jan/feb 2016 "vancouver vision magazine" edition
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VA
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GVCC Advocacy /// Bill to watch: SB5916 /// Washington State Tourism /// page 8
Prepare for thedigital age
THE TECHNOLOGY REVOLUTION IS HERE
The Spring 2016 “Digital Technology Expo” is sponsored by: Paul
GreenComcast
PG 18
JANUARY 7TH 2016HEALTHCARE PANEL President of Regence BlueCross BlueShield, Angela Dowling and the CEO of the Vancouver Clinic, Mark Mantei.
This event will be this area’s biggest single-day connector to the technology industry.
Connect and learn about:
ONLINE PRESENCE
MOBILE CONNECTION
SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS
IT SUPPORT
Visit www.VancouverUSA.com for more info VISION VANCOUVER Magazine 3
2016 JANUARY/FEBRUARY EDITION
Table of Contents
ON THE COVERPaul Green the Regional Sales Manager of Comcast - Business Class. Comcast is the first ever Digital Technology Expo & Luncheon sponsor. See his stone-age to
digital-age perspective on pages:
PAGES 18-19
HONORSOn Friday, Decem-ber 4th the GVCC’s Ambassador of the Year was named at our Holiday Heroes Luncheon event at
the Heathman Lodge.
PG 12
TECH EVENTThe Evergreen and Vancouver School
District Superinten-dents talk about their
tech advancements. Two hundred kids per district will attend the
Digital Technology Expo & Luncheon on Thursday, April 28th
2016.
PG 22
VISION VAN
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Kate Singh is the Vancouver VISION Magazine’s official photographer. She is an award win-ning photographer and voted “Best in Clark County”, with a full-service photography stu-dio in downtown Vancouver called: Aevum Images.
UP NEXT On Thursday, January 7th the GVCC will host “Industries Quarterly: Health-care” with an all star panel. Event sponsored by Regence BlueCross BlueSheild. Pictured: event loca-tion at the Vancouver Clinic.
Chandra Chase, Programs and Communications Director 360-567-1056 cchase@vancouverusa.com
Teresa Lawwill, Fund Development and Community Relations Director360-567-1090 tlawwill@vancouverusa.com
Ilana Brown, PAC Intern ibrown@vancouverusa.com
Jeannet Santiago, SBAP & PTAC Business Counselor360-567-1051 jsantiago@vancouverusa.com
1101 Broadway, Suite 100 Vancouver, WA 98660
360-694-2588yourchamber@vancouverusa.com
www.vancouverusa.comfacebook.com/yourchamber
twitter.com/vanchamberpinterest.com/gvccvancouver
The Vancouver VISION Magazine (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.
The Vancouver VISION Magazine annual subscription is $25. Periodicals postage paid in Vancouver, WA. Postmaster: Send all address changes to Vancouver VISION Magazine, 1101 Broadway, Suite 100,
Vancouver, WA 98660. This publication is dedicated to providing Chamber business news, educating and pro-viding critical commentary.
Columbia Machine, Inc. iQ Credit UnionHolland/Burgerville Kaiser PermanentePeaceHealth Southwest Medical CenterChevron USAComcast Business ClassBNSF RailwayColumbia Credit UnionOn Line SupportThe ColumbianVancouver Energy
MAGAZINE PRINTED BY:ADCO PRINTING & GRAPHICS
353 GRAND BLVDVANCOUVER, WA 98661
GREATER VANCOUVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCEINTERIM CEO/PRESIDENT: John McDonagh CHAIRMAN: Eric Olmsted
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Chandra Chase
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
STAFF
CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE
PARTNERS & ADVERTISERS
CHAIR: Eric Olmsted, On Line Support, Inc. CHAIR ELECT: Ben Hoskins, 1-800-GOT-JUNK
TREASURER: Lisa Goecke, Perkins & Co.PAST CHAIR: Eric Sawyer, BBSI Preferred Payroll
John McDonagh, Interim President/CEO 360-567-1050 jmcdonagh@vancouverusa.com
Erika Laws, Marketing & Events Manager 360-567-1093 elaws@vancouverusa.com
Matt Hoffstetter, Membership Services Director360-567-1058 mhoffstetter@vancouverusa.com
Sharon Batten, Finance 360-567-1080 sbatten@vancouverusa.com
Barb Holbrook Ambassador & Accounts Manager 360-567-1093 bholbrook@vancouverusa.com
PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE
Pacific Continental Bank SEH America, Inc.
Legacy Salmon Creek Medical CenterRiverview Community Bank
Port of Vancouver
ADCO Commercial Printing & GraphicsAevum Images
Beaches Restaurant & BarClark PUD
Energy Trust
Northwest Personal TrainingPacific Continental BankRiverview Community Bank The ColumbianThe Vancouver Business Journal
Winston Asai, Columbia Machine Ben Bagherpour, SEH America Carol Bua, City of Vancouver Jody Campbell, The Columbian Todd Coleman, Port of Vancouver Tamara Fuller, Colliers International Bryce Helgerson, Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center Amy O’Hara, When the Shoe Fits Don Russo, Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt Tim Schauer, MacKay Sposito Rhona Sen Hoss Kristy Weaver, Pacific Continental Bank Dr. Steve Webb, Vancouver School District Jeff Woodside, Nutter Corporation
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Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation (required by 39 U.S.C. 3685) of the Vancouver VISION Maga-zine for January of 2016. Vancouver VISION Magazine is published six times per year by the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce. Annual sub-scription price: $25. Publisher: Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce; Edi-tor: Chandra Chase, Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, 1101 Broadway, Suite 100, Vancouver, Clark County, WA 98660-3319. Owner: Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, 1101 Broad-way, Suite 100, Vancouver, Clark County, WA 98660-3319. Known bondholders, mortgagees, and other security holders owning or holding 1 percent or more of the total amount of bonds, mortgages, or other securities: None. The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes have not changed during the preceding 12 months. The extent and nature of cir-culation is Greater Vancouver Chamber of commerce members and local busi-nesses. The average number of copies of each issue during the preceding 12 months are: 1400 a. Total Number of Copies Printed: 1400. b. Paid and/or Re-quested Circulation: (1) Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions States on PS Form 3541: 26; (2) Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541: 483; (3) Paid Distribution Outside the Mails Including Sales Through Deal-ers and Carrier, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid Distribution Out-side USPS: none; Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS: None. c. Total Paid Distribution: 990. d. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution: (1) Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County Copies includes on PS Form 3541: None; (2) Free or Nominal Rate In-County Cop-ies includes on PS Form 3541: None; (3) Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Classes Through the USPS: None; (4) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail: 350. e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution: 350. f. To-tal Distribution: 1400. g. Copies not Distributed: 50. h. Total: 1400. Percent Paid: 77.5. The actual number of cop-ies of a single issue published nearest to the filing date (January 2014) are: a. Total Number of Copies Printed: 1400. b. Paid and/or Requested Circulation: (1) Mailed Outside-County Paid Sub-scriptions States on PS Form 3541: 43; (2) Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541: 805; (3) Paid Distribution Outside the Mails Includ-ing Sales Through Dealers and Car-rier, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid Distribution Outside USPS: None; Paid Distribution by Other Class-es of Mail Through the USPS: None. c. Total Paid Distribution: 990. d. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution: (1) Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County Copies in-cludes on PS Form 3541: None; (2) Free or Nominal Rate In-County Copies in-cludes on PS Form 3541: None; (3) Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Classes Through the USPS: None; (4) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Out-side the Mail: 322. e. Total Free or Nomi-nal Rate Distribution: 322. f. Total Distri-bution: 1,170. g. Copies not Distributed: 30. h. Total: 1,200. Percent Paid: 72.5. I certify that this statement of ownership is correct and complete. Chandra Chase • Vancouver VISION Magazine Editor, Communications Director.
Visit www.VancouverUSA.com for more info VISION VANCOUVER Magazine 5
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UP NEXT
We’re in the midst of history. Not since Medicare and Medicaid were created has the American health care system seen so much change. During the next GVCC
Industries Quarterly event, we’ll look at the future of health care in the coming year and beyond. How are health systems, insurance carriers and local companies working together to improve the health of Southwest Washingtonians while lower-ing the cost of care at the same time? Join the President of Regence BlueCross BlueShield, Angela Dowling and the CEO of the Vancouver Clinic, Mark Mantei as we examine the challeng-es and opportunities that health care will offer to local busi-nesses in 2016. The panel discussion will be moderated by Eric Sawyer of BBSi, the Past Chair of the GVCC’s Board of Directors.
The “Industries Quarterly” event series is designed to gather one sector together at a time to better understand the chal-lenges and successes they face. The Chamber’s goal is to pro-vide a venue for deeper connections to lawmakers and govern-ment officials, as well as make allies within a given industry to better tackle the issues that arise in the future. Please RSVP for the Thursday, January 7th “Industries Quar-terly: Healthcare” event by visiting vancouverusa.com -> events page. We will be at the Vancouver Clinic’s 87th street location from 5-7pm with catering by Mill Creek Pub. The cost is $10/member and $20/non-member.
When you arrive, guests will receive a color sticker that identi-fies them as “Industry,” “Government,” “Support,” or “Other.” This will help attendees navigate the room to effectively network with whom they desire to connect with the most. This event is sponsored by Regence BlueCross BlueShield!
Industries Quarterly: Healthcare Event
Thursday, January 7th 20165-7pm @ The Vancouver Clinic2nd story - 87th street location
6pm Panel DiscussionCatering: Mill Creek Pub
$10/Member $20/Non-memberSponsored by:
Photos of the Digital Technology Industries Quarterly Event, hosted by CheQitout at WooBox.
Above: State Senator Annette Cleveland with Teresa Brum the City of Van-couver’s Economic Development Director, Max Ault of the CREDC and Evan
Strandberg of iQ Credit Union. Below: The Vancouver Clinic location.
Visit www.VancouverUSA.com for more info VISION VANCOUVER Magazine 7
Small Business Advisory Council Ends First Year, Awards $500 Business Grant
The Small Business Advi-sory Council (SBAC) has made enormous strides
in one year. We just awarded our first $500 Small Business Grant to Nexus Chiropractic, who won our #localthanks hashtag contest. This social media based campaign was part of our “Get out On... Small Business Saturday” program sponsored by Columbia Credit Union.
The SBAC formed this year with the goal of supporting our small business members, our new Small Business Assistance Program, and to focus on two objectives: Business Resources and Small Business Training.
Results: We’ve cre-ated a quarterly “Small Business Resource Open House” event, featuring
our 25+ business support groups. The goal is to connect existing re-sources to start-ups or small busi-nesses needing support/training. This group oversees and supports the effort of a brand new grant program: The Small Business
Assistance Program. SBAP provides one-on-one busi-ness counseling. We are on track to reach our goal of serving 30 start-ups/busi-nesses this year. The SBAC
has supported programming with work sessions on the Fall/Spring GVCC Workshop Series, the Small Business
Saturday Program and content on our online learning page of
vancouverusa.com.
If you’re interested in joining the Small Busi-ness Advisory Council Ben Hoskins the SBAC Chairman at ben.
hoskins@1800gotjunk.com.
By Ben Hoskins1-800-GOT-JUNK /
You Move Me Local MovesChairman: Small Business
Advisory Council
THREE NEW TRAINING VIDEOS ONLINE:
Pictured: Dr. Janell Chandler of Nexus Chiropractic (blue shirt) being presented with her $500 Small Business Grant check by Michelle Thor and Shannon Decker of Columbia Credit Union. The “Get Out On.. .Small Business Saturday” program sponsors!
NEXT SMALL
BUSINESS RESOURCE
OPEN HOUSE: FEB. 9
Apps 101 for Business
Legal Pitfal ls for Business
Crowdfunding
Instructor: Dr. Dene Grigar of WSU-Vancouver
Instructors: Don Russo and Matt Bisturis of Schwabe Law Offices
Noland Hoshino of High Five Media and Dan Wyatt of the Kiggins Theater.
January/February 2016 Edition www.facebook.com/yourchamber8
ADVOCACY
The Legislative Outlook Breakfast - What to Expect in 2016
By LeAnne BremerMiller Nash Graham
& Dunn LLPChairwoman: Public
Affairs Committee (PAC)
The GVCC partnered with the Co-lumbia River Economic Develop-ment Council (CREDC) and Iden-
tity Clark County (ICC) on December 11, 2015 to host the annual legislative breakfast. This event featured local leg-islators from the 17th (Don Benton, Paul Harris and Lynda Wilson), 18th (Liz Pike and Ann Rivers), and 49th (Annette Cleveland and Sharon Wylie) legislative districts.
Members of the audience asked the panel a number of pre-determined questions on current, significant top-ics, including: carbon tax, a new or im-proved Columbia River Crossing, res-
toration of the public works trust fund, state tourism funding, the Supreme Court’s McCleary decision on the state’s obligation to fund basic education, and technical job training for youth.With the short session on the horizon, several of the legislators mentioned that they do not expect major legis-lative actions or appropriations. In light of the contempt order from the Supreme Court, the legislative priority will continue to be education funding, including defining what basic education is. Competing policies will also contin-ue to dominate the conversations, with many legislators expressing a desire to find a balance between regulation/rev-
enue or revenue-neutral mea-sures for environmental protec-tion and public services, while at the same time encouraging job-creation and economic de-velopment.
Of special interest to Chamber members, and one bill to watch,
is SB 5916, the Wash-i n g t o n T o u r i s m M a r ke t i n g Act, intro-duced, but not passed, last year. It remains pending for consideration in the up-coming session. The panel, on both sides of the aisle, generally sounded supportive of the legislature enacting some version of the bill. Washington is the only state without a state tour-ism board, even though tourism is the fourth largest industry in the state. The bill seeks to establish long-term, stable funding from the industry itself with government assistance in collect-ing revenue. A spotlight on Washing-ton’s attractions, including in South-west Washington, will enhance and benefit many area businesses both directly and indirectly. Stay tuned……
Left: Strong representation from the City of Ridgefield included the City Manager (former County Commissioner) Steve Stuart and the Ridgefield Mayor: Ron Onslow.
The delegation at the Legislative Outlook Breakfast, hosted by the GVCC, CREDC and ICC.
Visit www.VancouverUSA.com for more info VISION VANCOUVER Magazine 9
BILL TO WATCHSB 5916
The Washington Tourism Marketing Act
“Washington is the only state without a state tourism board,
even though tourism is the fourth largest industry in the state.”
-LeAnne Bremer
Impactful Facts & Figures from the:
In total annual visitor spending to Clark County supported more than:
$481 MILLION IN DIRECT VISITOR SPENDING
3.1% ANNUAL INCREASE FROM 2013
4,220 TOURISM RELATED JOBS
$12.5 MILLION IN LOCAL TAX RECEIPTS, A 5.7% ANNUAL
INCREASE FROM 2013
Since the legislature closed the state tourism office in 2011, Washington is
the only state in the country without a statewide tourism marketing program. As the surrounding Pacific Northwest states boast significant marketing budgets, HB 1938/SB 5916 will allow Washington to compete on a level playing field when it comes to attracting visitors, ultimately
strengthening tourism and positive eco-nomic impact to our local community.
As a Key Accounts Manager,
I work with local businesses to find ways to increase energy
efficiency and save on energy costs. Every business in Clark County has an assigned account manager to
help identify conservation opportunities and access utility
incentives for efficiency upgrades.
NOT SURE WHERE TO START?Call customer service at 360-992-3000 to connect with your account manager
and schedule an energy review.
We’re Always Here!
Bart HansenKey Accounts Manager
Learn more at ClarkPublicUtilities.com/AlwaysHere
Upgrading to energy-efficient systems can save you money. Energy Trust of Oregon has the expertise and a network of specially trained contractors to get the job done—and our cash incentives help make it affordable.
+SAVE ENERGY. BRING US IN. Visit www.energytrust.org/BringUsIn or call 1.866.605.1676.
Serving customers of NW Natural in Oregon and Washington.
WANT TO PROFIT FROM HVAC ENERGY SAVINGS? BRING US IN.
January/February 2016 Edition www.facebook.com/yourchamber10
NEWSChamber Welcomes New Interim CEO
This month I would like to say
a special thank you to Kelly Love. As you already know, Kelly has taken a fantastic position at Legacy Health Sys-tem. Kelly served for five years as an amazing leader for the Chamber. She started new programs to help the business com-
munity like PTAC that helps businesses understand and get started contracting with government agencies and the Small Business Assistance Program that con-nects new and emerging businesses with needed resources. During her time at the Chamber she also earned the admiration and respect of her staff and the Board of Directors. Kelly will stay active with the chamber as a member of the Public Affairs Committee and I hope we see her at many of the social events the Cham-ber puts on. It is my honor to welcome John McDonagh as the Interim President. John is well known for his leadership in our community and we are very lucky to have him at the helm while we make this transition. John will continue his duties as Publisher of the Vancouver Business Journal while acting as Interim President at the Chamber. The Chamber Staff, John, and the Board of Directors will be working closely to make sure this transi-tion is as smooth as possible.
The Chamber Staff has been amazing to work with during this transition! They have all stepped up to take on whatever needs to be done and have helped me navigate this transition. The Board and I are very lucky to have such an excellent group to work with.
As we wind down 2015 and prepare for 2016, my wife Nancy and I would like to wish everyone Happy Holidays and a happy and prosperous New Year.
By Eric OlmstedOn Line Support GVCC Chairman of the Board The Chamber family knows
you well and respects your work in the business com-munity. As the interim CEO of GVCC I have left a few things for you that all Chamber Presidents should have:1) Extra pair of very large scissors for ribbon cut-tings (I keep it in my car)2) “the book” it has all my exit memos tabbed by project (a skill learned in the congressional world)3) An exceptional staff of hard driving professionals who support each other and
Farewell Chamber, Buckle Up John!will be instantly loyal to you4) A note from much beloved former chamber CEO Bill Fromhold written on a napkin5) A black/white photo of the I-5 bridge on the day it opened nearly a century ago – a reminder of work left unfinished to move our com-munity forward
For the next little while as in-terim CEO, you have stepped into one of the best jobs in the world; buckle and enjoy the ride!
By Kelly LoveOutgoing GVCC CEO
Mike Bomar, President of the CREDC with Kelly Love and John McKibbon of ICC on Kelly’s final day as Chamber CEO.
The Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce has appointed John McDonagh, Publisher of the Vancouver Business Journal as Interim CEO/President. McDonagh has been active in local community af-fairs with leadership roles in a number of organizations including: the Clark County Fair Association, the Greater Clark County and Van-couver Rotary Clubs, Columbia River Economic Development Council (CREDC), the School of Piano Technology for the Blind and Visually Impaired and is the past Chair of both the Board of Directors for Share and the Vancouver Civil Service Commission.
McDonagh along with his brother Steve McDonagh and a small group of local investors bought the Vancouver Business Journal in 2004. The Vancouver Business Journal will con-tinue to publish without interruption during this time. It is printed weekly and distributed throughout SW Washington. McDonagh’s additional professional accomplishments include a stint as the VP of Marketing/Advertising for the Columbian, involvement in the launch of the Portland Tribune, a member of the Professional Advisory Board of the Edward R. Murrow College of Communications at Washington State University, and a member of the Media Advisory Board of Clark College.
About John McDonagh
New President’s Tier MemberBy Teresa LawwillFund Development and Community Relations DirectorI am proud to announce Vancouver Energy as our newest member to our President’s Tier. Vancouver Energy joins businesses who are dedicated and invested in the chamber and our programs. Being a Tier Member provides businesses the exposure reserved for our pre-mier community business leaders in SW Wash-ington upon investing $5,000 in the Chamber through sponsorship and advertising. For 125 years, the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce has promoted business, jobs and economic development that meets the needs of the growing community. Tier members understand the important roles transportation and job diversity play in a vibrant and robust economy. Vancouver Energy is proud to be a President’s Circle investor with the Chamber. Their staff provide solid, open and honest advice and guidance. We appreciate collabo-rating with the Chamber and its members on community partnership opportunities. We hope you will consider joining this great orga-nization in 2016! For more information about Vancouver Energy, or to contact us directly, visit www.vancouverenergyusa.com.
As your dedicated banker, community partner and neighbor, Pacific Continental Bank is thrilled to announce we’re relocating and opening our new Vancouver office in March 2016. We’re excited to further our roots in the community and continue helping local businesses and nonprofits succeed.
Learn more about our new office at therightbank.com/new-vancouver-office or give us a call at 360-735-3709.
the future of PACifiC ContinentAL BAnk
NEW
Chamber
Members
A MERRY HEART EVENTS
ACH MARKETING
APPLIANCE WORKSHOP
ASPEN DENTAL
BE WELL NUTRITION LLC
BOUNCE N BATTLE
CARTER PARK DENTAL
CELESTIAL BALANCE BODY PRODUCTS
CITY RANKED MEDIA, INC.
COLDWELL BANKER - STRANDEMO REALTY GROUP
COLDWELL BANKER SEAL
CTS LANGUAGELINK
DEDA’S FINE BAKED GOODS
DURHAM AND BATES INSURANCE BROKERS AND
AGENTS
EKOLIVING
FILBIN’S ACE HARDWARE
FREEDOM FOUNDATION
GARAGE BAR & GRILLE
HOUSE OF THE RISING BUNS BAKERY
IMPACTFUL SALES SOLUTIONS
MEIN RECEIVABLES, LLC
MISS CLARK COUNTY SCHOLARSHIP
ORGANIZATION
OFFSHORE DIRECT METALS -
ALUMINUM BILLET,
ALUMINUM CASTINGS
PARADIS LAW FIRM, PLLC
POSTAL CONNECTIONS
RIDGEFIELD BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
SHARKEYS CUTS FOR KIDS
SIGNATURE HOMESTYLES
SPROUT DIGITAL
SUNRISE BAGELS & MORE
THE CHILL FOUNDATION
THE MAGIC OF CRAIG MARTIN
TRAP DOOR BREWING, LLC
TRISTAR FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC &
WELLNESS CENTER
WINDERMERE STELLAR
YOUR PARTY AND EVENT CENTER
New this Winter!
January/February 2016 Edition www.facebook.com/yourchamber12
HONORS
Chamber Names Ambassador of the Year
On Friday, December 4th the GVCC hosted the Annual “Holiday He-roes Luncheon” featuring our red
coat Ambassador Team. Each year the Chamber designates one Wally Horn-berger Award recipient, which is our Am-bassador of the Year award. John Cozzi Jr was named the 2016 Hornberger Award recipient! He received the most votes from his ambassador peers. The 24 per-son ambassador team was asked to vote based on attendance, positive attitude, and a willingness to help.
The 2016 Ambassador of the Year is John Cozzi Jr the President/CEO of Tailored Lo-gistics Inc. He holds a Master of Business Administration and a dual BS in Business Management and Marketing. Originally from Chicago, IL he started a transpor-tation company in 1973. He’s been in-volved with the transportation industry for 40 years and counting. John is also a Mentor for Washington State University MAP Program, within the Carson College of Business.
John Cozzi Jr at the podium as he accepts the honor of Ambassador of the Year on Friday, December 4th 2015.
About Being an Ambassador:John’s favorite part about being an Am-bassador is assisting and mentoring new business owners around traps and un-expected situations that may arise with a new business. He also enjoys the ca-maraderie among business members of the Chamber. Everyone is invested in one another and seek out solutions to work well with one another. Being an Ambas-sador also provides the opportunity to meet a variety of business people and learn about what they provide to the lo-cal community and the world.
About Tailored Logistics Inc (TLI): TLI is a full-service worldwide freight for-warder,. They started operations in 2010 and that provide a wide range of services in the shipping industry. TLI focuses on providing shipping services of shipments weighing 70 lbs or more (total shipment weights, not individual pieces) for both the domestic and international market. TLI provides air, ground, ocean and rail ser-vices for movement of any and all freight throughout the world. There is only one thing that they do not ship, want to know what that is, contact me for the answer.
“Approximately 30% of our business has come from mem-bers of the Chamber of Commerce in direct business and
referrals, like Pillar Orthopedic. We became connected to them through the chamber. They shipped with UPS in the beginning, but due to damages to their shipments, they switched to us in 2011 and we have handled everyone of
their shipments since then.” -John Cozzi Jr.
Seeking Exclusive Sponsor for Spring Series
The GVCC has a great sponsorship opportunity available. We are seek-ing an exclusive sponsor for our
“Spring 2016 [Engagement] Workshop Series” that will begin on Tuesday, March 1st. This eight-part workshop series has a great list of instructors ranging from Cara Catonwine of the Fort Vancouver Historic Reserve to Jodi Blackwell of Clark College Professional Development.
The workshop’s theme “engagement” will cover a variety of topics, all tailored to the needs of small businesses. These workshops will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the month of March at noon-1pm. We are looking for an exclusive “Series Sponsor” to join our media sponsor: The Columbian. Our sponsor will receive unparalleled promo-tion that includes, advertising on our website’s homepage, within eight event posts, and all corresponding “Business Matters” eNewsletters sent weekly. The presenting sponsor will have their logo on all eight promotional graphics, large class brochure (300 printed) and event posts. Also included is the ability to speak at the beginning of each work-shop and valuable onsite community engagement. The GVCC’s 2016 Spring [Small Busi-ness] Workshop Series Class list: • Tuesday, March 1st workshop: Top
Events to Engage with your Commu-
nity by Cara Cantonwine, Fort Vancou-ver National Trust, Stacey Donovan, City of Vancouver and Erin Adams, Human Services Council Senior Con-nections Expo.
• Thursday, March 3rd workshop: Maxi-mize Your Presence at Events by Ron-nie Noize, DIY Marketing Center
• Tuesday, March 8th workshop: Em-power your Non-Profit Board to be Community Spokespeople by Patricia Zamboni Coash of Aushi Mizani, Suc-cess Coach.
• Thursday, March 10th workshop: Tips from 20 years of Engaging the Com-munity by Kim Hash, Program Director at SHARE.
• Tuesday, March 15th workshop: Inter-nal Customer Service by Jody Black-wood, Clark College Pro Development.
• Thursday, March 17th workshop: Understanding your Customers Per-spective for Deeper Engagement by Kevin Hiebert of Resonate: Center for Community Innovation, Dialogue and Leadership Development.
• PENDING - Tuesday, March 22nd • Tuesday, March 29th workshop: Your
Professional Image: The Importance & Power of Impression Management by Kate Singh of Aevum Images and Dr. Carol Parker Walsh of Evolve Image Consulting.
Please contact Teresa Lawwill for sponsor-ship details at tlawwill@vancouverusa.com.
2016
RESERVED SEATING: $50 per person or $500 for a table of 10. Includes sit down breakfast and attendance at one breakout session. Must register by January 18th to reserve your seat.REGISTER: Online at www.columbian.com/economicforecast or by calling Community Partnerships 360-735-4466.
STUDENTS PROGRAM: FREE for fi rst 50 high school or college students who register. Sponsored by BergerABAM. Educators, call today to register fi ve or more students for free. Offer valid for fi rst 50 students/teachers who register; thereafter a special student rate of $30 applies. Students must be currently enrolled. Must register by phone only. Teachers registering 5 students are free.
Thursday, January 21, 2016 Vancouver Hilton Doors Open at 6:30am. Program Begins at 7am
REGISTER TODAY!
EVENT SPONSORS:
PRESENTED BY:
IN-KIND SUPPORT:
PRESENTED BY:
Keynote Speakers:
Liz DunnePresident/CEOPeaceHealth
Greg GoodwinCEOKuni Automotive
Bruce CazenaveCEONautilus, Inc.
w w w. c o l u m b i a n . c o m20
16 Breakout Session Panelists
PAN
EL 2
Gro
win
g a
Busin
ess
and
Lead
ing
Chan
ge
PAN
EL 3
Thriv
ing
in
Larg
e M
arke
ts
PAN
EL 4
Build
ing
for C
lark
Co
unty
’s Fu
ture
ModeratorGale CastilloHispanicMetropolitan Chamber
ModeratorJane CoteWashington State University Vancouver
ModeratorKim CapelotoRiverview Community Bank
PAN
EL 1
Build
ing
on D
ownt
own
and
an E
xpor
t Com
mun
ity
ModeratorKelly LoveLegacy SalmonCreek Hospital
Barry CainGramor Development
Todd ColemanPort of Vancouver
Henry SchuckDiscoverOrg
Elie KassabPrestige Development
Gayle BeacockBeacock Music
Lisa SchauerMackay-Sposito
Deena PierottMosaic Blueprint
Ryan JarvisShopbox
Hutch JohnsonCadet
Tracy WilsonDeWils Industries
Jeff SmithSmith–Root
Troy JohnsUrban NW Homes
Carmen VillarmaThe Management Group
Andrew JonesPacTrust
Lee SchillerReal Living Real Estate
Carmen NazarioELYON International
THE COLUMBIAN’S 2016 ECONOMIC FORECAST BREAKFAST will feature three keynote panelists discussing our local economy and the impacts of changing technologies and competitive pressures in their industries.
Plan to stay for one of the four break-out sessions featuring panelists of local experts.
Scott BaileyRegional Economist
Employment Security Department
ModeratorMike BomarPresident
CREDC
2016
RESERVED SEATING: $50 per person or $500 for a table of 10. Includes sit down breakfast and attendance at one breakout session. Must register by January 18th to reserve your seat.REGISTER: Online at www.columbian.com/economicforecast or by calling Community Partnerships 360-735-4466.
STUDENTS PROGRAM: FREE for fi rst 50 high school or college students who register. Sponsored by BergerABAM. Educators, call today to register fi ve or more students for free. Offer valid for fi rst 50 students/teachers who register; thereafter a special student rate of $30 applies. Students must be currently enrolled. Must register by phone only. Teachers registering 5 students are free.
Thursday, January 21, 2016 Vancouver Hilton Doors Open at 6:30am. Program Begins at 7am
REGISTER TODAY!
EVENT SPONSORS:
PRESENTED BY:
IN-KIND SUPPORT:
PRESENTED BY:
Keynote Speakers:
Liz DunnePresident/CEOPeaceHealth
Greg GoodwinCEOKuni Automotive
Bruce CazenaveCEONautilus, Inc.
w w w. c o l u m b i a n . c o m
2016 Breakout Session
PanelistsPA
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ModeratorGale CastilloHispanicMetropolitan Chamber
ModeratorJane CoteWashington State University Vancouver
ModeratorKim CapelotoRiverview Community Bank
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Build
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ModeratorKelly LoveLegacy SalmonCreek Hospital
Barry CainGramor Development
Todd ColemanPort of Vancouver
Henry SchuckDiscoverOrg
Elie KassabPrestige Development
Gayle BeacockBeacock Music
Lisa SchauerMackay-Sposito
Deena PierottMosaic Blueprint
Ryan JarvisShopbox
Hutch JohnsonCadet
Tracy WilsonDeWils Industries
Jeff SmithSmith–Root
Troy JohnsUrban NW Homes
Carmen VillarmaThe Management Group
Andrew JonesPacTrust
Lee SchillerReal Living Real Estate
Carmen NazarioELYON International
THE COLUMBIAN’S 2016 ECONOMIC FORECAST BREAKFAST will feature three keynote panelists discussing our local economy and the impacts of changing technologies and competitive pressures in their industries.
Plan to stay for one of the four break-out sessions featuring panelists of local experts.
Scott BaileyRegional Economist
Employment Security Department
ModeratorMike BomarPresident
CREDC
January/February 2016 Edition www.facebook.com/yourchamber16
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THE DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY ISSUE
The GVCC in partnership with the CREDC, City of Vancouver, the Digital Technology IPZ, Clark
College and WSU-Vancouver will present this region’s largest digital technology event: The Digital Tech-nology Expo and Luncheon on Thurs-day April 28th. Presented by Comcast.
The expo will launch in the morning with an EDUCATIONAL PREVIEW featuring 600 students from the Vancouver, Evergreen and Camas school districts. We will showcase our digital technology scene to our young creative minds in an effort to light their creative fires for a possible career in this sector as interns, employees and entrepre-neurs.
The expo will open at 10am to businesses and the general public. The goal is interaction between small to medium sized businesses and local technology companies. To easily find answers for problems plaguing your business, we’ve organized the expo within four zones: Online Presence, Mobile, IT Support and Business Software Solutions.
The expo will break for a Digital Technology themed luncheon featuring the Blazers, Timbers and HOP’s Digital Media Directors. They’ll have a panel discussion on the different digital platforms they leverage to engage their fanbases. Panel will be led by our Luncheon sponsor, Riv-erview Community Bank.
The expo will feature a lively Demonstration Stage. Students, tech-nology companies and individuals (that impact the digital technology sector) will go onstage in a mini ted-talk like en-viornment. Sponsorship for the lively demonstra-tion stage is open!
BUSINESS2BUSINESS
Chamber Partners to Produce Digital Technology ExpoVENDOR SNEAK PEEK: Webfor By Kevin Getch, OwnerWebfor delivers enterprise-level cre-ative and digital marketing expertise to small- and medium-size businesses. Our full-service digital marketing agency provides website and logo design, search
engine optimization, social media marketing, email marketing, and conversion rate optimization. We put ourselves in your shoes and make decisions with the thought and care as if your business was our business. Our goal is to become an invaluable partner and trusted advisor for all your Internet marketing needs.
Fringe Digital Marketing Agency by Matt Janik, Owner. Fringe is a highly agile web design and
Internet marketing firm based in Vancouver, Washington. Since 2009, our team of multi-disciplined marketing, SEO and design professionals are dedicated to helping our clients meet their strategic goals. Fringe is focused on growing the visibility of companies in the local area and promoting small business success online. We deliver real results for businesses looking to grow their bottom line.
CheQitout by Ed Frankel, Owner. CheQitout is an app that connects brick and mortar with the local community. Merchants use cheQitout to give custom, real-time offers to both loyal and undiscovered customers. This platform allows merchants to share under-marketed inventory with
local shoppers, and customize your deals to what’s going on in the community. We’re working with the local colleges to offer stu-dents and cheQitout member’s deals from local businesses.
All three photos by Grant Mott of Grant Mott Photography. TOP: Teresa Brum (City of Vancouver), Max Ault (CREDC), Chandra Chase (GVCC), Rebecca Kennedy (City of Vancouver), Jeff Swanson (Clark County). Bottom Left: The team at Webfor. Bottom right: Matt Janik and team of Fringe Digital Marketing Agency.
Are you ready for the digital age of commerce? The 2016 Digital Technology Expo & Luncheon Can Help You Transition
A message from Paul Green of Com-cast, the presenting sponsor of the 2016 Spring Digital Technology
Expo & Luncheon!
I’m proud to be a part of the Digital Technology Expo hosted by The Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Comcast Business! This opportunity for Clark County business-es to gain insight into what is avail-able to them through technology will be a game changer!
In my experience of developing technol-ogy plans for businesses I’ve come to the realization that most design their plan once. The thought drivers, as they relate to technology, are to work their changing busi-ness around their ex-isting plan. I aim to challenge a busi-ness to consider taking a step
back from the status quo and truly gauge their ABILITY TO MOVE WITH TECHNOL-OGY on today’s terms and further, plan for the future.
If you are a small business wanting to launch a new product, use cloud ser-vices, expand a mobile or remote workforce, or enhance your online presence, then the Digital Technol-ogy Expo will be a giant first step towards that transformation. I’ll see you there!
Paul GreenRegional Sales Manager, Business Class paul_green@cable.comcast.
com
Photos of Paul Green by Kate Singh of Aevum Images
By Kevin Getch, Webfor
I have the opportunity to meet with business owners and mar-keting managers every week. I know all too well that many of you are overwhelmed with the huge amounts of information you are expected to absorb and with how quickly that informa-tion is changing from day to day.
The technology revolution is very cool with its gadgets and increased conveniences, but the sheer amount of informa-tion can be overwhelming. It’s tremendously challenging to understand and engage with customers across a fragmenting and evolving marketplace.
I’ve seen businesses quickly los-ing relevance and market share just from the mobile revolution. Too many companies underesti-mate the importance of mobile to their users, and because of that they bleed customers.
I want to share with you one of my predictions that I believe will fundamentally change how we connect with and market to our customers.
I believe the future of marketing will be driven by what I call the 3 P’s. The 3 P’s are Predictive, Proactive and Personalized.
As I already expressed, many of us are overloaded with informa-tion. There is so much noise out there that the average consum-er can get overwhelmed and lost in it. The tech company that will win in this environment is the one that can filter the noise and personalize it into a perfect, unique and individualized son-net of information.
The company leading this charge is Google with its
The 2016 Digital Technology Expo & Luncheon Can Help You Transition
Google Now and Google Now on Tap products. You also have Facebook who is beta testing their “virtual assistant” type of service called “M”, Bing who created Cortana and Apple who has Siri.
Four of the biggest com-panies in tech are invest-ing massive amounts of manpower and money into developing a solution that will be more proactive than reactive. What do I mean by that? Well, currently Google Now knows what’s on my calendar. It automatically checks traffic and gives me a friendly reminder that based on traffic conditions, I will need to head out in 15 minutes to make it on time, and it’s already mapped out the best route. This is just one of the many things it already does that is proac-tive rather than reactive.
In the future these ser-vices will be even better at predicting the solutions and information best suited to you. They will personalize that information based on your search history, location, reviews, social connections and preferences. They will proactively provide you with that information rather than waiting for you to request it.
Imagine the best ever personal assistant. One that knows what you like and don’t like. One that has your schedule, who works 24/7 and, best of all, doesn’t charge anything. That’s what these services offer. It’s easy to see how this type of tech-nology may entice people to supply these tools with the information and permis-sions they need to work.
Technology is Evolving Buying Habits
The goal is to connect and educate businesses on
technology solutions for the digital age.
Vancouver’s tech scene and creative culture has taken off in the last few years, particularly in downtown and along the 192nd Corridor. The City of Vancouver supports this growth through the Innovation Partnership Zone (IPZ), a collaborative effort by several public, private and non-profit organizations to address the infra-structure, workforce, funding and space needs of technology and creative firms. In addition, the City helps to build the type of place that tech firms look for when they decide where to locate. Through our Business Assistance and other programs, we sup-port the cafés, restaurants, food trucks and brewer-ies that creative companies and their employees want to have around them.
Clark College provides a tech-nology-enriched learning envi-
ronment that local employers and students rely on. Many
people think of traditional programs like Networking Technology or Web Devel-
opment but all of our programs including Industrial Maintenance and Automotive are increasingly
digital. For students, the library is as much about tech support, computer labs, and online resources
as it is books. Our new STEM building that will open this summer was built with the digital learner
in mind and will be a great resource for the com-munity as well as our students.
impactful players of Vancouver’s Technology BOOM
MAX AULT
CHATOHAZELBAKER
TERESA BRUM & REBECCA KENNEDY
In 2014 the CREDC took a renewed and active approach to accomplish the first goal of the Clark County Eco-nomic Development Plan: establishing Clark County as a regional center for growth and innovation in the Infor-mation Technology sector. To this end, the CREDC has overhauled our entrepreneurship programming with the creation of Grow Clark County, which has seen major successes in highlighting our community’s fastest growing companies, connecting business owners to networks of mentors and funders, and celebrating our innovative startup community. Creation of infrastructure has also been key in our efforts to support our region becoming a hi-tech hub: collaboration with our public and private partners, including the City of Camas and City of Vancouver, to create the Innovation Partnership Zone, support-ing new development and redevelopment of exist-ing space into high-demand creative office space that supports high-speed internet and robust IT systems, in addition to leveraging the assets of our K-12 and higher education partners to build a dynamic pipeline of well-educated and highly qualified professionals in the fields computer sci-ences, engineering, digital media, and mobile development.
Left to Right: Max Ault, Chato Hazelbaker, Teresa Brum, Sandra Towne, Rebecca Kennedy,
Dene Grigar, Kelly Love and Chandra Chase
Digital Technology Expo Founding Partners
Photo by Kate Singh of Aevum Images
impactful players of Vancouver’s Technology BOOM
TERESA BRUM & REBECCA KENNEDY
SANDRATOWNE
DR. DENE GRIGAR
KELLY LOVE & CHANDRA
CHASEThe Greater Vancouver
Chamber of Commerce is a network of over 1,100
businesses in Southwest Washington. We hear from our businesses about their
struggles and successes. Technology tops the lists as
a major issue for small to medium sized businesses. The technology landscape
is changing. More and more consumers purchase on mo-
bile devices, cloud storage and cloud software options are a practical solution and there is a growing concern
for digital security. The GVCC has workshops, online
training and will host the digital technology expo - all with the goal of connecting
and educating our business-es on technology solutions
for the digital age.
The students of Washington State Univer-sity Vancouver’s Creative Media & Digital
Culture (CMDC) program are playing a direct role in the growth of our digital tech-nology economy. They are graduating with
the skillsets desired by high tech digital development to creative computer industry
from the public to nonprofit sectors. The program’s graduates are highly sought after; yearly job placement rates since
2010 average at 90% upon graduation. The CMDC program focuses on helping
local businesses and organizations during the school year, often taking on complex
projects like app and website development, 2 and 3D animations and infographics, the cutting edge augmented and virtual reality
installations. In the summer of 2016 WSU Vancouver will host a data security summit,
so stay tuned.
The IPZ employed as a successful marketing, and con-vening effort has helped accelerate the formation of an applied digital technology zone or (Tech Scene) in Downtown Vancouver fueling economic development by connecting entrepreneurs, startups and global enterprises to each other, with workforce training, business assistance, and local talent.
Only two years ago, the tech industry was still a fast-growing concept in Vancouver, with a dozen tech businesses downtown. Today more than 45 tech firms now call downtown Vancou-ver their home.
Vancouver, evergreen & Camas school districtsSix hundred kids from three districts will attend the “Digital Technology Expo” in an effort to showcase our
growing technology sector and excite the new-wave of workforce talent!
Photo by Kate Singh of Aevum Images
John Deeder,Evergreen School District SuperintendentFormer GVCC Board Member
Dr. Steve Webb,
Vancouver School District
Superintendent and current GVCC Board
Member
Visit www.VancouverUSA.com for more info VISION VANCOUVER Magazine 23
Vancouver, evergreen & Camas school districts
Embracing the Technology Revolution
Vancouver Public Schools:Prior to passage of the tech-nology levy in 2013
• Use of technology facili-tator teams to plan, pilot and support increased use of educational tech-nology
• Vancouver Public Schools has emerged as a national model for how to reinvent the teacher-librarian role for the 21st century.
• Updating and expand-ing wireless capacity throughout the district to support mobile learn-ing and Bring Your Own Device pilots in second-ary schools
• Installing standard classroom equipment throughout the district including interactive projectors, teacher lap-tops, document cameras and in primary class-rooms, sound enhance-ment systems
• Creation of ‘flexible learning environments’ to include
• Implementation of learn-ing management system (Fall 2015)
• Identification and de-ployment of additional digital content (ongoing)
• Expansion of digital citi-zenship and information literacy instruction with students
Businesses are not the only ones currently experiencing a technology revolution. Our local school districts are also making strides in converting to technology driven solu-
tions. Students within the Vancouver, Evergreen and Camas school districts have a strong pathway via Clark and WSU-Vancouver to develop their skillsets to become the
future employees and entrepreneurs in our growing technology sector.
Here is a glimpse of the technology driven achievements of our school districts:
Since the 2013 Technology Levy • Established a 6-year
schedule to provide stu-dents and teachers with enhanced capacity to use digital tools to improve teaching and learning.
• This effort has been broadly branded as we-Learn 1:1.
• To date, there are more than 12,000 iPads/3000 laptops deployed to students and teachers
• Most students in grades 6-12 have 1:1 access ei-ther to an iPad or laptop. Devices and training for teachers are deployed in the school year prior to students receiving their devices
• Deployment of learning management systems to enable 24/7 access to classroom assignments, resources and communi-cations tools
• apps and digital content for student learning
• Robust professional de-velopment and support for teachers to use digital tools and develop new instructional strategies including staffing for in-tegration and technical support
• To help ensure equitable access, school buses are now equipped with Wi-Fi. Work is underway to provide network access
outside the district to ex-tend the school day for students without inter-net access at home.
Evergreen Public Schools:
• Gateway to Technology (GTT) elective classes currently in all six middle schools offer students a hands-on authentic en-gineering environment, where they study au-tomation and robotics. This includes computer-based modeling, fabri-cating design ideas, and programming robots. Students use a variety of materials (wood, plastic, and metal) designed in the computer with Au-todesk Inventor software and shaped with stu-dents’ hands.
• High schools have ini-tiated a “Tech Tutor” program where stu-dents work in conjunc-tion with the Teacher Librarian to support classroom teachers and students with technol-ogy set up, training, and troubleshooting.
• Every school has wireless access points in every classroom and expanded bandwidth to ensure all schools have capacity to support up to three de-vices per student.
• The administrative team is identifying personal-
ized Learning instruc-tional expectations and professional de-velopment needs. It is critical that all staff understand how tech-nology should be used as a catalyst to allow students to take own-ership over both the goals and path of their education prior to issu-ing student devices.
• Currently implement-ing a K-12 digital library with an integrated reading level assess-ment tool to provide students with book recommendations and teachers with ongoing progress monitoring.
• Curriculum and inter-vention software op-tions are presently be-ing field-tested as part of an adoption process.
• By February, will iden-tify six Innovation Cen-ter pilot schools (3 – El-ementary, 2 – Middle, 1 – High) to start 1:1 mo-bile devices during the 2016-17 school year.
• Scheduled to pro-vide 1:1 take-home mobile devices for all 4-12 grade students and classroom based devices for K-3 grade students starting fall of 2017.
Improving Your Technology is fertilizer for your business
Winning com-panies invest
6.3% of their an-nual revenue on new technologies and business sys-tem improvements,
according to CIO Magazine’s 2015 State of the CIO Survey. For many business own-ers, that’s a difficult pill to swallow. But in
order to compete in today’s economy, the hard truth is that even small and midsize businesses need the same types of technologies that Fortune 500 companies utilize. Every success-ful company Trek Global has worked with -- whether a small business or a large corporation -- uses some com-bination of front-end customer facing systems like websites, mobile ordering and digital marketing to engage with customers, along with back-end sys-tems that make them more efficient, such as CRM (Customer Relationship Management) and ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning).
Front-End Systems Engage Custom-ers and Drive Your BusinessThe focus here is to have front-end systems that give you a polished, cur-rent look and make it easier for your customers to buy and interact with you. Investments in front-end tech-nologies include:
• Websites. It’s important to up-date your website so that it uses proper data architecture and re-sponsive technology, which allows for automatic website adjustment on mobile devices. Whenever a customer is using their mobile device and lands on a website that isn’t responsive, they assume the business doesn’t care about them -- and they leave. Addition-ally, your Google ranking can take a hit and you may not show up in search results if your website doesn’t comply with the up to date specifications. If you haven’t
updated your website to be re-sponsive, it’s time to do so!
• Order Management Systems. The emphasis here is on convenience, primarily for customers and sec-ondarily for business. Solutions that are mobile or allow the op-tion of self-managed transactions are a current trend. Examples of order management systems com-panies utilize today are mobile ordering, e-commerce websites and POS (Point of Sale) systems.
• Digital marketing: Does your business have a presence on social media channels that are relevant to your customers? If so, great. Keep in mind, however, that digital marketing opportunities go well beyond social media, and include such tactics as email mar-keting, display adver-tising, retarget-ing and search engine market-ing.
Internal Systems Reduce the Cost of Do-ing Busi-nessMost busi-nesses begin with a CRM solution to better track their sales funnel. As the sales start to roll in then internal sys-tems must be in place to ensure high perfor-
mance. If your business is experiencing any of the following scenarios, it’s time to select an inte-grated solution such as an ERP to better manage your business processes.1. Inventory issues are
taking up staff time and creating disgrun-tled customers.
2. Your team spends significant time re-entering data into multiple disparate systems.
3. Communication breakdown frequent-ly occurs and impacts your customers and your business.
Sweet Spots Skirts UpgradesTrek Global helps a number of growing businesses here in Clark County. One such company with technical needs is Sweet Spot Skirts, a company that produces and sells wom-en’s athletic apparel. Stephanie Lynn, Owner and Founder of Sweet Spots Skirts stated, “With 56% growth in 2015, it is paramount that I implement Trek Global’s products as they are an integral part of my growth, sustainability will no doubt aid in my organizations acquisition process when the time is right.”
This organization sells product through an ecommerce website direct to the consumer, through multiple distribution channels including every REI bike section across the country, and also in person at both their physical location and at re-mote events such as marathons utilizing a POS (Point of Sale) system. This business provides a 100% satisfaction return policy and to ensure that the clothing is up to quality speci-fications, they perform both in-house and local outsourced manufacturing. As you can imagine, inventory in a scenario such as this can be a bit of a nightmare. This is where an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system with a strong ecommerce website and point of sale integration can come into play. Through the use of interconnected systems this organization can track all necessary customer data, maintain up-to-date inventory, plan for future materials purchases, au-tomate the shipping process, and even reduce overhead with the increased efficiency that their interconnected systems provide. And when that next big national retailer signs on to distribute their product, they will be ready.
By Joel Stangeland, TrekGlobal
CEO
KEEP IT KEEP IT KEEP ITLOCALLOCALLOCAL
Reason #21:Locally sourced EVERYTHING!
www.sproutdigital.us
Why Choose Sprout Digital?
Helping Clark County businesses take root,through website design & digital marketing services.
4. Managers do not have easy vis-ibility to the current status of their departments.
5. You don’t have visibil-ity into profitability and key performance indica-tors (KPI’s).
Concerned about the cost of ERP? Consider the benefits and con-sequences the software provides, from integrat-ed finance that provides real-time views on the status of your business, to inventory tracking for all your locations and automated shipping and fulfillment. Addi-tionally, within 2 years of implementing ERP, the financial impact to growing organizations is significant :• Companies typically see a 21% improvement in profit margins.• Customer order cycle times are cut in half.
“Through the use of interconnected
systems Sweet Spots Skirts can track all necessary customer data, maintain up-to-date inventory, plan for future materials purchases, automate the shipping process, and even reduce overhead with the increased efficiency...”
- Joel Stangeland
• Stocked inventory can be reduced by 17% with better inventory man-agement.
• Managers decrease their time-to-decision by 46%.
Growing or Selling Your Business? Invest in IT Systems There are several factors you should consider if you are growing or selling your business: • Companies looking to become ac-
quired benefit from having an ERP. These solutions build trust that the business will be able to support growth for the next decade, which in turn expedites the acquisition process.
• For the small or midsize business, growth opportunities means hav-ing the right inventory and fulfill-ment systems in place and con-nected to front-end retail and web stores.
• To meet high customer expecta-tions for fast delivery and superior customer service, organizations need to invest in IT in order to survive and thrive in today’s mar-ketplace.
Stephanie Lynn, Owner of Sweet Spot Skirts. Photo by Kate Singh of Aevum Images.
January/February 2016 Edition www.facebook.com/yourchamber26
2.
GVCC RIBBON CUTTINGS with the Ambassador team
CELEBRATE
10/22 Consign Inn @ 9920 NE HWY 99 Vancouver WA. Grand Opening!
Legal Shield-Kareen Mills @ Beaches Sunrise Bagels @ 808 Harney Street Vancouver WA
MADdogs @ 1900 NE 162nd Avenue Vancouver WA. Grand Opening!
EOCF - Educational Opportunities for Children and Families. 10002 NE 13th Avenue Vancouver WA. Grand Opening of New Early Learning Center.
Be Well Nutrition @ 10112 Washington Street Vancouver WA. Grand Opening!
Grand opening!
Grand opening!
Grand opening!
PRINTING
Grand opening!
Grand opening!Empower Up ! 5000 E 4th Plain Vancouver WA - Grand Opening!
McDonalds @ 13002 NE HWY 99 Vancouver WA. Renovation & Grand re-opening!Grand opening!
Innovative Services @ 9414 NE 4th Plain Vancouver WA. Expansion.expansion!
PeriodicalUS Postage
Paid Vancouver,
WA
1101 Broadway, Suite 100 - Vancouver, WA 98660 USA
VISION VAN
CO
UVER
Magazine
1/6/16GVCC EVENT
SW Washington Leads and Needs BEACHES RESTAURANT
7:30AM-9AMThe best morning
networking in Clark County! $5 members,
free if you bring a non-member guest.
1/7/16GVCC EVENT
Ribbon CuttingPOSTAL CONNECTIONS
3PMCelebrating with our new member at 7720
NE HWY 99.
1/7/16GVCC EVENT
Industries Quar-terly: HealthcareTHE VANCOUVER CLINIC
5-7PMHealthcare panel
discussion, network-ing with Lawmakers. RSVP $10/member.
Sponsored by Regence BlueCross BlueShield.
1/8/16PARTNER EVENT
Business Networking 101
@ THE GVCC
9:30-11AMPresented by DIY Marketing Center. $10/Free for GVCC
members.
1/8/16GVCC EVENT
Ribbon CuttingSIMPLY THYME CATERING
11:30AMRibbon Cutting directly
to follow Business Networking 101.
1/13/16GVCC EVENT
Resource Network 4-5PM
Bookkeeping with Apps by Karen Ault of Strate-
gic Tax. Free.
1/14/16GVCC EVENT
Ribbon CuttingMCKINLEY IRVIN FAMILY
LAW FIRM5PM
Grand opening celebration!
1/20/16GVCC EVENT
SW Washington Leads and Needs BEACHES RESTAURANT
7:30AM-9AMThe best morning
networking in Clark
County! Sponsored by the Better Business
Bureau.
1/21/16PARTNER EVENTThe Columbian’s
Economic Forecast Breakfast THE HILTON
The keynote session will feature three
panelists discussing our local economy and the impacts of chang-ing technologies and competitive pressures
in their industries.
2/2/16GVCC EVENT
Ribbon CuttingSMITH-ROOT AND PARKIN
ENGINEERING4:45PM
Celebrate their new headquarters to the
public before our Busi-ness After Hours event.
2/2/16GVCC EVENT
Business After Hours
SMITH ROOT - PARKIN ENGINEERING
5-7PMOur monthly network-ing event! Bring plenty
of business cards. Prizes, connections and
food/drink!
2/3/16GVCC EVENT
SW Washington Leads and Needs BEACHES RESTAURANT
7:30AM-9AMThe best morning
networking in Clark County! Sponsored by:
MEMBER NAME.
2/3/16GVCC EVENT
Ribbon CuttingNAVIGATE LAW GROUP
4PMCelebrating their
expansion and rebrand from MRM Law Group.
2/9/16GVCC EVENT
Small Business Re-source Open House
GVCC LOBBY4:30-6PM
The GVCC will host a number of no-cost or
low cost small business support groups for an
informational open house!
2/10/16GVCC EVENT
Resource Network 4-5PM
Subject: TBA.
UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR:7:30AM-9AM
The best morning networking in Clark
County!
3/3/16GVCC EVENT
Maximize your presence at events
by Ronnie Noize Noon - 1pm
The second workshop in our eight part Spring
workshops series, themed: engagement.
RSVP online. $10/member.
3/8/16
GVCC EVENTBusiness After
HoursSPONSORED BY:
THE QUARRY5-7PM
The best evening net-working in Vancouver!
Bring plenty of business cards! $10/member, please RSVP online.
3/8/16GVCC EVENT
Empower your nonprofit board
Noon - 1pmThe third workshop in the GVCC’s eight part Spring workshops se-ries, themed: engage-
ment. RSVP online.
2/12/16PARTNER EVENT
Advanced Networking
StrategiesGVCC
9:30-11AMPresented by DIY Marketing Center.
2/17/16GVCC EVENT
SW Washington Leads and Needs BEACHES RESTAURANT
7:30AM-9AMThe best morning
networking in Clark County! Sponsored by
Reed Creative.
3/1/16GVCC EVENT
Spring 2016 Work-shop Series KICK OFF CLASS #1 - THE BEST EVENTS
FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Noon - 1pmThe start of our eight
part Spring Work-shops series, themed:
engagement.
3/2/16GVCC EVENT
SW Washington Leads and Needs BEACHES RESTAURANT
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