March-April 2011

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No Business After Hours March 22! Sneak peek inside the NEW downtown library.

BE THERE! Details inside.

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Contentsmarch / April 2011

March/April 2011 • Advancing the Business Community. • www.vancouverusa.com2

4 From the Chair How the Legislature Can Help Business By Jeff Woodside, GVCC Board Chair

4 From the PAC-Chair Taking It to the Top By Don Russo, Public Affairs Committee Chair

5 From the CEO Getting It Done By Kelly Parker, GVCC President & CEO

6 Wally Hornberger

8 Spotlight: Deane’s Graphics

10 5-Minute Motivation

14 GVCC Cash Referral Program

15 Member Services: • Ribbon Cuttings • Member News • New Members • Renewing Members

1101 Broadway, Suite 100Vancouver, WA 98660

[email protected]

www.vancouverusa.com

ChamberNews (USPS 008786) is published bi-monthly by the Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, 1101 Broadway, Suite 100,

Vancouver, WA 98660. Tel. 360-694-2588, Fax 360-693-8279. ChamberNews annual subscription is $25. Periodicals postage

paid at Vancouver, WA.

Postmaster: Send all address changes to ChamberNews, 1101 Broadway, Suite 100, Vancouver, WA 98660

This publication is dedicated to providing Chamber business news, educating the reader, and providing critical comment.

Volume 39 • Number 2 • March / April 2011

12-13New Vancouver Community Library Opens in July

Thanks!

Thank you to all the participants and a special thank you to our sponsors: Legacy Salmon

Creek Medical Center, Alaska Airlines, On Line Support and The Columbian

On Line Support

Water & Air Works

Distinctively Home

Chaotic Chocolate

Volcanoes & Paul Montague

Alaska Airlines

Legacy Health

Rebecca Blaisdell & GVCC Staff

• • •

From the PAC-Chair

Jeff Woodside Nutter CorporationChair, Board of Directors

Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce


Businesses want to hire.

I’ve heard elected officials encourage us to start hiring again. Perhaps you’ve heard them too. They tell us that business holds the key to starting up the economic engine. I appreciate the role that business plays in this recovery. But I wonder if those same elected officials have given much thought to the hurdles that they inadvertently place in our way. I think of two issues at the state level that significantly affect our ability to afford to hire where legislators can show their support. As employers we pay unemployment insurance taxes for each employee. The state announced earlier this winter those taxes would sharply increase; the second largest increase in more than 20 years after 2010 increases of as high as 196-479% at some companies. It was very hard to understand how rates could increase by this much for individual companies that had paid over $580,000 more in premiums to the state in the prior 5 years than in benefits charged to accounts. The State Legislature argued whether to impose the tax to pay for state employment programs. In the heat of the partisan debate, Vancouver

Each year members of your Board of Directors and of the Public Affairs Committee make a special trip to Olympia to take your concerns to the folks at the helm. Last year and again this year, our agenda includes

a private meeting with Governor Chris Gregoire and key staff, including state Department of Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond, as well as our local elected officials.

As we reported last month, we’ll be taking the regional business message to our elected officials, including key points that formed the basis of the joint 2011 Legislative Agenda with Identity Clark County and the Columbia River Economic Development Council. This year our message is all about re-building, re-igniting, and re-invigorating our economy. We believe that our economy should and can be a truly powerful force in our region and the entire state.

Another important message we will take to Gov. Gregoire and others in Olympia is that the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce and the Southwest Washington business community are fully behind the efforts to continue making progress on the Columbia River Crossing project. As the City of Vancouver Mayor noted just the other day, “This bridge is about community, it’s about a new economy, and it’s about believing in the future. Let’s get this thing built.”

Your Chamber believes that this community is willing to make the investment, along with the citizens of Oregon and our state and federal partners, because without the Columbia River Crossing and our commitment, we lose our ability to do what this Chamber of Commerce is all about – growing business, growing jobs, and growing our future.

How the Legislature Can Help Business

Taking it to the Top

From the Chair

Don Russo Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt

Immediate Past Board Chair, Public Affairs Committee Chair


continues on page 7

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The next time you drive along SR14, look south to the river and you’ll see signs of growth. The two angled large structures stretching out over the shoreline remind us that economic growth comes, but in time.

Thompson Metal Fab has been working on the two arctic oil drilling rigs for more than a year. Most of the work went unnoticed by the public until now. These are the positive signs that we look for as businesses and pragmatic optimists.

At the Chamber, we see signs of progress every week. Come to a ribbon cutting and you’ll see how the Chamber community supports new members. Come to a workshop and you’ll see Chamber members sharing ideas. Come to our next NO BUSINESS AFTER HOURS on March 22nd and you’ll feel the enthusiasm and strong sense of community.

As people and as businesses, we tend to band together during tough times in order to sustain and prevail. I see that happening in the marketplace and admire the creativity of businesses that have developed new partnerships to be successful. Here at the Chamber, we are strengthening our ties with our fellow business organizations for the common good.

Recently, I joined our counterparts from the Seattle, Spokane and Tri-Cities Chambers of Commerce and met with our state legislative leaders in Olympia. We presented our legislative priorities and articulated the business voice on issues such as tax relief and regulatory reform. Together our voice comes through loud and clear. I participated in the Association of Washington Business Legislative Lobby Day and

March/April 2011 • Advancing the Business Community. • www.vancouverusa.com 5

Kelly Parker President & CEO


The Next Time You Drive Along SR14

From the CEO

continues on page 9


As a GVCC Ambassador for more than 25 years, Wally Hornberger

is truly a Chamber representative. We’d like to thank Wally for his many years of volunteer service and for his commitment not only to the GVCC but the community.

Not surprisingly, when it comes to Wally’s community outreach and volunteer activities, GVCC involve-ment is just the tip of the iceberg. Wally joined Coldwell Banker Commercial in 1980 after working

at Payless pharmacy. In fact, he has a Bachelor of Science degree from North Dakota State University. Wally served on the Clark County Planning Commission for 14 years. He is a past GVCC Board of Direc-tors Chair. Wally is a Rotary Club past President and previously served on the Columbia River Economic Development Council board.

Wally’s service is not limited to Clark County. He served with the U.S. Marines during World War II and is known as a “true patriot.”

When Wally enters a room, he is always preceded by his smile and generous spirit. He is a perfect exam-ple of what the GVCC Ambassadors are all about. We are truly appreciative of all he does and would simply like to say, THANK YOU! n

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Ambassador Honors:

HornbergerWally

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From the chair cont...continued from page 4

State Senator Craig Pridemore stood up for business going against his party’s caucus. We are fortunate in SW Washington to have strong representation on behalf of business from our 17th, 18th and 49th legislative districts.

Our local elected official recognized the chilling effect it would have on businesses trying to expand just like it chilled companies in 2010. Thank you to all our representatives and senators for your efforts to help find a common-sense solution for the next two years. This will begin to allow companies to recover from the sharp 2010 increase and compete with companies from states to the south and east of Washington. A second pressing issue that affects businesses is Workers’ Compensation Reform. It’s badly needed and it’s under debate in Olympia. It may prove to be too challenging to resolve in this legislative session. I had a chance to talk with Don Brunell who leads the Association of Washington Business. He spoke at a recent Chamber meeting. He says the task at hand

is daunting. But all agree, the current system is not sustainable without significant reform. For businesses struggling with the increase in Workman’s Comp rates there is partial relief available through the Chamber. It’s called RETRO. The Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce has one of the most successful programs in the state. I encourage you to consider whether your company might be eligible. Our local administrator, Scott Croucher works effectively to reduce risk and loss, and our participating businesses realize healthy returns on their L&I premiums paid to the state. To learn more about RETRO, your eligibility and your potential refund, give us a call at the Chamber office (360) 694-2588. Every little bit helps as businesses look for ways so that we can afford to hire good people who can help us grow and prosper. We are not look-ing for a free lunch, just fair consideration from our elected officials who have authority over the fees and taxes we pay. It’s vitally important our business voice is heard in Olympia and in Washington D.C. The voice of the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce comes through loud and clear. n


In 1981, John and Debbie Deane turned the family room in their home in Vancouver’s

Lincoln neighborhood into a graphic arts studio, complete with a drafting table, state- of-the-art Compugraphic photo typesetter and VGC Daylighter stat camera. They boasted over 500 type fonts, original design and illustration with complete paste-up and layout when they placed their first ad in the local phone book.

With strict orders for their dog Otis, not to bark and their kids not to make “kid” noises, they took a leap of faith to see if they could turn their experience and talents into a successful cottage industry. The small but thriving business stayed at home until they bought their current location at 302 W. 39th St., and made, what was to them, a milestone move to the real business world in July of 1988.

Soon, the photo typesetter and the stat cameras were replaced with high-end Macintosh computer equipment, and Deane’s Graphics became the premier design studio of Southwest Washington. Early accounts like Columbia Cable, Racing Rags, and Platt Electric helped Deane’s prove their ability to create and produce

fresh marketing ideas while still making tight deadlines. The biggest challenge was meeting the large corporate needs while still working successfully with many small businesses. A juggling feat the Deane’s learned to master early in their career.

John still uses his drafting table for sketching out penciled thumbnails (many are suitable for framing) and oversees the computer graphics of head designer Brian Ellefson, who has worked for Deane’s since 1991, and daughter Sheri Shorten who has developed her own unique design style. Debbie runs the business part of Deane’s, meets with clients, and does some copywriting and editing. The “kids” are all now busy with careers and families of their own, and Otis has gone to doggie heaven replaced by “Loui” the Deane’s 14-year-old Jack Russel who took over the barking duties at home. For information about the company go to: www.deanes-graphics.com n

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SpotlightCongrats to Deane’s Graphics! Celebrating 30 Years in Business!

Member• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

John still uses his drafting table for sketching out

penciled thumbnails


appreciate their work on behalf of businesses statewide.

In Southwest Washington, our local busi-ness organizations are working together to support you through a campaign called “Do We Get It.” It’s a question posed to the com-munity that asks all of us to consider how we spend our money in Southwest Washington. Every year, Clark County residents spend ap-proximately $915 million in Oregon, costing our community revenue and jobs. Right now more than ever, our purchasing decisions translate into loss or gain for our local busi-nesses.

The Southwest Washington Association of Business Leaders, known as SWWABL, launched its “Do We Get It” campaign to help increase awareness of the issue and support our local businesses. As consumers we make daily decisions that help or hinder our local businesses. As businesses, we challenge

From ceo cont...continued from page 5

ourselves to ask the same question: “Can I buy this product or service on the Washington side of the river?” If you’re a member of the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, have you considered doing business with a fellow Chamber member? Our membership directory on our website is easy to navigate. When we support each other, we prosper. n

From PAc-chair cont...continued from page 4

MASTHEAD DIMENSIONS: 700 pixels x 80 pixels (9.722” x 1.11” @ 72 dpi)(per Staci Tucker 4-12-07)

Sign up for your Free daily business e-newsletter!

The Columbian’s new business e-newsletter provides you timely news and information about what’s happening

in Clark County’s expanding business community.

To subscribe to The Columbian call 360-694-2312.

020811SPEC6462

Here’s how you sign up to get your free e-newsletter:

1. Go to www.columbian.com/newsletters

2. Fill in your name, company, zip code and email address.

3. Click the box next to Business Today. (or any of our 3 e-newsletters)

4. Click ‘subscribe’ button.

5. Your e-newsletter will arrive at your inbox the next business day.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

We recognize that there is a loud and at times raucous discussion over tolls, light rail, the needs of the two states, and the communi-ties on both sides of the river. We cannot, however, allow these different points of view to cause us to throw up our hands, give up and walk away. It takes courage to navigate through difficult and complex projects.

Your Chamber has the courage to work through these challenges because we cannot afford to quit and give up. The older bridge span has served us for 95 years – the “newer” span is more than a half century old. Neither

span will survive an earthquake. As our population continues to grow in the Vancouver/Portland metropolitan area and as we seek to move more and more freight by truck, can our economy really afford the routine 30-minute interruption of commerce while a sailboat causes a bridge lift? We think not.

Please help us invest in our community and our region for the benefit of the entire west coast. You can learn more about the project by going to the Chamber website where we have a special section with frequently asked questions. You can call the Chamber directly to learn how to get more directly involved. Help us build the bridge now. n


All the planning in the world will do nothing for you if you don’t follow

through. Many of us would like more motivation. Motivation to stay on track. Motivation to get more done. But, what is motivation? The drive to do something.

Often we refer to motivation in terms of on or off, you either have it or you don’t. Mostly we notice it as a feeling, but what if it could be a strategy? Here is a process for using motivation as a strategy to change the feeling and stay focused.

We all have internal representations for different activities. These may be mental pictures, words, sounds and feelings. When we think of something, an activity, or a person, the brain brings up these mental pictures and associations, and we then experience it (or re-experience it) according to these internal cues. This process will help you be more aware of your internal represen-tations so that you can use motivation as a tool.

Think of an activity you are not so motivated to do, and notice what comes to mind. Notice the pictures, thoughts, words, and feelings associated. Now pick an activity that you are highly motivated to do – that you enjoy doing, and notice what pictures, thoughts, words and feelings are associated. Notice the differences between the two and ask, how are both of these activities the same? Get at least 3 similarities.

What qualities of the highly motivated activ-

ity can you take back with you to the not so motivated one? Specifically pay attention to the qualities that you can bring back to the low motivation space. For example, is one image brighter? What are the qualities of the sounds or words? What is the quality of the feelings associated? Now, imagine carrying these positive qualities back with you into the first activity. Notice what seems to have changed? Here is an example: if my low motivated activity is housework, and my internal representations are drudgery, dingy, dark, and my highly motivated activity is writing, which I experience internally as sparkles, fun, and brightness, I can take the sparkles, fun, and brightness back to changing the pictures associated with the housework. Changing the mental pictures changes the feeling.

What do you picture differently? What do you imagine hearing differently? How have your feelings changed? What can you take from the place of being highly motivated to the activity of not so motivated? Imagine taking it with you, and stepping back into the first place (not so motivated), what seems to have changed here? Our motivation can be made stronger just by changing the qualities of the mental pictures, sounds, words, and feelings that are connected with an activity.

Holly Stokes, The Brain Trainer offers an online program, Train your Brain for Business: Motivation, Focus and Achievement, geared to help busy professionals set up your mind for

success. Enjoy new mental strategies and topics each week with live training calls, visit the website for details: www.expanding-potentials.net/businesstraining.html n

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Many of us would like more motivation.

Motivation to stay on track. Motivation

to get more done

5-Minute Motivation By Holly Stokes, The Brain Trainer


produced by

1251 Officers Row Vancouver, WA 98661 360.695.2442 | www.vbjusa.com

Save the Date

Awards Presentation & Finalist Showcase Heathman Lodge

Thursday April 21, 2011

5:00pm - 8:00pm

Event sponsors

Presented by

Supporting sponsors

Entry Review

WOMEN IN NETWORKING NW

Start ups!Innovators!

Fastest Growing businesses!

It is time to answer the

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deadline for entries is Friday March 18, 2011

Submit entries at:www.vbjusa.com

Click on Events and then Business Growth Awards

CALL FOR ENTRIES

Thursday, June 16, 2011 Lewis River Golf Course Woodland, Washington 7:30 a.m. Registration 8:30 a.m. Shotgun Start

“ The ardent golfer would play

Mount Everest if somebody put a flagstick on top.

PETE DYE

To sponsor or play: www.vancouverusa.com, click Events/Registration, click June 16 or call (360) 694-2588.

Presenting Sponsor:

The Vancouver USA Marathon (VUM) has signed a contract with

PUMA North America as the race’s officialapparelsponsor.BrianDavis,race director and owner of Energy Events which manages VUM, states that “having PUMA on board is a great compliment and just the edge we need as an inaugural race.

The Vancouver USA Marathon takes place on June 19th, 2011 in Vancouver, Washington. To date, the event has registered over 1,100 runners/walk-ers through the month of February 2011. VUM’s goal is 5,000 full and half marathon runners/walkers for this inaugural race. Visit www.vancou-verUSAmarathon.com for more information about the race and sponsors. n

Coming this June: Vancouver’s First Marathon

March/April 2011 • Advancing the Business Community. • www.vancouverusa.com

New Vancouver Community Library

Opens in July Preview the new building at “No Business After Hours,” 5-7 pm,

Tuesday, March 22 • 901 C Street

The richest person in the world- in fact all the riches in the world - couldn’t provide you

with anything like the endless, incredible loot available at

your local library.~ Malcolm Forbes, publisher, 1919-1990

Malcolm Forbes would be pleased with all the library activity happening this year in downtown Vancouver. The building exterior is largely finished and interior fixtures will be installed soon in our new main library,

which will open to the public in mid-July.

The new Vancouver Community Library is located at 901 C Street at the intersection with Evergreen Blvd., across from The Academy.

The $38 million project was funded by bonds approved by Vancouver voters in 2006, plus the generous donation of land from Killian Pacific and a $5 million anonymous gift. Howard S. Wright Constructors is the general contractor. The Miller|Hull Partnership of Seattle is the architecture firm.

Building a 21st Century libraryFrom the open, four-story atrium entrance to the fifth floor reading room and outdoor terrace with its incredible view of the river and Mount Hood, the new 83,000 square-foot library will offer many needed state-of-the-art features, including 21st Century technology that wasn’t dreamed of when the current building opened in 1963.

12


Here’s a comparison between the old and new libraries:

A business-friendly downtown resourceBusy library visitors will enjoy the first-floor convenience of being able to get some coffee, pick up holds, and check out the latest magazines and newspapers in the same area of the soaring atrium. Free Wi-Fi will allow use of laptops throughout the building, which includes two small meeting rooms that can be reserved and many seating areas for quiet conversation. The 134-seat Columbia Room on the first floor will be available for public use for meetings, programs and training, and can be rented for private events. As always, the library will offer knowledgeable assistance with business information, valuable subscription-only research databases for market research, and a wealth of business-related books and magazines.

An investment in our community’s futureThe 3,000 square-foot Early Learning Center on the library’s third floor is a signature element of the new library, and hands-on evidence of the library district’s longtime advocacy for early litera-cy. With a colorful array of interactive structures and displays, the ELC will engage children birth to five years in activities that enhance brain development and social skills, and provide resources to help parents and caregivers develop their own skills in helping children develop their full potential. Most of all, the center will be about having fun at the library while learning to read.

A greener footprintWhile much of its “green design” is invisible, the library district’s newest and largest library is an environmentally-sound building. High-performance windows will save energy and bring in natural light during daylight hours while cutting glare and summer heat. Electric lighting and heating/cooling systems will adjust automatically throughout the day. The building is on track to merit gold-level Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.

Supporting downtown revitalizationAs an attractive destination and vibrant public space, the new library will contribute to economic development and the revitalization of downtown Vancouver. About 1,500 patrons visit the current library each day, and that number is expected to increase significantly with a larger and nicer facility. Library visitors typically also shop and dine in establishments near the library.

More information comingThe library district is currently working out details of transitioning the existing library to the new location and opening to the public in mid-July, when Sunday hours will return. You’ll find information posted at www.fvrl.org, including fun time-lapse footage of the building construction.

Current Library New Library

Square feet 36,000 sq ft 83,000 sq ft

Catalog and resource computers 24 43

Internet computers 16 69

Meeting rooms 1 3

Study rooms 0 2

Seating: lounge and study tables 118 300

Seating: technology areas 46 86

Collection capacity 285,000 385,000


Chamber Cash Referral Program

Help Your Chamber Grow & Put Money in Your Pocket!

The Chamber Cash Referral Program is a great opportunity to help grow your chamber and your business! We value your membership and want to show our appreciation for your referrals. When you submit a referral that becomes a new member, you will receive recognition and earn Chamber Cash that can be used towards your choice of one of the following:

□ $100 FAST PASS □ 1 Month Web Advertisement □ 1/6 page ad in the Chamber News Magazine □ Member Spotlight on front page of the website

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS: Provide us with the name of a prospective business owner Fill out the form below and return it to the GVCC Office GVCC will contact the referred business and upon receipt of pay-ment of the membership dues you receive your reward.

DON’T MISS OUT TO PUT MONEY BACK IN YOUR POCKET!

Terms and Conditions Chamber Cash is non-transferable $50 Chamber Cash is for new memberships only There is no limit to the number of referrals you can make The referral must become a member within 30 days of the referral date GVCC members in good standing are eligible for the Chamber Cash program A referral form must be at the GVCC office indicating YOU as the person referring the new business If a referral form for a prospective member is submitted more than once, the GVCC will honor the first referring party

When consumers know that a small business is a chamber member, they are 44% more likely to think favorably of it and 63% more likely to purchase goods or services from the company in the fu-ture. When consumers know that a res-taurant franchise is a chamber member, they are 40% more likely to eat at the restaurant in the next few months.

Study done by Shapiro group

Your Information: Name ______________________________________ Company ___________________________________ Telephone __________________________________ E-Mail _____________________________________ Comments __________________________________ ___________________________________________

Referred Company Information: Contact Person _______________________________ Title _______________________________________ Company ___________________________________ Address ____________________________________ Telephone __________________________________ E-Mail _____________________________________

Return completed form to the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce 1101 Broadway, Suite 100, Vancouver , WA 98660 or Fax to (360) 693-8279 http://www.vancouverusa.com


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Ribbon Cuttings

Audiology Clinic, Inc. 11711 NE 99th St., Suite 930

Vancouver, WA 98662

Applewood NW Bistro and Pinnacle Mortgage

192nd Plaza2005 SE 192nd Ave., Suite 100

Camas, WA 98607

Merrill Gardens at Orchards Village10011 NE 118th Ave.

Vancouver, WA 98682

Therapeutic Associates - Vancouver Physical Therapy

17700 SE Mill Plain Blvd., Suite 150 Vancouver, WA 98683

Krispy Kreme 8517 NE Andresen Road

Vancouver, WA 98665

Extra Innings13606 NE 15th St., Suite C

Vancouver, WA 98684

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Members on the Move

n Patricia Spicer, Customer Service Agent with Davidson Insurance, has earned the designation of Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR). Spicer successfully completed five courses covering all areas of insurance risks and exposures, followed by extensive exami-nations. A licensed insurance agent, she has more than 30 years of insurance agency experience.

n Congratulations to Superintendent Steven T. Webb, Ed.D., and Executive

Director of Community/Government Relations, Tom Hagley of Vancouver (Wash.) Public Schools for being named the 2011 recipients of the Leadership Through Communication Award, jointly sponsored by Blackboard Connect, NSPRA and AASA.

n Hilton Vancouver has hired Leslie Stose as travel sales manager. Stose will be responsible for managing all local and corporate business travel negotiated accounts for the hotel. In addition, she books meeting space and

guestrooms for corporate events.

n The Clark County Fair Association has named longtime board member and Clark County Fair volunteer Sharon J. Crouch board President for 2011.

Crouch has served on the board since 2004, including four years as vice-chair. In addition, Crouch is the loss control manager for Clark Public Utilities and a 2005 graduate of Leadership Clark County.

n GVCC Ambassador, Byron Jacobus and his wife Lin, represented the GVCC well in Las Vegas at the Miss America Pageant with their great niece, Jacquie Brown, Miss Washington. Jacquie fin-ished as 3rd runner up! Congrats to Jacquie.

Making Headlines n nConnect announced that it is link-ing more than three-dozen students in southwest Washintgton and northwest Oregon to IBM mentors by year’s end in an effort to encourage greater proficiency in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines -- encouraging young people to consider to pursue careers in these crucial fields. The students will be connected to their mentors through a secure, online program named IBM MentorPlace, which operates in 35 countries with over 6000 mentors and 7000 students. To enable the relationship between student and mentor, IBM is donating 74 licenses for MentorPlace to nConnect, a Vancouver-based non-profit. This project is funded, in part, by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment & Training Administration to the Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council.

n Matt Wastradowski, a features writer and assistant at The Columbian for five years, has been promoted to social media coordinator – a newly created position. He’ll oversee comment moderation on columbian.com and serve as ombudsman for the newsroom online. He’ll also manage The Columbian’s Twitter and Facebook accounts and help develop the paper’s new social media strategy. Wastradowski is a Clark County native, a Blazers fanatic and a graduate of Washington State University Vancouver’s Digital Technology and Culture program.

n Habitat for Humanity International announced recently that Wells Fargo contributed $11.8 million in support of Habitat’s affordable-housing work in 2010, exceeding the company’s June 2010 pledge by nearly 50 percent to help revi-talize communities hit hard by the econo-my. Evergreen Habitat for Humanity and Wells Fargo are GVCC members. Wells Fargo donated $50,000 and 670 volunteer hours to Evergreen Habitat for Humanity in Vancouver in 2010.

n Bonnie Franklin, Vice President and Manager of Riverview Community

Member News Bank’s Battle Ground Branch, was honored recently by the Battle Ground Chamber of Commerce as one of three finalists for that community’s Citizen of the Year award. Congrats Bonnie!

n Congrats to Erin Stepanek of member The Heathman Lodge! Erin was the lucky winner of our Snowbird Raffle!

n The School of Piano Technology for the Blind also known as the Piano Hospital received a $9,000 grant from the Northwest Lions Foundation in support of its HVAC Upgrade Project. The project involves replacing existing heat pumps with new gas pack units. An LCIF Grant is pending

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Leslie Stose

Bryon & Lin Jacobus

Sharon J. Crouch

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[ DISPUTE RESOLUTION ]

DS&W ChamberNews 07:DS&W ChamberNews 10 4/30/10 11:59 AM Page 2continues on page 17

final approval. Local Lions Clubs have pledged over $7,500 in support of this project, which will significantly lower costs and increase operational efficiency at the Piano Hospital.

GVCC member Pinnacle Mortgage Planning is hosting a Home Buyer Education Class to qualify potential first-time homebuyers for Washington Bond and USDA financing. The class will be taught by Rochelle Gano of Pinnacle and Lori Hausler of Prudential NW Properties on March 8 and 9, 6-8:30 p.m., Pinnacle Mortgage Planning, 2005 SE 192nd Ave., Suite 200, Vancouver, WA 98607. The class will feature information about the Washington Bond Program and general information about first-time home buying. The sessions will be targeted specifically to buyers considering using either the Washington Bond program or USDA financing that require a certificate of achievement. A certificate will be provided at the end of the second class. Go to www.pinnaclemp.com for more information.

Member Events

n Parks Foundation event: March 18, 2011 -- St. Paddy’s for Parks! Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and support Clark County’s parks, trails, and recreation programs. Patrick Lamb and his band return to Vancouver for an encore performance guaranteed to please the Irish in all of us! $15 cover includes one beverage and Patrick Lamb live!

n The Safe Communities Task Force will hold its third annual Parent Conference from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 21 at the Boys & Girls Club’s O.K. Clubhouse, 4040 Plomondon Street, Vancouver. The conference, which includes workshops on today’s most critical youth safety issues, is free and open to the public. Conference organizers are planning for more than 100 attendees, most of whom will be parents of teenagers. Participants can register by calling the Boys & Girls Club at (360) 313-5680 between 9 am and 2 pm, Monday through Friday. Contact Joe Walsh, Project Coordinator, at 360-397-2130 Ext. 5204.

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Do you have a community event to promote? Members have complimentary access to our community events link! Procedure to Post an Event to the GVCC Community Calendar

You will need to be a member of the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce and have a username and password from the GVCC. You can find the password

on your invoice or new member paperwork or you may call the chamber at 360-694-2588 to get it.

From the GVCC website at www.vancouverusa.com•Click on Member Services•Click on Members Only Access•Click on Post an Event to the Calendar•Click on Submit an Event to Our Calendar

Fill out all the fields that you have information for. E-mail addresses are required. Once you press SUBMIT, correct any error messages you may get. Press SUBMIT again and we will approve the submission within 24 hours and it will post to the calendar.

member news cont...continued from page 16

Interested in sponsoring a 2011 Business After Hours? Contact Susie Bauder, GVCC Programs & Events, 360-567-1093

or Lori Buntin, 360-567-1081

2011Business After Hours January 25 US Bank February 22 Shop Local Business Showcase & BAH, Alaska Airlines, On Line Support & The Columbian March 22 No Business After Hours, Fort Vancouver Regional Library Foundation April 26 Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt May 24 Pacific Lifestyle Homes June 28 Corwin Beverage July 26 West Coast Bank August 23 Vancouver Business Journal September 27 Sponsorship Available October 25 No Business After Hours, Big Al’s November 15 Sponsorship Available December 13 Five Star Auto Body


Jeff StayAmerican Underwriters Insurance Agency 414 Pioneer Street Ridgefield,WA98642 253-473-1415

Derick Reyrao Chevron U.S.A Inc. 14711 NE 29th Pl. Suite 100 Bellevue, WA 98007 425-497-5015

Tucker Johnson Extra Innings 16306 NE 15th St., Suite C Vancouver, WA 98684 360-885-1919

C.J. Monroe First Christian Science Church and Reading Room 204 E Fourth Plain Blvd. Vancouver, WA 98663 360-574-1381

Norman H. Johnson 4006 SE 155th Ave. Vancouver, WA 98683 360-885-1282

Shastine Bredlie Keller Williams Realty Bredlie & Associates 915 Broadway, Suite 100 Vancouver, WA 98660 360-904-9907

Patty BrownKrispy Kreme 8517 NE Andresen Road Vancouver, WA 98665 360-260-0066

Jason Smith Liberty Tax Service, Hwy 99 1108 B NE 78th St.Vancouver, WA 98665360-546-1572

Eric Von ArxLiberty Tax Service 11710 NE Fourth Plain Rd. Vancouver, WA 98682 5522360-882-8488

David Edwards Liberty Tax Service: 4th Plain7723 NE 4th Plain Blvd. Vancouver, WA 98662 360-896 1099

Gay EnyeartOptimist Club of Vancouver WA Foundation 2709 NE 102nd St .Vancouver, WA 98686 360-718-8350

Philip Auer Arthur Murray Dance Studio911 Main St., Suite 200 Vancouver, WA 98660 360-699-4500

Dustin Grosz Core Fitness LLC dba Stairmaster 8000 NE Parkway Dr., Suite 220 Vancouver, WA 98662 360-326-4090

Liz DunningThe Dmitri Agency 14511 C NE 10th Ave. Vancouver, WA 98685 360-936-3225

Jodi BlackwoodEtiquette Awareness 15005 NE 2nd Ave. Vancouver, WA 98686 360-798 4912

Kristina AitchisonEvergreen Habitat for Humanity521 E 33rd St. Vancouver, WA 98663 360-737-1759

Welcome to the following new Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce members. We thank you for your investment. You help make our Chamber one of the largest and most active business associations in the region. Please go to our online directory at www.vancouverusa.com for Web site, contact and business category information about these companies and

organizations. Please help us in our mission to build a strong and stable local economy – do business with Chamber members. n

New Members

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Fusion Functional Fitness 2702 NE 78th St., Suite 100 Vancouver, WA 98665 360-546-1112

Greg JohnsonJohnson Promotions LLC 400 E Evergreen Blvd., Suite 4 Vancouver, WA 98660 360-750-9600

David SandvigThe Oregonian 1320 SW Broadway Portland, OR 97201 503-221-8301

Janine WedemeyerPeachtree Restaurant, Hwy 996600 NE Hwy 99 Vancouver, WA 98665 360-693-6736

Elizabeth AbudakarPeachtree Restaurant: Mill Plain7800 E Mill Plain Blvd. Vancouver, WA 98660 360-314-4236

Tom Phillips 1909 NE 154th Ave. Vancouver, WA 98684 503-502-6566

Andrew GeislerSt. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic High School811 NE 112th Ave., Suite 200 Vancouver, WA 98684 360-258-1932

R. Tom Smith Sperry Van Ness Commercial Real Estate Advisors 14300 NE 20th Ave., Suite D 102 256 Vancouver, WA 98686360-931-6776

continues on page 23


Thank you to all of our renewing members for continuing your Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce membership! We are proud to serve our members through our mission of providing positive business leadership, growing jobs and strengthening the local economy. n

Renewing Members

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Advanced Air Systems, Inc. 1 yearThe Amphitheater at Clark County 8 yearsAmplify Group, Inc. 3 yearsBergerABAM Engineers, Inc. 31 yearsBiggs Insurance Services 76 yearsBlue Bird Transfer, Inc. 34 yearsBNSF Railway 58 yearsBrian H. Wolfe PC, Attorney at Law 39 yearsBullivant Houser Bailey PC 8 yearsJack Burkman 4 years Carlisle Interconnect Technologies 20 yearsCity of Vancouver 27 years Clark College 33 yearsClark County Board of Commissioners 24 years Clark County Skills Center 10 yearsClark Public Utilities 60 yearsColliers International Valuation 30 years & Advisory Services Columbia Collectors, Inc. 43 yearsColumbia Credit Union 36 yearsColumbia River 25 years Economic Development CouncilColumbia River Mental Health Service 8 yearsComfort Inn & Suites Downtown Vancouver 35 yearsCommunity Services Northwest 2 yearsCosco Fire Protection 2 yearsC Tran 27 yearsEcoTech Recycling, LLC 4 yearsEdward Jones – Don Houston 2 yearsEntek Corporation 24 yearsEric Fuller & Associates, Inc. 14 yearsErik Runyan Jewelers 95 yearsEvergreen Business Capital 1 yearThe Evergreen Inn 5 yearsExpanding Potentials 1 yearFASTSIGNS 3 yearsFort Vancouver Regional Library Foundation 9 yearsFred Meyer Store Fisher’s Landing 10 yearsJD Fulwiler & Company Insurance 36 yearsGaffney Counseling & Consulting 21 yearsGlenwood Place 10 yearsHDJ Design Group, PLLC 26 years Imagineering-Graphics, Inc. 16 yearsInstafab Company, Inc. 5 yearsITT Technical Institute 4 yearsJoeScan, Inc. 7 yearsJunior Achievement 17 years

Kaiser Permanente Administration 60 yearsKamlu Retirement Inn 9 yearsKeller Williams Realty – Dave Dumas 9 yearsKramer Gehlen & Associates, Inc. 39 yearsLacamas Community Credit Union 6 yearsLanderholm, Memovich, 46 years Lansverk & Whitesides, PS Legacy Salmon Creek Hospital 7 yearsLiberty Tax Service 1 yearLuepke Florist 56 yearsMaid Brigade 3 yearsMilam Imse Consulting 1 yearMortgage Express, LLC 4 yearsNautilus, Inc. 6 yearsNew Edge Networks 11 yearsNutter Corporation 10 yearsNWCPA 2 yearsOregon Food Bank 3 yearsPalena Associates, Inc. 40 yearsPort of Camas/Washougal 24 yearsPort of Vancouver USA 99 yearsPrudential Northwest Properties 27 yearsRAPCO Industries, Inc. 10 yearsRed Lion Hotel at the Quay 50 yearsRylander & Associates PC 3 yearsSalmon Creek Law Offices 6 yearsSalmon Creek Vision Centre 2 yearsSchool of Piano Technology for the Blind 10 yearsShare 8 yearsSharp Microelectronics of the Americas 17 yearsSilver Buckle Youth Equestrian Center 14 yearsSmith Cooper Northwest 5 yearsSpecial Olympics of Washington 4 yearsThe Management Group, Inc. 19 yearsThe Scott Horenstein Law Firm, PLLC 13 yearsTri Mountain Golf Course 8 yearsTW Telecom 5 yearsTwinStar Credit Union: SW Region 11 yearsUnited Harvest, LLC 7 yearsVancouver Ford/Hyundai/Suzuki, Inc. 47 yearsVancouver Funeral Chapel 74 yearsVancouver School District Foundation 2 yearsVancouver School District No. 37 37 yearsWal Mart #2947 10 yearsWashington School for the Blind 26 yearsWells Fargo Bank: Downtown 28 years n


The New Vancouver Community Library 901 C Street ∙ Vancouver, WA 98660

Join us at “No Business After Hours” for a special sneak preview inside the new Vancouver Community Library. Hosted by the Fort Vancouver Regional

Library Foundation and catered by Beaches Restaurant.

To register, call (360) 694-2588 or visit www.vancouverusa.com and click events. $20 members, $25 non-members,

$30 at-the-door

Pre-register by February 18th at 5 p.m. and be entered to win two roundtrip tickets to

Hawaii on Alaska Airlines!

A taste of Italy awaits you: Gnocchi with Walnuts & Goat Cheese, Burgundy Beef Tenders with Porcini Reduction, Caesar Spears, Gorgonzola Ravioli with Pear Vinaigrette, Spring Lamb Kebobs, Sage & Garlic Chicken with White Beans,

Pecorino & Prosciutto, Eggplant & Ricotta Lasagna, Italian Cheeses, Rustic Breads & Spreads, Grilled & Marinated Vegetables, Marsala Apple Tarts with Honey Mascarpone, Espresso Orange Chocolate Cups,

Strawberries with Basil & Chocolate, Tiramisu Ice Cream/Gelato

Sponsored By:


Portland-Vancouver USA, Land Here, Live Here, launched in June of last

year continues to grow - in use and recognition. Just yesterday, an inquiry from a developer in Baltimore somewhat familiar with the northwest came through Ginger Metcalf’s computer in response to seeing the logo. Others may have seen the logo – or brand – in pass-ing and asked, “What’s that?”

Full page ads in The Columbian have addressed that very question and explain that it is, “a regional grassroots effort to promote the Portland-Vancouver region to employers looking to expand or start a business.” But why “Portland-Vancouver USA”? That is the official name that identifies our region to the US Census Bureau, agencies and site selectors. AND, it differentiates us from any other Vancouver or Portland. And we’re all too familiar with the confusion with that “other” Vancouver.

Why should YOU care? Economies don’t adhere to the boundaries of a city, county, or state line. Each community contains unique assets that make the whole region, as a sum, more desirable to business. To grow, we need to work together as a region. For each new job created by a company such as manufac-turing, it generates three new jobs in ser-vice, retail and construction through the region. When a company grows or moves to the region, everyone benefits,

not just the immediate community where the business is located.

How can you be involved? “Just do it,” as Nike would say. (See! Another tag line that you recognize.) Go to the Land Here, Live Here web site (www.landher-elivehere.com) and see what others have done and what you can do to identify, heighten curiosity about, and promote your region to those who may be look-ing for the perfect place to “land” a business and “live”.

With 50 entities involved, the good news is spreading, more and more companies and individuals are using the logo, and soon it will be appropriate to take the message to a national level. Imagine a Clark County business leader’s face on a wall poster in Portland International Airport (or Amsterdam) and his or her words describing why this is a great place to do business. Or open an airline magazine and find an article and/or ad about Portland-Vancouver USA, a great place to do business.

Who are the best ambassadors for our region? Us! You can help us share the opportunities we have to offer with the people who are looking. Get engaged. n

LAND HERE, LIVE HERE... IT’S TIME TO TALK

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With 50 entities involved, the good news is spreading, more and more companies and individuals are using the logo, and soon it will be appropriate to take the message to a national level.

$Retrospective Rating (Retro) is an optional financial incentive program offered by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) to help qualifying employers reduce their industrial insurance costs.

The Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce has one of the most successful Retro programs in the state.

Joining the Retro program through the GVCC can: n Lower your risk n Improve your refunds n Provide claims management service n Provide a free risk assessment n Potentially reduce your annual rates

The GVCC manufacturing group members have received refunds as

high as

The GVCC retail and professional group members have received refunds

as high as

Our local administrator, Scott Croucher, has 24 years of experience and will work

with you to save money and improve safety. Contact Scott today for a free assessment at 360-750-7822 or [email protected].

What is Retro and how can it

save my business?

Call today and start saving now!

360-750-7822

Joining the Retro is a no-brainer. For small businesses like ours, dealing with L&I

is uncharted territory. We are also extremely busy. Retro

saves time, money and stress. We have the opportunity

to actually get money back, and for a very small fee we

have the comfort of knowing that if something does

happen with a claim, our local administrator Scott

Croucher will take care of us.

Mark & Barbara NulphOwners, Pressed 4 Time Dry Cleaning

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Van

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ber OFFICERS

Chair: Jeff Woodside, Nutter Corporation Chair Elect: Tim Schauer, MacKay & Sposito, Inc. Vice Chair: Kristy Weaver, Pacific Continental Bank Secretary – Treasurer: Winston Asai, Columbia MachineImmediate Past Chair: Don Russo, Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt

BOARD OF DIRECTORSJonathan Avery, Legacy Salmon Creek Medical CenterJohn Deeder, Evergreen Public SchoolsTamara J. Fuller, NAI Norris, Beggs & SimpsonJeff Harvey, BurgervilleDave Horowitz, David A. Horowitz, CPA Elie Kassab, Prestige DevelopmentDaniel Kirkwood, Kirkwood & KirkwoodAlex McMillan, Alex McMillan Wellness & Business ConsultingWayne Nelson, Clark Public UtilitiesEric Olmsted, On Line Support, Inc. William Pritchard, Pritchard OrthodonticsRhona Sen Hoss, WSU-VancouverKeith Wallace, Frumenti, Lander & Wallace, CPAs

STANDING COMMITTEES• Administrative: Jeff Woodside, Nutter Corporation • Finance: Winston Asai, Columbia Machine• Public Affairs: Don Russo, Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt• Membership Services: Keith Wallace, Frumenti, Lander & Wallace, CPAs • Member Mentors: Jim West, Successful Commercial Property Workshops

AFFILIATE ORGANIzATIONSCommunity ChoicesLeadership Clark County

CHAMBER STAFFKelly Parker President/CEO•[email protected]

Darcy Altizer MembershipServicesDirector•[email protected]

Terra Mahmoudi CommunicationsManager•[email protected]

Susie Bauder ProgramsandEvents•[email protected]

Lori Buntin ProgramsandEventsDirector•[email protected]

Teresa LawwillAdministrativeDirector•[email protected]

Katch McFarlandDataManagement•[email protected] Paul MontagueMembership•[email protected] Barbara WaiteDirectorofBusinessDevelopment•[email protected]

Graphic Production: Gary Hollingshead Imagineering-Graphics • [email protected] Printing: SouthwestOfficeSupply•503-241-1921swofficesupply.com

The Greater VancouverChamber of Commerce

Your

RESTAURANT BAR TAKEOUTPortland International Airport * Pre-Security * 503-335-8385

Destination:Beaches PDX

Private Meeting SpacesBreakfast * Lunch * Dinner

Take a Vacation without leaving town!

new members cont...continued from page 18$ Deena PierottUrban Entrepreneur Network4004 NE 97th St. Vancouver, WA 98665 360-936-6992

Monica McKennaAcunatural Family Healthcare306 E 37th St. Vancouver, WA 98663 360-750-7375

Sara SheetzAt Your Place Senior Care 14801 NE 17th Ave. Vancouver, WA 98686 360-859-3084

Justin TeegardenCascade Bookkeeping 700 SE 160th Ave., Suite 107 1099 Vancouver, WA 98684 360-909-6068

Bonnie Miller Legacy Group 5 Centerpointe Dr., Suite 402 Lake Oswego, OR 97035 503-224-4033

Karla NovakMajerus & Co Physical Therapy16219 SE 12th St., Suite 100 Vancouver, WA 98683 360-253-4020

Already Signed Up for Your WhoCanHelp.com Account? Email: [email protected]

Or Call 888-4HOUCAN (494-6226)

To Get Your Ads Online TODAY!

•

•

•

AdvAncing the business community. do business With chamber members

1101 Broadway, Suite 100Vancouver, WA 98660

USA

PeriodicalUS Postage

PaidVancouver,

WA

On COursejoin us for our annual

port re:port

april 6, 2011 – 7:30 a.m.red lion Hotel vancouver

at tHe Quay

3103 NW Lower River Rd. Vancouver, WA 98660 • web: portvanusa.com phone: 360.693.3611

Yes, we rescheduled our annual state of the port breakfast because of snow. The silver lining: the new date -- April 6, 2011 -- is the port’s 99th birthday! Help us celebrate as we look back at 2010 and report to our community that the port is on course, bringing new businesses and new jobs to southwest Washington.

Tickets purchased for the event in February through the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce have been transferred to April 6. Ticket holders not able to attend on April 6 are asked to contact the Chamber at 360-694-2588 or vancouverusa.com to request a refund.

Keep your fingers crossed for good weather, and we’ll see you on April 6.

Documents

March-April 2011