Vol. 4, No. 1 • Jan. 2012

Business ConneCtionKelso longview Chamber of CommerCe • longview Downtowners

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Business Briefs . . . . . . . . . . .2

Downtown Longview . . . . . . .3

Around the Watercooler . . . . .4

Business Toolbox . . . . . . . . .4

Open for Business . . . . . . . .5

Chairman’s Message . . . . . . .5

IN THIS ISSUE

WATER COOLERaround the

What new business to our area would help your business thrive? See page 4

MARK YOUR CALENDARSJanuary 4Education Committee Meeting

January 9Member2Member

Monthly Mailing Deadline

January 9Legislative Briefing Breakfasts

January 10Longview Downtowners

General Meeting

January 11Lower Columbia Professionals Committee Meeting

January 12Ambassador Meeting

January 17Business after Hours

TUNE IN every WEDNESDAYYour Chamber ConnectionKEDO AM14003:00 – 4:00 p.m.Contact the Chamber to schedule YOUR ten-minute business spotlight!

FREE COUNSELING & GUIDANCE FOR SMALL BUSINESS (existing or being formed) Provided by S.C.O.R.E., an adjunct of the Small Business Administration. Counseling is by appointment only. Call 360.699.1079

In the past couple of years, the Employ-ment Security Department didn’t have much good news to share about

unemployment taxes, but that’s finally turning around. In 2012, unem-ployment rates will decline in all 40 rate classes by an estimated average of 13 percent.

If your business had no layoffs in the past four years — putting you in Rate-Class 1 — your tax rate will drop by 71 percent (from 0.49 percent in 2011 to 0.14 percent in 2012). The most you’ll pay on an employee for the entire year is $53, compared to $182 in 2011.

Businesses whose layoff experience puts them at the top end of the rate structure also will enjoy a rate reduction in 2012, albeit a smaller one. Even businesses that are moving into higher rate classes due to recent layoffs may experience lower tax rates if they move up only a few rate classes.

Altogether, businesses will pay $207 million less in unemployment taxes in 2012.

The reductions are a result of two fac-tors. You may recall that the state legis-lature and Governor Gregoire adopted a bill last February that reversed the expected tax increase in 2011 for most businesses. Those changes remain in place and will continue to suppress tax rates in 2012.

In addition, the size of the state’s unemployment benefits fund is factored into the tax-rate calculations. We still have one of the healthiest funds in the nation, and Washington’s employers are reaping the rewards.

During the recession, about three dozen states bankrupted their benefits funds and had to borrow billions of dollars to cover unemployment benefits. Some are still borrowing. Although the nation is technically in economic recovery, the states with outstanding loans are facing tax hikes, benefit cuts and other measures to stabilize their unemployment systems.

Here in Washing-ton, it’s nice to know that’s one thing we don’t have to worry about right now.

Businesses often feel the impact of decisions made by our State legislators In its role as the “Voice

of Business,” the Chamber is doing its part to influence legislative decisions affecting your ability to do business in Washington State.

You’re invited to the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Legislative Committee’s weekly Legislative Breakfast Briefing, beginning January 9, 2012 and continuing every Monday thereafter through the end of the legislative session.

Each week, contact is made with our local legislators, either in person or by conference call, for an update on the bills and issues currently under consideration.

We encourage Chamber members to attend our monthly committee meetings, as well as our weekly Legislative Update meetings to discuss your concerns with our legislators.

JANUARY - APRIL Legislative Update BreakfastMonday’s • 7:00 AMMonticello Hotel, LaRiviere Room

APRIL - DECEMBERLegislative Committee MeetingsLast Monday of each monthMonticello Hotel, LaRiviere Room12 Noon

See page 3See what’s happenin’

Unemployment tax rates to plummet in 2012

CONNECT WITH LEGISLATORS

There’s plenty of time to book passage ~ join us to set sail for success! See page 6

DATE CHANGE

Chamber’s legislative updates begin January 9

Paul TrauseWashington Employment Security Commissioner

By Paul Trause

The Kelso-Longview Chamber of

Commerce Board of Directors is excited to announce the selection of Bill Marcum as its new president and CEO, replacing retiring president Rick Winsman.

“After an extensive search, we have found the right person, with strong local ties, to lead the Chamber in serving our local businesses during these challeng-

Chamber enters new year with new leader

cont page 2

Bill Marcum THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2012

PAGE 2 • JANUARY 2012 KELSO LONGVIEW BUSINESS CONNECTION

Kelso longview Chamber of CommerCe Team

Bill Marcum, President/CEOAmy Johnson, Program Director

Debbie Brock, Bookkeeper

Kelso Longview Business Connectionpublished monthly by

Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce1563 Olympia Way

Longview, WA 98632360-423-8400

Produced by Columbia River ReaderTo advertise, call 360-749-2632. E-mail: nedpiper@comcast.netAd Deadline: 25th each month

Send info on promotions, expansions, significant happenings and personnel achievements to: ajohnson@kelsolongviewchamber.orgSubmissions may be edited for length, style and consistency.

New members: Call the Chamber office, 360-423-8400, to arrange to be interviewed for a “mini-feature” in an upcoming issue of the Kelso Longview Business Connection.

GotNEWS?

BRIEFSbusiness

Business After Hours events are the area’s premier networking opportunities, offering guests the chance to meet people representing products and services in a relaxed, social setting. The Chamber’s most successful networking program and a monthly highlight on the Chamber’s calendar, Business After Hours are held at different members’ businesses in our area. They offer attendees the opportunity to meet and network with their fellow members as well as providing the host the chance to highlight their products and services.

What’s in it for you?• Business After Hours provides a way to develop new business contacts with an average of 100 people in attendance at each event

• You can gather business ideas and network with fellow Chamber members

• Allows for the perfect opportunity to show off a new business and get valuable leads in a relaxed, after-work setting

• A great venue for developing business relationships and sharpen your networking skills in an atmosphere that is new, fun and ever-changing

Light refreshments and beverages are served. Representatives of the Chamber’s Ambassador committee volunteer to greet guests and manage the registration table.

Interested? Contact the Chamber at 360-423-8400 or e-mail ajohnson@kelsolongviewchamber.org. or fax in this completed form 360-423-0432.

Company Name:________________________________________________

Contact:_______________________________________________________

Phone:____________________ Email:_______________________________

2012 Month you are interested in hosting:

January 17th_____ February 14th______ November 13th______

Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce1563 Olympia Way Longview, WA 98632360-423-8400 Phone • 360-423-0432 Fax

ajohnson@kelsolongviewchamber.org www.kelsolongviewchamber.orgwww.facebook.com/KelsoLongviewChamber

The Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce is a business organization with member companies representing businesses in Cowlitz County. For information on joining, see page 6.

Chamber seeks hosts for 2012 Business After Hours

ing times”, said Frank McShane, chair-man of the Chamber Board.

Marcum is a veteran marketing and operations executive with 31 years in the newspaper business, nine of those years in Longview as director of adver-tising and marketing at The Daily News. In 2001 the Natt Family, former own-ers of The Daily News, offered Bill the opportunity to publish the Enumclaw Courier-Herald in Enumclaw, Wash-ington. In 2003 he started the Bonney Lake Courier-Herald in Bonney Lake, Washington. In 2008, Bill helped the Natts sell the two weekly newspapers to Black Press. He accepted the advertis-ing director position at the East Orego-nian in Pendleton, Oregon, in October 2010.

An active Rotarian for the past 26 years, Marcum also served on the boards of the Longview Chamber (before the merger), the Enumclaw Chamber and was a member of Longview Rotary Club (morning club). A board member of the Enumclaw Healthcare Foundation for the past 10 years, he was committed to bringing health care to those who could not afford it and passionate about rais-ing funds to accomplish this goal.

Bill’s wife, Brenda Marcum, worked for 18 years with Bratrud-Middleton Insurance (now Propel Insurance) in Longview. Many may remember her as the puppy raiser for Canine Compan-ions, with a puppy under her desk most of the time. In 2009 she changed careers and jobs, working for PeaceHealth St.

John Medical Center, greeting patients and scheduling appointments for Team B.

“This opportunity with the Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce allows me to come back to an area I love and use the experience I have gained over the last 31 years to help businesses to be more successful,” Marcum said. “I am excited for this new challenge and I look forward to working with all the businesses in Longview and Kelso once again.”

Marcum will be starting his new role on January 23, 2012. Please join in welcom-ing Bill and Brenda back to our com-munity and look for Bill to be contacting the membership to find out how the Chamber can assist you best.

Bill Marcum cont from page 1

Brent Arnold joined Cowlitz PUD October 10 as its new market-ing coordinator. He was previously the advertising sales manager for the Journal-Advo-

cate newspaper in Sterling, Colorado. At the PUD, Arnold will oversee advertis-ing, website, and marketing programs for new services the PUD will begin to introduce in late 2012 with the comple-tion of its new customer information system and automated metering.

Dave Andrew is now the director of customer services at Cowlitz PUD.

Andrew has been at the PUD since 1997 and including previous work there, has 21 years of experience at the utility. In his new role he oversees billing, meter reading, credit services, tellers and customer service functions. Andrew also continues to manage external com-munications for the PUD.

KELSO LONGVIEW BUSINESS CONNECTION PAGE 3 • JANUARY 2012

What’s happenin’

BUSINESS BITSDOWNTOWN

By Laurel Murphy

Laurel Murphy worked with other

key volunteers to accomplish

Downtown’s new Longview

Outdoor Gallery of sculptures. She lives

in Kalama.

1413 Commerce Ave.360-575-9804

www.elamshf.com

Serving Cowlitz County andColumbia County since 1987

FREELOCAL

DELIVERY

LET US HELP DECORATE YOUR HOME

“Your business friendly florist”A rose is just a rose

Unless it comes from banda’s stop by and see our incredible

NEW ROSECorporate Gifts • Events

Lobby Florals • PlantsEmployee Recognition

360-577-3824Visit us in Downtown LongviewOr www.BandasBouquets.com

NEXT MEETING5:30 pmTues, Feb. 9, 2012Las Rocas 1260 CommerceREFRESHMENTSAVAILABLE

Info: Doug Harvey360-636-4477Longview Downtowners • 360-423-8403, ext. 401

Everyone is welcome!

Office:� 360-425-2950Fax:� 360-425-8010Toll�Free:� 877-425-2950Email:� Bonnie@cascade~title.comWeb:� www.cascade~title.com

1425�Maple�StreetLongview,�WA�98632

Bonnie S. Woodruff

It was a Very Good Year the Longview Downtowners celebrated at their December general meeting.

Longview City Councilman Ken Botero highlighted the numerous activities that took place in Downtown in 2011.

•Janice Forbes (Highlander Cycling facilitated a Strategic Planning Work-shop in January. Seventeen business owners and volunteers attended the all day Sunday session.

•Downtown LIVE, nine weeks of summer family fun on Friday nights, was back for the second year. Events included the Community Market, Cardboard Boat Regatta, Pug Parade, Eat and Greet, Sip and Stroll, Dash for Cash bicycle races, Urban Adventure and Slow Car Crawl.

•The Second Annual Longview Grand Prix Criterium, organized by High-lander Cycling, was held in the Civic

Center in conjunction with the First Annual Squirrel Festival.

•The Longview Outdoor Gallery (LOG) Task Force installed 11 public sculptures on Commerce Avenue. The sculptures will be displayed for two years. LOG is raising money to pur-chase one of the sculptures and invites the public to vote for their favorite.

•Zombies invaded Longview in Octo-ber during the Harvest Festival and Zombie Apocalypse. This event was organized by Anna Groff (DIY Party Supply) and brought 500 children and more than 900 zombies downtown.

•The Christmas Parade and Civic Center Tree Lighting became an all day event this year. The Daily News sponsored a Gingerbread Haus Con-test in The Merk and Downtown LIVE holiday activities included two bazaars, Santa’s workshop, St Nick’s Treasure Hunt and pedi-cab rides.

•Downtown businesses hosted a Holi-day Open House for the first time in many years. The businesses were open until 9pm on December 9, offering music, treats and special sales.

The Longview Downtowner Board expressed a sincere thank you to everyone who contributed their time, talent, ideas and actions to make this one of the best years ever.

Fabulous Holiday Windows The Longview Downtowners also revived the holiday window contest. Three members of the LOG task force judged the windows and presented the awards at the December general meet-ing. First prize was awarded to the Gift Cottage, second prize to The Pet

Works, and third prize to The Red Hat Thrift Store. Banda’s Bouquets, Things with Bling and the Hospice Thrift Store received honorable men-tions.

New Year’s Resolution for Businesses The Small Business Development Cen-ter is offering a free class: “Invigorat-ing Your Business in 2012.” This is recommended for business owners who have good revenues but no profit, declining gross margins or tight cash flow each month. The class will be given on January 19 from 7:30 – 9am at Lower Columbia College, Administra-tion Building, Heritage Room. Seating is limited. Register by January 16 at http://wsbdc.org/training-calendar.

The Never-ending Issue The City of Longview has printed a flyer describing Downtown parking changes effective January 1. The major changes are that most two-hour on-street park-ing spaces will change to three hours, permits for most City lots will no longer be available and most City lots will have a mix of three-hour and 72-hour park-ing. For a copy of the flyer go to www.mylongview.com or call the Longview Police Department’s Parking Enforce-ment Office at 360-442-5800.

Special thanks to everyone who helped Downtown in 2011, including (but not limited to) the following:

•Doug Harvey for his leadership! For persevering through many obstacles to ensure our continued success and progress.

•Wendy Kosloski for her non-wavering participation and attendance in all our initiatives and activities. For hold-ing First Thursday. For organizing and holding the Squirrel Trek and St. Nick’s Treasure Hunt, two very popular activi-ties.

•Ron Kosloski for keeping excellent tabs on Downtowners’ financial health and reporting it faithfully every meet-ing... and for his level-headed contri-butions to every idea and outcome.

•Gitta Makinster for being a wonderful Secretary and keeping and distribut-ing in a timely manner detailed notes and for always lending a helping hand to every project and bringing a fresh perspective to many areas of opportunity or blocks to progress.

•Ken Botero for his unwavering support of the Downtown and the Longview Downtowners, for cham-pioning our causes with the City Council.

•Dennis and Beverly Guilliams for recording and capturing all our activities this year, and for bringing the information kiosk to Downtown.

•John Brickey for championing Down-town projects and facilitating progress in working with the City and its require-ments.

•Arleen Hubble for the Christmas Parade.

•Amy Fischer and Cathy Zimmerman for the Gingerbread Haus contest and for having it Downtown. And for attending Downtowners’ meetings!

•Laurel Murphy for diligently promot-ing events through Kelso-Longview Business Connection, Columbia River Reader and distribution of flyers.

•Bobby Davis for set up, clean up and storage and maintenance of Down-towners’ property, for refurbishing decorations and giving so freely of his time and talent.

•Michelle Falker for generous dona-tions of awards for various events and for being involved this year.

•Andy Portray for jumping in and contributing his time and talent to organize and promote events, including the Community Market, the Harvest Festival and Santa’s Workshop.

PAGE 4 • JANUARY 2012 KELSO LONGVIEW BUSINESS CONNECTION

WATER COOLERaround the

What new business would you like to come to our area that would specifically help your business thrive?

“Around the Water Cooler” is a regular feature of Kelso-Longview Business Connection. Watch for our roving reporter this month at a water cooler near you.

“Our customers are people and businesses in transition . . . anyone just coming to the area, or downsizing. So any business growth, especially if it creates jobs, will be good for us.”

Cristy Faul Asst. ManagerLongview Self StorageLongview

By Jerry D. Petrick

TOOLBOXbusiness

Invigorating Your Business in 2012

What kind of year did your busi-ness have?As the New Year begins,

many of us will engage in reflection and evaluation of our lives, families and friends. If you are a business owner, part of your year-end ritual probably includes at least a cursory look at the health and future of your business. Many of us 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 fingers that the New Year 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” year? Compared to what?Do you have a business plan, budget, projections, and accurate, timely finan-cial data? If you don’t have these criti-cal business basics in place how do you know how your business is performing and how to improve?Let’s talk about some steps you can take to look at the health of your busi-ness and determine what to do or stop doing. The following areas are most commonly the cause of financial dis-tress in business.

Low CashWe have all heard the adage “cash is king” Why is that so? Cash gives us flexibility to take advantage of oppor-tunities like trade discounts; negoti-ate more favorable terms than your competition etc. More sales does NOT equal more cash; in fact, it is very com-mon that a company with rapidly grow-ing sales will find itself challenged to make payroll on a monthly basis and/or show low or no net profit. To deter-mine 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 or too much customer credit.

Low Gross MarginsHow well do you know your true costs? Do you have “hidden”costs in your business? Hidden costs are those you incur do to inefficiencies in your busi-ness operations. Things that contribute “Some type of electronics

manufacturing or multiple products that would require

custom packaging and printing.”

Pat PalmerOwner/Operator,

Copies Tody/Speedy Litho

Longview

“I’d like to see some major industry come into the area. If they do well we all get residual

benefit because employment goes up.”

Joel Hansen, PresidentKLOG/KLYK/THE WAVE,

Kelso

“Any large employer that could offer jobs in our community. People earning money spend money. ”

Aaron Dawson PresidentOpsahl, Dawson CPAs,Longview

“We handle immense volumes of special organic materials and make things that clean the air, clean the water . . . things like bio swales, bio filters. So anything that helps home building (locally, as well as nationally) affects our business.”

Anthony BrocataLogistics ManagerSwanson Bark & Wood Products, Longview

“Anything involving real estate or that makes people buy real estate, whether it’s another office building or residential. First, we have to get rid of the foreclosures so we can start building again. That will probably take another couple of years. Improvement by 2012-2013 is what we’re looking at.”

Terry WoodruffAsst. Manager, Cowlitz County Title Co., Longview

“I’d like to see any people-intensive business like light assembly and retail. That would help our business because they all need the Internet.”

Frank McShaneChief Operations OfficerCascade Networks, Longview

cont page 6

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KELSO LONGVIEW BUSINESS CONNECTION PAGE 5 • JANUARY 2012

Looking ahead to our new year

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

Frank McShane

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The Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce is really looking forward to 2012; looking forward in two ways:

We believe we will see opportunities for growth both in the local economy and in the activities and events of the Chamber

and this month we are transitioning leadership of the Chamber to Bill Marcum, who brings new energy and new ideas to increase the value and impact of our activities and events.

The Christmas shopping season proved to be an improvement. The Shop Local program had great participation. Unemployment numbers are slowly improving and housing activity is ticking up. A regional farm supply company, Wilco, has chosen Kelso as the site of its new store. New stores and restaurants keep popping up around the community. There is definitely life out there in our economy.

The Legislative Breakfast sessions with our elected officials and lobbying resources are starting on Monday morning, January 9, at 7 am at the Monticello Hotel. These sessions will be held each Monday morning of the Washington legislative session. This is a unique opportunity for our members to address their concerns directly with our representatives.

We are changing the date of the next Business to Business Expo to May 17th. This will allow for increased planning and preparation to make this year’s event even larger and more successful than last year’s. It will also allow our new president to be fully involved in bringing his marketing and advertising background to bear. Finally, it should provide less of a weather challenge than we experienced last year.

I look forward to each of you getting a chance to meet and work with our new Chamber president, Bill Marcum. He has significant experience in growing and promoting business. More than that, though, he has repeatedly demonstrated full involvement in his community, including his previous experience living here in Longview. I am sure you will welcome Bill and Brenda back to Longview and please give him the opportunity to demonstrate the skills and talents we saw in our selection process.

Thanks, and let’s make it a great year together.

Chamber ambassadors, local dignitaries and friends celebrate milestones of local businesses with ribbon

cutting and certificate presentation ceremonies.

congratulations!

OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Please be sure to visit and welcome this business!

American Family Insurance agent Penny Parvi and staff members, with Kelso Longivew Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors at her Customer Appreciation/Open House/Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on December 15.

“I have been an agent now in Longview since May of 2010,” said Parvi. “My office was a little small and business is good and I have grown. I was able to move just two doors down from my old office. I was able to keep the same address. That makes everyone happy!”

PAGE 6 • JANUARY 2012 KELSO LONGVIEW BUSINESS CONNECTION

Membership Application

Membership cost is based upon number of employees and level of membership.

Gold Circle (Premium): Business name highlighted in directory, 50% off mailing label purchase, brochure insertion in relocation packets, special recognition plus Basic.

Basic: Direct marking through business mailing lists, referrals to visitors, potential new residents & businesses, listing in the annual Preferred Business Directory, monthly newsletter to keep you informed, networking opportunities, Advocacy through action committees, Candidate Forums and Action Alerts.(Call Chamber office for specific benefits)

Business Name:

Street Address:

City, State, Zip:

Mailing Address (if different from above):

Street Address:

City, State, Zip:

Telephone:

Company Website:

Primary Contact:

Title:

Contact Email:

Costs for Membership:Number of Gold BasicEmployees Circle Membership 1-4 $356 $238 5-10 $394 $264 11-15 $442 $292 16-20 $485 $323

Contact the Chamber office at 360-423-8400for detailed explanation of benefits at each level and exact costs

Kelso longview Chamber of CommerCe1563 Olympia Way • Longview, WA 98632

One-time enrollment fee $50

Business Toolbox

Businesses of Kelso and Longview, last call for boarding the Cowlitz County Regional Business Expo 2012! Cruise to Success in the New Year and sign up as an exhibitor TODAY. This event is unique not only because it provides the perfect opportunity to network business-to-business, but because it’s a reprise of an historic event. Last year, for the first time ever, all the chambers in Cowlitz County joined forces to cross city lines in support of local commerce!

ALL vendors are automatically entered to win a GRAND PRIZE Multi-Media Marketing Package worth more than $5,000 in graphic design work, printing, promotional materials, website design, video production, online, print and radio advertising.

Thursday, May 17, 2012 (Note the date change)Cowlitz Regional Conference Center

1900 – 7th Avenue, Longview Business Expo: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Afterhours Reception at the Expo: 5 – 8:00 p.m.

Your business doesn’t fit the Business Expo? Feel FREE to come and walk through the event and visit with other businesses in the area.

You may also buy separate tickets to the county-wide Afterhours Reception in the evening; tickets are $20 per person and you’re automatically entered to win the GRAND PRIZE Cruise for Two to Tropical Destination!

Don’t miss your opportunity to jump on board and be a part of this event. Your local Chambers of Kelso/Longview, Kalama, Castle Rock, and Woodland want you to be there.

For more information go to www.cowlitzcountybizexpo.com or www.facebook.com/CowlitzCountyBizExpo or contact Amy Johnson at 360-423-8400.

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 impact margins and profitability; things like seasonality and fixed costs. Knowing what is common in your indus-try for companies of your size is critical to identify how competitive your opera-tions are. The Small Business Develop-ment Center (SBDC) Business Advisor has access to industry benchmark infor-mation for many industries and will help you analyze and diagnose issues in your operation.

Low Net ProfitsI’m always fascinated by this area – my assumption is that most business owners are in business, at least in part, to gener-ate wealth for themselves, their families and communities. However, so many appear to be satisfied as long as their gross sales are growing; without regard to the profitability 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 Mar-gin, and Net Profit — are critical for your business success and together make up your business ecosystem. My encourage-ment to you is to use the arrival of 2012 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 business. Let’s commit to spending more time working ON our business in 2012. The great news is you are not alone in this effort. The SBDC Business Advisor 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!

• • •Jerry D. Petrick, is Business Advisor with Longview SBDC. Contact him at 360-442-2946 or jerry.petrick@wsbdc.org

CEDC Annual MeetingJanuary 26, 201211:30 am: Registration

Noon - 1:15 pm: Lunch/ProgramCowlitz Regional Conference CenterKeynote presentation by Buxton

(Nationally respected retail/ industrial analytics company)

Cost: $35 individual • $250 table of 8Please register by calling 360-423-9921 or email Kim Nelson: nelson@cowlitzedc.com- Sponsorship opportunities are available -

Contact Ted Sprague at 360-423-9921 or sprague@cowlitzedc.com

Resources•

Access•

Partnerships

The Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce thanks all the sponsors who helped make this program a success for its fourth year:

Banda’s Bouquets, Capstone Cellars, Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, Copies Today/Speedy Litho, Cowlitz River Rigging, Nick Lemiere – Edward Jones, Elder Options, Esteem Salon, Estetica Day Spa, Exclaim Media, Farm Dog Bakery, Global Images Graphic Design & Marketing, Heritage Bank, Highlander Cycling, Hospice Thrift Shop, Koelsch Senior Communities, Knotty Wares, Lemondrop Photography, Mama Nano’s, Mike Wallin – Realtor Prudential NW Properties, omOriginals Marking!, Paisley Duck Quilting & Design, Judy’s Restaurant & Catering, Parr’s Cars & RV’s, Payton’s Produce, PSA Healthcare, Red Lion Hotel & Conference Center, Twin City Bank, Umpqua Bank, Valley Bugler Newspaper, Mr. C’s Photography, Office Depot, Regis Salon, and ZoJo Coffee.

When you shop local, you are help-ing rebuild the community – support-ing your neighbors and contributing to the local tax base. Thank you to the community for choosing to spend your money in Cowlitz County.

THANK YOU!

KELSO LONGVIEW BUSINESS CONNECTION PAGE 7 • JANUARY 2012

2012 Board of Directors

OFFICERSFrank McShane, Chair Cascade Networks, Inc.

Dale Lemmons, Immediate Past ChairInterstate Wood Products

Jerri Henry, Treasurer Futcher - Henry Group

Mike Claxton, Legal Counsel ,Walstead Mertsching

DIRECTORSJohn Anderson, Anderson & Anderson Advisory, LLC

David Campbell, City of Longview

Sarah Cave, PeaceHealth

Diane Craft, Koelsch Senior Communities

Joel Hanson, KLOG/KUKN/TheWAVE

Mike Julian, Kelso Theatre Pub

Bianca LemmonsCowlitz County Title

Julie Rinard�

Community Home Health & Hospice

George RaiterCowlitz County Commissioner

Denny Richards, City of Kelso

Spencer PartridgePNE Construction & CCS

Ted Sprague, Cowlitz Economic Dev’p Center

Neil Zick, Twin City Bank

Lower ColumbiaProfessionals CommitteeAaron DawsonOpsahl Dawson & Co.

Carey MackeyRed Canoe Credit Union

David Schaafsma

De De BrillCommunity Home Healthand Hospice

Erik GuttormsenFibre Federal Credit Union

Gretchen TaylorStewart Title

Jason MeunierTwin City Bank

Jennifer Dawson, Opsahl Dawson & Co.

Julie Laird

Keri VerheiElder Options

Lonnie KnowlesStewart Title

Nick LemiereEdward Jones

Nita Rudd, Cascade Title Company

Russ Chittock, Russ Chittock American Family Ins. Agency

Stephanie BullockHeritage Bank

Steve Moon, Foster Farms

Russ Chittock American Family InsuranceLisa Allen, Banda's BouquetsNick Lemiere, Edward JonesSherry Bean, Employers OverloadD'Dee KuanoniExpress Employment ProfessionalsDiana Loback, Global Images Graphic Design & MarketingJeni Quiriconi, HeartSong MassageJim Zonich, Kelso Hardware MarineTom Iverson, KLOG/KUKN

Diane CraftKoelsch Senior CommunitiesCarrie MedackNational City MortgageKathy KyllonenNW Continuum Care CenterAman WasuPrudential NW PropertiesPam FierstRed Lion Hotel & Conference CenterMyrna Rak, SignMasters, Inc.Lonnie Knowles, Stewart TitleGlenda Ashe, Twin City BankJason Meunier, Twin City BankDonna Hughes, WorkSource

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PAGE 8 • JANUARY 2012 KELSO LONGVIEW BUSINESS CONNECTION

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