Klc biz 12 15

Business ConnectionK e l s o L o n g v i e w C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e

Volume 7, No. 12 December 2015

By Alice Dietz Communications Senior Specialist – Cowlitz PUD

Cowlitz PUD’s Connect to Community team is excited to be partnering with the Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce and the Longview Downtown Partnership to organize the 35th annual Home for the Holidays Parade and the Civic Circle Tree Lighting. It has been an amazing opportunity to be a part of watching the community come together to continue this tradi-tion. When Arleen Hubble announced her retirement, after 30 years of planning the holiday parade, we were left wondering who could possibly step up and fill those enormous shoes? Word is still out on whether or not we will come close to following in Arleen’s legacy, but we are willing to give it a shot! She has agreed to be this year’s parade grand marshal, which we hope serves as a well-deserved and overdue thanks to her commitment and dedication to the organization of this event.

Bicoastal Media and KLTV have stepped up to broadcast the event live, while John Paul of KUKN has volunteered to be the master of ceremonies. Jeff and Trish Wilson of TPI have also made generous donations of their services. The Longview Downtown

Holiday parade connects with community

Please see Parade, page 3

Arleen Hubble will serve as parade Grand Marshal

WednesdayDecember 2 – 7:30 a.m.

Education Foundation CommitteeLCC Student Center 210A

Conference Room

December 2 – 10 a.m.Ribbon Cutting

Washington Way Bridge Reopening

December 2 – 11:30 a.m.Ribbon Cutting

Elle’s Essential Massage102 Minor Rd., Kelso

FridayDecember 4 – 5:30 p.m.

Kelso Train Station Tree Lighting

SaturdayDecember 5 – 5 p.m.

35th Annual Holiday ParadeHistoric Downtown Longview

Civic Circle Tree Lighting, following the parade

MondayDecember 7 – Noon

Ribbon CuttingSalvation Army Christmas Center1400 Commerce Ave., Longview

SaturdayDecember 12 – 5 p.m.

JINGLE ALL THE WAYThe Merk

MondayDecember 14 – 5:30 p.m.

Business After HoursLower Columbia College

Rose Center

TuesdayDecember 15 – Noon

Board of DirectorsLongview Country Club

41 Country Club Dr., Longview

Thursday & FridayDecember 24 & 25 – Chamber Closed

Happy Holidays

Every Wednesday Chamber Connections

KEDO/1400 AM – 3-4 p.m.Stream live at www.threeriversradio.com

Local guest and current events

Calendar

The holiday parade brings out the spirit in everyone.

Photo courtesy The Daily News

WE NEED YOUR HELP! Hundreds of lights not working,

lighted displays need repair, Help us continue this wonderful and magical community event. Donate at www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

Please Donate Today!

The Annual Holiday Parade and Civic Circle Tree Lighting event is Saturday, December 5th. The parade begins at 5:00 p.m., running down Commerce Ave., Maple, 14th, Broadway and around the Civic Circle by the library, end-ing in front of the Monticello Hotel. Join St. Nick as he turns on the lights with a little holiday magic.

Entertainment by Lower Columbia Concert Choir

Hot Chocolate & Cookies courtesy of Altrusa International

Welcome by Mayor Jensen

Thank you Curt Nedved and Staff at Longview Parks & Recreation and Scott Nettling of Tent City Rentals

Partnership and the City of Longview have contributed countless hours of volunteer time, not to mention the immeasurable ef-forts of Altrusa, Lions, Kiwanis, Rotarians and Lower Columbia College’s Rotaract Club. As a community, we really step up to the plate when it comes to supporting our traditions.

I started my position as the communi-cations specialist senior here at the PUD in June and saw an immediate need to be more vocal about how many of my PUD co-workers at the utility volunteer throughout our community. As a publi-cally owned entity we work to be as cost friendly and financially efficient as pos-sible. The goal for our Connect to Com-munity team is to be involved in Cowlitz County through volunteer efforts rather than financial sponsorships. This allows us to be more hands-on with our cus-tomers and has little to no effect on our rates. We are thankful for the opportunity to organize this holiday parade; after all, Cowlitz PUD has been “Lighting Cowlitz County since 1936.” See you all at 5 p.m. Dec. 5 for the 35th annual holiday parade!

Parade, from page 1

EVENTS AND OTHER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES AT THREE RIVERS MALL

One of the most anticipated movies of the year, Star Wars “The Force Awakens”, inspires special events, including a Kids Light Sabre Building Craft, Sabre Demo and Costume Contest. Holiday shoppers in pursuit of capturing the spirit of the season and uncovering value-driven incentives will find both at Three Rivers Mall. Whether visiting Santa, catching a holiday performance, attending Kelso Library’s Children’s Winterfest or participating in a Costume Contest, the spirit of Christmas is alive at Three Rivers Mall. Event details can be found online at www.threeriversmall.com or on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ThreeRiversMall/. Special holiday hours and experiences include: Santa Visits· Santa will be at his home away from the North Pole through Dec. 24 near the mall en-trance to Sportsman’s Warehouse. Build a Light Sabre Craft, Dec. 5, 11 a.m.· This FREE children’s craft will take place at the Regal court. Come in costume for even more fun. Children will be treated to a live action light sabre demonstration. Pet Photos with Santa, Dec. 9 and 16, 6 to 8 p.m.· Proud pet owners and their furry, four-legged friends are invited to capture a holiday-hugging photograph with Old St. Nick near Sportsman’s Warehouse. Children’s Winterfest at Kelso Library, Dec. 12, 11 a.m.· Celebrate the holidays at Kelso Library’s free Winterfest. Children will enjoy face paint-ing, balloon twisting, holiday treats and a special storytime with Santa. Visit the library for more details. Star Wars-Themed Costume Contest, Dec. 12, 2 p.m.· Star Wars “The Force Awakens” opens at Three Rivers Mall Regal Cinemas 12 and RPX Dec. 17. Come celebrate the blockbuster movie opening with a costume contest Dec. 12. Age specific categories include children, teens and adults. Prizes for best costumes include movie tickets, trophies and more…Registration is FREE and begins at 1 p.m. Sabre Demonstration, Dec. 12, 1:30 p.m. · Even if you don’t know what a Storm Trooper is, come watch as local area fans present a Live Action Role Play Sabre demonstration. It’s fun and it’s free. Star Wars Opening Night at Regal Cinemas 12 and RPX, Dec. 17, first showing 7 p.m.· Door and line queues will open at 7 a.m. for ticket holders wishing to line up for the open-ing of the new Star Wars blockbuster “The Force Awakens”.

Salvation Army Giving Tree and Hospice Remembrance Trees · Shoppers can share the gift of giving this holiday season when visiting Three Rivers Mall by selecting an ornament from our two giving trees! The Salvation Army Tree is located near Sportsman Warehouse and the Hospice Remembrance Tree is located at the South West Mall entrance.

Kelso Longview Business Connection December 2015

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Photo courtesy The Daily News

DECEMBER2015

At Commerce & Broadway inHistoric Downtown Longview

5PM

DECEMBER

12SATU

RDAY

2015

$ $

$

*Cost: $25 w/shirt or $20 no Shirt. $65 Family of 4 - includes Shirts(more family registrations can be added for an additional $10 w/shirt) * A portion will benefit the Lower Columbia Professionals Scholarship Fund.

Costume Contest - 4:30pm Trophies awarded for most festive costumes.

Prizes: Medals for top 3 female and male finishers.Doors open at 3:30pm. Take pictures with Santa, Frosty-the-Snowman, Rudolph and Bumble the Abominable Snowman.

Company Discounts: $2 off per registration (25+ registrations) or $5 off per registration (100 or more registrations). Company teams must sign up through the Chamber.

Registration Deadline: Tuesday 12/1/2105 (to get shirt) Regis-tration for no shirt available through day of the race.Packet Pickup: Friday 12/11/2105 at the MERK Build-ing from 10am to 5pm. (Commerce & Broadway)Registration:www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

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By Bill Marcum CEO – Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce

It has been an amazing year, and I want to give a special “thank you” to some of our members who have supported the Chamber and its events at an exceptional level. First, the Chamber has three Diamond Members. These are members who commit more than $10,000 per year to the Chamber, and sponsor every event we host. KUKN-KLOG-The WAVE, PeaceHealth and BiCoastal Media are Diamond Members and have supported the Chamber in a HUGE way this past year and I want to thank them for their participation, sponsorship, marketing assistance and their full support. THANK YOU.

We also have some businesses that always seem to go above and beyond...KapStone is one of those companies. KapStone sponsors a lot of our events like the Color Dash, the Building Bridges Expo, the Holiday Mixer and the Jingle all the Way 5K run/walk. Their leaders also participate in the events and get their employees to participate. Thank you Rosemary Purcell and KapStone for your support.

Millennium Bulk Terminals is another company that supports the Chamber all year long. They are one of our Quarterly Member-ship sponsors, support our Education Foundation with scholar-ship funding, and sponsor numerous events throughout the year.

A special thank you to Peter Bennett, Wendy Hutchinson, Gena Ramey and CEO Bill Chapman.

Gibbs and Olson has also been a fabulous member/sponsor of events at the Chamber. Gibbs and Olson has been one of our Quarter Membership sponsors for the past two years, and participates by bringing staff to nearly every event the Chamber hosts. Thank you Rich Gushman and your super team.

Stirling Motors is another member that goes above and beyond. Stirling Motors has been the Major Sponsor of our golf tournament the past four years, and I must thank them for putting up the funds, bringing their vehicles down to be placed on the golf course and supporting one of our biggest events of the year. Thank you.

I am sure some, if not most of the businesses and individuals list-ed above, have wondered, “Where’s our banner?” I often get the call, “Bill, do you still have our banner?” I do have your banner. In many cases I’m saving it for the next big event the Chamber is host-ing. It’s our way of making sure you get the publicity you deserve by hanging your banners at our various events. For example, if you at-tended the Port Report in November, you may have noticed more than 15 banners displayed around the room and more than 150 people in attendance eyeing them. A special thank you to our port directors for agreeing to participate this year, both financially and personally by taking time out of their busy schedules to address the attendees about the fabulous things happening at our ports.

I added up all the committee meetings, committee events, Cham-ber meetings, Boot Camp classes, Mixers, Quarterly Membership meetings, Legislative Briefings, Ambassador meetings, Ribbon Cuttings, Business After Hours, expos, golf tournament, Crystal Apple and Pillars of Strength Award Dinner, Jingle all the Way, the Color Dash and all the committee meetings that go along with all those big events and came up with well over 100 total meetings and events. With just over 470 members, we have between eight and 244 people attending those 100 events. So a special thank you to all of you, who have been a member of a committee, attended an event, hosted an event, sponsored an event or introduced someone to the Chamber. With two and a half staff members we could not do 100-plus events without the help of so many of our members. A sincere thank you from all of us.

Happy holidays from Karen, Amy and Bill

CEO’s Message

Thank you for an amazing year

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Team

Bill Marcum, CEOKaren Sisson, Project ManagerAmy Hallock, Bookkeeper

Kelso Longview Business Connection is published monthly by the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce. 105 N. Minor Road • Kelso, WA 98626 • 360-423-8400

To advertise, call Bill Marcum, 360-423-8400 or e-mail [email protected] Deadline: 20th of each month.

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A few weeks ago the county commissioners heard a community health status report from our health officer, Dr. Jennifer Vines. She reviewed the all-too-familiar reality that many Cowlitz County residents seem mired in unhealthy lifestyles, whether it be tobacco and alcohol abuse, chemical dependency, untreated mental illness, obesity, STDs, or preventable childhood diseases.

But she shared with us a less familiar phrase that is quite a frame-work for addressing these community health problems: the social determinants of health. Public health research confirms that com-munity health is determined by jobs, housing, education, and fam-ily experiences – in that order. She reminded me that with different words, Longview’s founding father, R.A. Long, echoed these same sentiments when dreaming about his Vision City.

Business leaders, the clergy, politicians, and other professionals ought to focus with laser precision on addressing the social deter-minants of health. We should be relentlessly pursuing the creation

of good, family-wage jobs; decent, affordable housing; effective educa-tion; and quality of place attributes that contribute toward positive family experiences. How does this make business sense? We can better al-locate precious resources toward law enforcement and healthcare when the community health is better. For example: a few months ago The Daily News reported that one social service expert esti-mated that law- and health-related costs associated with one single chronic homeless man amounted to $500,000 over the course of a decade of struggle.

Private enterprise thrives on competition and innovation. But that often results in technological unemployment and other lay-offs. That means job creation must be a constant target. But, of course, government is not the major employer in a private enter-prise system. However, it should strive to remove roadblocks to de-velopment. And when unfair regulatory review creates uncertainty for developers seeking to create jobs – the bureaucracy needs to

A Call to Action –The social determinants of health

Cowlitz County Commissioners

By Dennis Weber County Commissioner

Please see Commissioners, page 7

Diane Craft, PresidentKoelsch Senior Communities

Julie Rinard, President ElectCommunity Home Health & Hospice

Lance Welch, Vice President PeaceHealth

Joel Hanson, Past PresidentKLOG/KUKN/The Wave

Neil Zick, TreasurerTwin City Bank

Michael Claxton, Legal CounselWalstead Mertsching

Chris Bailey Lower Columbia College

Clayton J. Bartness, DCLongview Chiropractic Clinic Ken Botero Longview City Council

Bob Crisman Gallery of Diamonds

Linda DiLemboThree Rivers Mall

Wendy Hutchinson Millennium Bulk Terminals

Michael JulianKelso Theater Pub

Bianca LemmonsCowlitz County Title Company

Frank PanarraFoster Farms

Tom Rozwod NORPAC/Weyerhaeuser

Ted SpragueCowlitz Economic Development Council

Steve TaylorKelso City Manager

Dennis WeberCowlitz County Commissioner

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors


7

be held accountable for contributing to the poor quality of com-munity health.

Likewise, contractors and builders need to be supported in their desire to build more, adequate housing. Those responsible for overly cumbersome land-use planning procedures, anti-develop-ment interpretation of codes, and poor customer service also need to be held accountable for contributing to poor community health. And more effective programs to assist those becoming homeless need to be created – more effective in terms of neighborhood com-patibility, treatment of mental illness and substance abuse, emer-gency shelters, and relief for those in financial difficulties (i.e. job search, re-training, financial education).

It is a given that a good education is the best path out of poverty. And local school districts have had incredible support from voters approving special levies and bond issues to improve schools. And yet, poverty continues to increase after a generation of education reforms. Perhaps it is time to focus on student-centered reforms

rather than a manic “test-test-test” frenzy that kills the love of learning. The “ample provision” for school funding envisioned by our state’s founders and reiterated by the recent McCleary decision should be applied more toward those schools serving kids from a culture of poverty. They are the ones who need the extra resources to overcome the barriers that poverty throws in their way, creating unhealthy lifestyles.

While all this is going on, there must be a renewed commitment toward supporting positive family experiences through environ-mental protection, access to our lakes, rivers, and forests; and cul-tural activities through fairs, festivals, rodeos, libraries, museums, performing and visual arts, and recreation activities. One project that shows great promise of touching on most of these social deter-minants of health is the county’s proposed South Silver Lake Com-munity Forest Trust in which commercial forest jobs are protected, public access increased, recreation opportunities grow, habitat for multiple species is managed, water quality is improved, and other local goals are addressed.

Here’s to a healthier new year!

Commissioners, from page 6

729 Vandercook Way Longview, WA 986321-800-319-2265 | 360-414-4101

Creating products to fuel the world

The Sky is the Limit!

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

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

Jon HansenGeneral ManagerFabricast Valve

twincitybank.com

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By Chris Bailey President – Lower Columbia College

Lower Columbia College has been getting a lot of recognition within the higher education community lately for reform efforts aimed at increasing student success. I am particularly proud of our math fac-ulty, who have worked diligently over the past several years to reduce the “math barrier” that many of our students face.

The vast majority of students that come to LCC—nearly 90 percent—are underprepared in math. We have been working on two things related to this startling statistic. First, we have dramatically improved the placement and placement-prepa-ration process to help as many students as possible start off at college level. We developed “math boot camps” to help stu-dents prepare for the testing process, and we also implement transcript agreements with all high schools in Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties to ensure that students who have taken approved courses (with qualifying grades) move directly into our college level classes. Most recently, math faculty members Dawn Draus and Terri Skeie developed an online form of the boot camp to make it accessible to everyone.

Second, we have implemented many changes to the pre-college pathway to maximize success for students who come to us underprepared in math. Our faculty started the reform process by reducing the length of the traditional pre-college math sequence by 25 percent. Next, they split our standard 5-credit courses into 3- and 2-credit modules. This change has helped a large number of students stay on track. Under the

5-credit model, students who fell behind often felt that they had to withdraw from the class. The modules give them the option of biting off smaller chunks of material at a time.

The result of these changes has been a dramatic reduction in the number of students withdrawing from their math classes. Over the last five years, we have cut the proportion of with-drawals in half. We have also dramatically increased the pro-portion of students earning a “C” or better in their classes, which is significant since typically students need a grade at least that high to move on to the next course in the sequence.

This fall, our incredible math faculty introduced another game changer to the mix. We now offer a pre-college math pathway specifically designed for students who don’t need to take calculus to meet their degree requirements. The new pathway is shorter, less algebra-intensive and more “hands-on” than the traditional pre-college math sequence.

Students are raving about the new option, and it’s changing the range of degree options available to them. One student was ready to give up on her dream of becoming a nurse before she learned about this class, which works very well for students in-tending to take statistics (the required college level math class for LCC nursing students). Another student did poorly in a traditional math class, and was on the verge of abandoning her goal of majoring in business before a math instructor told her about the new pathway.

The new pathway, along with our other improvements, is good news for people who feel anxious or phobic about math. We encourage anyone who falls into this camp (or knows someone who does) to call 360-442-2311, visit us online at lowercolumbia.edu, or come in to learn more about our new options.

Lower Columbia College

Increasing college access and completion through math reform

Business Connection Advertising Rates Effective March 2015

Kelso-Longview Business Connection monthly newsletter is published the first of each month, posted electronically on our website and over 5,400 emailed to local business professionals, city and county officials. To be included in this monthly email, simply call the Chamber office at 360-423-8400.

All ads include full color and any design work. Deadline is the 21st of the month prior to publication. Digital files: PDF, Tiff and JPEG. Non-Members of the Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce please add 30% to above rates. See back for size examples.

To advertise or request additional information please contact Karen Sisson at 360-423-8400 or [email protected] or CEO Bill Marcum at 360-423-8400 or [email protected].

Advertising Agreement Date: ________________

Business Name: _______________________________________________ Phone: _____________________

Contact Name: ____________________________________________ ___ Cell: _______________________

Address: _____________________________________________ City_______________ Zip____________

Email: _______________________________________________________ Fax: ______________________

Number of Issues:______ Size:________ Credit card Check Invoice

Signature__________________________________ Ad Rep Signature___________________________

Size 1 - 3 Issues 4-7 Issues 8-10 Issues 12 Issues Dimension 1/16 Page $110 $90 $70* $50* 2" x 2.5" (*Includes ad on website) 1/8 Page $175 $140 $105* $75* 4" x 2.5" (*Includes ad on website) 1/4 Page $205 $170 $140* $100* 4" x 5.25" (*Includes ad on website) 1/2 Page $325 $290 $245* $190* 4" x 10.5" (V) or 8" x 5.25" (H) Full Page $625 $570 $480* $400* 8" x 10.5" (*Includes ad on website)

‘

Local, local, local... It’s all about your local community

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

With the holiday season upon us and as the economy struggles, your local retailers, service providers and small businesses continue to find themselves in an ongoing battle to keep their customers, both old and new, at home, in town rather than going down the road or across the country or across the globe!

These local retailers, service providers and small busi-nesses know that LOCAL awareness to ‘who they are’ and ‘what they do’ will grow and enrich their local business, service or small company AND your community.

That LOCAL awareness, the information and guidance about their business and themselves happens through a LOCAL advertising and marketing investment in their LOCAL media. That LOCAL media provides and creates the information resource and marketplace for your com-munity through LOCAL news and advertising.

You know, as a local business professional, the impor-tance of investing in your LOCAL hometown or commu-nity.

What about your customers and clients? What about your community’s retailers, service providers, small businesses, and shoppers (and buyers)?

Why should you, your associates, your friends and your neighbors shop locally?

Good question!Here are five responses and five community benefits to

share with your associates, your friends and your neigh-bors about the importance and value of shopping at home…shopping in your local community...shopping with your local retailers and service providers.

• It’s an Investment in Your Community! Shopping and buying in your community is an investment. Your dol-lars spent locally for goods and services STAY IN YOUR COMMUNITY, helping to build schools, hospitals and fund essential services like police, fire, parks and recre-ation.

• It Fosters Economic Growth Today and Tomorrow! Shopping dollars spent locally help small businesses, owned and operated by your neighbors and friends, GROW. New businesses, both retail and service providers, start up when encouraged by the local economic and vital-ity. Business growth and new business start ups increase variety offering a broad assortment of goods and services ...All COMPETITIVELY PRICE.

• It’s Giveback! When you shop and buy locally you’re helping your community’s business men and women support a wide range of needed community services and charitable projects... senior centers, local food banks, day care facilities...with time, talent and money.

• It’s FUN, Saves Time and Energy, and It’s Personal! Errands to run…things to pick up are FUN, easy and convenient to do inasmuch as local merchants and service providers KNOW your community, KNOW you and are AVAILABLE to meet your day to day needs helping to solve life’s little problems.

The best advice and the best value, always come from someone you KNOW!

• What Goes Around...Comes Around! Investing in lo-Please see Nau, page 11

cal businesses with your shopping dollars fosters growth in your community...adding additional employment opportuni-ties for your family, friends, neighbors and maybe even YOU! Shopping dollars invested locally stay in your community, funding essential services, while possibly REDUCING your tax dollars.

Helping the retailers in your community create a public awareness of ‘who they are’ and ‘what they do or sell’ helps your community, your retailer, your business, your family and you GROW. Local advertising and marketing dollars invested in Local media best represent your community

through a Local environment of news and advertising creat-ing an information source and marketplace for your com-munity.

© Murray & Nau, Inc.Chuck Nau of Murray & Nau, Inc. is a Seattle area based

publishing consultant and sales and management trainer. He has been a speaker for and conducted advertising, marketing, management and sales training workshops with newspapers, niche publishers, publishing groups and press associations, throughout North America. Comments and questions are welcome and may be directed to Chuck via e-mail: [email protected]. or at 425-603-0984.


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CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION!

(360) 353-37991324 VANDERCOOK WAY, LONGVIEW

EFFECTIVE ADVERTISING & MARKETING STRATEGY STARTS HERE NOW IS THE TIME TO BRING YOUR BUSINESS INTO THE LIGHT WITH A PLAN!

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Nau, from page 10

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By Julia MaglioneCommunications Manager – SouthwestWashington Workforce Development Council

In July 2014, the Workforce Innova-tion and Opportunity Act (WIOA) was signed into law as the first major reform of the public workforce system in 15 years.

This new law creates a more streamlined workforce training and employment delivery system that seeks to increase business prosperity by supplying highly-skilled workers. In some parts of the state, the new law is substantially changing the way some local workforce boards and WorkSource centers operate.

In many ways, however, Southwest Washington is ahead of the curve. For years, we’ve been developing partnerships and imple-menting innovative programs that the new law is recognizing as best practices.

Over the past several years, we have strategically designed and implemented programs that focus attention on business engage-ment to enhance current worker skills. We’ve arranged our pro-grams to invest in youth who’ve disengaged from school and work, and we’re working to create stronger alliances with our partners in the Portland Metro area.

While WIOA’s increased focus on employer engagement and em-ployer-led workforce development strategies may be new to other areas, in Southwest Washington, the Workforce Development Council and WorkSource have a history of collaborating with in-dustry on sector strategies, on-the-job training, incumbent worker training and business services. There’s always room for improve-ment, however, and we intend to continue and strengthen these partnerships and programs.

The overall goals of WIOA are to: • Improve the quality of the workforce • Meet employer skill requirement • Enhance the nation’s productivity and competitiveness

• Increase economic self-sufficiency • Reduce welfare dependencyIn addition to these goals, the state’s workforce board has been

charged by Governor Inslee to close skill gaps for employers, with a focus on in-demand industry sectors and occupations.

To this end, SWWDC, WorkSource and Lower Columbia Col-lege are coordinating on a Certified Production Technician (CPT) training program that will launch in January. SWWDC is funding the program and participants will receive the training at no cost. Upon completion, individuals will be certified in safety, manufac-turing processes and production, maintenance awareness, quality practices and measurement.

To learn more about the CPT training program, contact Work-Source – Tammi at 360-578-4256 or [email protected] or Crys-tal at 360-578-4212 or [email protected]. Learn more about the certification at http://www.msscusa.org/cpt-courses/

Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council

Focus on business engagement increases under Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

Engineering firms sought for Business After School programEngineering Week is Feb. 22-26 and the Workforce Develop-

ment Council is seeking engineering firms and companies with STEM-related jobs, including industrial engineers, structural analysts, test engineers and more to host a two-hour event at their location for young adults ages 16-24.Participating businesses will provide company tours, hands-

on activities and discuss types of jobs available, education and training requirements, salary ranges and opportunities at their company for job shadowing, summer employment, internships and/or mentoring. Companies are asked to support this non-profit event by sponsoring the week for $250 or $500 or an annual $2,500 sponsorship.Engineering Week applications are due by Jan. 21 and may

be obtained at www.business-after-school.org.To participate, contact Cass Parker at [email protected] or

360-567-1076.

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PeaceHealth

By Cathy Barr Executive Director – PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center Foundation

Since 2002, the Foundation’s signature event, A Star Affaire, has raised more than $3.3 million dollars from our commu-nity, for our community. On Dec. 12, JH Kelly and Evans-Kelly Family Foundation present the PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center Foundation’s The Great Gatsby: A Star Affaire 2015.

The theme of this year’s A Star Affaire will transport our guests back to the roarin’ 20s amidst the glitz and glamour of “The Great Gatsby”. The evening will feature cocktails, dinner,

live and silent auctions, big band entertainment, dancing to

Chordiac Arrest, and a variety of other activities to keep you

captivated. The look and feel of the event will once again be

lavish and elegant to get our guests in the mood to support

Phase 2 of our Comprehensive Pediatric Campaign.

We hope you will be able to join us.

Foundation gala stars in effort to continue making a difference

PeaceHealth Medical Group Occupational Health helps prevent and contain on-the-job injuries for you and your employees.

peacehealth.org/phmg/longview 360-414-2332.

Keep your work family healthy.

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Kelso

New year brings a new council mix

By Mayor David Futcher

Another local election day is behind us, and with it comes a lot of change on the Kelso City Council. Of the four positions up for election this year, three will be filled by a new member starting in 2016. The fourth was retained by some incumbent tall guy.

Council relationships are important to effective function-ing. That doesn’t mean that we all have to agree on the issues, but that we agree to work harmoniously for the betterment of Kelso. It means understanding things like letting go of the last vote, where you didn’t get your way. It means accepting that what might be your big issue may not be that important to the other six, instead of bringing it up at every meeting.

I want to thank the departing councilmembers for their com-mitment to these principles over the last four years. Mr. Myers, Mr. Archer and Mr. Schimmel have all been a part of a group of councilmembers that has worked well together, and provided an enjoyable environment to do some work that isn’t always very enjoyable.

Adding three new members to a seven-person group can be a challenge. The relational chemistry has yet to be developed, but I’m optimistic that we can maintain the functional atmosphere on the council. Each of the new councilmembers has experi-ence in working with the council and at the city, so none are starting completely from scratch.

I look forward to working with them to help keep Kelso mov-ing forward.

Longview

Project completion gift for cityBy City Administrator Dave Campbell

Contractors working for the City of Longview worked

through the worst weather of the year last month to put the final touches on three significant and very visible construc-tion projects – the Washington Way bridge replacement, downtown streetscape (Broadway to Hudson block of Com-merce Avenue), and Tennant Way storm water projects.

A visible construction project in the public arena often means that businesses and individuals in the immedi-ate neighborhood, and people who are used to traveling through the area where the work is taking place, are incon-venienced. And as much as I might wish construction on projects like these could all be done at night and finished over the course of one or two weekends, that’s just not real-istic.

Our public works staff used numerous techniques to try to keep the community informed of the status of these projects on a regular basis, and especially to let neighbors know of upcoming impacts they would be seeing and hearing. Try as we might, however, some people undoubtedly didn’t always get those informational messages and thus were surprised about some aspect of the construction. We’re sorry for that, and we’re always interested in new and different ways of improving our public outreach about these sorts of projects.

In the meantime, the community should be pleased with the results of these three projects. The new Washington Way bridge is a structure that should serve us well for decades, having replaced one whose safety rating was going down-hill on a regular basis and that couldn’t be cost-effectively repaired. We employed an extensive public involvement process in the design of the new bridge, and while there was no way we could please everyone completely, I believe the final product represents a great aesthetic fit for that location

Please see Longview, page 15

15


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Longview, from page 14

and hearkens back to Longview’s history. But no more awful green paint!

The downtown streetscape work this year now completes four blocks of an eventual five-block improvement project on Commerce Avenue. Downtown street and underground construction always presents close-quarters challenges and is understandably a great concern to businesses and their customers beforehand, as well as a great relief when it’s done. Besides the enhanced curb appeal of the work, there will be increased functionality with the light poles – electricity that can support decorative lighting, and drip irrigation that can facilitate hanging flower baskets. Obtaining the grants and committing other “creative” financing to pay for the project represents a major commitment to downtown on behalf of the City, and we will be anxious to see additional examples of its economic vitality generated by business and property owners who respond to the streetscape improvements.

The Tennant Way improvements have often been referred to as a streetscape or “beautification” project, too, and while there are certainly those aspects involved, it’s fundamentally a storm water improvement project. The new collection piping below the surface and the biofiltration sites above ground have already proven their ability to reduce standing water that used to be common along that arterial corridor, and the new plantings will provide an enhanced level of storm water treatment as they mature. Our hope is that this project will also stimulate greater private property invest-ment and economic activity along this well-traveled street. Both the downtown and Tennant Way projects may well be more appreciated by people five to 10 years from now, but they’re already great improvements.

TUNE IN every WednesdayYour Chamber Connection

KEDO AM 1400 – 3 to 4 p.m.Contact the Chamber to

schedule YOUR 10-minute business spotlight

16


Revitalizing your business in 2016What kind of year did your business have?

By Jerry D. Petrick Certified Business Adviser

As the new year approaches, many of us will engage in re-flection and evaluation of our lives, families and friends. If you are a business owner, part of your year-end ritual prob-ably includes at least a general look at the health and future of your business. Many of us will stop looking shortly after we determine whether it was a ‘good’ or ‘bad’ year. If it was a ‘good’ year; we breathe a sigh of relief and cross our fin-gers that 2016 will also be ‘good’. However, if we had a ‘bad’ year we: rationalize, ignore, panic, or feel compelled to take action – we may not know what to do but we need to do SOMETHING!

How do you know if you had a ‘good’ or a ‘bad’ year? Compared to what?Do you have a business plan, budget, projections, and ac-

curate, timely financial data? If you don’t have these critical business basics in place how do you know how your busi-ness is performing and how to improve?

Let’s talk about some steps you can take to look at the health of your business and determine what to: Start/Stop/or Continue doing. The following areas are most common-ly the cause of financial distress in business.

LOW CASHWe have all heard the adage ‘cash is king’ – why is that so?

Cash gives us flexibility to take advantage of opportunities like trade discounts; negotiate more favorable terms than your competition etc. More sales does NOT equal more cash; in fact, it is very common that a company with rap-idly growing sales will find itself challenged to make payroll

on a monthly basis and/or show low or no net profit. To determine where your cash is or has gone, look carefully at your balance sheet. Some causes of low or declining cash are:

• High current liabilities• Too much inventory• Too much customer credit

LOW GROSS MARGINSHow well do you know your true costs? Do you have ‘hid-

den’ costs in your business? Hidden costs are those you in-cur do to inefficiencies in your business operations. Things that contribute to low or declining gross margins include:

• Poor pricing• Bookkeeping errors• Shrinkage• Low productivity• Poor buying• No cash discounts on payablesEvery industry has different dynamics at play that im-

pact margins and profitability; things like seasonality and fixed costs. Knowing what is common in your industry for companies of your size is critical to identify how competi-tive your operations are. The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Business Adviser has access to industry benchmark information for many industries and will help you analyze and diagnose issues in your operation.

LOW NET PROFITS I’m always fascinated by this area – my assumption is that

most business owners are in business, at least in part, to generate wealth for themselves, their families and commu-nities. However, so many appear to be satisfied as long as their gross sales are growing; without regard to the profit-

Business Toolbox

Please see Petrick, page 17

17


ability of those sales. Let’s take a look at what contributes to low net profits despite increasing sales:

• Low gross margin• Low sales• Poor expense control• High interest expense• High hidden costsAll of these elements – Cash, Gross Margin, and Net Profit

– are critical for your business success and together make up your business ecosystem. My encouragement to you is to use the arrival of 2016 as your trigger to look at your business in a new, more insightful, way. Many of us spend virtually all of our time working ‘IN’ our business versus working ‘ON’ our busi-

ness. Let’s commit to spending more time working ON OUR BUSINESS in 2016. The great news is you are not alone in this effort. The SBDC Business Adviser is here to provide you with professional, no cost, confidential, appointment based business advice. I invite you to take advantage of this resource…your competition probably is!

Have a prosperous New Year!

This article was prepared by Jerry Petrick, Certified Business Adviser for the Washington State University Small Business De-velopment Center (SBDC) in Longview. He provides confidential, business advisory services by appointment. He can be contacted [email protected]

Petrick, from page 16

Business Toolbox

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in for our exceptionalservice. Leave with the secure confidence that your real estate investment is properly insured and protected.

Bianca Lemmons VP/Manager/LPO

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18


Council of Governments

Getting the full picture from transportation snapshot

The Council of Governments’ recently approved 2040 Region-al Transportation Plan includes a five county region. This brief overview focuses on the Longview-Kelso-Rainier Metropolitan Planning Area and Cowlitz County. The Plan includes four em-phasis areas:

• Freight Transportation

• Roadway

• Public Transportation

• Active Transportation

The Metropolitan Planning Area includes 45 square miles and more than 64,000 people. Commuting patterns show that 48 percent of the residents have less than a 15 minute commute. 8 percent of the population has more than a 60 minute commute

with Portland/Vancouver and Se-attle serving as primary destina-tions.

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

Please see CWCOG, page 19

19


Truck Freight Data by National Highway Stem Route –Source WSDOT

Freight capacity is a critical element of our system. The table above outlines the level of freight traffic traveling the key components of the National Highway System (NHS) in the area.

Of the 64 bridges on the National Highway System in Cowlitz County, 15 are Functionally Obsolete.

There are 280 park and ride spaces at five facilities in the County.

There are 35 at-grade rail crossings in the County with rail traffic ranging from 4 to 56 trains per day.

There were approximately 837 collisions on NHS routes in the Met-ropolitan Planning Area and 3,152 in Cowlitz County during the most recent 12 month period available.

The Metropolitan Panning Area has 3.75 miles of bike lanes, 10.89 miles of bike routes and 13.7 miles of bike paths.

Over $38 Million in transportation investment is currently sched-uled in the Transportation Improvement Program for the MPO from 2016 to 2019.

The CWCOG is committed to setting goals and measuring perfor-mance of the transportation system as we move forward. The 2040 Transportation Plan lays the foundation for prioritizing, reporting and programming our transportation funds. A copy of the 2040 re-gional Transportation Plan can be found at www.cwcog.org.

CWCOG, from page 18

National Highway Stems Routes – Source CWCOG

20


Temporary positions for Summer 2016

Vacant positions available at Cowlitz Valley and Mt. Adams Ranger Districts, and Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

Vacancy announcements will be posted on USAJOBS.GOV

to December 7, 2015

Applications accepted only through USAJOBS.GOV

The Gifford Pinchot National Forest is filling TEMPORARY SEASONAL positions not to exceed 1,039 hours. Positions avail-able include recreation work such as with trail crews, wilderness rangers or at campgrounds; as forestry technicians to do timber marking or planting, land survey; as archaeological technicians to assist with cultural resources projects; Wildland Fire positions; or as visitor information receptionists.

In the past vacancies were advertised under Open Continuous Recruitment (OCR) bulletins that did not have closing dates. This process has changed. Applicants must now apply to specific For-est vacancy announcements. The announcement numbers shown below will be posted on USA Jobs until Dec. 7, 2015. Interested applicants must apply during this time period.

Prior to that, applicants can establish a personal profile on USA-JOBS and request job updates. Be sure to indicate the duty location, (i.e., the city) as the location for consideration when applying. In some cases a duty station may be in a remote location, different from the city. Applicants are encouraged to update their profiles and resumes every 60 days to ensure their application remains ac-tive within USAJOBS.

Most positions start in late May and last through September (end date exceptions are often made for students) based on budgets. Some positions will have shorter employment periods. Virtually all of the positions require physical exertion in rough terrain. The work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions including summer heat, rain and snow. Housing may be available at remote duty stations

THE FOREST/ DISTRICTS:

The Gifford Pinchot National Forest is one of the oldest National Forests in the United States. Included as part of the Mt. Rainier Forest Reserve in 1893, this area was set aside as the Columbia National Forest in 1908, and subsequently renamed the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in 1949. Located in southwest Washing-

ton State, the forest comprises about 1.4 million acres and includes the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument established by Congress in 1982. Candidates may learn about the Forest, our pro-grams, and our opportunities by visiting its award-winning web site. http://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf

Communities

Mount Adams RD, Trout Lake, Wash.

The Mt. Adams District Office is located in Trout Lake, Wash., along Highway 141, an important recreation and access route through Washington’s central Cascade Mountains. The Trout Lake community, including outlying areas, has a population of approxi-mately 500. This is a setting that appeals to candidates who are seeking the lifestyle provided by a small rural community. The town has a grocery and video store, one gas station, one motel, and a range of other local accommodations including bed and break-fasts and rustic cabins, two restaurants, three churches; one recre-ation trailer court, one county recreation park.

Mount St. Helens NVM, Amboy, Wash.

Amboy is located 23 miles north of Vancouver, in Clark County. Amboy is an unincorporated community located among gently rolling forested hills with abundant fish and wildlife. Amboy is home to a grocery store, restaurant, hardware store, post office and several other small service related businesses. Vancouver is a full service community located just across the Columbia River from Portland, Ore.

Cowlitz Valley RD, Randle, Wash.

Randle is located on US Highway 12 about 50 miles east of Che-halis, Wash., and 75 miles west of Yakima, Wash. Randle is cen-trally located to the cities of Seattle and Portland nestled among the foothills of the Cascade Mountains along the banks of the Cowlitz River, in what locals refer to as the “The Big Bottom Valley”. The Valley includes the communities of Packwood, Randle, and Gle-noma. Randle and Packwood have nice dining options and several hotels. There is a large population of elk that live in the valley. The area has ample fishing, hiking, backpacking, boating, and camp-ing activities available. The district has bunkhouse style housing available for temporary employees. It is a great place to spend the summer and has an abundance of recreational places to explore.

National Forest opens temporary jobs

Please see Forest Jobs, page 21


21

HOW TO APPLY:

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions be-fore you begin.

Step 1 - Create a USAJOBS account (if you do not already have one) at www.usajobs.gov. It is recommended that as part of your profile you set up automatic e-mail notification to be informed when the status of your application changes. If you choose not to set up this automatic notification, then you will have to log into your USAJOBS account to check on the status of your application.

Step 2 - Create a Resume with USAJOBS or upload a Resume into your USAJOBS account. You may want to customize your resume to ensure it documents duties and accomplishments you have gained that are directly related to this position in order to verify that qualifications are met. In addition, your resume must support your responses to the online questionnaire (you may preview the online questionnaire by clicking on the link at the end of the How

You Will Be Evaluated section of the job announcement).

Step 3 - Click “Apply Online” and follow the prompts to complete the Occupational Questionnaire and attach any additional docu-ments that may be required.

USDA Non-Discrimination Statement

Revised 6/8/2005

“The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202)720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Inde-pendence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Forest Jobs, from page 20

GiffordPinchotNationalForest

PositionTitle

DutyStation

VacancyAnnouncement#

Series/Grade

Contact

Custodian Laborer – (Custodian)

Toutle, WA 16-TEMP-R6-3502-2LBR-DT WG-3502-02 Roger Sadler [email protected]

FrontDesk

Timber Customer Service Rep.

Randle, WA

16-TEMP-R6-0303-5CSR-DT GS-0303-05 Julie Ashe [email protected]

Recreation Customer Serv Rep

Randle, WA

16-TEMP-R6-0303-3CSR-DT GS-0303-03 Jack Thorne [email protected]

Visitor Information Assistant

Amboy, WA 16-TEMP-R6-1001-4VSTR-DT GS-1001-04 Amy Wilson [email protected]


Trout Lake, WA

16-TEMP-R6-1001-4VSTR-DT GS-1001-04 Kara Harden [email protected]


Vancouver, WA

16-TEMP-R6-1001-4VSTR-DT GS-1001-04 Sue Ripp [email protected]

Heritage

IRP/Heritage Tech Randle, WA

16-TEMP-R6-0102-4ARC-DT GS-0102-04 Kevin Flores [email protected]





Lands Survey Technician Vancouver,

WA 16-TEMP-R6-0817-4SVTC-DT GS-0817-04 Stephen Lee

[email protected] Survey Technician Vancouver,

WA 16-TEMP-R6-0817-5SVY-DT GS-0817-05 Stephen Lee

[email protected] Recreation Park Ranger Amboy, WA 16-TEMP-R6-0025-4PR-DT GS-0025-04 Randall Peterson [email protected]

Kristie Cochrane [email protected] Park Ranger Toutle, WA 16-TEMP-R6-0025-5PARK-DT GS-0025-05 Randall Peterson [email protected]

Kristie Cochrane [email protected] Forestry Tech Recreation

Amboy, WA 16-TEMP-R6-0462-4REC-DT GS-0462-04 Randall Peterson [email protected]

Forestry Tech Recreation

Amboy, WA 16-TEMP-R6-0462-5REC-DT GS-0462-05 Randall Peterson [email protected]

Forestry Aid Recreation

Amboy, WA 16-TEMP-R6-0462-3FTAID-DT GS-0462-03 Randall Peterson [email protected] Diana Perez [email protected]

Forestry Aid Recreation

Trout Lake, WA

16-TEMP-R6-0462-3FTAID-DT GS-0462-03 Dean Robertson [email protected]

GiffordPinchotNationalForest

PositionTitle

DutyStation

VacancyAnnouncement#

Series/Grade

Contact

Wilderness/Trails

Forestry Aid Wilderness Randle, WA 16-TEMP-R6-0462-3FAWLD-DT GS-0462-03 Andrea Durham [email protected] Forestry Aid Wilderness Trout Lake,

WA 16-TEMP-R6-0462-3FAWLD-DT GS-0462-03 Justin Ewer [email protected]

Forestry TechTrails/ Wilderness

Amboy, WA 16-TEMP-R6-0462-04WLDTR-DT GS-0462-04 Diana Perez [email protected]


Randle, WA 16-TEMP-R6-0462-04WLDTR-DT GS-0462-04 Andrea Durham [email protected]


Trout Lake, WA

16-TEMP-R6-0462-04WLDTR-DT GS-0462-04 Dean Robertson [email protected] Justin Ewer [email protected]


Amboy, WA 16-TEMP-R6-0462-5FWT-DT GS-0462-05 Diana Perez [email protected] s


Randle, WA 16-TEMP-R6-0462-5FWT-DT GS-0462-05 Andrea Durham [email protected]

Fire Forestry Aid Fire Suppression

Amboy, WA 16-TEMP-R6-0462-3SUP-DT GS-0462-03 Jason Debarber [email protected]

Forestry Aid Fire Suppression

Randle, WA 16-TEMP-R6-0462-3SUP-DT GS-0462-03 Russell Wilstead [email protected]

Forestry Aid Fire Suppression

Trout Lake, WA

16-TEMP-R6-0462-3SUP-DT GS-0462-03 Michael Muehlbauer [email protected]

Forestry Tech Fire Supression

Amboy, WA 16-TEMP-R6-0462-4SUP-DT GS-0462-04 Jason Debarber [email protected]


Randle, WA 16-TEMP-R6-0462-4SUP-DT GS-0462-04 Russell Wilstead [email protected]


Trout Lake, WA

16-TEMP-R6-0462-4SUP-DT GS-0462-04 Michael Muehlbauer [email protected]

Timber Special Forest Products Tech

Randle, WA 16-TEMP-R6-0462-4REC-DT GS-0462-04 Julie Ashe [email protected]

Special Forest Products Tech

Carson, WA 16-TEMP-R6-0462-4REC-DT GS-0462-04 Robbyn Bergher [email protected]


Randle, WA 16-TEMP-R6-0462-5REC-DT GS-0462-05 Julie Ashe [email protected]


Carson, WA 16-TEMP-R6-0462-5REC-DT GS-0462-05 Robbyn Bergher [email protected]

Timber Stand Imprv Forestry Tech

Amboy, WA 16-TEMP-R6-0462-5TSI-DT GS-0462-05 Rocky Pankratz [email protected]

Timber Sale Prep. Carson, WA 16-TEMP-R6-0462-4TIMB-DT GS-0462-04 Julie Ashe [email protected] Timber Sale Prep. Randle, WA 16-TEMP-R6-0462-4TIMB-DT GS-0462-04 Julie Ashe [email protected] Timber Sale Prep. Randle, WA 16-TEMP-R6-0462-5TSP-DT GS-0462-05 Julie Ashe [email protected]

Forspecificinformationpertainingtoajobvacancy,pleaseemailthecontactlistedfortheposition

24


By Chris Skaugset Director – Longview Public Library

Well, it’s that time of year again: time for family, friends and cel-ebrating. It’s also a time for stress often due to the same family, friends and celebrating. Obviously, that’s not even talking about the normal daily stresses that we all feel at work and at home all year long. So, this month I thought I would mention a few of our more recent titles that deal with stress and stress management. Hope-fully, these titles, and many of the other ones that we have, will help make your holiday season a little more cheerful or at the least a little less stressful.

The first book I want to mention is Dan Harris’ “10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in my Head, Reduced Stress without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help that Actually Works – A True Story”. A nationally televised panic attack on Good Morn-ing America made Harris, the anchor of Nightline realize that he had to make some changes in his life. To try and help understand what this was all about, Harris found himself on a bizarre adven-ture involving a disgraced pastor, a mysterious self-help guru and numerous brain scientists. What he found out was that the one thing that he had always assumed was his greatest asset was actu-ally the culprit: that voice inside his head, and all of ours, and that’s always there. The answer he found, and something he never took seriously previously, was meditation. Follow his journey through the world of neuroscience, to the inner sanctum of network news, to the fringes of spirituality, and what he learned from CEOs, scien-tists and even Marines who are using meditation to improve their lives. Though it’s different for everybody, I can vouch for much of what he says, as I too am a regular meditator.

“Say Goodbye to Survival Mode: 9 Simple Strategies to Stress Less, Sleep More, and Restore Your Passion for Life” by Crystal Paine is another title that just might help. Written with women in mind,

but much of what she shares can be useful for all of us. Through a combi-nation of practical advice and bigger perspective, Paine shows the reader ways to enjoy life not just sur-vive it. She writes that you will feel healthier and more energetic by setting priorities and boundaries. Eliminate stress with savvy management of your time, money, and home. And finally, get more done by setting realistic goals and embracing discipline. All this can help you rediscover your passions and the confidence to pur-sue them. It’s a simple, straightforward way to try and reduce your stress and improve your life.

Finally, I want to mention a book that kind of turns the whole idea of stress, and its negative impact, on its head. “The Upside of Stress: Why Stress is Good for You, and How to Get Good at It” by Kelly McGonigal tries to look at stress not as something that we should just try to avoid, but something that we should embrace and use for our benefit. It’s not that stress isn’t bad for you, but if one has a healthy attitude about stress and then can use that attitude to re-direct the physical manifestations of stress in a positive way it can help. The hormones that are triggered by the stress response can help a person function at peak performance, spark social interac-tions, and learn effectively in new situations. In some cases, stress might actually be viewed as necessary for creating a meaningful life. With a healthy dose of skepticism and scientific studies to back up what she says, McGonigal gives the reader a lot to think about and makes it clear that if nothing else, we have a lot to learn just by looking at stress in a slightly different way.

If nothing else, it’s clear that stress is always part of our lives, and always will be. However, how we react to that stress, and how we respond to it, is what will help us not only survive another holiday season but thrive, not only now but in the future as well.

Read away holiday, and daily, stress with these suggested titles

Mind Your Own Business (at the Library)

25


Ambassador of the Month

The Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce expressed its thank-fulness for volunteers by selecting Chris Roewe as its Ambassador of the Month for November.

Roewe, a partner/broker at Woodford Commercial Real Estate, joined the Chamber Ambassador program about four years ago as a way to become more involved in the local business community and to help bridge the gap between local business and the Cham-ber.

As a Chamber Ambassador, Roewe said he enjoys meeting new people and seeing the new businesses that are coming into the area.

Roewe is also a member of the Kelso Rotary.The fall is a great time of year for Roewe, who enjoys football

season. He also likes to spend his spare time away from the office working on houses and spending time at activities and at home

with his young daughters and “partner in crime” Jenny.

Chamber Ambassadors, known as The Red Coats, are an integral part of the Chamber of Commerce. The Am-bassador team is made up of active Chamber volunteers whose responsi-bilities include meeting and greeting at Chamber events, welcoming new members and assisting at ribbon cuttings and community events. Ambassadors juggle busy profes-sional careers while making time to assist the Chamber at a variety of events year long.If you would be interested in wearing a red coat and representing the

Chamber, contact CEO Bill Marcum at the Chamber office.

Chamber thanks Roewe for service

NovemberChris Roewe

Woodford Commercial Real Estate

WALSTEAD MERTSCHINGAT TO R N E YS AT L AW

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CIVIC CENTER BUILDING, 3RD FLOOR1700 HUDSON ST., LONGVIEW, WA

(360) 423-5220 Longviewwww.walstead.com

Attorney Nicole M. Tideman

EmploymEnt law

Attorneys in our employment and labor law department represent employers and employees throughout southwest Washington. We handle matters regulated by the Washington State Human Rights Commission, the federal Equal Employ-ment Opportunity Commission, the Washington State Department of Labor and industries, and the United States Department of Labor. Our attorneys can provide representation in all state and federal courts in Washington, including the Washington State Supreme Court.

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

• Labor Relations• Litigation• Non-competition Agreements• Severance Agreements• Sexual Harassment Claims• Unemployment Compensation• Wage and Hour Disputes• Wrongful Termination

26


Port Report

The Force be with YouPort of Kalama Executive Director Mark Wilson jokes with Port of Woodland Executive Director Jennifer Keene during the Chamber’s Quarterly Membership meeting Nov. 12 at the Cowlitz Regional Conference Center. The Port of Kalama also recently released a report. You can read it on page 27.

More than 150 members attendedthe event.

Executive directors Jennifer Keene, Port of Woodland, Mark Wilson,

Port of Kalama, and Geir Eilif Kalhagen, Port of Longview,

presented information on recent and future growth happening in

each of their respective areas.

Port of Kalama, brimming with economic activity and com-munity vitality, recaps progress and successes of the last year. As it prepares for the Cowlitz County ‘Port Report’ the Port of Kalama celebrates an extensive list of awards, recognition, com-munity projects, economic development and new business:

Kalama, Wash. (October 29, 2015)—Just 30 minutes north of Portland, Ore., business and community development are booming at the Port of Kalama. With more than 30 compa-nies, employing more than 850 people, the Port of Kalama offers prime industrial land and exceptional move-in-ready industrial buildings. The Port’s sweeping riverfront industrial acreage with easy access to all modes of transportation are at-tracting new and emerging businesses.

But that’s not all. As it prepares for the Cowlitz County ‘Port Report’ at the quarterly meeting of the Kelso Longview Cham-ber Nov. 12, the Port of Kalama celebrates an extensive list of awards, recognition, community infrastructure projects, new contracts and acclaim as an approachable, business-friendly climate for businesses of all sizes.

A round-up of recent news headlines from the Port of Ka-lama tells the tale of economic development, civic pride and a prosperous business community.

Port of Kalama welcomes new businessThe Port completed an agreement with Northwest Innova-

tion Works to build a $1.8 billion natural gas to methanol con-version facility that is expected to create approximately 200 new jobs when completed. The company recently moved its corporate headquarters and operations to the Port.

One of the Pacific Northwest’s largest service providers to the forest products industry, Christensen Enterprises LLC, grew 30 percent a year since moving to Port of Kalama in 2013 and expanded its facilities to include fabrication. The company signed a lease for 20,000-square-foot facility, added fabrica-tion services and hired seven new employees.

Eco-friendly corrugated crate manufacturer, Depin Inc., moves operations from Salem, Ore., to Kalama, leasing 12,000 square feet to expand operations between key markets, Port-land and Seattle. The company has hired 20 new employees.

All American Container recently extended the lease on their 33,000 square-foot warehouse at the Kalama River Industrial Park. One of the country’s largest suppliers of glass, plastic, and metal containers, AAC serves local, regional—even inter-national industries.

“Kalama’s location is excellent, with a deep berth and easy ac-cess to the shipping channel,” said Simon Zhang, chief execu-tive officer, Northwest Innovation Works. “From the very first meeting, the Port of Kalama demonstrated that they are open for business. They are committed to their mission of gener-ating economic growth for Kalama and have been excellent partners, introducing us to the community and working with us as we go through the permitting process and move toward construction.”

Port of Kalama infrastructure improvements serve community

The Port’s much-anticipated 24-acre recreational facility, Haydu Park, opened in July. New baseball and softball fields, soccer fields, a horse riding arena, restrooms and concession stand, tennis courts, basketball courts, on-site parking, and an expo area available for reservations by the general public are just some of the premier features of Haydu Park. The facility also includes trails and access to several thousand feet of Ka-lama River frontage for fishing, swimming and boating

The Port of Kalama was recently awarded a federal grant by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to enhance secu-rity infrastructure at the North Port Marine Terminal with video surveillance cameras, increased lighting at facilities, in-stallation of new fencing and automated gates.

Master planning of East Port is complete and over time will usher in the multi-use Spencer Creek Business Center for a mix of light industrial, office, commercial and retail uses.

Cowlitz County granted $30,000 for the Port of Kalama Trail Improvement, which enables the Port to improve pedestrian and vehicle separation barriers and meridians along West Ma-rine Drive.

Last year the Port of Kalama saw Temco’s completion of a $200 million renovation of their grain elevator while the Port


Port Report – Kalama

27

Port of Kalama shares its successes

Please see Port, page 28


Port Report – Kalama

28

managed the construction of new Administrative Offices and Interpretive Center.

“With the Port’s recent business growth comes a higher vol-ume of traffic which makes enhanced infrastructure impor-tant for all our tenants,” says Randy Sweet, president, Port of Kalama Commission. “The dedicated staff at the Port of Ka-lama is consistently seeking partnerships and grant opportu-nities to better serve our community and businesses. It is these kinds of grants and programs that enhance regional economic development overall.”

Port of Kalama honored with awards for economic vitality

The Port of Kalama has been honored with the Pathways 2020 Community Champions Award for Economic Vitality. The ‘economic vitality’ category awards organizations that ex-cel at creating jobs, employee wellness, training, employable skills, new or expanding business, transportation, financial security, reducing poverty, and higher wages.

The Washington State Department of Ecology has awarded the Port of Kalama Wastewater Treatment Plant with the 2014 Outstanding Performance Award. Port of Kalama is recog-nized as one of the top performers for full compliance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NP-DES) permit.

Port of Kalama—along with strategic partner City of Kala-ma—was recognized for their collaboration on the annexation of 260 acres of Port property for both business and recreation-al purposes. The annexation makes way for the Spencer Creek Business Park and the recently completed recreational facility, Haydu Park.

The Western Dredging Association (WEDA) has awarded the Port of Kalama with the top 2014 Environmental Excel-lence Award in the navigation dredging category.The Port was recognized with the top honor for the TEMCO Berth Main-tenance Dredging and In-water Flow-lane Placement project.

“The Port’s mission is to ‘induce capital investment in an en-vironmentally responsible manner to create jobs and enhance public recreational opportunities.’ These projects collectively further every aspect of the Port’s mission to contribute to an economically thriving, successful and livable region,” says Sweet. “We are so honored to provide such substantial en-

hancements that will serve the Port’s business community for years to come.”

Next up: Port of Kalama makes way for commercial develop-ment

The Port of Kalama has commenced development of the 70-acre Spencer Creek Business Park, located north of Kalama River Road right off of Interstate 5. The Spencer Creek Busi-ness Park will support a mix of light industrial, office, com-mercial and retail uses including:

Light industrial

Convenience store

Dining

Preliminary work at Spencer Creek Business Park includes filling and grading, installation of storm water treatment sys-tems, and road improvements to make way for new commer-cial development. While East Port will be built out over many years, business park construction and operational activities are projected to support more than 1,000 jobs and millions of dollars in new local economic activity.

Port, from page 27

Chamber Nov. and Dec. 2015

360.414.1200 • www.expresslongview.com

Give the gift of employment by joining Express Employment Professionals’ Pay It Forward Holiday Hiring Drive as we strive to place 100 job seekers in Cowlitz County during the weeks of November 1, 2013 – December 31, 2013. Being out of work during the holidays can be particularly tough, and we would like to make sure as many people as possible earn a paycheck just in time for the holidays.

Join us in our effort to help put 100 people to work in our community in, bringing hope and encouragement to them and their families.

Join us in our effort to help put XXX people to work in our community that week, bringing hope and encouragement to them and their families.

HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP1. HIRE: Hire an Express employee during the weeks

of November 1, 2013 – December 31, 2013. Not only will you gain a qualified worker to help meetyour needs, but that worker will earn a paycheckbefore the holidays.

2. REFER: Provide the Express employee a workreference letter he or she can use in their efforts to gain future employment opportunities.

3. SHARE: Share our campaign with other area businesses to assist us with our vision ofemploying and providing a paycheck for 100unemployed people during the holiday season inour community.

POSITIONS TOCONSIDER• File clerk• Data entry clerk• Accounting clerk• Receptionist• Administrativeassistant• General labor• Construction labor• Construction clean up• Housekeeping• Pick and pack• Warehouse• Warehouse clean up

MAKE A DIFFERENCETo learn more about the Pay It Forward Holiday HiringDrive and how you can participate, contact your localExpress office:

Express Employment360-414-1200360-225-0700Jobs.longviewwa@expresspros.comwww.expresslongview.com

CREATE HOPE3rd Annual Hiring DriveNovember 1st - December 31st, 2015Let’s put Cowlitz County back to work!

If 200 workers are placed we will donate $1000 to the Salvation Army!

29


Lower Columbia Professionals

Bunco BuddiesThe Chamber’s Lower Columbia Professionals and the Longview Eagles No. 2116 hosted a bunco night. The event raised more than $2,050 for the Chamber’s scholarship fund.

Tammy Davies and Nicki Paul become bunco buddies. Carrie Medack, John Paul, Cheyanne Magley get things rolling.

Shannon Cahoon hanging out with Shawn and Leah Green.

Jason Meunier uses his hands to express his excitement.

30


Chamber Connection

Honored VeteransCapt. James Kunkle (on phone) and Holly Bishop (in studio) with Bi-coastal Marketing Manager Bruce Pollock. In 1944, Bishop graduated from R.A. Long High School and joined the Navy, where his radio expe-rience led to an assignment with the public relations mobile command unit. During the war he was the control room operator in a short-wave broadcast station on Okinawa, responsible for recording and traveling with war correspondents and clearing their reports for rebroadcast to the commercial radio networks. His final assignment was broadcast and relay from the deck of the battleship USS Missouri. Sitting at the feet of Gen. Joseph Stilwell on Sept. 2, 1945, he held the microphone as Stilwell announced that the Japanese had surrendered. “We just blasted right over to the states to San Francisco,” Bishop said. A few years later he learned that his signal was the strongest, so it was picked up by other stations and heard all over the nation.

Larry Timmons, Kelso Rotarian, talking about the Annual Quacker 5000.

Stream live at www.threeriversradio.comLocal guest and current events

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

Would you like an opportunity to be on Your Chamber Connection or to have more information about the qualifications of an open house or ribbon cutting? Contact Bill or Karen at the Chamber 360-423-8400

Shannon Cahoon plugged the Lower Columbia School

Garden Fall Fund-raiser Nov.14 and

Kathie Griffin, director of Parent

Place, called atten-tion to the Cowlitz County 4th annual

Infant through Kindergarten

Conference Nov. 11. Teedara Garn with Cowlitz PUD shared informa-tion about the 35th annual holiday parade. Crowd control volunteers are needed to keep the little ones safe during the parade.

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Welcome Back!

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

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

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

We at the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce would like to give a SHOUT OUT and a big THANK YOU to the following loyal members

for renewing their partnership with us.

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

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

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


Welcome Back!

32

33


Welcome Back!

*Brown & Brown Northwest Insurance*Corwin Beverage*Cowlitz River Rigging, Inc.*Educational Service District No. 112*Emergency Support Shelter*Employers Overload*Fairway collections*Futcher Group*Kelso School District*Kelso Theater Pub*Kelso-Longview Television, Inc.*KeyBank*Longview Early Edition Rotary*Longview Eye & Vision*Longview Physical & Sports Therapy*Longview Self Storage*Northwest Hardwoods, Inc.*Opsahl, Dawson & Company, P.S.*Renaud Electric Company, Inc.*Reprographics, Inc.*Solvay*Southwest Washington Blood Program*United Way of Cowlitz & Wahkiakum Counties*Willamette Dental*Anderson & Anderson Advisory, LLC*Berkshire Hathaway*Better Business Bureau

*C's Photography*Cowlitz County Museum*Cowlitz Economic Development Council*Cowlitz Indian Tribe*Cowlitz River Dental *Epson Portland*Erickson Glass Co.*Estetica Day Spa*Fibre Federal Credit Union - Castle Rock *Branch*Guesthouse Inn & Suites*Kellogg Supply, Inc.*Longview Country Club*Lower Columbia Economic Development *Council*Motion Industries, Inc.*Mt St Helens Creation Information Center*N. W. Deli Distribution, Inc.*Pathways 2020*Prestige Senior Living Monticello Park *Progress Center*Red Lion Hotel & Conference Center*Riverview Community Bank*Sessions Plumbing & Heating, Inc.*Three Rivers Christian School*Timothy E. Nelson, DDS*Weyerhaeuser

OUR LATEST RENEWING MEMBERS*Advanced Message & Dispatch*Beacon Hill Rehabilitation*Bob Beal Insurance Agency Inc. – State Farm*Building Industry Association of Clark County*Cascade Networks, Inc.*Cascade Select Market*Columbia River Reader*Davis & Associates, CPAs, PS*Eldon Robbins Auto Sales, Inc.*Goodwill of the Olympics and Rainier Region*Longview Downtowners*Longview Pawnbrokers & Bail Bonds*North Pacific Paper Corporation/NORPAC*Performance Sheet Metal, Inc.*Prographyx*Snap Fitness*Stageworks Northwest*Stewart Title*Super 8 of Kelso/Longview*Three Rivers Mall*Youth & Family Link

Facilitating Growth Through Leadership and Action

We are a membership based not-for-profit

organization. Join us today!

1452 Hudson St. • US Bank BuildingSuite 208 • Longview, WA

360.423.9921www.cowlitzedc.com

Resources•

Access•

Partnerships

Take your relaxation seriously.

Authorized Lazyboy Dealer

20% OFFSTOREWIDE

1413 Commerce Ave.360-575-9804 www.elamshf.com

FREELOCALDELIVERY

34


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

• Annual Meeting and Banquet• Networking Events• Committee Participation• Business Contacts• Quarterly Membership

Meetings• Civic Representation• Monthly Business After Hours

Business Services include marketing for your business, refer-rals 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 fo-rums and up-to-date action alerts.

• Legislative Representation

• Issues Tracking and Information

• Task Forces

• Candidate Forums

• Legislative Update Breakfast

• Demographics Publication

PackagesBasic Membership Package – $275 or $26 per month.Bronze Membership Package – $500 or $46.66 per month.Silver Membership Package – $1,000 or $86.33 per month.Gold Membership Package – $2,500 or $211.33 per month.Platinum Membership Package – $5,000 or $416.66 per

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

month.Nonprofit Package – $180 or $18 per month.

Celebrate new Chamber members with us* Lower Columbia School Gardens

* Elle’s Essential Massage

* Kelso Car Wash, LLC

* Sweitzer Drain and Rooter Service

Welcome New Members

Join today! Call 360-423-8400

Chamber membership has its privileges

35


Ribbon Cuttings

Amazing DealsAn Amazing Garage Sale Store opened officially with the Chamber Nov. 17. Owner Mike Blevins performed the ribbon-cutting honors at 1162 Commerce Ave. in Longview.

Gem of a StoreMcThreads/Designer Jewelry owner Linda McCord snipped the ribbon at her 1204 Broadway St., Longview, shop Nov. 12.

Quality Car CareKerr Car Care and Quality Muffler Hut owners Richard and Renee Kerr opened up the business to the Chamber’s Red Coats Nov. 5. They are located at 504 W. Main St. in Kelso.

Puppy ParadiseOwner Melia Meyer is ready to go at NW Muddy Puppy. The Chamber welcomed the business Nov. 9 at its 1014 N. 19th Ave., Kelso, location.

36


Washington Retail Association

New twists on holiday sales

By Jan Teague, President/CEO

Yes, this is the day I wish everyone a great time with family and friends over Thanksgiving. But at the same time I do that I watch the reports on what retailers and consumers might expect over the next few days.

Recent reports in the Wall Street Journal say there is a build-up of unsold goods that would be good for consumers looking for dis-counts but not so good for overstocked retailers. Last quarter’s goods will compete with the new merchandise and keep prices lower than they might otherwise be. Part of the problem for apparel retailers is the switch to consumer electronics, cars and items for the home.

Tourism, which helps apparel retailers, is also down. Because most retailers order goods six to nine months ahead, it’s hard for them to predict what and when consumers will be buying. Price competition should be pretty fierce as some apparel retailers sell older stock to

off-price retailers who offer deep discounts on these surplus goods.

Retailers are working hard to get consumers in their stores and to their websites. Some are having Black Friday all week. Black Friday used to be a term for when stores who operated in the red moved to the black. I would say that has changed to a message about when the stores offer their greatest discounts of the holiday season.

Millions eagerly await this shopping time. In fact, the National Re-tail Federation estimates 135.8 million shoppers will definitely shop on Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Small Business Saturday/Sunday. That's over half of all Christmas shoppers. Crowd control is better for some stores that offer online ordering before picking the item up in the store, thereby avoiding standing in lines and coping with the early morning shopping frenzy. Some retailers are offering different online sales items every hour.

I think this is all very good for the consumer looking to buy but not enjoying the shopping cart traffic or parking lot drama. It’s services like these that will help keep the popularity of the Black Friday holi-day season a great experience..

threeriversmall.com |

COMING SOONDECEMBER 2015

play smart. play here. playlive.



37


Transitioning into 2016 rolesBy Ken Grams Chair – CEO, Kinetiq Group

Anticipating the upcoming session in Olympia, we look forward to engaging Rep. J.D. Rossetti and Sen. Dean Takko as they transi-tion into their new roles in our upcoming committee meeting. Our desire is to remain a positive resource when they consider legisla-tion impacting our community. Concurrently, our port and indus-trial area are historically and economically vital to our community, so opportunities surrounding an expedited regulatory and permit process is essential for it to remain so for our future.

Locally, the City of Longview is endeavoring to fill its Economic Development Coordinator position. This pivotal role won’t be for the faint of heart as the “we want it now” generation is juxtaposed to aspects of the “we can do better” mission.

On the lighter side for this season…

‘Twas the month before session, when all through the house

Not a politician was stirring, not even a louse.

The referendums were hung by the mansion’s door,

In hopes that Governor Inslee would soon be there;

The businesses all wrestled with lobbyists in their dreads

While visions of no more taxes danced in their heads;

And drama with mischief, and us with our frappe,

Had just settled down for a long winter’s nap.

After the nap we awoke, with a twist to the story as we poke…

“Now, Blake! Now, Rossetti! Now, Takko and Orcutt!

On, Braun! On, governor and your committees!

To the top of the hill! To the top of the floor!

Now dash away! Dash away and make us all proud!

They spoke not a word, but went straight to work,

And fulfilled their promises; then turned with a smirk,

And laying their pens aside to rest their prose,

And giving a nod, looked up I-5 as they froze;

They sprang to their cars, to their teams gave a whistle,

And away they all flew, like a fawn with a thistle.

So they heard us exclaim, as they drove out with might,

"MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A HAPPY NEW YEAR!"

Poem inspired by “ 'Twas the Night Before Christmas” attributed to Clement Clarke Moore (and recently attributed to Major Henry Livingston Jr.) and hoping for politics not as usual.

Government Affairs Committee

LeeRoy Parcel Manager/LPO

[email protected]

Alison Peters Escrow Officer/LPO

[email protected]

Bonnie Woodruff Escrow Officer/LPO

[email protected]

Diane Kenneway Escrow Assistant

[email protected]

Dennis Bird Senior Title Officer

[email protected]

Connie Bjornstrom Receptionist/Typist

[email protected]

Lindsey McTimmonds Marketing/Recording

[email protected]

1425 Maple St. Longview, WA 98632360.425.2950

www.cascade-title.com

38


Exciting Evening

Thank you Stewart Title for a wonderful Business After Hours evening

of good food, music and camaraderie. The evening began with a ribbon cutting to congratulate Stewart Title on its new offices located at 1700 Hudson St., Suite

102, Longview.

Business After Hours

See more photos on the Chamber’s Facebook page or

click here.

Stewart Title team entertaining the crowd of more than 100, left to right: Gretchen Taylor, Elizabeth Marrs, Lindsey Rinard, Gheresa Byrd, Kelsi Maher, Shannon Imboden, Kristi Barber, Lonnie Knowles, Dean German

Elizabeth Marrs, Angela Knowles and Tersa Hogan

Russ Chittock enjoys a massage courtesy River Woods Chiropractic Harold West

Entertainer Larry Moyer played current jams and favorites from the past

2015 Holiday Mixer

Monday, December 14Lower Columbia College

Rose Center5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

$25 in advance$35 at the door

Ticket includes two beverages - provided by Kendall’s Pioneer Distributing, all the food you can eat - catered by Grounds for Opportunity,

entry into some great raffle prizes and celebration with over 200 holiday attendees!

Register today at:www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

Presented by:

Applied Applications International

Lower Columbia Professionals presents:

November 15th-December 15th

It is getting colder outside, and our hearts are getting warmer this time of year!

We invite you join us in helping

families in need by donating “new socks”

(any size from kids-adult) to warm the feet of our community. You can also donate toiletry items (i.e. shampoo, bars of soap, toilet paper etc.) as these are items that are greatly needed by families.

Items can be dropped at: Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce

105 N Minor Rd., Kelso WA 98626

(By the I-5 on-ramp and across from Jack-in-the-Box)

The Lower Columbia Professionals are a committee of the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce

Documents

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