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