March 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, Cheeky Martini Lounge at 406 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98501 on Thursday, March 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 Cash Oasis/Media Drive and KGY 95.3 Radio.

On Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at 11:30 a.m., our keynote speakers, Darin Goss, CEO of Providence Health and Services Southwest Service Area, and Will Callicoat, President of MultiCare Capital Medical Center will share national trends, challenges and opportunities for the health care sector. The March Forum event will take place at The Norman Worthington Conference Center at Saint Martin's University, 5300 Pacific Ave SE, Lacey, WA 98503. Register at thurstonchamber.com/events. Thank you to our sponsors, South Sound Behavioral Hospital, P3 Cost Analysts, and DispatchHealth.

After Hours

Join our Business After Hours host Fieldstone Memory Care at 810 Fieldstone Drive, Olympia, WA 98502, on Thursday, March 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.

In This Issue...

Fentanyl: The Deadly Opioid Ravaging Thurston County p. 6

Fentanyl is causing a surge of overdoses, as it is hard to detect and often mixed with other drugs.

Jon Tunheim Talks Public Health in Addressing Addiction p. 8

Thurston County

Prosecuting Attorney shares how fentanyl changes the approach to substance use disorder (SUD).

2023 Elections Will Shape Community's Future p. 11

"Off-year" elections will shape community leadership with races for county and port commissioner, city council and school board on the ballot.

Distinguished Leader Awards

The 21st annual Distinguished Leaders Awards (DLA) celebration will take place on Tuesday, March 7, at 5:30 p.m. at the Olympia Hotel at Capitol Lake. DLA recognizes leaders who demonstrate outstanding initiative, inspire others, and significantly impact our community and beyond. The evening begins with a reception, dinner, and program. Learn more at thurstonchamber.com/events

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.

Caught in the Lens p. 18

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