chamber 0811

The Kelso Longview Chamber takes great pride in announcing an opportunity to partner with the Cham-bers with in Cowlitz County along with the Longview Downtowners; to bring our local businesses and mem-bers together in one location at the same time.

Our second Annual MEGA MIXER 2011 will be August 23, 2011 from 5:30–8:30 p.m. on 16th Avenue behind the Chamber building. Busi-ness display booths, tables, food provided by Summerland Catering, bever-ages provided by Capstone Cel-lars, Flowers pro-vided by Banda’s Bouquets and entertainment from The Drifters Moon Band will make this a memorable and fun net-working event.

If you are a business within Cowlitz County, you are eli-gible to participate in the Mega Mixer 2011. And, if you are a member of a Chamber in Cowlitz County, or the Longview Downtowners, you have the opportunity to sign up under the “member rate.” This event will give you the opportu-nity to reach out and network to more pro-spective clients and customers.

Sign up your busi-ness as a sponsor or a vendor at the Mega Mixer 2011 and you will have

the opportunity to share your business information to more than 200 business pro-fessionals. For sign-up information, check out the Kelso Longview Chamber website, www.KelsoLongviewChamber.org, find us on Facebook @KelsoLongviewChamber, or call the chamber team at 360-423-8400.

Join us at the best networking event in 2011, where you can connect business to busi-ness and build lasting relationships.

Vol. 3, No. 8 • August 2011

Business ConneCtionKelso longview Chamber of CommerCe • longview Downtowners

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Welcome New Members . . . 2-3

Downtown Longview . . . . . . .4

Around the Watercooler . . . . .6

President’s Message . . . . . . .7

Business Briefs . . . . . . . . . . .9

Mark Your Calendar . . . . . .10

IN THIS ISSUE

WATER COOLERaround the

In your business or profession, what are the most beneficial aspects of Chamber membership?

See page 6

LONGVIEW’S 1ST ANNUAL

See page 9

Chamber to host festive “block party” for business community

Photos: Scenes from Mega Mixer 2010

• AUGUST 2011 KELSO LONGVIEW BUSINESS CONNECTION

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EcoTech Recycling Thanks these Community Businesses for Going “Green” with EcoTech

“Thank you all for your community support and

generous recycling efforts. ”Renie Duvall, President

See story page 3

Welcome BASKETSare a great way to get to know our newest members of the Kelso Longview Chamber. We fill the

baskets full of useful information and gifts from other Chamber members, and then deliver to new members. If you’d like to contribute items for the baskets, call the Chamber office, 360-423-8400.

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Kelso longview Chamber of CommerCe Team

Rick Winsman, President/CEONorma Davey, Director of Administration

Amy Johnson, Program DirectorDebbie Brock, Bookkeeper

Kelso visiTor CenTerConnie Parsons, Center DirectorLois Sigurdson, Center Assistant

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

Kelso Longview Business Connectionpublished monthly by

Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce

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

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

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Glancing toward an old copy machine await-ing dismantling and

“shredding,” Renie Duvall, 56, said, “It really feels good to know that that is not going to be in a landfill.”

“I’ve always been a tree hug-ger at heart. I just didn’t know I could be paid for it.”

Duvall is the CEO of EcoTech, which facilitates the cost-effec-tive recovery of precious met-als – copper, aluminum and gold – from semi-conductors, circuit boards and wire, and recycles silicon wafers for solar use.

Everything that’s been manu-factured can be put back to its original component pieces, Duvall said. The recycling busi-ness is cyclical, almost reces-sion-proof and in an upward trend.

“Business has been good,” she said, “and it’s getting better.”

“We go to manufacturers and recycle their scrap,” Duvall explained. In a pro-cess known as “detrashing,” like mate-rials are put together, bundled and sent out by truckloads so it makes sense for the smelter. “They have the capacity,” she said. “When they run this kind of material, they need a lot of it.”

EcoTech then gets paid and the funds go into an escrow account from which customers are paid their “share,” less EcoTech’s processing and handling fees.

Some materials are sold on eBay; some go on to the metals market. The com-

pany also processes sanitized medical scrap, such as shunts, which contain platinum.

Silicon is a precious substance, too, she said. Scrap materials are imported – mostly from Asia -- but not exported. The recycled materials remain in the United States.

During the process, everything is tracked by bar code security and weight controls. Special care is taken to protect IP (intellectual property) contained in certain components.

How she got hereBack in 1973, Duvall was the first woman to complete the aircraft mechanic’s school and served 18 years with the Army and Air Force. Growing up, her Dad was in the Navy and her family traveled a lot . . . living in Saipan, Kansas, Arizona, Oregon, Ohio. She attended seven different high schools in four years.

Devall later worked 18 years for SEH America, a silicon wafer and semi-con-ductor manufacturer in Vancouver. She was the first woman working on the floor, then worked in customer service and inside sales.

“I learned semi-conductor wafer manu-facturing from the inside,” she said, “from a solar perspective.”

“At 50, I decided to start my own busi-ness. I got tired of being laid off. I got tired of being replaced by younger people.”

In 2005, she launched Solar & Silicon, a silicon clearing facility in Longview. “This was the first time I stepped out of the old comfort zone of having a ‘real job,’” she recalled, and the last time she would ever work for somebody else.

“The solar market was wonderful. It was incredible.” It survived the 2008 downturn.” But when her partner died

unexpectedly, she mothballed the com-pany. Earlier, the SBA had “planted a seed,” telling her the State of Washington really needed a recy-cling business.

Because of the suc-cess of Silicon & Solar, Duvall had the cash neces-sary to buy equip-ment and set up a new operation in a 40,000-square foot building in Kalama to start EcoTech. “I had the cash to do it,” she said, but the com-pany’s vice president, Bob Briehl, was key. “Bob was the recylcling expert.”

He came for Chandler, Arizona, in what is known as “the silicon desert.” The analytical chemist came on as COO of the company. “He does the work and I get the credit,” Duvall said, chuckling.

“I can multi-task very well,” she said. She travels the globe to find sources of materials to recycle, while serving as EcoTech’s CEO and its managing and marketing force. Describing herself as “a CEO in training,” Duvall said she gave up what she calls “old IBM ways,” throwing out minutes and meetings. “Anything I absolutely hated, I wouldn’t force any of my employees to do.”

When problems occur, she reminds herself, “It’s just business. It slides off and I just figure out how to fix it.”

In EcoTech’s warehouse, it’s wall to wall “junk,” in various stages of sort-ing and stockpiling. Most of it is high-tech materials – like silicon wafers, circuit boards and semi-conductors

-- in various stages of dismantling and sort-ing. But one area holds more common things most people would recognize.

“It looks like what you didn’t sell at the garage sale,” Duvall said.

EcoTech participates in the State of Washington’s E-waste program, a free-to-the-community program in which individuals can drop off laptops, monitors, CPU towers and TVs. Now on the list are also e-books, brand new to the recycling market.

“They (e-books) prob-ably won’t be showing up here for a year,” Duvall said, “’til they

start to get ‘old.’” The E-waste program

“Scrap Queen” sleeps well at nightNEW CHAMBER MEMBER FEATURE: EcoTech of Kalama

Renie Duvall in EcoTech’s 40,000-sq ft plant in Kalama

cont page 8

Story by Sue Piper • Photos by Perry Piper


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A Final Thank You The Gift Garden closed at the end of July after operating for 22½ years in The Merk. It did not close because of our great recession. “We had a year of low sales,” said owner Colleen Hill, “but things have steadily gotten better the last couple of years.” She is closing her store to spend more time with her 93-year-old mother.

Hill has seen many changes in the Downtown; however, the most impor-tant things have stayed the same. Build-ing owners, John and Mary Chilson “have always been helpful and support-ive of their tenants,” she said. The three employees she hired over the last 14 years (she ran the business by herself for the first eight years) “have been the best.” And many of her loyal custom-ers have become friends. “People can go anywhere to shop. I wanted to have a “feel good” shop that was good for browsing. I tried to show all shoppers

that I appreciated them choosing my store, whether they purchased anything or not. I hope they know how grateful I am to them.”

A Great Move Why did CAPtured Treasures move from 1526 Commerce to 1262 Com-merce? “Location, location, location,” explained Store Manager Paul Yauch as he pointed out that the number of peo-ple in the store at that time equaled the number of customers they would have had all day at the old location. The new store is located at the corner of Hudson and Commerce and “the surrounding businesses draw in the customers,” he said. In addition, they can display their choice clothing in the large number of big windows. Yauch claims he finds “drool on the windows.”

At the 3000 square foot new location, CAPtured Treasures can move 1300 clothing items every week at set prices running from $3 for shoes and purses to $6 for coats, jackets and dresses. The store offers “buy 2 and get 1 free” sales and store credit for donated clothing. Yauch goes to Portland every Sunday

and finds new items for the store. Hours are Mon-Fri 9:30am-5:00pm. 360-232-4233. (Note: As this issue went to press, the Business Connection was informed that Yauch is no longer the store manager.)

Next StepsAt the July 14 general meeting of the Longview Downtowners, Wendy Kosloski, Membership Chairper-son, gave a short summary of the HyettPalma Action Plan and encour-aged members to read the document. (www.kelsolongviewchamber.org/pdf/Longview_aa2011.pdf

The Action Plan contains moe than 50 action items. Ron Kosloski, Trea-surer, passed out the recommended priorities list of short-term actions for the Downtowners to review. President Doug Harvey said that the Downtowners would email a copy of the priorities document and a request

August 5 Commerce Bicycle Races hosted by Highlander Cycling

August 6 (Saturday)2nd Annual Longview Grand Prix Criterium (see story, page 5)1st Annual Squirrel Festival

August 12 Urban Adventure Hosted by Cowlitz Valley Runners

August 19Surprise!!! Hosted by Do It Yourself Party Supplies

August 26Grand Prix Slow Drag-Hosted by Grand Prix Chapter of America

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Kelso-Longview Chamber Quarterly Membership Meeting

STATE OF THE CITIESThursday, Sept. 22 • 11:45 am –1:30 pm

Cowlitz Regional Conference CenterThe Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce invites you to its third quarter membership luncheon “State of the Cities.” Kelso City Manager Denny Richards and Longview City Manager Bob Gregory will make presentations highlighting recent accomplishments and what is planned for the future of the two cities. The event, to be held Thursday, September 22, 2011 11:45 – 1:30 p.m. at the Cowlitz Regional Conference Center.

The State of the Cities meeting is something the business community has asked for. It is a comprehensive summary of where our communities are going; presented by those whose responsibility it is to get us there.

“State of the Cities” is an annual event where our city leaders will have an opportunity to showcase their accomplishments and present a vision of what the future holds for the area’s development. It provides a good insight into the strength of our economic base, real estate markets, financial institutions and educational challenges.

Reservations for this event can be made by calling the Chamber 360-423-8400. Cost is $30 for Chamber members $45 non-members and is open to the public.

To register for this event, please contact the Chamber, 360-423-8400.

Bicycle racing sprints into Longview

Mark your calen-dar for the NEW Downtown Dash

for Cash on Commerce Avenue on Friday, August 5, and the 2nd Annual Longview Grand Prix Cri-terium on August 6 at the Civic Circle.

Downtown Dash for Cash on Commerce Avenue,August 5, 5 –9 pmStreet sprints in heats on Commerce Ave . for both road and mountain bikes Category A for experienced racers and Category B for beginners. If you have wanted to race, or think you can…come on down and sprint in category B! Four person heats – two go forward and there’s a final heat for non-winners. Sprints start at Pets, Pawns and Imports and end at Highlander Cycling. Cash prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place and medals for all winners! $5 entry fee, plus $5 racing license. Ore-gon Bicycle Racing Association (OBRA) is sponsoring the race.

And there’s moreThere is also a race for single speed cruisers — just one sprint — and the infamous “Commerce Crawl” to see who can be the last to go over the fin-ish line.

PLUS on the 1200 block of Commerce Avenue there will be a Classic Bike Show! Bring your unique or antique bike to show and compete for trophies. FREE!

2nd Annual Longview Grand Prix Crite-rium. August 6 – 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Join us for a family-friendly day of rac-ing! 11 races. $2,500 cash prizes. Ama-teur and Pro races with categories for Masters 35+, 50+ and 60+, plus Juniors races, women’s races and a FREE kids’ race at 5:30 p.m. The 1st Annual Squir-

rel Festival will be in the same place on the same day offering a variety of fun things to do throughout the day, includ-ing food vendors, kids’ games, a beer garden and dancing in the streets after the racing day is done.

Bicycle racing is an elite sport for ath-letes passionate about racing. A cyclist racing the circuit will generally train hundreds of miles per week and belong to a pro racing team. They work their way up the categories to the pro level. Come show your support for a sport new to Southwest Washington!

WIN your own racing bike or a BMX! Take a chancer in a raffle for a Cannon-dale Synapse 6 road bike, a Stolen Riot BMX and a Manhatten Flyer. Tickets are available at Highlander Cycling or at the event on the day of the race.

Why Host a Bicycle Race?Bicycle racing brings awareness of cycling to the community and aware-ness of the community to the region. A Criterium is fun and unique, and Street Sprints give everyone a chance to par-ticipate!

Lonview’s Civic Center is the perfect course for a Criterium – a timed course on a closed course. The Civic Center has a similar European street design where “Crits” began. Bicycle racing promotes Longview as an exciting city, adding to its culture.

By Janis Forbes

2010 race. Photo by Columbia River Reader


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Question: In your business or profession, what are the most beneficial aspects of Chamber membership?

“Around the Water Cooler” is a regular feature of Kelso-Longview Business Connection. Watch for our roving reporter this month at a water cooler near you.

WATER COOLERaround the

“Being able to connect with people and be able to get the word out about the Symphony. I was truly amazed how many people didn’t even realize there was a symphony.”

Sue Lane, Board Vice Chm.Marketing/Publicity/ Advertising CoordinatorSW Washington Symphony, Longview

“The networking, without a doubt; getting your name out there and meeting new people.”

Rick Anyan Executive DirectorAmericana Health & Rehab Center, Longview

“It’s worth it. It’s beneficial to have a community net-work of businesses to bring forth the collective well-being and to have a voice for the local small business person.”

T.J. Ablan Physical TherapistPT Northwest, Longview

“The ability to network with other comparable businesses in our commu-nity and form strategtic partnerships where high quality businesses can complement one another. Longview is a small community and cross-referral helps.

Barbara Sudar, Co-OwnerEstetica Day Spa, Longview


Our Guide to the August Primary

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Rick Winsman

Local candidates to square off

If you haven’t already received your ballot for the August 16 primary election, look for it in your mail box

soon. As you evaluate the candidates in the few primary mandated contests, I would like to suggest a couple of things to think about.

First, I would suggest that you look at each of these candidates and identify those which most closely align them-selves with your own thoughts on the issues that are most important to you. Then check to see what your candi-date’s position is on the general busi-ness issues that will affect your and your neighbor’s business — things like taxes, fees, and so on.

Second, when you do get your ballot, be sure to exercise your right to select those who will represent us by marking it up and sending it in on time. If you

have already decided who you will vote for, do it now. Your decision will probably not change during the next 16 days.

Regardless of what industry your business is in -— restaurants, retail, manufacturing, construc-tion, tourism/recreation, real estate, finance, professional ser-vices, transportation, or the public sector — look to see how the can-didates stack-up on three criteria: support for job growth, economic development and regional compet-itiveness. Other but none-the-less important considerations would be investing in local transit and transportation infrastructure, and taking a balanced approach to tax and regulation.

cont page 8

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New Longview Police Chief to discuss Downtown safety

Colorful maps available FREE at Chamber office

Colorful, intricately-drawn and amusing maps showing Longview, Kelso and Rainier are available while the supply lasts. Pick up yours from the Chamber office and see how the area looks from one artist’s perspective. They’re a fun way to brighten an otherwise bland wall in your office.

Longview’s new police chief, Jim Duscha, will speak at the next meeting of Longview Downtowners. Everyone is welcome at the meeting, which will be held at Los Rocas, 1260 Commerce Avenue, at 5:30 pm, Tuesday, August 9.

If you have questions, suggestions, or just want to hear what Chief Duscha has to say about Downtown safety, mark your calendar and plan to attend this meeting.

For the primary, those Cowlitz County races that are mandated to be primary races are just those listed below. From these, the top two vote-getting candi-dates will face each other in November. The remainder of the local races either have only two candidates running or are uncontested and will appear on the November ballot.

City of Castle Rock, Council Position 5, 4-Year term:Ellen RoseJustin StennickMike Mask

City of Woodland, Mayor, 4-Year term:Darwin K. RoundsJohn JJ” Burke”Grover LasekeJanna Lovejoy

City of Woodland, Council Position 4, 4-Year term:Marshall AllenBrian EllisAnthony “Tony” Brentin

City of Woodland, Council Position 7, 4-Year term:Robert RippScott PerryGene L. Silvey

Kelso School District, Position #4, 4-Year term:Bob LucasBrad ThurmanJason JenkinsDiane L. Dick

Beginning at the end of September and continuing thru October, the Kelso Longview Chamber will be hosting a series of Candidate Forums for selected contested races. This will be your opportunity to find out how the candidates’ positions on the issues match those of your own, and become informed voters for the November 8th elections.

Additionally, the Chamber will be discussing the three initiatives that will appear on the November ballot to determine if there is reason to make a recommendation to our members. Either way, we will be providing information to you on these initiatives so that you will be informed on them as well.

•••

cont form page 7

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

isn’t a money-maker for Eco-Tech, but Duvall thinks it’s still worth doing.

“It’s a synergy with what people think we do,” she explained. The free ser-vice to the community brings in a wide variety of items – the good, the bad and the ugly. “Everything has silicon in it today,” she said . . . computers, periph-erals, phones, cars, gaming systems. “Every one has a silicon chip in it.”

Her management styleEcoTech’s organizational chart is upside down,” Duvall said. “I work for everybody here, they don’t work for me.” The company currently has 8 full-time employees; extra temporary work-ers come and go, depending on variable projects.

“All day I’m ‘up,’”she said. “It has to do with my employees. They’re wonder-ful. Everyone’s empowered to do their jobs.”

EcoTech’s employees come from Cowlitz County. The facility, located on

Port of Kalama property, is in a HUB (historically underutilized business) zone. “On government contracts, extra percentage points apply,” for a preferen-tial boost, she said.

Everything is recyclableDuvall enjoys the “feel good” aspect of what EcoTech does. “I’m the scrap queen,” she joked, then became more reflective.

“I sleep well at night. The customer ben-efits, the environment benefits, people benefit.

People would be surprised “how much of everything they use is recyclable on a day-to-day basis.”

“I’m not trying to leave a legacy – my kids don’t want this . . . but on my death-bed I would like to know that I’ve done everything possible in my life to leave the world a better place.”

•••

EcoTech cont from page 3


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“Customers asked, we listened,” says Lonnie KnowlesStewart Title has moved to a more downtown and direct location. the Civic Center Professional Building, 1700 Hudsont Street, Suite 201. This is between the Longview Post Office and the Monticello Hotel on the Civic Cir-cle. For any concerns or questions. call 360-575-9845.

Heritage Bank Welcomes Lisa Clark as Kelso Branch Manager Heritage Bank is pleased to welcome Lisa Clark, AVP Branch Manager to the Kelso Office. Lisa joins Heritage Bank with 20 years of experience in the bank-ing industry. Over the years, Lisa held various positions of increasing respon-

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

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

NEWS?Got

If Longview Wash-ington gets any nuttier, it might

be said it’s down-right squirrelly. So for those who like nuts and squirrels, or are just little nuts, a new festival is just days away: “Longview Squirrel Fest.” The August 6, 2011 event is the idea of The Sandbag-gers and has become the excitement of many. And as Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce members and the Chamber step up to sponsor and promote this new event, Facebook is filling with Squirrel Fest chatter.

Civic Circle to become a hotbed of activityThe Longview Civic Circle will be trans-formed for the day as the Squirrel Fest occurs simultaneously with The Grand Prix Criterium bicycle race. The major-ity of activities will be in the “Squir-rel Meadow” between the Longview Library and the Nutty Narrows Bridge. It promises to be a fun day of squirrel-inspired activities beginning at 9:00 a.m. with the “Nutty Mile,” a one mile back-ward fun-run.

Other activities include the unveiling of a new squirrel bridge, a kids parade, games and contests, food vendors and live entertainment. At 4 pm, beer and wine tasting begin at the Monticello Hotel and the band, “Lock Stock & Bar-rel” hits the stage for the street dance at 7:30 p.m. With the exception of the beer

and wine tasting, the event is free.

You can helpSquirrel Fest is look-ing for donations, sponsors, volun-teers, vendors and visitors. You can contact the Squirrel Fest committee at 360-636-4490, email at [email protected] or follow these links to get you to a squirrel’s cache of information:

Squirrel Fest website & Facebook page Website: www.lvsquirrelfest.comHere you will fine detailed list of events, vendor and parade application, map of location.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/lvsquirrelfestHere’s a little fun from the LVSquirrelFest page:

Posted to Mr . PeanutDude! You gotta come rock the Squir-rel Festival in Longview, Washington. It’s on August 6. Check out the details at http://www.facebook.com/LVSqui rrelFest

Mr. Peanut I cannot imagine a more terrifying expe-rience. Although I never like to hold a grudge, squirrels and I have a bit of a checkered past. So although it sounds like fun, I’ll probably just have to enjoy this one from the comfort and protec-tion of my steel-reinforced home.

•••

Unique community celebration promises good time for all

GATHERING OF NUTS sibility includ-ing Branch Manager, most recently as a Mortgage Loan Officer with U.S. Bank Home Mort-gage. Lisa is also a mem-ber of the Longview/Kelso Rotary Club which has helped her build strong connections within the community.

Thanks, Patty, for the party!In conjunction with the celebration of Acupuncture Northwest’s 15th anniversary, owner Patty Kuchar hosted the Chamber’s After Hours on July 19. More than 100 attended and enjoyed pleasant evening weather, great food provided by Summerland Catering, and convivilaity while meeting and greeting other Chamber members. Thanks, Patty, for the hospitality and congratulations on reaching this milestone in your business!

Article submitted by Jeni Quiriconi, Massage Therapist/Owner, HeartSong Massage, and avid Squirrel Fest committee member and sponsor.

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MARK YOUR CALENDARSAugust 6Longview Squirrel FestGrand Prix CriteriumTerry/Taylor Sale

Aug 9Longview Downtowners Meeting

Aug 10Lower Columbia Professionals Committee Meeting

Aug 15Member2Member Monthly Mailing Deadline

Aug 18Ambassador Committee

August 24MEGA MIXER

Aug 29Government Affairs Committee

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

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

2011-2012 Board of DirectorsOFFICERSFrank McShane, ChairCascade Networks, Inc.Dale Lemmons, Immediate Past Chair, Interstate Wood ProductsJerri Henry, Treasurer Futcher - Henry GroupMike Claxton, Legal Counsel Walstead Mertsching

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

Neil Zick, Twin City Bank

Lower Columbia Professionals CommitteeAaron DawsonOpsahl Dawson & Co.

Carey MackeyRed Canoe Credit Union

Darren GoanAmerican Red Cross

David Schaafsma

De De BrillNorthwest Continuum Care Center

Erik GuttormsenFibre Federal Credit Union

Gretchen Taylor, Stewart Title

Jason Meunier, Twin City Bank

Jennifer Dawson, Opsahl Dawson & Co.

Julie Laird, Bicoastal Media

Keri Verhei, Elder Options

Lonnie Knowles, Stewart Title

Nick Lemiere, Edward Jones

Nita Rudd, Cascade Title Company

Russ Chittock, Russ Chittock American Family Ins. Agency

Stephanie Bullock, Heritage Bank

Steve Moon, Foster Farms

Chamber Ambassador CommitteeRuss Chittock American Family InsuranceLisa Allen, Banda's BouquetsNick Lemiere, Edward JonesSherry Bean, Employers OverloadD'Dee DouglasExpress Employment ProfessionalsKerry Riley , Futcher-Henry GroupDiana Loback, Global Images Graphic Design & MarketingJeni Quiriconi, HeartSong MassageJim Zonich, Kelso Hardware MarineTom Iverson, KLOG/KUKNDiane CraftKoelsch Senior CommunitiesSusan SherwinLongview Memorial ParkCarrie MedackNational City MortgageKathy KyllonenNW Continuum Care CenterAman WasuPrudential NW PropertiesPam FierstRed Lion Hotel & Conference CenterWalt Naze, RetiredShannon Werner, Sign Smart USA Myrna Rak, SignMasters, Inc.Lonnie Knowles, Stewart TitleGlenda Ashe, Twin City BankJason Meunier, Twin City BankDonna Hughes, WorkSource

Express Employment Profession-als’ recent hiring trends survey of more than 18,000 business

leaders brought to light some interest-ing statistics about time management. The survey confirmed what many in business have struggled with for years: There isn’t enough time in the day to accomplish everything.

The survey found that 31 percent of leaders did not consider a lack of time in their day an issue in their roles. For the other leaders in business, the survey revealed some telling information about what causes the lost time and how it can cost companies money. More than half of those surveyed said they lose nine work hours a week due to a lack of orga-nization and 57 percent said they lose six work hours a week because of a lack of time due to disorganization.

Disorganization not only hurts dead-lines, projects, and leadership account-ability, but can cost companies money in lost hours and missed business oppor-tunities. According to the survey, disor-ganized employees who earn $50,000 a year can cost companies an estimated $11,000 a year in lost hours. Whether it’s office and desk clutter or a flood of unorganized emails every day, lack of time management can hurt the entire company.

But the effects of this lost time are not contained only at the workplace. In a 2009 survey conducted by AOL, 62 percent of at-work email users check their work email over the weekend, and 50 percent check it while on vacation. This trend can lead to stress in work-ers’ lives which can cause more strain and distraction while they are at work. Taking work home leads to health prob-lems, as well. In a 2008 Health of Finan-cial Advisors report, 63 percent of the

Survey shows business leaders lose six to nine hours per week to disorganization

respondents who said they lacked time management skills also experienced health issues, including sleep apnea and high blood pressure.

In the hiring trends survey, 55 percent of those surveyed said their company did not provide training on managing increased workloads. As a company leader, it’s important to take action. Holding a class and providing resources for employees to learn from can help them become more productive and hap-pier in their careers. As new employees join the organization, employers should provide materials on time management expectations of the job and check back to make sure expectations are being met.

Stress and worry do not have to be the status quo at your organization, and the cost of letting them become part of your culture is too great to let disorganiza-tion continue. Take action and reclaim those lost hours!

Julie Nelson is Business Developer at Express Employ-ment, which can help companies

manage work over-load by meeting

human resources needs through

flexible staffing, evaluation hire,

and a toll-free HR hotline. They also

provide knowledge-based training

programs to help employees stay engaged and learn time management techniques.

For more info, contact Express Employ-ment Professionals, 1208 Washington

Way, Suite 140, Longview, WA 98632. Phone: 360- 414-1200.

Email: [email protected]

Out of time? Flooded by emails? Feeling scattered?

By Julie Nelson


Open for Business Chamber ambassadors, local dignitaries and friends

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