CHAMBER 0611

Vol. 3, No. 6 • June 2011

Business ConneCtionKelso longview Chamber of CommerCe • longview Downtowners

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

Downtown Longview . . . . . . .4

President’s Message . . . . . . .7

Business Toolbox . . . . . . . . .8

Around the Watercooler . . . .10

Mark Your Calendar . . . . . .11

IN THIS ISSUE

The registration fee includes a chance to win $5,000 in our putting contest, 18 holes of golf, lunch, carts, tee prize and team photos, followed by an awards pre-sentation to include hors d’oeuvres and a no-host bar. Prizes will be awarded for holes-in-one, closest to the pin and lon-gest drive, as well as team prizes for low gross scores.Not certain golfing is your ‘fore’-tay but you would like to have your business recognized? Several opportunities for sponsorship are still available and we would like to take a moment to discuss those opportunities with you. Give Amy a call at 360-423-8400.It’s not too late to take advantage of this fun networking opportunity! Find the regis-tration and sponsorship forms online at www.KelsoLongviewChamber.org or contact Amy, 360-423-8400.

STATE OF THE COUNTY

THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2011

Kelso Longview Chamber of CommerceQuarterly Membership

Meeting

Cowlitz Regional Conference Center

1900 7th Avenue, Longview11:45 am – 1:30 pm

$30 until June 1$35 after June 1 and at Door

$45/ Not Yet a Member

Featured Speakers:Cowlitz County Commissioners:

Michael KarnofskiJames MisnerGeorge Raiter

You are invited to attend the Kelso Longview Chamber’s 2nd Quarter

Membership Luncheon. As the County moves into recovery, find

out how you and your business may be affected by changes in service

and budget.

Reservations for our Quarterly Membership Luncheon can bemade by calling the Chamber

at 360-423-8400.

Lisa Mustion, AdministratorFamily House Academy

Brenda Crawford, TeacherButler Acres Elementary

Brian Mitchell, TeacherMark Morris High School

The Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation presents

2011 EVENING WITH THE STARSCongratulations, Winners!

WORKFORCE EDUCATION AWARDS

SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARDS

Brendan Glaser,

Lower Columbia College,

For his variety of workforceeducation

courses(Brendan was not able to attend, but

thank you to his colleague)

Jacki Masters, City of Longview Public UtilitiesFor her workforce education training; keeping utilities as low as possible

Dr . James McLaughlin,For his many yeas of service as President of Lower Columbia College

Dr . Glenys Hill,For her many

years of service as Kelso

School District Superintendent

We would like to congratulate everyone who was nominated and extend a thank you to our event sponsors: Music & More Productions, Mr. C’s Photography, Highlander Cycling, Fibre Federal Credit Union, Cowlitz Credit Union, Heritage Bank, and KLTV.

Congratulations to all nominees and winners! See you in 2012!

BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDSBusiness of the Year recognition is based on three parts: commitment to business excellence in practice and principle; service to the Chamber of Commerce; and service to the community as a whole.

OUTSTANDING BUSINESS PERSON: Cal Dowd

RISING STARHighlander

CyclingImports

SMALL BUSINESSBanda’s Bouquets

LARGE BUSINESSPNE Corporation

Friday, June 17Longview

Country ClubRegistration: 7 am

Shotgun Start: 9 am

LET’S PAR-TEE?

CRYSTAL APPLE AWARDS

PAGE 2 • JUNE 2011 KELSO LONGVIEW BUSINESS CONNECTION

Kelso longview Chamber of CommerCe Team

Rick Winsman, President/CEONorma Davey, Director of Administration

Amy Johnson, Program DirectorDebbie Brock, Bookkeeper

Kelso visiTor CenTerConnie Parsons, Center DirectorLois Sigurdson, Center Assistant

CowliTz CounTy Tourism bureauMark Plotkin, Tourism DirectorMegan Wells, Tourism AssistantNatalie Haney, Tourism Assistant

Kelso Longview Business Connectionpublished monthly by

Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce

1563 Olympia Way, Longview, WA 98632360-423-8400

Produced by Columbia River ReaderTo advertise, call 360-749-2632. E-mail: [email protected] Deadline: 25th each month

BRIEFSbusiness

Let the Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce help publicize your promotions, significant happenings and personnel achievements. Send info to: [email protected]

NEWS?Got

From left: Laurie Severson and Carolyn Perrault, with Cowlitz County Head Start; NORPAC employees Cindy Hernandez and Lauri Grimes; Sandy Junker, Cowlitz County Head Start director.

Pat Bartley owned and operated a sec-retarial service in the Bay area (Cali-fornia) for 10 years before returning home to Kelso after 9/11. She then worked for Kai-ser Permanente as their on-call secretary in four clinics in Longview and Vancouver. She has now devel-oped a similar business, Another Right Hand, On-call Secretary . “I truly enjoy helping people achieve success in their business endeavors – be it administrative in nature or organiz-ing an unorganized office,” said Bartley in a press release. With more than 20 years experience, she is accomplished in many roles, from executive assistant to receptionist. Bartley works in her cli-ent’s office and also has a fully equipped office at her home near Castle Rock. Her phone number is 360-274-6024 or 360-430-9500.

NORPAC wins Head Start National Corporate AwardA delegation from Longview received royal treatment in Kansas City recently when the national Head Start organization presented its National Head Start Corporate Award to NORPAC. Attending the festivities were Lauri Grimes and Cindy Hernandez, representing NORPAC, and Cowlitz County Head Start representatives, including Laurie Severson, Carolyn Perrault, and director Sandy Junker. Cowlitz County resident James McBride (who won the Father of the Year award), was also part of the delegation.

NORPAC has a long tradition of supporting United Way, including 15 years’ participation in the agency’s Day of Caring — the flurry of activity which launches its annual campaign.

They look forward to a new outreach experience every year, said NORPAC employee Brian Hewitt. He recalled the first time, about six years ago, when they branched out from their traditional Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) project and requested the opportunity to also experience a variety of other United Way agencies.

“Cindy Hernandez (of NORPAC’s TMP Lab) went to Head Start and fell in love with the kids,” Hewitt said.

There , noted co-worker Ray Harrison, she discovered a “big need for tricycles,” leading to her following up by fundraising and enlisting others to help fill the agency’s need. First, Hernandez launched the Pedal Partners office club.

“Donations for coffee and treats built a base,” she said, “but it moved those awesome people I work with to do more.

First, we bought tricycles and rickshaws. Then, we brought in other sectors of the community to support the Head Start program, as well.” The Weyerhaeuser Foundation and local firefighters, for example, helped to fund playground equipment and the installation of bike paths.

Sandy Junker, local Head Start director, nominated NORPAC for its ongoing support, including Day of Caring work and the company’s annual coat drive. NORPAC received the Regional Head Start Corporate

award, followed by the Washington State Head Start Corporate Award and finally, the national award.

At the Kansas City event, Hernandez and Grimes accepted a plaque, along with a $500 gift certificate to Kaplan, an early learning company, which was, in turn, passed along to the local Head Start program to purchase early learning tools.

The two women spoke about NORPAC’s fondness for Head Start.

“We would like to express how deeply grateful, honored and humbled we are to accept this award from such a wonderful organization,” Grimes said. “NORPAC loves Head Start.”

•••

Respecting People. Impacting Business.™

(360) 414-12001208 Washington Way • Suite 140

Longview, WA 98632

LET US SHOW YOU HOW WE

CAN HELP!

KELSO LONGVIEW BUSINESS CONNECTION PAGE 3 • JUNE 2011

Longview’s Sandbaggers and several community organizations are host-ing a full day of events for the Squirrel Fest on Saturday August 6, at the Civic Circle in Longview. Inspiration for the festival came from

the Nutty Narrows Bridge, located near the Longview Library on the Civic Circle, and its creators, the Longview Sandbaggers. A contest will be held in which community members design and build new squirrel bridges. The win-ner will be announced when the new bridge is unveiled during Squirrel Fest, the first event of its kind in Washington State. Organizers hope it will become an annual celebration.

“It’s unique,” said event marketing chairperson Marianne Chambers, of The Daily News. “I’ve been in other cities and I’ve never seen a town where traffic stops for squirrels.”

The idea for Squirrel Fest originated as the brain child of Pat Sari, general man-ager at Columbia Ford Lincoln Hyun-dai Nissan. He first imagined the event in a visionary letter to his friends, Karen and John (read it on page 5). The letter fell into the hands of unnamed individu-als who caught the spirit and scurried to get the event off the ground. Chambers said she is pleased that Sari’s idea has taken wings. There are flying squirrels, remember.

Squirrel Fest will include a Kids Parade; the Nutty Mile Backwards Run, followed by a pancake feed; the Squirrel Boogie Street Dance held in front of the Monticello Hotel; a microbrew and wine tasting and squirrel tours of the Old West Side. A variety of other family fun activities and contests will be held throughout the day. The date of the event was chosen to coincide with several other events in Longview, including the second annual Longview Grand Prix Criterium bike race hosted by Highlander Cycling, the Terry-Taylor neighborhood garage sale, Bob’s Sportsmen’s Show, the Cowlitz Classic Soccer

FIRST-EVER LONGVIEW SQUIRREL FEST

Go nuts August 6 at community celebration honoring our furry friends

Tournament and the Cowlitz Black Bears’ baseball game in the evening.

“We’re excited about another opportunity for a gathering of the entire community to join in celebrating our great city,” said Allan Erickson, event chairman. The event

is free to all and everyone is wel-come to come and just have fun with friends and fam-ily.”

“It’s appropriate that there’s a Squirrel Fest,” Chambers said. “Pat Sari deserves what he wants. He’s a great guy.”

Several sponsors have already contributed to the event, including Columbia Ford, Bob’s

Merchandise, oM Originals Marketing, JH Kelly, Reed Hadley at Edward Jones, Renaud Electric and SignMasters. The festival will be run entirely by volunteers and with community support. Any other businesses and/or individuals who would like to sponsor or make a donation would be greatly appreciated. Volunteers are also need to help run the event.

For more information about Squirrel Fest including activities, donations, sponsorships and how you can help by becoming a volunteer, please email [email protected] or call 360-636-4490. Follow on Facebook@LVSquirrelfest.

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Enjoy the good life . . . in your community’s backyard!

41 Country Club Dr Longview, WA www.longviewcountryclub.net

School’s out and they’re already bored?Grandkids visiting? What to do?GO SWIMMING!SOCIAL MEMBERSHIP SPECIAL $100 Iniation Fee, $25 Monthly Dues, $50 Monthly Food Minimum.

Just $75 per month and you get to eat $50 of it! Includes full social use of the facility and golf privileges with payment of green fees once per month. Limited time. Call or email Michael Montero for details or to arrange a tour: [email protected]

Join the club!

Longview Country CLub • 360-423-8500


What’s happenin’

BUSINESS BITSDOWNTOWN

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FATHER’S DAYJune 19th

Wow him with a Truck Bouquet!360-577-3824

Visit us in Downtown LongviewOr www.BandasBouquets.com

Everyone is welcome. Come mix and mingle. Refreshments. Info: Doug Harvey 360-636-4477Longview Downtowners 360-423-8403, ext. 401

NEXT MEETING5:30 pm

Tuesday, June 14thLos Rocas

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Business Solves Parking Problem Andrea Lamarre has moved her spa from Kelso, where client parking was an issue, to 1205 14th Avenue, Suite 100, former site of the American Red Cross’ Longview office. Spa Euphoria offers massages, facials, waxing, manicures and pedicures, laser hair removal, sun-less tanning, eyelash extensions and cosmetic tattooing. The staff are inde-pendent contractors who lease space from Lamarre. The spa facility, which is entered from the parking lot side of the building, was remodeled and decorated by friends and family and is simultane-ous soothing and vibrant, with splashes of art and color. Don’t miss the story of the “tiles” in the remodeled bank vault. Mon-Fri 9am-3pm for product pickup, 7 days a week by appointment. 360-578-2475.

Still No Cigars Mary Jane’s House of Glass opened at 1156 Commerce Avenue. The shop stocks glass pipes, bongs, vaporizers, can-dles, incense, apparel and more. Their motto is “Buy local, By American, Buy Mary Jane’s.” COO Bran-don Brock said the busi-ness is named after his mother. Four other fam-ily members work for the business. The Longview store joins six stores located in the Van-couver/Portland area. Brock said they opened this (Longview) store because many of his Vancouver customers live in Longview. He did not know at the time he committed to the location that another smoke shop would open across the street. But the two shops carry different products, he said, and the relationship is “friendly.” The 12-year-old business only sells to customers 18 year or older and checks IDs at the

door. Adoption of this policy was a “no brainer,” Brock said.

“We, as a company, don’t want to encour-age minors to smoke.” New to Longview, Brock said the welcome has been warm. “Everyone has greeted us with open arms. They’ve been nothing short of very nice.” The store’s hours are Mon-Sun 10am-10pm. 360-577-4204.

Stars on Broadway The Kelso Longview Chamber of

Commerce Education Foundation honored out-standing individuals and busi-nesses at a May 11 award celebration. Longview Down-towners members received three awards: Banda’s Bouquets, Small Business (Lisa Allen); High-lander Cycling Imports (Rising Star (Scott and Janice Forbes) and Cal Dowd, Prographyx (Business Person of the Year).Linda McCord, Lord & McCord ArtWorks, won the Best of Show award in the Southwest Washington Watercolor Society’s Spring Juried Exhibition in Vancouver with her painting “On the Mend.”

Do You Want to be a Star? The WSU Small Business Center and Lower Columbia College are offering a Small Business Entrepreneur Certification program. Classes will be online and participants will meet regularly with Susan Hoosier, Busi-

ness Development Specialist. Classes include Start Your Own Small Business, Creating a Successful Business Plan, Small Business Marketing on a Shoe-string and Accounting Fundamentals. Hoosier will help develop goals and objectives, a business plan, and creation of a market niche. Info: 360-442-2946.

Update on Longview Downtown Market The opening of the market is postponed until Friday, June 3 and will be open from 3 – 9 pm.. The market will offer produce, flowers, plants, prepared foods, arts and crafts and activities for children and is seeking vendors. Contact Jeanette Pal-fry at 360-903-3329 for information and vendor application forms.

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Rental Bikes Now Available!

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Kona • Rocky Mountain

We’re off to the races! 2nd Annual Longview Grand Prix Criterium Aug 6 at the Civic Circle!

Recycle magazines at the Longview LibraryAnyone looking for a place to recy-cle their latest Redbook or Sports Illustrated need look no further than the Longview Public Library, says Director Chris Skaugset. Through a partnership between Altrusa and the library, the pub-lic can bring in all the magazines they’re done with to the library’s Lower Floor Desk. There is a shelf there from which people can pick up old magazines to take home and read as if they were new.

It’s good for those wishing to get rid of old magazines, and it’s good for those who get to read what others have donated. Plus, it’s good for the environment, Skaugset noted.

He recommends the removal, or blackening out of any name and address information on old maga-zines. “So, do something good for you, the community, and the envi-ronment,” Skaugset says, “and bring in your old magazines to the library.”

For more info call 360-442-5309.

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WANTBowling Alley, Children’s Museum, Condos, Comedy Club, Cigar Lounge, Book Store, Indoor Farmers Market, Grocery Store, Visitor’s Center, Clothing and Shoe Store, Water Park, Mixed Use Buildings, Rooftop Gardens, Teen and Senior Centers, Brew Pub, Toy Store.

DON’T WANTSocial Services, Churches, Pawn Shops, Casinos, Bail Bondsmen, Smoke Shops, Tattoo Parlors, Medical Marijuana Outlet.

These are businesses and uses that the community does and does not want in downtown Longview. At least these were the opinions of the 130 people who attended an April 26 Community Vision session at the Longview City Council chambers.

Dolores Palma, a principal with HyettPalma, a consulting firm that specializes in the economic renaissance of older business districts, led the discussion of six vision questions. Palma made it clear from the beginning that she was a “moderator,” not a “facilitator.”

Her firm has worked with 150 towns and, if an audience member presented an idea that she knew was not workable, she said she would not include it. She subsequently nixed two ideas: downtown pedestrian mall (access for small businesses) and themes (can become dated; the best plan is historic preservation). She was surprised that

no one objected to bringing back Friday night cruising.

The six vision questions covered what uses, customers and users, and goods and services should be in downtown, what would downtown look like in five years, how to measure success, and priorities. In summary, people want a safer, cleaner, more attractive downtown; a center for shopping and activities for all ages. As the “Want” and”Don’t Want” lists above indicate, we want what we don’t have and don’t want what we have.

This session was only one part of the information gathering that HyettPalma has conducted over the last four months. The firm has reviewed city planning documents, conducted retail business and business climate surveys, interviewed downtown leaders and met with stakeholders groups.

HyettPalma will reveal answers on June 16 at 7pm at a public meeting back at the Longview City Council chambers. The report will include a five-year downtown action plan with timelines and roles for the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Plan to attend. Find out if one of the recommendations is to bring back cruising.

•••

DOWNTOWN LONGVIEW

What do we want?

Letter from the FutureRegrets from visionary Pat Sari to his out-of-town friends

MARK YOUR CALENDARSJune 16 • 7pm public meeting Downtown RevitalizationLongview City HallHyettPalma, revitalization consultants hired by the City of Longview, will give their final report, including a five-year downtown action plan with timelines and roles for the public, private and nonprofit sectors.

Dear Karen and John,

Thanks for the invite, but we are enthused about a new event in Longview, Washington, which takes place at the same time.

I know you two have heard of and been to different spirited communities that come together to celebrate life. There’s Oyster Fest, Garlic Fest, Seafood Fair, Wine Fest, Chocolate Fest, Harvest Fest, Logger Fest, Kite Fest and who knows what else you will find? They are all wonderful community events, proud and fun.

The Sandbaggers did itBut years ago, an ambitious civic group decided to build a bridge across a busy thoroughfare. It wasn’t just any bridge. It was a bridge for squirrels.

That’s right: A bridge for squirrels to cross from tree to tree over the busy street. The bridge was a class act made of a good traction fire hose and it even had side rails. The Nutty Narrows Bridge received considerable publicity; so much, in fact, that people traveled from the East Coast to view such a bridge in Longview, Washington.

At Christmas time it was decorated with special LED lights to honor the squirrels.

Well, this simple goodwill gesture for the squirrels has turned into one of the Northwest’s premier festivals. It is now known as “Squirrel Fest” and it is fun.

City full of nutsSquirrel Fest in Longview, Washington — the city full of nuts. They have a 20-foot high squirrel cage that generates electricity. There is a cook-off where you can taste specialties of everything from roasted chestnuts to four kinds of sweet corn to beef brisket and baked salmon. This is a national competition.

And there’s a squirrel parade, squirrel balloons, squirrel shirts, squirrel costumes, squirrel races.

Longview has the biggest acorn in the world, almost 10 feet high!

There is a race that starts at the famous Nutty Narrow Bridge, which has become known as the “Nut Run.”

There are about 40 wineries in town for the event with samples of Washington wines. And artists come from near and far to show off their

quality “handmade only” artwork.

There is a salmon derby and a Lake Sacajawea fishing derby for kids.

Alvin: not a chipmunkI recently found out that Alvin was not a chipmunk. He was really a squirrel with a bad voice. Alvin and his group will be there to play for the big dance

at the Civic Center, along with the other big name entertainers. Even the squirrel square dancers will be there.

They have skydiving squirrels that fall from the sky. There is a ski boat driven by a squirrel and a squirrel skiing.

12 bridges and the Trail of NutsAnd now, Longview has 12 squirrel bridges around the town. Just follow the famous Squirrel Trail, also known as the Trail of Nuts. The kids love the Stations of the Squirrel, where they can learn something about the life of a squirrel and win prizes. Don’t let the kids miss the chestnut hunt. The most collected nuts wins a prize. And really squirrelly folks like chocolate-covered nuts, as the community roasts the mayor and pours chocolate all over him.

The famous Sandbaggers were respon-sible for the original Nutty Narrows Bridge and they will be at their best, for sure.

There is an acorn car said to run on squirrel power. It gets 120 miles per bag of nuts!

I guess I’m a little enthused about Squirrel Fest. August and September always seem to have the perfect weather for this event and our family won’t miss it. It all started back in August 2011 and every year’s event has been better than the previous.

If you feel like being a little squirrelly or trying some acorn wine with good friends, maybe you could change your plans and join us in Longview.

From the City of Nuts,

Pat Sari

Pat Sarigeneral mgr, Columbia forD

For details about this year’s Squirrel Fest, see page 3.

By Laurel Murphy


Senator Maria Cantwell and U.S. Rep. Jamie Herrera Beutler recently toured NORPAC’s millsite in separate visits to Longview. Above, Congresswoman Herrera listens to a panel discussion with NORPAC staff about challenges in the newsprint industry. At left, Graham Bailey explains the papermaking process to Senator

Cantwell. NORPAC, a leading producer of newsprint and employer of more than 400, remains one of our area’s top businesses, attracting the interest and respect of community, business and political leaders. The company was founded 31 years ago as a joint venture between Nippon Paper Co. and Weyerhauser Company. Photos by Perry Piper, courtesy of NORPAC

On the 31st anniversary of its eruption, Mount St. Helens didn’t disappoint onlookers who

traveled up Spirit Lake Highway for the 2011 Season Kick-Off Tour. The mountain gave a show early on in the day, spouting a perfect cloud of steam into the crisp sunny blue sky that could be seen from the boardwalk at the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center at Silver Lake. The Cowlitz County Tourism Bureau was joined on the tour by several local groups including managers from the Red Lion Hotel & Conference Center in Kelso, the Three

Rivers Mall and the Woodland Chamber of Commerce. Two ladies from the Seattle Concierge Association were in attendance along with local families.

The Kick-Off Tour was designed to give members in the hospitality industry a chance to see both the visitor centers and some of the other local and privately owned businesses along Spirit Lake Highway which are often overlooked. The collaborative effort of the Tourism

Bureau, local business owners, State Park officials, Weyerhaeuser employees and USFS employees made a huge impact on members of the tour,

“Having not been up to the mountain in almost 11 years, I was really impressed with every destination we went to,” said Natalie Haney, community member and Assistant at the Tourism Bureau. “Every place we went to was a different experience and I found there’s a lot to do other than just the visitor centers.”

With rave reviews and requests for another tour, the Tourism Bureau is

planning a second trip along the south-side of the mountain in late summer. The trip will be a similar format with longer stops and special activities and events planned at each destination. Stay tuned for more information about the trip! Please contact Megan Wells at [email protected] if you have any questions or would like to be notified about the tour.

•••

MT ST HELENSTourism promoters lead successful Season Kick-Off Tour

Story by Megan Wells, Cowlitz County Tourism Assistant • Photos by Mark Plotkin, Cowlitz County Tourism Director

Legislators visit NORPAC

200 QUALITY USED CARS IN STOCK

View them all on our website:columbiaautogroup.com


Signs of the Times

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Rick Winsman

“Coming Soon.” Words that we have not seen on empty store fronts for sev-eral years are now beginning to appear. And the Chamber thinks that this is a good indication that our local economy is finally showing signs of recovery.

Office Depot is finally moving into the space at the Triangle Mall that was prepped for them over two years ago. Two new industrial projects at the Port of Longview are about to come on-line with new jobs and a real shot in the arm for our entire economy. And word from our local governments is that revenues from all sources are edging above projected amounts.

“Now Hiring.” Signs are appearing in store windows indicating jobs within are available. The Daily News’ “Help Wanted” ad section is growing. Local businesses are grumbling at their inability to find and hire additional staff.

“Welcome.” As our calendar shows the year moving into summer — and tour-ist season — the anticipation of more visitors coming to the area is foremost in the minds of our local businesses. Tourism is a huge part of our eco-nomic base, a fact emphasized by the Cowlitz Economic Development Coun-cil’s study concluded last year by TIP Strategies. It is anticipated that the cur-rent study of Longview’s downtown by

Hyett/Palma will include a big tourism component in its recommendations, as well.

If anyone doubts the impact tourism can play on our local economy, they have only to analyze the Search and Rescue conference last month at the County EXPO Center. More than 650 people from all over the world con-vened here, generating thousands of bed nights in our overnight facilities and thousands of dollars into local busi-nesses. The Chamber is working with Cowlitz County Commissioner James Misner in developing, implementing and promoting his “Big Idea” program designed to bring more tourism — and tourism dollars — into our area.

If we can just get our State Legislature to complete the people’s business and hang out the best sign they possibly could: “Gone Fishin’ ”

Now that’s a sign of the times we can all get behind.

•••

Rick Winsman is president of Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce’s board. He has accounced plans to retire at the end of this year. The search process is underway to find his replace-ment.

Local indicators hint at recovery


Bring their dog to work? Free parking? Get creative with employee benefits

By Susan Hoosier

TOOLBOXbusiness

Hiring and retaining good employ-ees is an ongoing concern of business owners. While there

are many individuals who start busi-nesses with no intention of ever hiring an employee, the fact is that there are limitations to the revenue potential of a one-person firm. There are also some business owners who seemingly care very little for their employees and seem to ignore the high cost of employee turnover. In both of these instances, the business owner fails to realize the value that good employees can bring to his or her business.

On the other hand, there are many busi-ness owners who want to hire and retain good people and they really do believe that you should “always treat your employees exactly as you want them to treat your best customers,” as recom-mended by Stephen R. Covey.

How can you attract and retain good employees if you have limited resources? Certainly, a business could consider flexible work hours or paid time off, but how about considering the following perks:

1) Public transportation or parking fees2) Warehouse club memberships3) Internet access at home4) Cell phones5) Business cards and a job title6) Season tickets for a local sports team or cultural venue7) Gym memberships or yoga classes8) Free food or drinks in the break/kitchen area9) A dog-friendly officeProbably one of the most powerful perks that a business owner can provide is to create an environment that allows the employee:

• The opportunity to be heard• To be instrumental to the company’s growth• A chance to be creative and make decisions• A chance to wear many hats and learn how to run a business.

Employees like to stay with companies that provide a caring and thoughtful environment. They are less interested in impersonal corporations and com-panies that think they are creating a thoughtful environment when, in fact, the company is simply lax and arbitrary about implementing policies. Lax and arbitrary policies are de-motivating and, while the business owner thinks they are doing some of their employees a favor, other employees may view the owner’s action as unfair and punitive.

As in all things related to operating a well-run business, planning and imple-menting employee policies should be done carefully. If you are unsure about how to move forward with hiring a first employee or would like to be more delib-erate about developing internal person-nel policies, consider accessing no-fee, confidential services through the local Small Business Development Center or contact a local consultant with expertise in human resource development.

Susan J. Hoosier is a SBDC Certified Business Advisor with the Longview Small Business Development Center, part of the 24 statewide offices of the Washing-ton Small Business Development Center network offering in-depth, confidential, and no-cost management advice to busi-nesses within the state. Visit www.wsbdc or contact Susan Hoosier at [email protected] or 360-442-2946.

No more topless bears at Story FieldCorby to sport team jersey as Black Bears open second season

June 3 marks the opening of Cowlitz Black Bears’ second season, when the team faces the Portland Bucks at

Lower Columbia College’s Story Field.

Ticket sales have been brisk, said general manager Grant Wilson. Seating for groups on the popular party deck or party suites are available, along with regular stadium seating, starting at $5.

The festive atmosphere at games last sum-mer helped make for great fun at the ball-park, with, an outdoor grill, between-inning promotions and prizes, photo opps, fire-works and Corby, the mascot, who will — according to rumor — be wearing his “beary” own team jersey. On top of all this, these athletes can really play ball.

“The level of play is very conpetitive with some of the best college players and would campare to what you would watch in the professional minor leagues,” said Wilson.

Cowlitz Black Bears is one of nine teams in the West Coast League, a collegiate wood bat sum-mer league with teams located in British Colum-bia, Washington and Oregon. Many local sports enthusiasts and community leaders worked together to attract and accomodate the team in locating here.

“This area is very supportive of their community and local baseball,” said an enthusiastic Tony Bonacci, owner of the Cowlitz Black Bears. Local resident and Bob’s Merchandise vice president Matt Schlecht is equally enthusiastic, speculat-ing that the Bears’ games are similar to what baseball in the 1950s might have been like.

“The players are accessible, the games are reasonably priced and on the week-end you can work in the yard, go to the game and be home at a decent hour with-out fighting traffic,” he said. “The line is not long to get in, you see friends and it’s safe for my 6-year-old.” The games have proved popular with all ages.

“We make Black Bears baseball a family night,” said Kalei LaFave, Cowlitz County United Way executive director and mother of two teenagers. “We are all busy and it’s our opportunity to be together.”

•••

PLAY BALL!

For more info and game schedule:Websitewww.cowlitzblackbears.com

Ticket Office on Story Field at Lower Columbia College (adjacent to the parking lot off Olympia Way opposite 19th Ave).Hours: 8:30am–12 noon, 1–5 pm Monday–Friday and before games.

Phone: 360-703-3195

Story by Tom Myklebust Photos by Perry Piper


Toutle, WA

FATHER’S DAYFREE SHIRT FOR DADJOIN US ALL WEEKEND!JUNE 18 & 19 • 11AM - 6PM

Call for details/reservationsLocated inside Hoffstadt Bluffs

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The Japanese concept of “Karshi” can almost literally be translated as “death from overwork.” The term

first came into common usage in Japan during the 1980s after rising concern fol-lowing the sudden death of several high-ranking business men who showed no signs of previous health issues. “Karshi” has been attributed to a wide variety of stress-related medical issues, such as high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke, to name a few.

It’s seriousThere have been extensive studies on the effects of stress on a workforce’s overall health and well being. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), 54 percent of workers are concerned about health problems due to stress. And, Express Employment Professionals’ recent hiring trends survey showed that 88 percent of company leaders say their current work stress is as high or higher than last year. It’s a serious problem that companies and their employees are being forced to address.

So, how do you reduce workplace stress? There are a wide variety of techniques and countless books about eliminating stress in your life. But, the first and most important step is to know the warning signs of stress, which can vary among individuals. In a recent APA study, some of the most common indicators of exces-sive stress included fatigue, irritability, lack of interest or motivation, head and stomach aches, and insomnia. So it’s important to find a stress-reducing activ-ity that best fits your symptoms and life-style to help eliminate tension and keep you healthy and happy.

Take short breaks The human body wasn’t made to sit in one position and stare at a computer screen for eight hours a day. Make it a point to stand up and take a quick walk around the office every hour or two. Go grab a small, healthy snack. Say hello to a co-worker. Or simply just stand up at your desk and stretch. Find a quick and simple activity you can do throughout the day to get your body moving and break up the monotony.

Make simple lifestyle changes You can make a significant impact on stress levels by just making a few sim-ple lifestyle changes. Take some time to clean and reorganize your workspace. Eat a healthy breakfast. Go to bed an hour earlier. Cut back on sweets or sodas. These aren’t major decisions, and you’ll be surprised how little it actu-ally takes to make a noticeable differ-ence in how you feel.

Get some exercise Exercise can do wonders for your stress and anxiety levels. Just a half-hour a day a few times a week can make a huge dif-ference in your stress level. The impor-tant part is finding an activity you enjoy so you don’t think of it as something you have to do. Whether it’s as simple as a walk through a local park, swimming laps at the gym, or taking a yoga class, a little bit of activity can go a long way.

Use your vacation timeIf you have vacation time, don’t be afraid to use it. Taking a few days here and there to escape the daily grind of the work week is one of the best ways to recharge your mind and body. By allow-ing time to focus on the most important parts of your life, like family and friends, you will return to work more productive and better prepared to handle stressful situations.

If you’re a leader at your company, it’s also important to keep a close eye on the overall stress levels of your employ-ees. When you do notice a spike in

FIGHT STRESS,

Stay Healthy

By Julie Nelson

stress, act quickly. There are a variety of tactics you can use to help ease some of the tension. You just need to be aware and understand what causes the build up in stress and then act accordingly.

Some examples of changes you can make on an organizational level to reduce stress could include:

• Redistribute employee workloads or hire new full-time or temporary workers to help take some of the burden off your current employees’ shoulders.

• Provide opportunities for fun and bonding outside of work.

• Open the lines of communication to be sure your employees understand their jobs and why they are important.

• Allow your employees to participate in discussions and decision making that affect the business.

• Help your employees define develop-ment goals to help guide their careers in the right direction.

The impact of stress on health and well being can be profound and indiscrimi-

nate. Employees at all levels are prone to developing stress-related illnesses, and those who choose to deal with the issue head on are the ones who stand the best chance of overcoming it.

•••

Julie Nelson is a business

developer at Express

Employment Professionals in

Longview. For stress relief, she enjoys running.

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

1425 Maple StreetLongview, WA 98632

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We look forward to hearing from you!

A New Location To better serve you!


Question: Why do you belong to the Chamber of Commerce? Which benefits have been most valuable for your business?

“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.

WATER COOLERaround the

“I enjoy the camaraderie with fellow business owners because no matter what type of service

or industry we’re in, we all have a common interest and it’s good to get together.”

~Dr. Darren BowlbyChiropractorBowlby Chiropractic Center, Longview

“Chamber membership is part of our community involvement. We’re involved in the business community. We’re part of the economy of Longview.”~Barry DahlAttorney/ShareholderWalstead Mertsching,PS Longview

“It’s the connection with people. . . the soul of our business community that really makes Longview. These small

business owners are the heart and soul of the community and it’s what makes

Longview such a great place for children . . . and that’s my passion.”

~Suzanne CusickSuperintendent,

Longview School District

“The Chamber is a good organization. They introduced me to a lot of people who helped medevelop my business.”

~Leroy NelsonFounder, Chairman of the BoardColumbia River Floor CoveringRainier/Longview

820 ocean Beach hwy. Suite 216 • 360-423-8200Since 1998 www.UtilizeIt.com

• Business networking & Service• Mobile Workforce• Security & Backups• Computer/Laptop Repairs• new Systems & Upgrades

Utilize I.t., Inc.Computer Services

“It’s a choice to participate, to be actually involved in the community. Through the Chamber, I get an

opportunity, a platform, to meet and speak with other businesses.”

~John AndersonConsultant BeCause Business Resources, Inc.Longview


2011-2012 Board of Directors

MARK YOUR CALENDARSJune 1Education Foundation Committee

June 2Quarterly Membership Meeting – State of the County

June 13Member2Member Monthly Mailing Deadline

June 14Longview Downtowners

June 16Ambassador Committee

June 17KLCC Annual Golf Classic

June 21Business After Hours - PeaceHealth

June 27Government Affairs Committee

Aug 6Squirrel Fest - Grand Prix CriteriumTerry/Taylor Sale

August 24MEGA MIXER

Every WEDNESDAYYour Chamber ConnectionKEDO AM14003:00 – 4:00 p.m.

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

OFFICERSFrank McShane, ChairCascade Networks, Inc.Dale Lemmons, Immediate Past Chair, Interstate Wood ProductsJerri Henry, Treasurer Futcher - Henry GroupMike Claxton, Legal Counsel Walstead Mertsching

DIRECTORSJohn Anderson, Anderson & Anderson Advisory, LLCDavid Campbell, City of LongviewSarah Cave, PeaceHealthDiane Craft, Koelsch Senior CommunitiesJoel Hanson, KLOG/KUKN/TheWAVE Mike Julian, Kelso Theatre PubBianca Lemmons, Cowlitz County TitleJulie Rinard, Community Home Health & HospiceGeorge Raiter, Cowlitz County CommissionerDenny Richards, City of KelsoSpencer Partridge, PNE Construction & CCSTed Sprague, Cowlitz Economic Development CenterRick Winsman, Kelso Longview Chamber

Neil Zick, Twin City Bank

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

Lower Columbia Professional CommitteeAaron Dawson, Opsahl Dawson & Co.

Carey Mackey, Red Canoe Credit Union

Darren Goan, American Red Cross

David Schaafsma

De De Brill, Northwest Continuum Care Center

Erik Guttormsen, Fibre Federal Credit Union

Gretchen Taylor, Stewart Title

Jason Meunier, Twin City Bank

Jennifer Dawson, Opsahl Dawson & Co.

Julie Laird, Bicoastal Media

Keri Verhei, Elder Options

Lonnie Knowles, Stewart Title

Nick Lemiere, Edward Jones

Nita Rudd, Cascade Title Company

Russ Chittock – Russ Chittock American Family Ins. Agency

Stephanie Bullock, Heritage Bank

Steve Moon, Foster Farms

Chamber Ambassador CommitteeRuss Chittock American Family InsuranceLisa AllenBanda's BouquetsNick LemiereEdward JonesSherry BeanEmployers OverloadD'Dee DouglasExpress Employment ProfessionalsKerry Riley Futcher-Henry GroupDiana LobackGlobal Images Graphic Design &MarketingJeni QuiriconiHeartSong MassageJim ZonichKelso Hardware MarineTom IversonKLOG/KUKNDiane CraftKoelsch Senior CommunitiesSusan SherwinLongview Memorial ParkCarrie MedackNational City MortgageKathy KyllonenNW Continuum Care CenterAman WasuPrudential NW PropertiesPam FierstRed Lion Hotel & Conference CenterWalt Naze, RetiredShannon Werner, Sign Smart USA Myrna Rak, SignMasters, Inc.Lonnie Knowles, Stewart TitleGlenda Ashe, Twin City BankJason Meunier, Twin City BankDonna Hughes, WorkSource

The 2nd Annual Longview Grand Prix Criterium is gearing up for August 6th at the Civic Circle. Last year the race attracted 100 professional cyclists from far and wide. There were racers from as far away as New Zealand, Arizona, California, Oregon, Canada and Utah! Eleven races throughout the day, along with a free kids’ race is sure to draw a nice crowd. But thats’s not all — this year the Longview Grand Prix Criterium is partnering with the 1st Annual Squirrel Festival, a family-friendly day of games, music and fun in the same location! This year we expect even more cyclists; the pros loved the fast, flat track! And we have our own pro racing team this

year — TEAM HIGHLANDER — composed of local cyclists who will be racing this year!

Sonsorship opportunities are available and with the partnership of events it’s a two- for-one! Please contact Janice Forbes at Highlander Cycling, 360-353-3790, for more information. Get your name associated with the newest and most exciting event of the cycling season!

CYCLE on the CIRCLE

2010 Race • Photo by Don Wiitala

OFF TO THE RACES


Call today to see how we can help you.

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