LeTip of Columbia County

10/20/2026

To buy or sell a home call or text Lea Chitwood Re/Max Power Pros

For a mortgage, call Matt McHugh - Cascadia Home Loans Company NMLS # 2602734

For social media contact Mental Happiness Media

10/16/2026

Another member highlighted! Congratulations Courtney Sanchez InRoads Credit Union. She is at the top of her industry.

🌟 Women in Small Business Spotlight: Courtney Sanchez 🌟

Meet Courtney Sanchez, Business Relationship Manager at InRoads Credit Union

For the past 10 years, Courtney has been helping members achieve their financial goals through InRoads Credit Union, including the last three years working in the commercial department, where she partners with business owners to support their banking, lending, and overall financial needs. One of her favorite things about her role is helping businesses of all sizes access financing, including newer businesses that may not have the industry standard 3 years of operating history yet.

For Courtney, helping business owners navigate their financial journey and watching their businesses grow is one of the most rewarding parts of her role.

She's also deeply committed to supporting children's healthcare. As a child, Courtney underwent life-changing surgery, an experience that continues to inspire her today. Because of that connection, she actively supports CU4Kids, helping raise funds for children's hospitals across the country.

💜 Advice for Women Considering Starting a Business?

"Starting a business is one of the bravest things you can do."

Courtney encourages future business owners to establish a relationship with their banker early and think beyond the startup stage. "Ask yourself, 'What if everything goes right?' Consider what you'll need as your business grows, whether it's financing for inventory and equipment, the right account to simplify tax season, or tools to support future growth, and start planning for those needs now."

💜 Business Relationship Manager: Courtney Sanchez
💜 Organization: InRoads Credit Union
💜 Specialty: Business banking, small business lending, commercial lending, and financial growth strategies
💜 Fun Fact: Courtney loves embroidery, Halloween, and supports CU4Kids in honor of her experience at Doernbecher Children's Hospital.

Strong Women. Strong Businesses. Stronger Community. 💜

10/16/2026

Did you know you can take these classes online as a Columbia County Business Owner? Columbia Business Alliance

10/16/2026

A local holiday marketing campaign to promote & support shop local. Sign up soon to secure your spot.

Our It Local Columbia County program is now signing up businesses to be part of Columbia County's Wonderland! This year’s campaign will include:

❄️ The Wonderland Cards
❄️ Bigfoot Trail
❄️ Year-Round Countywide E-Gift card program (optional)
❄️ And a chance to win $5000! (yes, we’ve upped the grand prize!)

Local businesses can sign up for just $125 and enjoy 8 weeks of bolstered sales, brand exposure, and good ol’ community fun. In fact, in just the past 5 years, we have captured over 2 million dollars in local spending with this campaign!

Please sign up here soon, no later than October 30th: https://www.xpressformsbuilder.com/viewer/18363680-1e03-475c-80eb-fa2857f09a10

Interested in sponsoring? We have Silver ($900) and Gold ($1750) options available (first come, first serve). Due 10/15. Contact Sierra to learn more at [email protected]

10/15/2026

This week our speaker Anthony Brinster FinishLine Graphics shared a variety of items he can engrave on. If you know of a sport group that orders trophies 🏆 or plaques, send them to FLG! He can engrave on just about anything.

10/14/2026

What a great way to recognize & celebrate Women in Business!! Congratulations to Victoria Teyema Teyema’s Touch LLC! Our members are at the top of their industry. ❤️

🌟 Women in Small Business Spotlight: Victoria Teyema 🌟
Meet Victoria Teyema, co-owner of Teyema’s Touch LLC.

Victoria and her husband, Cody, started their business with a vision for growth, flexibility, and a better future for their family. Today, Teyema's Touch has become a trusted local business specializing in:
✨ Interior & exterior window cleaning ✨ Pressure washing
✨ Gutter cleaning ✨ Christmas light installation and removal
One of the things that sets them apart is their innovative 30-foot water-fed pole system, which uses purified water to safely clean exterior windows from the ground while minimizing ladder use.

For Victoria, business ownership has been about much more than financial success. She and Cody are passionate about supporting fellow small businesses, serving their clients well, and giving back to organizations making a difference. "We understand the unique challenges of running a small business in a rural community, and we value being able to reinvest in the community that supports us."

While there have been many milestones along the way, one stands out. In 2024, Teyema's Touch was named Small Business of the Year, and Cody was honored as Entrepreneur of the Year through the local Chamber of Commerce Awards. Victoria is equally proud of what those awards represent.

Her advice for a woman considering starting a business: "If you want to build a successful business, you have to commit fully.” Victoria encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to be proud of what they're building. "Wear your logo, talk about your business, network, and make yourself known in your community.” She also reminds entrepreneurs that every journey will include highs and lows. "Entrepreneurship comes with seasons of growth and seasons of uncertainty. The difficult seasons are often where you learn the most, adapt, and become stronger."

💜 Owner: Victoria Teyema
💜 Business: Teyema's Touch
💜 Fun Fact: Victoria was only 22 years old when she launched the business. Now 25, she is passionate about encouraging others not to let age stand in the way of pursuing their goals.

Strong Women. Strong Businesses. Stronger Community.

10/07/2026

⭐️Showcasing Success ⭐️

Today Heather Epperly - American Family Insurance Agent - St Helens, OR shared more about her business during the showboat.

Every week, a different member has the chance to spotlight their businesses and share what makes them unique.

Thank you, Heather, for your dedication and for inspiring us all with your expertise! If you're in need of Commercial Insurance, don't hesitate to reach out!

📸: Lea Chitwood Re/Max Power Pros & Anthony FinishLine Graphics