April 2019 VOICE Magazine

APRIL 2019

THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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THE GREEN ISSUE:

The 'Green' Success Stories of OlyKraut, Scott Homes, Capitol Land Trust and Lost Peacock Creamery.

BUILDING COMMUNITY PROSPERITY FOR OVER 140 YEARS

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PUBLISHER Thurston County

City Council Conversations on Local Economic Ecosystem Deserve Recognition

Chamber of Commerce

by David Schaffert, Thurston Chamber President/CEO

EDITORIAL

At a recent Olympia City Council Finance

current workforce, industry sectors,

Editor: David Schaffert

Committee meeting, I gave accolades

wages, etc. The proposal will help

Email: dschaffert@thurstonchamber.com

to council members Bateman, Cooper

implement actions and strategies

CONTRIBUTORS

and Parshley for the conversation and

to build resiliency in the economy

David Schaffert

subsequent direction for the City to

including policy changes, infrastructure

gain a better understanding of the local

investment, recruitment and retention.

economic ecosystem — a conversation

The outcome, of course, is to have an

Kathryn Millhorn

initiated while the city was scoping a

economy that is thriving and stable,

ADVERTISING

higher city-wide minimum wage.

ultimately benefitting everyone.

The conversation evolved into questions

The conversation about an Olympia

about economic impacts of a higher

minimum wage will continue, but the

minimum wage on local employers,

opportunity for a better understanding

especially downtown businesses and

of Olympia’s economy and where and

non-profits. Council members expressed

how to support is critical for future

a real fear of negatively affecting locally-

policy discussions. We encourage council

owned and operated small businesses.

members on the finance committee to

The result of last month’s conversation

continue the economic work that they

is that the City will now start the process

initiated and make appropriate policy

of gathering information so decision

decisions that support the aspiration of

PRINTING

makers have a better understanding

having a local economy that helps people

Print NW

of Olympia’s economic climate. The

at the highest level.

CONTACT THE CHAMBER

proposal includes evaluating Olympia’s

Phone: (360) 357-3362

Heather Harris Michele M. Horaney Doug Mah Doria Maselli

Sales and Marketing: Krystal Barkus Blake Knoblauch Marny Bright Phone: (360) 357-3362 Email: info@thurstonchamber.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS Phone: (360) 357-3362 Email: info@thurstonchamber.com

DESIGN Mosaic Marketing Studio

COVER ART OlyKraut Cabbages, photographed by Heather Harris, Elements Photography.

PO Box 1427 809 Legion Way SE Olympia, WA 98507 Phone: (360) 357-3362 Email: info@thurstonchamber.com Website: thurstonchamber.com

THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY INVESTORS

COPYRIGHT

DIAMOND INVESTORS:

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.

America's Credit Union - Lacey Capital Medical Center FORMA Construction Company Little Creek Casino & Resort Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel Port of Olympia Saint Martin's University TwinStar Credit Union Washington Business Bank Wells Fargo Community Bank

PLATINUM INVESTORS Greene Realty Group

Heritage Bank - Olympia L & E Bottling Company, Inc. Mills & Mills Funeral Home Morningside Olympia Federal Savings Olympia Orthopaedic Associates Phillips Burgess, PLLC Providence St. Peter Hospital Puget Sound Energy South Puget Sound Community College

GOLD INVESTORS American Workforce Group C.P.C. Landscape, LLC Cabinets by Trivonna Charter College Community Youth Services

Creative Office Elite Cleaning of Washington, Inc. GHB Insurance, Inc. Grays Harbor Fair & Tourism Great Wolf Lodge Hometown Property Management, Inc. Hooper Financial Services Loanstar Home Lending Nisqually Red Wind Casino Olympia Furniture Company Pardiman Productions Radia, Inc., PS SCJ Alliance The Rants Group Venables Pest Management

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April 2019

CONTENT & CALENDAR

Every month, the Thurston County Chamber offers several networking events, forums and workshops to the community.

Here are some highlights you won't want to miss.

In This Issue...

Morning Mixxer at Value Village

7

Please join our host, Value Village, on Tuesday, April 2 at 7:30 a.m.

Capitol Land Trust

for the Thurston Chamber’s Morning Mixxer. Value Village will provide breakfast treats, our sponsor L&E Bottling will host the coffee bar, and you can enjoy a morning of networking. Morning Mixxer is free to attend.

Where: Value Village – Lacey, 604 Sleater Kinney Rd SE, Lacey, WA 98516.

Thurston Young Professionals at Great Wolf

Learn about the Capitol Land Trust's economic impact on the region.

10

networking event for 20 to 30-year-olds looking to expand their networks to

OlyKraut Upskills its Workforce with Employee Development Program

meet other young professionals in Thurston County. The host provides appetizers.

Sash Sunday, of OlyKraut, details

Join us at Thurston Young Professionals on Thursday, April 4, at 5:30 p.m. for Thurston Young Professionals (TYP) at the Great Wolf Lodge. TYP is a free

Where: Great Wolf Lodge, 20500 Old Hwy 99 SW, Grand Mound, WA 98531.

April Forum: Thurston Green Awards & EXPO Nearly 100 businesses applied for a Thurston Green designation this year!

Join the community in celebrating these sustainably-minded businesses at the Chamber's April Forum on Wednesday, April 10 at 11:30 a.m. The luncheon will include a keynote address by Rachael Taylor-Tuller, owner of Lost Peacock Creamery, a Grade A goat dairy farm in Olympia, Washington. The event will also feature the Green Business EXPO where participants will get a chance to meet businesses and organizations in Thurston County committed to

how The Future of Work Employee Development Program will help her business grow.

14 Building Homes with Sustainability in Mind Scott Homes bring performance, energy efficiency & sustainability

environmental sustainability. When: Expo at 11:00 a.m. Lunch Buffet opens

to the housing market.

at 11:30 a.m., Program begins at 12:00 p.m.; Forum is held the second

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Wednesday of each month. Where: Hotel RL Olympia, 2300 Evergreen Park Dr SW, Olympia, WA 98502. What: Forum includes lunch and is $35 for general admission, $25 for prepaid Chamber members, $30 for members at the door.

The Fix to Funding Local Schools Fairly and Fully Let's ensure our region's schools

BAH at Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates

are funded fully and fairly, by fixing the 'McCleary Fix'.

Join the Thurston County Chamber on Thursday, April 18, at 5:30 p.m. for Business After Hours at Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates. Business After Hours is a free networking event. Hosts provide light appetizers and beverages, games and raffles. BAH provides an opportunity to learn about a local organization and

Thank you Sponsors!

expand your network. Where: 1610 Bishop Rd SW Bldg #7, Tumwater, WA 98512.

Save the Date! Chamber's Annual Meeting Join the Thurston County Chamber for our Annual Meeting at Hotel RL Olympia on Wednesday, May 8. Sponsorships are available.

thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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Capitol Land Trust: Conserve, Restore, Protect

By Michele M. Horaney

Randall Preserve. Photo Credit: Capitol Land Trust

S

pring has arrived, and the staff and supporters of the Capitol Land Trust can’t wait to get back outside. And they have a full menu of ambitious and productive programs to share with us to celebrate Earth Day and the natural richness of the region.

The six-event annual Outdoor Exploration Series,

“We succeed because of the support we receive from

which extends through summer, begins April 14

our volunteers, members, partners and the business

with a trail run at Darlin Creek Preserve and

community,” said Dave Winter, the Trust’s executive

runs through November with runs, hikes and

director. A native of Olympia, he majored in outdoor

opportunities to see and enjoy many of the rich

recreation at Western Washington University. Before

and beautiful Trust properties.

joining the Trust in August 2018, he was Puget Sound Outdoor Programs & Outreach Manager for REI in

Earth Day will be celebrated April 20 at Bayshore

Seattle.

Preserve in Shelton. The Randall Preserve in West Olympia off Mudd Bay Road is now open to the public.

“It is so important to know that the land we conserve,

And the organization is working to create a new

will be conserved forever. In perpetuity,” said Craig

“Inspiring Kids Preserve,” a 100-acre natural habitat

Partridge, president of the Trust board. Craig has

on Henderson Inlet to help bring STEM principles to

served as a board member since 2014. He is now

life and serve Thurston County schools and families.

retired from a 31-year career with the Washington

thurstonchamber.com

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owns and cares for 6000 acres in 75 parcels, in Thurston, Grays Harbor, Lewis and Mason counties. The organization runs with the enthusiastic support of 2500 members and volunteers, and an operating budget of $1.1 million. A staff of 9 plus its board keeps the trust running and growing.

The Trust’s work of conserving and restoring land and protecting working farms and timberlands has a strong economic benefit.

“Due to the strength of the organization and its record with sound management, the donors, Dave Winter, Executive Director of Capitol Land Trust. Photo by Heather Harris.

volunteers and visitors can have trust in the Trust,” Partridge said.

State Department of Natural

and is one of 28 such groups in

The Trust’s work of conserving

Resources during which he was

Washington State. Winter and

and restoring land and protecting

Director of Policy and Government

Partridge proudly noted that of

working farms and timberlands

Relations. He holds both BS and

the 1700 trusts across the country,

has a strong economic benefit.

MS degrees from the University

the Capitol Land Trust is one

The group’s programs and

of Washington.

of the 422 that are accredited.

success help attract residents and

Accreditation is conferred only

employers, improve health with

“We’re talking forever. And

for Trusts that demonstrate

access for all to the many nature

our local corporate sponsors

sound finances, ethical conduct,

preserves, create jobs related to

understand how important

responsible governance and

the outdoors and open spaces and

that is,” he said.

lasting stewardship.

can boost property values overall.

It also ensures that the character

The Trust was founded in 1987

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Today, the Capitol Land Trust

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

of southwest Washington State

thurstonchamber.com

Harmony Farms – Future home of the Inspiring Kids Preserve on Henderson Inlet. Photo Credit: Teresa Gypin

– its open land, working farms,

Strategies include increasing

school districts and businesses

ranches and timberlands – will be

community connections and

throughout the regions. “The

protected forever.

partnering with schools and

Trust is a place where people from

youth organizations to bring

various and, even, opposite places

Winter said he was attracted to

young people to Trust lands

in conservation and preservation

the executive director position

for environmental education.

can come together. Our aim is that

by the strong staff and the Trust’s

Success will be achieved with at

everyone wins,” Partridge said.

Strategic Plan for 2016-2020,

least 14 special tours and habitat

which is now being evaluated and

restoration workdays held every

Sign up for the Capitol Land Trust's

its metrics analyzed. The next five-

year and 400 students given

Conservation Breakfast – April 24 –

year plan is about to be written.

learning experiences annually.

at CapitolLandTrust.org.

The plan focuses on conservation

This goal also highlights the

No ticket necessary. Breakfast is

of the Puget Sound Shoreline,

strong collaboration with local

complimentary; a donation will

riparian (river) regions and

organizations such as the Pacific

be requested during the program.

prairie. It presents three major

Education Institute and Puget

goals -conserving land, engaging

Sound Estuarium.

Additional information about

communities and ensuring long-

the Outdoor Exploration Series,

term vitality – as well as the

Winter and Partridge said the

the Randall Preserve, additional

strategies which will be used to

Trust and its volunteers and staff

land open to the public, as well

reach them and how success will

are grateful to local corporate and

as plans for the Inspiring Kids

be measured.

business sponsors and employees

Preserve can also be found

of those organizations. They rely

at CapitolLandTrust.org

For instance, Goal #2 is to

upon and work to strengthen

“engage communities and foster

relationships with the public,

connections to protected lands.”

families, Native American tribes,

thurstonchamber.com

Michele M. Horaney is a communications consultant, writer and editor based in Olympia.

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OlyKraut owner, Sash Sunday. Photo by Heather Harris, Elements Photography.

OlyKraut Upskills Its Workforce with Program to Energize Local Industry From making sauerkraut to brewing sipping brines, OlyKraut finds a helping hand in The Future of Work Employee Development Program.

Written by Doria Maselli | Photography by Heather Harris

H

eads of fresh cabbage sit in a large holding tray at the end of the production line, the warehouse is cold, yet the workers seem content, listening to music, smiling, and going on about their day as usual – unfazed by the small group of people, including myself, touring the OlyKraut manufacturing

facility with OlyKraut owner Sash Sunday. “Working on the line can be tough, that’s why I let the employees be involved in the hiring process and hire people for production who they know will be a good fit,” says Sunday.

Sunday started OlyKraut in 2008, modeled after

Sustainable Systems at Bainbridge Graduate Institute

a business plan she had developed while an

at Pinchot University.

agricultural student at The Evergreen State College. “I developed the business plan for a school assignment,

OlyKraut handcrafts sauerkrauts, pickles and sipping

and here we are,” Sunday jokes, sitting in the

brines right here in Olympia. They use centuries-old

OlyKraut office in Olympia. She graduated from

preservation techniques and source the best possible

Evergreen where she focused on Food, Fermentation

ingredients. “I really want OlyKraut to support a

and Sustainable Agriculture and earned her MBA in

whole food system,” says Sunday, “I support local

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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performance of Washington manufacturers. Geoff Lawrence, Account Executive at Impact Washington, will act as Impact Washington’s Project Lead for several approved projects.

The goal is for employees to receive additional training and certification that will lead to higher pay and promotion, creating other jobs for those OlyKraut handcrafts sauerkrauts, pickles, and sipping brines right here in Olympia.

positions they have vacated.

The program promotes an overall cycle of training, development

farms and source local ingredients

Thurston County Chamber as

as much as possible.”

their business solutions provider

and upward mobility.

for the program, and Michele

For Sunday, this opportunity

OlyKraut is a recipient of training

Winn, Training and Development

comes at a great time; OlyKraut

funds from The Future of Work

Manager for the Thurston County

expanded their business by 35

Employee Development Program.

Chamber is the point of contact for

percent last year and anticipates

The Pacific Mountain Workforce

the Future of Work. She promotes

the same growth rate this year.

Development Council (PAC Mtn

the program to Chamber members,

Their current distribution

WDC) board set aside $100,000 for

as well as the community at

includes Washington, Oregon,

their five-county region (Thurston,

large. Lee Childs, Senior Program

Montana, Idaho and Alaska, and

Lewis, Mason, Grays Harbor and

Manager at PAC Mtn WDC, assists

they will soon be expanding into

Pacific) to foster public-private

businesses with participant

California and parts of Western

partnerships to upskill their

enrollment paperwork and other

Canada. The grant will allow

workforce. Employers can apply

tasks required of the company

OlyKraut production manager

for up to $15,000 per year to

when they receive the grant.

Ashley to attend a Preventive

upskill their staff, helping them

Controls Qualified Individual

acquire new skills that help them

On several of the awarded

(PCQI) safety certification,

move into higher skilled and

projects, the partnership is

potentially increase wages for

higher wage jobs in the company.

collaborating with Impact

the production team and enable

Employers must agree to cost-

Washington, a manufacturing

the growing business to focus on

sharing requirements based on

consulting group training regional

operational needs to continue to

the size of their workforce, and

companies on best practices.

grow successfully.

the employer paying employees

Impact Washington’s mission

“My biggest hope is that we’ll

their wages to attend the training.

is to support and energize the

continue to figure out ways to

local industry by enhancing the

make some of this physical work

productivity and technology

and manual labor easier on

contributions can be in-kind with

The PAC Mtn WDC contracts the thurstonchamber.com

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Left to right: Lee Childs, Senior Program Manager at PAC Mtn WDC; Sash Sunday, owner of OlyKraut; Michele Winn, Training and Development Manager, Thurston County Chamber; Geoff Lawrence, Account Executive, Impact Washington.

people’s bodies and find additional ways to improve

University of Washington’s Jones + Foster Accelerator,

workflow and efficiency,” says Ashley. “We want to

Edg3 Fund and the Eileen Fisher Grant Award

streamline processes and also make sure we’re doing

and several of their flavors of Sauerkraut have

everything we can to help everyone enjoy his or her

been recipients of a Good Food Award - an annual

day at work.”

award competition for outstanding American craft food producers and the farmers who provide their

OlyKraut is a Certified B Corporation, which means

ingredients. You can find OlyKraut at both Olympia

they have met rigorous standards of social and

Food Co-ops, The Olympia Farmers Market, Haggen

environmental performance, accountability and

Northwest Fresh and other locations in the area.

transparency. OlyKraut has evaluated how its practices impact their employees, the community,

Learn more about OlyKraut: olykraut.com and the

the environment and their customers. “Many

Future of Work Program thurstonchamber.com/

corporations make decisions based exclusively on

workforce/the-future-of-work.

what will increase profit, and believe it or not, that’s not always the right thing to do,” says Sunday.

Listen to the Chamber’s podcast Talent Magnet episode 14 on the Future of Work at

They’ve been awarded other grants, including the 12 • April 2019

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com/workforce/talent-magnet. thurstonchamber.com

UPCOMING EVENT

Keynote Speaker, Rachael Taylor-Tuller of Lost Peacock Creamery – a goat dairy farm in Olympia. Photo courtesy of Lost Peacock Creamery.

Thurston Green Awards & Expo

N

early 100 businesses applied for a Thurston Green designation this year!

Celebrate these businesses with our community at the Chamber's April Forum on Wednesday, April 10, at Hotel RL Olympia.

The luncheon will include a keynote address by

The cost to attend is $35 for general admission;

Rachael Taylor-Tuller, owner of Lost Peacock

$25 for online prepaid chamber members and

Creamery. Rachael will share the story of growing

$30 for members at the door. Register today.

Lost Peacock Creamery, a Grade A Goat Dairy in

Visit thurstonchamber.com

Olympia. Lost Peacock is committed to creating an environment that sustains without sacrificing the land

Now in its twelfth year, the Thurston Green Business

and is a certified Animal Welfare Approved farm.

program has become one of the Chamber’s most popular programs, and for a good reason -- businesses

Aslan Meade of the Thurston Economic Development

that take steps to be green save money while

Council will introduce Rachael and will share how

protecting and preserving resources. Saving energy

Lost Peacock Creamery fits into the larger Thurston

and water, while reducing waste, are good steps that

County agricultural framework.

benefit our environment.

The event will also feature a Green Business Expo

Special thanks to our Thurston Green Awards & Expo

– a chance to meet businesses and organizations

sponsor, Olympia Nissan, a Bruce Titus Dealership.

in Thurston County committed to environmental sustainability. We’ll honor small, medium and large

When: Thurston Green Business Expo at 11:00 a.m.

“Green Business of the Year” organizations who have

Lunch & Networking at 11:30 a.m. Program begins at

gone above and beyond in their sustainability efforts.

noon. For more info, visit thurstonchamber.com.

thurstonchamber.com

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Left to right: Cristy Kraus, Julio Cortes, Derek Sater, Scott Bergford, Pat Bergford, Chris Ventura, Eric Hurt. Photo courtesy of Scott Homes.

Scott Homes: High Performance, Energy Efficient, Sustainable Written by Kathryn Millhorn

H

ome is more than a destination. Where we live becomes part of our life, a vital aspect of memory and family history. Looking back on a childhood bedroom, welcoming kitchen, squeaky step or backyard BBQ pit is as important as looking forward to the

future home of your dreams.

Thanks to Scott Homes, you can have that home

community and to know that we are making an

today. They specialize in fully customizable

impact for the betterment of our neighbors. As

properties that are both gorgeous and green,

regulations and codes have changed, we have

sustainable and obtainable. For the past three

learned to adapt by being active within our local

decades, their team has focused on Puget Sound

jurisdictions and building associations.”

communities, service and the environment.

And adapt they have. In 2018, Scott Homes was “We love working in Thurston County,” says owner

presented with a Thurston Green Business award.

Christine Ventura and Project Administrator Cristy

These businesses are good stewards of money,

Kraus. “This is our home base, and we love the

resources and the environment with an eye

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

with heat pump, storm windows, sealing up the house, insulating the attic and basement, and I am still averaging about $400 a month in power bills. When we build it right from the beginning, one can expect less than $100 a month, depending on the size of the project and number of windows.”

Let’s be honest: the word ‘custom’ brings to mind bells and whistles Scott Homes builds beautiful one-of-a-kind, custom, high efficiency, green homes.

you’ve daydreamed about for

towards long-term successful

Heat Pumps, Heat Pump Water

years. With Scott Homes, it’s all

sustainability.

Heaters, Low Flow Toilets and

within reach. “Seldom does a

water fixtures, along with LED

person like exactly what they see in

light fixtures,” says Ventura.

floor plan or colors in an existing

Many buyers believe highly

home,” says Bergford. “If one buys

efficient, custom homes are out of their price range or overall

“All our homes are Energy Star

an older house and tries to upgrade

timeframe. But not when working

Certified and are built to the

it to make it more their style,

with Scott Homes. “The extra costs

standards of the Built Green

colors, floor layout preferences,

of building a super green energy

Program here in Olympia,”

they will probably spend $100,000

efficient home are offset in the

she continues. “Many of our

or more. This is way more than if

early years of the home due to

customers come to us because of

they buy a custom home designed

the extremely low energy costs,”

the health of the homes. People

exactly like what they want,

explains Kraus. “It really is worth

are excited about the air tightness

choosing the colors, features,

considering. And then you get

of the homes, meaning lower

quality, selections and floor plan

exactly what you want and need

energy bills and better health.”

within your budget.”

they would hope for.”

Scott Homes former owner, Scott Bergford.

Balance this with the idea Then there’s the dreaded word

of retrofitting an older,

‘upgrade’. When shopping for

established home. It may seem

new construction, the list price

counterintuitive, but new is

is seldom what you experience

often the cheaper option. “I own

on the luxurious on-site tour.

a 1925 historically registered

But that’s not the case with Scott

bungalow,” explains namesake,

Homes. “We only build with

former company owner, and sales

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs),

team member Scott Bergford.

Triple Pane Windows, Heat

“I have spent tens of thousands

Recovery Ventilator or Energy

on retrofitting it to save energy:

Recovery Ventilators, Ductless

replacing a wood-burning furnace

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house but there wasn’t a lot

on a simple principle: Everything

of expertise out there to learn

that we need for our survival

from.” By partnering with Built

and well-being depends, either

Green programs in Thurston and

directly or indirectly, on our

Pierce counties, local builder

natural environment. To pursue

associations like the Olympia

sustainability is to create and

and Pierce Master Builders and

maintain the conditions under

Washington State University’s

which humans and nature can

Energy program, “many of our

exist in productive harmony

homes were monitored, evaluated

to support present and future

for results of various concepts,

generations.”

and are written up in their research papers. Our knowledge

Thanks to Scott Homes, these

Scott Homes owner, Chris Ventura.

of building systems grew

present and future generations

Their growth and history mirror

exponentially.”

can explore, learn and grow in a safe, healthy, eco-friendly house.

that of Thurston County as a whole. From the start, says

The federal Environmental

Give them a call at 360-357-9167

Bergford, “we were passionate

Protection Agency sums it up

to get started on your first, next or

about trying to build a better

perfectly: “Sustainability is based

forever home.

Help shape the way our Port looks, feels and functions in the future The Port has been creating economic opportunity in Thurston County for nearly a century. Over time, we’ve also developed some of our community’s most prized community spaces and places and increased our role as an environmental steward.

Now we’re looking to the future once again, and we want you to help map it out.

So, WHAT’S NEXT? Share your ideas and priorities at www.portolympia2050.org

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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Welcome, New Members

CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP

The Chamber is pleased to welcome our newest members.

Bare & Be, LLC Elizabeth Boyd (360) 259-9005 www.bareandbe.com Online Retail A Room to Improve Traci Orr (360) 338-2490 http://www.aroomtoimprove.com Interior Designers Alicia Sanders Insurance & Financial Services Corp.

Alicia Sanders (360) 688-1685 https://agents.allstate.com/ alicia-sanders-tumwater-wa.html Insurance Archibald Sisters Phil Rollins (360) 943-2707 http://archibaldsisters.com Specialty Gift Shop Bank of the Pacific Lindsay Paylor (360) 537-4085 Banks/Financial Services/ Financial Planners Best Western Liberty Inn Dupont Chalon Burns (253) 912-8777 https://www.bestwestern.com /en_US/book/dupont/ hotel-rooms/best-westernliberty-inn-dupont/pro Hotels & Accommodations Caliber Home Loans Brandy Nelms (360) 280-1467 caliberhomeloans.com Loans/Mortgage Lending thurstonchamber.com

CG Lawn Care and Maintenance Service Christopher Gonzales (253) 533-3134 http://cglawncare.com Yard Maintenance

Keller Williams Anna Snellgrove Anna Snellgrove (360) 451-0999 Real Estate - Agents & Companies – Residential

CWS Construction NW, LLC Chris Sasser (360) 349-2700 http://cwsconstruction.com Construction - Residential

Lacey Poly Fest Isaia Vimoto (910) 578-3402 Event Planning

EventPrep Katy Rivera (832) 689-6011 http://www.eventprep.com/ katyrivera Event Planning Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation – Lacey Kirk Rau (360) 705-5055 http://VAtheFairway.com Mortgage Companies Gotti Sweets LLC Lauren Rogers (360) 489-1780 http://www.facebook.com/ gottisweetsllc Bakeries Great Floors Tina Allen (360) 438-3900 http://greatfloors.com Flooring-Counter Tops Greenetrics Ahmed Aibak (425) 241-3416 http://www.greenetrics.com Energy Management & Consultants

Leonor Fuller / Fuller and Fuller Attorneys Leonor Fuller (360) 280-4434 http://www.fullerlaw.com Attorneys & Legal Services Olympia Elks Lodge 186 Suzanne Lewis (360) 753-0186 http://elks.org Non-Profit Organizations & Associations Rigid Electric LLC Kristen Mathis (360) 943-0320 Contractors – Electrical Riverence LLC Sally McKissick (360) 491-2200 http://www.riverence.com Fish Hatchery The Sequoia Assisted Living Community Stephanie Keys (360) 491-0491 http://thesequoia-olympia.com Assisted Living Facilities

Showcase Media Karissa Wilson (253) 826-9001 http://showcasemedialive.com Marketing Programs & Services Sound Safety Training Dave Finnell (360) 878-2280 www.soundsafetytraining.com Education - Consultants & Services Emergency Preparedness David Svoboda David Svoboda (424) 234-3848 http://svoboda.ceo Consultants Business & Vocational Thrive Nutrition Jon Mitterholzer (360) 628-8017 Health & Fitness Nutrition TVW | Washington Public Affairs Network Renee Radcliff Sinclair (360) 529-5311 http://tvw.org Radio Stations & Broadcast Companies Washington Orthopaedic Center Tabitha Northrup (360) 330-1874 http://waortho.com/ Physicians & Surgeons

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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ADVOCACY UPDATE Dr. Deb Clemens is Superintendent of North Thurston Public Schools, a district facing a loss of revenue of $19,989,600.

Let's Fix the "McCleary Fix" and Fund Our Schools Fully & Fairly

By Doug Mah, Doug Mah & Associates, Thurston Chamber's Public Policy Division Director Painful budget cuts coming to area schools

funding of $2,834.00 per student. Under the new

Without significant action from the State Legislature

funding structure, the local levy will be calculated at

this year, our region’s school districts will be forced to

$1.50/1,000, plus local effort assistance up to $1,500

implement painful cuts to staff and programs. These

per student. Our levy reduction will be $23,733,440 or

cuts place the Thurston region at an educational and

$1,577 per student. Based upon our cost accounting

economic disadvantage compared to other areas

of several programs, we will NOT have sufficient local

across the state.

levy dollars to cover the shortfalls while maintaining competitive, market-rate compensation for all

The 2017 legislative “fix’ to the McCleary Decision

employees and the level of services for which our

essentially left Thurston County school districts in the

students have received. Our overall loss of revenue

losing column when compared to other districts. The

from 2018-19 to 2019-20 is $19,989,600”.

reasons for this result are multilayered. However, it does not change the fact that the current methodology

These steep budget cuts will hurt the Thurston

for distributing resources, combined with the region

region’s students, our districts’ ability to recruit and

receiving only minimal “regionalization” dollars, and

retain talented teachers and staff and undermine

a mandated cap that prevents districts from making

historically strong local support for our school

up for state shortfalls, put the Thurston region at a

districts. Action is needed.

disadvantage. Basic education is still not fully funded Thurston schools not treated equally

in our region.

The current budget situation for schools is not the Hard facts around funding

same across the state. The “McCleary Fix” created

According to our region’s largest school district,

winners and losers, where some districts saw an

North Thurston Public Schools: “Our voter-approved

increase in their funding and other districts saw

levy at 28 percent is $3.43/1,000; resulting in

a reduction that they have no control over. While

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

our school districts are cutting staff and programs, THE

the “winning” school districts are investing in new

CAPITAL ADVANTAGE

programs and enhancements to their schools.

HIGH QUALITY, COST-EFFECTIVE

We need to work with our legislative delegation

SURGICAL CARE

to stop placing the Thurston region, and the other districts with a similar challenge, at an unfair disadvantage. The time is now for the Legislature to do the right thing for all students across the state, not just those students living in “winning” districts.

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Chamber of Commerce support The Thurston County Chamber has always appreciated the positive relationship between high performing

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public schools and effective recruitment and retention of business and economic development. The Thurston region has been unduly harmed and penalized by the “McCleary fix”. We ask that Chamber members

A Community Health Partner

support and encourage our school superintendents, board members and our legislative delegation to solve

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this problem.

Capital Medical Center is partly owned by some of the physicians who serve our patients.

We’ll forge a financial course built on time & trust.

INVESTMENTS

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FINANCIAL PLANNING

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INSURANCE

For knowledgable direction to help you attain your goals for retirement, education or adventure: talk to Jason today at 360-596-9788 and get a higher perspective.

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Eighty percent of employees see vanpools as a valuable employee benefit.

Sweeten Your Benefit Offerings with Employee Transportation Options

T

hurston County’s unemployment rate is currently 5 percent. This competitive job market leaves businesses scrambling to find creative ways to attract and retain the best and the brightest who have the advantage of shopping around.

When looking for a new job, prospective job seekers

sweetening the deal for both employers, who earn

most often consider compensation, job security

B&O tax credits, and employees who save further on

and opportunities for advancement. They also look

an affordable ride to work. On average, vanpoolers

at corporate culture, work/life balance, employee

save as much as $5,000 a year, depending on their

incentives, as well as the businesses’ commitment to

commute. Additionally, every vanpool of five takes

its community and the environment. Maybe that’s

four cars off the road, reducing congestion and

why 80% of employees see vanpools as a valuable

carbon emissions.

employee benefit.

Helping employees save money each month and Vanpooling offered as an employee incentive could

showing your businesses’ commitment to being 'green',

make your business more competitive in the job

can make your business more attractive. It also can

market. Many Thurston County employers report

reduce your need for employee parking, leave more

that reliable transportation tops the list of needed

room for customers and reduce capital expenses.

benefits. Including vanpooling as a benefit offering to your employees can be as simple as putting vanpool

Other employer benefits include increased employee

information in job announcements, in your employee

productivity. About 75% of vanpool riders report

benefits packet or by putting up flyers and table

having less stress than when driving alone. Vanpool

tents in your employee lunch room. Some employers

passengers have time to read a book, listen to music,

subsidize vanpooling costs for their employees,

catch up on emails, sleep or relax, so when they arrive

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

at work they are ready to be productive. Also, vanpools

card. In addition, anyone can earn $50 for each

can take advantage of HOV lanes, helping them move

vanpooler they refer to the program.

more quickly through traffic and getting them to work on schedule. Less-stressed and on-time employees can

Promotional materials are online for your

positively impact your bottom line.

convenience at www.intercitytransit.com/ vanpool/employer-tools. Subscribe to receive email

Starting an employee vanpool program is easy.

notification about new employer tookits by going to

Intercity Transit can help develop a vanpool that

www.intercitytransit.com/subscribe.

meets the needs of your business and employees.

You’ll also have the opportunity to co-brand your A vanpool can start with just three people, with the

vanpool vehicles with your logo. This is great

intention of growing that number to at least five

marketing for your business and also shows your

within six months. Intercity Transit will help you

commitment to your employees and improving

recruit riders at your business and even talk with

the environment. These can help you be more

nearby businesses to help build ridership if needed.

competitive in a tight labor market.

Promoting vanpooling as an employee perk is easy

If you are interested in learning more or getting

with the tools Intercity Transit provides. Employees

started, contact Intercity Transit’s Vanpool Program

can ride free their first month or earn a $100 visa

at 360-786-8800. They will be happy to help you out.

It’s Your Property.

We’re Here To Make It Easy.

FULL SERVICE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LEASE AND SALES SERVICES

(360) 943-8060

thurstonchamber.com

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rants-group.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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Caught in the Lens...

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE

For more photos, follow the Thurston Chamber on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThurstonCountyChamber.

thurstonchamber.com

On Friday, March 1, the Chamber Foundation held their signature fundraising event, A Night on the Town, where guests were transported to Venice, Italy. On March 13, the Olympian and the Thurston Chamber celebrated the Best of South Sound Awards.

thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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PO BOX 1427 Olympia, WA 98507-1427