; BAH, Cowlitz Title, 5:30pm Board Meeting, Noon, Mill City Grill

Ambassadors, 7:30am, Columbia Bank

Human Resources

Chamber office closed

June 2021 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

2 Education

3 Chamber

4 Boot Camp,

Foundation, ZOOM, 7:30am

Ambassadors, 7:30am, Columbia Bank

Human Resources

8 BAH, Catlin

15 Chamber

21 Chamber Golf

25 Quarterly

29 Chamber

Classic, Three Rivers Golf Course

Properties, 5:30pm

Executive Board, Noon, Mill City Grill

Board Meeting, Noon, Mill City Grill

14 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | May 2021

Luncheon, Elks, 11:30am

Longview Downtowners Lindsey Cope

President; also Vice President Cowlitz Economic Development Council and Facilitator Kelso Small Business

Emergency business grants available

he Cowlitz Economic Development Council (CEDC), in partnership with the Longview Downtowners, are accepting applications for emergency grants for rent and utilities to Cowlitz County businesses and NGOs (nonprofit organization that operate independently of any government, typically with the purpose to address a social or political issue), that are continuing to be negatively impacted by COVID-19. Awards will be prioritized for women-owned, Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC)owned, and Veteran-owned businesses first, but are open to every business in Cowlitz County. Funding for the program is from the Community Foundation of Southwest Washington’s COVID Response Fund to help with COVID-19 response and recovery efforts. Funding is for rent and utilities (water, gas, electric) as either reimbursement of previously paid invoices or for future bills. Future bills will be based on the most recent billing cycle and/or lease agreement. No one business can benefit from more than four months of rent and/ or utility assistance for a total benefit of no more than $5,000 total. You can learn more at http://cowlitzedc.com/cedclongview-downtownersemergency-rent-and-utility-grants-business This grant is open until funds are exhausted which we anticipate will take less than a month. The collection of these applications will also assist our efforts to securing more local funding to help our business that are still in need. Please keep an eye on our Facebook page or reach out to be included on our email list where we publish those opportunities as they arise. Beyond COVID-related funding, we have partnered with Lower Columbia College (LCC), and the Cowlitz Wahkiakum Council of Governments (CWCOG), in offering two workshops for businesses to assist in their recovery and resiliency due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The CEDC has worked together with businesses of all sizes and sectors to access much needed resources in response to the current economic downturn. As we continue to work toward new opportunities, we have recognized that many of our local businesses need real, hands-on, quantifiable help in three major areas: marketing/advertising, cash management/accounting, and business planning. In response to these needs, we have partnered to develop two workshops that are taught by accredited instructors that individually address these areas. The two available course offerings are as follows: 1. Cash Management and Basic Accounting, May 20 from 8:3011:30 a.m. Learn basic accounting and cash handling in this hands-

on course. Topics include bookkeeping, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable and more. 2. Simple Business Plan Development and Goal Setting, June 24 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. This participatory training will help you develop your business plan and set attainable goals. You will learn how Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis can help you with the decision-making process. Each course is $25. Space is limited. Scholarships are available for those with financial hardship. Following each course, the CEDC will follow up with businesses that require further assistance if needed. To learn more, visit www.cowlitzedc.com under Business Assistance. Shop Local Saturday is officially the fourth Saturday of the month in downtown Longview and for all of Cowlitz County. This month’s Shop Local Saturday is May 22. To participate we have created a questionnaire that is primarily for businesses that have a brick-and-mortar location or have a commitment to be a vendor within one. If you are an online store but are interested in growing your business or partnering with a brick and mortar – please email Lindsey Cope at cope@cowlitzedc. com. Please finish the form in the link below to be listed in the events monthly. If you have a Facebook page, your page will be tagged in the post. We will include your general location and hours. If one month or every month you have a “special” of any kind, you can email us those changes to be listed within the event. http://cowlitzedc.com/shop-local-saturday-business-sign-andquestionnaire The CEDC and the Kelso Business and Community Association (KBCA) held its first Kelso Clean Up of 2021 April 17. Over 25 participants met at the Kelso City Hall and dispersed throughout the city to spruce up. A special thank you to the Lower Columbia Contractors Association for providing gloves and safety gear, the City of Kelso for providing the garbage receptacles and safety gear, Kelso Rotary for holding their quarterly clean up the same day to amplify the impact, and all our volunteers. Our meetings will reconvene later in the month via Zoom. You can keep up with the KBCA on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/KelsoBCA. The Longview Downtowners clean-up day will be May 15 from 9-11 a.m. Volunteers will meet in the parking lot behind Mill City Grill and disperse from there. Please wear weather appropriate clothing, gloves, and bring safety gear such as grabbers. Please plan to wear your mask and social distance as appropriate. We will also be reconvening our meetings later in May. You can follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/downtownlongviewwa. Kelso Longview Business Connection | May 2021 | 15

Mind Your Own Business (At The Library) Chris Skaugset Director – Longview Public Library

New databases to discover your roots

n case you hadn’t heard, the Longview library building is now open for business. We are open Monday-Thursday 10 a.m. to noon and 2-6 p.m. and Saturday from noon-4 p.m. That is in addition to our drive through hours, which remain the same. We are limiting visitors to around 30 minutes per visit and we do require masks for anyone older than 2 years old. We currently have four Internet computers available for public use and our Wi-Fi is available. Our photocopiers and printers are available including our mobile printing. We continue to have programs available online. This includes weekly story time programs on Facebook Live and other programs including Seed Garden and Northwest Voices on YouTube. Check out our YouTube channel (search Longview library) for more information. Recently we have added three new databases for you to access. If you are interested in finding out more about your family and heritage, you will be very interested in a couple of databases. These are the well-known databases Ancestry Library and Heritage Quest Online. These databases will help you find information about your ancestors and fill out your family tree. The other database is Value Line. Value Line is an investment database that helps you track your investments in live time. We have had the print version for many years, but due to COVID and moving into the 21st Century, we have opted to end our print edition and go online which has the advantage of automatically updating as opposed to waiting for the print version to come out every week. These are added to our other recent acquisition, BrainFuse that helps students get homework help with qualified tutors all done online. Whether it is math, science or other subjects, the service will match them up with the right tutor based on what they are trying to learn. All of these databases are free of charge; you just need your library card and your pin number (which should be the last four digits from your phone number). Below is information about all of our databases. Newest Offerings Ancestry Library The library edition of Ancestry.com provides access to billions of historical documents, millions of historical photos, plus local narratives, oral histories, indexes and other resources in over 30,000 databases that span from the 1500s to the 2000s. Remote access to Ancestry Library only through June 2021. After that, we hope you’ll be able to come to the library to use this resource. BrainFuse HelpNow 24/7 learning help, including live virtual tutoring. Once you reach the Brainfuse site, you’ll need to add your library card a second time. HeritageQuest Online Discover the amazing history of you with HeritageQuest Online. With more than 4.4 billion records, it delivers a collection of genealogical and historical sources–with coverage dating back to the 1700s–that can help people find their ancestors and discover a place’s past. 16 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | May 2021

Longview Daily News Full-text articles from our local Daily News back to 2000. Value Line Whether you’re a beginning investor or a veteran looking for high-impact ideas, Value Line can position you for financial success quickly and easily. The uncontested authority in reliable, unbiased information, Value Line puts you in the driver’s seat with accurate and insightful investment research on companies, industries, markets and economies. From the latest data, sophisticated tools and proven ranks to expert analysis and guidance, Value Line gives you the power to evaluate investments with confidence. Most Popular Databases Auto Repair Source Repair and maintenance information on various models from 1954 to present. Consumer Reports The Consumer Reports database provides complete, independent, ratings and recommendations on appliances, vehicles, electronic gear, and more. The Patron ID is your entire library card number. Duolingo Free personalized language learning for everyone–no library card required. Learn from your browser or download the app to your mobile device. LinkedIn Learning (Formerly Lynda.com) Linkedin Learning offers over 16,000 courses to help you learn business, creative, and technology skills to achieve your personal and professional goals. If you previously set up a profile on Lynda, your information has been transferred to the new and improved system. NewsBank Access World News: Find global information on topics related to business, economics, education, government, health, homework help, international studies, politics, science, social issues, sports, STEM and more from a variety of news media featuring newspapers, videos and web-only content. ProQuest Research Library ProQuest Research Library provides one-stop access to more than 4,000 periodicals from one of the broadest, most inclusive general reference databases ProQuest has to offer. Search from a highly respected, diversified mix of scholarly journals, trade publications, and magazines covering over 150 academic disciplines. Reference USA Detailed information on more than 12 million U.S. businesses; 102 million U.S. residents; 683,000 U.S. health care providers; 1 million Canadian businesses; and 11 million Canadian residents.

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

Business Association with opportunities to promote trade through Chamber socials, special events and committee participation.

Look Who Joined in April Pucci Pups LLC

Raegan Rayale 1171 3rd Avenue Longview, WA 98632 360-200-3773 Puccipupslv@gmail.com

• Annual Meeting and Banquet • Networking Events • Committee Participation • Business Contacts • Quarterly Membership Meetings • Civic Representation • Monthly Business After Hours

B & B Landscaping Service Inc. Jacqueline Smith 1226 3rd Avenue Longview, WA 98632 360-430-5638 bandblandscaping@outlook.com

Business Services include marketing for your business, referrals and access to Chamber publications and research data. • Mailing Labels • Membership Window Decals • Member Referrals • Ribbon Cutting • Website Links • Member to Member Discounts • Membership Directory • Tax Deduction • Newsletter • Business Card Display • Use of Chamber Logo

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

Our focus is on your business.

• Legislative Representation • Issues Tracking and Information • Task Forces • Candidate Forums • Legislative Update Breakfast • Demographics Publication

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

We’re committed to serving your banking needs, providing capital and guiding you in taking advantage of every tool we have at our disposal to help your business. Contact one of our business banking experts or visit HeritageBankNW.com to learn more. Kelso | 1000 South 13th Ave. 360.423.7800 Longview | 927 Commerce Ave. 360.423.9800 Equal Housing Lender | Member FDIC

HeritageBankNW.com |

Kelso Longview Business Connection | May 2021 | 17

News & Events

News and events come from our website, press releases, and public information shared with us. To see more visit kelsolongviewchamber.org

Chaplaincy benefits from dinner Cowlitz Chaplaincy Virtual Benefit will feature dinner from Fiesta Bonia. Participants are invited to attend the event. Register at www. cowlitzchaplaincy.org and order dinner to later pickup on May 7 between 4:30 p.m.-6 p.m. Then join the online program.

Parking lot book sale set for May 16

The Friends of the Longview Public Library are holding an outdoor book sale May 16. The sale will take place in the library’s parking lot from noon–5 p.m., weather permitting. Masks are required. The Friends are selling gently used and like-new books at $2 for hardcover and trade paperbacks and $1 for pocket and children’s books. They will also have book bags and Longview history cards for sale. All proceeds support library programs and services. If on May 15 it looks like it will rain Sunday, the sale will be rescheduled; call the library at 360-442-5300 or check the Friends of the library’s Facebook page for potential rescheduling. The library is not open on Sundays; library services and bathrooms will not be available. The Longview Public Library is located at 1600

Louisiana St. Access to the library parking lot is from Maple Street, behind the library building.

How do you wow your customers?

Retailers can increase shopper repurchase intent by nearly 60% by consistently delivering a great experience, a new survey has found. The Verde Group surveyed 9,400 consumers and found that what consistently “surprised and delighted” them was exceptionally great service, said CEO Paula Courtney. That great service can be as heroic as a sales associate going above and beyond to help a customer find just the right item, or as mundane as a clean, wellorganized store. The study outlined “wow” experiences that include fast, free shipping; easy returns; problem-free shopping; well-stocked inventory; a great app or website for online shopping; attention to detail in packaging. Read more details and listen to a related podcast here. From the Inside Washington Retail April 22 newsletter For more News, see page 19

2021

Friday, July 30, 4 pm - 9 pm & Saturday, July 31, 10 am - 8 pm

Cowlitz County Convention Center

Great line-up of speakers • Over 90 vendors Over 15 breweries in Brew Mountain • Kids’ Cave Great food vendors and more! https://kelsolongviewchamber.org/https%3A/kelsolongviewchamber.org/news-and-events/squatch-fest-2021-tickets

www.kelsolongviewchamber.org • 18 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | May 2021

360-423-8400

Building Business Relationships “

Our business members are our financial partners, so our goal is to ensure every business, no matter how large or small, receives fast and efficient service. We strive to meet business members’ individualized needs with top-notch products, competitive rates, minimal fees, and extraordinary service. Whether you’re established and looking for a new financial partner or you’re just starting out on your business venture, we look forward to building a partnership with you.

“

Karla Seaman, Business Relationship Coordinator

Bring your business to Fibre Federal for Business Plus Checking, Business Online Banking, Remote Deposit, low-cost loans, and incredible member service.

360.423.8750 1.800.205.7872 www.fibrecu.com

News from page 18

Survey will help Transit pick new route

RiverCities Transit wants citizens to pick the new Route 46. Using input from the recent Kelso Service Survey and ridership numbers, RiverCities staff drafted three route options for the new Route 46 that would run from approximately noon-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Please take a look and tell them which one you want to see launched in late summer. Staff will share the responses to the survey with the Cowlitz Transit Authority at the May meeting. The survey is available at www.rctransit.org or from our Facebook page @RiverCities Transit.

Industrial/International Way lane closure

Intersection work is scheduled to start at the Industrial Way and International Way intersection May 3. The work duration is planned for two weeks. From 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday through Friday, one westbound lane of Industrial Way is planned to be closed. Motorist traffic should expect delays during this time. During nonworking hours westbound lanes will be narrowed with temporary traffic control devices. Project construction updates will be provided regularly and posted on City of Longview’s Facebook page and website www.mylongview.com. For more News, see page 27

eBill

computer • tablet • phone Sign up today and receive a $ credit

https://www.cowlitzpud.org/ebill Federally insured by NCUA

Banking made easy

Kelso Longview Business Connection | May 2021 | 19

Kelso Longview Chamber Amy Hallock

Project Manager

Celebrating in-person opportunities and Teri's

n April 16 Cowlitz County was one of three counties that moved back to Phase 2, but lucky for us our Business After Hours took place April 13 at Teri’s Restaurant and we were thrilled to celebrate Teri Weir’s 16 years in business. We had 67 members show up and celebrate, and enjoy great food, cocktails and conversation. And we got to hear about how Teri got started in the restaurant busines. Here’s the story Teri told: I have been in the restaurant business all my life. I started in Reedsport, Ore., at Pizza Ray’s and Suzy’s along Highway 101. The restaurant is still there. I worked there through high school, then moved to Clatskanie, Ore., and worked in several restaurants. I bought the restaurant and leased the building at the blinking light in Woodson, Ore., and lost it in the flood of ‘96 that brought the hill down around the restaurant. The

owner of the building couldn’t afford the repairs so it’s still closed today. I then was hired by Harley Badger who opened Danielle’s 14th Avenue Grill. I opened it with him as his manager Nov. 1, 1997. Harley retired in 2005, that’s when my husband John and I bought it from him and renamed it JT’s Steak and Fish House. John and I divorced. He now lives on the East Coast and I have owned JT’s solo for the last 12 years. After my lease ended on 14th Avenue, I moved it to Ocean Beach Highway July 1, 2014 and love this location. I fittingly changed the name to Teri’s. What to look forward to next: May 11 – Business After Hours at Cowlitz Title Company May 14 – Ribbon Cutting for Pucci Pups and Business Boot Camp classes start

“PeaceHealth saved my life.” Chris Wills, Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survivor PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center is recognized as a regional leader in heart care by the Foundation for Health Care Quality. Learn more: peacehealth.org/longview-heart

20 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | May 2021

2021 January 12: OPEN February 9: March 23: JoJo CoCo & Wander April 13: Teri’s May 11: Cowlitz Title June 8: Catlin Properties July 13: American Workforce August 19: ServPro September 21: Rotary Clubs October 12: Farm Dog Bakery Life Works November 9: Fidelity National Title December 14: (Holiday Mixer)

Interested in hosting a Business After Hours in 2021? Contact the Chamber at 360-423-8400 or email ahallock@kelsolongviewchamber.org

May 11th

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

5:30 to 7:30 pm Food, Drink, Raffles Hosted by: Cowlitz County Title 1159 14th Ave. Longview

$15 in advance $20 at the door

Business After Hours Terrific Time at Teri's

Look at everyone, having a good time –together–during April's Business After Hours at Teri's celebrating the anniversary we postponed in 2020.

a Chamber members enjoy Teri's food, drink and each other's company. b Bucky entertained guests. c Chamber Ambassador Josh Carter pulled a lucky winner from the hat and she won a gift certifiate to return to Teri's. b

Kelso Longview Business Connection | May 2021 | 23

Tune in to…

Your Chamber Connection Recorded on Wednesdays 11:00 am to 12:00 noon Listen at 6:00 pm KEDO 1400 AM or 99.1 FM Featuring your hosts: Carey Mackey - Red Canoe Credit Union Karen Sisson Shawn Green - Longview Kelso Servpro Marc Silva - Columbia Bank

Your Chamber Connection EVERY Wednesday on KEDO 1400AM

Join our hosts Carey Mackey, Red Canoe Credit Union; Karen Sisson; Shawn Green, ServPro Longview/Kelso and Marc Silva, Columbia Bank for local guests and current events. Would you like an opportunity to be on Your Chamber Connection? Contact Bill or Amy at the Chamber 360-423-8400.

a Longview Mayor MaryAlice Wallis. b Katie Keaton with Realty ONE Pacifica. Stream Your Chamber Connection live at www.kedoam.com

JOIN US IN CELEBRATING OUR COMMUNITY WITH

Virtual Performances by local artists! SATURDAYS AT 5PM WATCH ON THE COLUMBIA THEATRE'S FACEBOOK & YOUTUBE SEE ALL PAST VIRTUAL SHOWS AT WWW.COLUMBIATHEATRE.COM Columbia Theatre Longview Box Office: 360.575.8499/ www.columbiatheatre.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/CTPAtheatre YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/TheColumbiaTheatre

Kelso Longview Business Connection | May 2021 | 25

The Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce would like to THANK the following loyal members for renewing their partnership with us this month. Heritage Bank - Longview Biggs Insurance Services Comcast Dick Hannah Toyota McCord Bros. Nissan Dodge Minuteman Press Servpro of Longview/Kelso Sierra Pacific Mortgage Twin City Bank Waste Control Recycling, Inc. Woodford Commercial Real Estate

26 | Kelso Longview Business Connection | May 2021

Ribbon Cutting Beautiful Day

It was a beautiful April day for our Ambassadors to be in downtown Longview welcoming the Beauty Within Studio to the Chamber family.

a Owner Amanda Daughdrill and staff were joined by Ambassadors Carrie Medack, Teedara Wolf and Marlene Johanson

News

2021

from page 19

Join small business owners for town hall May 4

Friday, July 30, 4 pm - 9 pm & Saturday, July 31, 10 am - 8 pm

Small businesses can register for a free, two-hour virtual Retail Advocates Town Hall from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., (PT) May 4 during Small Business Week. The National Retail Federation is co-sponsoring the event.

Cowlitz County Convention Center

Scheduled speakers are Nydia Velazquez (NY-07), Chairwoman of the U.S. House Small Business Committee and Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03), Ranking Member of the House Small Business Committee.

• Great line-up of speakers • Over 90 vendors • Over 15 breweries in Brew Mountain • Kids’ Cave • Great food vendors & more!

Small businesses play a major role in the health of the U.S. economy. The Small Business Administration reports that small businesses employ 47% of the nation’s private workforce. More than 98% of all retail companies employ fewer than 50 people and 95% of retailers operate only one location.

Friday, July 30 Events

• 4 pm to 8 pm

Save your seat at the table with key leaders for discussions on retail’s future in public policy.

Speakers, Axe Throwing, Craft & Food Vendors • 4 pm to 9 pm Cornhole Tournament & Beer Garden • Camping available on-site with electricity for only $15 a night (no water hook-ups)

Cap-and-trade, low-carbon fuel legislation pass, with link to future transportation package

• 10 am to 6 pm Kids Cave, Bush Cabin Story Time, Axe throwing • 10 am to 8 pm Food & Craft Vendors, Speakers, Cornhole tournament, Brew Mountain Beer Festival • Camping available on-site with electricity only $15 a night (no water hook-ups)

The bill creates a system to cap carbon and greenhouse gas emissions and sets specific limits for individual businesses, which would then have to purchase credits for allowed emissions. The overall pool of carbon credits will be reduced by 2050 to hit a goal of net-zero emissions.

Saturday, July 31 Events

The following Speakers are booked: • David Paulides • Cliff Barackman • Russell Accord • Bob Gimlin Tickets available online at: https://kelsolongviewchamber.org/https%3A/kelsolongview chamber.org/news-and-events/squatch-fest-2021-tickets

The Legislature passed a cap-and-trade carbon pricing bill April 24, Senate Bill 5126, by a vote of 27-22. The bill makes Washington the second state in the nation with such an extensive carbon reduction policy.

The bill has a provision that it will only take effect as scheduled in 2023 if the Legislature passes a new statewide transportation package with a gas tax increase of at least five cents per gallon. On Sunday the Legislature also passed a low-carbon fuel standard in addition to the cap-and-trade carbon bill. “Washington employers support the goal of reducing carbon emissions, and they’re leading the way on environmental sustainability,” said Association of Washington Business President Kris Johnson. “But these policies will raise the cost of energy for families and employers alike while delivering little environmental benefit.” from Association of Washington Business

360-423-8400

www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

Kelso Longview Business Connection | May 2021 | 27