January 2022 VOICE Magazine

J A N U A R Y

T H U R S T O N

2 0 2 2

C O U N T Y

C H A M B E R

Pictured, left to right: Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder, Olympia Mayor Cheryl Selby, Tumwater Mayor Debbie Sullivan, Yelm Mayor Joe DePinto, Thurston County Commissioner Tye Menser

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January 2022

THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER VOICE MAGAZINE

Visit ThurstonChamber.com and click on the Events Calendar for the latest information regarding Chamber events.

Join our Morning Mixxer host, Revel Lacey, at 211 Hoh St SE, Lacey, WA 98516 on Tuesday, January 4, at 7:30 a.m. Morning Mixxer is free to attend and is held the first Tuesday of each month. These networking events are great for making new business connections within the community. Everyone who attends is eligible to win great door prizes! MIXX 96.1 proudly sponsors Morning Mixxer.

Join our host, Ricardo's Kitchen and Bar at 676 Woodland Sq Lp SE, Lacey, WA 98503 on Thursday, January 6 at 5:30 p.m. for the Thurston Young Professionals Monthly Networking Event. Enjoy bites & beverages as you expand your network! All are welcome – invite other 20 to 30-year-olds so they can expand their networks and get to know all the fantastic young professionals in our community.

On Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at 11:30 a.m., at The Olympia Hotel at Capitol Lake, 2300 Evergreen Park Drive SW, Olympia, WA 98502, Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder, Olympia Mayor Cheryl Selby, Tumwater Mayor Debbie Sullivan, Yelm Mayor Joe DePinto and Thurston County Commissioner Tye Menser will collectively present a State of the Community Address brought to the community by the Thurston Chamber. During the event, representatives will share the state of their jurisdiction and address moderated topics, including but not limited to COVID-19 response and the economy, homelessness and Interstate-5 congestion. Thank you to our event sponsor, Puget Sound Energy. Register at bit.ly/SOTC22

After Hours

Business After Hours is back and in-person! Join our host Fieldstone Communities at 810 Fieldstone Dr SW, Olympia, WA 98505, on Thursday, January 20 at 5:30 p.m., for mingling and networking with other business professionals, playing games, beverages and appetizers.

Business After Hours is a great opportunity to expand your network.

ROXY 94.5 proudly sponsors Business After Hours.

We will observe Washington State Department of Health and Thurston County Public Health and Social Services' guidance at every event.

Thank You Sponsors!

thurstonchamber.com

In This Issue...

Upcoming Chamber Events p. 6 We're excited for the Chamber's 2022 Events – State of the Community Address, A Night on the Town, Math for Life, Future of Work Summit, Find Your Future and more!

Shared Legislative Agenda 2022 p. 8 Director Doug Mah details the Public Policy Division's agenda for the 2022 State Legislative session.

The 2022 State of the Community Report p. 12 Elected officials from Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, Yelm and Thurston County report on the state of their communities in 2022.

First Diversity In Business Scholarship Awarded p. 21 Thurston Chamber Foundation and South Puget Sound Community College Foundation award Ayami Nakanishi with inaugural scholarship.

Caught in the Lens p. 22 Keep up with the latest Chamber happenings and see all of the great smiles that make up our membership!

The VOICE is FSC® Certified.

The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC), is a non-profit organization that sets certain high standards to make sure that forestry is practiced in an environmentally responsible and socially beneficial manner.

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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magazine

The State of the Community Report & Address

by David Schaffert, President/CEO, Thurston County Chamber

PUBLISHER Thurston County Chamber of Commerce EDITORIAL David Schaffert 360-357-3362 dschaffert@thurstonchamber.com CONTRIBUTORS David Schaffert Doug Mah ADVERTISING Sales & Marketing: Krystal Barkus Elizabeth Bretschneider Ashley Chandler SUBSCRIPTIONS 360-357-3362 info@thurstonchamber.com DESIGN Ben Hawkes Mosaic Marketing Studio COVER Photography by Heather Harris, Elements Photography. L to R: Mayors Andy Ryder, Cheryl Selby, Debbie Sullivan, Joe DePinto and Commissioner Tye Menser.

PRINTING Print NW CONTACT THE CHAMBER 809 Legion Way SE Olympia, WA 98507 360-357-3362 info@thurstonchamber.com thurstonchamber.com

Every January, the Thurston Chamber hosts senior elected officials from Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, Yelm and Thurston County at the State of the Community Address. We also develop in the Chamber VOICE Magazine, a State of the Community Report. The report is developed through the elected responses to a couple questions.

This year's questions are: 1. Heading into 2022, what positive changes do you see for the local economy?

2. What exciting new public projects are on the horizon for your community?

You’ll find the answers to these questions, written by the elected officials, beginning on page 12. We encourage you to read their statements and then attend the State of the Community Address on Wednesday, January 12, 2022.

At the State of the Community Address, Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder Olympia Mayor Cheryl Selby, Tumwater Mayor Debbie Sullivan, Yelm Mayor Joe DePinto, and Thurston County Commissioner Tye Menser will collectively present an address and then will take part in a question-and-answer session moderated by me.

This is a unique opportunity to engage with our elected officials and be part of the conversations on important community issues.

We look forward to seeing you there.

THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER BUILDING COMMUNITY PROSPERITY SINCE 1874 COPYRIGHT All material appearing in the VOICE Magazine is copyright unless otherwise stated or it may rest with the provider of the supplied material. The VOICE Magazine takes all care to ensure information is correct at time of printing, but the publisher accepts no responsibility or liability for the accuracy of any information contained in the text or advertisements. ©2022 VOICE Magazine, Thurston County Chamber.

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EVENTS

Annual State of the Community Address On Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at 11:30 Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder, Tumwater Mayor Debbie Sullivan, Olympia Mayor Cheryl Selby, Yelm Mayor Joe DePinto and Thurston County Commissioner Tye Menser will collectively present a State of the Community Address brought to the community by the Thurston County Chamber.

During the event, representatives will share the state of their jurisdiction and address moderated topics, including but not limited to COVID-19 response and the economy, homelessness and Interstate 5 congestion.

Read the State of the Community Report on page 12.

WHEN: January 12, 2022, 11:30 a.m.

WHERE: The Olympia Hotel at Capitol Lake, 2300 Evergreen Park Drive SW, Olympia, WA 98502.

Register at bit.ly/SOTC22 Thank you to our exclusive sponsor for this event, Puget Sound Energy.

20th Annual Distinguished Leader Awards The 20th Distinguished Leaders Awards celebration will take place on Wednesday, February 16, at the Olympia Hotel at Capitol Lake. The evening begins with a champagne and sparkling cider reception at 5:30 pm followed by dinner and program at 6:30 pm.

The Distinguished Leader Awards recognize leaders who demonstrate outstanding initiative, inspire others and make a significant impact that shines through their community support and involvement.

Honorees are recognized through live and multi-media presentations.

We will be limiting attendance and following all Washington State Department of Health and Thurston County Public Health and Social Services guidance to host a safe event. Register at thurstonchamber.com.

Thank you to our Presenting Partner, TwinStar Credit Union for your commitment to community leadership.

For partnership opportunities, please call Alisha Blain-Warner at 360.357.8515 or email LTC@ThurstonChamber.com.

WHEN: February 16, 2022, 5:30pm WHERE: The Olympia Hotel at Capitol Lake

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NIGHTON THE TOWN

Save the Date for A Night on the Town in Shanghai On Friday, March 4, 2022, attendees of the Chamber Foundation’s signature fundraising event, A Night on the Town, will be ‘transported’ to Shanghai.

The evening kicks off with live, to-beannounced entertainment, includes a one-of-a-kind live auction and finishes with the much-anticipated after-party with exceptional musical performances.

This is the event that connects the world of learning and the world of work. Join us as the education and business communities gather together to support the leaders of today who are inspiring leaders of tomorrow.

WHEN: Friday, March 4, 2022, 6:00pm WHERE: The Olympia Hotel at Capitol Lake (Formerly Hotel RL Olympia) Register at thurstonchamber.com/anott

We will observe Washington State Department of Health and Thurston County Public Health and Social Services' guidance at every event. thurstonchamber.com

EVENTS

for

Life

A DAY OF CAREER EXPLORATION

Math for Life Expected to Engage Thurston County Students more than 1,000 Students Explore Career Pathways April is national “Math Awareness Month.”

To celebrate and engage our students and community around real-life math applications, the Thurston County Chamber Education Committee promotes our 11th annual Math for Life event for students in Griffin, Olympia, North Thurston, Tumwater, Yelm school districts, as well as private schools in Thurston County. In 2021, we had over 250 students participate in our virtual event!

Calling all Students and Parents! The Thurston Chamber Foundation is launching Find Your Future 2022! Join us, FREE, to talk and listen to various industry professionals on all levels. Hear their stories of educational pathways, from graduation to the present day. Find out what classes you can take now to help further your future goals and ways you can gain extra credentials that you may want or need for your industry profession.

Students visit (in-person) participating businesses, answer fun, real-life math questions (grade appropriate), and WIN VERY COOL PRIZES! Math for Life is FREE for students and parents to participate.

Find Your Future is an opportunity for students and parents to seek answers from industry educators, businesses, and graduates entering or new to the industry.

Learn more about what it takes to become a professional in Aerospace Engineering, Video/Graphic Design, Programming, Healthcare, the Green Economy and more!

Businesses who would like to participate and support our community’s youth, please visit thurstonchamber.com/mathforlife to register or call (360) 357-3362.

Math for Life is a Foundation program in partnership with Griffin School District, Olympia School District, North Thurston Public Schools, Rainier School District, Rochester School District, Tumwater School District, Yelm Community Schools and New Market Skills Center.

WHEN: April 3 – April 16, 2022 WHERE: Thurston County Businesses.

A map of participating businesses will be available in early 2022. Learn more at thurstonchamber.com/mathforlife

Find Your Future is a Thurston County Chamber Foundation program in partnership with Career Connect Washington, Griffin School District, North Thurston Public Schools, Olympia School District, Rainier School District, Rochester School District, Tumwater School District, Yelm Community Schools and New Market Skills Center.

WHEN: March 19, 2022, 9:00am to 1:00pm WHERE: Capital High School, 2707 Conger Ave NW, Olympia, WA 98502 Find more information at: thurstonchamber.com/findyourfuture

Join Us at Future of Work Summit & EXPO Join the conversation about informing, developing, and building pathways for career seekers of all ages at the Future of Work Summit and EXPO on May 4, 2022 at Great Wolf Lodge from 8:00am - 1:00pm.

Now more than ever before, businesses, educators, and students need opportunities to influence and prioritize infrastructure and skills development for a robust talent pipeline.

Businesses Opportunities for training and reskilling within your company are necessary to create a successful pipeline of future employees to keep your business thriving. Learn how to create an on-thejob training program, plan and develop internships and apprenticeships as a recruitment strategy and develop externships for educators to provide a deeper understanding of your industry within our region.

Students and Educators Learn how to find and apply for apprenticeship and internship programs, connect with business leaders and meet other students and educators interested in career pathway development.

WHEN: May 4, 2022, 8:00am - 1:00pm WHERE: Great Wolf Lodge – Grand Mound, 20500 Old Hwy 99 SW, Centralia, WA 98531.

For a full list of Chamber Events, visit ThurstonChamber.com/Events thurstonchamber.com

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ADVOCACY

Shared Legislative Agenda 2022 Each year, the Public Policy Division of the Thurston Chamber convenes the Shared Legislative Partnership. The Partnership works to advance regional priorities for the upcoming State Legislative session.

These priorities, when approved, will provide multiple and broad benefits to the entire region due to the significant scope and impact across and between entities.

The list of regional priorities for 2022 includes: Interstate 5 – Mounts Road to Tumwater and the Nisqually River Delta As the Legislature considers a transportation funding package in the 2022 Legislative Session, it should include $125 million to support the design, engineering, and right of way phases to replace the Nisqually River bridges with a wider span that addresses salmon habitat and flood 8 I

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risk issues, modify the two train trestles near milepost 115, and add a lane in both directions of I-5 from milepost 111 to 116. In addition, resources are required to complete 507-510 Loop and Roundabouts and implement regional Transportation Demand Management (TDM) strategies.

Previous investments from the Legislature and WSDOT equal to $5 million provide for the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review of key strategies to reduce congestion, improve salmon habitat, and reduce flood risk in the region. The Nisqually Indian Tribe and U.S. Geological Survey's recent report found that with projected sea-level rise, increased flood frequency and severity, and current rates of erosion, the Nisqually River will undercut I-5 between 2040 and 2055. Although the NEPA review won't be complete for 2 to 3 years, the next critical step is to ensure funding for the project's preliminary design and engineering and right of way acquisition phases as part of a multi-year transportation package. (Transportation Budget – $125,000,000) thurstonchamber.com

ADVOCACY

Craft Brewing and Distilling: Business Start-up / Accelerator Space – Tumwater Craft District / Innovation Partnership Zone Business accelerator and start-up space are frequently needed by fledgling breweries and distilleries across the South Puget Sound. Working within the South Puget Sound Community College's Craft Brewing and Distilling Program, short-term start-up space, and business accelerator support will assist students and entrepreneurs to successfully launch businesses into the rapidly growing commercial craft beverage industry. The total project is approximately $2,500,000 and uses private investment, CERB funding, and City funding in addition to requested State funds. (Capital Budget - $1,000,000)

Southwest Agricultural and Innovation Park – Tenino / Thurston Economic Development Council A 27 percent increase in project costs due exclusively to unanticipated inflation and price increases for construction materials cause the project partners to delay construction thurstonchamber.com

indefinitely. State resources will ensure the project proceeds on schedule and as planned. Development is underway, and the design for a 10,000 square foot pre-engineered steel building that meets the production needs of the initial three tenants is complete. (Capital Budget - $870,000)

Economic Development / Land Use Mitigation – Tumwater and Port of Olympia Large and small-scale commercial and private economic development projects are currently delayed due to the lack of appropriate land conservation efforts to mitigate the listing of the Mazama Pocket Gopher under the Federal Endangered Species Act. State resources will rapidly start up the acquisition of land that is suitable for conservation, expedite the conservation process, and open economic development opportunities that were held back following the initial Endangered Species Act listing. Investment in the current biennium will assist local economic recovery by replacing a diversity of jobs lost to the COVID-19 crisis and better position the region to improve economic equity.

(Capital Budget or Operating Budget - $2,500,000) Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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ADVOCACY

Direct State Investments to Address Chronic Homelessness Chronic homelessness is a statewide issue that has a negative impact on communities across Washington state, regardless of size or location. Based on the success seen elsewhere, the Thurston Shared Legislative Partners support six recommendations for addressing the chronic homelessness crisis in Washington State.

• • •

• • •

Create emergency housing while we wait for permanent supportive housing Provide individualized, on-demand services Establish a command center to focus on individuals experiencing chronic homelessness with an emphasis on equity Utilize real-time data Employ qualified, experienced caseworkers and those with lived experience Focus on transparency, accountability, and evaluation with regular reporting to the public

This includes establishing a Washington State version of California's Project Homekey. Other requested 2022 Legislative actions include: • • •

•

Use of State ARPA funds for the acquisition of emergency housing Expansion of the Rapid Capital Housing Acquisition Fund Ensuring that grants made available through the State Department of Commerce require requesting jurisdiction to include plans for on-demand services to accompany emergency housing A Statewide investment of $400 million to house over 2,600 homeless individuals

This may be the single biggest opportunity to make progress on housing and homelessness – especially for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness – for generations to come.

The Shared Legislative Partnership has proven to be an effective way to advocate for regional investments with the State Legislature. These priorities focus on common Communities across the State need financial support to address chronic homelessness from the $1.9 trillion American interests to maintain the region's economic vitality and generate opportunities that enhance the quality of life Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). This federal funding provides for residents in the Thurston County region. The Shared an opportunity to make significant, impactful one-time Legislative Partnership is established by the cities of investments to reduce chronic homelessness. By dedicating Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm, Thurston County, the the Federal ARPA money to one-time housing costs, it Port of Olympia, South Puget Sound Community College, prevents a bow wave of operational costs in the future. the Thurston Regional Planning Council, the Thurston County Economic Development Council, and the Thurston The Thurston Region Shared Legislative Partners support the recommendations put forward by Challenge Seattle.

Chamber of Commerce. thurstonchamber.com

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Photo by Michael DeLorme

Every January, the Thurston Chamber hosts senior elected officials from Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, Yelm and Thurston County at the State of the Community Address.

We also develop in the Chamber VOICE Magazine, a State of the Community Report.

The report is developed through the elected responses to a couple questions.

This year's State of the Community questions are:

1. Heading into 2022, what positive changes do you see for the local economy?

2. What exciting new public projects are on the horizon for your community?

You’ll find the answers to these questions, written by the elected officials, in the following pages. We encourage you to read their statements and then attend the State of the Community Address on Wednesday, January 12, 2022.

At the State of the Community Address, Olympia Mayor Cheryl Selby, Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder, Tumwater Mayor Debbie Sullivan, Yelm Mayor Joe DePinto, and Thurston County Commissioner Tye Menser will collectively present an address and then will take part in a question-and-answer session moderated by Thurston Chamber President/CEO, David Schaffert.

This is a unique opportunity to engage with our elected officials and be part of the conversations on important community issues. We look forward to seeing you there.

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thurstonchamber.com

Olympia MAYOR

Cheryl Selby 1. I believe the economy will start stabilizing due to the natural easing of the supply chain over the next year. There’s no question that recovery has been delayed due to the historic economic disruption of the pandemic and its attendant inflation.

For our local economy in 2022, economic equilibrium should translate into confidence for small business expansion, resulting in new investments in capital improvements and hiring of employees. As a regional center for arts and cultural organizations, Olympia is especially excited to welcome back patrons to our downtown theaters, galleries, shops and restaurants. West Olympia continues to be an employment powerhouse with expansion of the medical hub around Capital Medical Center. As well, our regional shopping destinations at the Capital Mall and the Capital Auto Mall, have re-emerged on strong footings, indicating that 2022 will be a year of continued growth. thurstonchamber.com

2. We’re in the midst of taking a serious look at learning what public safety means to Olympia. A work group of diverse community members has been convened to help council re-imagine public safety. We want to understand the “what, why, and how” of current programs and departments, with the intention of creating an ecosystem where everyone feels safe. Recommendations will come forward to council by early summer so we can budget accordingly.

Another exciting effort is underway to develop a “creative campus” in the Armory building on Legion Way. The state surplused the historic building and the legislature donated it to Olympia at the end of last year. The creative campus’s intended purpose is to develop and magnify our unique arts, culture, history and science organizations. With 50,000 sf of space, we have an amazing opportunity to expand our reach as a regional hub for creative engagement. Up and forward to 2022!

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MAYOR

Andy Ryder

Lacey Based on continued economic growth, local spending, and rising vaccination rates, the City is cautiously optimistic about the local economy in 2022.

Multi-family construction remains strong—2,600 units are in the planning • pipeline and will be available within 3 to 5 years. On the commercial side, Lacey expects to see a new Coastal Farms retail store backfill Shopko, a new truck dealership (Tec-Equipment), and a heavy equipment retail and repair shop (NC Machinery). The City remains committed to creating a supportive environment so our business • community can flourish and thrive.

For 2022, we are excited about a number of public projects including: •

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Expanded Lacey Veterans Hub: Lacey Veterans Service Hub doubled in size, offering key services such as financial assistance, housing, veterans benefits, • education, training, mental health, January 2022

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Photo by Nate Burgher

and other key services to our region’s 32,000 veterans. The Veteran’s Hub served 5,182 client appointments last year.

Enhanced Lacey Food Truck Site: The City piloted a food truck site last year next to Lacey’s Train Depot with great success.

Next year, we plan to make improvements to attract more vendors and create a community gathering place.

market rate housing is beginning to show dividends. By way of a strategic plan, targeted multihousing policy, a 151-unit project

by MJR is underway in Midtown.

Housing is a missing element in this core area of Lacey and we are optimistic more housing projects will occur over time.

•

Lacey MakerSpace Expansion: This creative space was established in partnership with the City, Saint Martin’s University, and the Economic Development Council.

On-site members have access to 3-D printers, CNC machines, plasma cutters, and business and design support. This is an ideal resource for our business community and it is expanding in 2022!

New Public Safety Facility: Lacey’s current police station is 36 years old. City Council approved to explore a new site for the future facility but the $40 million costs will need the approval of the community. A community group will be formed to help guide this needed public investment.

Lacey continues to be an outstanding and classy community that I, for one, Market Rate Housing in Midtown: am humbled and extremely proud to City Council efforts to attract be a part of and represent.

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered an economic shock to our economy, with a disproportionate, negative impact on small- and mid-size businesses. The hospitality industry severely impacted, and car sales dropped. Large retail sales for groceries and home improvement surged as buying patterns changed. And, residential construction reached levels not seen before.

Tumwater is ready for new businesses, residential development, and commercial properties with mixed-use, mixed-income housing.

What exciting new public projects are on the horizon for your community?

Rehabilitation and preservation of the Old Brewhouse Our Thurston Strong partnership helped mitigate some Tower continue. Phase I work, construction of new roofs, financial impacts on local businesses throughout the County. brick replacement, and masonry restoration, is complete.

Heading into 2022, there are signs of a sustained recovery.

Phase II, seismic stabilization, is now in design.

Promoting Tumwater as the center for craft brewing, distilling, and cider-making is an economic driver for the City. These rapidly growing industries draw investment, foster innovation, create jobs, and attract visitors. The State designation of the Thurston Craft Brewing and Distilling Innovation Partnership Zone helps further our vision of economic vitality and thriving local businesses.

Tumwater’s Craft District, built around the South Puget Sound Community College Brewing & Distilling program, opened last June with Heritage Distilling Company and offers a unique visitor experience that blends education with industry. The outdoor amphitheater is slated to open in the summer, and the Market building with retail shops, cafés, and other craft producers is under development.

Businesses are expanding, new commercial buildings are being constructed, new neighborhoods are being built, and existing homes are being renovated—signaling economic stability and growth in retail sales.

Tumwater Hill Trails - Crosby Connection will link the west side of Tumwater Hill to the existing park trail system.

Residents will see new restrooms in neighborhood parks and a new park at The Preserve.

The housing boom in Tumwater is still going strong.

With 242 new single-family homes and 145 multi-family units permitted this year, there is an increase in inventory and more options for affordable housing. We are optimistic about continued growth in the real estate market and the direct connection between housing and economic vitality.

The City is making infrastructure investments to support economic development, including reconfiguring the Trosper Road and Capitol Boulevard intersection with construction scheduled for 2022.

MAYOR

Debbie Sullivan

Tumwater Photo by Nate Burgher thurstonchamber.com

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For more information about hiring a Morningside client visit our website…

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2022 should be an exciting year for the City of Yelm. The 2015 Foster vs Yelm Supreme Court Decision really stymied major economic growth in Yelm, mainly due to our limited water hook ups for new construction and policies surrounding the conservation of the finite number of connections. The good news is we should receive new water rights by January of 2022. I am anticipating significant economic and residential growth as a result, especially in the area near Walmart.

I am also excited to be the Mayor who will hopefully see the SR 510 Yelm Loop, aka the Yelm Bypass, come to fruition after decades of planning that started with Mayors, City Councils and other community leaders in the 90s. The Yelm Loop will run from one end of town to the other and is going to increase freight mobility in our region, reduce traffic congestion in our downtown core, and create new opportunities for economic development.

This fully funded project is in the final phase 2 with construction of the last 3 miles starting in 2023 and completion estimated in early 2025.

Photo by Michael DeLorme

Yelm MAYOR

Joe DePinto thurstonchamber.com

There are also lots of other fun smaller projects we are looking forward to in Yelm, including the completion of our first dog park and the possibility of a fireworks show, military parade, and temporary ice skating rink which seems to be a huge success in Olympia.

Folks are going to be excited with all the fun community projects and events that we hope will bring people from all over Thurston County and even the State to see how amazing our small but growing community really is.

I am very enthusiastic on the economic outlook for Yelm in 2022 and look forward to working with the Yelm City Council and regional leaders to create positive changes in Yelm and Thurston County.

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Serving All of Thurston County ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT THROUGHOUT THURSTON COUNTY

1. Provided $70,000 for the renovation of the Historic Oddfellows

101

8

Building.

7

101

Olympia

5

2. Provided $75,000 to complete the Master plan for the SW

5

Washington Innovation & Business Park.

Lacey

3. Provided $10,000 for the installation of wider sidewalks,

bulb-outs and landscaping along Binghampton Street to build downtown character and enhance the setting for local and visiting shoppers.

510

Tumwater

4. Provided $20,000 to assist with the design and construction of

6

the community center.

5. Provided $15,000 to support investment in the Lacey Yelm

121

3 2 5

Tenino

12

507

Rainier

4

MakerSpace project.

6. In partnership with the City of Tumwater and U.S. Fish and

Wildlife, developed a Habitat Conversation Plan to provide long-term preservation and management of protected and endangered species.

7. In partnership with the Frank Family, Squaxin Island Tribe and

Salmon Defense, developed and maintains the Billy Frank Jr. Park and Trail to provide a historical and educational self-guided walking tour.

PORTOLYMPIA.COM 360.528.8000

1 507

Bucoda

Inquiries@PortOlympia.com

Photo by Michael DeLorme

COMMISSIONER

Tye Menser

2021 continued to throw curveballs at our community and local economy, as we navigated the ongoing impacts of the pandemic. Thurston County invested heavily in our local business community by directing federal relief dollars to Thurston Strong, a coalition that included the Thurston Chamber of Commerce and the Thurston Economic Development Council. Although we are projecting continued strong sales tax revenue in the near term, the Board took a conservative budgeting approach to account for whatever new challenges we may face in 2022.

Growth and new construction in Thurston County has been strong, and we are tremendously excited about the positive economic impact of our forthcoming incidental take permit (ITP) from U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, upon the final approval of the County’s Habitat Conservation Plan. Expected thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County

in early 2022, the ITP will allow citizens to develop their property without mitigation requirements, and is the culmination of nearly a decade of work by the County to navigate the federal Endangered Species Act on behalf of the community.

As we move forward, there are exciting projects on the horizon for Thurston County in 2022 which will benefit our residents in a variety of ways. We will continue to work with our municipal partners on regional strategies to create more affordable, supportive housing units. Partnerships are also key as we work on a project with the Nisqually Tribe to create broadband access to rural and marginalized areas of the county. We are investing in a variety of reforms to our criminal justice system, including expansion of our Law Enforcement Assisted

Diversion (LEAD) program, opening a Resource Hub for justice-involved individuals, adding four behavioral health specialists to our Sheriff’s Office, and funding body and car cameras for our sheriff deputies.

As our county population increases, so does demand for services. To help alleviate pressing space needs, some offices and departments will move out of the courthouse campus to 3000 Pacific Avenue, allowing a remodel of the courthouse campus to provide additional space and upgraded facilities to the law and justice side of our business. Meanwhile, we will continue to fight this evolving pandemic with all our might. Please take care of yourself by masking, distancing, and getting vaccinated.

We are all in this together!

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Three Girls Media

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Thurston Chamber Foundation Partners with SPSCC Foundation to Award First 'Diversity in Business' Scholarship In October 2021, Ayami Nakanishi was awarded $2,375 to from the Diversity in Business Scholarship and is currently pursuing SCHOLARSHIP her Associates of Arts Degree at South Puget Sound Community College. “I appreciate this opportunity to continue my studies. I’m pursuing an Associates in Arts Degree from in South Puget Sound Community College. My goal is to contribute to world peace and help people who are suffering and need housing, money, and medical care.

In order, to achieve my goal, I really needed the chance to study abroad to learn English and gain knowledge. Again, I really appreciate you, for giving me a great chance to study in the United States.” says Nakanishi.

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The Thurston County Chamber Foundation established the scholarship in 2020 to support academic success for people of color in Thurston County. Emphasizing inclusion, diversity, and equal treatment of others, the Diversity in Business Scholarship creates educational opportunities and pathways to a better quality of life within our communities. Thank you, Washington State Employees Credit Union, and Great Wolf Lodge, for making the Diversity in Business Scholarship program possible! We are now accepting contributions to the Diversity in Business Scholarship for the upcoming 2022-23 school year.

Contact Amanda Fields, Program Coordinator for Business Solutions, for additional information at afields@thurstonchamber.com.

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Thank You Sponsors

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Caught in the Lens

#Thankful inThurston

Keep up with the latest Chamber happenings – Ribbon Cuttings and our Thankful in Thurston campaign. Find more at the Thurston Chamber's Facebook page: facebook.com/ThurstonCountyChamber

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

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Bakala State Farm Budd Bay Café Cap City Law PS Edward Jones – Dirk Farrar, Financial Advisor Express Employment Professionals First Citizens Bank Green Realty Group Michael White Agency – Farmers Insurance Nicholson & Associates Insurance

Chicago Title Columbia Bank Downtown The Creative Office The Evergreen State College GHB Insurance, Inc. Hometown Property Management, Inc. South Sound Behavioral Hospital Timberland Bank T & S Cleaning, Inc. Venables Pest Management Window Genie

Little Creek Casino Morningside Nisqually Red Wind Casino Olympia Federal Savings Olympia Olympia Furniture Company Phillips Burgess, PLLC Providence St. Peter Hospital The Rants Group SCJ Alliance South Puget Sound Community College WSECU – Olympia

TAGS Awards and Specialties

AAA Washington – Inland

94.5 ROXY American Workforce Group

Great Wolf Lodge

ADP Comcast FORMA Construction Company Lucky Eagle Casino and Hotel Olympia Orthopaedic Associates, PLLC Pacific Source Health Plans Port of Olympia Puget Sound Energy Saint Martin's University TwinStar Credit Union Corporate Office Veterans Security Operations Washington Business Bank Wells Fargo Community Bank

SILVER

GOLD

PLATINUM

DIAMOND

The Thurston County Chamber sends a BIG "Thank You" to ALL of our investors. With members like you, we are able to provide a sustainable business community in Thurston County as well as foster growth and positive change. Only through your support can we continue to fund important community initiatives and lead the way for business.

Thank You Community Investors

PO BOX 1427 Olympia, WA 98507-1427