Upcoming Events

EVENTS Foofaraw! 2022

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 9

Now in its 60th year, the Thurston County Chamber will once again partner with the Olympia Yacht Club to host local military personnel at Foofaraw, an event unmatched anywhere else in the world. Always the first Friday after Labor Day, we will be shoving off from the Olympia Yacht Club main station Friday, Sept. 9. Foofaraw has gained in popularity with every passing year and is well-known throughout the United States Armed Forces. Yacht club members transport guests to Island Home, where the Yacht Club and the Chamber treat them to a full day of games and a terrific salmon barbecue lunch. Finally, local dignitaries honor the military personnel.

The event averages two service members to every one civilian. For the last several years, the Port of Olympia has shown their gratitude of service to our military by arranging an unofficial send-off which includes representatives from local police, medic, and fire departments, and hanging a large American flag from one of their cranes.

One dictionary defines Foofaraw as "much ado about nothing" and, at one point in history the official "purpose" of the day, claimed that a "Foofarite [military attendee] has earned the right to say 'Foof' to all duties and responsibilities for one day each year."

Sponsor tickets for this year’s event are limited and available to Chamber Members only. We are collecting donations for the free military raffle that takes place throughout the day. For more information about Foofaraw or to make a donation, please call the Chamber at 360.357.3362.

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 12

8AM–2PM

THE OLYMPIA HOTEL AT CAPITOL LAKE

Is Your Organization's Talent Pipeline Keeping Pace with Innovation and Today's Economy?

Gather the skills, tools and relationships to develop or expand your workforce pipeline at the Future of Work Summit and EXPO on October 12, 2022!

Successful businesses need a skilled workforce. Low unemployment means savvy business owners must find new ways to find employees. At the Summit, you will: • Gather tools to create a talent pipeline. • Learn how to develop an on - the - job training program. • Understand best practices in developing an internship program. • Find out how to use apprenticeships as a recruitment strategy. • Nurture community relationships with educators and other business owners. This exciting one-day event is open to the public. Learn how to turn challenges into opportunities at The Future of Work Summit and EXPO on October 12, 2022, at the Olympia Hotel from 8 am to 2 pm. Learn more and register at thurstonchamber.com

EVENTS

THE OLYMPIA HOTEL AT CAPITOL LAKE, 2300 EVERGREEN PARK DR. SW, OLYMPIA, WA 98502 DOWNSTAIRS BALLROOM

This event will feature two races: Thurston County Commissioner, District No. 3 • Tye Menser • Vivian Kay Eason

Thurston County Sheriff • Derek Sanders • John D. Snaza

Both are pivotal races with regional significance. Meet the Candidates!

Wednesday September 21 • 11:30am

Join the Thurston Chamber on Wednesday, September 21 at 11:30am at The Olympia Hotel at Capitol Lake to meet the candidates at a Candidates Reception and learn more about featured races: Thurston County Commissioner and Thurston County Sheriff. Don't miss this celebration of policy and people.

Doug Mah, Director of Thurston Chamber’s Public Policy team, will moderate the discussion. In addition, a large contingent of candidates running for public office in Thurston County will be at Forum and the Candidates Reception to meet and mingle with community and business leaders. Candidates in all races are encouraged to arrive early and stay late for as much oneon-one conversation with Chamber members as possible. For tickets and more information, visit ThurstonChamber.com.

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

Photos from Forum courtesy of Shanna Paxton Photography, (indicated by teal outline)