February 2023

Thurston County Chamber Voice Magazine

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

Join our host, Cove at 311 Capitol Way N, Olympia, WA 98501 on Thursday, February 2 at 5:30 p.m. for the Thurston Young Professionals Monthly Networking Event. Enjoy bites and beverages as you expand your network! All are welcome – feel free to invite other 20 to 30-year-olds so they can expand their networks! Thurston Young Professionals is proudly sponsored by Porcupine Media and Cash Oasis/Media Drive

On Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 11:30 a.m., our keynote speaker, Jennifer Bonds-Raacke, Ph.D., president of Saint Martin's University (SMU), will share national trends of challenges and opportunities for the higher education sector, and provide an update on the state of SMU. The event will take place at The Norman Worthington Conference Center, 5300 Pacific Ave SE, Lacey, WA 98503. Forum includes a lunch buffet. Register at https://members.thurstonchamber.com/events. Thank you to our event sponsors, Cap City Law, Labor & Industries and Dirk Farrar – Edward Jones

After Hours

Join our Business After Hours host Cap City Law, PS at 2401 Bristol Ct SW Suite A-103, Olympia, WA 98502, on Thursday, February 16 at 5:30 p.m., for mingling and networking with other business professionals, a door prize business card drawing, beverages and appetizers. Business After Hours is a great opportunity to expand your network. ROXY 94.5 and Pacific Source Health Plans proudly sponsor Business After Hours.

Join the Thurston Chamber Foundation for A Night on the Town on April 14, 2023, at the Olympia Hotel at Capitol Lake, 2300 Evergreen Park Dr SW, Olympia, WA 98502. This annual fundraiser brings together community leaders to raise funds for Foundation programs...and to party! Enjoy dinner, cocktails, a live auction and after party! This year, we are excited to welcome back Rockaroake! Sing your favorite hits with a live band behind you! Register today at: thurstonchamber.com/anott

Thank You Sponsors!

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.

Executive Profile: Kelsey Hulse of Strategies 360 p. 7

After five years advancing clean energy at PSE, Hulse joined Strategies 360 –one of the nation's leading strategic positioning firms.

Regional Changes in Leadership p. 10

Tumwater City Administrator, John Doan, and Lacey City Manager, Scott Spence both leave their positions in 2023 after more than a decade serving their communities.

Welcome Jay Kang –Thurston County Food Bank's First CEO p. 12

Thurston County Food Bank shifts its focus to fundraising, organizing volunteers, and emerging needs with its first CEO, Jay Kang.

Caught in the Lens p. 22

Keep up with the latest Chamber happenings and see the great smiles that make up our membership!