Connections in Cowlitz

Sadly, businesses aren't quite as simple as "the Field of Dreams." After building it, people don't just come, you have to TELL them about it- and that's where your marketing comes in. In our episode with Sparks Marketing Collective we talked, we fan-girled, and we go lots of free advice (like to stop using AI Images, and make sure to cross-post!) Sparks Marketing collective can help you figure out...

Our first repeat guest- and for good reason! Stash Records is a gem in our community- but if you’ve driven down Commerce Ave on Record Store Day at 5:00 AM, you’ll know they aren’t so hidden! (Record Store Day is April 18th BTW!). They are a player in the Record Store scene and bring newcomers to Downtown Longview who are looking to browse their carefully categorized collection of physical media....

We sat down with Erik and Teresa Lassen, owners of Cowlitz County's Premier Virtual Sports Studio in the Three Rivers Crossing. What started as one man's mission to be nerdy about his golf game morphed into so much more. YES you can get lock-in your golf game, "map your bag," or test your "smash factor," but you can also explore the other 14 sports games, plan your next party or even play some zom...

A place for all kinds of creativity in Cowlitz County! The “Stitch” includes- -Wedding Dress and Formal Gown Alterations -Custom Tailoring -Screen Printing and Embroidery -Handmade Items -Workshops and Classes Over on the “Sound” side you’ll find- -Live Shows -Open Mic Nights -Music Lessons -Songwriting Workshops -Private Events And that doesn’t even cover EVERYTHING you’ll find at Stitch and Soun...

We are OBSESSED with the Longview Grocery Outlet, AND it's owners- Mike and Michelle Casanover. This episode we discuss the history of Grocery Outlet... the many iterations of the back room (who else remembers being dropped off in there to watch a movie while your mom shopped??), AND how the store went from being just "Canned Foods" to a place were you can get great deals on all of your groceries....

Sometimes, when you love craft beer enough... you get approached to start a Beer Fest! At least that's the story behind Marc Silva and Longview's Crafted Beer Fest. And Marc got even luckier when his fellow Rotarian, and member of the Longivew Rotarty (Noon Edition), Rondell Simon-Felix agreed to do the Crafted Podcast with him. This year's Crafted Beer Fest is on August 16th, with options from FO...

Introducing you to the "Men behind the Mall!" Bob Davis and Eric Pucci are the new owners of the Three Rivers Crossing in Kelso. They've introduced a new name, are bringing in a new look and have infused a new energy in the hopes of creating a Lifestyle Center that members of our community can use and enjoy. In the episode we talk about their passion for the project, community excitement and their...

Good News! You no longer need to drive your kids to Vancouver for private basketball training or fast pitch lessons because Kyle and Rae Randall have opened Longview's very own Athletic Facility and have big plans for increased offerings as they grow. Kyle and Rae both played sports at the College Level and have the passion and know-how to put it all together for your kids, while also keeping what...

The Cowlitz Community Farmers Market is a CONSUMABLE market, with 80% of their 40-45 weekly vendors selling consumable products... produce, baked goods, garden starts, home-made soaps and hot foods..... hot sauces..and more! Food tastes better when you know where it came from, so after listening to our episode with Laurie Kochis, Market Manager (and vendor of the ever-popular Homer Bread), you may...

We've all got 'Junk.' And if you're asking what to do with yours, we've got the answer! Cameron and Madisen Parsons aren't afraid to get their hands dirty as the owners of Cowlitz Junk Removal, and they'll take you along for the ride if you follow them on social media. (why are junk removals so satisfying to watch??) We talk about the gory details, and the surprising finds, plus how they got into...

The Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments is often called "The COG" but what Monica Seidl REALLY wants you to think of this organization as is the "Center of Giving"- because thats what they do- funnel money into small business start-ups in our area and provide resources for our business owners. In this episode we go over The COG's-- Tool Kits ACTION Classes Business Coaching Vendor Workshops B...

Community House on Broadway (CHOB) and Core Health are organizations in ACTION, borne out of need. In 2024, Community House on Broadway and their extended services program saw 741 helped individuals, making up 93 families and had an 83% rate of success! And they aren't stopping there, in 2024, the umbrella organization opened "Beth's Place," a youth shelter for unaccompanied minors, that will focu...

Do you live in Cowlitz County? Then you probably know Andrew Kiggins! His "why not" attitude may have gotten him into some pickles..but more than anything it has opened doors and created opportunities. Andrew has gone from googling "how to throw a rap concert" to being the Entertainment Director for RV INN Style Resorts, staring a non-profit and owning his own t-shirt company.... because WHY NOT?...

Coached by the greats... and now passing on the passion to the next generation of Longview ballers! Jeray Key, Head Coach of the RA Long High School Boys Basketball Team, came on to talk about the Lumberjack's winning spree and how he came to be Head Coach. And of course we couldn't let him go without talking about his other Legendary Longview ties...... "Crown Prince" of the Cow Deli! We all know...

Joanna Asplund (or should we call her JoJo??) has an eye for fashion and a passion for making women feel good about themselves. During the episode we talk about fast fashion vs. sustainable clothing, the risks of entrepreneurship and OF COURSE about the first ever Longview JoJo + CoCo Boutique fashion show, in combination with their yearly "Galentine's" event. It's easy to see why JoJo + CoCo has...

Red Leaf Organic Coffee Co. is a Case Study in how-to build a business, from one little coffee stand to 6 stores, franchisees, initial stock offerings - all built on great products, thoughtful branding & a focus customer service. You already know Red Leaf has great coffee, but did you know they have their own roastery? Their own bakery?? Their own wholesale coffee supply company??? Nothing is...

General Jolliness Overall Santa Appearance Most Convincing "Kris Kringle" Holiday Resume Best "Ho, Ho, Ho"   After your recommendations, and the help of our special judges we crowned Cowlitz County's Kris Kringle!   0:00 - Intro 0:57 - Santa Resumes 4:42 - Judge Introductions 7:25 - Santa Claus Questions 11:25 - Best "Ho Ho Ho" 12:30 - A Winner is Announced   #christmas #santaclaus

Pinch us, we're dreaming! Marlin LeFever, owner of Addicted Fishing and creator of the Addicted Fishing youtube channel ‪@AddictedFishing‬ came on our show. He taught us that its a rod...NOT a pole (so embarrassing!), told us the backstory on why you shouldn't bring bananas on boats and even gave us a sneak peak for what to expect on Addicted Fishing's upcoming Addicted Alaska video. Marlin also s...

Not only Forged in the Northwest- Forged in Our Community! Even if you don't need a forklift attachment... you NEED to know about Rightline- A Powerhouse Employer and a Global Innovator of their field. This family owned and operated business is taking over their industry, serving clients such as Samsung, Pepsi, Amazon, Wal-Mart, Home Depot to name a few! And its no wonder why, as you can see their...

If Castle Rock, Washington is an Ice Cream Sundae, Vault Books and Brew is the Cherry on Top! Vault has new and used books, coffee, ice cream, treats and the best vibes around and owner Jen Engkraf is the one who has cultivated it all. We had an amazing time with Jen, even when we forced her to roast our branding and font selection...! Thank you to our sponsors Servpro Longview/Kelso and Mattress...

Happy 10th Birthday to the The Sugar Pearl Dessert Co-- Party Hats AND birthday cake?? Kimmy spoiled us! The Sugar Pearl is NOT your average bakery- it's a Custom Dessert Company, and owner, Kimmy Morgan, explains what that means, and what you can expect when you walk in the door- DESSERTS! We talk about her rotating specials, loyal regulars and ask the burning question- how much butter does she u...

Our local Servpro is award winning for the service it provides for those who need help with fire and water damage, mold remediation and so much more. Typically, people need Servpro at very low points in their life...after a fire, a flood, or other disaster. If you find yourself in that situation, you want someone local... someone who CARES to help you pick up the pieces and walk you through the pr...

Night at the movies with a great dinner and a side of Ghosts??? Apparently that is what you are in for at Cowlitz County's Iconic Kelso Theater Pub. Madeline Julian was practically born at the pub, and she breaks it all down for us- introducing us to the family behind the fun, the new menu at the Backstage Cafe and giving us the tea on the whole cast of entities that call this landmark building "h...

When all the doors seem to open for you, you know you're going the right way! Tyler Hogman has a passion for mentoring our youth through sports and he is leading the charge to make it happen. In this episode, we talk about his Youth Mentorship Program - Neighborhood Heroes, how its started, where it is going, and how you can help. Like and follow all of their pages because you are definitely going...

HEVIN- Helping Every Veteran in Need is the brainchild of Rich Black, United States Air Force Veteran. The idea for this charitable organization came to Rich in a LITERAL dream- but if Rich is the dreamer, his wife, Rhonda, is the do-er. Rhonda sat down on our show to tell us all about HEVIN, how it got started, where its at now and how you can receive help or help others. Nothing is more powerful...