A group of property owners have expressed interest in working with Camas to create a master plan vision for the Grass Valley area on the west side of the city. Vancouver land use and zoning attorney Randy Printz, who represents the property owners making the proposal, spoke about the concept on Friday during the City Council’s annual planning conference. It was described as a unique opportunity to paint what is currently a “blank canvas.”
Local business owners and merchants are invited to learn about executing practices for business growth. Keith Upkes, president and chief executive officer of The Upkes Group, will talk about business concepts from the book “Mastering the Rockefeller Habits,” Thursday, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., at K’Syrah Catering, Wine and Bistro, 316 N.E. Dallas St., Camas. The session is free. Coffee and pastries will be provided.
A Camas man is hoping to make a difference in the lives of people who are visually impaired. Milan Slamka has developed Echo-Sense Network Glasses, also known as “Check Mates.” They can be worn by a sight-impaired person, and audio and video information is live streamed to a caregiver on a remote computer. “The caregiver can see what the blind person would see and can give instructions and guidance to the wearer,” Slamka said. For more information, call 713-6125 or visit www.facebook.com/EchoSenseInc?ref=hl.
Leadership Clark County is accepting early applications for candidates interested in joining the Class of 2015. A free information session will be held Tuesday, Jan. 14, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Educational Services District 112 offices, 2500 N.E. 65th Ave., Vancouver. The free session is an opportunity for candidates to learn more about the program, ask questions, and hear from alumni about their experiences.
Two volunteers with the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society, in Washougal, have opened a cat boarding business that also provides feline adoption opportunities. At The Cats Meow Luxury Boarding, Jo Schmidt and Amber Groff offer 19 suites with names such as “Catnip Alley,” “Tabby Tavern” and “Pouncing Paradise.” Individual studios have sky boxes and climbing structures. The sky boxes provide viewing areas for cats to climb into. The luxury suites include the options of bird viewing areas or flat screen TVs, and the penthouse has a full wall of windows with natural light as well as additional views into the reception area. The Cats Meow Luxury Boarding, 330 N.E. Chkalov Drive, Ste. “B,” Vancouver, is open Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call 260-2287, email catsmeowboarding@gmail.com or visit www.thecatsmeowboarding.com.
Identity Clark County, a regional business organization, has appointed Scott Milam to serve a two-year term as chairman of the board of directors. Milam is the chief operating officer of On The Go Platforms, a venture-funded startup specializing in mobile programming. He has served in executive capacities with Northwest Natural, the Vancouver Symphony and the Salvation Army, and is involved in the Special Olympics.
Lacamas Community Credit Union donated 20 holiday dinner baskets to its members as part of its Community Partnership program. Now in its sixth consecutive year, the credit union’s program allows members to nominate fellow members — or themselves — to receive a holiday basket with groceries and a gift card for a special holiday dinner.
The growth of social media and how it affects technology professionals will be among the topics of discussion at the next meeting of Technology Excellence in Clark County. The meeting, which will also include members of the technology management chapter of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, will be held Thursday, Jan. 16, at 5:30 p.m., in the offices of Fringe Digital Marketing, 1101 Broadway St., Ste. 215, Vancouver.
The owners of a new business were inspired by a trip they took three years ago to Melbourne, Australia. At that time, champagne was already the drink of choice for Krystal Curtis and Scott McElhaney. In downtown Melbourne, they visited The Champagne Lounge and enjoyed its seating areas and art. After that, the married couple sought out additional ideas in Greece, Costa Rica, England, France, Belgium, Canada and Mexico. For more information, call 954-5981, email krystalschampagnelounge@yahoo.com or visit www.krystalschampagnelounge.com.
A familiar face will soon return to downtown Camas. Carrie Schulstad, a former vice president and event liaison for the Downtown Camas Association, has been hired as the organization’s executive director.
