Connections in Cowlitz

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 KitsACTION ClassesBusiness Coaching Vendor WorkshopsBasically, if you've ever thought about owning a business, THIS is the episode to watch.But as with most of our guests, Monica's passions don't end at work. You'll want to stick around for the second half of the episode to hear the wild story of the birth of Monica's Non- Profit, Belize Blessings.When the government of Belize gifts you multiple buildings to build out your non-profit you KNOW you're doing something right. Monica is a force for our small business community and her small town in Belize. We promise you'll leave this episode feeling inspired! Thank you to our sponsors- Servpro Longview/Kelso, JoJo+Coco Boutique0:00- Intro2:43- Encouraging Small Businesses7:31- Business Action Classes19:23- SCORE Free Business Mentorship22:47- Start-Up, Scale-Up, Succession25:05- Belize Blessings36:66- 100 Women Who Care

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 saw741 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 focus on taking our at risk youth out of fight or flight mode so they can find themselves, shed generational curses and set themselves up for a successful step into adulthood. We covered so many topics with Chelsea Allison, Community Outreach Coordinator, and Christin Cole, Culinary Nutrition Education Specialist at Beth's Place-- Breaking down how these organizations work, how they are interconnected, what role they play in our community and how YOU can help show support.And it wouldn't be a podcast about the CHOB without giving credit to Frank Morrison, who saw needs in our community and rose to help fix them in any way he could. Frank....Recognized the homelessness crisis- opened the Community House on BroadwayRealized the situation wouldn't get better without Mental Health Help- formed Core HealthSaw the need for an unaccompanied youth shelter- started Beth's PlaceA reminder to be the change you want to see! https://www.choblv.org/0:00- Intro2:08- Difference Between Community House and Core Health8:48- Importance of Beth's Place Youth Shelter18:58- Out of Survival Mode32:57- Frank Morrison, Less Talk more Action36:41- Addressing Mental Health and Sobriety through Accountability41:27- Success Rate46:38-- How to Support

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?Looking for some motivation to go after what you want? Watch this episode! Thank you to our sponsors- Servpro of Longview/Kelso and JoJo + CoCo Boutique#podcast #washingtonstate #entertainment #whynot

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 & love the Country Folks Deli.... from the Parmesan Crusted Bread to Grandma's Famous Blackberry Cobbler... we all have our personal favs! A big thank you to our sponsors, Servpro of Longview Kelso and JoJo + CoCo Boutique! 0:00- Intro1:13- Big Win2:33- Jeray 's Basketball History6:03- Getting the Job9:07- Getting to know your players13:31- Perks of a young coach15:05- Jeray's Hundredth Win19:04- Country Folks Deli24:33- Gabbi loves the cobbler!25:45- Family Business 26:25- Part Owners??28:37- Answered Prayers34:04- Jeray's Hidden Gem

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 grown so quickly and why its still on the way up- they select quality, timeless pieces that work for women of any age, focus on relationships over sales and are just plain fun! -----Thank you to our sponsors, Servpro of Longview/Kelso AND NOW JoJo + CoCo Boutique #sustainablefashion #shopsmall #connectionsincowlitz

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 more iconic to Cowlitz County than a Red Leaf Coffee Cup in your hand (or hoodie on your back... or beanie on your head... etc. etc. etc.) - so watch along to get a glimpse behind the Leaf.
CEO of Red Leaf, Ann Lucas, goes over the nuts and bolts of the company and the exciting plans of the future of Red Leaf Corporate, while Madi Allis takes us through her journey from cleaning crew to first Red Leaf franchise owner!
 
0:00- Intro
2:00- Ann's history w/ Red Leaf
2:50- Red Leaf's backstory
4:15- Madi's history w/ Red Leaf
7:50- RL is Community Strong
11:23- Red Leaf Coffee Roastery & the Art of Coffee
15:35- Madi's customers ARE her family
19:37- Red Leaf Coffee Co. is FRANCHISING!
22:00- RL is on the move in 2025!
22:23- Investing in Red Leaf!
23:26- "When a Man loves a Woman.." he buys her a coffee stand & they take over the world!
26:15- "There is so much room for growth in the company" - Madi Allis, 1st Red Leaf Franchise Owner
29:12- The Taste of RL
35:25- ALLLLL the MILKS
36:20- Cowlitz County Hidden Gems: Red Leaf's Picks
40:15- THANK YOU from Red Leaf Coffee
 

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 shared his thoughts on the sustainability of fishing, went over his journey as an angler, and explained how he took his love of fishing and transformed it into what Addicted Fishing is today.
A huge thank you to Marlin for joining us, and to our sponsors- Servpro of Longview Kelso https://www.servprolongviewkelso.com/ and The Mattress Superstore https://themattresssuperstore.com/
 
0:00- Intro
3:40- Bananas on Boats and Good Luck Charms
5:37- The Secretive Nature of Fishing
9:03- 2020 Influx of Fishermen
9:49- State Regulations and Hatchery Fish
16:43- Marlin's Fishing Journey and being Self Taught
23:42- Taking the Love of Fishing to Youtube and Beyond
32:11- Addicted Alaska Sneak Peak (and spoilers? beware!)
34:21- How Marlin got Addicted
36:11- Gift Ideas for the Anglers in our Lives
38:48- Marlin's Favorites (shoutout to Gateway Burgers!)
41:25- Take your Kids Fishing
 
#addictedfishing

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 attention to detail and desire for innovation shows up in everything they do- from their made to order equipment to their blow out employee parties!
A huge thank you to Mike Humbert and Riley Hamlik for coming on Connections in Cowlitz to tell us all about Rightline Equipment.
And to our sponsors-- Servpro Longview/Kelso and Mattress Superstore
 
0:00- Intro
1:51- What does Rightline DO?
3:40- The Beginning, Built on Salmon Money
6:10- When a Bridge Closes.... Call the a Helicopter?
9:07- "Why Not" Attitude
10:55- Employment Opportunities
16:50- Manufacturing Style and Gabbi's Crush...
19:40- The PARTIES
29:00 Community Involvement
32:15- Favorite Attachment
35:17- Patent Protected!
36:45- Apply Online
39:05- Mike and Riley's Favorites

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 Superstore.
0:00- Intro
5:05- Recommendations
7:47- Ice Cream
11:49- Castle Rock Revitalization
16:24- Purposeful Vibes
18:34- Strong feelings about FONTS
23:04- Castle Rock Events
28:30- New Businesses in Castle Rock
32:16- Jen's Favorites