Watson's: From Backyard Blossoms to South Sound Staple
Cybersecurity Wake-Up Call for Small Businesses
Celebrating Local Leaders at LTC Graduation
Shared Legislative Wins Make Way for Real Regional Impact
PUBLISHER
Thurston County Chamber of Commerce
EDITORIAL
David Schaffert
360-357-3362
dschaffert@thurstonchamber.com
CONTRIBUTORS
David Schaffert
Natasha Ashenhurst
Doug Mah
ADVERTISING
Sales & Marketing:
Krystal Barkus-Franco
Elizabeth Bretschneider
Ashley Chandler
Shelbi Boyd
SUBSCRIPTIONS
360-357-3362
info@thurstonchamber.com
DESIGN
Ben Hawkes
Mosaic Marketing Studio
COVER
Watson's Greenhouse & Nursery. Photo by Natasha Ashenhurst.
PRINTING Print NW
CONTACT THE CHAMBER
809 Legion Way SE Olympia, WA 98507
360-357-3362
info@thurstonchamber.com thurstonchamber.com
In This Issue: Growth, Grit and Green Investments
In this month’s VOICE, we dig into big wins and bold steps across Thurston County.
From Backyard Blooms to South Sound Staple
Watson’s Greenhouse and Nursery has officially put down roots in Olympia. We explore how this family-run business transformed from a backyard veggie patch into a home and garden destination—with its third retail location now open in the former Bark & Garden space.
Cybersecurity Wake-Up Call for Small Biz
Think you're too small to be hacked? Think again. Local IT experts break down the latest cyber threats and how small businesses can protect their people, data, and bottom line—especially in an age of AI-generated phishing scams.
Celebrating Local Leaders
Leadership Thurston County’s Class of 2025 is graduating! These changemakers spent the past 10 months learning from regional leaders, exploring key issues, and growing their civic engagement chops. Join us on June 11 to celebrate their accomplishments and the community behind them.
Shared Legislative Wins = Real Regional Impact
Thanks to the work of our Thurston Shared Legislative Partners and elected delegation, six out of seven top regional priorities were funded in the 2025 session. From estuary restoration to housing and transportation, millions in state investment will benefit our economy, environment, and communities for years to come.
THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER
“ OLYFED BANKERS HAVE THE BEST ATTITUDE, FRIENDLIEST SERVICE AND ALWAYS
INTERIOR DIMENSIONS, OLYMPIA
I CEO Diane Gassman (right), Designer Emma Gomez
D iane Gassman, Founder and CEO of Interior Dimensions, a full-service interior design firm has been proudly banking with OlyFed for more than a decade. Diane met a long-time OlyFed banker at an Olympia Master Builder’s meeting and was thoroughly impressed with her professionalism and kind heart.
Soon thereafter, Diane made the switch to OlyFed where she says they always work together to help with her deposits, ACH transfers and digital banking needs. “Their bankers have the best attitude and friendliest service, “Diane said. We love how they’ve helped us grow and support the community.”
It’s OlyFed’s caring approach that showed Diane the bank truly puts real relationships above the bottom line.
(left)
June 2025
Visit thurstonchamber.com/events or scan the QR code for more info about all upcoming Thurston Chamber events.
After Hours
Join our host, Olympia Country & Golf Club at 3636 Country Club Dr. Olympia, WA 98502 on Thursday, June 5 at 5:30 p.m. for a special Thurston Young Professionals 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 KGY Media Group.
Join our Business After Hours host REMAX Northwest at 3009 Pacific Ave SE, #200, Olympia, WA 98501 on Thursday, June 26 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
Join the Chamber on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 11:15 a.m., at Saint Martin’s University’s Norman Worthington Center at 5300 Pacific Ave SE, Lacey, WA 98503 for a ceremony honoring Leadership Thurston County's 31st graduating class. Visit thurstonchamber.com/events for more information. Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Olympic Rental & Landlord Services.
IN THIS ISSUE
Small Business, Big Cyber Threats p. 7
Local IT pros share how small businesses can protect themselves from today’s AI-driven cybersecurity risks.
Watson's Grows in Olympia p. 10
Watson’s Greenhouse and Nursery opens its third location—transforming from a family veggie patch to a home and garden hub.
Legislative Wins for Thurston County p. 13
Six out of seven top priorities funded in 2025—bringing millions to our region for housing, the environment, homelessness and more.
Congratulations LTC Class of 2025! p. 18
Leadership Thurston County celebrates the next generation of civic leaders on June 11— Come join us!
Caught in the Lens p. 17
Keep up with the latest Chamber happenings and see all of the great smiles that make up our membership!
You Sponsors!
Cybersecurity Wake-Up Call: Why Small Businesses Are Prime Targets
Cybersecurity isn’t just a problem for Fortune 500 companies. If your business runs on email and Wi-Fi, you’re a target. And chances are, you’re not doing enough to protect yourself. “Small business owners tell me, ‘I’m too small to be hacked,’” says John Hansman, CEO of Truit.
“We say, ‘No, you're just too small to be on the news.’”
Hansman and Jeff Seeman, owner of PC Technologies, are IT experts who work with companies that don’t have internal tech teams. Their message? Stop assuming you're safe. Start preparing.
The Threats Are Growing — And Getting Smarter
According to FBI data, 2023 saw 300,000 phishing complaints and $3.9 billion in business email compromise losses. Ransomware alone cost companies $60 million—and those are just the reported numbers.
“Most attacks start in your inbox,” says Seeman. “And with AI, attackers can mimic employee tone and writing styles. It’s not obvious anymore.”
Hot tip: The biggest cybercrime threat isn’t some guy in a hoodie—it’s your inbox and an untrained employee who clicks the wrong link.
Erik Johnson, CEO of Olympia Computer, agrees: “If I had to pick one thing that has changed the most in cybersecurity in the last few years, it would be Artificial Intelligence. AI can generate highly persuasive and grammatically flawless phishing emails. In the past, we trained users to spot poor spelling or grammar—now that’s almost useless. Small businesses need to rely on Managed Service Providers like Olympia Computer and top-notch security software to protect their people and data.”
John Hansman, CEO of Truit
Jeff Seeman, Owner of PC Technologies
Erik Johnson, Owner of Olympia Computer
“It
used to be easy to spot a fake email. Not anymore. AI makes it sound like your team wrote it.”
— Jeff Seeman
“We say, ‘You’re not too small to get hacked...
...you’re just too small to make the 6 o’clock news.’”
— John Hansman
“90% of successful attacks come through email. If you're not filtering it, you're playing with fire.”
— Jeff Seeman
From Backyard Blooms to a South Sound Staple: Olympia Welcomes Iconic Garden Center
by Natasha Ashenhurst • Photos by Natasha Ashenhurst
Watson’s Greenhouse and Nursery started with a simple idea: U-pick vegetables. That idea took root—literally—in the Watson family backyard in 1974. Nearly 50 years, three generations, and three retail locations later, Watson’s has blossomed into a beloved destination for garden lovers and home stylists across the South Sound. And as of March 2025, Olympia can officially call Watson’s its own.
“We’re really excited to be in Olympia—a community that appreciates having a local garden center,” said Addison Gregory, Watson’s Chief Operating Officer and grandson of founders Dan and Fran Watson. “We hope people come in multiple times a year, because we have something new every season.”
Why Olympia? Why Now?
In late 2024, Watson’s took ownership of the former Bark & Garden nursery, just off Harrison Avenue. “It was a great opportunity,” Gregory said. “We’re always
looking to grow, both for the longevity of the business and to create new opportunities for our team.”
While the location had strong bones and a loyal customer base, it needed a major refresh. “We spent two solid months reorganizing, remodeling, and getting the store up to Watson’s standards,” he said. “Now it feels like a true extension of our brand.”
Watson’s officially celebrated its Olympia grand opening on March 22, ushering in a new era for local gardeners, weekend warriors, and green-thumbed gift givers alike.
A Family Affair—With Big Ambitions
The story of Watson’s reads like a horticultural fairy tale. Dan Watson was a high school biology teacher in Tacoma with a passion for plants. His wife, Fran, and their daughters started selling flowers and veggies from a tiny 14x14 greenhouse. In 1984, the family opened a
10,000-square-foot retail operation in Puyallup. Dan eventually retired from teaching to join full-time. Now, decades later, his daughter, Maidee, serves as CEO, and Addison, his grandson, is COO.
“It’s changed a lot since my grandparents’ time,” said Gregory. “We’re a much bigger operation now, but we’ve done a good job of staying connected to the original purpose—sharing our love of plants and helping people enjoy their spaces.”
Watson’s is now a grower-retailer, meaning they don’t just sell plants—they produce them, too. “At our Puyallup location, we have 300,000 square feet of growing space. We grow about 60% of what we sell,” Gregory noted. “For example, we grew all the hanging baskets you’ll find at the Olympia location.”
Not Just a Nursery
Step inside a Watson’s and you’ll realize this isn’t just a garden center—it’s a lifestyle boutique. Their tagline says it all: For Garden. For Home. For Living.
From houseplants and herbs to candles, gourmet foods, seasonal décor, and fashion accessories, Watson’s curates each store to feel like an experience, not just an errand. “We want to inspire people,” said Gregory. “Whether you're designing a backyard pollinator haven or just picking out a hostess gift, we want you to feel like, ‘I could do this.’”
That philosophy extends beyond products. Watson’s hosts seminars and workshops throughout the year— designed for everyone from seasoned gardeners to total newbies. “Helping people become better gardeners is a big part of what we do,” Gregory said.
What’s Next?
Olympia shoppers can expect Watson’s signature seasonal makeovers, with their show-stopping holiday displays already in the works. “We go BIG for the holidays—15-plus fully decorated trees, lights, ornaments, the works,” said Gregory.
“We want to create an experience that’s aspirational— where customers can still see themselves in the space but also be inspired.” —Addison Gregory
And when it comes to plant trends? “Color is in. Cutting gardens. Pollinator-friendly gardens. People are really influenced by what they’re seeing online and want their outdoor spaces to be just as styled as their indoor ones,” he added.
Rooted in Community Watson’s may be expanding, but it’s still very much a family-run business. “I’m a child of retail,” Gregory laughed. “I grew up working in the store. My mom’s been running operations for 20 years. It’s definitely part of who we are.”
And now, with its Olympia location thriving, that family legacy has found fertile new ground.
So next time you're in need of a fiddle-leaf fig, a fresh idea for your flower beds, or just a little retail therapy, swing by Watson’s. You might just walk out with a new plant—and a little inspiration.
“We hope people come in multiple times a year—we have something new every season.” —Addison Gregory
Millions in New State Investment Headed to Thurston Region
by Doug Mah, Doug Mah & Associates, Thurston Chamber Public Policy Director
Thanks to the advocacy of the Thurston Shared Legislative Partners and the support of our regional delegation, millions of dollars are now earmarked for high-impact projects across the Thurston Region.
As in previous years, the Thurston Chamber’s Public Policy Division convened the Shared Legislative Partnership to champion regional priorities during the 2025 legislative session. The outcome? Six of the seven top requests were funded and included in the state’s biennial budget:
• Budd Inlet Cleanup & Restoration – $3M
• Deschutes Estuary Restoration – $14.75M
• Regional Animal Shelter & Control Facility – $1M
• Meat Processing Infrastructure – $250K
• Support for Regional Homelessness Response –$4.25M (Thurston), $45M (multi-county)
• I-5 Improvements (Mounts Road to Tumwater & Nisqually River Delta) – $12.8M
While a request for “regional basic law enforcement academies” did not receive direct funding, the final budget includes expanded resources for law enforcement training and recruitment.
The Thurston Legislative Delegation: 2nd Legislative District
Senator Jim McCune
Representative Andrew Barkis
Representative Matt Marshall
20th Legislative District
Senator John Braun
Representative Peter Abbarno
Representative Ed Orcutt
22nd Legislative District
Senator Jessica Bateman
Representative Beth Doglio
Representative Lisa Parshley
35th Legislative District
Senator Drew MacEwen
Representative Travis Couture
Representative Dan Griffey
These investments will deliver long-term benefits to our economy, environment, infrastructure, and community well-being. The Chamber and its partners extend deep gratitude to our legislative delegation for their continued commitment to regional needs.
About the Shared Legislative Partnership
The Thurston Region Shared Legislative Partnership is convened by the Thurston Chamber of Commerce and includes the cities of Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm, Thurston County, Port of Olympia, Thurston Regional Planning Council, Nisqually Indian Tribe, Squaxin Indian Tribe, Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, Thurston County Economic Development Council, and South Puget Sound Community College. Shared priorities focus on common interests to maintain the region’s economic vitality and generate opportunities that enhance the quality of life for residents across the region.
Venables Pest Management is a locally owned and operated company using pet-friendly, professional pest management solutions for ants, termites, mice, beetles, spiders, bed bugs, yellow jackets and rats. We also offer commercial and residential maintenance services and real estate inspections. Give us a call today.
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.
Leadership Thurston County Celebrates Class of 2025
Leadership Thurston County (LTC) and the Thurston Chamber Foundation will honor the Class of 2025 at LTC Graduation on June 11, 2025, 11:15am–1:00pm at the Saint Martin's Norman Worthington Center. LTC Graduation wraps up a 10-month program, where class members met with local, community, and statewide leaders to learn about issues surrounding South Sound communities, to expand their networks and resources, and to explore how to become more engaged in the community. Thank you to all the employers who sponsored participants, the local leaders who contributed to the monthly sessions, and to LTC Sustaining Trustees and the Board of Regents. Thank you to Olympic Rental and Landlord Services, our graduation sponsor.
Kelly Adams City of Tumwater
Chelsea Baker van Drood City of Olympia
Kevin Bogatin Tumwater School District
Jocelyn Bonilla LOTT Clean Water Alliance
Kayla Brinckmeyer
Shandi Cardin City of Lacey
Alicia Crowley-Hall
Kristi Duke United Way of Thurston County
Mekaela Gladden South Puget Sound Community College
Derek Hall South Bay Fire Department
Bobby Hanna Saint Martin's University
Elizabeth Hirotaka Governor's Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance
Chuck Hoeschen OlyFed
Jessica Houchin Thurston County Chamber of Commerce
Lauren Howard Sensory Tool House
Steven Hughes Morningside
Kayla Iverson Temple Beth Hatfiloh
Alyssa Jones Wood City of Tumwater
Gina Kotek TwinStar Credit Union
Christy Kriegsman O Bee Credit Union Board
Jennifer Larkin-Kellar MultiCare Capital Medical Group
