chamber 0911

Vol. 3, No. 8 • Sept. 2011

Business ConneCtionKelso longview Chamber of CommerCe • longview Downtowners

�

KELSO LONGVIEWPr

eso

rte

d S

tdU

.S. P

ost

ag

ePA

IDC

en

tra

lia, W

A98

531

Perm

it #

2615

63 O

lym

pia

Wa

y •

Lo

ng

vie

w, W

A 9

8632

Welcome New Members . . . 2-3

Business Toolbox . . . . . . . . .3

EGT, Skyline Steel . . . . . 4 & 7

Around the Watercooler 8 &14

President’s Message . . . . . . .9

Business Briefs . . . . . . . . . .11

Mark Your Calendar . . . . . .14

IN THIS ISSUE

WATER COOLERaround the

In planning for the holiday season (or 4th Quarter), what are your expectations compared to 2010 and how are you positioning to meet these projections?See pages 8, 14

QUARTERLY MEMBERSHIP MEETING

You are invited to the Chamber’s third quarter membership lun-

cheon, “State of the Cities.” Kelso City Manager Denny Richards and Longview City Manager Bob Gregory will highlight recent accomplishments and future plans for the two cities. The event will be held Thursday, September 22, 11:45 am – 1:30 pm at the Cowlitz Regional Conference Center.

The busi-ness com-munity asked for the “State of the Cities” meetings, offering an annual comprehensive summary of where our communities are going, presented by those whose responsi-bility it is to get us there.

City leaders will showcase their accomplishments and present a vision of what the future holds for the area’s development, providing insight into the strength of our economic base, real estate markets, financial institu-tions and educational challenges.

Cost is $30 for Chamber members, $45 for non-members; the event is open to the public. Make reservations by calling the Chamber 360-423-8400.

•••

Heritage Bank named “Best Workplace” by Puget Sound Business Journal

page 10

olympia, Wa, august 17, 2011 -- Heritage Financial Corporation, parent company of Heritage Bank, announced that the Puget Sound Business Journal honored Heritage Bank with the 2011 Gold Award in the Large Business Category of Wash-ington’s Best Workplaces.

“Heritage Bank is honored to be a Gold Award Winner. . .” said president/CEO Brian Vance in a press release. “Win-ning this award in light of all that has occurred at the Bank during this past year is exceptionally gratifying.”

The corporation acquired two banks, integrated more than 100 new employ-ees and opened new branches in Gig Harbor, Puyallup and Kent. “We are for-tunate to have a quality team of employ-ees, who serve our customers and our communities with excellence,” Vance said. The award resulted from a culture that Vance said the entire Heritage Bank staff embraces. The work environment fosters customer service, teamwork, strong communication, and career opportunities.

The Puget Sound Business Journal’s Wash-ington’s Best Workplaces was launched in 2007 to identify and recognize best practices in the hiring and retention of outstanding employees. In an extensive process, employees in nominee-compa-nies across the state completed surveys leading to the naming of finalists in four different categories. Nearly 200 compa-nies were nominated with 85 companies selected as finalists, based on employee benefit offerings, leadership culture, and work/life balance philosophies.

Established in 1927, Heritage Bank has been working to build a solid and trusted bank, growing from modest beginnings to a full service community bank with 27 branches extending from Vancouver/Portland to Seattle/Bellevue.

Heritage Bank gives back through a com-bination of monetary contributions and volunteer efforts to strengthen the core of their communities. Heritage Bank was the Silver Award Winner in 2009 and the Bronze Award Winner in 2010.

STATE OF THE CITIESThurs, Sept. 22 11:45–1:30 Cowlitz Regional Conference Center

The Kelso Longview Chamber would like to take a moment to thank every-one involved with making our 2nd Annual MEGA MIXER a mega success!

Thank you to the chambers of Castle Rock, Kalama and Woodland as well as the Longview Downtowners, for part-nering with us to help promote to their members and community – creating a larger networking opportunity to the businesses.

We couldn’t have such a great event without our business community step-ping up and being sponsors. Thank you to all of our sponsors and donors of all our raffle prizes and goodie bag items.The full list may be found on page 14.

And we really want to thank all of our vendors and attendees, as we couldn’t be a success with you!

Mark your Calendars for August 21, 2012!

Mega Mixer 2011 draws crowd on warm summer evening

• SEPTEMBER 2011 KELSO LONGVIEW BUSINESS CONNECTION

are a great way to get to know

our newest members of the Kelso Longview

Chamber. We fill the baskets full

of useful informa-tion and gifts from

other Chamber members, and then deliver to new members. If you’d like to

contribute items for the baskets,

call the Chamber office,

360-423-8400.

Welcome, New

Chamber Members!

The Bistro Restaurant andWine Club

Frontier Rehabilitation and Extended Care Center

NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS Story by Sue Piper

Photo by Perry Piper

As in most good partnerships, Steve Lervik and Butch Henry were friends before they got into business together. But their relationship evolved and today, they own several commercial properties and a thriving enterprise, Ocean Beach Self Storage.

They first met at the Longview Country Club where they are members. They bought some local apartments together and then the former Char-lie’s restaurant building, most recently occupied by Stewart Title and now available for lease.

The two of them make good partners, Lervik said.

“We both had a common interest of investing in local properties.” And there was another impor-tant tie.

“Our wives are friends.” Cindy Lervik is cus-tomer service manager

Ocean Beach Self Storage

Steve Lervik and Butch Henry ~ at the right place at the right time

WELCOME BASKETS

Steve Lervik and manager Mitzi Sparks at Ocean Beach Self Storage, 5800 Ocean Beach Hwy, near Baker’s Corner, Longview.

cont next page

KELSO LONGVIEW BUSINESS CONNECTION PAGE 3 • SEPTEMBER 2011

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]

[email protected] Deadline: 25th each month

OB Self Storage

I had hoped to find a humorous open-ing to this article on insurance but realized that lack of insurance, in

the business world, is not a laughing matter. Business owners, particularly those who are relatively new, will fre-quently underestimate the importance of having adequate insurance cover-age. Business owners who have oper-ated for many years may wrongfully assume that their insurance agent will surely know how to deal with the busi-ness’ changing needs.

First of all, choosing a good insurance agent is one of the first steps in reducing risk. A good insurance agent is every bit as important as a good accountant and a good attorney. If you want to develop a long-term relationship, then do your homework upfront. Here are some important considerations:

Check out the reputation of the compa-nies that are being considered. How do they handle claims? Will they patiently respond to questions? Are other busi-ness owners happy with the companies that are being considered? Word of mouth references are important but do not accept the reference without doing some important homework before making a commitment for coverage.

Ask a lot of questions and read the fine print on all documents. Do not make assumptions that coverage for a certain occurence will be in place without ask-ing questions and without reading the proposed policy.

Home-based businesses need to be especially clear that the homeowner’s policy will remain in force. It would be distressing to find out, after a major event, that operating a home-based business was contrary to policy guide-lines.

Is the insurance agent willing to guide the business through the risk assess-

ment process and sensitive to the busi-ness’ financial parameters so that the insurance products that are recom-mended make sense?

Is your agent proactive about meet-ing on an annual basis to review your insurance coverage and the changing needs of the business? Every business should do an annual review of insur-ance coverage but an insurance agent that proactively contacts the business owner, on an annual basis, is an asset for the busy business owner.

The following are the most common types for most businesses:

General Liability – Watch out for exclusions Umbrella liability – This coverage is intended to fill in any gaps left by other forms of insurance.Property/casualtyBusiness interruptionWorker’s CompensationDisability InsuranceLife InsuranceThe types of assets/events that you may want to cover are:Buildings and other structures; leased or owned. (Note: You may want to ask the question about coverage in the event that building codes require that any building that is rebuilt or repaired meet current code standards.) Furniture, equipment and suppliesLeased equipmentInventoryMoney and securitiesValuable papers, books and documentsData processing equipment and mediaMobile property, such as automobiles, trucks and construction equipmentSignage, fences and other outdoor property not attached to a buildingIntangible property (goodwill, trade-marks, etc.)

The Washington State Insurance Commissioner’s office provides many resources, and information that can be valuable to business owners. Take the time to become familiar with their website: www.insurance.wa.gov/com-panies/index.shtml

•••

Susan J. Hoosier, a commercial loan offi-cer for Red Canoe Credit Union, can be contacted at 360-578-5276 or [email protected].

at NORPAC and Jerri Henry is a CPA in Longview.

Part of Mildred Herold’s legacyLervik and Henry bought their latest property from Gary Herold, who inher-ited it from his mother, longtime local real estate broker Mildred Herold. Located at 5800 Ocean Beach High-way near Baker’s Corner, the property was “a natural” for expansion. At that point, Butch Henry, who owns H & S Enterprises, a property management firm he operates with his sons, took on management of the complex for Gary Herold.

Later, when Herold wanted to sell it, Lervik explained, he and Butch entered the picture.

“We were in the right place at the right time.”

The perfect on-site managerOcean Beach Self Storage employs a live-in manager, Mitzi Sparks, who is a perfect fit for the job, Lervik said.

“She just loves the business. She loves her job. She says she wants to die work-ing there.” Well, not die on the job, he noted, but keep the job all her life.

“She’s the face of the business, she’s people-oriented and very friendly.” The day-to-day tasks at the complex keep Sparks busy and she does a great job. With great results.

“I think it’s the nicest storage place in Cowlitz County.,” Lervik said. “That’s the feedback we get from people.”

“We have a great variety of sizes,” he said of the facility. “It’s on a big piece of property with lots of room between the units.” The property features big, wide driveways and an all-asphalt surface. “The property is especially conducive to fleet parking,” he explained.

Lack of insurance is no laughing matter!

Fleet parkingGary Herold once leased space to JA Cleaning, which operated with sev-eral shifts of workers — many of them women — using the company stored on the property. “People left their cars in a secure area,” Lervik said, making it convenient and safe for employees’ after-dark coming and going.

Behind the scenes of the “front office work,” Henry now handles the overall maintenance coordination, while Ler-vik is in charge of marketing the units.

Why they joined the Chamber“I’ve been involved now in enough stuff . . . I’ve gone to Chamber After Hours and I enjoy meeting more local busi-ness people,” Lervik explained.

Henry, 49, who was already a Cham-ber member under H & S Enterprises, agreed with Lervik that Ocean Beach Self Storage should join the Chamber.

Lervik, 56, is a 25-year Weyerhaeuser employee who started as a chemical engineer and retired as site coordina-tor at the mill. He is an avid golfer and part-time consultant in project schedul-ing. He is upbeat about the local area’s economy.

“Things will get LOTS better in this town,” he said.

“Growth will move up this way . . . will fill in around Woodland and Kalama. More people will be living here and driving that way.”

As for what’s in their own business’ future, Lervik said he and Henry would like to host a Chamber After Hours at the complex. There should be ample space for a massive mixing and min-gling. And meeting Mitzi.

Meanwhile, next time you see Lervik or Henry at a Chamber event or around town, welcome them as new Chamber members. See if they are wearing their “Ocean Beach Self Storage” hats.

•••

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

By Susan Hoosier

TOOLBOXbusiness

Ready To WoRkGoodwill Luncheon

September 13, 201111:30am - 1pm

Cowlitz Regional Conference Center

Program Participant Rewards & Business Awards

Support a Dream. CHANGE A LIFE.To purchase tickets or sponsor a table, contact Tonya Muri at 800.584.7980 or via email:[email protected]

cont. from page 2

Welcome, New Chamber

Members!


FEEDING THE WORLD, BOOSTING THE LOCAL ECONOMY“What we are doing here will be great for the community,” says EGT facility manager

Just two years after the 2009 groundbreaking for the first new American grain terminal in 25 years, EGT is ready to roll. However, there is a glitch. “If it wasn’t for the labor problems,” said facility manager Jerry Gibson, “we’d be in business now.”

EGT invested $200 million in its leased site at the Port of Longview, installing 10 miles of train tracks, a barge unloading dock and technologies like telescoping spouts, an automated weight system and an air con-veyor belt system. The company says its state-of-the art export grain terminal will offer new opportunities for American farmers and new employment for highly-skilled American workers along the Columbia River, plus generate impressive new tax and Port revenues.

However, the ILWU (Longshoremen’s union) is asserting a right to all production and maintenance jobs on Port property and EGT operations have been stalled by the standoff. The matter is set to go to trial next spring.

Story by Sue Piper • Photos by Perry Piper

Jerry Gibson at EGT’s site at Port of Longview; Rainier, Oregon, is on the Columbia River’s opposite bank.

cont next page


A MESSAGE FROM EGTBy Larry Clarke, CEOFor generations, the Port of Longview has helped deliver American goods to the world, creating opportunities for our workers, farmers and busi-nesses. Today, the Port is poised to make history as home to the first export grain terminal built in the U.S. in more than 25 years.

EGT is ready to contribute to the continued economic success of the Longview community. By the time con-struction is complete, EGT will already have paid $11 million in Washington State sales tax alone. Once fully operational, EGT will more than double the number of vessels calling at the Port of Longview annually, creating about 50 new full-time jobs for local workers.

Unfortunately, the International Longshore and Ware-house Union (ILWU) is trying to prevent this facility from coming online through recent unlawful activity and violence. The community deserves to know the facts and have some much-needed context so that we can all move past these violent episodes and continue on the path of economic growth.

The EGT facility embodies the future of the grain han-dling industry. It was built with state-of-the-art technology to ensure EGT can compete not only with other terminals in the U.S. but with other countries. EGT was not built to accommodate a labor agreement.

To be clear, EGT never agreed, nor are we contractu-ally obligated, to employ ILWU labor. Regardless, EGT reached out to the ILWU for a preliminary conversation in early 2010. We asked them to consider an arrangement similar to what they gave our closest competitor on the Columbia River: Kalama Export.

The ILWU refused and instead demanded that EGT con-sider numerous costly and inefficient terms, including a surcharge in excess $20 per hour per employee to fund the international union’s critically underfunded pension. The ILWU would also mandate multiple work stoppages during shift changes, eliminating the very efficiencies in loading and unloading that this facility was designed for. What’s more, the ILWU made clear that they would refuse any request for a consistent team of employees, solely assigned to the EGT facility, which would be critical to maintaining an efficient and safe operation.

As a result, EGT explored other options, leading to a long-term agreement with a union contractor, General Construction, to staff our facility with local members of the International Union of Operating Engineers. General Construction and the local Operating Engineers are trained and experienced on the equipment in the EGT facility.

We are working to complete the testing phase of the development. And we are eager to bring the facility online this fall, not only so American farmers have better access to the export markets, but so that the Longview community starts to see the economic benefits that will flow from EGT’s operations. Our facility will provide $2 million in property taxes every year, benefitting the Longview School District, Cowlitz Road District, and the County General Fund. Our lease and other payments will provide the Port of Longview with up to $8 million in revenue each year. Officials estimate these payments alone will put the port on a sustainable financial footing, eliminating its need for subsidies from local taxpayers.

Right now, the only thing stopping the Longview com-munity from seeing the benefits of EGT’s investment is the ILWU. The sooner they stop their illegal tactics, the sooner we can get to work providing good, family wage union jobs for local workers and tax relief for Longview citizens.

“We’re not anti-union and we support family- wage jobs,” said Gibson, who moved to Kalama from New Orleans. “We built this place and we know how to manage it most effectively.” The company initially talked with ILWU represen-tatives and has since contracted with General Construction, which will staff the facility with local members of Operating Engineers Local 701. (See Message from EGT’s CEO, sidebar, this page.) Now in a testing phase, the facility is poised to begin fulfilling its role in the world marketplace.

The United State grows a lot of grain, Gibson explained, with an excess of corn, soy beans and wheat. Twenty percent of the national corn crop is exported. The primary places for export-ing grain are the mouth of the Mississippi River and the Pacific Northwest, which hosts 10 facili-ties on the Columbia River and Puget Sound.

All the other sites use older elevators, which can be upgraded, Gibson said, but “by (EGT’s) being a new site, it’s easier to make improve-ments and include new, innovative technolo-gies.”

Their GoalsEGT is owned by Bunge North American, along with ITOCHU (Japanese) and STX Pan Ocean (South Korean), who aim to help ensure the food supply for their countries. “The goal is to make money, Gibson said, “that’s what any busi-ness does.” But they also want to “help their countries create an avenue for greater food security.”

Certain areas of the world grow a lot more feed and food than they need, including the U.S., Brazil and Argentina, he said. “We compete against those (countries) for these customers (who can’t produce their own grain). Asia in particular has a rising demand.

“The U.S., due to technology (mostly genetics), is growing more and more every year,” Gibson said. “But there is not a big surplus and as the world population grows, it will be a challenge” to meet the need.

A total of about 50 people will work in EGT’s 24/7 operation, Gibson noted. But it’s very low-profile. Grain will come in by rail and go out by ship or barge. The site accommodates six 110-car trains, using a rail corridor which doesn’t cross any public traffic thoroughfares.

“Most people aren’t going to be aware we’re even here.”

EGT will pay $2 million in annual property taxes; $14 milion was generated in sales and B & O taxes through the construction phase, which employed many local sub-contractors.

“It’s a ‘slam dunk’ for the Port,” Gibson said, with $5–8 million to be generated annually by rental and ship fees. “This is all brand new busi-ness.” The Port District is subsidized by taxes collected from local taxpayers, which could be entirely offset by the new revenue if the Port so chooses, he noted.

Why Longview?Three things attracted EGT to Longview: good rail access, access to the Columbia River, with its deep water port, recently dredged to 43-foot draft (the Mississippi River, by comparison, is 48 feet), and a ready-to-develop site. The company also considered other areas along the Colum-bia River, Gibson said.

“There were other opportunities but we felt in the final assessment . . . you pick the best that’s available. No place is perfect,” he said. “The Port (of Longview) was good to work with.” Regarding the current labor dispute, he added, “The Port is caught in the middle.”

Rail, truck, Columbia River acces“This is an ‘economic engine’ for an area that should make it easier for companies, due to the inter-modal ship, rail and truck availability,” he said. “One of the positive things the U.S. has right now is import/export trade. We can leverage that and grow.”

“Longview is in a great place. There is great potential for continued growth,” capitalizing on its prime location and access to the world. The Pacific Northwest is the closest exchange point between the U.S. and half the world’s population –- China (1.3 billion), India (one bil-lion) and Indonesia, Japan and Korea.

“The trade that can move back and forth . . . a lot of that would want to flow” through our area, he said. “Business and labor and the com-munities could all grow with that.”

Longview, being a port city, needs to leverage all the positive things . . . they need to go with their strengths,” Gibson said. He is upbeat and optimistic about the future and about EGT’s operations here.

“What we are doing here will be great for the community.”

•••

EGT Export Grain Terminal cont from page 4


360-423-1924 • TOLL FREE 1-877-706-7272 • www.72degreesac.com

WA LIC# YOURCCE901J9

WE’vE MOvEd!

Due to phenomenal growth this past year we have moved our offices to a larger more prominent location. Although our address has changed, what remains the same is our competitive pricing, dedication to quality,and the highest levels of customer service.

Visit us at 1146 15th Avenue in Longview.WE aRE nOW LOcaTEd On ThE EasT sidE OF 15Th avEnuEbETWEEn FLORida and hEMLOck sTREETs. Call or visit in person or online. We’re available seven days a week, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, with no extra charge for weekend appointments. TUNE UP TIME!

Tune-Up Your A/C or Heat Pump only $72.

$189 Value. Limited time offer.

Doug Clay, Wizard of Comfort

We look forward to hearing from you!

A New Location To better serve you!Location: The cities of Kelso and Longview are located in Southwest Washington along the scenic Colum-bia River, 50 miles north of Portland, Oregon and 125 miles south of Seat-tle. The area boasts Weyerhaeuser, Longview Fibre Paper & Packaging and NORPAC as major industries. St. John Medical Center and Lower Columbia College provide services to the region.

Qualifications: The successful can-didate will be an inspirational leader with a high energy level who takes initiative and gets things done. This individual needs to be a strategic thinker who is able to transform vision and ideas into action. The ideal candidate needs to be outgoing, personable and a compelling spokes-person who is able to articulate the value of the Chamber to diverse audiences. The right candidate will have a passion for working with the business community. The President/CEO will be a relationship builder who understands the inter-play of political and business needs and is able to build collaborative and strategic partnerships.

Education/Experience: The suc-cessful candidate will have experience in Board Development, Staff Manage-ment, Membership Recruitment and Retention, Fundraising, Event Planning, Public Speaking, Volunteer Commit-tees, Government Relations, Economic Development, Media Relations, Publica-tions, Long Range and Strategic Plan-ning, Budget and Finance, and ability to work with City Government.

The candidate should have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in non-profit management, business administration, marketing or related field. The selected individual will have at least three to five years’ experience in a senior management role at a non-profit organization, preferably a chamber or association environment. He or she will possess strong budgeting and finance experience, good business judgment, strong management skills, and the ability to speak before small to large groups. It is preferable to have gradu-ated from the WACE Academy or US Chamber Institute program.

Compensation: Salary is dependent on experience; benefits plus retirement are offered.

POSITION AVAILABLEThe Kelso Longview Chamber is seeking to fill the full-time position of President/Chief Executive Officer .

To apply: Submit a cover letter and resume via e-mail to: [email protected] Deadline for receipt of applications: 5:00pm PST on Friday, Sept. 23, 2011.

THE LOWER COLUMBIA PROFESSIONALS“To promote and encourage the next generation of business and its professionals through community involvement, networking and education.”The LCP’s monthly networking event, generally the last Thursday of the month and hosted at different Chamber member locations, is not your typical networking event. The LCPs have created some very clever networking games around themes. to interact in a comfortable and fun environment. . . there is a networking poker game, Bingo,

Monopoly, Football, NASCAR: A Night at the Races, 007, and even a mystery person game, where you ask people questions to come up with who you think might be the mystery person. There are always donated door prizes. These network-ing events are becoming more and more popular and attracting not just the younger business generation,

but also the “young at heart.”

Education is a very important focus for the Lower Columbia Profes-sionals. Its Scholarship Fund is designed to help three local “young potentials” looking to further their business education. Over the past three years, LCPs awarded $3,750 in scholarships. This is not an easy task, but the LCPs are a very determined committee! In March 2008, they created an event titled “Bunc-Off with LCP,” hosted at the Red Lion Hotel & Conference Center in Kelso.

If your business is interested in supporting LCP, we are currently book-ing hosts for 2012 and accepting raffle prize donations for the Bunc-Off.

For more information you can always contact the Chamber team at 360.423.8400 or follow the LCP group on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LCProfessionals

Upcoming LCP EventsLCP Tailgate Party • Sept 29 Hosted by: Bicoastal Media

Bunc-Off with LCP • Nov 10 Hosted by: Red Lion Hotel & Conference Center


Strong as steel Governor, dignitaries celebrate Skyline Steel’s grand opening in Longview

From left: Skyline Steel CEO Laurent De May, Port of Longview Executive Director Ken O’Halloren, Arcelor Mittar CEO Philippe Darmayan, Gov. Christine Gregoire, and Port Commissioner Darold Dietz.

“The Port of Longview really is a rock star,” said Governor Christine Gregoire, referring to the Port’s high performance over the last three years. “Congratulations . . . for a job

well done. . . Longview has shown once again that it has the vision that is strong as steel.”

The occasion was Skyline Steel’s July 28th grand opening on its new, 35-acre site within the Port of Longview. The manufacturing facility will employ 60 workers to produce rolled and welded pipe, spiralweld pipe and threaded bar.

“It means 65 new jobs and that’s very important to Longview and to the State,” Gregoire said. “It says a lot about Longview, and especially the Port.

“It’s because of infrastructure,” Gregoire said. “To those who doubt that we need to invest in infrastructure, this is an example of where infrastructure leads to family wage jobs.”

Washington State will use Skyline Steel’s products, said Gregoire, in projects such as the Alaska Way viaduct and the new Columbia River crossing.

Skyline Steel chose Longview as part of its expansion in Western U.S. and Canada. CEO Lau-rent DeMay said Skyline’s products —used in bridges, ports, retaining walls, underground parking garages, environmental barrier walls and wind towers — are “long and heavy, not so easy to move.” Longview’s railway, waterways and I-5 access fulfilled the company’s needs, he said for “location, location, location.”

Not just the vision is strongThe floor will need to support a lot of weight, so was built “15 inches thick with a lot of rebar in it,” explained David Callantine, plant manger. “This is high profile, our best facility . . . a world class facility.” And it will be busy.

Highway products are mandated to use American products, explained Michael Chefren, Sky-line’s director of operations. “That helps.” On opening day, the facility already had “a backlog

of orders – enough work to take us through the fall.” Many of Sky-line’s local employees were previ-ously unemployed.

“My cousin ( a new hire) was out of work,” noted Jeremy Behrend, maintenance supervisor. Skyline’s opening in Longview, “should be a boost of confidence (for the com-munity). They’re definitely look-ing to expand. We’ve got all 35 acres and they want to use ‘em.”

Skyline’s parent company, Arcelor Mittal, is the world’s largest steel manufacturer, employing 300,000 worldwide,

“I very much like the Northwest,” said Philippe Dormayan, the com-pany’s CEO. “I think this is the place to see nature. In Europe it is crowded; we cannot see nature.” A Paris resident, he appreciates the 9-hour direct flight to Seattle and

Michael Chefren, Skyline Steel’s director of operations, stands inside a huge pipe used for making road and bridge supports.

“

was involved in picking the new site. Longview had the best logistics for the company’s needs, he said.

Presenting a special 18-inch long steel pipe “memento” to Port Commission President Darold Dietz, Dormayan said, “Our commitment is as strong and heavy as this piece.”

Celebrating the grand opening of “our newest Port partner . . . is amaz-ing.” Dietz responded. Usually caught up with policy matters, he said, “This week I was reminded of why I took this job.”

Thanking Skyline Steel for the confidence and commitment it has shown in Longview and the State of Washington, Port of Longview executive director Ken O’Hollaren said, “We look forward to a long-term partnership which will serve us and our community for many years to come.”

•••

Story by Sue Piper Photos by Perry Piper


5800 Ocean Beach Hwy • Longview, WA 98632

Our CEEP-Plus Lighting Program

offersbusinesscustomersCASHINCENTIVEStoimproveinefficientlightingsystems.

Call us to find out more and arrangefor an energy audit.

Cowlitz PUD Can helP yoUreDUCe yoUr eleCtriC bill

“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

“We’re expecting a continuation of the same until we have respon-

sible government and fiscally conservative representation.”

Dean PiotrowskiCommercial Banking

Officer, Columbia Bank, Longview

(360) 577-7514 • www.cowlitzpud.org

Question: Are you expecting business volume to be less, the same, or more than last year? How are you positioning your business to meet that projection in the coming holiday season or 4th Quarter?

“It’s going to pick up based on historical data and information we have. People with RVs bring them back to storage this time of year. . . we’re advertising.”

Butch Henry, Co-Owner. Ocean Beach Self Storage and H & S EnterprisesLongview

“I don’t think this economy will see a double dip. But in our business we should see electric usage go down due to weather conditions.”

Mark McCradyCommissionerCowlitz PUD, Longview

“I’m dreading the 4th Quarter. My biggest customer decided to ‘single

source.’ Now I’m getting my sales flyers out . .. knocking on doors. It’s what

everyone who relies on sales should be doing right now. It’s hard for the small local business to compete with the box

stores, Service is what we’re pushing (in order) to shine.”

“I would expect more busi-ness because even through the bad times, we’ve seen business increasing. We are working with new vendors to make our products more accessible.”

Michelle ErtzbergerSales Mgr

1st Choice Office Furniture, Chehalis

(formerly also in Longivew)

Derek CowanAccount ManagerMore Power Computers Rainier, OR

See more Watercooler comments, page 14.


Turning Downtown around

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Rick Winsman

Are Business Improvement Areas the answer?

Forty years ago, suburban shopping malls began to suck the life out of downtowns. Retail businesses and

offices in city centers were either closing or moving out to the suburbs. They left behind a huge void: places plagued by crime, deferred maintenance, and empty or abandoned properties. Downtowns were disintegrating and city planners, private developers, preservationists, property owners and city officials were seeking ways to stop the decline.

One of the more successful tools devel-oped to draw activity back to Main Street was the Downtown Business Improve-ment Area (BIA). Now, 40 years later, downtowns face a second kind of threat — an economic downturn that just does not seem to want to end. Downtown busi-ness and property owners are seeking ways to promote the Downtown Core and once again draw new business and people to Main Street. With the comple-tion of Longview’s Hyett/Palma study and looking at their recommendations for action that can be taken to accom-plish that goal, it is time to take a look at how these BIAs are doing and how they can address today’s challenges.

What is a BIA?Business improvement areas have sev-eral characteristics that differ from other community development and main street revitalization tools. They operate in a clearly defined area within which prop-

erty owners and/or business owners agree to be subject to a tax or fee self-assessed under city tax authority.

BIAs are established locally according to state enabling legislation. They oper-ate as non-profit 501(c)4 organizations, public-private partnerships or city agencies. They bring special skills and services to downtowns that local gov-ernments are unable to provide.

Today there are an estimated 1,600 downtown business areas in the United States in communities ranging in popu-lation from under 1,000 to more than 8 million. Some cities have multiple BIAs, each centered on a different neighborhood or commercial center. All states, except Wyoming, have legis-lation enabling BIAs and 48 states have at least one BIA program.

Utilizing a broader and more collab-orative effort for promoting and mar-keting downtowns and making them clean and safe, BIAs have undertaken creative approaches to downtown revi-talization and have been credited with many downtown turn-arounds. When BIAs were first formed in the 1970s and 1980s, their primary activities were removing litter, making the streets safe again and boosting local businesses. Over the years, BIAs have expanded the scope of their activities to include promotion of their unique setting and historic architecture, installation of

parks, benches, and specially designed streetscapes, and holding special events. As strong advocates for downtowns, they pressure local governments for services and help to change the rules to make these areas better places to live and work.

Key to a BIAs’ success are the alliances they form with other downtown boost-ers. Locally, the Longview Downtowners Association is patterned after one of the more frequent alliances, the Main Street Program of the National Main Street Center. This national group was formed in the 1980s to utilize preservation-based strategies to rebuild “places and enter-prises that create sustainable, vibrant and unique communities.” In addition, city planning and community develop-ment departments often provide impor-

tant strategic direction, regulations, technical assistance and infrastructure investments. Chambers of Commerce promote local businesses and attract tourism. Developers rehabilitate prop-erties that provide spaces for new busi-nesses and residents. Social and public service agencies offer assistance with problem behaviors and promote and celebrate cultural diversity.

Today’s ChallengesIn spite of their past successes, Busi-ness Improvement Areas are facing challenges not only from a weak econ-omy and sagging real estate invest-ment, but also from a host of new issues, including vacancies, homeless-ness and panhandling, graffiti, resi-dential-nightlife conflicts, and that 800 pound gorilla: parking.

CONTRACTORSMaximize your Cash

Department of Ecology Certified E-Waste ProgramOffI-5/Exit32West•2601N.HendricksonDr.•Kalama,WA98625LongviewLocation:1401IndustrialWayEcoMat-Suite400/500

360-673-3860Main•360-673-3869Faxwww.ecotechrecycles.com

EcoTech Recycles• Various Scrap Metals• Aluminum/Copper/Wire• Circuit Boards/Computers/ Monitors/TVs• 4 x 4 Crates/Barrels Available• Hours: 7:00am - 3:00pm


What’s happenin’

BUSINESS BITSDOWNTOWN

“Your business friendly florist”

Extend summer with a tropical bouquet

Corporate Gifts • EventsLobby Florals • PlantsEmployee Recognition

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

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

NEXT MEETING5:30 pm

Tuesday, Sept 13thLas Rocas

1260 CommerceAction Plan projects

progress reports

Propsed BIAreps from City, DT

Adisory Board and Chamber

Everyone is welcome. Come mix and mingle. Refreshments available.

To keep up with all the events and hap-penings, follow us on Facebook: Longview Downtowners

By Laurel Murphy

Queen Mattress Sets from

$2991413 Commerce Ave.

360-575-9804www.elamshf.com

Serving Cowlitz County andColumbia County since 1987

FREELOCAL

DELIVERY

FOR RENT

Enjoy working in historic downtown Longview

C a l l 3 6 0 - 6 3 6 - 0 9 9 3

Longview Founder Robert A. Long’s former office overlooking Commerce Ave.

$350 - Utilitiesincluded

Sharing the Sacrifice ~ Sharing the InvestmentDowntown Longview consists of approximately 250 busi-nesses and property owners; 85 businesses and friends are members of the Longview Downtowners. The yearly dues collected from these members are not enough to fund their current projects: Downtown Live, 150 side-walk gardens, cleanup of streets and alleys, Christmas decorations and parade, bike racks, etc. At the August general meeting, the Downtowners adopted a list of short-term action items from the HyettPalma Action Plan.

Rick Winsman, President of the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce has a solution. At the August meeting, Rick pre-sented the idea of forming a Downtown Business Improvement Area (BIA) A BIA is a special assessment district that business owners establish to revitalize and enhance their neighborhood. The purpose of the BIA is to fund the programs that imple-ment the HyettPalma 5-year Action Plan. Property owners and businesses vote to tax themselves to fund these projects. The amount of the assessment rate is a sliding scale based on gross annual revenue.

The benefit of this idea is that it involves all, rather than just a few, of the downtown business and property owners in the Downtown revitalization effort. For more information about the BIA proposal, contact Rick Winsman at 360-423-8400 and plan to attend the September 13 Longview Down-towners general membership meeting (See sidebar, at right and Rick Winsman’s article, page 9).

Volunteer Story 1: LOG The Longview Outdoor Gallery will be installing 11 sculp-tures on Commerce Street the week after Labor Day, with an installation kick-off on September 10. The sculptures will be on display for two years. In Summer 2012, the pub-lic will vote on a piece for the LOG task force to purchase and donate to the City of Longview. The task force will then issue another call for artists and select new sculptures for 2013. The LOG Task Force is raising the $30,000 two-year cost for this project from community private donations and

sponsors. For more information, contact Jeanene LeRae at 360-414-3103.

Volunteer Story 2: Curb appeal Hans Schaufus, one of the founding members of the LOG Task Force, has taken on responsibility for the

maintenance of the neglected down-town planters. Hans emailed me:

“On Sunday afternoons I’ve been put-ting in a few hours cleaning up the planters. I want to get them as nice looking as possible before the 9/10 installation day. I feel curb appeal is an important goal for the downtown face lift.”

Thank you, Hans. Thank you also to Dan and Cindy Ouellette (ZoJo Coffee) who upgraded the planters when Dan was president of the Longview Downtowners and Mic McCoy, who has spent many, many, many hours on improv-ing curb appeal.

Volunteer Story 3 The August 6 combination of the 2nd Annual Longview Grand Prix Criterium and 1st Annual Squirrel Festival at the

Civic Center was a great success. Thanks to Highlander Cycling, the Longview Sandbaggers and sponsors and volunteers who brought these events to our community.

•••

Highlander Cycling... Where Good Times Begin.

1313 Commerce ave. longview, wa 98632

360-353-3790www.Highlander-Cycling.com

www.facebook.com/highlandercycling

POSITIVECHANGE

WORKtogether

How can we all effectively

in Downtown Longview?

FOR

Laurel Murphy has been writing about activities in Downtown Longview for four years and is a volunteer for the Longview Downtowners. She lives in Kalama.


Many cities throughout the country have an outdoor sculpture program. Following the example of Puyal-lup, Port Angeles, Cannon Beach and Lake Oswego, the Longview Outdoor Gallery task force issued a call to artists, which brought in 23 applications. Judges picked 11 sculptures to be installed Sept. 10 and exhibited for two years.

A “People’s Voice” vote will be held September–December and the favorite piece will be purchased for perma-nent installation in the Downtown area. All new sculptures on display will be for sale, offering an incentive for artists to participate.

Financial support is needed for this enhancement to Downtown. The program is funded by donations. To make a gift in any amount, contact any of the following:

Jeanene LeRae 360-414-3103Tim Cusick 503-708-0669Laurel Murphy 360-673-3866Mary Jane Melink 360-636-2213Pat Reistroffer 360-636-5125Hans Schaufus 360-425-7911Jeff Jolly 360-442-8020Gitta Makinster 360-430-0506Allan Rudberg 360-414-3124Penny Willis 360-430-4329

BRIEFSbusiness

Send info on promotions, expansions, significant happenings and personnel achievements to: [email protected]

Submissions may be edited for length, style and consistency. New members are invited to be interviewed for a “mini-feature” vignette in Kelso-Longview Business Connection. Call 360-423-8400.

NEWS?Got

Lisa Nathan

A while back, the Cowlitz County Department of Emergency Manage-ment launched our Blog and Twitter account as part of our social media footprint. But this week, it became even easier to get information from DEM without ever having to establish your own “Twitter Account.” If you are like me and tend to shy away from newfan-gled technology like smart phones and “the” Twitter, this is a great option for you to stay informed without spending a bunch of money or confusing yourself with apps and data plans and whatever else the kids are doing these days. (Yes, it’s true, inside my Gen-X body lives a crotchety geriatric. Get off my lawn! Pull up your pants! Get a haircut! Get a job!)

Anyway, to receive the DEM Twitter messages directly to your cell phone, simply:

1.Put 40404 on the “To” line of your Text Message

2.Put FOLLOW Cowlitzdem in the ‘Body” of the Text Message

To stop receiving our Twitter messages via text messaging, simply text UNFOL-LOW Cowlitzdem to the same number.

You will receive an auto-message which confirms you are following or have unfollowed our Twitter feed. It takes about 5 minutes to confirm and receive any tweets from that day. If there are no new tweets that day, it may not send you anything until another tweet is entered.

This is an opt-in service and DEM is not able to determine who does or doesn’t follow us via text messaging. Standard text-messaging rates will apply based on your cell phone carrier and plan.

We are excited about this option because mobile texting is more com-mon than Twitter accounts in most com-munities, so it is another way for us to get important messages out to our local community in a timely manner.

So, that’s all . . . until we tweet again.

For more information, contact: Jen-nifer Engkraf, Emergency Manage-ment, Cowlitz County Sherriff’s Office, 360.577.3130.

• • •

UNTIL WE TWEET AGAINFollow Cowlitz DEM via text messaging

Lisa Nathan, a trust administrator with Heritage Bank in Longview, has been awarded the Certified Trust & Financial Advisor (CTFA) designation from the Institute of Certified Bankers (ICB), a subsidiary of American Bankers Associa-tion in Washington, D.C. She received the national designa-tion based on her experience in the trust industry and her excellence in the field of wealth management and trust. To qualify for the award, Nathan passed an in-depth examination after three years of con-centrated studies through the national Institute of Certified Bankers. Classroom education was held by Cannon Financial Institute at Notre Dame University in South Bend, Indiana. Individuals earn-ing the CTFA designation agree to abide by a strict code of professional ethics. All CTFA certification recipients must meet continuing education requirements in their field of expertise.Nathan has been with Heritage Bank since 2007. She coordinates the bank’s participation in the meals on wheels pro-gram benefiting local senior citizens. She is on the board of the Kelso Rotary Club, the Monticello Camera Club, and the Columbia Council of Camera Clubs. She is a longtime Longview resident and vol-unteers with the Cowlitz County Fair and Rodeo.

Early Edition Rotary’s Harvest Classic will be held on Saturday, Oct. 1st. All proceeds of the 10k Run/Walk

and 1/4 mile Pee- Wee Fun Run benefit HELP Warehouse, a community action organization which provides food to hun-gry people in Cowlitz and Wahkiakum Counties. For more info: [email protected].

Southwest Washington Symphony will kick off the 2011-12 season with its Season Opening Gala on Sunday, October 9th from 5-9pm. Dance to the smooth sounds of Left Coast Jazz and enjoy hors d’oeuvres, dancing, a silent auction, door prizes and a no-host bar.Tickets are $20. For more info, call Chas Dean, 360-423-1538.

SCORE PRESENTS WORKSHOP FOR STARTING OR EXPANDING YOUR BUSINESS “Your Business: Plan It, Start It, Grow It”WHEN: Sept. 24WHERE: Clark College Columbia Tech Center, 18700 SEW Mill Plain Blvd, Van-couver, WA. WHO IS IT FOR? Individuals consider-ing starting a small business and cur-rent business owners wanting to review business financial and forecasting con-cepts. The full day session is designed to make sure you get off to the best start possible. You’ll learn how to build a business plan to help you start or grow your business at the lowest risk possible. We’ll discuss identifying and understanding your markets as well as juggling all the tasks required to suc-cessfully run a small business.COST: $85 per attendee. Use a major

credit card via PayPal’s secure site.HOW TO REGISTER Online: www.scorevancou-ver.org/workshops Look for “Workshop Calendar & Registration.”Or call 360-699-1079. Register early, seating is lim-ited. A confirmation email will be sent to you.

Sculptures by Mark Andrew, a LOG artist

Outdoor art coming to Downtown Longview


1 . The Changing Retail EnvironmentDespite the continued call for a new Sears or Penny’s or Old Navy in our downtown core, the days of anchor stores downtown that attracted other stores and restaurants and brought the shoppers in are long gone. Even the specialty stores that replaced many of these retailers when they moved to the malls have retai-lored their business plans and relocated to higher foot traffic count locations, leav-ing BIAs to ponder the future of retail-ing in a downtown environment.

Nevertheless, there are promis-ing developments in downtown retailing that BIAs are guid-ing, including the emergence of “Shop Local” and “Farm to Table” campaigns that support patron-age of locally-owned and independent businesses and locally-produced food. These ini-tiatives reflect a growing interest nationwide in defin-ing and marketing a community’s unique character and assets — to contrast with the blandness and sameness of regional malls and suburban strip developments. Roberta Gratz, an award-winning journalist and urban critic, refers to this as a time for “rebirth of local opportunities” and predicts that big projects are not going to be the savior of small-town downtowns, but rather the smaller, deliberate steps of local people.

It appears that campaigns supporting local businesses and products are having some results. Our own Shop Local – It Matters! pro-gram showed that more shoppers deliberately sought out local businesses in the 2010 holi-day season than in the previous year. There is a resurgence of farmers markets locally and some of our restaurants promote local veg-etables, cheese, meat and fruit now as more and more consumers demand better, safer, organic, and locally-produced food.

Another promising development is the reuse of large, vacant downtown spaces for art stu-dios, incubator businesses, and showrooms that become the new anchors in downtowns. Examples nation-wide demonstrate the “thinking outside the box” approach of col-leges creating classrooms in vacant down-town buildings, businesses converting vacant bank buildings into offices, and non-profit art groups transforming old downtown buildings into places for education in the visual arts.

2 . Problem BehaviorsProblem behaviors within the downtown core area, including vagrancy, panhandling, drug dealing, and homelessness, deters visitors and residents. Unfortunately, downtowns are also the places where social services, including shel-ter, food, health care and counseling, are located

to serve these popula-tions. The challenge for the downtown district is how to remain a center for all members of the community while mini-mizing the intrusion of problem behaviors.

One approach to prob-lem behaviors utilized by BIAs is a street outreach program. Programs such as Downtown Ambassa-dors, City Guides, and Community Policing go a long way in address-ing problems in a city’s small downtown. These programs put skilled workers and volunteers on the street to connect people to community services that may assist their needs and deter problem behaviors.

3 . GraffitiLarger cities have always been address-ing problems associ-ated with graffiti. But now even small towns are having to deal with these “artists.” This is a challenge for BIAs with limited resources, but businesses know that they must respond

promptly and effectively — preferably within 24 hours.

4 . Residential Growth in the DowntownA positive development in recent years is the growth of permanent residents of all incomes in downtowns. Many come seeking more con-venient lifestyles where they can walk to shops, services and entertainment while downsizing their living spaces. Young people look for prox-imity to nightlife and entertainment.

Although many BIAs maintain their business focus and don’t have many residents, some are shifting to embrace residential development as a core part of their mission and are welcoming resident members to their boards.

But more residents can bring conflicts for down-towns. Residents complain about late night noise from bars and nightclubs, early daytime noise from construction and garbage collection, public drunkenness, and disorderly conduct. Residents demand more police presence to address these problems, yet most acknowledge that a lively nightlife is important to the health of the downtown.

Some BIAs have set up committees made up of bar and restaurant owners, music venue owners

and operators, police and BIA staff. These committees have been suc-cessful in mitigating problems by working with owners and operators of bars and nightclubs and cooperating with police and other members of city government while advocating for a vibrant nightlife in the city. According to the National Main Street Center, some downtowns are establishing hospitality zones with patrols that are funded by voluntary contributions to address these problems. The national Responsible Hospitality Institute recommends best practices for hospitality zones and provides a network for people who work in these areas.

5 . Transportation ChallengesMeeting the needs of diverse populations for transportation within a small area that is also a transportation hub can be challenging for downtown districts. Many are determined to make parking plentiful, convenient, and cheap to compete successfully with suburban loca-tions with their acres of free parking. Yet, it is clear that continually expanding parking is not a solution for dense downtowns and that use of alternative modes of transportation must be encouraged.

BIAs are working on long term solutions that promote walking, bicy-cling, and transit to and around downtowns. To do this, they partner with transit agencies to provide regular bus loops within downtowns that are discounted or free for shoppers, employees, and residents. They help install and maintain bus shelters. Downtown employers are encouraged to offer bus passes in addition to parking passes. Bicycle racks are part of the streetscape that is regularly provided. Some BIAs operate programs in partnership with local businesses through which bicycles can be rented and bike rental passes can be obtained.

Many of the basic services of BIAs serve to promote a more pedes-trian-friendly environment. BIAs clean, sweep and repair sidewalks, make crosswalks safe and accessible, provide adequate lighting, and offer amenities such as benches. They also keep the downtown streets visually interesting for the pedestrian with holiday lighting, store dis-plays, plantings, and wall murals.

6 . New Advances in PromotionMany BIAs are utilizing social media to promote and market down-towns, keep them clean and safe, and stretch limited resources. BIAs ask people to become “fans” on Facebook, “tweet” about upcoming

President’s Message / Downtown Longviewcont. from page 9


Your SECURE STORAGE Professionals

SECURITY YOU CAN TRUST • RATES YOU CAN AFFORD

• Secure Fleet Parking• Camera Surveillance System• Resident Manager• Secure Parking for your company vehicles, with 24/7 employee access. Employee’s car is also secure while using company van.• Carports and RV/Boat/Trailer spaces available (covered with 3 sides)• Completely Fenced, Lighted & Paved (100% asphalt) • Lots of room between units• 24/7 Gate Access• RV Sewage Dump Available• All rent rates listed on website

360.577.1760www.oceanbeachselfstorage.com

Carports and Fleet ParkingWIDE VARIETY OF ENCLOSED AND HEATED UNITS

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

events and new store openings on Twit-ter, and post videos on YouTube. Some even develop “apps” for people to report problems, such as graffiti or public drunkenness, or to locate historic sites, entertainment venues, restaurants, markets, and shops. In addition, social media, such as LinkedIn, have assisted BIAs with networking with each other.

Summing Up:Many downtowns have benefited from BIAs over the years, and BIAs still per-form an important function today. Their adaptability to changes in retailing, social marketing, diversifying popula-tions, and shifts in national and local economies will be key to their success in the future. So far, even the small BIAs have proven that they can embrace these new challenges and be successful.

With the recommendations coming from the Hyett/Palma study justnow beginning the implementation process, Longview can provide certainty and sus-tainability to the redevelopment of the core downtown by looking very seri-ously at creating a BIA within the next 90 days. I think it is very much one of the answers that downtown must be willing to accept to be successful.

Finally.•••

About the Author:

Rick Winsman has been the President/CEO of the Kelso Longview Chamber of Com-merce for the past six years. In that capacity, he represents the interest of approxi-mately 750 business located in and around the cities of Longview and Kelso. Prior to that, Mr. Winsman served five years as a Planning Commissioner for the City of Santa Clarita, California, where he oversaw the redevelopment of that city’s down-town business core.

23 Club Lounge 23club• Furnished or unfurnished

• Fully equipped kitchens• All utilities paid• Full housekeeping The best

meetings take place at the '23 Club!

HAPPY HOUR•4 to 6pmLIVE MUSIC•Fri & Sat

• Beer & Wings •Cheeseburgers• Nachos • Karaoke

Fine Dining|Amenities• Fine dining at Ginger’s Restaurant• 23 Club Lounge & Bar• Business Center at front desk staffed 24 hours• Small to large meeting rooms

Executive Suites|Corporate AptsThe Monticello Hotel & Restaurant

Civic Center•Longview, WA•360.425.9900Civic Center•Longview, WA•360.425.9900


MARK YOUR CALENDARS

2011-2012 Board of DirectorsOFFICERSFrank 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

Lower Columbia Professionals CommitteeAaron DawsonOpsahl Dawson & Co.

Carey MackeyRed Canoe Credit Union

David Schaafsma

De De BrillCommunity Home Healthand Hospice

Erik GuttormsenFibre 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 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/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

Water Cooler cont from page 8

Question: Are you expecting business volume to be less, the same, or more than last year? How are you positioning your business to meet that projection in the coming holiday season or 4th Quarter?

“I expect that we’re going to do real well, after the roller coaster of emotions we’ve had the last couple

of weeks. We can offer people things that give relief from economic stress. We are partnering with some

artists, filling some dates, to be able to offer very affordable shows, including the Rainy Day Series.”

Michelle NussoDirector of DevelopmentColumbia Theatre for the

Performing Arts, Longview

“Business will stay the same or drop a bit. We focus on helping people survive the holiday, and on long-term goals.”

Jeff Jolly, Health CoachTake Shape for LifeLongview

Sept 1Ribbon Cutting Event – Progress Center

Sept 7Education Committee Meeting

Sept 12Member2Member Monthly Mailing Deadline

Sept 20Business After Hours – Rockin’ off the River with Stewart Title

Sept 21Lower Columbia Professionals Com-mittee Meeting

Sept 22Quarterly Membership Luncheon – State of the Cities

Sept 29Lower Columbia Professionals – Tailgate Party @ Bicoastal Media

TUNE IN Every WEDNESDAYYour Chamber ConnectionKEDO AM1400 - 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.

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

Heritage Bank, Columbia Ford Auto Group, Fibre Federal Credit Union, Capstone Cellars, PeaceHealth/St John Medical Center, Banda’s Bouquets, Busack Electric, The Bistro Restaurant & Wine Club, Koelsch Senior Com-munities, The Valley Bugler Newspa-per, TwinStar Credit Union, Columbia Bank, Heartsong Massage, Pacific Tech Constrution, US Bank, More Power Computers, Fresenius Medical Care, Lemondrop Photography, Columbia

River Reader, Evergreen Healthcare Companies, PNE Construction, South-west Washington Symphony, Walstead Mertching & Longfibre, 15 East Res-taurant, Columbia Theatre for the Per-forming Arts, Copies Today Speedy Litho, Lower Columbia College, Global Images Graphic Design & Marketing, Red Lion Hotel & Conference Center, Frontier Rehabilitation & Extended Care Center and First Choice Office Furniture.

MEGA MIXER 2011 SPONSORS AND RAFFLE PRIZE/GOODY BAG DONORS cont from page 1

“I think it’ll be up. The weather has been so nice with this late summer. We’re trying to

bring businesses, elected officials and cities together in a summit on Oct. 20 to begin a

strategic planning process.”Mark Plotkin

Cowlitz County Tourism Director

Kelso

“Our feeling is there is a pent-up demand for new vehicles. As the economy picks up, people will buy new cars.”

John WesterfeltNissan Executive ManagerColumbia Ford Lincoln Hyundai Nissan, Longview

“We are anticipating more business because there is slightly less fear this year. There has been

enough common sense that people have made enough adjustment.”

Patrick Palmer, OwnerCopies Today Speedy Litho, Longview


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

cutting and certificate presentation ceremonies.

Please be sure to visit and welcome this recently-opened new business:

1329 Commerce Ave. Downtown LongviewWed–Sat 5 pm ‘til . . . ?

Makeyourreservationsonlineat

www.thebistrobuzz.comorcall360.425.2837

Office Parties Corporate Events

Weddings Social After-hours

Holiday Parties

Special Events

Every Friday and Saturday night!

Live Music

Wine Tasting the first Thursday of the month!

Wine Tasting

The B

istro

re

Sta

Ur

an

t &

win

e C

lU

b

OFFICE DEPOT600 Triangle Center, Longview


Call today to see how we can help you.

PNE CONSTRUCTION

6TH�AVENUE�COMPLEX�•�CAMAS,�WA

1081�Columbia�Blvd.�Longview,�WA

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

DEMAND FOR AMERICAN GRAIN IS GROWING.

TOGETHER, WE’LL BE READY TO DELIVER.

LEARN MORE AT WWW.EGTSERVICES.COM/FACTS

For generations, the Port of Longview has been a source of pride and an economic engine for our community. Now, the port is set to make history.

This fall, EGT will open the nation’s first new export grain terminal in 25 years. The state-of-the-art facility will put Longview at the forefront of international trade, more than doubling the number of vessels calling at the Port of Longview, adding new jobs for local union workers and creating new opportunities for American farmers to export grain and for suppliers along the Columbia River to grow their business.

EGT’s operations will generate more than $2 million in property taxes to benefit local schools, and increase the Port of Longview’s revenue by up to $8 million each year, cutting the tax burden on local families.

More jobs, more economic growth, lower taxes for local families. That’s what EGT means for Longview.

chamber 0911

Documents