November 2022 VOICE Magazine

TAGS

KGY Turns

For a century, KGY has brought the community together through music, laughter, news and fun.

Olympia's TAGS has been making a mark in the community since 1972. New owners, Rob & Denise Sawatzky look ahead to the next 50 years.

When Trent and Katie Breland envisioned their own eco-friendly salon, OlyFed responded with encouragement, advice and support. “We knew we had a long-term partner because of their community commitment and positive reputation among Thurston County business leaders.” Trent and Katie understand what local entrepreneurs have known for 116 years: OlyFed is all about putting real relationships above the bottom line.

Trent and Katie Breland Salt Hair Lounge, Olympia

“

were impressed with the personal attention we received from OlyFe d . ”

November 2022

THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER VOICE MAGAZINE

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

Join our Morning Mixxer host, Anthony's HomePort Olympia, on Tuesday, November 1 at 7:30 a.m. at 704 Columbia St NW, Olympia, WA 98501, for hot coffee and delicious bites! Morning Mixxer is a free event held the first Tuesday of each month and is a great way to meet new business connections. Chamber Ambassadors help facilitate introductions and networking. All attendees are eligible to win exciting door prizes! MIXX 96.1 proudly sponsors Morning Mixxer.

Join our host, Sandstone Distillery Tasting Room, on Thursday, November 3 at 5:30 p.m. at 297 Sussex Ave W, Tenino, WA 98589 for the Thurston Young Professionals (TYP) monthly networking event. Enjoy bites and beverages as you expand your network and get to know other young professionals in the community! All are welcome! Feel free to invite other 20-30 year-olds. Thurston Young Professionals is sponsored by Cash Oasis/Media Drive

Join us for November Forum on Wednesday, November 9 at 11:30 a.m. at The Olympia Hotel at Capitol Lake, at 2300 Evergreen Park Dr SW, Olympia, WA 98502. The Chamber is pleased to welcome Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson and Renée Sunde, President/CEO of the Washington Retail Association to speak about public safety, property crime, retail theft, and their costs to companies – $17.2 billion in annual losses, according to Entrepreneur.com. Join in the conversation as we find new remedies to the impacts of property crime and learn how we can better empower law enforcement, prosecutors, retailers and local governments in combating it. Networking at 11:30 a.m., Lunch at 11:45 a.m., and Program at noon. Register at https://members.thurstonchamber.com/events

After Hours

Join our Business After Hours host, Sensory Tool House at 5831 Lacey Blvd SE, Suite J, Lacey, WA 98503 on Thursday, November 17 at 5:30 p.m., for mingling and networking with other Thurston County 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 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.

In This Issue...

TAGS turns 50! p. 7 TAGS Awards & Specialties has been an iconic part of the community since 1972.

Olympia Computer Adapts In Order to Grow and Thrive p. 11

Olympia Computer keeps its eye on prioritizing customer service, despite the added challenges to small businesses in the wake of COVID.

Expanding, Growing and Reclining p. 14

After nearly a decade in business, Olympia Furniture Co.'s fun, quirky persona has made them a local staple.

KGY Celebrates 100 Years! p. 17

For a century, Olympia-area radio station KGY has brought the community together through music, laughter, news and fun.

Caught in the Lens p. 19 Keep up with the latest Chamber happenings and see the great smiles that make up our membership!

Chamber's November Forum to Tackle Impacts of Crime on Business

Washington State's Attorney General, Bob Ferguson and Renée Sunde,

of the Washington Retail Association to

crime accounted for over 60% of the 8.9 million crimes reported in 2020. This data came from a December 2021 report by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation. Property crime includes:

• Larceny Theft

• Burglary

• Motor Vehicle Theft

• Arson

• Vandalism

These crimes are not victimless–they cost companies $17.2 billion in annual losses, according to Entrepreneur.com.

According to the National Retail Federation, the pandemic environment has allowed organized retail crime to expand attacks. These crimes include smashand-grabs and other "brazen in-store attacks." While businesses have changed how they provide goods and services, criminals have found new ways around security gaps.

On Wednesday, November 9 at 11:30am, the Thurston Chamber will welcome Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson and Renée Sunde, President/ CEO of the Washington Retail Association to speak about:

• Public Safety, Retail Theft, Organized Retail Crime –what are their impacts?

• The work of the state's Organized Retail Crimes Task Force

• What needs to change?

• The importance of giving law enforcement, prosecutors, retailers, and local governments the tools and resources they need.

SHOP LOC-OLY SHOP LOCAL AT CAPITAL MALL

SHOP LOC-OLY SHOP LOCAL AT CAPITAL MALL

SHOP LOC-OLY SHOP LOCAL AT CAPITAL MALL

Capital Mall is proud to support local businesses owned by your neighbors or who source products directly from local makers. Scan for more information about how to Shop, Eat and Play LOC-OLY at Capital Mall.

Capital Mall is proud to support local businesses owned by your neighbors or who source products directly from local makers. Scan for more information about how to Shop, Eat and Play LOC-OLY at Capital Mall.

Capital Mall is proud to support local businesses owned by your neighbors or who source products directly from local makers. Scan for more information about how to Shop, Eat and Play LOC-OLY at Capital Mall.

#CAPITALMALLOLY

@capital_mallcapitalmallwa capitalmallolympia.com

360.754.8098 | 625 Black Lake Boulevard, Olympia, Washington

#CAPITALMALLOLY

@capital_mallcapitalmallwa

#CAPITALMALLOLY

360.754.8098 | 625 Black Lake Boulevard, Olympia, Washington

capitalmallolympia.com

@capital_mallcapitalmallwa

360.754.8098 | 625 Black Lake Boulevard, Olympia, Washington

capitalmallolympia.com

Celebrating 50 Years with TAGS Awards & Specialties

Life’s crazy journey is full of ups, downs, and unpredictable moments. Any business that survives for 50 years deserves to be celebrated, praised, and studied by entrepreneurs everywhere.

Olympia’s TAGS Awards & Specialties is one such icon making a positive mark in the community since 1972.

by Kathryn Millhorn • Photos by Shanna Paxton Photography

After owning TAGS Awards & Specialties for 17 years, Mike & Brenda Williams sold TAGS to Rob & Denise Sawatzky. From left to right, Rob and Denise Sawatzky and Brenda and Mike Williams.

“Rob and I believe that success is ultimately the result of a great staff, customer service and hard work by everybody. The staff at TAGS truly has become like a family unit. They love to help each other and see the success of the business increase over time."

Owner Denise Sawatzky and husband Rob have produced promotional items, rubber stamps, name badges, personalized gifts, and engraved pieces since becoming the store’s fourth owners in 2018. But its long history keeps it an important destination for clubs, groups, teams, and organizations throughout our region.

“TAGS has always been very strong in providing trophies, awards, medals, gifts, and more,” says Sawatzky. “We continue to be strong in this for private companies, government agencies, and school districts, but we have seen a huge upside to the apparel and promotional item business. This will definitely become a driving force as we develop new technologies in-house and outsource to help us increase revenue and continue to build the business in the future.”

“Rob and I believe that with most businesses, success is ultimately the result of a great staff, customer service and hard work by everybody,” says Denise. “The staff at TAGS truly has become like a family unit. They love to help each other and see the success of the business increase over time. We have also introduced a profitsharing program with the staff in order to help motivate them to take the customer service and the quality of production to a whole new level. It has been fun to watch them learn and grow in their craft.”

“As we move into our next 50 years of business, we anticipate large growth... We believe that we have only scratched the surface..." says Sawatzky.

As with most businesses these days, gone are standard Monday through Friday, 9 to 5 shifts and old ways of employee recruitment. Staff involvement and employer flexibility open things up with very positive benefits. “Working outside regular business hours at times during the year has become necessary,” says Sawatzky. “And hiring somebody new is certainly about a good fit. We are careful to screen and look for those who want to be part of a team, have some skill sets and are also willing to cross-train to learn new skill sets.”

“We have tried to let revenues drive hiring but also want to offer our employees overtime if they wish to work extra hours, and the workload justifies the extra hours,” she continues. “We are also excited to be exploring internship programs for high school students and others which may allow us to have greater participation in connecting the world of work outside of school to career and technical education in the schools. This will be a great opportunity to train up future employees and help them build new skills at the same time, not to mention extra sets of hands to help during our busiest times…Win, Win, Win.”

Though they don’t currently have an intern/trainee on staff, Sawatzky says they are working with Marquita Himes with the Thurston County Chamber on launching the summer internship program with their help, training and guidance. “That said,” she continues, “we have had two of our own kids, while going to college be ‘interns’ part-time for the past few summers.”

TAGS is a women-owned business as Sawatzky is currently applying to be designated a Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) and certified with the Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises (OMWBE). “As we move into our next 50 years of business, we anticipate large growth,” she explains. “We believe that we have only scratched the surface of expanding our reach throughout the United States. We also want to continue to be involved in the community and increase our connection as we continue to develop positive, impactful partnerships.”

If you’re looking for personalized items, give TAGS a call at 360.491.2525 or email service@tagstrophies.com. You can also check out their new website for an Amazon-like shopping experience. They can help find just the right materials and even provide insight into running a successful, mindful business in an ever changing world. Since 1972, few things have remained the same. But a dedication to hard work, customer satisfaction, and industry innovation never go out of style.

NAVIGATING VOLATILE TIMES WITH Olympia Computer

by Kathryn Millhorn • Photos courtesy of Olympia Computer and Dreamstime.com

Keeping up with the flow of business— especially over the last few years—is tricky enough. Now imagine juggling a small business as well as cutting-edge advances in computers, technology, data security, information backup and recovery, and website management. For Erik Johnson and the staff at Olympia Computer, that’s how each day goes. Experience, customer service, and adapting with the times are how they grow and thrive together as a team.

CEO Erik Johnson opened Olympia Computer five years ago but has been in the industry for almost three decades. He admits that things have been crazy lately but they’re pulling together to adapt. “Volatile times mean small business owners have to be like

endurance auto race drivers,” he explains, “pedal to the metal when the going is good but always with one eye looking way down the road, ready to slow up a bit when the market throws us a curve or change course fast to avoid obstacles that can appear without warning.”

“The move to remote work has been a game changer for many businesses,” Johnson says. “But with all the problems brought on by COVID, something had to give and too often businesses let that something be good customer service.” Customers, however, still want to be treated properly so “those businesses that made customer care a priority saw it pay off. Many of the reviews we get from clients mention how much they appreciate our staff's friendliness, helpfulness, and attention to their needs.”

When looking for new hires, Johnson doesn’t just greenlight resumes full of tech-industry buzzwords. Instead, he seeks out individuals with “eagerness;

CONFLICT

CRASH

COURSE

Conflict is a natural part of life. It occurs in our family lives, with our friends, at work and school, and within ourselves.

self-confidence; willingness to learn; honesty, of course; and great customer relations skills. I look for men or women who can see themselves on some sort of path for growth within our company. I can teach new hires advanced computer tech skills they might need, but I can't instill that desire to grow with a successful business— they have to come with that.”

Olympia Computer currently has an on-the-job trainee placed by the Thurston Chamber who paired his education with a training scholarship. “Gabriel Marbourg is a wonderful addition to the Olympia Computer team,” says Johnson. “He is a very fast learner and has already shown amazing people skills.”

“We feel very lucky to have found someone with both tech and people skills,” continues Johnson. “And Gabe has shown real interest in getting both work experience and the training we can provide in hardware repair, server management, and networking.

chance to be creative.”

Homegrown hires like Gabe are a great way to continue and expand, even with today’s volatility. “We are actively working on growing our company and plan to offer our services by next year from Portland to Seattle. Of course, growth requires adding good people, so we hope to continue to partner with the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce and this great trainee program.”

The program is mutually beneficial, says Johnson. “Interesting, challenging, and meaningful work with a dynamic company like Olympia Computer is good for your interns but helping those interns grow and gather the life-long skill sets that prepare them to work anywhere is extremely rewarding for

360.995.1010 seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. You can also email questions or sign up for their Tech Tips blog of tips, scam and virus alerts, and special offers.

“What’s clear is that thriving in the future will not mean the absence of challenges and disruptions,” say industry experts.

“Rather, it means adapting, adjusting, prioritizing, and creating resilience to manage through instability…By shifting the way we think about work, the workforce, and workplaces—and by focusing on re-architecting work, unleashing human potential, and adapting the workplace environment— organizations can build resilience, capitalize on their ability to evolve with dynamic stability, and start to thrive.”

Olympia Computer currently has an on-the-job trainee placed by the Thurston Chamber who paired his education with a training scholarship. “He is a very fast learner and has already shown amazing people skills.” Johnson says.

OLYMPIA FURNITURE COMPANY: Expanding, Growing, and Reclining

by Kathryn Millhorn • Photos by Heather Harris, Elements Photography

The Olympia Furniture Company has been an anchor of the West Side for nearly a decade. During that time, they’ve adapted to changing tastes, décor styles, up-anddown markets, and pandemic-induced shipping nightmares. But through it all, they kept a welcoming attitude, can-do spirit, and delightfully goofy online presence, occasionally involving a giant inflatable gorilla…but only on special occasions.

Owner Eddie Nelson says that business is booming, to the extent they’ve added a large new warehouse in Aberdeen, on a whopping 40 acres. They’re also

looking to grow their Harrison Avenue footprint to accommodate an expanded in-stock inventory of whole home furnishings for indoors and out.

“We’ve had a product vacuum for the last three years, but now the floodgates are opened,” Nelson says. “Availability is no longer an issue!” Even for personalized pieces, turnaround time is surprisingly fast. Most vendors can get items to buyers within two or three weeks, customized furniture typically takes between 12 and 14 weeks, and on-site furniture is ready to go home the same day.

“We’ve been known to pick up our stuff from vendors to make turnaround time quicker,” says Nelson, “and can deliver in-state within a few weeks. We also use as

many local and American-made vendors and suppliers as possible and have three trucks for quick response.”

But it’s not just sofas and bedframes at OlyFurnCo. They offer wall art and décor, bookcases and storage shelves, and outdoor furniture year-round, including Traeger Grills. Also popular is their supply of TempurPedic Mattresses and an array of power- and adjustable recliners, chairs, sofas, and loveseats.

After nine years in business, there are plenty of friendly, familiar faces on staff, including some who’ve been part of the team since day one. With a fun, family-like atmosphere behind the scenes, this longevity is no surprise. Who wouldn’t want to play fetch with a silver corgi named Ricky for October’s National Fetch Day? Or make pumpkin spice by blowing up a pumpkin with rubber bands? You can witness all the fun—silly and sticky alike—on their Facebook page 24/7.

Want to join the team? Nelson’s always looking for eager, motivated sales staff. “Come in and see us,” he encourages. “It’s so much better just to meet the person and chat.” You might find yourself greeting a few local celebs, like players from the Seahawks and Mariners, who come for charity drives and to sign the infamous fan wall.

OlyFurnCo regularly supports Toys for Tots and the Thurston County Food Bank with sales, promotions, and by collecting items like teddy bears and warm coats for those in need.

L&I Can Help Employers Develop a Workplace Safety Program

An Accident Prevention Program (APP) is based on the hazards you have identified in your workplace and the safety methods you’ve chosen to manage those hazards.

Your APP is the foundation of your overall safety and health program and will help you document and organize your safety procedures. All employers are required to create and follow an APP and keep it up to date, but your business may also need other safety programs based on your workplace hazards. For example, if you have hazardous chemicals, you will need a Hazard Communication Program. An effective safety program engages workers and ensures they have received proper training, participate in safety meetings or committees, and share their ideas and concerns to improve workplace safety.

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) website offers helpful tools and samples to help business owners create and maintain their APP, as well as information about training requirements by industry. Visit L&I’s website for more information! https://lni.wa.gov/safety-health/preventing-injuries-illnesses/create-a-safety-program/

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

KGY Celebrates 100 Years!

KGY was founded at Saint Martins in 1922 when radio stations were coming into existence. Father Sebastian Ruth, OSB, was the gentleman who officially licensed the station. KGY started with evening programming for listeners – a small operation in Saint Martins and they grew into the media group it has become today.

In 1939, Nick Kerry’s great-grandfather, Tom Olsen, bought KGY and it has been family owned and operated ever since. In 1960, they moved to their iconic waterfront building on Port of Olympia property and a more modern radio format was established with sweeps of music, personality-driven DJs, commercial breaks on the quarterhour, and local news, weather, traffic, and community information content. In the mid-1970s, they began broadcasting 24 hours a day, instead of signing off from midnight to 5am. And now, in 2022, they celebrate their 100th year anniversary of providing Olympians with music, news, and plenty of good times.

Currently, the station is under the management of Nick Kerry, General Manager & Director of Sales. Nick shared: “Radio is a ‘people business’ and the station has worked with a lot of different people over the years. We are independent and family owned, and that really appeals to our audience – maintaining trust with our listeners is crucial because KGY is so community focused.”

What does KGY offer?

Two primary stations: KGY & KAYO

95.3 KGY – Remaining local is the biggest priority for the station. KGY focuses on what is happening in Thurston County (advice like road closures and disaster situation) rather than heavy news. (KGY) 35+ older demographic playing the Greatest Hits of the 60s,70s,80s.

96.9 KAYO – Serves a larger area like the “South Sound” region including Tacoma, Olympia, Shelton, and as well as Aberdeen and Centralia. Playing mainstream Country music, it’s more entertainment focused, fun, and lively. Aims to be a companion to listeners and offers music discovery. (KAYO) core demo is Adults 25-54, positioned as “Your Country 96.9 KAYO.”

What is the biggest challenge today?

The biggest challenge today is with younger (Gen Z) listeners: They are used to just streaming everything… do they even know how to ‘tune-in’ on a radio dial to find the station they want to listen to? [chuckles]

What advertising opportunities do you have?

Our marketing team creates a plan for local businesses to advertise with consistency and frequency. We work with you to form a budget and craft a compelling message. We record clients at studio or have talent that can do the message or voice over.

What is the future of KGY?

We want to continue the legacy of KGY. Some things we are considering include: another station or other opportunities, possibility of expanding beyond radio into other media types, and offering a combination of radio advertising and digital advertising.

How can the community support KGY?

By being dynamic, fun, and loyal! When we have an exciting and engaging community, then we as a radio station can mirror that. KGY is here to entertain, support, and be a resource for our community.

Photo by Skybear Media | Michael Delorme for the Thurston County Chamber.

For a century, Olympia-area radio station KGY has brought the community together through music, laughter, news, and fun.

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.

Thurston County Chamber

SILVER 94.5 ROXY AAA Washington –Inland Budd Bay Café Cap City Law PS Edward Jones –Dirk Farrar, Financial Advisor Express Employment Professionals First Citizens Bank Greene Realty Group Michael White Agency –Farmers Insurance Nicholson & Associates Insurance TAGS Awards and Specialties

GOLD 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

PLATINUM

Great Wolf Lodge Little Creek Casino Morningside Olympia Federal Savings Olympia Olympia Furniture Company Olympic Rental & Landlord Services Phillips Burgess, PLLC Providence St. Peter Hospital The Rants Group SCJ Alliance South Puget Sound Community College

–Olympia

DIAMOND

FORMA Construction Company

Permanente

Eagle Casino and Hotel

Orthopaedic Associates, PLLC

Source Health Plans

of Olympia

Sound Energy

Martin's University TwinStar Credit Union Corporate Office Veterans Security Operations Washington Business Bank Wells Fargo Community Bank