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Vol. 3, No. 3 • Mar. 2011 BUSINESS CONNECTION Kelso longview Chamber of CommerCe • longview Downtowners • Kalama Chamber of CommerCe KELSO LONGVIEW Presorted Std U.S. Postage PAID Centralia, WA 98531 Permit #26 1563 Olympia Way • Longview, WA 98632 WATER COOLER around the Longview Downtowners 3 Business Toolbox 4 President’s Message 5 Mark Your Calendar 6 Around the Water Cooler 7 IN THIS ISSUE Question: Do you think the people should decide what traffic rules and regulations we have in our cities? Page 7 MONDAY MORNING BREAKFAST BRIEFINGS 7am Monticello Hotel LaRiviere Room Great news! The state Legislature has passed Gov. Gregoire’s proposal to reduce unem- ployment tax rates for most employ- ers in Washington beginning this year. As you may recall, our state has one of the healthiest unemployment funds in the country, yet the tax formulas in state law were triggering substantial tax increases for employers in 2011. The Governor asked the state Legislature to revise the tax formulas to reduce tax rates – and to vote on it early in the legislative session so the lower rates could take effect this year. The legislation was the first to pass and be signed by the Governor this year. It succeeded due to considerable collabo- ration, spurred by a shared concern for how businesses and jobless workers have been affected by the recession. Not only was it adopted quickly, but it received almost unanimous votes in both the Senate and House. Nominations for award recipients are now being accepted. Express your enthusiasm to promote your community and build strong relationships by nomi- nating someone you know. The Education Foundation Committee is seeking nominations for awards in the fol- lowing categories: The Crystal Apple Award: Based upon the premise that a strong educa- tional system is critical to a vibrant com- munity, the Crystal Apple Award will be bestowed each year to employees of local member schools or colleges. A maxi- mum of three awards will be given, one for each of the following: administrator, teacher or faculty member, and classified or support employee. Recipients of the Award will receive an engraved Crystal Apple as an expression of the Chamber’s appreciation for a job well done. The Workforce Education Awards: This award honors employer organiza- tions and individuals who have demon- strated achievement in providing high Unemployment taxes reduced for most employers As a result, tax rates for 2011 will be reduced for 90 percent of Washington employers, and about half of them will pay lower rates than in 2010. The reduc- tion will save employers $300 million in 2011, and an estimated $360 million from 2011 through 2017. Employment Security will recalculate tax rates and send new tax-rate notices in March to replace the ones sent to employers in December. Employers do not have to request an updated tax-rate notice; all employers will receive one in the mail. The legislation also made some changes to the benefits side of the unemploy- ment insurance system. It continues federally funded extended benefits through the end of 2011, makes the Training Benefits Program more acces- sible, and provides a temporary, $25 benefit increase for workers who file new unemployment claims during an eight-month window this year. For more details about the tax reduction and benefit enhancements contained in the legislation, read Employment Secu- rity’s fact sheet available at www.esd. wa.gov/newsandinformation/breaking- news/tax-reductions-coming-2-10-11. php. By Paul Trause, Washington State Employment Security Commissioner GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS quality workforce education and train- ing in Cowlitz County. A maximum of two awards will be given, one to an employer organization and the other to an individual. Award recipients will be selected based upon the develop- ment and implementation of workforce programs that are innovative in nature; improve the preparation and/or perfor- mance of the emerging or incumbent workforce; have measurable outcomes; and demonstrate collaboration between business, government, and education. Business Excellence Award recipi- ents reflect examples of excellence in business and individual performance. A maximum of three awards will be given, one for each of the following: large business with more than 50 employ- ees, small business with fewer than 50 employees, and a business individual. Award recipients will be recognized for their commitment to business ethics, customer service, and community com- mitment. The deadline for accepting nominations is March 31, 2011. Awards will be presented at the Kelso Longview Chamber’s Education Foun- dation’s Awards Ceremony to be held on May 11, 2011. For nomination forms or for more infor- mation call the Kelso Longview Cham- ber of Commerce at 360-423-8400. ••• Chamber invites nominations for May 11 recognition event

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7am Monticello Hotel LaRiviere Room IN THIS ISSUE PAID K elso l ongview C hamber of C ommerCe • l ongview D owntowners • K alama C hamber of C ommerCe Question: Do you think the people should decide what traffic rules and regulations we have in our cities? Page 7 Longview Downtowners . . . . .3 Business Toolbox . . . . . . . . .4 President’s Message . . . . . . .5 Mark Your Calendar . . . . . . .6 Around the Water Cooler . . . .7 Vol. 3, No. 3 • Mar. 2011 U.S. Postage Presorted Std

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: CHAMBER 0311

Vol. 3, No. 3 • Mar. 2011

Business ConneCtionKelso longview Chamber of CommerCe • longview Downtowners • Kalama Chamber of CommerCe

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Longview Downtowners . . . . .3

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

President’s Message . . . . . . .5

Mark Your Calendar . . . . . . .6

Around the Water Cooler . . . .7

IN THIS ISSUE

Question: Do you think the people should decide what traffic rules and regulations we have in our cities? Page 7

MONDAYMORNING BREAKFASTBRIEFINGS

7amMonticello HotelLaRiviere Room

Great news! The state Legislature has passed Gov. Gregoire’s proposal to reduce unem-ployment tax rates for most employ-ers in Washington beginning this year.

As you may recall, our state has one of the healthiest unemployment funds in the country, yet the tax formulas in state law were triggering substantial tax increases for employers in 2011. The Governor asked the state Legislature to revise the tax formulas to reduce tax rates – and to vote on it early in the legislative session so the lower rates could take effect this year.

The legislation was the first to pass and be signed by the Governor this year. It succeeded due to considerable collabo-ration, spurred by a shared concern for how businesses and jobless workers have been affected by the recession. Not only was it adopted quickly, but it received almost unanimous votes in both the Senate and House.

Nominations for award recipients are now being accepted. Express your enthusiasm to promote your community and build strong relationships by nomi-nating someone you know.

The Education Foundation Committee is seeking nominations for awards in the fol-lowing categories:

The Crystal Apple Award: Based upon the premise that a strong educa-tional system is critical to a vibrant com-munity, the Crystal Apple Award will be bestowed each year to employees of local member schools or colleges. A maxi-mum of three awards will be given, one for each of the following: administrator, teacher or faculty member, and classified or support employee. Recipients of the Award will receive an engraved Crystal Apple as an expression of the Chamber’s appreciation for a job well done.

The Workforce Education Awards: This award honors employer organiza-tions and individuals who have demon-strated achievement in providing high

Unemployment taxes reduced for most employers

As a result, tax rates for 2011 will be reduced for 90 percent of Washington employers, and about half of them will pay lower rates than in 2010. The reduc-tion will save employers $300 million in 2011, and an estimated $360 million from 2011 through 2017.

Employment Security will recalculate tax rates and send new tax-rate notices in March to replace the ones sent to employers in December. Employers do not have to request an updated tax-rate notice; all employers will receive one in the mail.

The legislation also made some changes to the benefits side of the unemploy-ment insurance system. It continues federally funded extended benefits through the end of 2011, makes the Training Benefits Program more acces-sible, and provides a temporary, $25 benefit increase for workers who file new unemployment claims during an eight-month window this year.

For more details about the tax reduction and benefit enhancements contained in the legislation, read Employment Secu-rity’s fact sheet available at www.esd.wa.gov/newsandinformation/breaking-news/tax-reductions-coming-2-10-11.php.

By Paul Trause, Washington State Employment Security Commissioner

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

quality workforce education and train-ing in Cowlitz County. A maximum of two awards will be given, one to an employer organization and the other to an individual. Award recipients will be selected based upon the develop-ment and implementation of workforce programs that are innovative in nature; improve the preparation and/or perfor-mance of the emerging or incumbent workforce; have measurable outcomes; and demonstrate collaboration between business, government, and education.

Business Excellence Award recipi-ents reflect examples of excellence in business and individual performance. A maximum of three awards will be given, one for each of the following: large business with more than 50 employ-ees, small business with fewer than 50 employees, and a business individual. Award recipients will be recognized for their commitment to business ethics, customer service, and community com-mitment.

The deadline for accepting nominations is March 31, 2011.

Awards will be presented at the Kelso Longview Chamber’s Education Foun-dation’s Awards Ceremony to be held on May 11, 2011.

For nomination forms or for more infor-mation call the Kelso Longview Cham-ber of Commerce at 360-423-8400.

•••

Chamber invites nominations for May 11 recognition event

Page 2: CHAMBER 0311

PAGE 2 • MARCH 2011 KELSO LONGVIEW BUSINESS CONNECTION

It pays to advertise in

3,200 copies mailed to business and community leaders and

distributed/shared throughout the local area.

April Ad Deadline Tuesday, March 15For rates or to place your ad,

call Ned Piper 360-749-2632.

Vol. 1, No. 10 • Feb. 2010

Business ConneCtionKelso longview Chamber of CommerCe • longview Downtowners

KELSO – LONGVIEW

Kelso longview Chamber of CommerCe Team

Rick Winsman, President/CEONorma Davey, Director of Administration

Amy Johnson, Program DirectorDebbie Brock, Bookkeeper

Kelso visiTor CenTer

Connie Parsons, Center DirectorLois Sigurdson, Center Assistant

CowliTz CounTy Tourism bureau

Mark Plotkin, Tourism DirectorMegan Wells, Tourism Assistant

Kelso Longview Business Connectionpublished monthly by

Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce1563 Olympia Way, Longview, WA 98632

360-423-8400

Produced by Columbia River ReaderTo advertise, call 360-636-1143

or 360-749-2632. E-mail: [email protected]

We are a membershipbased not-for-profit

organization. Join us today!

Page 3: CHAMBER 0311

KELSO LONGVIEW BUSINESS CONNECTION PAGE 3 • MARCH 2011

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. WoodruffEscrow Officer, LPO

What’s happenin’

BUSINESS BITSDOWNTOWN

“Your business friendly florist”

LOBBY FLOWERS

Employee Recognition • PlantsCorporate Gifts • Events

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

1413 Commerce Ave.360-575-9804

www.elamshf.com

20% OFF(except mattresses)

Serving Cowlitz County andColumbia County since 1987

Lazy-Boy • Flexsteel • Best

FREEDELIVERY

Marilyn Monroe in Downtown Kevin and Debbie Dykstra have opened “Longview’s Premium Smoke Shop,” The Monroe, 1155 Commerce. The owners, born and raised in Longview and Castle Rock, saw an opportunity for their first business. “There is only one other smoke shop between Woodland and Toledo,” Kevin Dykstra explained. They did not want the stereotypical look of a smoke shop, so they decorated the brightly painted interior with glass display cases of colorful pipes and hookahs (waterpipes)-“functional glass art,” said Debbie Dykstra. And pictures of Marilyn Monroe. The shop is not named after Marilyn Monroe, but after the piercing on her upper lip where she had a mole, because the Dykstras sell body and fashion jewelry. The shop also carries shisha (the flavored tobacco used with hookahs), loose tobacco, candy, incense, and cigarettes. In order to dispel another stereotype about smoke shops, the Dysktras display the following sign: “We do not sell Marijuana! We do not know where you even buy it! Don’t Even Ask.” Kevin Dykstra is happy to report that business is “pretty darn good.” Hours: Mon-Sat 10-10; Sun Noon-6. 360-425-2050.

Cyberspace in DowntownDustin Roe has joined with Catfish Thompson to expand the services at Downtown Cyberspace (formerly Cellular 360), 1240 Commerce. Their goal is to provide the best in customer service and technical support to customers in the Longview-

Kelso area. New services include four new computers for rent, WiFi, and computer repair. The business has retained its monthly cell phone services and will be focusing on cell phone repair. Computer rental rates are $4 per hour or $10 per day. A monthly pass is available for $50. They also sells coffee, hot chocolate, tea and energy drinks to keep their

customers from “falling asleep at the PC.” Hours: Mon-Sat 11-7. 360-703-3164.

La Musica en El CentroCarlos Lopez and Estrella Barron moved from Los Angeles to open Melody Records, a Spanish-language music and video store inside Las Rocas restaurant, 1227 Hudson. Melody Records specializes in Mexican music but will also sell CDs from bands that play at Las Rocas, Central and South American groups, and Spanish and English videos. Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7. 360-270-2211.

Art in DowntownArtist Jacques Drapeau is showing his paintings at Dirty Deeds Bar and Grill, 1202 Commerce. Local artists are hanging paintings downtown in galleries, store windows and coffee shops but this is the first bar (and grill)!

Fudge Fundraiser FinaleTom Bert’s production and sale of over 120 boxes of fudge for Valentine’s Day fundraiser resulted in more than $1000 for the Longview Downtowners. Thank you to Tom and everyone who purchased the fudge for a very successful event.

Out of Business Tamara Chambers’ salon, Hair2Stay, 1331 14th Avenue, #204, closed in February.

• • •

If your business has “a happening,” to report, let us know. Email [email protected]

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, March 8thThe Merk 3rd FLoor

1339 Commerce

Kevin Dykstra with one of his shop’s hookahs, a social smoking device that has been around for 2,000 years and which is enjoy-ing a resurgence in popularity, despite misconceptions held by some. (See story - upper left.)

Whose hookah?

Page 4: CHAMBER 0311

PAGE 4 • MARCH 2011 KELSO LONGVIEW BUSINESS CONNECTION

BRIEFSbusiness

IS YOUR IDEA FEASIBLE?By Susan Hoosier

TOOLBOXbusiness

Heritage Bank recently welcomed Tammy Haas as Vice President,

Commercial Lend-ing. Haas has nearly 30 years experience in the banking indus-try. As VP, Business Banking Officer with Anchor Bank, Haas was responsible for managing loan port-

folios to identify and restructure prob-lem loan relationships. She is actively involved in the local community as a member of the Lewis River Rotary, and previously as a member of the Greater Clark County Rotary. She serves on the Battle Ground Chamber of Commerce board and actively networks through this and other organizations in the Van-couver area.

Riverview Community Bank has hired Gina Williams as marketing spe-cialist. Williams has more than 15 years of professional com-munications experi-ence in Clark County. She most recently served as communica-tions director for the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce. Williams will join Riverview’s marketing team with a focus on public and client relations, community outreach and support of Riverview’s growing online presence.“Gina brings a wealth of marketing and communications experience along with a strong local business background,” said Scott Miller, Senior Vice President, Marketing. “She will be integral to our efforts to further grow and enhance Riverview’s marketing and community outreach efforts and support our long-standing mission to serve clients and the community.”A Camas resident since 2000, Williams holds a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from the University of Ore-gon. She is a graduate of Leadership Clark County and is currently finishing coursework to earn a master’s degree in strategic communications from the University of Oregon’s Turnbull Center in Portland. Williams is an active com-munity volunteer with current involve-ment in the Camas School District, the Camas-Washougal Aviation Foundation and the Fort Vancouver Composite Squadron, Civil Air Patrol. She is also a past member of the Clark County Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board.

Kelso Longview Chamber of Com-merce executive Rick Winsman was recognized as an Accredited Chamber Executive by the Western Association of Chamber Executives. The designation is awarded to only those chamber exec-utives who meet stringent criteria set by W.A.C.E.’s board of directors. Winsman

was one of three chamber of commerce executives awarded accreditation this year at the association’s annual confer-ence in Los Angeles. The accreditation program originated in 1993 to encour-age chamber executives to upgrade and expand their skills through continuing education and training programs. There are currently a total of 42 ACE recipi-ents active in chambers of commerce in the West. Recipients of the ACE des-ignation must apply for re-accreditation every five years in order to retain the designation. W.A.C.E. is an association of more than 720 chamber executives and staff professionals with members in 14 Western states. The association’s mission is to promote and enhance the professional development of chamber of commerce executives. It is the largest state or regional association of chamber of commerce executives in the United States.

Opsahl, Dawson & Company,PS welcomes four new employeesHolly Hall, CPA, now a manager in

the firm’s Vancouver office, has more than 15 years experience in public accounting. She previously worked for a regional CPA firm in Raleigh, North Carolina and has experience in Federal

taxation and financial statement prepa-ration. Hall earned a B.A. in account-ing and graduated magna cum laude from Lenoir-Rhyne College in Hickory, North Carolina. She lives in Vancouver with her husband and three young chil-dren and enjoys the arts, volunteering in her children’s classrooms and explor-ing the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

Ursula A . Perkins, CPA, also joining the Vancouver office, previously worked in the banking industry and entered public accounting in 2004, working for a small Vancouver CPA firm. She has experience working with a wide variety of individual and business cli-ents in the areas of tax, accounting, and payroll. Ursula has a B.A. in business administration majoring in accounting and finance and graduated summa cum laude from Washington State Univer-sity, Vancouver. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, camp-ing, riding ATV quads, fishing and help-ing with beach clean-ups.

Rachael Rahn, CPA, has joined the firm’s Longview office. Pre-viously, Rahn worked in public accounting in Lake Oswego, Ore-gon. She has experi-ence working with a variety of individual

and business tax clients. She earned a B.A. in accounting and graduated magna cum laude from Linfield Col-lege. She enjoys coaching volleyball and spending time with her family.

Are you considering an expansion project or the purchase of another business? Are you

anxious to run to the bank, get a loan, and open your new division or buy that new business? STOP! Before you pump cash from your existing business into an expansion plan, you want to know if it has a chance to succeed.

A common mistake many people make is to blindly grow their business, thinking that increasing sales will result in increased profits. A feasibility evaluation will allow you to make a more informed "go" or "no go" decision. A sampling of topics that should be honestly appraised includes:

• Is there really a demand for the new product or service? Is that demand sufficient to fund growth or will the existing business be compromised by the drain on cash flow?

• Have you researched market demand or have you just assumed that people need or want your product or service?

• Does your product or service satisfy an unfulfilled need?

• Will your product or service serve an existing market in which demand exceeds supply?

• Will your product or service be competitive based on its quality, selection, price or location?

• Do you know who your customers will be?

• Do you have the internal capacity, i.e. equipment, personnel, parking, to handle the growth?

• Do you understand how your business compares with your competitors?

Study the MarketUltimately, your idea must fulfill a need for your buyers and must do so in a way that's somehow superior to the competition, however you define it. If you want to be sure that your idea will do these two crucial things, you need to know as much as you can about the following:

Personal knowledgeUnderstanding the industry is vital to assessing the market for a product or service. Personal knowledge of the industry develops from having contacts in the business, personal experience and a general feel for the business.

CompetitionWho are your competitors? What are your competitors’ strengths and weaknesses? What are your competitors planning to do next? What are your competitors’ spending trends? A survey of the competition may be needed to determine if there is a niche or room in the market for another business. This can be done by observing competitors' businesses. How busy are they? What problems do the businesses seem to have? What type of customers do they have? Observation helps to determine the size of the market and problems businesses have in serving that market. It may be helpful to develop a Strengths-Weakness-Opportunity-Threats (SWOT) matrix to summarize this information.

CustomersDo you know who your customers are? Do you understand why, how and when they will buy your products or services?

Ted R . Davis is a new associate in the firm’s Longview office. He graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. from Washing-ton State University. Before beginning his career in accounting,

Davis worked in the banking Industry for 15 years, with 10 years of experience in management. He and his wife, Holly, live in Longview where they are active within the community. Ted is an avid golfer.

72 Degrees Air Conditioning & Heating sponsored an American Red Cross Blood Donor Day on Thursday, January 27th in Longview at the National Guard Armory. A total of 31 units of blood were donated that day.

Pictured in the photo are Doug Clay (left) and Edwina Clay(right, owners of 72 Degrees Air Conditioning & Heating with Bettie (center) an American Red Cross volunteer.

cont. on page 4

Page 5: CHAMBER 0311

KELSO LONGVIEW BUSINESS CONNECTION PAGE 5 • MARCH 2011

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Rick Winsman

A Time for all seasons

The Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce would like to help publicize your promotions, significant happenings

and personnel achievements. Send info to: [email protected]

NEWS?Got

There’s a season for everything in life and this is the right

time for me to chart a new course ...

Onward! ”

You may have heard that I’ve sub-mitted my notice to the Chamber Board leadership of my intention

to retire at the end of this year. I sus-pect this decision comes as a surprise to some. Suffice it to say that it won’t be easy for me to leave a position and organization that I have come to love; but there’s a season for everything in life and this is the right time for me to chart a new course.

I will be forever grateful to the many exceptional business, government, and community leaders with whom I’ve been privileged to work since my arrival at the Chamber on August 5, 2005. I con-sider it one of my life’s greatest trea-sures to have partnered and worked with so many committed community-builders who have provided selfless service and leadership to the Chamber and to the community. I thank all of them for their support, wise counsel, and examples of professional excel-lence and commitment to community improvement.

For the past six years I’ve served as your President/CEO. My predeces-sor, Cheryl Spencer, nurtured a solid organization that was ready to accept new challenges and opportunities. I am honored to have had the opportunity to follow in her footsteps as the chief steward of this incredibly vital organi-zation.

I’ve loved working with my staff team-mates “on the field”—those very tal-ented people who were in the line-up when I started and are still playing

their hearts out—and more recently as the “coach in the dugout.” I’ll be the Chamber’s biggest fan as I now take my “seat in the stadium” and cheer the team on to the many victories that will be achieved in the future.

A chamber of commerce is founded on the belief that people working together can achieve more than any of us can individually. Only by working together will we truly succeed in maintaining a quality community—one in which the business environment is strong, the economic opportunities are promis-

ing for all, people from diverse cul-tures are welcomed and appre-ciated, the schools are great, the arts are cherished, and the streets are safe.

I’ve had the privilege of a ride of a lifetime at the Kelso Longview Chamber of Com-merce. Thanks to all of you for your continuing support for the important work of the Chamber and for the count-less ways you build our region’s spirit, economy and prospects for the future.

I don’t know if my future plans will allow me to stay in this incredible community I’ve been privileged to call home for the past six years. I do, however, know that I look forward to our paths continuing to cross as I begin the next leg of my journey.

Onward!

• • •

Rick Winsman is President of the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce.

Reservations for our Quarterly Membership Luncheon by calling the Chamber at (360) 423-8400.

THE CHAMBER

Featured speakers:Rick Winsman, Chamber President/CEO

Mark Plotkin, Cowlitz County Tourism Director

You are invited to attend the Kelso Longview Chamber’s 1st Quarter Membership Luncheon. Here’s your opportunity to hear first-hand how the Chamber has been working with the business community to survive the recession and what’s

planned to help business survive the recovery.

Reserve Thursday, March 10, 2011

11:45am - 1:30pm

for the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce

Quarterly Membership Meeting

located at Red Lion Hotel & Conference Center510 Kelso Drive, Kelso

$30 Membership Rate$40 General Admission

State of

Page 6: CHAMBER 0311

PAGE 6 • MARCH 2011 KELSO LONGVIEW BUSINESS CONNECTION

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

March 3Quarterly Membership Meeting – “State of the Chamber”

March 14Member2Member Monthly Mailing Deadline

March 15Business After Hours

April 11Member2Member Monthly Mailing Deadline

April 19Business After Hours72 Degrees Air Conditioning & Heating

Every MONDAY: January 7 – April 10Monday Morning Briefing Breakfast

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

2011Board of DirectorsOfficersFrank McShane, ChairCascade Networks, Inc.

Dale Lemmons, Immediate Past Chair, Interstate Wood Products

Jerri Henry, Treasurer Futcher - Henry Group

Mike Claxton, Legal Counsel Walstead Mertsching

Rick Winsman, President/CEO Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce

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

Follow us on Twitter!

Did you know that 80% of your business likely comes from 20% of your customers? What are the characteristics of those “most valuable customers?” Will they be interested in your new products/services?

Secondary research. Finding information that is already published, through searching the library or Internet, is necessary to quantify the market and to verify your findings from the above three steps. Obtaining outside validation that the market potential exists and is yetuntapped or is capable of supporting your business is critical. How big is your market? Is it large enough to sustain your business and competition? What is the growth trend for the next five years? Once a market has been identified, what is the size of the actual market that you can compete in? The actual market segment that you can sell to may be a small fraction of the total market.

Determining the feasibility of your project is just as important for a pre-existing business as it is when you first start a business. If you fail to determine whether your project is feasible before making an investment, you may jeopardize the long-term health of the business that you have worked hard to create. Contact your local Small Business Development Center if you need assistance in this area.

•••

Excerpts were taken from an SBDC publication and modified by Susan J. Hoosier, a SBDC Certified Business Advisor with the Longview Small Business Development Center, which is part of the 24 statewide offices of the Washington Small Business Development Center (WSBDC) network. The WSBDC offers in-depth, confidential, and no-cost management advice to businesses within Washington State. Contact Susan Hoosier at :[email protected]" 360-442-2946.

Toolbox cont.from page 6

DirectorsJohn Anderson,Anderson & Anderson Advisory, LLC

David Campbell, City of LongviewDiane Craft,Koelsch Senior CommunitiesJoel Hanson, KLOG/KUKN/The WAVEMike Julian,Kelso Theatre PubBianca Lemmons,Cowlitz County TitleGeorge Raiter,Cowlitz County CommissionersDenny Richards,City of KelsoJulie Rinard,Community Home Health & HospiceSpencer Partridge,PNE Construction & CCSTed Sprague,Cowlitz Economic Development CouncilNeil Zick,Twin City Bank

Page 7: CHAMBER 0311

KELSO LONGVIEW BUSINESS CONNECTION PAGE 7 • MARCH 2011

Question: Do you think the people should the decide what traffic rules & regulations we have in our cities?WATER COOLER

around the

It’s Not Just a strINg of Pearls.

It’s the day my daughter was borN.

1610 15th Ave, Longview • 423-7252 • 800-700-7252Mon-Fri 10-6, Sat 10-5, Closed Sunday

Your history. Your milestones. Your constant reminder of remarkable moments. That is the extraordinary value of jewelry. Infinitely more than an accessory. Every piece is also a little bit of your memory.

Longview Country Club • 41 Country Club Dr • Longview, WA • 360-423-8500

Membership includes:• Full golf & social use of the facility• Trial members may convert to other active membership drive specials• Trial Period: 12 months from start date

2011 Membership Drive 12 MONTH TRIAL MEMBERSHIP Through April 30th • First-time members • Limited to first 50 sign-ups

INDIVIDUALFor unmarried individualswithout dependent children ..............

$1,495Prepaid at start of 12 month trial period

FAMILYFor head of household,his or her spouse & children ............

$1,995Prepaid at start of 12 month trial period

It’s good for business ... it’s good for your family!Join the club!

“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.

“This question creates a dilemma. I believe that the govern-ment should not “snoop,”

but then a few years ago I read the number one cause of traffic deaths was running red lights. However, 50 percent plus one can be “mob rule,” so that is why we elect rep-resentatives to study, decide and hopefully make the right decision.”

~Odine Husemoen, AttorneyWalstead Mertsching, Longview

“Sometimes the people

that are the most

vocal have the most to lose. Those

are the ones who write the

most letters to the editor. If you aren’t pushing

the limits why are you worried about red light cameras?”

~Pat Sari, General ManagerColumbia Ford Hyundai Nissan,

Longview

“Yes, it’s America. ‘We, the People’ — that’s what America is. They should decide the laws.”

~Reed Hadley, Investment AdvisorEdward D. Jones, Longview

“It should be up to the community at large. We should have the right to vote on controversial issues..”

~Donna Hammond Associate BrokerWindermere Real Estate, Kelso

Stewart Title added another great teammate Shannon Imboden

Shannon Imboden, Escrow [email protected]

Contact us or visit: stewart.com/longview to find out why Stewart Title is the right title company for you.

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PAGE 8 • MARCH 2011 KELSO LONGVIEW BUSINESS CONNECTION

Call today to see how we can help you.

PNE CONSTRUCTION

6TH AVENUE COMPLEX • CAMAS, WA

• Design/Build • Petroleum Construction

• Commercial Construction • Tenant Improvements

• Municipal Construction • Licensed in 36 States

1081 Columbia Blvd. Longview, WA

Toll Free:1-800-533-2867360-423-2245www.pnecorp.com