September 2023 VOICE Magazine

Thurston County Auditor’s Office chose a design by Bryan Ketola as the official “I Voted” sticker for 2023 Elections. Learn more

THIERRY RAUTUREAU

SAINT MARTIN’S UNIVERSITY GALA 2023

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4

Join us for the Saint Martin’s Gala as we host three special guests: Chefs Tom Douglas, Thierry Rautureau, also known as The Chef in The Hat™, and Italian butcher Dario Cecchini.

Guests will immerse themselves in a glamorous ‘dining-in-the-woods’ ambiance as they savor the unique styles and flavors of our celebrity culinary guests. Enjoy cooking demos, live auction, and a paddle raise all benefiting student scholarships.

Learn more about this year’s event details and peruse the unique and exquisite live auction items by visiting, www.stmartin.edu/Gala or call 360-438-4366.

TOM DOUGLAS

DARIO CECCHINI

September 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, Indian Summer Golf & Country Club at 5900 Troon Ln SE, Olympia, WA 98501 on Thursday, September 7 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 Harborstone Credit Union at 1445 Galaxy Dr NE, Lacey, WA 98516 on Thursday, September 21 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.

Join the Thurston Chamber on Wednesday, September 13 at 11:15 a.m., at the Norman Worthington Center at Saint Martin's University at 5000 Abbey Way SE, Lacey, WA 98503, for its Candidates Reception & Meet the Candidates September Forum. Don't miss this celebration of politics, policy and people! The event will feature four races with regional significance – Thurston County and Port Commissioner races in both District No. 4 and District No. 5. Doug Mah, Director of Thurston Chamber’s Public Policy team, will moderate the discussion. Candidates are encouraged to arrive early and stay late for as much one-on-one conversation with Chamber members as possible. Thank you to our Forum Sponsors Ameresco, Morningside and Hometown Property Management.

Thank You Sponsors!

In This Issue...

Thurston County

Voter's Guide p. 7

Candidates running in races for Thurston County and Port Commissioner positions, and several City Council positions answer two questions about the local economy and their priorities, if elected.

What to Expect with More Elected

Commissioners p. 18

We asked County Manager Ramiro Chavez to share his perspective on the impact of the recent increase to five commissioners.

The Rants Group

Turns 50! p. 20

For 50 years, The Rants Group has been Thurston County's most experienced commercial real estate firm. They share a firm belief in building relationships and prioritizing community involvement.

Caught in the Lens p. 22

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

Be Heard! Your Vote Is Your Voice!

The Thurston County Chamber encourages all community members to engage in public policy, get to know the candidates and vote.

The 2023 election is unique. For the first time, all voters in Thurston County will elect people for four offices that did not exist a year ago. Over the last several years, the Thurston Chamber actively supported the addition of two new County and Port Commission districts. We were successful. Beginning in 2024, the Port of Olympia and Thurston County will be governed by five-member elected commissions.

Increasing the number of districts and commissioners will provide better and more equal representation for a growing and diverse population and regional interests. Ultimately, greater representation will form a public policy process where

all sides of complex issues are heard. We expect better and balanced decisions from greater representation.

Please take time to study our Voters’ Guide. This year we have numerous local elections on the ballot. Contested races are found in the Port and County Commission and city council races in Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, and Yelm. The short answers to our questions will help you better understand each candidate’s priorities and how they measure success. This information should help you decide if a candidate will accurately represent you and your interests when you vote in November.

Move forward Wi th Journey Checkin g

*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.

Welcome to the Thurston County Chamber's 2023 Voters’ Guide. This year, we asked candidates running in contested races for County, Port, and city council races in Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, and Yelm to answer two questions to help you determine which candidates to vote for.

THURSTON COUNTY

Voter’s Guide

Each elected office here plays an important role in the economic health and vibrancy of our communities. Some, like Port Commissioners, have a direct legal mandate to support economic development activities. Others, like County Commissioners, must consider the health and safety rules and regulations that businesses operate within. And all, including City Councilmembers, must consider what it takes to support and sustain a thriving business environment.

We hope that their short answers give you a better idea about their priorities and how they measure success. We want to thank each candidate for taking the time to submit responses and considering the needs of the business community. Read on and remember to Vote in November!

QUESTIONS:

1. What are your top three economic priorities and why?

2. What is the ultimate measure of economic success for the community and why?

Wayne Fournier

4 Unexpired, One Year Term

1. What are your top three economic priorities and why?

We need to reduce the cost of living, more jobs training, and less unnecessary burdens on job creators. Workers and small businesses alike constantly face difficulties navigating the current economy. Our government priority should be easing economic burdens and roadblocks, not creating them.

We need an economy that works for all… one that matches the cultural values and community vision of Thurston County. High-wage jobs for thriving families. A resilient and intact local food supply chain. Systems that support and develop local talent and strengths. Affordable housing for everyone.

2. What is the ultimate measure of economic success for the community and why?

Economic success can be measured by standard of living, purchasing power, and reasonable cost for vital goods and services like housing, energy, food, transportation, and medical care. A stable economy needs an educated workforce with safe public spaces to do business and obtain education.

Traditional economic metrics are insufficient. We need to measure housing affordability, wage/business growth, and key economic sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing. We need to know if our families are earning a living wage, have roofs over their heads, food to eat, and affordable healthcare.

Thurston County Commissioner, District

Vivian Eason

Thurston County Commissioner, District 5 Unexpired, Three Year Term

1. What are your top three economic priorities and why?

Terry S. Ballard

1. Affordable housing

2. Reduce cost of living from government impacts

3. Create level table business opportunities for both private and tribal sectors

2. What is the ultimate measure of economic success for the community and why?

A community that’s clean, healthy, affordable to live, work, play, have educational opportunities, religious freedom, and safe for all members to live. Why? Because that is the fundamental basics of a free society. Without economic success, the people suffer and are deprived of human rights.

Supporting the local economy by encouraging central business districts throughout the county, supporting organized labor and a just wage for all workers, and encouraging economic/social opportunities that provide paths towards new industry and growth.

One measure of community success is continued economic growth, justly compensated labor, and new industries. Our businesses need well paid labor to have local investment while labor needs economic diversity. I will work to find sustainable, equitable and scalable economic development solutions for all.

Bill McGregor Jasmine Vasavada

Four Year Term

Port Commission, District 1 Regular,

1. What are your top three economic priorities and why?

1. Implement the community-driven Destination Waterfront Plan. 2. Expand development of FAA land outside airport fence line. 3. Enhance collaboration with Cities, County and local Chamber of Commerces, forging valuable partnerships in Thurston County. Why? All efforts aim to drive Economic Development, Job Creation, and Tourism.

2. What is the ultimate measure of economic success for the community and why?

A robust and inclusive economy with lower inflation and a dedicated pursuit of job opportunities for every citizen, while actively encouraging local investment to bolster the local economy. The Thurston Economic Development EVI study tracks our progress, reflecting our commitment to growth, equity, and success.

Leverage the Port’s capital assets to create, retain, and attract living wage jobs; Return derelict property to productive use, stimulating private investment and increasing property values; Build publicprivate partnerships to connect businesses to workforce, financing and critical infrastructure, such as high-speed internet. The ability of each individual to access meaningful work that pays a living wage is the measure of economic success of a community, because families can only thrive after meeting their needs for food, housing, transportation, education, child care, and health care.

Emily Clouse

Port Commission, District 4

Regular, Two or Four Year Term

1. What are your top three economic priorities and why?

Rose Chiu Gundersen Maggie Sanders

Promote workforce training with partners to generate high-paying living-wage jobs; Collaborate to support the growth of our region’s small farms and agri-tourism to create healthy food sourcing and tourism; Provide waterfront recreation opportunities by adding attractions, increasing accessibility, and maintaining a clean and safe environment.

Diversifying the Economy of the Port with innovative technologies and strategies as a catalyst into the 21st century. Supporting our local economy through agriculture, broadband, solar and wind energy, creating living wage jobs and increasing workforce development enhancing local businesses and attracting new business opportunities.

2. What is the ultimate measure of economic success for the community and why?

Our community is the destination that attracts diverse employers paying living-wage/union jobs because of a well-trained workforce. Residents and visitors enjoy our waterfront amenities, agri-tourism, and food sourcing from local farms. The Port successfully collaborates with partners to address critical challenges and growing opportunities.

Jobs and wages are the best measure of local economic prosperity. Local market establishments provide an important function in community economies. Attracting new industrial firms, retaining existing businesses, entrepreneurship and small business development are key features of any economy by complementing the resources.

Port Commission, District

5

Regular, Two or Four Year Term

1. What are your top three economic priorities and why?

Troy Kirby

Sarah Tonge

2. What is the ultimate measure of economic success for the community and why?

Save union, living wage jobs. Change over the toxic employee culture which has been developing for decades. Provide taxpayer accountability and operational oversight. Thurston County’s economic value must also be inline with its other values, such as promoting and expanding living wage jobs in our community. That is the ultimate measure of success for the Port and County residents as a whole.

Prioritize balancing The Port of Olympia's budget to yield greater returns and enhance accountability for taxpayer investments. Promote the growth of living wage jobs to enrich community well-being. Drive port revenue revival by embracing renewable technology to ensure a sustainable and thriving future for all. True economic success is when each person, even the most disadvantaged, lives comfortably with essential services. This involves ensuring fair economic opportunities and climate readiness for a resilient planet. Everyone deserves a healthy future, regardless of economic status.

City of Lacey Position 2

Regular, Four Year Term

1. What are your top three economic priorities and why?

Lenny Greenstein Spencer Zeman

My top 3 economic priorities are: keeping taxes low through responsible budgeting, growing the tax base not the tax rate by attracting businesses to Lacey, and working with the Nisqually Tribe to develop the property they own along I5 between Marvin Rd and Carpenter Rd.

2. What is the ultimate measure of economic success for the community and why?

City of Lacey Position 3

Regular, Four Year Term

1. What are your top three economic priorities and why?

Economic success in Lacey means residents having living wage jobs and also being able to spend their discretionary dollars here in Lacey. Additionally, having businesses and events in Lacey that bring people from elsewhere to spend their dollars in our community.

Simplify startup requirements and processes for small and micro businesses. Provide tax incentives and/or relief for small and micro businesses earning under 500k a year in revenue. Complete development of Neighborhood Commercial Districts to allow for businesses to be in proximity to communities.

Quality of life for Lacey residents is my benchmark! In 4 years has the AMI (Area Median Income) increased above inflation, is home ownership on the rise in Lacey, has our capital improvement schedule increased access to quality childcare, are health outcomes improving?

Nicolas Dunning Ed Kunkel

As a small business owner my focus is on creating new small businesses opportunities with an emphasis on veteran and minority communities, balancing new growth with community restoration, and emphasizing projects that can drive new tax revenue into our community.

2. What is the ultimate measure of economic success for the community and why?

We need a community that creates a Live, Eat, and Play environment. We should focus on a mix of new family based activities, young adult entertainment, and community areas. By doing this we will build a platform for current businesses to succeed and drive new ones to our great city.

Parks, Business District, and annexation. The upcoming Greg Cuoio Park will further elevate tourism beyond what the RAC accomplishes. The NE Lacey commercial district has upcoming ventures that will bolster the local economy. Extending Lacey's infrastructure to the UGA through annexation fosters lasting commercial expansion. The ultimate measure of economic success for Lacey lies in a thriving local economy that sustains diverse businesses, provides quality jobs, and enhances residents' well-being. This fosters a strong sense of community, ensures a high quality of life, and enables sustainable growth for the long term.

City of Olympia Mayor

Regular, Four Year Term

1. What are your top three economic priorities and why?

As Mayor, I want to continue the work we’re doing to develop an economic resiliency and opportunity plan that will assist the City Council with adopting solutions for low-income earners, bring more jobs to the city, promote tourism, support existing business, and welcome startups.

2. What is the ultimate measure of economic success for the community and why?

City of Tumwater Position 3

Regular, Four Year Term

To determine the economic success of our local economy, it should be measured by monitoring Olympia’s median household income and our unemployment rate. It’s critical that we increase access to jobs and educational opportunities to ensure long term financial stability for our residents.

Make our downtown safe, walkable, and clean. Support small business owners and small building owners. Diversify our economy. If we do that, people, businesses and entrepreneurs will revitalize our urban core, reducing suburban sprawl and infrastructure costs, while creating jobs and civic pride.

If our young people decide to make Olympia their home, starting careers, businesses, and families here, it means we've built a successful economy, that is equitable, with opportunities for all. We'll have built something more important: a multi-generational community, with strong bonds, loyalty, and traditions.

1. What are your top three economic priorities and why? No submission as of deadline.

2. What is the ultimate measure of economic success for the community and why?

No submission as of deadline.

Affordable housing (building and rehabbing) so as to keep families/seniors in their homes. Keeping our development goals, building codes and zoning requirements in line with our commitment to a healthy sustainable environment. Maintain and support the growth of our expanding small business community. Tumwater’s economic success is its commitment to a livable, diverse and inclusive community that keeps her promises to families/seniors that their needs for services and affordable housing remain a priority. Continued economic success will include new businesses with well paying jobs and benefits.

David Ross Dontae Payne

City of Tumwater Position 7

Regular, Four Year Term

1. What are your top three economic priorities and why?

1.Keeping our communities safe protects our residents and provides an environment conducive to business. 2.Implementation of Tumwater's Habitat Conservation Plan will allow for housing and business development to proceed. 3.Participate and develop partnerships within the business community & area chambers in order to share innovative ideas and collaborate for sustainable growth.

2. What is the ultimate measure of economic success for the community and why?

City

When Tumwater becomes a destination for goods and services from surrounding communities, and people can live where they work, that will be the ultimate measure of economic success.

My top three economic priorities are to empower entrepreneurs, boost local shopping and nurture new ventures like Tumwater's Craft District, which will strengthen community bonds and fuel economic growth.

Economic success means the city has a balanced budget, thriving businesses and an engaged and inclusive community. It's about growth with heart, better lives and a close-knit, vibrant community.

of

Yelm Position 1

Regular, Four Year Term

1. What are your top three economic priorities and why?

Stephanie Kangiser Tracey Wood

I want to bring Council and Community closer together. I want to help community members understand the voice and value they have in local government, provide clean streets and attractive business amenities to bring others to our area and intentionally support our growing community.

2. What is the ultimate measure of economic success for the community and why?

I believe community member involvement brings the economic advancement we need to help our community grow with ratios of housing and business development and the support we give locally. The more we keep our local dollars local, the more successful our community becomes.

City of Yelm

Position 2

Short & Full, Four Year Term

1. What are your top three economic priorities and why?

Joseph Dale Richardson

Jerry Toompas

My economic priorities will be to support our local businesses by encouraging engagement with city events and activities, adjusting zoning as appropriate to encourage new development, and to increase tourism by partnering with local organizations and increasing the number of city events.

2. What is the ultimate measure of economic success for the community and why?

City of Yelm

Position 6

Short & Full, Four Year Term

1. What are your top three economic priorities and why?

Ashley Lea Brooks

In Yelm, nearly half our households are made up of families, which is about 20% more than our Thurston County average. Economic success for Yelm is providing our families with affordable housing and services, many activities and resources, and a quality educational system.

Trevor Palmer

Budgets reflect the priorities and needs of community interests by promoting stakeholder participation. Revenue forecasts shouldn’t be inflated for proprietary funds. Directors should practically apply and evaluate fiscal policy. Safeguard public funds for emergency management. Use a reasonable operating budget while preparing for worse-case scenarios.

2. What is the ultimate measure of economic success for the community and why?

Innovative solutions were implemented using strategic benchmarks and goals. The transformation would increase service delivery while minimizing financial impacts. Proving equitable for all after analysis. Including median income residents, communities of color, immigrants and others at risk of being financially destitute.

More Elected Commissioners WHAT TO EXPECT WITH

by Doug Mah, Doug Mah & Associates, Thurston Chamber Public Policy Director

One of the changes on this year’s ballot are the elections for two newly created County and Port Commissioner districts. Readers will recall that last year, the Chamber highlighted the importance of expanding the two elected bodies to five members. Beginning in 2024, the Port of Olympia and Thurston County will be governed by five commissioners. In this issue, we asked current County Manager Ramiro Chavez to share his perspective on the impact of going to five commissioners.

VOICE: How will expanding the number of commissioners from three to five effect county services?

COUNTY MANAGER RAMIRO

CHAVEZ (RC): “The inclusion of two additional Commissioners is unlikely to directly impact county services. Nevertheless, the new Board of County Commissioners anticipates a more efficient decision-making process, allowing two Commissioners to converse without forming a quorum, thus enhancing flexibility.”

VOICE: What changes are the current commissioners making to accommodate the two new commissioners in 2024?

RC: “We're currently identifying Ordinances and Resolutions mentioning three Commissioners to update them for a five-

Commissioner structure. Evaluating citizen appointments and Board composition accordingly. New Board's Operating Guidelines are also in development. Targeting completion by December 2023.”

VOICE: Where will constituents see the biggest difference with a larger commission?

RC: “Currently, three Commissioners cover districts with roughly 100,000 residents and expansive areas. With the new Board, each of the five Commissioners will serve around 60,000 residents within more compact areas, fostering increased involvement in district affairs. This shift promises a beneficial outcome for County residents, as Commissioners can better engage in local issues. Ultimately, the new Board structure ensures enhanced

representation throughout the entire county.”

VOICE: Do you have any other comments you’d like to share on expanding the commission?

RC: “Anticipating collaboration with the new Board, I'm eager to contribute to the bright prospects that lie ahead for Thurston County.”

The Chamber’s Public Policy Division agrees with County Manager Chavez: Going from three to five commissioners at the County and Port will provide better representation and enable a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our communities. We look forward to greater efficiency and decision making where all sides of complex issues are heard.

Meet the Candidates!

Wednesday September 13 • 11:15 am

Join the Thurston Chamber on Wednesday, Sept. 13 at 11:15 am at the Norman Worthington Center for a Candidates Reception & Meet the Candidates Forum. Don't miss this celebration of politics, 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 one-on-one conversation with Chamber members as possible.

What: Candidates Reception & Meet the Candidates Forum

When: Wednesday, September 13 at 11:15 am.

Where: Norman Worthington Center at Saint Martin's University, 5300 Pacific Ave SE, Lacey, WA 98503 For tickets and more information, visit ThurstonChamber.com

Future of Work Summit

OCTOBER 24, 2023

8AM-3PM

This event will feature four races: Thurston County Commissioner, District No. 4

• Vivian Eason Wayne Fournier

Thurston County Commissioner, District No. 5

• Terry Ballard

• Emily Clouse

Port Commissioner, District No. 4

• Rose Chiu Gundersen

• Maggie Sanders

Port Commissioner, District No. 5

Troy Kirby

• Sarah Tonge

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 24!

Successful businesses need a skilled workforce, yet low unemployment means savvy business owners must find new ways to find employees. Meanwhile, we are witnessing a seismic shift in talent cultivation and acquisition strategies, demanding an equally bold transformation in organizational approaches. Step into a realm of innovation forged by collaborative efforts between business visionaries, educational pioneers, and workforce development champions across a five-county region at the Future of Work Summit on October 24, 2023, at Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound. This event features networking, workshops, panels, and a keynote by Donny Jones, EVP and Chief Workforce Officer for the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, and Executive Director for West AlabamaWorks! The event will include networking, breakout workshops, panel discussions and lunch.

The Future of Work Summit promises to be an unparalleled opportunity for attendees to gain valuable insights, engage in meaningful discussions, and establish connections that will shape the future of workforce development in the region.

Thank you to our education and business development community partners in Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific and Thurston counties in growing the Future of Work Summit. For more information and to register for the summit, please visit ThurstonChamber.com

AT THE SUMMIT, ATTENDEES 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

Scan QR Code to Register:

Celebrating 50 Years with The Rants Group 50

A strong community is built on its bedrock businesses. But for a business to thrive, it needs the perfect location. Retail or sales require a storefront celebrating their goods and services. Other companies need to be centrally located for employees, customers, shipping, and technology resources. For 50 years, The Rants Group has been Thurston County’s most experienced commercial real estate firm for good reason. They believe in staying local, building relationships, thinking long term, and prioritizing community involvement.

The Rants Group offers commercial and residential rental, management, and brokerage services. Started by Ron Rants in 1973 as Evergreen-Olympic Properties, it now includes two other members of the Rants family as well as a cadre of professionals, brokers, and staff and has the greatest number of commercially specialized brokers in Thurston County.

Pat Rants, President and CEO, and Ron’s son, says that many things have changed over the years. They’ve gone from typewriters to computers, handwritten and carbon-copied contracts to a simple email, and higher client expectations. But, he says, The Rants Group is growing, thriving, and riding out some crazy property market cycles with ease.

“People are concerned about commercial real estate,” says Pat, “especially regarding vacant building space, high interest rates, and the prevalence of remote work. And some of that is true in bigger cities but for the most part it hasn’t impacted Thurston County. Our private sector is growing and expanding, we’re leasing to new tenants, and overall occupancy is really good. It’s definitely better than what we see in the media.”

Danielle Rants is Vice President, Commercial Leasing and Sales Broker, and Property Manager. She agrees that “the structural landscape of Thurston County would look much different without The Rants Group’s contributions. From their investments in and promotions of

commercial properties like The Market Place Building and Market Centre near the Farmer’s Market, to leadership roles in volunteer efforts to secure buildings for non-profits like Community Youth Services and the Boys and Girls Club, the impact has been great.”

One of Ron’s favorite quotes is “You don’t have to know everything to know enough.” And he certainly knows plenty. His oneman property management company later bought out their partners, a real estate firm, and began developing sites for investors.

“One of my bankers said I was insane to do this building,” said Ron about the Market Place building in Olympia’s Port District. “He said I’d never get the rents I needed

to support. But I know the market and went elsewhere for my financing.” And as anyone who visits downtown can clearly see, that knowledge was well-founded. “It was a great investment,” says Ron, “We’re doing better than projected. We stay in the Thurston County market because we know the Thurston County Market.”

But his favorite part of the job is dealing with people, putting investments together, and marketing the property. Decades ago, this was harder but today The Rants Group knowledge base and reputation is huge, with people valuing their expertise and intellectual capital. “The more people you know, the easier it is to do,” says Ron.

From offices to apartments, The Rants Group then pivoted into mainly commercial work. To date they have retained tenants that include Fortune 500 companies, federal and state agencies,

and all types of private businesses. But always with a heart for the community. In their next half-century, the team hopes to focus on more projects which support families, whether directly or through charitable giving and volunteerism.

Danielle Rants joined the team 10 years ago, is growing into company management, and will someday take over for Patrick. “Eventually,” they both laughingly clarify, when the time is right. She has especially enjoyed working with local civic groups. She was involved in running the Thurston Young Professionals (TYP) group at the Thurston Chamber of Commerce and loves the opportunity to network and meet ongoing and potential new clients…some of whom were fellow TYP colleagues alongside her. She’s also excited to see new companies moving into our region as well as watching established local businesses expand and grow.

Client testimonials truly provide insight into a company’s success. And with The Rants Group, they’re as glowing as their reputation. Says one customer “Being your own property manager is akin to being your own lawyer: not a good idea. After having learned that lesson, I contacted The Rants Group to see what they might do for me…[Pat’s] guidance has been consistently solid, useful, and successfully implemented. I unhesitatingly recommend the Rants Group as a property manager.”

To celebrate their 50th anniversary, The Rants Group will be hosting an in-house celebration for staff and clients. Let the legacy of your business rely on the skill and professional expertise of their half-century in Thurston County. You can reach The Rants Group at www.rantsgroup.com or by calling 360.943.8060. Because when our community succeeds, everyone wins.

Photography by Shanna Paxton Photography.

"We stay in the Thurston County market because we know the Thurston County Market.” – RON RANTS

Caught in the Lens

Forum Photos by Shanna Paxton Photography.

PO BOX 1427 Olympia, WA 98507-1427

SILVER

AAA Washington Cap City

Law, PS Edward Jones –Dirk Farrar, Financial Advisor Express Employment Professionals Olympic Sotheby's International Realty

Michael White Agency –Farmers Insurance

Thank You CommunityInvestors

GOLD Chicago Title Umpqua Bank The Creative Office The Evergreen State College

GHB Insurance, Inc. Great Wolf Lodge

Nicholson & Associates Insurance

Hometown Property Management, Inc. The Olympia Furniture & Sleep Company

TAGS Awards & Specialties

T-Mobile ULINE Shipping Supply Specialists

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.

PLATINUM

Olympia Orthopaedic Associates

Timberland Bank Venables Pest Management Window Genie

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

DIAMOND

FORMA Construction Company

Lucky Eagle Casino and Hotel

PacificSource Health Plans

Port of Olympia Providence Swedish Puget Sound Energy

Saint Martin's University

South Sound Behavioral Hospital

TwinStar Credit Union Washington Business Bank

Wells Fargo Community Bank