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Get Out and Play! Your Guide to Summer Fun in the South Sound

GROWING A PROSPEROUS ECONOMY & VIBRANT COMMUNITY

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July 2022

THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER VOICE MAGAZINE

Visit ThurstonChamber.com and click on the Events Calendar for the latest information regarding Chamber events. Join our host, Olympia Country & Golf Club, at 3636 Country Club Dr, Olympia, WA 98502 on Thursday, July 7 at 5:30 p.m. for the Thurston Young Professionals (TYP) Monthly Networking Event. Enjoy bites and beverages as you expand your network! All are welcome – invite other 20 to 30-year-olds so they can expand their networks and meet our community's young professionals. Thurston Young Professionals is proudly sponsored by Porcupine Media. On Wednesday July 20, at 11:30 a.m., at the Olympia Hotel at Capitol Lake at 2300 Evergreen Park Dr SW, Olympia, WA 98502, the Chamber will host its July Forum, where we'll hear from Annette Pitts, CEO of Experience Olympia & Beyond on why travel makes our lives and community better! Forum will include a regional travel EXPO and a lunch buffet, and costs $25 for Chamber members, $30 for Non-Members in advance; $30 for Members, or $35 for Non-Members at the door. Thanks to our sponsors T-Mobile and Cash Oasis and Media Drive. Join our Business After Hours hosts, Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates at After Hours 1610 Bishop Rd SW, Bldg 7, Olympia, WA 98512 on Thursday, July 21 at 5:30 p.m., for mingling and networking with other business professionals, games, beverages and appetizers. Business After Hours is a great opportunity to expand your network, and is proudly sponsored by ROXY 94.5 and PacificSource Health Plans. The community is invited to attend Olympia Brew Fest, on Saturday, August 6, from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. Brew Fest is a beer festival at Port Plaza in Olympia featuring over 30 Northwest breweries and a variety of 40 different beers. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door, designated drivers only $5 and get all the root beer and water they can drink. Purchase tickets at www.olybrewfest.com. Volunteers Needed! Must be at least 21 years of age and bring current and valid ID to the event. Volunteers will receive an Official Olympia Brew Fest T-Shirt, and Free Admission to Brew Fest AFTER your shift (Cannot wear your Volunteer Shirt). *Shift 3 (Only) Volunteers will receive a $25 Gift Certificate to a local Brewery, following your shift.

Thank You Sponsors!

In This Issue... Boston Harbor Marina p. 5 Your one-stop spot for yearround, family friendly fun on the beach. Enjoy the PNW's best aquatic specialties, activities and delicacies.

Oly Town Artesians Bring Soccer to Olympia p. 9 After an ownership change in Fall 2021, Oly Town FC brings men's and women's, indoor and outdoor soccer league teams to the South Sound.

Happy Trails! p. 13 Thurston County is home to a wealth of trails and hikes, most of which are close to some incredible locally-sourced food, shopping, arts and culture.

Get Out and Play! p. 17 Don't miss any summer fun with this handy guide to upcoming Thurston County events!

Caught in the Lens p. 22 Keep up with the latest Chamber happenings and see 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.

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magazine PUBLISHER Thurston County Chamber of Commerce EDITORIAL David Schaffert 360-357-3362 dschaffert@thurstonchamber.com CONTRIBUTORS David Schaffert Kathryn Millhorn Heidi Smith ADVERTISING Sales & Marketing: Krystal Barkus Elizabeth Bretschneider Ashley Chandler SUBSCRIPTIONS 360-357-3362 info@thurstonchamber.com DESIGN Ben Hawkes Mosaic Marketing Studio COVER Boston Harbor Marina, Photo by Heather Harris, Elements Photography PRINTING Print NW CONTACT THE CHAMBER 809 Legion Way SE Olympia, WA 98507 360-357-3362 info@thurstonchamber.com thurstonchamber.com

Get Out and Play! by David Schaffert, President/CEO, Thurston County Chamber

As summer weather arrives, we're all eager to get out, play and explore! Our annual Get Out and Play edition of the VOICE is your guide for local travel and events. We are so fortunate to live in the Olympia region, home to many thriving and unique communities ready for you to visit. Journey through the historic falls and brewing culture of Tumwater, relax in the sparkling lakes and densely forested parklands of Lacey or stroll the boardwalk and waterfront in downtown Olympia. Hop on the Thurston Bountiful Byway, a 60-mile scenic route through rural Thurston County and take in the sites as you travel through our smaller communities– Yelm, Rainier, Tenino, Bucoda, Grand Mound & Rochester. Leave the cars behind and explore our region's invigorating bike trails or take in the sites at our top attractions. Wherever you wander, a getaway to Thurston County nurtures your creative side, giving you full permission to explore something new. Summer also has on tap Olympia Brew Fest in August, the return of Music in the Park and LoveOly Summer Fest in downtown Olympia. We're also excited to welcome back Capitol Lake Fair and the Thurston County Fair in July and Olympia Harbor Days in September! No matter your plans, it is guaranteed to be a summer of fun—and a summer of celebration.

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.

One Stop Fun All Year Round at Boston Harbor Marina

by Kathryn Millhorn Photos by Heather Harris, Elements Photography

We love our one-stop-shopping with everything under a single roof. What if there was an outdoor hub of year-round, family-friendly waterfront fun? Well, thanks to Olympia’s Boston Harbor Marina, you can find whatever you need to celebrate the Pacific Northwest’s greatest aquatic specialties, activities, and delicacies. Run by Kate Gervais and her mom Cam, a co-owner team, Boston Harbor Marina has been a fixture on Puget Sound for 100 years having started “in 1928, according to our best guess and local historians,” laughs Gervais. Whether you’re heading out for a day on the water and stocking up on snacks and fuel, a home chef looking for the freshest seafood, or relaxing under the stars with live music and a cold beer…you’re in luck. thurstonchamber.com

Located at 312 73rd Avenue NE, many folks visit the Marina boat launch and fuel dock before taking to the Sound. Their launch is accessible 24 hours a day and boaters can purchase gas or diesel seven days a week. Overnight and guest moorage is also available via phone reservation.

deck offers amazing views and is a lovely place to take in the sights. Staff hosts live music on Friday nights from Memorial Day through Labor Day, often paired with ontap offerings from local breweries and crisp regional wines.

Want something a little warmer or more filling? The Snack Shack But you don’t have to be a sea is your dockside spot for clam captain—real or imagined—to enjoy chowder, fish and chips, hotdogs, the Marina. Their iconic wooden sandwiches, paninis, and—at long Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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last—cheeseburgers. “We’re very pumped,’ says Gervais, “people have been asking for at least eight years now!’ And you’ll need that protein boost because their equipment rentals are another huge draw. Available year-round, always weather permitting, you can rent sit-on-top or sit-inside single or tandem kayaks as well as stand up paddleboards. Rentals come with life jackets and paddles. New this summer are kids’ kayaks, suitable for confident children as young as six years old and 40 pounds. For longer paddles, like those to nearby Hope Island, rescue gear is also included. Call 360.357.5670 for all reservations and staff will

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discuss options and gear needed. There is no advance limit on how far out you can book a trip so large groups can be accommodated with sufficient notice. Case in point? The annual REI Employee Appreciation visit which took out nearly a dozen boats this year alone! The Marina is also a great place to experience nature and community. Recent days of record low tides brought out beachcombers galore and the Puget Sound Estuarium has used their docks for underwater Pier Peer events. “It’s a pretty unique place in a neighborhood where everyone knows each other,” says Gervais. “We’re family- and dog-friendly and even have an off-leash dog beach or wine tastings and trivia nights in the lounge during off-season.”

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A few years ago, grandchildren of the original owners visited and brought generations’ worth of historical photos. Kate and Cam were able to scan these images and have started looking towards the Marina’s celebratory centennial birthday bash. But first, the long days of summer beckon. Most information is available on their website but for specifics about bands, breweries, and brunch specials, visit them on Facebook or Instagram. Amenities open at 10 a.m. during the summer high season and run well into the balmy evening. Head to Boston Harbor Marina where you’ll find it all, no matter the budget, taste, experience level, or activity. And make sure to save room for a cheeseburger.

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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“ It’s a closeness we never

”

imagined having with a bank. SOFIE LANDIS & CHRIS PROCTOR

Co-owners, Sofie’s Scoops Gelateria

hen these business and life partners moved to Olympia to open their specialty gelato shop, Sofie went looking for her ideal banking relationship … and found it at OlyFed. From the people who greeted her warmly as a new neighbor to its century-old commitment to giving back, Sofie saw what locals have understood for 115 years; OlyFed is all about putting real relationships above the bottom line.

BANKING THAT’S MUTUAL

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Oly Town Artesians FC Brings High-Level Soccer to the South Sound by Heidi Smith

For serious soccer players in the Olympia area, few opportunities have existed locally to take their game to the next level. Ryan Perkins, Jason Smith and Matt Herrera came of age in the South Sound at a time when staying competitive meant driving all the way to downtown Seattle on weeknights to train. “There was nothing around,” says Perkins. “Now we have a place for local players to compete at the highest level, keep their fitness up and possibly get scouted by professional clubs or higher-level NCAA schools, whether they’re in college or former semi-pros looking to get back in the game.” That place is Oly Town FC, an Olympia-based soccer club with indoor and outdoor league teams for both men and women. The club thurstonchamber.com

underwent an ownership change in the fall of 2021 with Perkins handling administrative duties, while Smith coaches the men’s outdoor team and Herrera serves as the women’s coach this summer. All three are members of the ownership team and former players who have been involved in the Pacific Northwest soccer scene for decades. Founded in 2014 by Brandon Sparks, Oly Town Artesians FC was originally an indoor club team known as the Tumwater Pioneers. In 2021, Oly Town added a men’s outdoor team and joined the USL League Two, a semi-professional developmental association with clubs throughout the U.S., Canada and Bermuda. Oly Town formed a women’s indoor team in 2019, only to have it promptly shut down because of the pandemic.

This year the club is fielding a women’s outdoor team to compete in the Northwest Premier League, and already they’re in serious contention for the league championship. As of this writing, the women’s side are one game away from the final game against Capital FC in Salem, Oregon. Recruitment strategies differ slightly between the men’s and women’s clubs. Smith notes that Oly Town got off to a late start by joining the USL when recruitment season was already in full swing. “This first season is to establish a good rapport with players and surrounding colleges,” he explains. “The USL is a great opportunity for college players to continue playing at a high level once their spring season ends. We want UW, PLU and Portland to know they can send their players to us.”

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Saturday, November 5

Saint Martin’s University, Lacey, Washington Saint Martin’s University Gala 2022 welcomes celebrity chef, author, and TV personality Anne Burrell. Join us for a black-tie gourmet evening that includes an exquisite dinner, cooking demos, and a live auction benefiting Saint Martin’s student scholarships. Reserve your spot and stay updated on event details at, www.stmartin.edu/2022Gala

HANSON SUBARU

On the women’s side, relationships are key, according to Herrera. Many players also participate in the indoor league and often, they tell their friends. “We reach out to college coaches but a lot of it is actually word of mouth,” he says. “We have a couple of high school girls that play for Olympia along with college students and some players in their late twenties. It’s a good mix.” Attacking midfielder Alec Zimmerman, 22, is a self-described child of soccer junkies who grew up playing and attending games at The Evergreen State College where his dad was a coach. He’s played for several college teams as well as the Washington Premier League and attended the Sounders Academy, a youth development program. Having this level of competition available in his hometown is a gamechanger, he believes. “The USL is more serious,” he says. “It’s an opportunity to raise the standard of play. Ironically, we now have people driving down here from Tacoma and even Seattle.” Goalkeeper Sawyer Price, 21, thurstonchamber.com

played for Black Hills FC and was recruited to Northwest Nazarene University, a Division Two school where he is entering his fourth year. He sees Oly Town FC as a place to keep his skills sharp over the summer. “As an athlete, you always want to be in situations where you’re going to grow and become better,” says Price. “At the same time, I want to do my part to support the club and make something big here.” Oly Town doesn’t charge players to participate, but it doesn’t pay them either. Currently, 90% of the club’s funding comes through local businesses in Thurston and Mason County. That’s a challenge in a smaller market without a built-in fan base, says Perkins. “We do our best to advertise our sponsors and incorporate them into our experience with fans,” he explains. “Literally every dollar that comes in is spent on jerseys, field rentals and coaching, along with some camera equipment for our broadcasts.” Those live-streamed broadcasts have continued to attract more fans across the country. Viewership

is up by two hundred percent and over 1,000 people tune in to watch games featuring play-by-play commentary and graphics. “It’s our first year in the USL and we’re learning quickly what’s working and what’s not,” Perkins notes. If the men’s team can reach the playoffs this year, they’ll earn a spot at the U.S. Open tournament, where they could face opponents like the Seattle Sounders and the Portland Timbers. “That would be a fantastic thing,” says Smith. “It’s one of our goals. Overall, we’re looking to build a fan base and a large enough group of players that we have not only the USL group but a reserve team.” Herrera hopes that the club will provide his four-year-old daughter with a place to play if she sticks with the game. “Growing up, there was nothing like this in Olympia,” he says. “Ryan and I always talked about how cool it would be to have high-level soccer in this area. This is the opportunity, and we’ve had a lot of support from local businesses. I think it’s huge for this community.”

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Is there an elephant in your office?

Workplace conflict, lack of communication and incivility are common in many organizations, but, too often, ignored or avoided. The Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County provides a variety of resources to help businesses and organizations resolve conflict, prevent conflict and improve communication:

Workplace Mediation Group Facilitation Customized Training

Civic Harmony Starts Here

HAPPY TRAILS!

Photos courtesy of Experience Olympia & Beyond

Thurston County is steeped in those rich emerald greens and steely blues so indicative of the Pacific Northwest and the evergreen state. It’s a landscape that clearly says, “You Are in the PNW”. But these ubiquitous scenes are also unique to our little corner of the state. Not only do visitors and locals get to enjoy iconic evergreen views, but they do so with the additional benefits that can only be found in Thurston County: Olympia’s waterfront and rambling boardwalks dotted with outdoor public art, Lacey’s contingent of family-friendly community parks and lakes, Tumwater’s canopy of leafy trees sheltering historic, riverfront trails, and certainly the Chehalis-Western Trail and the Yelm-Rainier-Tenino Trail—each delivering miles upon miles of walkable, bikeable pathways.

HELPING OUR COMMUNITY COMES WITH THE TERRITORY. Around here, “business as usual” means giving back to the community. It means leading by example. Paying it forward. And doing good, where good is needed most. Our commitment to local philanthropy is as important as our commitment to our customers. (877) 272-3678 ColumbiaBank.com

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Thurston County is home to a wealth of oases like these, and what’s more, most of them are pretty darned close to some incredible locally-sourced food, shopping, arts and culture, and very important—local beer, wine, cider, mead and spirits. While getting outdoors is super hearthealthy and absolutely some of the best food for the soul you’re going to find, but don’t forget to lay plans to feed your tummy afterward—100%, it’s just as important! Grab your family, your best friend, or your compadres from the office and make plans to head out and explore! If you’re local—make a full

day of it. If you’re visiting from out of town, make a week of it! Thurston County has so many outdoor locales that will help you work up an appetite, you won’t have to give calories a second thought once you’re ready to plop down in your seat at the establishment of your choice at the end of the day! Download your Tread Map app (it’s FREE and available for download at experienceolympia.com), click on the ^ located in the bottom right-hand corner of the map until a target icon displays above it. Click this and a blue dot will appear on the map showing your precise location. Scroll through the map to see all the trailheads and other

outdoor locations to choose from and away you go! (The app is still in development, but folks can start using it at no charge all the same.) As you enjoy your outing OR after your outing when you’re savoring that killer burger and pint, be sure to use the app again (just click the + sign at the bottom of the app) to post to Tread Talk. Let folks know about your experience on the trail and what restaurant, brewery, distillery, or winery you visited afterward, that was close-by. Here's to happy days, good health, and the simple things in life. We’ll be looking for you out on the trail OR the booth next to us afterward—Happy Trails!

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Get Out and Play! The City of Lacey is in their 56th year of celebrating Independence Day with a day of family fun! Come join Lacey Fireworks Spectacular & Freedom Concert to kick off Independence Day early on Sunday, July 3, 2022 from 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm. This free event has something for everyone with food trucks, concerts, activities for kids, and the culminating fireworks spectacular! To learn more details visit https://laceyparks.org/ events/3rd-of-july-celebration/ Tumwater Parks & Recreation is proud to present the 34th Annual Tumwater Independence Day Parade. This year our theme is Aloha 4th! Come celebrate our nation and show your patriotic spirit! Parade starts at 11am at the corner of Capitol Boulevard and Lee Street. Moves south on Capitol Boulevard to Israel Road. Turns west (right) onto Israel Road and continues past City Hall, ending up at Linderson Way/Israel Road Intersection. thurstonchamber.com

Afterwards, there will be Tumwater Thunder Valley Fireworks show at 10:15 p.m. July 4 Fireworks discharged from Tumwater Valley Golf Course; viewing locations around the City. Do you love slow-cooked traditional BBQ? Well here’s your chance to get your taste buds satisfied. On behalf of the Lacey South Sound Chamber and community partners, we welcome one and all to the mouthwatering world of BBQ at the South Sound BBQ Festival in Lacey on Saturday, July 9, 11:00 am – 6:00 pm. There will be live entertainment, free kids activities, chicken wing eating contest, adult-only beer & wine garden, outdoor activities, vendors, and SO MUCH MORE! For more information about this event, please visit https://laceysschamber.com/events/ south-sound-bbq-festival/ Lakefair Week, July 13 - 17, offers activities for all ages. Many are open daily at the park

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including carnival rides and games, nonprofit food concessions, entertainment main stage and arts & crafts vendor booths. Other special events include the car show, parade, seniors' day, fireworks and more either in the park or nearby. Capital Lakefair is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Olympia, Washington. While widely known as Olympia’s annual summer festival, Lakefair operates year-round to celebrate and give back to our community in Thurston County. To learn more, www.lakefair.org. Join Archery World on Friday, July 15th for our Elk Calling Seminar overview of all factors that will affect your hunt. Jason Phelps will be covering all of the most asked about topics such as finding Elk, Planning the approach, Setting Up, Approach to Calling, Adapting to the calling, Draw/Shot Process, and Tracking. This seminar will be packed full of useful info to help make your next hunt an all out success! Also offered is A Nock Above (Intro to Archery) – where you learn fundamentals each week on Tuesday and Friday evenings. Sign up online and pick a day and time at archeryworld.net/classes. Love Local Lacey The Night Market at Midtown is an event like no other! Come

JULY 3* The Brothers Hammond FUNK/SOUL/R&B

*INDICATES THE

1PM - 2PM

CONCERT WILL BE HELD AT PORT PLAZA INSTEAD OF SYLVESTER PARK.

enjoy for live music, great food, and local small businesses on Thursday, July 21, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Every event features multiple food trucks for a great variety for even the most discerning foodie! Every item at our market is representative of our commitment to supporting and sourcing local, high quality goods from our amazing state! The Thurston County Fair is back this year Wednesday, July 27 – Sunday, July 31 with family fun for everyone – animals, carnival, exhibits, delicious fair foods and more! Visit thurstoncountyfair.org for more information. If you like FREE, family-friendly fun, you’ll love the Port of Olympia’s Summer Nights at the Port (formerly Movies at the Marina) outdoor events. Summer Nights at the Port will take place Saturday nights, July 23 and 30, and August 13, on the lower lot next to Swantown Marina’s boat trailer parking lot at 1210 Marine Drive NE, Olympia 98501. Each event will include a beer garden presented by Nicole’s Bar with all proceeds benefiting 4 the Love Foundation. Guests will enjoy the sounds of live musicians and local food truck fare while they take in the beautiful backdrop of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Learn more at portolympia. com/summer-nights-at-the-port/.

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Ian McFeron

WRNG HAUS

POP/ROCK/AMERICANA

CATCHY POP/ROCK WITH HORNS

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Hook Me Up Band FUNK/ROCK/POP HORN BAND

E Pruitt BASS SOLOIST, CLINICIAN & COMPOSER

THE BROTHERS HAMMOND (BROHAMM) The Olympia IAN Downtown Alliance is pleased to announce the lineup for the Music in the Park Summer Concert Series, MCFERON JULY 10 JULY 3

SundaysY in July, from 1-2pm at Port Plaza (July 3) and Sylvester Park (July 10-31). This is a family-friendly, free event! 17 WRNG HAUS JUL

OK ME UP BAND

Y 24 HO FOR JUL MORE INFORMATION, VISIT: DOWNTOWNOLYMPIA.ORG/EVENTS/MUSIC-IN-THE-PARK

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The Olympia Downtown Alliance is pleased to announce two month-long events. First, Music in the Park is back in Olympia Sundays in July from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm at Port Plaza on July 3 and at Sylvester Park through the rest of the month! This popular outdoor, free concert series promises a season of quality music where the rhythms make your feet and soul dance while enjoying beautiful Sylvester Park and the scenic views from Port of Olympia's Port Plaza (for the first concert on July 3, the remaining four performances will take place at Sylvester Park). This highly acclaimed series brings some of the best northwest musical talent downtown. Music in the Park attracts between 600 to several thousand attendees per show. LoveOly SummerFest 2022, taking place every Saturday in August, from noon to 6pm. In addition to headline bands, buskers, children’s performers, and community groups will entertain attendees. Buskers such as jugglers,

contortionists, and street musicians will wow audiences with their talent. Local community groups such as The Bridge Music Project and Olympia Symphony orchestra will respectively produce dance and beat-making competitions and feature local, professional musicians. The Activities Area will include ping-pong, bean bag toss, a jumbo chess set, sidewalk chalk, and more. The Biergarten will feature craft beers from Well 80 and 3 Magnet’s Brewing Co. Proceeds from the Biergarten will go towards supporting the event. Local artist Dave Sederberg, known for his recent installation “Glowhenge”, is coordinating a cadre of local artists to install interactive and engaging art. For more information about the event, visit: downtownolympia.org. The community is invited to attend the 10th Annual Olympia Brew Fest, a beer festival at the Port Plaza in Olympia. Olympia Brew Fest will feature over 30 handpicked, Northwest breweries and a variety of 40

different beers. Mark your calendar for Saturday, August 6, 2022, from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door, designated drivers only $5 and get all the root beer and water they can drink. Purchase tickets at www.olybrewfest.com. For almost a half century, Olympia Harbor Days has been a locally sponsored free and family friendly maritime themed festival with tugboats, historic ships, booth vendors, food, music, educational classes, children’s activities and more, held each Labor Day Weekend. This year the event starts Friday, September 2nd at 5:00 pm and closes Sunday, September 4th at 6:00 pm. The festival will take place along Olympia’s Downtown Waterfront Boardwalk from historic Percival Landing to the Port of Olympia’s Port Plaza Park. For more info, hours and schedules, please visit www.HarborDays.com.

live music! Block Party! interactive art! Biergarten! kids activities! local artists! Find more information at: downtownolympia.org/events/loveoly-summerfest

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L &I SPOTLIGHT

Preferred Worker Program Saves Employers Money and More The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries’ (L&I) Preferred Worker Program is a return-to-work incentive program for Washington employers. If a worker is permanently restricted from their job due to a workplace injury, they may be certified as a "preferred worker." Employers who hire a preferred worker for a medically approved job can be eligible for the following benefits: • • • • •

Claim protection against subsequent claims for up to 36 months. Premium discount for the preferred worker’s coverage for up to 36 months. Use our Preferred Worker Calculator to estimate your company's quarterly savings. Wage reimbursement for 50% of the preferred worker’s base wages for up to 66 working days (max $10,000). Expense reimbursement for tools and equipment (max $2,500) and clothing (max $400) the worker needs to perform the approved job. Continuous employment incentive of 10% of the preferred worker’s wages for the first 12 months (max $10,000).

Benefits are available to the employer during the preferred worker certification period. Washington State Fund employers must have an L&I account in good standing. Self-insured employers can receive benefits for hiring a preferred worker previously certified under a State Fund claim. Steps to Preferred Worker Program Benefits 1. Hire a preferred worker. It could be an external candidate or one of your own employees. 2. Create a job description that meets the preferred worker’s permanent restrictions, and send it to the worker’s health care provider for approval. 3. Create a job offer letter and have the preferred worker sign it to indicate their acceptance. 4. Request L&I approval of the preferred worker job. Submit Part B of the Preferred Worker Request form in order to become eligible for benefits. (Tab 5) 5. Apply for benefits. After receiving L&I approval for the preferred worker job, you can apply for Preferred Worker Program benefits. 20 I

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The Changing Nature of Travel Get Out and Explore to Create A Happier Life

EVENTS

Annette Pitts CEO, Experience Olympia & Beyond

Our traditional view of travel is of exploration and adventure, but research shows that travel is this and so much more. Travel makes our lives better in profound ways; it can break down barriers and help us find connections with other cultures, the natural world, and our friends and family. Join Thurston Chamber’s July Forum Wednesday, July 20 at 11:30 a.m. at the Olympia Hotel at Capitol Lake where we’ll hear from Annette Pitts, CEO of Experience Olympia & Beyond, Thurston County’s official destination marketing organization. Pitts will share why travel makes our lives and community better. You will also walk away with tips for trips to enjoy locally this summer. Forum includes lunch and the cost is $35 for general admission, $25 for prepaid Chamber members, and $30 for members at the door. The Forum will include a regional travel EXPO. For more information call (360) 357-3362 or visit thurstonchamber.com.

Celebrating

360.528.8000 | Inquiries@PortOlympia.com | PortOlympia.com

Caught in the Lens

Keep up with the Thurston Chamber happenings – ribbon cuttings and the networking events. Find more at the Chamber's Facebook page – fb.com/thurstoncountychamber.

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94.5 ROXY AAA Washington – Inland Budd Bay Café

American Workforce Group 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

Great Wolf Lodge 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

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

TAGS Awards and Specialties

Nicholson & Associates Insurance

Michael White Agency – Farmers Insurance

Greene Realty Group

First Citizens Bank

Express Employment Professionals

Edward Jones – Dirk Farrar, Financial Advisor

Cap City Law PS

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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