Connections in Cowlitz

Connections in Cowlitz

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. "Introducing YOU to the LOCAL FACES, behind LOCAL PLACES!"

Episodes

June 3, 2026 40 mins

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 ana...

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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 ...

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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 O...

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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...

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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 se...

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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 FORTY breweries and while you'...

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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 plans to highlight loca...

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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 matters most in mind- developi...

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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 find yourself subbing out the...

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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 business and what advi...

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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

Basically, if you've ev...

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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 focus on taking our at risk yout...

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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 motivat...

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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 F...

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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 i...

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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 tha...

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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

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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 sustaina...

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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 f...

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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- ...

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