May 2022 VOICE Magazine

M AY

T H U R S T O N

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C O U N T Y

C H A M B E R

The Squaxin Island Tribe The Tribe has become an Economic Powerhouse in the Region through its Ventures into Seafood, Tobacco, Cannabis and a Casino & Golf Club

GROWING A PROSPEROUS ECONOMY & VIBRANT COMMUNITY

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May 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, Commencement Bank, at 600 Franklin St SE, Ste 102, Olympia, WA 98501, on Tuesday, May 3 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 door prizes! MIXX 96.1 proudly sponsors Morning Mixxer.

Join our host, Pizzeria La Gitana at 518 Capitol Way S, Olympia, WA 98501, on Thursday, May 5 at 5:30 p.m. for the Thurston Young Professionals (TYP) 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 meet our community's young professionals. Thurston Young Professionals is proudly sponsored by Porcupine Media.

ANNUAL MEETING 2022

After Hours

On Wednesday, May 18, at 11:30 a.m., at the Olympia Hotel at Capitol Lake at 2300 Evergreen Park Dr SW, Olympia, WA 98502, the Chamber presents its 117th Annual Meeting, featuring a keynote address from Kris Johnson, President of the Association of Washington Business (AWB), on the State of Business in Washington State. The program will also include a report out and glimpse at an exciting work program for the new fiscal year ahead.

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, the Port of Olympia.

Join our host, Harbor Heights at 500 Columbia St NW, Olympia, WA 98501 on Thursday, May 19 at 5:30 p.m., for Business After Hours – 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.

Thank You Sponsors!

In This Issue...

In-Person is In-Demand p. 5 As things open back up for public events, check this handy list of rentable spaces for non-profits, groups and charities planning their next event in Thurston County.

Local Elections Come Into Focus p. 9 Public Policy Director, Doug Mah, gives a preview of the upcoming Fall primaries. Several prominent elected officials will be on the ballot.

How the Squaxin Island Tribe Became an Economic Powerhouse p. 10 The Tribe has generated significant economic activity in the region with its ventures into seafood, tobacco, cannabis and a casino & golf club.

RedLine Consulting p. 15 RedLine Consulting is comprised of several companies working in tandem to deliver technical consulting, feasability studies, grant assistance, project budgeting and more.

Caught in the Lens p. 18 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 Doug Mah Kathyrn 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 Photo courtesy of Dreamstime.

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

Trust is Critical to Our Mission in the Community

by David Schaffert, President/CEO, Thurston County Chamber

I was reading the 2022 Edelman Trust Barometer recently. The 2022 Edelman Trust Barometer is Edelman's 22nd annual trust and credibility survey and consists of 30-minute online interviews of 38,000 individuals from 28 countries.

The first two findings of the survey caught my eye. Nearly six in ten say their default tendency is to distrust something until they see evidence it is trustworthy. Another 64 percent say it's now to a point where people are incapable of having constructive and civil debates about issues they disagree with. Second, 61 percent cite business as the most trusted institution, ahead of government at 52 percent and media at 50 percent.

Though business was the most trusted, there were also increased expectations that business has become a more significant force behind finding solutions to large societal issues.

Business success will depend on how it navigates and leads through an environment of distrust and higher expectations to solve problems.

People pay attention to how business shows up or, if they don't, on critical issues. They will decide on employment and purchases by how a company occupies the trust ecosystem informed by conscious business decisions and leadership. Trust is becoming a more significant commodity for success.

If distrust is now society's default emotion, how can we have constructive and civil debates about issues where we may disagree? When distrust is the default, as the Edelman data points out – we cannot constructively work toward solutions. From a Chamber perspective, trust is a critical part of our mission to support business enterprises, people, and the community. We are dependent on the ability to develop strong partnerships and trusting relationships.

Whether locally or globally, staying informed about people's sentiments is essential in navigating toward opportunity. It tells us how we need to approach design and execution, whether running a small business, leading a corporation or community building.

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.

The Abigail Stuart House, Downtown Olympia.

In-Person is In-Demand A Meeting Space for Every Event, Large and Small

by Kathryn Millhorn

As we move toward more in-person events and meetings, businesses and event planners are looking for new spaces to book for upcoming board retreats, staff parties, galas and fundraisers.

Rentable space is also handy for nonprofits, groups, and charitable organizations prepping for an event or families scheduling long overdue weddings, reunions, birthdays, and anniversaries.

Thurston County has several great spots to meet and mingle, you just have to know where to look. Whether daytime mixer or evening celebration, there’s something for everyone and any budget.

The Lord Mansion

office space isn’t available or your team needs to plan and prep together, in person. The Olympia Hotel at Capitol Lake will impress your guests with spacious conference rooms and an elegant ballroom with lovely forested views of Washington's natural beauty. The hotel's meeting spaces are ideal for everything from business meetings to family reunions.

For that elegant, historic atmosphere, consider the Lord Mansion & Coach House. Built in 1923, you can rent the Mansion, Coach House, or both. Government agencies and nonprofits receive discounted rental rates and catering can be arranged. The Mansion can host up to 120 people in a cocktail reception style and around 70 people in a single room theater style. The Coach House can hold around 70 people theater style. Schedule a tour or call 360.918.4694 to reserve.

If you are looking to reserve a meeting space for groups up to 40 try Lucky Eagle Resort & Casino. For larger groups, Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound offers meeting spaces and conference rooms that are thoughtfully designed with wowfactor flexibility. With 20,214 square feet of meeting space and 13 breakout rooms, you’ll have all the versatility you need for the event success you want.

Hotels & Casinos Many local hotels also offer meeting and workspace to their guests. DoubleTree by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, and TownePlace Suites Olympia all have accessible rooms and business-friendly amenities to those hosting a meeting or working away from home. These reservations are ideal when thurstonchamber.com

Quinault Beach Resort & Casino offers exciting venues to create a memorable event. They have a spacious ballroom and award-winning banquet and catering. Candlewood Suites has meeting venues as well as extended-stay suites for out-of-town guests. Their team is ready to help you with the event planning process.

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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

W

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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Thurston County Chamber VOICE

OLYFED.COM (360) 754-3400 • 8 LOCAL BRANCHES TO SERVE YOU

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Harbor House, Downtown Olympia

The Lord Mansion

The Abigail Stuart House

Olympia Hotel at Capitol Lake

If you have meeting space available, contact the Chamber and we’ll add you to the list!

(360) 357-3362 or info@thurstonchamber.com.

sink. Harbor House accommodates up to 25 seated attendees and can Ballroom, parlor, catering kitchen, and also be opened up for indoor/outdoor dance studio all in one, the Abigail mingling. Reservations can be made Stuart House is open for weddings, baby showers, bridal showers, corporate online or by calling 360.753.8380. events, recitals, trainings or retreats.

The Heritage Room A historic building with more than Found in the newly renovated American 100-year-old pedigree, monies raised Legion building, the Heritage Room benefit the Woman’s Club of Olympia. has plenty of space for parties up to Book a tour or call 360.753.9921.

200 guests. There is free Wi-Fi, and the site is wheelchair accessible. From The Olympia Center rehearsal dinner to business meeting, Operated by the Olympia Parks, it’s great for intimate gatherings or large Arts & Recreation Department, the get-togethers with a view of the Capitol Olympia Center offers a wide variety and Capitol Lake. Call 360.943.9494 to of rental space. From multi-purpose check availability. rooms to space with a stage, kitchens

parties, or any other non-alcohol event.

They provide Wi-Fi, chairs and tables, projector screen, dishes and silverware and even a piano. Non-profits receive a discounted rental rate and you can check the online calendar or request a date in advance.

The Olympia Ballroom

Recently updated and under new ownership, the Olympia Ballroom has a 2500 square foot ballroom for up to 300 guests. Private parties, performing arts events, and business functions will find no vendor restrictions and tiered event management packages to fit every budget. Reservations can be hourly or designed to include tables, to gymnasiums, space there comes Mercato chairs, projectors, screens, and a full with plenty of free parking, and For private dining or banquets, consider sound system. The site is truly a historic complimentary tables, chairs, coffee downtown gathering place and will pots, easels, podiums, and microphones. one of Mercato’s three unique spaces. continue to be so for many years to Rental is by the hour with a deposit and With a built-in wall screen, the Board come. Call 360.789.6050 with questions capacities range from 15 to 300 people. Room can seat 24 or up to 45 at a cocktail-style event. The Wine Room or to reserve a date.

Call 360.753.8380 with questions or to can handle between 40 and 65 guests schedule a reservation. amidst the restaurant’s gorgeous wine The EcoHouse selection and the Roma Room seats Want something a little different? Try Harbor House 60 with up to 85 mingling attendees. the EcoHouse shared office, meeting, Right on the Percival Landing Submit request details online or call and party space. A small house with boardwalk, Harbor House offers 360.528.3663 for details. lovely garden, the site can be whatever stunning waterfront views. For more you need. From social events to office social events, there is a gas fireplace surrounded by armchairs and dim-able Meeting House at Priest Point sharing, they are located downtown and lighting. But an audio-visual cart, tables, Near downtown but surrounded by the convenient to several Intercity Transit park’s greenery, the Meeting House bus routes. To learn more or discuss all projection screen, and flat-screen at Priest Point has a full kitchen, great they can offer, call 360.763.1412 or fill monitor are also available. There is room, patio, large manicured field, out the space rental request form and also a small on-site kitchen and prep ample parking, and various amenities someone will reach out to help you plan space with microwave, refrigerator, and for weddings, fundraisers, meetings, for your event. thurstonchamber.com

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Local Elections Start to Come Into Focus Several significant elected public positions will be on the ballot this Fall

ETHER

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by Doug Mah, Doug Mah & Associates, Thurston Chamber Public Policy Director

Filing week will officially set the slate of candidates for voter consideration in the primary election, and the top two winners in the primary will advance to the general election. The Public Policy Division of the Thurston Chamber of Commerce is closely monitoring key countywide races.

KEY DATES

Candidate Filing Week May 16 to 20, 2022 Primary Election August 2, 2022 General Election November 8, 2022

THESE INCLUDE: • County Commissioner District No. 3 Incumbent: Tye Menser • County Sheriff Incumbent: John Snaza • County Auditor Incumbent: Mary Hall • County Clerk Incumbent: Linda Enlow

• County Prosecuting Attorney Incumbent: Jon Tunheim • County Treasurer Incumbent: Jeff Gadman • County Assessor Incumbent: Steven Drew • County Coroner Incumbent: Gary Warnock

These are full-time, partisan positions, and each plays a critical role within Thurston County Government.

These elected officials are responsible for the quality of services their departments provide residents and businesses across the county.

Another interesting note is the presence of two Thurston County Superior Court Judge positions on the 2022 ballot. Judges Thomas and Zipp were appointed to the bench by the Governor and are now running to fill their two-year unexpired terms.

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TRIBAL ENTERPRISES

How the Squaxin Island Tribe Became an Economic Powerhouse in the Region

by Heidi Smith

When the Squaxin Island Tribe was initially considering building a hotel, several tribal members had the same question during public hearings. Could the Tribe afford to do it?

Executive Director Ray Peters’ answer was simple. “I said, ‘We can’t afford not to,’” he recalls.

Flash forward to 2022 and the Squaxin Island Tribe is the largest employer in Mason County. Aside from the Little Creek Casino Resort, they operate Clam Fresh and Salish Seafoods, Skookum Creek Tobacco, Native Sun Grown and Elevations, plus two trading posts and a business center. It all started with what Peters calls the ‘monumental decision’ to add the resort. He credits the Tribe’s dynamic budget process with allowing everyone in the community to understand how the resort would work within the strategic plan. “Our budget process allowed us to communicate in a way that 10 I

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showed the added revenues that would result and how we could differentiate ourselves,” he says.

“Things have grown from there.”

Each new business is connected to the overall goal of creating a diverse tax base that supports tribal infrastructure. “The tax base is very important for the health, safety and welfare of the people,” says Peters. “The revenues that come from that diversification fund important services like law enforcement, community development, planning, and court systems. Those funds stay in Mason County.”

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

The Tribe has made several innovative moves to reach that goal. Skookum Creek Tobacco not only sells the product, it produces it at an 80,000 square foot manufacturing facility.

“We manufacture cigarettes on our property, and that allows us to keep the tax revenue,” says General Manager Mike Araiza.

“Manufacturing machinery comes out of either Italy or England, so we’re very fortunate to have some talented individuals who have worked in aerospace engineering and diesel hydraulics mechanics that can reverse engineer parts.” thurstonchamber.com

Executive Director Ray Peters speaking at Thurston County Chamber Forum in March.

When Washington State legalized cannabis, the Tribe was inundated with business proposals, says Peters. They chose to open not only a retail store, Elevations, but also a growing facility, Native Sun Grown, which would allow them to reap a greater return on investment.

The decision to add a golf course made Little Creek Casino Resort one of a handful of tribal-owned properties in Washington State to combine three attractions and make the resort a tourist destination. The golf course uses reclaimed water from a state-ofthe-art treatment facility and the thurstonchamber.com

Tribe earned the first ‘Salmon-Safe Golf Course’ certification through the Seattle-based nonprofit Stewardship Partners for their efforts.

Adding the golf course fulfilled multiple priorities, according to Little Creek Casino Resort CEO Ramon Nunez. “We are off the beaten path in relation to some of our competitors in Western Washington,” he explains. “It makes sense for us to use things like the golf course to draw people here. Then we looked at how many jobs that would create for our community and what that

contributes to the quality of life for both the Tribe and the people in the surrounding area. Obviously, we also want to generate income.

There are a lot of stakeholders that are relying on us, and we take that very seriously.”

Aside from creating employment, the casino powers the Tribe’s charitable arm, which has donated over $5 million to local nonprofits through grants. Recently the casino partnered with the Girl Scouts, purchasing 10,000 boxes of Girl Scout cookies which they gave away to guests. “It was a good promotion and our guests really

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2022

Annual Meeting MAY 18, 2022 As Olympia’s oldest and most experienced commercial real estate firm, our selection of services and dedication to the local community is second to none.

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The Chamber presents its 117th Annual Meeting, featuring a keynote address from Kris Johnson, President of the Association of Washington Business (AWB), on the State of Business in Washington State. The program will also include a report out and glimpse at an exciting work program for the new fiscal year ahead.

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enjoyed it,” says Nunez. “We’re always looking to sponsor or donate to charitable organizations.”

“Our budget process allowed us to communicate in a way that showed the added revenues that would result and how we could differentiate ourselves,” he says. “Things have grown from there.”

Little Creek is continuing its expansion in 2022, adding a food court that will include pizza, Chinese food, and steak options. The Water’s Edge Cafe will also increase its seating and the Starlight Lounge will become a combined sports viewing venue and nightclub.

Skookum Creek Tobacco plans to add cigars to

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its product selection while exploring new ways to generate income in the future. Considering the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s increasingly stringent regulation of tobacco, Araiza believes that diversifying is the best way to ensure longevity. “I feel what I owe to my Tribe and my employees is to look at other manufacturing businesses we can transition to that will allow us to take advantage of our employee expertise,” he says. “Maybe it’s not cigarettes, but what else is out there that would make money and provide a tax advantage for the tribe?”

Managing Skookum Creek is a second career for Araiza, who retired from working in city government in Oregon. “I was happy to have the opportunity to come back and work for my Tribe,” he says. “Being able to come home and see how much the tribe has grown and flourished has been exciting.”

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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.

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RedLine Consulting Puts Job Training Into High Gear

by Kathryn Millhorn

When all aspects of an organization work together, it pays off for everyone involved. Companies who integrate and provide job training guarantee a skilled workforce dedicated to success. Organized training—or retraining for those switching careers—keeps everyone up to date, introduces new methods and trends, reduces waste, and boosts morale.

RedLine Consulting is a team of companies built by industry leaders. Their RedLine Training Academy offers multiple communications construction training courses in a field that’s vital and thriving.

state. Many tribes have interest in assisting their neighbors in receiving high speed internet services and our goal is to assist in that process in any way we can.”

Then there is RedLine Design. They “provide fiber optic President and CEO Paul Walk infrastructure engineering and permitting services to explains that “RedLine is a Ports, PUD’s, Tribes, and broadband service providers,” conglomeration of several explains Walk. “We have designed and permitted multiple companies working in the Washington communities with the required infrastructure communications industry to provide to support 10Gbps symmetrical internet service. Our focus our customers with successful and is helping our customers build future-proof broadband sustainable solutions.” One of these networks for their long-term investments. Our recent efforts is RedLine Communications which have been focused on engineering underserved areas of the “provides technical consulting state where people need internet the most.” services to several tribes and communications providers by offering feasibility studies, business plans, grant assistance, Providing the necessary infrastructure for projects like these project budgeting, broadband surveys, and more.” requires a well-trained workforce. And this is where the RedLine Training Academy comes in. “The Training Academy Through the Communications branch, they “have been was developed out of pure necessity in an industry where assisting tribes in the development of reservation based skilled labor is becoming increasingly more difficult to find broadband services through technical and grant assistance,” and retain,” says Walk. “With industry demand at an all-time says Walk. “RedLine has provided broadband consulting high and human resources at an all-time low, the company’s services for several Washington state tribes and others goal is to bring workers together with employers. We want throughout the United States. RedLine works with tribes to train as many people as possible in a life sustaining and their respective counties to develop high speed internet career. Many industry employers offer great benefits and an solutions for the underserved and unserved areas of the excellent living wage.” thurstonchamber.com

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GROW YOUR BUSINESS

ANYWHERE! WITH OUR MOBILE APP

DISCOVER MORE AT

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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The Academy “provides training for underground construction within the communications industry. Students experience 3D virtual reality directional drill training followed by handson field training,” says Walk. “Our training focuses on industry safety education followed by mini excavator and direction drill maintenance and operation certification. Students are trained on the drill and mud mix system, locating system, vac machine and pothole system, excavation safety, trench safety, and conduit installation.”

training and a link to the application.”

“Our training is open to public and is currently focusing on helping dislocated workers re-enter the workforce with funding from Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council and support from WorkSource-PacMtn. WorkSource is actively recruiting dislocated workers to apply for RedLine Training’s April and May classes,” Walk says. “Our website offers additional information on the

"Broadband expansion is an essential need in the Pacific Mountain region.

This partnership brings together key partners to build the appropriate labor force to meet this need. We are excited to partner with RedLine to bring this unique training to Thurston County," said William Westmoreland, CEO at Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council."

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Megan Fiess is Vice President of Workforce & Strategic Initiatives at the Thurston County Chamber and says working with the Academy has been great. “PacMountain WDC has partnered with WorkSource to offer this type of training for the first time in Thurston County. This is the only training of this kind on the west coast and it’s an amazing opportunity to be able to offer it here in Thurston County for our community.”

And the program is not just job training. “As with all construction cohorts, we offer a hiring event the last day of class,” says Fiess, “and for the first time, we had companies reaching out to us without even advertising the Hiring Event, wanting to know how to hire students out WorkSource trainings.

It was very impressive and helps the public workforce system know that the services that WorkSource provides is important to employers and our community.”

Want to know more, for yourself or someone who might benefit from a course at the Academy?

Visit their website or email info@ redlinecommunications.net with questions. Potential students can learn about upcoming class offerings and watch informational videos. Put your career into high gear by pushing it to the red line with the RedLine Consulting’s Training Academy today.

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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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A Night on the Town photos by Shanna Paxton Photography.

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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

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