Thurston County Chamber of Commerce Jan/Feb 2014 VOICE Magazine.

Page 1

JAN/FEB 2014

THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

M

A

G

A

Z

I

N

E

Forma is

Constructing the 21st century with Technology, Efficiency & Tradition Page 12

B UI L DI NG COMMUNITY PROSPERITY FOR OVE R 135 YEARS


CONTENTS

CALENDAR

Page 3 .....President’s Column: Building a Strong Community Page 3................................................................Save the Date! Page 4......................Chair’s Column: Let Me Tell You a Story Page 5........................January Forum: State of the Community Page 6.......................................................Chamber Advocacy Page 10.............................Business 2 Business Youth Connect Page 12................................Cover Story: Forma Construction Page 16..............................2014 Distinguished Leader Awards Page 19 ..............................Welcome New Chamber Members Page 20.................................................Member Anniversaries Page 23............................February Forum: Education Summit

January 7 Morning Mixxer - 7:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m. - The Estate Store 510 Columbia St, SW, Olympia. January 8 Forum - 11:00 a.m.- 1 p.m. - Saint Martin’s Norman Worthington Conference Center. Topic: State of the Community. January 16 Business After Hours - 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Olympia Furniture Company. 2302 Harrison Ave NW January 28, 29 & 30 Membership 2014. Call the Chamber for more information at 360.357.3362

February 4 Morning Mixxer - 7:30-8:30 a.m. - AT&T Mobility. 625 Black Lake Blvd., Olympia. February 12 Forum - 11:30 a.m. -1 p.m. - Saint Martin’s Norman Worthington Conference Center. Topic: Education Summit. February 20 Business After Hours - 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. - Heritage Bank

Copyright © 2007 Thurston County Chamber ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Published bimonthly by the Thurston County Chamber.

809 Legion Way P.O. Box 1427 Olympia, WA 98507 www.thurstonchamber.com info@thurstonchamber.com 360.357.3362

February 26 Distinguished Leader Awards Celebration 5:30 p.m. Red Lion Hotel, Olympia.

Join the conversation online at facebook.com/ThurstonCountyChamber.

These events require pre-registration at www.thurstonchamber.com

BUILDING COMMUNITY PROSPERITY FOR OVER 135 YEARS Diamond Investors:

Executive Officers Mike Marohn, Chair Morgan Stanley Ron Bruchet, Chair Elect GHB Insurance Mariella Cummings, Vice Chair Physicians of SW WA Neil Woody, Treasurer McSwain & Company PS Reid Bates, Past Chair Express Employment Professionals

Platinum Investors The Creative Office GCI Ad Agency GHB Insurance • Key Bank Mills & Mills Funeral Home & Memorial Park Morningside O BEE Credit Union Port of Olympia TwinStar Credit Union Washington Business Bank

Gold Investors Columbia Bank • D Zines Creative Solutions First Citizens Bank Express Employment Professionals Great Wolf Lodge • Jessica Jensen Law PS LOTT Alliance • Nisqually Red Wind Casino Pardiman Productions Providence St. Peter Hospital Puget Sound Energy Red Lion Hotel Olympia • Saint Martin’s University SCJ Alliance • Web-Sites-For-Less.com Williams Group Marketing + Design • Xerox

CHAMBER BOARD & STAFF Board of Trustees Perry Hanchey, Diamond Technology Innovations

Michael Cade, Thurston EDC Jean Carr, SCJ Alliance Jessica Coen, Xerox

George Le Masurier, The Olympian

Dick Cvitanich, Olympia School District Jeff Davis

Cheryl Selby, Vivala Jerald Shaw, Anchor Bank

Cheryl Fambles, PAC Mountain Workforce

Kevin Stormans, Stormans Inc.

Development Council

Sandi Wilson, Thurston First Bank

Jim Geist, Capital Medical Center

Chamber Staff David Schaffert, President/CEO Sytease Geib, VP Workforce Development Alisha Blain, Events Coordinator Marny Bright, Member Services Debbie Burk, Workforce Development Patti Grant, Leadership Thurston County Beth Johnson, Member Services Pam Singleton, Finance Officer

Editor: David Schaffert

Matthew Sult, Member Services

Layout & Design: Natasha Ashenhurst Printing: Print NW

Laurie Bjerke, Admin. Assistant

2 • Jan/Feb 2014 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

www.thurstonchamber.com


LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Building a Strong Community through Private Sector Advocacy By David Schaffert, Thurston County Chamber of Commerce President/CEO David Schaffert

I

workplace learning, the Olympia Shoreline Master Program, n 1599, various businesses banded together in Marseille, France, in an effort to increase commerce. Thus, the development fees, Port of Olympia infrastructure, Interstate “Chambre de Commerce” was born. It wasn’t long before 5 transportation infrastructure, employer employee retention, the chamber’s primary role became workforce development, homeless rapid championing the private sector. Centuries “Advocacy takes dedicated rehousing, the entrepreneurial center, later, that view has become too narrow. effort and resources by an downtown Olympia redevelopment, Capital The Thurston County Chamber of Commerce is an advocate for our community as well as local businesses. Still, this view is too narrow. Let’s dig deeper.

organization, its leadership Lake, green business resources, and a and members. Impact and second extension on the federal listing of the change don’t simply happen.” Mazama pocket gopher. David Schaffert

The Chamber views the world through the lens of the private sector. This point of view lends itself to focusing on interests of business, pursuing market-driven solutions, and understanding the importance of wealth generation and wealth platforms. The Chamber also looks to invest in community and economic development endeavors, serving as a leader in supporting and advocating innovative approaches to community challenges, and supporting effective community leadership development. Keeping this in mind, the Chamber has advocated for a broad range of endeavors — education funding, youth and integrated

Advocacy takes dedicated effort and resources by an organization, its leadership and members. Impact and change don’t simply happen. Instead, results occur when a consistent and deliberate focus is applied to areas that need attention. Advocating for the private sector, its needs, ideology, and resources is an approach about how to address important community issues. Please do not hesitate to contact me for a conversation on the Chamber and its advocacy efforts in community building. 

SAVE T H E DAT E ! Membership 2014

Find Your Future

South Sound Classic

January 28-30

Saturday, March 22, 2014

Friday, May 2, 2014

Building community awareness and Chamber membership. Contact the Chamber at 360.357.3362.

Timberline High School Sponsorships are available! Contact the Chamber at 360.357.3362.

Sponsorships are available! Contact the Chamber at 360.357.3362.

More information about upcoming events can be found at www.thurstonchamber.com.

www.thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  Jan/Feb 2014 3


MESSAGE FROM BOARD CHAIR

Let Me Tell You a Story

By Mike Marohn, Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor and part owner of 94.5 ROXY

J

ust hearing “annual membership drive” is enough to make me turn off my phone, close the door and pretend that I’m not in the office. Yet, the Thurston County Chamber is hosting a membership event at the end of January. Not only am I excited about it, but I am working with Chamber staff to make sure it is an unprecedented success. Why? Because this event is guaranteed to be fun, energizing, grow our membership base and — most importantly — reinforce the Chamber story. What is the Chamber story? We believe that a successful business community is the bedrock of a prosperous community. In order to promote a successful business community, the Chamber is working at three levels: First, advocating for business community success at the federal, state and local level. Second, providing products and services that help members become successful. Third, promoting positive change by continuously monitoring the big picture. Look at the successful businesses in our community and you’ll be looking at Chamber members. They know the value of the Chamber's advocacy efforts as well as how to leverage the

Chamber as a tool for success. Every business that joins the Chamber can learn how to do that as well.

Mike Marohn

Here is how the membership event will work: For two and a half days, more than 100 volunteer members will work in shifts — against the clock and each other — to sign up new Chamber members, creating a greater community awareness of the important role of the Chamber. With each phone call, volunteers will share the Chamber’s 140year history of promoting local business interests and promoting community-building in Thurston County and beyond. As word of the Chamber’s work spreads, our membership will grow, along with our sphere of influence. The stronger the Chamber is, the better we can serve our members and our community. If you want to be instrumental in the growth and strengthening of our organization, join the Chamber’s Membership Event Jan. 28 through Jan. 30. For more information, call the Chamber at 360.357.3362. 

Have you lost the spring in your step due to hip or knee pain?

Pain in your hips or knees can keep you from living a full and active life. The surgeons of the Joint & Spine Center of Southwest Washington at Capital Medical Center are ready to help get you back on your feet! Gold Seal of Approval® — We are the only area hospital to earn a Gold Seal of Approval® for hip and knee replacement surgery from The Joint Commission, the nation’s leading organization for health care accreditation.

Patients FIRST — We are committed to providing the highest level of health care quality and safety for our patients, including meeting rigorous national standards for infection prevention and control, leadership and medication management.

Call us to learn more! 360-754-5858 or 1-888-677-9757 4 Jan/Feb 2014 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

3900 Capital Mall Dr. SW Olympia, WA 98502 www.capitalmedical.com Capital Medical Center is partly owned by some of the physicians who serve our patients.

www.thurstonchamber.com


Forum - Wednesday, January 8

O

STATE OF THE COMMUNITY

The State of the Community Address & Reception for our Elected Officials n Wednesday, January 8, representatives from Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm, and Thurston County will collectively present a State of the Community address.

Communities Represented

Every year, leaders from the community share their perspectives on current issues and future prospects. Leaders will illustrate the important steps and investments made this past year to grow our local economy and promote new employment. NEW! to the State of the Community Forum is a reception for our elected officials, from 11:00 a.m. until noon. This is an opportunity to engage business and community leaders in a one-on-one networking setting. The reception will also provide Chamber members and elected officials an opportunity to get to know each other better. The reception is open to all Forum attendees.

Forum Sponsor

Program Sponsor

Media Sponsor

Forum includes lunch and the cost is $30 for general admission, $20 for prepaid Chamber members, and $25 for members at the door. Reservations for the State of the Community Forum are strongly advised. Visit www.thurstonchamber.com or call the Chamber at 360.357.3362.●

A NOTE, S GIVE AVE A NOTE!

Fill in your name & address below. Pass the notes out to all your friends. When they get their carpets cleaned & turn in the note, we will mail you a coupon to get 5% off your next residential carpet cleaning. Coupons can be combined!

A Steve’s Professional Truck Mounted Steam Cleaning “A referral is the best compliment a customer can give.” nd

My Frie

t Me Sen

Turn in this referral note to your carpet cleaning technician at time of service and your friend will receive 5% off their next residential carpet cleaning. CALL NOW FOR AN APPOINTMENT! 360-701-9544 * 253-691-3150 For more referral notes, find us on Facebook!

www.thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  Jan/Feb 2014 5 


CHAMBER ADVOCACY

Advocating to Create a Positive Climate for Business and Community

O

n any given day we are working with local government representing business interests, are on a panel discussing the future of education and the workforce, and are submitting editorials to your local newspaper advocating for a stronger economy. All this and more is what we do with your continued Chamber investment. In addition to our role as a policy advocate, we are a community partner, leading a broad-based coalition called the Shared Legislative Partnership, formed around issues we all care about, from transportation, to education and the environment.

THE CHAMBER IS ALSO CLOSELY INVOLVED IN THE FOLLOWING COMMUNITY ISSUES: ●Olympia Shoreline Master Program. ●Port infrastructure. ●I-5 transportation infrastructure. ●Workforce development. ●Olympia downtown redevelopment.

CHAMBER ADVOCACY AT A GLANCE

●Capital Lake improvement.

● The Chamber Board is supportive of Sidewalk’s approach to the rapid rehousing of 90% of Thurston County’s homeless population.

●Extending a federal listing decision of the Mazama pocket gopher for a second time.

●The Chamber Board is supportive up upcoming school ballet measures, read more below.

UPCOMING ISSUES ● Amendment to Lacey's sign ordinance. ●Olympia's Comprehensive plan. To learn more about current policy initiatives and how you can become involved, call the Chamber at 360.357.3362. ●

Chamber Board Supporting School Ballot Measures

T

he Thurston County Chamber board voted to support the Olympia, North Thurston and Tumwater School District ballot measures that will appear on the February 11 ballot.

infrastructure. In addition, this is an investment in the local economy, for job growth today, and for an educated youth who will give back tomorrow,” said David Schaffert, Thurston County Chamber President/CEO.

“Thurston County is known nationally for our incredible pool of teachers, administrators and schools. Their success is due, in part, to our continued investment in technology and

Mike Marohn, Chamber Board Chair agrees, “The Chamber board enthusiastically supports these ballot initiatives. We believe in a wellfunded K-12 educational system.

6 Jan/Feb 2014 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

We also anticipate a positive impact to the businesses represented in our membership. These are well planned and timely initiatives. Each district is sensitive to the economic climate of the past five years, but hopeful that the recovery will create a receptive environment for investment in infrastructure and technology for our youth.” ●

www.thurstonchamber.com



360.456.4999

venablespestmanagement.com info@venablespest.com

TRUSTED BY THOUSANDS Venables Pest Management is a locally owned and operated company using pet-friendly, professional pest management solutions for ants, termites, mice, beetles, spiders, bed bugs, yellow jackets and rats. We also offer commercial and residential maintenance services and real estate inspections. Give us a call today.

8 • Jan/Feb 2014 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

www.thurstonchamber.com


IT’S ABOUT EDUCATION APRIL 18, 6:00 P.M. CAPITAL EVENTS CENTER

Make “A Night on the Town� the Event to Remember

A

Night on the Town celebrates the Chamber Foundation’s twenty year investment in community education and leadership.

A showcase of its programs -- Find Your Future, Math for Life, Leadership Thurston County and the Small Business Incubator -- during an evening filled with entertainment, an exclusive live auction, cocktail hour and a few surprises, makes A Night on the

Town a not-to-be-missed event. Watch for information pertaining to procurement, sponsorships and donations. Reservations available in the coming weeks. Please contact the Chamber with any questions at 360.357.3362. Until then, be sure to mark your calendar for A Night on the Town! â—?

What is the Chamber Foundation? Created in 1993, the Thurston County Chamber Foundation was established to house the educational programs of the Chamber. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit with four programs: Leadership Thurston County, developing local leaders; Find Your Future, student career exploration; the Small Business Incubator, for small business development; and Math for Life, engaging local businesses and students with real world math.

r r """ DPN AUTOMOTIVE | TRAVEL | INSURANCE | DISCOUNTS

www.thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE ď Ź Jan/Feb 2014 ď Źď€ 9


WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Business 2 Business Youth Connect is Engaging Businesses to Identify Interest in Engaging Our Communities’ Youth By Christina Bower Editor’s Note: Christina Bower is a Washington Service Corps (WSC) AmeriCorps member working for Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council and housed at the Thurston County Chamber. She is fresh out of Eastern Oregon University, class of 2013, with a BA in Psychology. Her work is centered on the Business 2 Youth Connect program.

T

he last few months working with PAC Mountain and the Chamber have been all about getting oriented and conducting extensive research for my program of focus: Business 2 Youth Connect. On any given day you’ll find me participating on the Chamber’s Education committee, at networking events, and working on existing projects aimed at community youth engagement, including Find Your Future and Math for Life. Both of these programs are wonderful but for different reasons. Find Your Future is all about connecting youth to an adult who currently has the occupation that they desire. It provides them an opportunity to hear someone talk about a day in the life of (insert your occupation here), ask questions and have an opportunity to talk to a professional from the local community. At the conclusion of the event there is also a college and career expo that offers youth a way to continue conversations about a career path and the best way to reach their goals. The second program, Math for Life, is all about showing youth how math is used in everyday life. Over spring break Thurston County businesses open their doors to youth, from kindergarten through high school, and begin the process of changing the mind-set of “I’m never going to use math after I graduate”, into the realization that math is in nearly every occupation and can be very exciting.

member, I find I am pushing the boundaries of my comfort zone. For example, I am terrified of speaking in public and I accepted the opportunity to speak on a panel at the Washington Association for Career and Technical Education conference. Instead of shying away, my first and natural response, I pushed myself to speak about what I have learned and my Christina Bower developing program. The first day was horrifying, but by the second day of the conference I was confident and at ease. It felt great to overcome this obstacle. WSC AmeriCorps is work integrated learning in process, and is not only about the service to our community but it is also about the growth of their members. We each have individual goals, but we have a support system for reaching those goals. PacMountain and the Chamber have been nothing but supportive in my service, offering assistance and advice whenever I need it. With the community that I have supporting me I am looking at a successful term. ●

Through both programs I’ve discovered an incredible community commitment to youth. I am so proud to be working on both of these programs because they offer kids the opportunities to connect with supportive members in the community. Both of these programs align so well with Business 2 Youth Connect and the goal of building further connections between business, education, and youth. In my short time as a WSC AmeriCorps

10 Jan/Feb 2014 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

www.thurstonchamber.com


www.thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  Jan/Feb 2014 11


Constructing the 21st Century with Efficiency, Technology and Tradition By Natasha Ashenhurst

N

ame five buildings in Thurston County that meet these criteria: Built in the last five years; innovative in design; winners of green building technology awards; quality construction; and are landmarks changing the face of our community.

Need a few hints? Try the Hands On Children’s Museum, Cebula Hall at Saint Martin’s University and the surgery center at Olympia Orthopaedic Associates. You can fill in the rest of the list with a few buildings on the South Puget Sound Community College campus. What else do these buildings have in common? Forma Construction. Dig deeper and you’ll discover that Forma shares a few qualities with the organizations commissioning their work: Forma is growing on a solid foundation firmly rooted in Thurston County; they are pillars of the community with a laser focus on promoting community health and growth; they have a willingness to embrace change and technology; they are

committed to green building practices and education; and finally, they have a dedicated and energized workforce.

Generations in the Industry Forma is owned equally by Drew Phillips, Drew’s younger brother — Jim Phillips — and Jace Munson. Jim is president. Drew manages procurement, marketing and preconstruction activities. Munson oversees operations and finance. The Phillips family has been building in Olympia for five generations. Their father — also Jim — partnered with Pat Berschauer in the 1980s to create Berschauer Phillips. Drew and Jim grew up working on job sites with their father, sweeping up at the end of the day. The Munson family was one of the first

to settle Tumwater. When the Berschauer family decided to sell its stake in the business in 2013, the Phillips brothers and Munson didn’t hesitate to change the company name to Forma. “Our name change helped us realign and refocus on our core business in the community, which is our role as a commercial contractor,” said Drew. “We are proud of our roots and of this community, but we’re looking forward, not back and our name change symbolizes this.”

The Technology Has Changed — The Process Hasn’t Forma draws on their extensive building

VOICE cover photo of Saint Martin's University, Cebula Hall. Photo taken by Hezekiah Pugh, www.goodlightcreative.com Photo above: Clover Park School District Superintendent, Craig Lester, on the site of the new Harrison Preparatory school in Lakewood. 12 • Jan/Feb 2014 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

www.thurstonchamber.com


knowledge gleaned over years in the industry, but part of their success stems from their willingness to embrace new technology and materials that create a better structure — more comfortable for the occupants, saving the owners money, lowering the environmental footprint, and streamlining the building process. “Before I joined this team, I worked for larger Seattle companies,” said Munson. “(Forma is) on par with the larger companies, going way back. We invest aggressively in the latest technology. It is a capital investment, but it also improves our efficiency and allows us to remain leaders in the industry.” Not only does Forma invest heavily in technology, they invest in education as

well. “Jace, Jim and I studied and tested into the (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program and are LEED-accredited professionals,” said Drew. “We just sent some people to a course on building modeling software. The trend in construction is 3D design, rather than using paper plans and specs. We use computer kiosks on the job site so the tradesman can immediately view computer models.” This focus on education and technology helped Forma in the process of building Cebula Hall, which was awarded 97 out of 110 possible LEED points, securing the highest rating of any newly constructed LEED-certified building in

the hemisphere. Next month, several Forma team members will travel to Pennsylvania to earn certification in health care construction. Maintaining current certifications is a client expectation, but has also become a competitive edge for Forma.

Continuously Seeking Challenges The core of Forma’s clients is comprised of school districts, colleges and universities, government and health care facilities. “(Our) clients are all focused on sustainable construction and have projects that are coming out in the next five years,” said Drew. “We’re lucky to Continued on Page 14

Photo above: Patty Belmonte, Executive Director of the Hands On Children's Museum, Colonel Hodges, JBLM Commanding Colonel and Drew Phillips in front of the Hands On Children's Museum.

www.thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  Jan/Feb 2014 13


Full Line of Business Services: ࠮ +P]PKLUK LHYUPUN I\ZPULZZ JOLJRPUN HJJV\U[Z ZH]PUNZ HJJV\U[Z ࠮ )\ZPULZZ =PZH JYLKP[ JHYKZ

Member Business Services TwinStarCU.com

࠮ )\ZPULZZ VUSPUL IHURPUN ࠮ 4LYJOHU[ JHYK ZLY]PJLZ ࠮ (*/ VYPNPUH[PVU M\SS ZLY]PJL Payroll Solutions ࠮ 7YLMLYYLK )\ZPULZZ 7HY[ULYZOPWZ ࠮ 5L[*HW[\YL¶LSLJ[YVUPJ JOLJR KLWVZP[PUN

TwinStar offers lending products for your business: ࠮ :THSS I\ZPULZZ [LYT SVHUZ ࠮ 6WLYH[PUN SPULZ VM JYLKP[ ࠮ )\ZPULZZ =PZH JYLKP[ JHYKZ ࠮ *VTTLYJPHS YLHS LZ[H[L SVHUZ Call 1.800.258.3115 and ask for Business Loan Expert Jim Minder

Call 1.800.258.3115 and ask for one of our local Business Experts:

Corinn ext. 4596

Gary ext. 4452

Gayla ext. 4560

Jim ext. 4495

IF YOU DON’T HAVE INSURANCE, YOU’RE MISSING THE BOAT.

31% of boats aren’t insured. I can help you make sure you don’t get stuck with 100% of the cost if something happens. For less than $1 a day*, Allstate Boatowners Insurance can cover things like injury, theft, and damage to your boat, or someone else’s. Don’t wait. Call me today. Shellie Haisch (360) 455-4105 3773 Martin Way Suite B105 Olympia, WA 98506 shelliehaisch2@allstate.com

B O AT I N S U R A N C E

*Based on 2009 countrywide average gross premium for boatowners insurance. Your actual premium will vary based on state and value of boat. Subject to availability and qualifications. Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Company: Northbrook, IL. © 2009 Allstate Insurance Company.

14 • Jan/Feb 2014 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

www.thurstonchamber.com


Jace Munson, Principal, COO

be in a region that is growing.” The Forma team enjoys the challenges presented by green building. “We really like to build unique, difficult projects,” said Drew. “We can build a $30 million school in 10 months. That takes a lot of focus. We like significant and cool projects that keep us challenged.” Their current project, the Olympia Regional Learning Academy, is striving to be a Net Zero Energy-certified facility. “The building will be able to generate enough power to offset its power use,” said Drew.

Hire And Keep Great People Great employees are also at the core of Forma’s success. “We’ve been very fortunate to hire, train and retain great people,” said

www.thurstonchamber.com

Drew Phillips, Principal, Director of Pre Construction

Munson. “Most of our employees have worked here for most of their careers.” Drew agrees. “We provide great benefits, pay well and we try and have some fun. We’ve been a family run business, and it still has that feel to it.” Forma has more than 60 administrative employees, and the number of employees in the field fluctuates between 75 and 200. The company brings in more than $100 million dollars in sales every year, and projects growth over the coming years.

Commitment To Community The Phillips and Munson remain focused on their other core competency, which is their commitment to strengthening the community that raised them. When they aren’t on a job site or in their offices, you’ll find them serving in

Jim Phillips, President

the community. Drew is on the boards of the Hands On Children’s Museum, the Olympia Tumwater Foundation and Leadership Thurston County. Munson is president of the Economic Development Council Board of Directors, and also serves on the board of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County. “We believe that if you want to do work in Olympia, you need to be involved in Olympia,” said Drew. “It is not about getting new business, it is about giving back. When we all remain focused on making the community a better place, everyone benefits.” For Forma, perhaps, it is this relentless commitment to our region and community that is their greatest strength of all. ● Natasha Ashenhurst is a writer for the Thurston County Chamber VOICE. nashenhurst@thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  Jan/Feb 2014 15


Senator Karen Fraser, Raj Manhas and Brian Vance to be Honored February 26

L

eadership Thurston County (LTC) and the Thurston County Chamber Foundation are proud to host the 13th Annual Distinguished Leader Awards Celebration, Wednesday, February 26, at the Red Lion Hotel Olympia. Presented by Columbia Bank, the event recognizes leaders who demonstrate outstanding initiative, inspire others and make a significant impact in our community. Honorees will be recognized through live and multi-media presentations.

2014 Distinguished Leader Awards Wednesday, February 26 5:30 p.m. Champagne Reception 6:30 p.m. Dinner & Program Red Lion Hotel Olympia Tickets are $65 per person or $520 for a table of eight. For information or reservations please

Senator Karen Fraser is being honored for her years of public service as an elected official representing Thurston County communities and her advocacy of issues that matter to our community and beyond.

Raj Manhas, Superintendent, North Thurston Public Schools, is being honored for his commitment to academic success for all students through community engagement, supporting the whole child and fiscal responsibility.

Brian Vance, Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Financial Corporation and Heritage Bank, is being recognized for his business leadership in the regional banking industry and his community stewardship as a servant leader, philanthropist and volunteer.

visit www.thurstonchamber.com.

Presented by: LTC Trustees

Initiative Sponsors

Table Sponsors

Video Sponsor

Champagne Sponsor

Woytowich Design

Red Lion Hotel Olympia

16 Jan/Feb 2014 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County Brown & Caldwell Cambridge Wealth Management Capital Medical Center Intercity Transit MSGS Architects Olympia Downtown Association Phillips Wesch Burgess Port of Olympia Thurston EDC

www.thurstonchamber.com




THURSTON GREEN BUSINESS

Deadline Approaching ng for Recognition at April Green Business Event

N

ow in its seventh year, the Thurston Green Business designation has become one of the Chamber’s most popular programs; nearly 200 local organizations display a Thurston Green Business sticker in their window. Customers are learning to look for this logo and check the Chamber website for participants, and they often choose to shop with Green Businesses to support their efforts. Businesses which take steps to lower their environmental footprint save money while protecting and preserving resources. Saving energy and water, while reducing

waste, are all good steps that benefit our environment. The cost savings that result from conservation boost the bottom-line. Through the Thurston Green Business program, participants are recognized for their efforts at a Chamber Forum presentation held in April, and are permitted to utilize the Thurston Green Business logo in their store window, on their website, and other marketing materials.

accepted year-round. However, in order to be recognized at our April Green Business event, your 2014 application must be completed in by March 14. If your business hasn’t registered for a designation this year, be sure to visit www. thurstongreenbusiness.com and apply. ●

There is no deadline to apply and applications are

Please Welcome New Chamber Members from October and November! Jodi Cox Olympia Respiratory Services

Ellen Bigelow Bigelow Family Financial, LLC

Lacey Area Chamber www.laceychamber.com

www.olympiarespiratory.com Medical Equipment & Supplies

www.igelowFamilyFinancial.com

Chamber of Commerce

George Ruby Affinity at Olympia www.affinityatolympia.com

Connie Woodward Claws & Paws Pets

Accountants

Brad Livingston Randy’s Compounding Pharmacy & Nutrition Center

www.clawsandpawspets.com Pet Shops

www.compoundingpharmacy.com

Apartments

Karlie Parry Amity Counseling www.amitycounseling.com

Rick Stevens Geico www.geico.com

Loni Hanka Thurston County Solid Waste

Mental Health Services

Insurance

Jeff Rose Bagel Brothers www.bagelbrothersonline.com

Restaurants

Joanna Aldridge Homestreet Bank www.homestreetbank.com Banks

www.thurstonchamber.com

Pharmacy

www.ThurstonSolidWaste.org Government Offices

Hillary Soens YWCA of Olympia www.ywcaofolympia.org Non-Profit Organizations, Social Service Organizations

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  Jan/Feb 2014 19


Membership Anniversaries Thank you to the following members for renewing your membership with the Chamber in November & December. 25 + YEARS Providence SoundHomeCare and Hospice Thurston County Food Bank 21 - 25 YEARS Bayview School of Cooking Budd Bay Cafe Coyne, Jesernig, LLC GHB Insurance, Inc. Olympic Telephone Smyth McIntosh, PS Together! Wayne Beckwith 16 - 20 YEARS Bonaventure Comfort Inn Lacey Morton Safford James III AIA Architects, Inc. P.S. Northwest Event Decorators Olympia Emergency Services, PLLC Olympic Moving & Storage 11 - 15 YEARS Art House Designs Behavioral Health Resources Beluga Software, Inc. Cathy Wolfe Chicago Title Insurance Company Clarus Eye Centre Community Values Magazine Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County Glacier Aviation, Inc. Heaven’s Best Heritage Investment Services hibu Inc. Intercity Transit Jimmy’s Discount Muffler & Limousine Rental Judy’s Intimate Apparel Muscular Dystrophy Association ReachOne Travel The Evergreen State College - Conference Facilities Van Dorm Realty, Inc. - Cheri Wilkins

6 - 10 Y EARS Alf Home Services Anthony’s Hearthfire Grill Armour Vickerman, PLLC Auto Mall Mini-Storage Bay Vista, LLC Bron’s Automotive Certified Indoor Air Columbian Hall Community Christian Academy Landes & Co., PLLC Landis Pointe Apartments Massage Envy Montair at Somerset Hill Olympia Lacey Church of God OOKKEEs Precious Metalsmith Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc. Rose H. Bailey, DDS Washington Fire Chiefs Washington PUD Association Wise Realty, Inc. - Mark Gillispie 1 - 5 YEARS Alaska USA Federal Credit Union Alliance Cleaning Co. Alpine Cleaning Service of Thurston County Apollo Spas Arcade Recording AT&T / Mobility Black Hills Heating and Air Cakeitecture Bakery Capitol Gutter, Inc. Capitol Plaza Hotel Cartridge World Clear View Auto and Window Glass Club Z! In-Home Tutoring Services Combat Power Essentials LLC Community Foundation of South Puget Sound Constant Contact Discover Your World Travel Dream Dentistry Edward Jones - Cindi Whiting Edward Jones - Eric Rowe EF International Language Centers Evergreen ATM’s Exodus Engineering, Inc. Expecting Change LLC FG360 Training

20 Jan/Feb 2014 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

Future Business Leaders of America H2O At Home - Batt H2O At Home - Baum Hearing Healthcare Center, Inc. Heavy Equipment Supply Source HOGUM BAY, LLC In To Win Promotions Integra Telecom - Ryan Jackson Jacobsen Law Office Karen Schaaf, MA, LLC KPFF Consulting Engineers Lacey Learning Center Landmark General Contracting, Inc. Legal Shield - John Braun Liberty Mutual ManorCare of Lacey Medipro Slim Lacey Miles Sand & Gravel Company MPH Holding, LLC Newrock Homes, Inc. Northwest Center for Prosthodontics Novia Plastic Surgery Olympic Blinds Olympic Outfitters Ostrom Mushroom Farms Pacific Air Heating & Air Conditioning PacStar Financial, LLC Panera Bread Party Outfitters PC Jitters Professional Temp Staffing Agency Purple Tree Farms Remedy Intelligent Staffing Rick’s Automotive Repair, Inc Sameday Auto Scratch & Dent Repair Schwan’s SignDezign, LLC Simmonds Chiropractic Sound City Coffee Sound Cleaning Sound Management South Sound Champions Center Stevie D’s Daily Grind Espresso Team/Total Employment & Management The Olympia Free Clinic The Wendy’s Company Timm’s Tree Care Turning Leaf Productions Twisties Frozen Yogurt Washington Farm Labor Association

www.thurstonchamber.com


Office Supplies Next day delivery is available for over 40,000 items that we have in stock.

Promotional Products We offer a large selection of promotional gifts for your meetings, trade shows, product branding and events.

Office Furniture, Space Planning & Design Our Furniture Specialists draft, develop, space plan & design your furniture project to get

Quick and Simple Online Ordering www.thecreativeoffice.com

(360) 754-1732

(800) 900-1732

721 Legion Way SE, Olympia

www.thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  Jan/Feb 2014 21


www.thurstonchamber.com


EDUCATION SUMMIT

Annual Education Summit & Education Trade Show at Chamber’s February Forum Wednesday, February 12, 11:30 a.m. Saint Martin’s University: Norman Worthington Conference Center

O

n Wednesday, February 12, education experts from the community will take part in a moderated discussion of the current state of education in Thurston County. Topics will include: How public education is funded, the increasing responsibility of individuals to pay for education, the role of private education, and the importance of community engagement.

for educators to connect with the Forum attendees. This event begins at 11:30 a.m. at Saint Martin’s University Norman Worthington Conference Center. Forum includes lunch and is $30 for general admission, $20 for prepaid Chamber members and $25 for members at the door. Reservations are strongly advised by calling 357-3362 or by visiting www.thurstonchamber.com ●

The Education Summit will also feature an Education Trade Show

www.thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  Jan/Feb 2014 23


PO BOX 1427 Olympia, WA 98507-1427

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Olympia, WA Permit # 236


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.