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There are two types of wisdom teeth impaction:

1. Soft Tissue Impacted: This is when the crown of the wisdom tooth is not covered in bone, but it's covered in gum tissue.
2. Bony Impacted: This is when some or even all of the wisdom tooth is covered in bone.

There are a number of reasons why a dentist may recommend removing a wisdom tooth.  Here are some of the most common reasons:

1. There isn't enough room.  The amount of bone available for wisdom teeth to come in straight is simply not there.
2. They are impacted.  This means they will not come in and function like a normal tooth.  The two types of impaction are listed above.  Soft tissue impacted wisdom teeth may cause food impaction underneath the gums, creating a breeding ground for bacteria to cause infection/decay.  Bony impacted wisdom teeth may cause damage to the adjacent tooth's roots, ligaments, or crown.
3. The wisdom tooth cannot be brushed and flossed effectively.  This may create a pocket of infection, which can be extremely painful!
4. Developing Cyst.  Sometimes an impacted wisdom tooth may cause the development of a fluid filled sac called a cyst.  If these cysts become large enough they may cause damage to the adjacent teeth, fracture of the jaw, and can become malignant.
5. Wisdom tooth removal for braces.  If you will be undergoing orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist may recommend removing the wisdom teeth to prevent further crowding of teeth in the future.  The removal of the wisdom teeth may be performed before, during, or after braces.  Depending on what your orthodontist says.
6. Removing them at a young age is better.  Roots have not fully developed, making them easier to extract.  Ideal age is usually 17-18.

Topics to cover with your dentist before removal:

1. Review any medical conditions with your dentist.
2. List of drugs you are taking.
3. For the procedure, would you like to be: fully awake, mildly sedated, asleep?
4. Take a couple of days off work to allow for proper healing, especially if your job is physically demanding.
5. If you choose sedation options; have your ride lined up.

Things to expect during surgery:

1. The poke of the anesthetic.
2. Heavy pressure from dentist/oral surgeon.
3. Noise from the handpiece used to expose the wisdom tooth.
4. Lots of water during procedure.
5. A few stitches .
6. Surgery can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours.

After Surgery:

1. Mild inflammation and mild discomfort is normal for the next 3 days.  Typically, peaks at 72 hours after surgery.
2. Stay away from hard crunchy foods that can damage the surgical sites.
3. Do not smoke for the next three days.  The heat along with the negative pressure can release the blood clot in the socket, and cause infection in the bone (dry socket).  Dry socket is very painful and involves having you come back into the dental office to administer anesthetic, rinse the site, and pack a healing ointment to help the bone heal.
4. Avoid spitting or sucking out of a straw for the next three days.  This will may cause the blood clot in the socket to release, causing infection in the bone (dry socket).
5. Don't rinse your mouth vigorously.  Gentle rinses are best.
6. Use an icepack to reduce swelling.
7. Eat soft foods like soups, pastas, juices, shakes, jello, etc.
8. Take medications as directed.
9. Keep the area clean by brushing the next day very lightly.  Avoid brushing in the surgical site.
10. Call your dentist if you develop a fever, face swells, or are in intense pain.

If you would like to consult with me about your wisdom teeth removal, please don't hesitate to call Tri City Dental Care at (509) 579-0759.
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Click here to view a video with more information from the American Dental Association .

-Dr. Antonio Lopez-Ibarra, Tri City Dental Care

HENDERSON, Nev. – The Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce received an Outstanding Chamber
Program Award for their Economic Gardening program at the Western Association of Chamber
Executives (WACE) annual conference in Henderson, Nevada on Tuesday, February 6.

The Outstanding Chamber Program Awards recognize programs in the core competency areas of:
strengthening the local economy, promoting and improving the community, political action,
representing interest of business with government, and/or networking and building business
relationships. Programs nominated for the award must be able to be replicated by other chambers.

The Chamber’s Economic Gardening Program is the first of its kind in the Pacific Northwest. In
partnership with the Edward Lowe Foundation, Economic Gardening provides regional second-stage
businesses with guidance from the National Center of Economic Gardening’s (NCEG) “National Strategic
Research Team” – a team of specialists from across the country who will deliver Economic Gardening
services that are specifically tailored to each business’ particular attributes and goals.

The Tri-City Regional Chamber received the award along with chambers from Tacoma, Washington,
Irvine, California, Surprise, Arizona, and Fort Collins, Colorado.

​The Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce is the catalyst, convener and champion for community and
business prosperity. For further details about the Regional Chamber, visit
www.tricityregionalchamber.com or call 509.736.0510.

The Association of Washington Business (AWB) hosted their annual Legislative Day and Hill Climb last week. As the session accelerates, businesses from all over the state met to discuss, prioritize, and reach out to legislators in hopes of creating and promoting a business-friendly agenda. 
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While the topics of discussion and speaker opinions varied widely, the overall theme was embraced by all: to attract and help businesses thrive in Washington state. The following is a summary of discussion highlights from three of the panels, including: Workforce Development, Manufacturing, and Climate.

One of AWB’s hot topics is workforce development. The panel included the State Superintendent, Chris Reykdal, Natalie Pacholl with SEH, and Chris Nesmith, West Valley School District CTE Director.  The panel was in agreement that the need to develop a workforce is a high priority. Reykdal referred to last year’s agreement, addressing the Supreme Court’s McCleary ruling: “…now let’s really shape up the system so that our students are prepared much earlier to explore career… we will get significant productivity yield if we will stop the idea of every student turning 22 years old before they get serious about career.” Natalie Pacholl expressed concern that high tech manufacturing jobs are hard to fill. The partnerships with community colleges is strong, but the K-12 system is lagging. Pacholl described a partnership SEH created with Evergreen Public Schools to be proactive about helping kids graduate with the skills and education they need to get a good job. Parents need to be better informed about the employment marketplace and understand the “other” four-year degree. Nesmith explained that schools can reach out to businesses as mentors and sponsors to start pilot programs and offer internships and other training. “All you need is vision” he said.

​Manufacturing panelists were asked, “What is your biggest challenge?” Interestingly, they all had a similar answer:  finding qualified workers. David Rankin, of Rankin Equipment, responded that he deals with “getting qualified workers to pass the drug test.” Tracie Wilson, of DeWills Industries lamented that his issue was the same: getting employees to show up and pass the drug test. He also said the average factory wage at his company is $50,000 to $60,000 a year, yet, a lack of qualified workers has hindered growth, "…so, these are good paying factory jobs, under good working conditions, and we still cannot get enough people.” Michael Senske, of Pearson Packaging, told the audience that their company struggles to find a steady stream of candidates with advanced system skills, and indicated that Pearson no longer requires employees to submit to drug testing. The panelists discussed that not all students are matched with getting a four-year college degree, and could succeed with better vocational training. Each company supported workforce development through internships, mentoring, partnerships or specific programs – such as welding. Only Pearson Packaging requires a High School diploma for employment and all the companies provided on the job training. These businesses agree that immigration policies are critical to maintain their workforce. They were all asked what they would do if they were governor for one day. Their answer was insightful: reform L&I. 

Washington lawmakers tackled the carbon issue with differing views. The panelists included House Environment Committee Chair Joe Fitzgibbon (D-Burien), Sen. Doug Ericksen (R-Ferndale), Rep. Richard DeBolt (R-Chehalis) and Reed Schuler, a senior climate advisor to the governor. They all agreed on one thing: they would prefer addressing the issue in Olympia rather than through an initiative. Fitzgibbon and Schuler agreed that carbon reduction requires urgent action and preferred a carbon tax statewide because it is easier to manage and creates certainty over cap and trade, which they said would work better as a global reduction solution. Erickson and DeBolt agreed that innovation and incentives are better than a tax or cap and trade. DeBolt described legislation he is working on that would make changes to the state Renewable Portfolio Standard that would count hydropower as green power, and offers a business and occupation tax credit for businesses that reduce their carbon footprint. Ericksen said transportation remains the largest source of carbon emissions and he doesn’t believe raising taxes is the way to solve that problem, calling it a “regressive hit” to families. We should be investing in technology and research and development to develop the next generation transportation, he said.

As a first-timer, the Q&A was my favorite part about each of the panels.  This is where we get to the heart of the matter. Policies made in Olympia affect real people with real businesses. Their experiences, challenges, obstacles and efforts to succeed inspire us to act. Here at the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce, the AWB Legislative Day strengthened our resolve to create a strong and sustainable business environment that promotes investment, innovation, job growth, education/workforce development and economic growth.  

This 60 day session will include issues the Tri-City Regional Chamber will be following, such as carbon tax, Hirst, Capital budget, and education funding. 

Find out what’s happening on the floor each day: http://www1.leg.wa.gov/legislature

Giving Tuesday is, according to the official website, "the a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving."

Many local non-profits in the Tri-Cities Region are getting in on the #GivingTuesday spirit. If you're looking to help out a local organization, our list below has some good ones (if you are a Chamber member and don't see your organization listed below, please contact Austin Regimbal at austin.regimbal@tricityregionalchamber.com).

Columbia Basin College - "Join us today for Giving Tuesday! Help deserving students continue their education at CBC by donating at www.columbiabasin.edu/donate Every act of generosity makes a difference. Thank you for supporting CBC students!"

Mission Support Alliance - "It's #GivingTuesday and MSA wants to celebrate with our social media fans! Tell us your favorite nonprofit organization in the comments and tomorrow we'll randomly select one organization to receive a $100 donation! We're doing the same thing on Instagram so follow @missionsupportalliance! (One entry per person/per social media platform; organization must be a 501(c)3.)"

SIGN Fracture Care International - "Good #GivingTuesday Morning! Please use the donate button on our page today for a chance to quadruple your impact thanks to the efforts of Facebook, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Seattle Foundation!"

Tri-Cities Cancer Center - "Looking for a non-profit to support this #GivingTuesday? Look no further! If you want to help cancer patients get the care they need, start your own personal fundraiser right here on Facebook to help us. Just type #donate in your post to add a donate button and choose Tri-Cities Cancer Center Foundation as your non-profit organization and you are set!"

These are only a few of the Members doing something special for #GivingTuesday. For a complete list of non-profit Regional Chamber members, visit our directory.

By: Port of Pasco staff

The Washington State Public Ports Association (WPPA) honored the Port of Pasco as 2017 Port of the Year at their annual conference in November. In making the award, WPPA noted the completion of the $43 Million Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) renovation and expansion project.

WPPA Executive Director Eric Johnson highlighted the new airport terminal project “as an achievement that showcases what port’s do best - taking a long view of improving key assets into new centers of public engagement and private investment for the betterment of the entire community.”

In receiving the award, Commission President Jean Ryckman stated “The Port of Pasco is honored to receive this award and to be recognized for the contributions to our community. She added “While people saw the two and a half year construction project, they didn’t see the five years of planning and budget discussions before the first wall was ever knocked down. WPPA is recognizing the entire effort of the Port of Pasco Commission and staff in making this project happen for their community.”

Senator Maria Cantwell presided over the grand opening of the new airport terminal in January of this year. Constructed over 3 years, the project doubled the size of the terminal to 110,000 SF and added a brand new boarding concourse, new gates, a new restaurant and bar, coffee and gift shop, children’s play area, and greatly expanded security screening and passenger seating areas. The project also remodeled the existing ticket gates, baggage claim, and rental car areas – all while remaining open and fully functional for the travelling public. The project fulfilled an 8-year planning effort to accommodate a rapidly growing passenger base at the Tri-Cities
Airport, currently the 4th largest commercial airport in Washington State, with 4 airlines averaging 45 flights a day to
9 non-stop destinations and serving over 750,000 passengers per year.

A citizens committee assembled to advise the Port Commission on the project strongly urged an expansion that would not only meet current needs, but also handle 15 years future growth. The Port took on the challenge and decided to issue a $25M revenue bond backed by 20 years of passenger ticket fees to come up with the funds needed for the larger terminal recommended by the citizens committee. The result is an airport terminal that will serve the Tri-Cities region for many years to come.

While the award committee noted the Tri-Cities Airport, the award also recognized other Port projects including the success of the Pasco Processing Center at attracting world-class food processors to Pasco and the significance of the Osprey Pointe Business Park to enhance economic opportunities in East Pasco. “The Port is committed to promoting growth and economic prosperity in our region and we are greatly honored to be recognized as the Port of the Year,” stated Randy Hayden, the Port of Pasco Executive Director. “Projects like this are years in the making and I particularly want to recognize past Commissioners and staff who laid the groundwork for the successes we are seeing today.”

About Washington Public Ports Association
The Washington Public Ports Association promotes the interests of the 76 public ports in the state through government relations, education and strong advocacy programs.

The Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce’s in-house Washington Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) Business Counselor, Ashley Coronado, was awarded certification as a Certified Procurement Professional (CPP) by the Professional Review Committee of the Association of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (APTAC) on Sept. 19, 2017. Coronado was recognized and awarded the certification at the APTAC Fall Conference in Washington D.C. on Monday, November 6.

Washington PTAC helps businesses at no cost to find, bid, win and perform on federal, state and local government contracts.

In order to attain her CPP, Coronado completed approved training in 13 specific areas, plus an additional 10 elective areas, demonstrated capability by undergoing verification in 19 specific areas, applying technical expertise and experience to client counseling, and had a minimum of two years’ experience counseling businesses in government contracting.

With this certification, Coronado now joins the ranks of APTAC’s subject matter experts, embodying a commitment to professional excellence in the field of government procurement assistance. Approximately 10 percent of APTAC members hold this certification.

Coronado has been with Washington PTAC since 2010 and serves clients in six southeastern Washington counties, covering the Tri-Cities, Walla Walla and Yakima areas. Tri-Cities PTAC has an active client base of 220 businesses, and clients won nearly $65 million in government contracts and subcontracts in 2016.
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For more information on Washington PTAC, visit washingtonptac.org. 

Veterans Day is tomorrow, Saturday, November 11, 2017, and plenty of Regional Chamber members are offering discounts or freebies to those who have served our country. If you would like your offer included, please e-mail Austin Regimbal, Marketing & Communications Director, at austin.regimbal@tricityregionalchamber.com.

Azteca
2819 W. 10th Ave., Kennewick & 6505 W. Canal Dr., Kennewick
20% off for veterans and active duty military
Valid 11/11

Barracuda Coffee
2171 Van Giesen, Richland & 320 N. Kellogg, Kennewick
Free 16 oz drink to veterans and active duty military
Valid 11/11

CG Public House & Catering
9221 W. Clearwater Ave., Kennewick
1/2 off your tab for all veterans and active duty military (up to $15)
​Valid 11/11

Columbia Park Golf Course
2701 Columbia Park Trail, Kennewick
50% off greens fees for veterans and active duty military
​Valid 11/11

The Educated Cigar & Wine
624 Wellsian Way, Richland (inside Atomic Bowl & Jokers)
20% off wine
15% off humidors and accessories
10% off cigars
Offers good for all veterans and active duty military
Valid 11/11 and 11/13

Paul Mitchell - The School
71 Gage Blvd., Richland
Free haircuts for veterans and active duty military
​Valid during the entire month of November

P.F. Chang's
8108 W. Gage Blvd., Kennewick
Free appetizer for veterans and active duty military with purchase of entree
​Valid 11/11

PMH Medical Center
723 Memorial St., Prosser
Free breakfast for veterans and their families
Valid 11/11, 6:30 - 9 am

Porter's Real Barbecue
705 The Parkway, Richland
Free 6 oz side for veterans and active duty military
​Valid 11/11

Purple Star Winery
56504 N. East Roza Rd, Benton City
20% military discount, special wine tastings
11/10-11/12

The Schneider Realty Group
Mardi Perry - 509.420.3238
$300 credit at closing on a home sale or purchase
​Valid until July 31, 2018

Sport Clips
1811 George Washington Way, Richland
Free haircut for veterans and active duty military (w/ ID)
​Valid 11/11

Tuff Shed
4218 Clearwater Ave., Kennewick
FREE 24” shelving (width of your shed) for ALL veterans or active duty military purchasing a Tuff Shed 
Valid 11/10 & 11/11, 10 am - 4 pm

Tumbleweeds
894 Stevens Dr., Richland
​Free meal up to $10 for veterans and active duty military
Valid 11/11, 10 am - 8 pm