Business Connection - Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce

Volume 4, No. 7
Business
Kelso Longview
Consider hiring an
intern this summer
By Dani Trimble
Work Based Learning Manager
Lower Columbia College
Have you ever wished you could
evaluate an employee before you
commit to hiring? Through my
relationships with local business
and non-profit agencies, I recognize how difficult it can be to
find entry level employees with
relevant skills who are an asset
into the company culture.
Given the current economy and
the abundance of applicants, hiring processes can be overwhelming and time consuming. Perhaps you are not able to
hire, but your business could use some extra help?
Hosting a student intern can provide you with wonderful
benefits without the risks of commitment, and in most cases,
students may be able to work as volunteers without compensation.
The Cooperative Education program at Lower Columbia
College allows students to gain valuable work experience in
their field of study while earning college credits. Whether
the internship is paid or unpaid, this program can assist you
to recruit potential employees and provides a framework for
student experience. As protection for students and employers,
if students are working as an unpaid intern, the college covers
their L&I and liability insurance.
Lower Columbia College offers education in a wide variety of
fields such as accounting, business, computer science, engineering, manufacturing, and welding, in addition to several
healthcare and clerical fields. Internships are generally completed towards the end of a student’s college program after they
have completed a sufficient amount of coursework giving them
the skills to benefit an employer.
Although it can take time to train and supervise a student
intern, employers report a high return on their investment and
Please see Interns, page 18
July 2012
Connection
Chamber of Commerce
Calendar
Wednesday, July 4
All Day Marketplace and Food Concessions, Lake
Sacajawea
All Day Information and Craft Booths, Lake
Sacajawea
All Day Longview Fire Fighters Hole-in-One Golf,
Lake Sacajawea
8 a.m.
Lions Club Pancake Breakfast, Lions Club
8 a.m.
Parade Line Up, 14th and Broadway
9 a.m.
Timber Carnival Prelims, Louisiana and
Kessler
10 a.m. Parade, 14th and Broadway
Noon
Kids Festival, Lake Sacajawea
to 6 p.m.
Noon
Lions Kids Races, RA Long School
Noon
Live Entertainment, Martin’s Dock
to 10 p.m.
1 p.m. Timber Carnival Competition, Louisiana and
Kessler
10 p.m. Fireworks – Sound track broadcast on Magic
94.5 FM and 97.9 FM
« Monday, July 9 – EGT Grand Opening, 150 East Mill
Rd., Longview. Shuttles will be providing transportation
from parking zones to waterfront event site. Shuttles
start at 9:30 a.m.
« Thursday, July 12 – PARTY at the PARK. Special
pricing for all Chamber members at the ballpark. Watch
the Cowlitz Black Bears take on the Walla Walla Sweets
at 6:30. Party Deck ticket $21 (savings of $5), includes
all you can eat, $1 beers and a party atmosphere on
the Party Deck. Also available $2 off any other general
admission or Grandstand seating.
« Tuesday, July 17 – Business After Hours, Cowlitz
County Humane Society, 909 Columbia Blvd., Longview
$10 in advance, $15 at door.
« Wednesday, July 18 – Ribbon cutting, Taylor
Insurance, Dave Taylor. New location, 11 a.m.
Kelso Longview Business Connection
July 2012
Community organizations support
children’s program with playground
The Drug Abuse Prevention
Center’s Pregnant/Parenting
Women’s Program provides
residential treatment services
for 16 high risk substance
abusing women and their
children (birth to 5 years
of age). The program addresses those issues specific to
women in relation to chemical dependency. Parenting
their children is a part of the
curriculum.
While mothers meet in individual and group sessions,
their children are cared for
onsite by loving staff members with childcare experience. Children participate
in play therapy, craft and art
projects, and lessons in self
esteem building and healthy
habits. They delight in taking
pleasant walks with daycare
staff in the area and around
the facility. Our indoor play
area allows ample freedom to
romp and stomp, secure in
the knowledge their moms
are just a few steps away. We
need a quality therapeutic
outdoor play area for these
children.
Therapeutically, outside
play is essential for children
and their growing bodies.
Our goals are to: (1) Enhance
social development by allowing them to interact freely
with peers and develop rules
for play. (2) Enhance cognitive development by giving
them an environment where they
can role play and
problem solve.
(3) Enhance their
physical development giving them
much needed
exercise and fresh
air (critical since
over 14% of children ages 2-5 are
overweight). Overall, outside
play equipment is essential
for a child’s mind, body and
soul.
developing a full continuum
of treatment services for
substance abusing pregnant
and parenting women. To
date, 212 babies have been
born to mothers in our treatment programs. Of these, 196
babies were born drug free.
ground has become a reality.
In 2004, the Drug Abuse
Prevention Center began
Our key community partners include: Child & Adolescent Center who provides
medical homes for our
children. Progress Center
who provides birth to age five
education and developmental
testing. Parent’s Place who
provides parenting services.
Developmental Disability
services are available through
SL Start and Associates.
Cowlitz Family Health Center
provides medical, dental and
WIC services to our mothers.
Mental Health services are
provided by Cowlitz County
Guidance Association.
Emergency Support Shelter
provides domestic violence
counseling services.
We could not have done this
without community support
from Weyerhaeuser, United
Way, Junior Service League,
private donations, and our
community partners.
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• Camera Surveillance System
• Resident Manager
• Completely Fenced, Lighted & Paved
• Lots of Room Between Units
• 24-Hr Computer Controlled Gate Access
• Large Variety of Unit Sizes Available
• Carports and RV/Boat/Trailer Spaces
• RV Sewage Dump Available
• Credit/Debit Card Accepted
360.577.1760
www.oceanbeachselfstorage.com
SECURITY YOU CAN TRUST
RATES YOU CAN AFFORD
Thanks to a $15,000 grant
from the Weyerhaeuser Foundation and a $1,600 donation
from the Longview Junior
Service League, the play-
5800 Ocean Beach Hwy • Longview, WA 98632
2
at
the
Cowlitz
BLACK
BEARS
vs.
Walla Walla
SwEEtS
thursday, July 12, 6:35 pm
at
✃
the
Reg. $26, tonight only $21.
Includes All you can eat and $1 beers
on the Party Deck.
Also $2 off any general or grandstand ticket.
July 12, 2012
5 off
$
Party Deck ticket
Kelso Longview Business Connection
July 2012
‘No Money to Advertise...?’
By Chuck Nau
fund?
• Take a look at initiating a joint
neighborhood marketing effort.
Ask Bill Marcum at The Chamber
or inquire at other city agencies to
see if neighborhood promotional
dollars or marketing opportunities are available for the asking. This strategy may also open the door for additional and
NEW local businesses to partner with, too!
In today’s struggling retail environment, uncovering available dollars to INVEST locally in advertising to support (…
and grow!) your retail business, service or small business
continues to be an ongoing challenge.
“No money to advertise!” Simply stated, this is an all too
frequent rationalization for not digging deeper to find those
necessary and needed business investment dollars in a challenging business climate.
• Challenge yourself (and your investors) to review your own
remuneration schedule (e.g. your salary… and their expected
return on investment). Remind yourself and others within
your business that a small reduction in your (…and their)
personal income this year may reap big benefits for your
business and subsequently to you (…and yours) next year
and down the road!
However, when business is tough to get and the retail or
service provider sector continues to be challenging, you
must (…to survive AND grow) investigate every source and
resource to find investment dollars for your business, service
or small company.
Easily said! But, where does one look to find dollars that
may be utilized to invest in your business through advertising
and promotion?
• Last, but not least, clarify where your business dollars are
going in support of your local community. Do some services or
charities or groups duplicate others … would a realignment
of your dollar commitments maximize results while better
allocating those funds?
Within your business and without increasing your budget
or without additional cash input, advertising and marketing
INVESTMENT (e.g. advertising or marketing) DOLLARS
DO EXIST to invest in your business. Here are six areas to
consider in your search for those elusive investment dollars...
“No money to advertise!” … may simply be a challenge
offered to you by a struggling local economy to find THE
money! Seize the opportunity, have some fun and invest in
your business, service or small company. Good luck!
• Explore reducing overall salary expense … by reviewing
your business’ hours of operation. Opening an hour later or
closing an hour earlier without impacting customer service
or revenue generates 20 hours (one hour/day x 20 days) of
saved expense that may be converted to a $200/month advertising or marketing budget (20 hours x $10/hour in payroll
expense).
© Murray & Nau, Inc. Chuck Nau of Murray & Nau, Inc. is a Seattle area based
consultant and sales and management trainer. He is a 25-year
veteran of advertising, sales, media and management, who
knows and understands the everyday challenges of starting up,
growing, and surviving in today’s ever changing retail climate.
He has spoken to and conducted workshops for a number of
local retail and chamber organizations, national publishing
groups, national retailers and manufacturers, state press associations, and newspaper groups. Comments and questions are welcome and may be directed to
Chuck via email: murnau@nwlink.com or at 425-603-0984.
• Bring your vendors and suppliers into the conversation …
ask each and every business that you do business with if coop advertising or extra promotional dollars exist to support
THEIR product placement in your business. Offer enhanced
product placement in your store or in your ads for those
vendors willing to contribute to the promotion of THEIR
products or services.
• Review your current inventory and purchasing habits and
controls. (Again) is it possible to tighten your inventory without impacting customer service or revenue, and shift those
savings into an advertising or marketing dollar investment
4
Ambassador Q & A
Kelso Longview Business Connection
July 2012
Shannon Cahoon
Fibre Federal Credit Union
Community Outreach Coordinator
D’Dee Kuanoni
Swanson Bark and Wood Products
Human Resources Manager
How Long Have You Been An
Ambassador?: I have been an
Ambassador since the beginning of
2012.
What Prompted You to be an
Ambassador?: I wanted to get
to know more people at Chamber
events. Wearing a red jacket sort of
offers a convenient excuse for introducing yourself to new
people. I also think it is very important that new businesses
get welcomed to town, and existing businesses feel celebrated when they achieve important bench marks.
What Do You Like Most About Volunteering With
the Ambassadors?: I have enjoyed getting to know the
other red jackets, as well as a lot of the business community
at chamber events.
Your Favorite Ambassador Story?: Hula dancing at
the business expo/after hours in 2012. Not saying I would
do it again, but it was fun, in a heart-going-pitter-pat sort of
way.
Do You Volunteer With Any Other Organizations?: Currently, I am active on the Castle Rock and
Woodland Chambers of Commerce. I was recently elected
to the board of the Woodland Chamber of Commerce. I am
on the planning committee for the Woodland Hot Summer
Nights Concert Series, the Castle Rock Festival of Lights,
and the Castle Rock I Topped The Rock Challenge. I am on
the Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest Ambassador Council. I am the Cowlitz County Ambassador Board
Chair, and I am a Big Sister. My position as Community
Outreach Coordinator at Fibre FCU also keeps me involved
with many other community events – I can usually be found
hosting our booth throughout the year, from Castle Rock to
Woodland.
Family: Husband/ Miki Kuanoni:
Two adult children: My son Trevor
is married to his wife Emily and
they have my 8-week-old grandson; My daughter Monika is a
student at LCC
How Long Have You been An Ambassador?: 4 years
What Prompted you to be an ambassador?: Invited
by other Ambassadors and encouraged by employer.
What do you like most about volunteering with
the ambassadors?: Being a welcoming face to new businesses in our community.
Do You Volunteer with Any Other Organizations?: Board of Directors and Executive Board member
for the United Way of Cowlitz County. Kelso Rotary.
What Are You Most Proud Of?: My family, the company and people I work for, those I volunteer with and our
community. This community is so caring, giving and supportive. I feel lucky that I have been in a position to witness
this on multiple occasions.
What Do You Like To Do For Fun?: For fun I like to
spend time with family and friends, enjoy a good book and
attempt to beat my husband at a game of bowling or golf.
What Are You Most Proud Of?: My position at Fibre
Federal CU. I earned my degrees in Business Administration and Management Operations, with a heavy emphasis
on Marketing, from WSU-Vancouver, and I know that is a
big reason why I got this job. I love where I work, and what I
do, and I know there are a lot of advancement opportunities
in front of me here at FFCU.
Join the Ambassadors Today!
Call 360-423-8400
What Do You Like to do For Fun?: In all of my spare
time, haha, I enjoy spending time with my Paint horse, Kane
– affectionately known as Spud. I plan to start competing
in breakaway roping at local rodeos, as well as the Extreme
Cowboy Race at regional events. My husband and I also
enjoy going camping with the horses, and our Great Dane,
during the summer at Kalama Horse Camp.
5
Kelso Longview Business Connection
July 2012
Strong partnerships and loyal
relationships bode well for future
By Ted Sprague
President - Cowlitz Economic
Development Council
and our dedication to making
folks aware of opportunities at
Mount Saint Helens, you are
invited to Friends of the Forest Day. Join us, the National Forest Foundation, the Mount
Saint Helens National Monument, and the Mount Saint Helens
Institute on July 7 & 8 for a volunteer stewardship and community engagement weekend.
On June 8th the Cowlitz Economic Development Council
(CEDC) held a membership meeting featuring three large capital investment projects going through three different phases of
development in Cowlitz County. Over 180 private and public
sector leaders attended to hear from representatives of the Kalama Energy Center, Bennu Glass and EGT. Combined these
projects could account for over $650 million in capital investment and nearly 200 new jobs.
Saturday’s volunteer events will include trail work, interpretive training and much needed sprucing up of the Monument
facilities. Sunday’s fun activities will include guided hikes and
kayaking. This weekend will help accomplish important work
on the ground and provide opportunities to enjoy the Mount
Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument. You are welcome
to arrive Friday night and camp out or sleep in the newly renovated Coldwater Science and Learning Center (bring a sleeping bag and pad) and stay through Sunday’s activities. Saturday
night will include a concert at the amphitheater (our first of a
series called – Music on the Mountain) and volunteer star gazers with scopes for nighttime viewing! For more information
please contact Alice – dietz@cowlitzedc.com.
Each speaker brought a different perspective; not only for
their individual project, but for where they are in the process.
Kalama Energy Center is continuing through the permitting phase, Bennu Glass is on the precipice of start-up (July
4th!) and EGT has been operating for a few months. When
I discuss these projects with colleagues around the country
they are quite surprised to hear a county of our size is able to
attract such large projects. I am thankful we have such strong
partners, like the Chamber of Commerce, in economic development to make these projects a reality. It is a testament to
the leaders of all Cowlitz County communities and our private
sector partners that these companies chose Cowlitz County.
Finally, please Save the Date for our upcoming BizNet, July
19th, 6 p.m. at La Cabaña in Longview.
As part of our ongoing relationship with the Forest Service
For more information or to get in touch with staff, please go
to our website – www.cowlitzedc.com.
Kelso Longview Chamber of
Commerce Team
Bill Marcum, President/CEO
Amy Hallock, Bookkeeper
Brooke Fisher, Project Manager
Kelso Longview Business Connection is published monthly
by the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce
1563 Olympia Way • Longview, WA 98632 • 360-423-8400
To advertise, call 360-749-2632 or email: nedpiper@comcast.net
Ad Deadline: 15th of each month.
6
Kelso Longview Business Connection
July 2012
President’s Message
New team, new website, kick off July
By Bill Marcum
President and CEO
In August we will again have
our MEGA MIXER with a few
changes. This year the event
will be sponsored by Twin City
Bank, Longview Radiology,
Bowlby Chiropractic Clinic
and Futcher-Henry CPA Group
and will be held in the adjacent
parking lot of all four businesses.
The Mega Mixer will feature a
western theme, so dust off your
boots and your cowboy hat and
come kick up your heels to Clay Chambers & The Last Ride
band. There will be a western barbecue, beverages, dance lessons and lots of fun for everyone. Cost is $20 in advance and
$30 at the bucking shoot.
Wow, has it really been five months? I was looking at the
calendar and this week marks five months back in the Kelso/
Longview area and with the Chamber of Commerce. We
have gone through some major changes in staffing as most of
you know. Brooke Fisher is now on board as our new Project
Manager (see story on page 11) and Amy Hallock just started
as our bookkeeper.
Brooke will have many items to focus on but most of her responsibility will be to manage and oversee our events and sell
our monthly newsletter, website and the other printed materials we produce for our membership. Amy will be responsible
for keeping our accounting records up to date, accurate and
pay the chamber’s monthly bills, along with producing our
monthly financial reports for the Board of Directors.
Have a fun filled fourth of July.
By the time you are reading this our new website should be
up and running. We have had some issues with the credit card
application and authorize.net. We wanted to make sure it was
functioning properly and secure before we launched the new
site. Please take a look and our new website and give us your
feedback. While we will still be doing some tweaking, and
adding additional information throughout July, I think you
will agree it is a huge improvement.
In July we have two fun events you can take advantage of…
On July 12th the Chamber is hosting a Party at the Park. The
Cowlitz Black Bears take on the Walla Walla Sweets at Story
Field on the LCC campus. All chamber members and their employees are invited to a fun evening at the ballpark. The Chamber has reserved the Party Deck for the evening. The Black Bears
are discounting the cost of the Party Deck ticket by $5 for the
night, making it $21. The Party Deck ticket includes all the food
and soda you can eat and drink and $1 beers. The way I figure
it, I am saving money with a $21 ticket. The Black Bears are also
offering Chamber members and their families $2 off any general
admission or grandstand ticket. So, come on out to the ballpark,
have some fun and support the Cowlitz Black Bears.
Our next event for July is the Businesses After Hours, July
19th, at the Humane Society of Cowlitz County. The BAH is
from 5 to 7 p.m. and will include finger food, beverages and
plenty of pet friendly animals to tear at your heartstrings. Cost
to attend is $10 in advance, $15 at the door, non-members $20.
And remember, you can now go to www. kelsolongviewchamber.org and book your reservations.
7
Kelso Longview Business Connection
July 2012
Friday Night Summer Fun with Downtown LIVE!
By Janice Forbes
President, Longview Downtown Partnership
Owner, Highlander Cycling Imports
For more information log on to www.longviewdowntowners.org. To get involved, please
contact Downtown LIVE Event Coordinator
Train rides for the kids, cupcake decorating,
glamour shots, live music and pedicab rides are
just a few of the exciting activities lined up for
this year’s 4th annual Downtown LIVE Friday
Nights!
Anna Goff at DIYpartysupplies@hotmail.com or
360-423-3747.
The calendar of events launched last Friday
with the first race of the Downtown Longview
Twilight Criterium four week series. And even
though the rain came, the atmosphere was festive at the Start/
Finish line in front of The Brit’s with live music by Johnny
Dark providing a lively sound track for the four races of the
evening. The series continues June 29, July 6 and ends July
13, and will be held each week at The Brit’s at 1427 Commerce
Ave.
Janice can be contacted via email at janice@
highlander-cycling.com or at 360-353-3790.
And there are many more events scheduled for Downtown
LIVE – a series of 12 Friday Nights of planned fun on Commerce Avenue, beginning at 5 p.m. and ending at 9 p.m.
Downtown LIVE is hosted and sponsored by local businesses
working to re-energize and revitalize Downtown Longview.
Calendar of Events
(In addition to the activities listed above) with DJ Kevin Lee
announcing, and live music sprinkled throughout).
June 29
Cardboard Boat Regatta
July 6
Downtown LIVE Plus
July 13
Action Entertainment presents Minute to
Win It!
July 20
DJ Kevin Lee and special event TBA
July 27
Angry Birds Game
August 3
Kid’s Play Night Downtown
August 10
Pug Parade and the Urban Adventure
August 17
Motorcycle Rally
August 24
Downtown Dash for Cash Bicycle Races
with live music by Raeann Phillips
August 31
Columbia Theater Strolling Murder
Mystery
8
Kelso Longview Business Connection
July 2012
Kelso
Longview
What’s Up at
the Wye?
Fiscal Facts &
Budget Briefs
By Mayor David Futcher
By Mayor Dennis Weber
By far, the most frequent
question I get is, what’s going
on at Exit 36? We’ve all seen
the construction over the past
few years of the Highway 432
interchange, and we’ve seen the
addition of a nice street into
the property just south of the interchange, which we call the
Segale property. And you heard from your brother-in-law’s
neighbor who works for the PUD (so he’s got to know) that
everything from Costco to Olive Garden is opening up this
fall.
City Council and staff work
hard to grapple with the financial challenges confronting us
during this prolonged recession.
Our general fund revenues
are expected to increase less
than 1% this year, not enough to keep up with inflation. The
county has reported a 7% drop in assessed value for property
in Longview, now pegged at $2.7 billion. By law, we can only
collect 1% over last year’s property taxes. Sales tax revenue
has also fallen some 16% since it peaked in 2007. Only B &
O Taxes are up – a modest 2% per year since 2009 mostly
due to increases in utility rates.
Those rumors have been floating around for years, and may
someday prove true, but to my knowledge, there are no deals
in place for any of the Segale property.
The state has officially set our 2012 population at only
36,910. That is merely 6.5% over our 2000 US Census (an
annual rate of about ½%). Consequently, our state-shared
revenues based on per capita are not growing with inflation,
either.
Throughout the years, the council has been very supportive
of the developer’s efforts for the property. Council members
and staff have been meeting with the folks from Segale for
more than five years, and assured them that we are here to
help them in any way we can. The council waived requirements to install curbs, gutters and sidewalks on the property
in order to allow them to proceed sooner with the development. But outside of being easy to work with, state law gives
us little in our toolbox.
The city has responded by cutting employees and hours
worked, exploring innovative ways to address health care
costs, delaying some maintenance, avoiding filling vacant
positions where possible, reducing administration by reassigning duties, and supporting more economic development.
We expect to end the year with a 12% ending fund balance.
At the end of the day, we’re waiting for an $88 billion dollar
corporation to make a deal with a wealthy Seattle-area landowner. It’s a helpless feeling when you know how important
the development is to the city. But until both parties can
agree that the deal is a benefit to them, there’s not much we
can do.
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Kelso Longview Business Connection
July 2012
Business Toolbox
Planning for Holiday Sales in July? You Bet!
By Jerry D. Petrick
• Have 100 percent of inventory listed (30 days prior)
• Have sold/dispositioned half seasonal inventory (15 days
prior.
NOTE: If suppliers are relying on international shipping,
check-in 150 days in advance to get confirmation that they will
have the stock you plan to be selling.
For some industries it is already
deep into the planning and buying cycles for seasonal inventory;
for others, now is prime time to
think carefully about how you
will manage your resources for
the upcoming retail sales season.
Follow these suggestions as you contemplate the readiness of
your own business:
Prep work
• Create the list of vendors to be used
• Check status of or apply for customer status with vendors
• Contact each to inquire about seasonal purchases, get order
and shipping schedule
• Get a list of price points, FOBs, volume discounts, off
invoice allowances, rebates, prompt payment discounts and
dating programs
• When the vendor says they don’t offer those, insist that they
do and demand the information
Ensuring that there is a cycle of
targeted planning and activity
taking place throughout the year
will help you take advantage of
these seasonal peaks. There are a number of key steps to implement to maximize the opportunities for your business.
Keep everything up-to-date: Remove and refresh all sale
items and promotional content from websites once sales are
over – nothing more frustrating to prospective customers than
out-of-date web promotions.
Prepare orders
• Put above vendor info on an excel worksheet for scheduling and order development
• Contact the sales department for each vendor and ask
for order recommendations, velocity reports and promotion
schedules
• Create an order calendar for each vendor using info from
sales
• Go back to the excel worksheet and run the numbers for
each vendor, with landed costs
• Determine EOQs (economic order quantities) for each
vendor/merchandise category
• Develop a pro forma order for each vendor and send to the
sales rep for confirmation of availability and current pricing
• Use the order confirmations to set up an order and receiving schedule and receiving report for each shipment
Review last year’s figures, examine what worked well and
identify causes for peak in sales activity. This will help you understand what seasonal peaks in the year ahead to take advantage of based on last year’s success.
Keep stocked up for those critical times: Analyze items in
the inventory that sold better than others for specific events or
times of the year and ensure there is enough stock in place in
the upcoming year to meet this demand again.
Break this down in to quarterly plans: Having quarterly
plans reduces the possibility of retailers overestimating on
the amount of stock needed for a quarter, as well as ensuring
popular items are available at the right time.
Planning ahead of this time is key to ensure that sales opportunities are maximized and that the bestselling inventory from
the year is ready and available.
Finance
• Use pro forma orders to arrange invoicing dates, dating
programs and vendor credit
• Discuss additional needs with lender
• Place orders
In order to ensure you have stock available for shipping when
it’s required, use your calendar and count back from each
event to when you need to:
• Identify what inventory you will need (60 days prior)
• List key inventory (45 days prior)
Please see Petrick, page 18
10
Kelso Longview Business Connection
July 2012
Meet Brooke Fisher
Mark Morris grad
comes home and
joins Chamber
Having grown up in Longview, and graduating from Mark
Morris High School, I bring in a special interest in using my
skills and background to contribute to the future business success of my home town.
In my new role as Project Manager for the Chamber, I will be
providing a variety of services to membership and the community. These will include such things as planning and implementation of major Chamber events, coordination and leadership
of various committees, new chamber member recruitment,
and sales and marketing initiatives.
Greetings Chamber members and
friends,
I am pleased to introduce myself as
the new Project Manager for the Kelso
Longview Chamber of Commerce. I come to the Chamber
with a Bachelors of Science degree in Tourism Management
from Central Washington University, and have served in a
variety of management roles in the luxury hotel industry,
including Walt Disney World Resorts, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel
Company and West Paces Hotel Group. This experience involved providing services in event planning, sales and marketing, food and beverage, quality and productivity management,
recruiting and special project management.
• Design/Build
• PetroleumConstruction
• MunicipalConstruction
• Licensedin36States
• CommercialConstruction
• TenantImprovements
I am very much looking forward to meeting all of our existing
and prospective Chamber members, and to work hard on your
behalf.
Best Regards,
Brooke Fisher
1081ColumbiaBlvd.Longview,WA
TollFree:
1-800-533-2867
360-423-2245
www.pnecorp.com
Call today to see how we can help you.
PNE CONSTRUCTION
11
Kick up your heels and join us for…
a
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Mixer
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
5 pm - 7 pm c Adjoining Parking Lot
Sponsored by
Join us for our
group Mixer!
BBQ Band dance less
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Come listen and dance to
register
today!
www.kelsolongviewchamber.org
NOW ONLINE
All Credit Cards Accepted
Chamber Members: $20 in advance or $30 at the door
Kelso Longview Business Connection
July 2012
Fun par for course at Chamber tournament
By Dannie Oliveaux
For The Chamber
With bright, sunny skies and warm
temperatures, about 100 men and
women competed in the Kelso Longview
Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf
Tournament Monday, June 11, at the
Longview Country Club.
The Chamber raised more than $10,000
during the one-day event. The tournament was a four-person scramble with
each team member playing the best shot
and each player getting three drives during the 18-hole round.
Each team had their photograph taken
by Mr. C Photography before the tournament began and a large group of men
and women participated in the putting
contest sponsored by Chase Bank.
The golfers also had a chance to hit the
driving range before the event started.
“It was a good turnout,” tournament
chair David Taylor said. “Everybody
seemed to have a great time, the food
was good and the banquet was fun. It
was a fun day overall.”
He said people he spoke to said they
were pleased with the tournament.
“Our sponsors were pleased because
they got lots of plugs,” Taylor said.
Taylor said he expects to see more
people golfing at next year’s event.
Stirling Auto Group, a title sponsor,
had vehicles placed in various places
along the course.
“They really stepped up to the plate and
had some great looking vehicles around
the course,” Taylor said.
Red Canoe Credit Union had a booth
stocked with snacks for golfers.
Kaye Lynn Sanders, assistant vice
president of business development, and
Carey Mackey, business development
representative, manned the booth for
Red Canoe.
Please see Golf, page 14
Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
Anne O’Connor
On The Mark Associates
Bianca Lemmons
Cowlitz County Title Co.
Micheal Julian
Kelso Theater Pub
Chris Bailey
Lower Columbia College
Clayton J. Bartness, DC
Longview Chiropractic Clinic
Chet Makinster
Longview City Council
Frank V. McShane, Past Chair
Cascade Networks, Inc.
George Raiter
Cowlitz County Commissioner
Diane Craft, Vice Chair
Koelsch Senior Communities
Jerri Henry, Chair
Futcher-Henry CPA Group
Joel Hanson, Chair Elect
KLOG KUKN The Wave
Ginny Whiffen
Red Lion Hotel & Conference Center
Michael Claxton
Walstead Mertsching
Ted Sprague
Cowlitz Economic
Development Center
Julie Rinard
Community Home Health & Hospice
Sara Cave
PeaceHealth
13
Neil Zick
Twin City Bank
Kelso Longview Business Connection
July 2012
Hitting the Links
Golf from, page 13
Oliva
“We enjoyed it and it was
a great time,” Sanders said.
“We had great response
from the golfers who came
to our table. They were
appreciative of our snacks
and asked us a lot about the
credit union. That is why
we go. I thought it was very
successful for us.”
Second Place (Score 56):
Bianca Lemmons, Mike
Lemmons, Terry Gabel and
Scott Walstra
Gross team winners were:
First Place (Score 58):
Steve Jones, Tom Renaud,
Gene Guttormsen and
Chris Ehrlich
Second Place (Score 62):
Jerry Gee, Geary Martin,
Andrea Klingberg and Scott
Person
Third Place (Score 63):
Dales Lemmons, Derek
Lemmons, Jarrett Skreen
and Craig Bergerson
Net Team winners were:
First Place (Score 54):
Mark
Johnson,
Kevin
Bogner, Ron Holt and John
Third Place (Score 57):
Greg Berg, Jan Dennis,
Tony Strovas and Erik
Gottormsen.
Closest to the Pin, Hole
No. 3: Women - Jan Dennis
(6’11”); Men - John Browne
(2’2”).
Closest to the Pin, Hole
No. 7: Jeff Thorton (12’1”)
Closest to the Pin, Hole
No. 9: James Willis (1’9”)
Closest to the Pin, Hole
No. 16: Dave Spaulding
(3’4”)
Longest Drive, Hole No.
17: Women - April Sage;
Men - Chris Wend.
The Longview Country
Club catered the banquet
with barbecue hamburgers
with all the fixings.
14
909 Columbia Blvd
Tuesday, July 17 2012
5:00-700 P.M.
$10.00 in Advance, $15.00 at the door,
$20 Not Members Yet
We would like reservations for Business After Hours hosted by
Humane Society of Cowlitz County
Tuesday July 17th
The cost is $10 Members advanced, $15 at the door. Not Members Yet $20
I understand if I make a reservation and am not able to attend, the fee is non-refundable.
For your convenience, we accept VISA/MasterCard.
Name:_______________________________________ Phone: _____________________
Business Name:________________________________ Number Attending: __________
Card Number:__________________________________ Exp:_______ CVS ______
Name on Card:_______________________ Address____________________________
City ______________________
Please Invoice: _________
Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce
1563 Olympia Way, Longview, WA 98632
Fax: 423-0432
website: www.KelsoLongviewChamber.org
Phone: 423-8400
www.twitter.com/klchamber
www.facebook.com/kelsolongviewchamber
Kelso Longview Business Connection
July 2012
Spotlight
Joel Hanson - Chair Elect
KLOG KUKN The Wave
Son follows father’s footsteps into Chamber
By Dannie Oliveaux
For The Chamber
to network with other business people in the community.
“The outreach and networking that we see lets me get involved with different types of businesses,” Joel said. “That’s
the thing I like about a lot of the organizations that we can
take part and not necessarily people we do business with. It
gets us involved in the community as a whole.”
Joel Hanson, along with is brothers Ken
and Mark, spent time working at the radio
station their father, Steve Hanson, owned
while growing up in Longview. But he
never thought he would return to the family business his father started in 1967.
He said every individual business counts and that working together can help improve the community.
Twenty-one years later, Joel returned to
work with his father at the station. From
the first day, Joel’s father stressed the importance of becoming a Chamber of Commerce member.
“The definition of community is working together,” Joel
said.
Joel said by his father stressing the importance of getting
involved in community groups has been a key to his company’s
success over the years.
Today, Joel is a board member of the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce.
“It’s about relationships and building those relationships,” Joel
said. “I think that is what is nice about groups like the Chamber to build those relationships.”
“My dad immediately got me involved in the Chamber,” Joel
said. “He said you needed to be involved and the station has
always been involved in it.”
Joel remembers he and his brothers working at the station.
Joel came back to Longview in 1989 to work at the station.
“We all had to work here,” Joel said. “Whether it be janitorial or pushing a button on the board during Blazer basketball
games.”
Steve Hanson was president of both the Kelso and Longview
Chambers before they merged in 1998. Like his father, Joel was
involved in both chambers before they merged. He was on the
board of the Kelso Chamber, and the last president before the
merger.
After graduating high school, Joel went to Western Washington University to major in music. After a couple of years, he
realized “it wasn’t going to fly.”
Joel said his father joined the Chamber soon after he started
the station in 1967.
He then attended culinary school in Seattle to become a chef.
“I soon realized I didn’t want to work every night and on weekends,” he said. “I came back to the family business to be trained
in sales and hoped I could use sales experience to work in the
culinary industry. I never saw myself coming back to Longview.”
He said being part of the Chamber allows him and the station
Joel said he fell in love with working at the radio station.
“This is the job of my dreams,” he added. “I get to do so many
different things. The days are always changing.”
He said he likes helping businesses with their marketing and
advertising.
Today, Joel said he still plays his drum and still cooks for the
family. He also competed in triathlon competitions until he
injured his knee several years ago.
16
Kelso Longview Business Connection
July 2012
Longtime radio salesman signing off
By Dannie Oliveaux
For The Chamber
Chamber, Lions and
other groups.
For most of his career, Tom Iverson has been a mainstay in
the offices at 500 Cowlitz Way.
“Get involved because it will help you
personally, and help
you grow professionally,” he added.
But on May 8, 2013, Tom will retire from his sales position
at Washington Interstate Broadcasting, Inc. after 36 years to
spend more time with his wife and grandchildren.
“I’m just retiring because I’m old and tired,” said the 65-yearold salesperson.
Washington Interstate Broadcasting, Inc. is the home of three
stations – KLOG 1490 AM, KUKN 105.5 FM and The Wave
101.5 FM.
Tom started at the station in 1976 at age 29 while attending
broadcasting school in Tacoma. He worked as a DJ spinning
records for two years from midnight to 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. to
midnight before settling into sales in 1978.
“I was hired by Steven Hanson and his program director
because they were going to broadcast 24 hours a day,” said
Tom, who graduated from Stadium High School in Tacoma
in 1965 and then attended broadcasting school at Clover Park
Technical College in Lakewood. “Our only station was KLOG
1490 AM, and I was commuting from Tacoma for the first few
weeks.”
Tom loves the new computerized technology that radio stations have evolved into.
“This is fantastic. Leaps and bounds better than before,” he
said. “It took a little bit of getting used to.”
Tom said he has loved working for the Hanson family. “After
36 years, I wouldn’t change a thing.”
While serving in the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce, Tom has been part of the Ambassadors for about 15
years.
“The group has grown and is the largest it has ever
been,” he added. “And that is in a down economy. It
still boils down to ‘meet and greet.’ You have to get out
and meet people. No contact, no contract.”
He said he originally joined the Chamber to make
contacts and network, but after many years he sees it as a
service to help pay back to the community.
During his time
here, he has been a
longtime member
of the LongviewPioneer Lions Club
and on the Go Fourth
Committee. He is also
an ex-president of the
Rainier Chamber of
Commerce, where he
resides with his wife.
When Bill Marcum was named as the new Chamber director
earlier this year, Tom said he was glad to see “someone come
back that had some roots here.”
“The Chamber has been chugging along quite nicely and it
has had its ups and downs like everything else,” Tom said.
In his spare time, Tom and his wife enjoy traveling and
spending time at casinos.
“In 20 years, we have gone everywhere and done everything
we wanted to do,” he said. “We’re going to stay around the
house. I’m 65 and I can’t believe it. I’m going to take care of my
wife and my grandsons.”
Tom said even though he’s going to retire, he doesn’t know if
he will like retirement.
‘Get involved because it will help you
personally, and help you grow professionally.’
Tom Iverson on joining the Chamber
Tom said he sees a lot of value in joining groups like the
17
Kelso Longview Business Connection
July 2012
Business After Hours
Interns from, page 1
continue to host students year after
year.
Investing in education is always a
good bet, whether it be your own or
another’s. By participating in this
program, not only will you be able to
potentially benefit your own workforce
needs, but you are helping to contribute
to our local community and economy.
By providing a student with relevant
work experience in their field, you
are giving them a great start to a new
career.
Golden
Jubilee
The June Business After
Hours at the Goodwill
of Longview drew quite
a crowd of well-wishers
as the second-hand
store celebrated 50
years of business.
For more information or questions
about Cooperative Education and how
to get started, please contact:
Dani Trimble
Work Based Learning Manager
Lower Columbia College
dtrimble@lowercolumbia.edu
360-442-2332
Check out our jobs board online at
www.lowercolumbia.edu/hireconnections to post available positions, applications and more!
Petrick from, page 10
Marketing
• Use the receiving schedule to develop the marketing
schedule
• Lead times vary by
category and customer base,
poor neighborhoods time
promotions for the first of the
month, etc.
• Work with outreach
channels, prepare and proof
collateral
• Make arrangements/
order/buy for direct mail,
blow ins, web based and POP
Receiving/Stocking/Follow
up
• Use the receiving schedule and purchase orders to
check in incoming shipments,
document overages, shortages, mis-ships and damages
• Use the receiving schedule to create a stocking schedule to advise stockers when
and where to display the
seasonal merchandise / POP
• Document and liquidate
or donate residual inventory,
use documentation as a basis
for next year’s orders
• Survey customers for
insight into consumer satisfaction with the seasonal
program
Development Center (SBDC).
The competition is keen.
Make sure you are prepared
to take advantage of your
strengths and cultivate your
customers throughout the
year – they and you will
benefit.
part of the Washington Small
This article was compiled
from various sources by Jerry
Petrick, Certified Business Advisor, Longview Small Business
18
Petrick, Certified Business
Advisor, MBA, PMP, SPHR, is
Business Development Center
Network. Jerry serves Cowlitz
and Wahkiakum Counties. He
provides no fee, confidential
business advising by appointment. Contact him at jerry.
petrick@wsbdc.org or 360442-2946.
Kelso Longview Business Connection
July 2012
Ribbon Cutting
Welcome
Update
The Chamber Ambassadors
joined leaders of The
Boulevard Teen Center on
the Lake June 21 for a
ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Fibre Federal Credit Union
was the contributor for the
center’s new interior updates
and amenities for the
teens.
Longview Country Club
2012 Golf Membership Special
• Unlimited golf for your entire family
• Full clubhouse privileges including dining
room, lounge, & heated swimming pool
• Summer junior golf program
• Weekly golf & social activities
For more information visit our website
www.LongviewCountryClub.net
41 Country Club Dr.
423-8500
*Requires initiation fee
and food minimum
19
NOW
ONLY
$200/mo*
Kelson Longview Business Connection
July 2012
Ribbon Cutting
Bright
Opening
Chamber Ambassad
ors
celebrate the Banda’s
Bouquets opening Ju
ne 5. The
shop, which features
antiques
and collectibles, is lo
cated at
1310 Broadway in
Longview.
Ready for
Business
Nick Lemiere takes
during
center stage June 7
cutting
the Chamber ribbon
w Edward
ceremony for his ne
ted at
Jones business, loca
ite C, in
2020 9th Avenue, Su
Longview.
20