dailyinsider
Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Chamber of Commerce opposes elimination of sales tax exemption

On Monday, the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce came out against a proposal, currently in the Washington State Legislature, that would eliminate the sales tax exemption enjoyed by shoppers from out-of-state. In Southwest Washington, it is mainly Oregon residents who benefit.

Kim Capeloto, the president and CEO of the chamber, is asking the 1,100 members to contact local representatives to express their opposition.

In the letter he sent to lawmakers, Capeloto said that the move would be harmful to businesses and would increase the unemployment rate in Southwest Washington, already the highest in the state.

"Several of our member businesses have stated publicly that they will need to reduce their workforce should this exemption be eliminated," Capeloto wrote.

Salmon Creek Hospital Foundation selects chair, trustees

Bradley J. Carlson

The Salmon Creek Hospital Foundation, which raises funds to support the programs and services of Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center, announces a new board chairman, as well as two new trustees.

Bradley J. Carlson, a foundation trustee since 2007, was chosen to lead the board. He is the president and general manager of Evergreen Memorial Gardens & Funeral Chapel in Vancouver. He is active in several business and community organizations. In October 2007, he became the first small business owner from Vancouver to head the Association of Washington Businesses.

Joining him on the board are Jeannie M. Hix and Verdella J. Whareham, who will serve as trustees.

Hix is a founding member of the Vancouver Women's Foundation and has served on the boards of several nonprofits in Clark County. Hix and her husband, Steven, are currently advising the Clark County Food Bank's capital campaign.

Whareham is a retired educator and adjunct professor at Washington State University Vancouver. She was both a teacher and principal for the Battle Ground School District. She has volunteered for Columbia River Mental Health and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.

Pam Marini joins Corwin Beverage

Pam Marini

Pam Marini has joined the Corwin Beverage Company as the administrative staff's office manager. She will also work on special projects. She comes to Corwin from Columbia Credit Union, where she worked at the Ridgefield branch for six years. She has 30 years of experience in the financial industry. Marini has lived in the Battle Ground area for more than 30 years.

Corwin Beverage was founded in 1941 and remains family- owned. More information is available online, www.corwinbevco.com.

2010 Project Homeless Connect March 29

The third Project Homeless Connect to be offered in Clark County will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, March 29, at the Red Lion Hotel at the Quay's Centennial Center, 100 Columbia Street, on Vancouver's waterfront.

"Project Homeless Connect is a national movement to identify people in the community without homes and connect them with services," said Craig Lyons, executive director of the Council for the Homeless. "More than 50 organizations and individual service providers will be available to meet the needs of local residents and make the connections needed that could eventually end their homelessness." More information is available online at www.icfth.com.

News Briefs

Leadership Clark County is hosting an open house for prospective students at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 24, at the Clark Public Utilities Community Room, 1200 Fort Vancouver Way. Anyone interested in applying is invited. Leadership Clark County is a 10-month training and development program which strives to create community leaders. There are more than 500 graduates serving in 100 organizations in Clark County. Those planning to attend are asked to contact Kathy Scott, executive director at, director@leadershipclarkcounty.org. More information and an online application is available at http://www.leadershipclarkcounty.org. <> The Center for Social and Environment Justice at Washington State University Vancouver is hosting a spring conference on Saturday, March 27, entitled “Mobilizing Community Health, Well-Being and Equity.” More information is available at www.vancouver.wsu.edu. <> The Nutter Foundation is accepting community grant applications. The foundation supports nonprofit organizations that focus on youth development programs. In 2009, the foundation awarded more than $100,000. Applications are available online at www.nutterfoundation.org <> The city of Vancouver is seeking applicants for a full-term position on the new Clark County Arts Commission. The 11-member commission will work to enhance and support the growth of the local economy through collaboration among patrons of the arts, artists, the business community, service groups and schools. Applications are due on April 5, Contact Cara Cantonwine at 360-487-8630. <> Those interested in attending the Clark County Mural Society's "Art on the Block" on Thursday, April 8 at the Evergreen Marketplace are asked to RSVP by April 5 to Lynn Krogseng, 360-487-8630.

Calendar

The Clark County Rural Lands Task Force will participate in a joint task force with the Clark County Commission from 6 to 9 p.m. tonight, Tuesday, March 23, at the Dollars Corner Fire Station, 21609 NE 72nd Ave. <> The Columbia River Economic Development Council is hosting an event entitled “Washington’s Energy Future” at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 25, at the Heathman Lodge, 7801 NE Greenwood Dr., Vancouver. More information is available at http://www.credc.org. <> The grand opening and ribbon cutting for the Dream Big Community Center begins at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 26, at 500 West 8th Street, Suite 260, in Vancouver. The center is a nonprofit organization focused on youth development. More information is available at http://www.dreambigcc.org.

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