November 2023 VOICE Magazine

RHD Enterprises Welcomes New CEO, Kris Beason

Bite Me Catering

Chef Cher Hobbick Brings California Sunshine to Olympia Through Her Vibrant Recipes

Meet Josh Deck, the New CEO at OlyFed

GROWING A PROSPEROUS ECONOMY & VIBRANT COMMUNITY

Joy Delivering

And that new baby smell.

From natural birth to neonatal care to that first time you cradle your baby close, let Providence Swedish deliver the joy you’ve been expecting.

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November 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, IRO – I Raged Olympia at 203 Kinwood St. SE, Olympia, WA 98503 on Thursday, November 2 at 5:30 p.m. for 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 sponsored

by Cash Oasis/Media Drive and KGY Media Group.

After Hours

Join our Business After Hours host Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate – Northwest Home Team at 111 Tumwater Blvd SE, Ste 201B, Tumwater, WA 98501 on Thursday, November 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, and it is proudly sponsored

by ROXY 94.5 and PacificSource Health Plans.

The Thurston Chamber is thrilled to announce Colonel Kent Park, Garrison Commander of Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), as the keynote speaker for its highly anticipated November Forum. The event will take place on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, 11:30am at the Norman Worthington Center at Saint Martin's University. Colonel Kent Park will provide attendees with invaluable insights into the vital roles of major commanders on the JBLM base, the strategic significance of JBLM, ongoing challenges faced by JBLM, and their potential impact on the surrounding communities. The event is sponsored by North Thurston Education Foundation, PestStop and Veterans Security Operations.

Thank You Sponsors!

In This Issue...

RHD Enterprises' New CEO Kris Beason p. 7 In construction, only 14% of workers are women. Kris Beason brings her 35 years of commercial construction experience and management to the RHD team.

Chef Cher Hobbick of Bite Me Catering p. 13 After running a successful business with her husband in California, Chef Cher Hobbick brings her inspiring creations to Olympia's culinary scene.

Welcome Josh Deck, OlyFed's New CEO p. 18 After opening its doors in 1906, Olympia Federal Savings has had only seven presidents in its 117-year history, before Josh Deck became the eighth in 2022.

Caught in the Lens p. 22 Keep up with the latest Chamber happenings and see the great smiles that make up our membership!

The VOICE prints on FSC® Certified paper.

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.

thurstonchamber.com

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magazine PUBLISHER Thurston County Chamber of Commerce EDITORIAL David Schaffert 360-357-3362 dschaffert@thurstonchamber.com CONTRIBUTORS David Schaffert Natasha Ashenhurst Kathryn Millhorn ADVERTISING Sales & Marketing: Krystal Barkus Elizabeth Bretschneider Ashley Chandler Marianne Judd SUBSCRIPTIONS 360-357-3362 info@thurstonchamber.com DESIGN Ben Hawkes Mosaic Marketing Studio COVER Chef Cher Hobbick, Photo by Heather Harris, Elements Photography.

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

Perseverance, Leadership and the Strength of Our Community

by David Schaffert, President/CEO, Thurston County Chamber Welcome to the latest edition of the Thurston Chamber's VOICE Magazine.

In this issue, we have curated many inspiring stories and insightful features to keep you engaged and informed.

Our cover story introduces you to Cher Hobbick, the creative force behind Bite Me Catering. Cher's journey from Southern California to Olympia is a testament to passion, resilience, and community. Her culinary artistry is matched only by her inspiring personal story.

Meet Josh Deck, the CEO and Head OlyFedder at Olympia Federal Savings, a bedrock institution that's been serving the community for 117 years.

Josh Deck, the eighth president in over a century, shares his vision for the future and his deep ties to the industry, dating back to his days as a Bank Examiner.

We also have the pleasure of introducing Kris Beason, the incoming CEO of RHD Enterprises, who brings 35 years of experience and a commitment to diversity and integrity in the construction industry.

Kris's journey is one of tradition and excellence, following in the footsteps of strong women in her family.

In exciting news, the Thurston County Chamber's November Forum is just around the corner, featuring Colonel Kent Park, Garrison Commander of Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), as the distinguished keynote speaker.

Colonel Park's insights into the vital roles of major commanders at JBLM and the strategic significance of the base promise to be enlightening.

We hope you enjoy this issue, filled with stories of perseverance, leadership, and the strength of our community.

Join us on November 15, 2023, at the Norman Worthington Center at Saint Martin's University for an exceptional opportunity to hear from Colonel Kent Park and gain invaluable insights into our local military community.

Thank you for your continued support of the VOICE Magazine, and we look forward to bringing you more inspiring content in our next issue.

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.

For more information about hiring a Morningside client visit our website…

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Move forward With

Journey Checking

OLYFED IT & FORGET IT!

Get your finances cruising with the latest digital tools and experience how mutual banking with OlyFed means more for your wallet and our community. Start your Journey today! *JOURNEY CHECKING DISCLOSURE: Variable interest rate account. Rates effective as of June 2, 2023, and subject to change anytime and without notice. • An interest rate of 0.05% will be paid only for that portion of your daily balance that is greater than $10,000.00. The annual percentage yield for this tier will range from 3.60% to 0.40%, depending on the balance in the account. • If your daily balance is $10,000.00 or less, the interest rate paid on the entire balance will be 3.49% with an annual percentage yield of 3.60%* • If your account does not have the required activity noted below* an interest rate of 0.05% will be paid on the entire balance. The annual percentage yield for the entire balance will be 0.05%, depending on the balance in the account. *Premium rate requires monthly direct deposit of $500 or more, debit card activation and 10 debit transactions posted per statement cycle, enrollment in retail online banking and signing up to receive eStatements, and maintaining active online banking access as outlined in the Online Banking Terms & Conditions Agreement. One account per Social Security Number. Minimum $100.00 to open an account. Fees may reduce earnings and rate may change after account opening.

OLYFED.COM (360) 754-3400 8 LOCAL BRANCHES TO SERVE YOU 6 I

November 2023

IMEMBER Thurston FDIC County Chamber VOICE

BANKING THAT’S MUTUAL

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RHD ENTERPRISES’ INCOMING CEO

KRIS BEASON BRINGS EXPERIENCE AND CARE TO CONSTRUCTION

by Kathryn Millhorn • Photography by Corey Parris

In the construction industry, only 14% of workers are women but that number is steadily growing. At RHD Enterprises, founded in 2008 by Rozanne Garman, they have a commitment to giving back and making a difference in the community through diversity, integrity, and collaboration. They recently welcomed new CEO Kris Beason and are excited to bring her 35 years of commercial construction experience and management to the team.

Beason isn’t the first woman in her family to tackle the trades. She followed her mother, a project manager, and aunt, a pipefitter, into this male-dominated industry. Her leadership experience includes local, national, and international construction management and general contractor firms. “My experience spans from small tenant improvements, additions and renovations in occupied facilities, renovation of historic buildings, and high-rise hospitality projects to complex office campuses for Fortune 500 firms,” she says. thurstonchamber.com

Encouraging women into this field is both passion and privilege for Beason. “As a woman leader in construction, I want to inspire women to join me in the career that I love. When I began, I was one of only a few women I knew in the industry. I think it speaks volumes that now, while still less prevalent than men, women hold a significantly larger portion of the jobs in commercial construction and real estate. I believe this is a result of younger generations seeing more and more examples of women who forged their way into the industry and were successful. Seeing is believing.”

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But she acknowledges that it’s a graying field. The average age in construction is mid-50’s and facing a severe shortage of new skilled labor. Beason says that nearly 1.5 million additional workers are needed to keep up with current demand.

To develop strong teams and a stronger workforce, Beason asks interviewees ‘Do you do windows?’ and gauges their response. “Basically, the question is asking are you willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done even if it’s not on your job description,” she explains. “Attitude, ability to work for the betterment of the overall team, and willingness to learn or try new things are critical in our industry. I don’t believe in having every person fit into the same box for a position. I think it is imperative as a leader to help our team further their careers, even if it might not be within our organization. One of the most rewarding things in my career is watching several prior direct reports start and run their own businesses successfully.

Company President and Founder Rozanne Garman is excited for this new phase. “RHD is beginning another exciting period of expansion and opportunity,” she says. “We've already taken significant steps with the establishment of a new office in Redmond and the addition of key team members. We're broadening our horizons and have successfully ventured into the technology and private sector.”

RHD Enterprises' Founder Rozanne Garman.

“We prioritize our team's development and well-being, focus on company culture, and champion equity in all our endeavors. Our unwavering dedication to our clients and our remarkable safety record further underscore our exceptional status, even without the certifications.” -Rozanne Garman 8 I

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Though federal government contracts have brought them all over the western U.S., in Thurston County RHD has most notably been a part of the Historic Brewery Tower renovation, the Exterior Building Repairs and Rotunda project at the L&I headquarters. Recently their Miscellaneous Metals Fabrication division worked as a subcontractor for FORMA on the Intercity Transit Facility.

Garman believes RHD distinguishes itself from other firms with their impressive resume in Federal government, state, and municipal arenas. “Our niche is unique, complex projects with compressed thurstonchamber.com

A variety of recent RHD Enterprises projects.

schedules and our extensive successful experience allows us to stand out,” she says. “In fact, RHD’s unique portfolio includes 8 years of temporary elevator installation in the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard dry docks within the CIA area. RHD has two divisions, general construction, and miscellaneous metals fabrication. There are examples of both projects and services at www.rhdenterprises.com.

“Rozanne and RHD Enterprises demonstrate how hard work, business savvy, and utilization of small business resources can launch a small firm to new heights,” says SBA Seattle District Director Kerrie Hurd. “Our team enjoyed working hand-in-hand with RHD in the 8(a) Program as revenues doubled and the firm was awarded millions of dollars in federal contracts. As the local leader for the SBA, it’s both our mission and pleasure to watch firms like RHD continue to grow, create jobs, and contribute to the local economy and community.” The SBA named Rozanne Garman 2017’s Small Businessperson of the Year and RHD has been ranked as Puget Sound Business Journal’s “100 FastestGrowing Minority-Owned Companies in Washington thurstonchamber.com

State,” “Largest Minority-Owned Companies in Washington State,” and “100 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in Washington State”.

“We prioritize our team's development and well-being, focus on company culture, and champion equity in all our endeavors. Our unwavering dedication to our clients and our remarkable safety record further underscore our exceptional status, even without the Federal and State Minority & Woman-Owned certifications” says Garman.

Linda Lee Womack, Managing Director of Small Business Finance and Community Support at the Washington State Department of Commerce, recognized Garman’s dedication to diversity in construction early on. “Rozanne was different … when resources were offered to her, she would turn it around and say ‘I would like to pay it forward and please give that [opportunity] to another woman- or minorityowned firm instead’” she recalls. “Over the years, I have witnessed her passion and unwavering commitment to supporting the growth of diverse firms here in Washington as well as nationally.”

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The Port of Olympia is committed to serving as a model of environmental sustainability. Learn more about what your port is doing to restore and protect the environment for future generations at PortOlympia.com.

360.528.8000 Inquiries@PortOlympia.com PortOlympia.com 10 I

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

“Attitude, ability to work for the betterment of the overall team, and willingness to learn or try new things are critical in our industry. I don’t believe in having every person fit into the same box for a position. I think it is imperative as a leader to help our team further their careers, even if it might not be within our organization." -Kris Beason

She encourages others to take the plunge and join. “It’s not just about building a business,” says Garman, “it’s about building and giving back to the community. Starting or expanding a business can be incredibly challenging.

It requires grit, persistence, and having steadfast faith in your vision. Yet the rewards are just as great. My passion is being able to support other small business owners by sharing lessons learned, create connections and opportunities, provide mentorship and share resources.

To network and share this knowledge, RHD is a long-time partner with the Thurston Chamber. “The Chamber's commitment to bolstering small businesses through networking opportunities, educational forums, and enjoyable events aligns seamlessly with our vision,” says Garman. “We take pleasure in both sponsoring and attending gatherings like Foofaraw and A Night on the Town. The Thurston Chamber has truly been an instrumental partner in our growth and success.” Garman was also honored as Thurston County Boss of the Year in 2016.

To those considering the journey, Garman says, let's build not just businesses, but a brighter, more inclusive community together." And with the inclusion of CEO Kris Beason, RHD is well on the way. **Rozanne Garman currently serves as Board Chair for the South Puget Sound Community College Board of Trustees; appointed by Governor Inslee in 2020, Executive Committee Member of Thurston County Roundtable, Founder of the Equity Coalition and co-founder of Women of Color in Business Leadership Affinity Group and has previously served as the secretary for the Thurston County Economic Development Council, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of SW Washington Board Member, YWCA of Olympia, GridIron Backers OHS and Advisory Board Member of the Washington Center for Women in Business. thurstonchamber.com

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the drc is your

community resource Workplace Mediation

Group Facilitation Customized Training

The Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County provides a variety of online and in-person resources to help businesses and organizations prevent conflict, resolve conflict, and improve communication.

Contact us to explore how the DRC can serve your needs: (360) 956-1155 info@mediatethurston.org MediateThurston.org

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BITE ME CATERING:

Savoring Life's Flavors and Nurturing Communities

by Natasha Ashenhurst • Photo by Heather Harris, Elements Photography

Cher Hobbick, the driving force behind Bite Me Catering, is a culinary artist with a journey as inspiring as her creations. From her origins in Southern California to the heart of Olympia, Cher's story is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and community.

Cher's culinary odyssey began in Southern California, where she and her husband built a successful business.

After achieving a comfortable level of success, they sold the company and embarked on a new adventure, moving to Olympia. However, the stillness of retirement didn't suit Cher's vibrant spirit. It was during her time living near South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) that a new path appeared. She decided to enroll in SPSCC's Culinary Arts program, setting her on a path to becoming a chef.

Cher's journey through the two-year program was marked by inspiration from culinary luminaries. Her internship introduced her to Elise, who served as the executive chef at Chelsea Farm Oyster Bar (now the proud owner of Chicory), and Chef Joe, who earned his two Michelin stars while an executive chef in Ireland—now the proud owner of Bastard Pies at the new Tumwater Craft District. These experiences sparked her imagination and kindled her entrepreneurial spirit.

Following her time at Chelsea Farm Oyster Bar, Cher wanted to take her career in a new direction. Restaurant life, while rich in experience, was demanding. She yearned for a more flexible path. Fate intervened when Jocelyn from the Washington Center approached her to curate a Chef Dinner for an auction item. The response was overwhelming, with a winning bid of $4,000 for an intimate dinner prepared by Cher herself. This experience ignited the idea that would become Bite Me Catering. thurstonchamber.com

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PRESENTING PARTNER:

CHAMPION SPONSORS:

Attract Top Talent and Keep Your Employees Healthy and Productive with Thurston County Chamber’s Employee Benefits Program Whether you have two employees or 100, we offer affordable, high-quality benefits that meet the needs of growing companies.

In addition to insurance, we offer a wide range of services, resources, and savings, including virtual care, monthly wellness resources, cost savings on common office supplies, and up to 50% off on ORCA passes. We stay on top of changes in the small business health insurance market and advocate for changes that benefit small businesses.

To request a quote, Contact Karen at karen@northwestmarketingresources.com.

PARTNER SPONSORS:

COMMUNITY SPONSORS: • Artisans Group • Back Office Services • Bank Of The Pacific • Capitol Pump Resources

• Coho Team Windermere • Johnson, Stone, Pagano, P.S. • North Thurston Public Schools

• Obee Credit Union • South Puget Sound Community College • South Sound Solar • Twinstar Credit Union

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From there, Cher's catering journey unfolded organically. She continued collaborating with the Washington Center and various local nonprofits and businesses, forging a reputation for her delectable creations and impeccable service.

Cher's creative process is an odyssey of flavors and experiences. "My husband and I love to travel and try new food. We recently traveled to South East Asia.

We had beautiful food in Vietnam. That's where my inspiration comes from. I love food and love food experiences," said Cher. Inspiration springs from these food adventures, and Cher's love for creating exceptional dining experiences shines through in every dish she crafts.

When it comes to sourcing ingredients, Cher values sustainability. The Olympia Farmers Market is a treasure trove for seasonal produce, microgreens, and more. Cher tailors her selections to various budgets, ensuring her culinary creations remain accessible.

The challenges of the culinary industry are not lost on Cher. Starting a restaurant or catering business requires significant financial investment. Restaurants, especially brick-and-mortar establishments, demand substantial capital. Food trucks, while more cost-effective, still necessitate a sizeable upfront investment. Cher, however, chose the path of catering, a field offering a lower entry point in terms of startup costs, making it more attainable for small business owners with limited capital. Currently, Cher rents space in LocOly, a commercial kitchen space located at Capital Mall. "The health department mandates specific kitchen requirements, but LocOly offers flexible hourly rentals, including options for prep kitchens. Hope, the owner, has been exceptionally supportive throughout our journey," said Cher.

Cher's commitment to sustainability extends to her business practices. Bite Me Catering is a Certified Thurston Green Business, and their dedication to the reduce and reuse philosophy is evident in their silver services. Cher's team thoughtfully sources thurstonchamber.com

When it comes to sourcing ingredients, Cher values sustainability. The Olympia Farmers Market is a treasure trove for seasonal produce, microgreens, and more. Cher tailors her selections to various budgets, ensuring her culinary creations remain accessible. Photos by Shanna Paxton Photography.

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360.456.4999

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Cher and her team have acquired the vacant Providence building downtown. Plans for a food court, a kitchen, and even a grocery store, called Altitude 15, are in the works. Currently, in the demo phase, they anticipate the grand opening, at its best, in the summer of 2024. Photos by Heather Harris, Elements Photography. platters and plates from estate sales and auctions, contributing to eco-friendly, waste-conscious events. For intimate gatherings of 20 or fewer, disposable options are off the menu, reinforcing their commitment to environmentally responsible practices.

But Cher's passion isn't confined to her kitchen. She fervently advocates for Olympia and its burgeoning community of local businesses. In recent years, the city's transformation into a hub for locally-owned enterprises has fueled her determination. The unity between the arts and commerce is not just an abstract concept; it's a tangible force shaping the city's vibrancy. Cher's role in this transformative journey is a source of immense pride.

The future holds more exciting developments for Bite Me Catering. Cher and her team have their sights set on the vacant Providence building downtown, which thurstonchamber.com

they've acquired. Plans for a food court, a kitchen, and even a grocery store, called Altitude 15, are in the works. Currently, in the demo phase, they anticipate the grand opening, at its best, in the summer of 2024.

Their culinary adventure continues to evolve and captivate the community.

"Olympia is our home, and we cherish our role in this vibrant community," said Cher. "We're passionate about fostering an environment where local businesses can thrive. Over the past few years, Olympia has transformed into a downtown hub filled with locally-owned enterprises. The unity we've discovered within the community, bridging the arts and commerce, is palpable and immensely valuable.

We're weaving a rich fabric of entrepreneurship, and the renewed vitality in the air is contagious. Being a part of this journey and nurturing this growth is incredible."

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Meet Josh Deck, CEO and Head OlyFedder at Olympia Federal Savings

by Kathryn Millhorn Photos by Shanna Paxton Photography

Olympia Federal Savings, OlyFed to its friends, first opened their doors in 1906.

Over the next 117 years, they’ve grown, evolved, expanded, and worked tirelessly to meet the needs of clients across Western Washington. Amazingly, in those twelve decades, they’ve only had eight presidents, including Josh Deck who took the reins in 2022. With many years of service under his belt, he’s excited to see what the future holds, personally, professionally, and for this bedrock institution.

Deck started as President and CEO on July 1, 2022, but was hired as the bank’s Vice President of Risk and Compliance 11 years earlier. His time in the industry didn’t start there. “Prior to working at OlyFed I worked as a Bank Examiner for the Department of Treasury within an agency called the Office of Thrift Supervision,” Deck explains. “My job was to travel around the country to perform examinations at banks like OlyFed.” But life on the road is tough for a new family so he decided to shift gears. “As a local to the Tacoma area graduating from Franklin Pierce High School, I knew I wanted to set down roots somewhere in the South Sound that would feel like home,” says Deck. He’d interacted with OlyFed during his time as an Examiner and “saw that everything they do is what makes a great bank. I am truly inspired by OlyFed’s rich history of building and supporting the economic, social, and cultural infrastructure of our community and how deeply we care for our customers and employees. It’s really a special place to work and do business and that was evident to me from day one.”

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"It’s our work with the Chamber that’s allowed us to grow right along with our community decade after decade.”

A baseball player through college, Deck now coaches his sons’ baseball and basketball teams. This teamwork mentality influences his leadership skills in a very simple way: work for the greater good of the entire team by helping everyone reach their full potential. He welcomes questions and suggestions from his entire staff and maintains a focus “on helping our team build character and competency because they are the foundation of trust, which is at the core of everything we do in banking.”

To build these relationships, the bank encourages its employees to volunteer and serve on the boards for local charities, groups, teams, and clubs. Currently OlyFedders are on the boards of more than 30 organizations, donate more than 1,000 hours of community service annually, and the bank invests over 10% of profits back into local nonprofits.

OlyFed participates in or sponsors many events and activities through the Thurston County Chamber. They Trust is also key to OlyFed’s reach within the community. sponsor Math for Life to promote financial literacy in “Doing business in Thurston County is relationship based,” schools and take part in the Chamber’s Gala which Deck explains, “and it’s critical that people know you, trust funds programs like Leadership Thurston County. you, and like you. As our community continues to grow and OlyFed employees are also involved in Thurston Young gets more diverse, we are focused on sharing additional Professionals, South Sound BIPOC, Business After Hours, details about our unique mutual structure, which makes us and morning mixers. “There is huge value in what the accountable to our customers, not shareholders. Since we Chamber provides in terms of networking, advocacy, were designed from the ground up to put people above and professional development,” says Deck. “As one of the bottom line, we know our future rests in genuine, the oldest businesses in Olympia, we’ve had a working authentic, and transparent customer care and support.” relationship with the Chamber that dates back 100 years. thurstonchamber.com

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“We know that 90% of businesses in Thurston County have less than 20 employees, so supporting local institutions of commerce is critical to a thriving and healthy economy."

It’s our work with the Chamber that’s allowed us to grow right along with our community decade after decade.”

They also foster economic growth in many ways. The Affordable Homebuyer program helps families earning less than 80% of median income in Thurston and Mason counties purchase a home. Community Checking connects the un- and under-banked with financial resources, tools, and support.

Financial education and homebuyer classes are offered monthly to anyone wishing to know more.

For entrepreneurs, the business banking team helps companies start, build, and grow. “We know that 90% of businesses in Thurston County have less than 20 employees, so supporting local institutions of commerce is critical to a thriving and healthy economy,” says Deck. “We also know that 73% of Thurston County residents live and work in the 20 I

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county, which means the fact we are a portfolio lender—we don’t sell our loans because they are our long-term investment strategy—ensures both our tax and philanthropic dollars stay local supporting critical infrastructures like parks, roads, schools, and critical social, health and emergency services.”

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

At the end of the day, Josh Deck and the OlyFed family understand that everyone benefits when we work together. If you’re looking for a banking partner, check out www.OlyFed.com and they’ll help build your today, tomorrow, and financial legacy into the future. thurstonchamber.com

EVENTS

Colonel Kent Park, JBLM Garrison Commander to Keynote November Forum

The Thurston County Chamber is thrilled to announce Colonel Kent Park, Garrison Commander of Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), as the keynote speaker for its highly anticipated November Forum. The event will take place on November 15, 2023, at the Norman Worthington Center at Saint Martin's University.

Colonel Kent Park's keynote address promises to provide attendees with invaluable insights into the vital roles of major commanders on the JBLM base, the strategic significance of JBLM, ongoing challenges faced by JBLM and the Services, and their potential impact on the surrounding communities. Additionally, Colonel Park will offer a comprehensive overview of issues and policies affecting the housing and education systems within the military community. Colonel Kent Park's remarkable career includes his current role as Garrison Commander of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, where he oversees mission-critical support and services for over 290,000 individuals across 414,000 acres. His responsibilities encompass installation management, facility maintenance and construction, environmental protection, housing, emergency management, communication systems, security and law enforcement, fire protection, dining, lodging, recreational services, human resources management, supply, and vehicle fleet management.

A distinguished military officer, Colonel Park is a 1999 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, where he was commissioned as an infantry officer. Born in Seoul, South Korea, Colonel Park and his family immigrated to the United States when he was eight years old, and he spent most of his formative years in Houston, Texas. During his impressive 24-year military career, Colonel Park has served in a wide range of overseas and deployment roles, including Republic of Korea, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Inherent Resolve. Colonel Park holds a Bachelor of Science in International Relations from the United States Military Academy, a Master in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and a Master in National Security Studies from the U.S. Army War College.

Mark your calendars for November 15, 2023, and join us at the Norman Worthington Center at Saint Martin's University. For more information and ticket details, visit ThurstonChamber.com. November Forum is sponsored

by Veterans Security Operations, North Thurston Education Foundation and PestStop.

thurstonchamber.com

Thank You Sponsors

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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.

Wells Fargo Community Bank

Washington Business Bank

TwinStar Credit Union

South Sound Behavioral Hospital

Saint Martin's University

Puget Sound Energy

Providence Swedish

Port of Olympia

Window Genie

Venables Pest Management

Timberland Bank

ULINE Shipping Supply Specialists

T-Mobile

TAGS Awards & Specialties

Nicholson & Associates Insurance

The Olympia Furniture & Sleep Company Olympia Orthopaedic Associates

Michael White Agency – Farmers Insurance

Olympic Sotheby's International Realty Hometown Property Management, Inc.

Great Wolf Lodge

GHB Insurance, Inc.

Express Employment Professionals

Edward Jones – Dirk Farrar, Financial Advisor

The Creative Office

PacificSource Health Plans

The Evergreen State College

Cap City Law, PS

Umpqua Bank

Lucky Eagle Casino and Hotel

AAA Washington Chicago Title

Apella Wealth Cash Oasis/Media Drive Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, PLLC Fieldstone Communities Little Creek Casino & Resort Morningside MultiCare Capital Medical Center Olympia Federal Savings Olympic Rental & Landlord Services SCJ Alliance South Puget Sound Community College The Rants Group truit Veteran Security Operations

FORMA Construction Company

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