Connections in Cowlitz

Connecting w/ Sparks Marketing Collective

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 your goals, track your analytics, and pivot your strategy to build your brand. Social Media, Website Design, Google Advertising, Professional Photography, Community Engagement- They can do it all! Thank you to Chelsea Sparks and Rebekah Knoble for visiting us in studio. And as always, thank you to our sponsors- JoJo + CoCo Boutique Woodford Commercial Real Estate The Cowlitz PUD -- Katie Keaton, your SW Washington Realtor Gabbi Graves, your Hometown Lender 0:00- Intro 2:19- Social Media Switch Ups 4:55- Chelsea’s Background 7:30- Professional Photography and Videography 7:53- Becca’s Intro to the business 11:35- Idea Generation for Clients 16:07- Triage new Clients 18:50- Becca’s Favorite Clients 20:59- Filming Day 24:58- Free Advice

Tyler Wilson, Stash Records- Connections in Cowlitz

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. With a mix of new and nostalgia, you can’t help but feel excited when you walk into Stash Records on Commerce in Longview. Their collection consists of new releases, and old favorites- so don’t forget that you can ask them for special orders AND sell or trade in items in your collection that you no longer need. If you want to dive deeper into Tyler’s background, how the store got started or hear Tyler education us on vinyl etiquette, go back and watch our first episode with Stash Records- it’s one of our best yet! And as always, thank you to our Sponsors- JoJo + CoCo Boutique, Woodford Commercial Real Estate and The Cowlitz PUD -- Katie Keaton, your SW Washington Realtor Gabbi Graves, your Hometown Lender 0:00- Intro 1:42- Shop Organization 5:08- Shop Décor 9:27- CD Resurgence 13:42- Why Old TVs are becoming All the Rage 16:31- Frustration w/ Streaming 21:26- What is Tyler Watching Right Now 26:46- The VHS Copy of Cars is worth HOW Much? 27:44- Stash will Buy your Collection 30:57- Who are the Kids Listening to?? 33:07- Record Store Day 40:22- Record Store Day Releases "Introducing YOU to the LOCAL FACES, behind LOCAL PLACES!" Get connected with all things Cowlitz County, WA. Our community is full of things to do, places to eat, people to meet - we’ve got your connections! Each episode features a local business owners and/or change-makers in our community.

Connecting w/ Erik and Teresa Lassen-- Almost Outdoors

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 zombie dodgeball! Almost Outdoors allows you to *virtually* play on REAL Courses. Whether you want to practice at Mint Valley for the next sunny day, or you want to try a course in Florida to decide if its worth visiting on your next vacation. Sound like something you want to try? Go to almostoutdoors.com Walk-ins also welcome! Thank you to our sponsors- Jojo + Coco Boutique Woodford Commercial Real Estate The Cowlitz PUD -- Katie Keaton, your SW Washington Realtor Gabbi Graves, your Hometown Lender 0:00- Intro 2:21- Golf 3:05- Available Games 5:57- Parties 7:50- Golf Nerds 9:34- Play Real Golf Courses 12:13- Business Ownership 22:44- How to Book Time 27:26- Hidden Gem- Junior League

Connecting w/ Chrissy Hadaller- Stitch and Sound Ep. 33

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 Sound. Are you surprised this is in Longview? We were! But now you know, and now you can find your creative spark… (or get your pants hemmed) at this awesome local business! A huge Thank You to owner of Stitch and Sound, Chrissy Hadaller, for coming on the podcast to talk about her business, and to spread her passion for what she does. And as always, thank you to our Sponsors- JoJo + CoCo Boutique, Woodford Commercial Real Estate and The Cowlitz PUD -- Katie Keaton, your SW Washington Realtor Gabbi Graves, your Hometown Lender 0:00- Intro 3:14- The Elevator Pitch 4:49- The Beginning 14:41- Build your Custom Bag 17:41- Merch for Businesses 22:54- Quilting Space 26:48- Water Color Classes 30:02- Songwriting Collective 34:34- Open Mic Nights 41:47- Worship Experiences 43:20- Chrissy's Hidden Gem 46:51- Where to Find Stitch and Sound's Schedule and Offerings 47:50- Chrissy Sings us Out w/ Original Song

Connecting w/ Longview Grocery Outlet- Mike and Michelle Casanover Ep. 32

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. The business model make sense, the savings are real, and the family atmosphere that Mike and Michelle bring to the store is something to be celebrated. Who knew talking about affordable groceries would be so fun? Thank you to our sponsors, Jo Jo + Co Co Boutique, Woodford Commercial Real Estate, and the Cowlitz PUD -- Katie Keaton, your SW Washington Realtor Gabbie Graves, your Hometown Lender