April 2018 VOICE Magazine

APRIL 2018

THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

M

A

G

A

Z

I

Crown Beverage Packaging

The Largest Craft Brew Can Manufacturer in the Pacific NW

BU I LDI NG CO MMUNI TY PROSPERITY FOR OVER 140 YEARS

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E

U.S. Diplomacy Critical to our Region's Economic Prosperity

By David Schaffert, Thurston Chamber President/CEO

PUBLISHER Thurston County Chamber of Commerce

EDITORIAL Editor: David Schaffert Phone: (360) 357-3362

I

n March, I had the opportunity to

So why should a chamber from a small

attend a briefing by the U.S. Global

Western Washington community care what

Leadership Coalition in Tacoma — I

might be happening across the world?

serve as a state advisory council

Washington State is one of the most trade-

member. At the national advisory

dependent states in North America. It is

level, the Coalition is made up of

not simply a luxury for our state to have

the Who's Who of former Secretary of States

positive relationship abroad — it is an

such as Colin Powell, Madeleine Albright

economic imperative. In 2015, the Seattle

CONTRIBUTORS

and Condoleezza Rice, to name a few. The

– Tacoma – Bellevue Metro Area exported

David Schaffert

purpose of the U.S. Global Leadership

$67.2 billion worth of goods or 82 percent

Doug Mah

Coalition is to recognize the critical role U.S

of Washington exports. Trade supports

diplomacy plays in the economic well-being

nearly 400 thousand jobs in Washington,

Christina Butcher

and security of our country.

with a significant portion within 60 miles

ADVERTISING

At the heart of the effort are relationships,

Sales and Marketing:

as well as supporting and fostering positive

Email: dschaffert@thurstonchamber.com

Natasha Ashenhurst Rebekah Finn

Blake Knoblauch Aaron Bernhard

international ties abroad. One only has to

Phone: (360) 357-3362

look to Tumwater’s Alaffia to understand

Email: info@thurstonchamber.com

how relationship building supported by

SUBSCRIPTIONS

the State Department has provided growth

Phone: (360) 357-3362

opportunities for the local manufacturer.

Email: info@thurstonchamber.com

At a recent roundtable discussion at Alaffia,

DESIGN Mosaic Marketing Studio

COVER ART

visiting Assistant U.S. Secretary of State Donald Yamamoto discussed how building relationships with emerging markets directly impacts our local economy.

Leonard Bush of Crown Beverage Packaging, photo by Dinea Norell of Dinea de Photo

The Coalition seeks to increase partnerships between American business and the State

PRINTING

Department; expand U.S. trade finance tools,

Print NW

ensure that U.S. companies can compete in the global marketplace and ensure

CONTACT THE CHAMBER

resources are budgeted for diplomacy to

PO Box 1427

occur at a high-level.

809 Legion Way SE

of Thurston County, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Understanding and supporting national policies that increase the resources for diplomacy is directly related to the success of our region, our businesses and community. The Chamber routinely is in conversation with our congressional delegation on global issues that impact our state and region.

I encourage you to look at the information provided by the U.S. Global Leadership network and provide feedback and opinions to decision makers.

Visit www.usglc.org for more information. ●

Olympia, WA 98507 Phone: (360) 357-3362 Email: info@thurstonchamber.com Website: thurstonchamber.com

COPYRIGHT All material appearing in the VOICE Magazine is copyright unless otherwise stated or it may rest with the provider of the supplied material. The VOICE Magazine takes all care to ensure information is correct at time of printing, but the publisher accepts no responsibility or liability for the accuracy of any information contained in the text or advertisements.

THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY INVESTORS DIAMOND INVESTORS: Capital Medical Center Little Creek Casino & Resort Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel Phillips Burgess, PLLC Port of Olympia Providence St. Peter Hospital TwinStar Community Credit Union South Puget Sound Community College Washington Business Bank

PLATINUM INVESTORS America's Credit Union - Lacey Greene Realty Group Heritage Bank - Olympia

Mills & Mills Funeral Home Morningside Olympia Federal Savings Olympia Orthopaedic Associates Print NW Saint Martin's University TAGS Awards and Specialties

GOLD INVESTORS Bakala State Farm Boggs Inspection Services Cabinets by Trivonna Charter College C.P.C. Landscape, LLC The Creative Office Firs Senior Living Community GHB Insurance

Grays Harbor Fair & Tourism Great Wolf Lodge Hometown Property Management Hooper Financial Services Jessica Jensen Law PS LoanStar Home Lending Nicholson & Associates Nisqually Red Wind Casino Olympia Furniture Company Pardiman Productions Puget Sound Energy RHD Enterprises SCJ Alliance South Sound Radiology Venables Pest Management Wells Fargo Community Bank

EXPERIENCE THE CAPITAL ADVANTAGE

Comprehensive Cancer Care capitalmedical.com

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

©2018 BCI

ADVOCACY UPDATE

Hard Work Pays off Downtown

approved Views on 5th. Public and nonprofit investments total more than $52 million, including $44 million for the new state office building, just off the main campus.

Probably the most exciting news in downtown is that 288 new residential units are currently leased, and an additional 407 new apartment units are under construction or in the building permit stage in the downtown area. New residents will bring continued vibrancy and sustained energy to downtown.

Last month we celebrated the arrival of The Olympian back to the city’s core and Well 80, a new brewery and restaurant that will replace a storefront previously vacated by fire. Other significant investments and residential

By Doug Mah, Doug Mah & Associates and Director of Chamber's Public Policy Division We believe that strong public policy creates a vibrant community. Engagement in critical

Last month we celebrated the arrival of The Olympian back to the city’s core and Well 80, a new brewery and restaurant that will replace a storefront previously vacated by fire.

policy issues on behalf of individual members and organizations is at the core of the Chamber’s mission.

Your Chamber of Commerce is helping to grow a prosperous economy and vibrant community by connecting people, ideas, and resources. We are adding our collective voice to important conversations and informing the approval and permitting process. No place is this more visible than in the changes that are occurring in Downtown Olympia.

Private enterprise investment in downtown has taken off in recent years. New mixeduse developments are planned for highly visible locations throughout the downtown core. Since 2016, over $68 million in private sector investment was made or is planned.

This includes $30 million for the recently

projects include Westman Mill, Laurana (formerly known as Dockside Flats), Columbia Condos, Columbia Place, Avalon, and Annie’s Artist Flats which is currently under construction.

The Public Policy Division is focused on creating support for new investments and activities.

We recognize that decision makers work their best when they hear and understand diverse perspectives. Our entire community, like Downtown, benefits when members of the Thurston Chamber of Commerce are active in the public process and bring our perspectives, insights, and priorities to any public policy discussion. Sharing our perspectives helps balance competing opinions and works to ensure all voices are heard. •

April 2018

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.

Math for Life Take your kids on a scavenger hunt to local businesses in our region and find out how they use math! Out of town for the week of spring break? You still have a chance to win, Math for Life runs from March 24 - April 8, 2018!

Morning Mixxer at Cornerstone Join our host, Cornerstone Home Mortgage, on Tuesday, April 3 at 7:30 a.m. for the Thurston Chamber’s Morning Mixxer.

Cornerstone Home Mortgage will provide breakfast treats, our sponsor L&E Bottling will host the coffee bar—and you can enjoy a morning of networking.

TYP at Great Wolf Lodge The Thurston Young Professionals (TYP) AND the Young Professionals of Lewis County will meet at Great Wolf Lodge for their After Hours on Thursday, April 5 at 5:30 p.m. at

In This Issue...

4 Advocacy Update Hard work is paying off downtown.

6 Well 80 Local business owners open Well 80 Brewhouse downtown Olympia.

12 Crown Beverage Packaging 59 years of pride and excellence

Great Wolf Lodge.

Forum: Thurston Green Business Awards A record number of businesses applied for a Thurston Green designation this year, and the community will celebrate those businesses at the Chamber's April Forum on Wed., April 11 at 11:30 a.m. at the Hotel RL Olympia. The luncheon will include a keynote address

19 Welcome New Members

Green Business Expo.

Introducing the newest members of the Thurston Chamber

Business After Hours at Little Creek Casino

20

Join the Thurston County Chamber on Thursday, April 19, at 5:30 p.m.

Lakeside Industries

by the Center for Sustainable Infrastructure’s Director, Rhys Roth, and a

for our April Business After Hours at Little Creek Casino. Business After Hours is a free networking event. Hosts provide light appetizers and beverages, games and raffles.

Working to meet expected growth in Thurston County

Thank you, sponsors! thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  April 2018 5

There’s Something in the Water...

Local business owners open Well 80 Brewhouse in downtown Olympia Written by Christina Butcher Photography by Dinea dePhoto

E

very spring, the streets of downtown Olympia come to life as people hit the pavement in search of live theater and music, exceptional food and handcrafted beer.

In the world of beer, especially, Olympia

that local business owners and family

almost my whole life, I’m vested in

has a long history of delivering tasty,

members Chris, Bob and Evan Knudson

making downtown Olympia a great

locally brewed drinks into the hands of

are keeping Olympia’s brewing traditions

place,” said Chris Knudson, one of the

residents and travelers alike.

alive this spring with the opening of Well

three Well 80 Brewhouse owners.

80 Brewhouse in downtown Olympia.

It should come as no surprise, then,

“As someone who’s lived in Olympia

6 • April 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

“Our family has a strong connection to

thurstonchamber.com

our city and we like being a part of the

collaborative and supportive of each

love this place,” said Chris Knudson. “Our

community.”

other,” said Knudson. “They (local

downtown area is a hub for a lot of cities,

breweries) have all been fantastic.

including Lacey, Tumwater and a lot of

According to Knudson, Well 80 is named

They’ve helped us out along the way in a

smaller cities and towns in Thurston

for the artesian well found beneath the

lot of different ways. Everyone reached

and Mason Counties. I think it’s a cool

brewhouse’s downtown building. “We’re

out to offer us support and guidance, and

place, but the only thing that’s going to

brewing beer with water from the well

that’s been a very pleasant surprise.”

continue to make downtown Olympia a cool place is if people keep investing in

beneath the building,” said Knudson. “It

the downtown core.”

(the well) is number 80 of 96 wells that

Despite Well 80’s brews being brand-

were surveyed (by the City of Olympia)

new to the scene, the brewhouse’s head

in downtown Olympia in the 1940’s. We

brewer, Paul Pearson, has been crafting

Because the Knudsons have been living

brewed our first in-house batch on March

beer for over 13 years.

and working in Olympia for almost four decades, the father-sons trio had a clear

11.”

The Knudson family, which has been

idea of what would set Well 80 apart from

Knudson isn’t alone in his desire to tap

contributing to the growth of Olympia’s

other venues in the area. They started

into Olympia Brewing Company’s historic

hospitality sector since the early 1980’s,

by offering indoor and outdoor seating

“It’s the water” slogan. Local lore has it

is no stranger to building a business. Bob

at the new brewhouse. Well 80 can

that artesian water found in Olympia is the key ingredient to brewing beer with a distinctive “Olympia flavor.”

But let’s back up a moment to answer a quick question that may be on your mind.

How did Well 80 manage to present six “house brews” out of the 16 beers on-tap at its grand opening earlier this month?

The answer is simple: collaboration.

Well 80 enlisted the help of established local breweries to craft their first batch

accommodate close to 200 guests indoors,

How did Well 80 manage to present six “house brews” out of the 16 beers on-tap at its grand opening?

The answer is simple: collaboration.

of house brew off-site. Fish Brewing

as well as an additional 50 patrons with outdoor seating in the alley alongside to the building.

Well 80 also boasts “all-ages” and “21-and-over” designated areas to keep patrons looking for different dining and drinking experiences happy. The menu will include gastropub-style fare like hamburgers, sandwiches and pizza. To top it all off, Well 80 has already taken steps to participate in one of this year’s

Company, Matchless Brewing, Three

Knudson, the father of Chris and Evan

Magnets Brewing Co, Top Rung Brewing

Knudson, opened the Italian restaurant

Company and Triceratops Brewing all

Casa Mia in Lacey in 1982. Since then, the

“We like involving the community in

pitched in to help Well 80 brew its initial

Knudson family opened a second Casa

different ways,” said Knudson. “We’ve

beer in time for the business’s grand

Mia restaurant in downtown Olympia,

done a lot of community collaboration.”•

opening.

then relocated the original storefront to its current location in Lacey.

“The brewing community here is really

thurstonchamber.com

“I’ve lived here most of my life, and I

infamous Arts Walk celebrations.

Christina Butcher is a freelance writer for the VOICE.

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  April 2018 7

Caught in the Lens...

8 • February 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

Photos on this page are from Morning Mixxer at Action Business Furniture and Best of South Sound Awards and EXPO. Find more photos on the Chamber's Facebook page.

thurstonchamber.com

Photos on this page are from the Chamber's Foundation Gala & Auction, A Night on the Town, Business After Hours at Jessica Jensen Law PS, and ribbon cuttings at Advanced Health Care and Lights There.

thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  April 2018 9

Does your hiring a include SAFETY?

S

mart businesses develop a well-greased hiring and onboarding process to realize the company’s culture, value and mission. But some businesses, especially small ones, overlook what should be a key element in those discussions: workplace safety.

Successful businesses set clear expectations about their

safety culture from Day One. They know that workplace safety affects each company’s bottom-line directly and indirectly.

Direct and in-direct benefits of safe workplaces Imagine how a seamless safety operation could help retain employees and promote job satisfaction. Workers would feel free to report safety hazards or near-misses before anyone is hurt. Managers would feel confident about their well-documented records of safety training. You wouldn’t have to worry about workplace injuries constantly interrupting operations. Your workforce would be thriving and productive.

Your company might even earn a claim-free discount that reduces the cost of workers’ compensation premiums. Potential customers could check L&I’s website to see your strong record of workplace safety, and decide to do business with you.

Don’t wait! Request a no-fee consultation at www.lni.wa.gov/Safety/ Consultation today!

10 • April 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

and training checklist requirements, on-going safety training and best practices to prevent workplace injuries.

Ergonomic consultations show how to prevent back pain, strains and sprains in the workplace. Consultants explain how the design of workstations, work practices and work flow can create the best fit for employees and their job duties.

Industrial hygiene consultations offer recommendations on chemical use and storage, safety in confined spaces, noise and biological exposure, and air quality concerns.

Be proactive! Request a no-fee consultation at www.lni.wa.gov/ Safety/Consultation today! In addition, qualifiying organizations can join RETRO programs like the Thurston Chamber's Expert Comp Solutions NW to improve safety and subsequently lower costs. Learn more about RETRO at http://thurstonchamber.com/retro/about-retro/

L&I can help you make your workplace safe Need help figuring out requirements and best practices for workplace safety? Ask the experts at the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). We offer four types of no-fee, confidential consultations that won’t be shared with L&I compliance officers. Consultations are available for Risk Management, Safety, Ergonomics, and Industrial Hygiene.



NOT ALL

HEROS

WEAR

CAPES.

Sometimes they wear suits.

No-fee and confidential consultations at any stage of business. The earlier the better.

Risk management consultations provide the basics of how to reduce your workers’ compensation insurance costs. A consultant will review your company and industry's injury trends, show how workers' comp premiums are calculated, and explain how proactive claim and safety management help control costs. You’ll learn the benefits of light-duty jobs for injured workers, and the impact that management has on workplace safety culture.

Safety consultations identify worksite hazards, explain safety and health regulations, discuss safety rules specific to your business, and help you develop a tailor-made plan to prevent accidents. Well-executed plans not only meet legal

thurstonchamber.com

Personalized service, great products, and competitive rates — we think that’s pretty epic.

FIND OUT MORE AT

wabizbank.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  April 2018 11

Leonard Bush is plant superintendent and manager at Crown Beverage Packaging located on Fones Road in Olympia. Photo by Dinea de Photo

Crown Beverage Packaging: 59 years of pride and excellence

L

By Rebekah Finn

eonard Bush has been in manufacturing for close to 30 years, starting with Frito Lay, and spending about half his career in food. As a plant superintendent and manager with Crown, Bush has managed Crown beverage packaging plants in Washington, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

Currently, Bush manages the Crown

“The team here is the best, hands down,”

staff of 113 employees comes together to

Beverage Packaging plant on Fones Road

he says. “Everybody here has different

excel:

in Olympia. When asked what makes

jobs to make the business run. Other than

working in Thurston County different

that, there’s no one smarter or better than

“The employees get involved in the

from other parts of the country, Bush

anybody else.”

financial impact; they want to be involved in all the business decisions of the plant.

doesn’t hesitate: Bush goes on to explain how the plant

12 • April 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

They run the training committee; they

thurstonchamber.com

Currently, the plant in Olympia only manufactures standard 12-ounce aluminum beverage cans. Manufacturing the two-piece aluminum can is an intricate process, starting with three-mile-long rolls of aluminum, weighing 16,000 pounds per roll. run the safety committee. Our success—and we’ve had great

looks like a crown. The bottle cap used to have a piece of cork in

success in the past six months—has had very little to do with

it to help seal the bottle.”

the management staff. It has everything to do with the people making cans on the floor making really impeccable business

Currently, the plant in Olympia only manufactures standard

decisions and being proactive about maintaining the plant.

12-ounce aluminum beverage cans. Manufacturing the two-

There’s a lot of pride here.”

piece aluminum can is an intricate process, starting with threemile-long rolls of aluminum, weighing 16,000 pounds per roll.

The Olympia plant originally opened in 1959 as Continental Can

The aluminum is run through a machine that punches out cups,

Company to provide cans for Olympia Beer. Back then, the plant

just like using a cookie cutter to punch out cookies from a sheet

was producing the three-piece steel can: a body held together

of dough. The cups then continue to get stretched and shaped

with a seam, plus a top and a bottom. In 1974, the technology

until they’re the correct height and width. They also get printed

changed, making a two-piece aluminum can the new standard.

on with the product design specified by the customer.

In 1989, Crown Cork & Seal bought Continental and took over

Throughout the manufacturing process, the cans are tested

operation of the plant. Crown brought with it a long and rich

for quality in a variety of ways. First of all, they have to look

history of manufacturing, a worldwide network of plants, and

good, so print quality is checked. Cans are pressure tested for

an overall staff of 2,500 employees. The Olympia plant is one of

buckling points both vertically and horizontally, and they are

Crown’s 13 beverage container plants in the country. Besides

treated with a water-based coating to prevent the very porous

beverage containers, Crown’s other plants include food and

aluminum from releasing the can’s contents over time.

aerosol can manufacturing.

“We make 5 million cans a day, which comes out to 1.6 billion “Crown Cork & Seal is one of the oldest metal packaging

each year,” says Bush. Besides their large multi-national

companies in the world, started in 1892,” explains Bush. “We

customers like Pepsi, Molson-Coors and Refresco, cans from the

invented the bottle cap—that’s our claim to fame and where our

plant are largely going to local and regional craft breweries.

name comes from. If you look at a bottle cap upside-down, it

(Continued on page 15) thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  April 2018 13

Crown makes 5 million cans a day, which comes out to 1.6 billion each year. Besides their large multi-national customers like Pepsi, Molson-Coors and Refresco, cans from the plant are largely going to local and regional craft breweries.

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14 • March 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

“We’re the largest craft brew can manufacturer in the Pacific

In return, Crown invests heavily in its employees. When

Northwest,” Bush explains. “A lot of the craft brews are putting

hourly can makers on the floor express an interest in wanting

their products in aluminum cans because it’s a better container.

something more in their careers, Bush is excited to foster that

There is zero air and zero light, so the quality of their product is

interest. “We send them to school. We have our own safety

maintained, and they’re able to ship more product.”

program that we train people in. We train them in Six Sigma; we provide Green Belt, Black Belt, and Master Black Belt training to

Another advantage of aluminum cans is that they help reduce

our employees if they want it.”

waste, Bush explains: “The good news, is that we use 100 percent recycled aluminum. Aluminum, as a container, is like

With his background in teaching, the mentorship part of his job

gold, in that it can be re-melted and re-manufactured an infinite

comes naturally to Bush. He started out studying journalism and

number of times and retain its same properties.”

English in school and started his professional life as an English teacher. During a time frame of low hiring in the education

Besides developing an affordable and high-quality product for

field, Bush switched his attention to frontline supervisor

their customer, a big challenge that Crown faces is recruiting

positions. “A lot of what I did was working with people anyway.

talented workers. The pay structure is great and the benefits

Now, 26 years later, a lot of what I do is develop the next

are competitive, but the skill sets needed for manufacturing just

generation. My job now is to develop the team out here.”

aren’t being taught as much as they used to be.

Walking through the plant, any visitor will be able to tell that The talent Crown has been able to attract through online

Bush and his fellow staff truly have fostered a team-oriented

job boards and trade school recruitment has been excellent,

environment. Employees greet each other with friendly waves

however. The plant recruits and trains talented machinists

and chuckles; everyone is visibly concentrating on the quality

and mechanics, who are passionate about making things run

of their work, and the overall environment feels very safe and

smoothly. A lot of the machinery and infrastructure of the plant

clean. In fact, a visit to the Olympia Crown beverage packaging

has been built in-house at a very high level of professional

plant may just infect you with a positive outlook and sense of

quality. With that technical expertise on the team at all times,

pride in what can be accomplished by a hard-working team

any machinery issues that come up can be dealt with quickly

right in your backyard. 

and affordably.

thurstonchamber.com

Rebekah Finn is a freelance writer for the VOICE. finncommoly@gmail.com Thurston County Chamber VOICE  April 2018 15

Free Vehicle & Equipment Safety Training

T

he constant movement of vehicles and big equipment

internal traffic control plan (ITCP) is a plan that is used to

create serious hazards for workers on construction

coordinate the flow of construction vehicles, equipment, and

sites. Whether it’s a road construction site or a large

workers working in close proximity within the activity area, so

building construction site, the interaction of heavy

that the safety of the workers and operators is ensured.

equipment and large trucks with on-foot workers commonly creates a high fatality and high hazard zone.

For these high risk construction zones, training is essential for all personnel. Targeted training can help increase construction employee awareness and reduce incidents caused by heavy construction equipment including backing operations, struckby, caught-between, and vehicle accidents.

The targeted training for supervisors and safety personnel includes learning how to develop and implement an effective internal traffic control plan to address these hazards. An

Training all your workers in these basic rules will help them not only stay safe but be able to recognize an ITCP and keep it functioning smoothly.

Improve your safety inside the construction site with this essential, targeted 2-hour training class available for workers or supervisors.

Thanks in part to a Susan Harwood Grant this class can be brought to you for FREE*! To find out more call Evergreen Safety Council at 800-521-0778 •

360.456.4999

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16 • April 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

The right fit for your business.

MEMBER PROFILE

One size never fits all. At TwinStar, you’ll have several business accounts and services to choose from, and together we’ll find the right accounts and cash management tools to improve your bottom line.

Call me to learn how.

Alexis Miller Business Development Officer 360.923.4450 alexis@twinstarcu.com

The Firs

Art and Carolyn

F

or the last 34 years, it has been our purpose here at The Firs to consistently exceed the quality, service and care

expectations of those we serve here in Olympia. We are extremely grateful for the amazing residents we have. Here is a

TwinStarCU.com/business

look at two of those amazing residents.

Growing up in Washington and graduating from Gonzaga University, Art and Carolyn have enjoyed every bit of their time here in Washington. Before becoming residents at The Firs, both made careers as bankers in the area. They loved to travel every year especially to Europe with a total of 26 trips. When the day came, and they decided that maintaining a large yard and house was getting too much, they decided to take a look here at The Firs.

Having been here for almost two years now, Art and Carolyn are very pleased with where they are. When asked why they decided to move, Art responded with “Why sit at home and be alone? You have companionship here”. This is one of the many reasons why residents enjoy living here. After all, Art says the biggest feature here is the staff and residents.

At The Firs part of MBK Senior Living it is our Principles and Core Values of Customer Focus, Inspired People and Financial Responsibility that sets us apart and drives our pursuit, to be the senior living provider of choice in each market we serve.

The Firs MBK Senior Living 426 Lilly Road Olympia, WA 98506 SPONSORED MEMBER PROFILE thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  April 2018 17

Above, Congressman Denny Heck, David Schaffert, Jessica Coen, Ed Galligan and Rich Hoey. The Port of Olympia was honored.

Community Set to Honor Green Business

T

hurston County businesses will receive recognition for their sustainability efforts at the Thurston Green Forum on Wed., April 11 at 11:30 a.m. at the Hotel RL Olympia. The Thurston Green Forum will include an EXPO of Thurston Green Businesses showcasing their 'green' goods and services and a keynote by Rhys Roth, Director of The Evergreen State College's Center for Sustainable Infrastructure.

A record number of businesses applied for a Thurston Green designation this year and the community will celebrate those businesses at the Chamber's April Forum on Wednesday, April 11 at 11:30 a.m. at the Hotel RL Olympia.

The luncheon will include a keynote address by The Evergreen State College Center for Sustainable Infrastructure’s Director, Rhys Roth, a Green Business Expo and a chance to meet businesses and organizations in Thurston County committed to environmental sustainability.

The cost to attend is $35 for general admission; $25 for online prepaid chamber members and $30 for members at the door. Register today!

Now in its eleventh year, the Thurston Green Business program has become one of the Chamber’s most popular programs, and for good reason — businesses that take steps to be green save money while protecting and preserving resources.

Saving energy and water, while reducing waste, are steps that benefit our environment. The savings that result from conservation boost the bottom-line.

Thank you to our Forum Sponsors; Window Genie, Morningside, South Sound Solar and TAGS Awards & Specialties.

Make your reservation at thurstonchamber.com • Thurston Green Business is a partnership program between the Thurston Chamber, the City of Lacey, the City of Olympia, the City of Tumwater and Thurston County.

The committee includes these partners as well as a number of sponsors, including Puget Sound Energy, Port of Olympia Intercity Transit and LeMay, Inc.

18 • April 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

MEMBER PROFILE

Nancy Lynch

On March 1, Advanced Health Care held their grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Welcome, New Members Advanced Health Care Lynessa Tinglum (360) 459-7888 Home Health Services Alpha & La Omega Landscaping Ruben Morales (360) 740-9754 Landscape Contractors Budget Blinds of Olympia Greg Cline (360) 861-4432 www.BudgetBlinds.com/ Olympia Home Improvements Careage Home Health Pierce/Thurston Tracey Evans (253) 240-4601 Home Health Services Cascadia Brewing Co. Tim Sexton (360) 943-2337 cascadiahomebrew.com Brew, Sports & Wine Bars Cellular Sales Business Division Jessica Humphrey (602) 478-8538 Cellular & Wireless Phones & Service Clarus Eye Centre Marta De La Torre 360-456-3200 www.claruseye.com Physicians & Surgeons thurstonchamber.com

Cornerstone Benefits Consulting Aaron Donaldson (253) 226-1777 www.cagroupwa.com Consultants - Business & Vocational Gundersen Dental Care Patty Johnson (360) 352-2781 Dentists & Orthodontists Hot Toddy Erika Lari (360) 753-0868 www.hottoddyboutique.com Women's Clothing Kennly Asato - Broker at Riley Jackson Real Estate Inc. Kennly Asato (360) 820-2322 www.OlympiaRealtors.com Real Estate - Agents & Companies – Residential Lacey Pocket Gophers Football Club Troy Kirby (360) 402-1484 Sports Teams, NonProfit Organizations & Associations Mathis Exterminating Forrest Seabourn (360) 923-2270 mathisexterminating.com Pest Control

Opes Advisors - A Division of Flagstar Bank Bill Lathrop (360) 819-1601 Banks/Mortgage Companies PC Technologies Jeff Seeman (360) 491-2227 www.pugetpc.com Computer System Designer & Consultant Respond First Medical Training, LLC Bill Moody (360) 481-5857

Strategem Financial, LLC

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he newest member of the Thurston Chamber's Small

Business Incubator is Nancy Lynch of Strategem Financial LLC, a registered representative of World Financial Group.

Nancy is originally from Tacoma, and she joined Strategem Financial, inspired by World Financial Group's (WFG) mission to help families with financial education. WFG is an organization that takes an educational approach to insurance, financial

respondfirstmedicaltraining.com

planning, wealth management and

Consultants – Safety Revel Lacey Refined Senior Living Rob Brock (425) 669-9400 revellacey.com Senior Citizen Services Welcome Wagon Florence JonenFlorence Jonen (360) 561-4510 welcomewagon.com Marketing Programs & Services Yelm Liquor & Beverage Kyle Contreras (360) 458-4014 Liquor Stores

debt elimination.

Personal development through leadership and mentoring is a key ingredient to Strategem's success.

Each associate is developed to become a leader in the fast growing company with a mission to educate every family in order to build a strong financial future to achieve their dreams.

Strategem Financial LLC Nancy Lynch (253) 249-9788 nancyblynch67@gmail.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  April 2018 19

Lakeside Industries Written by Natasha Ashenhurst Photography by Dinea dePhoto

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hurston County is one of the fastest growing areas in Washington State, and economists estimate that by 2040 our population could increase by more than 100,000 people. This influx of new residents will impact everything from housing to schools, but what Dean Smith thinks about are roads — asphalt to be specific.

20 • April 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE  April 2018 21

Dean Smith has worked for Lakeside Industries for 42 years and is general manager of Lakeside’s Thurston County operation.

Dean Smith has worked for Lakeside Industries for 42 years and

County is currently doing an environmental review, and we

is general manager of the Lakeside’s Thurston County operation.

hope to be able to process recycled asphalt in the future.” Smith notes that recycling the asphalt would reduce their carbon

Lakeside is a full-service asphalt paving contractor, and this

footprint, would create new jobs and would reduce the impact

66-year-old family-owned business paved many of the roads

on landfills. Smith said that technology changed the industry

in and around Thurston County. The company has 12 different

dramatically over the past 50 years, especially the cold mix

divisions all the way to from Bellingham to Portland and serves

technology so that emissions are very low to meet and exceed

Washington, Oregon and Idaho. Lakeside has operated out

ORCAA standards.

of Thurston County since 1971 and at its current location on Durgin Road since 2008.

The Business Model

Lakeside’s customers are local municipalities, but they serve private business and land-owners that need parking lots and driveways paved.

Lakeside’s Lacey operation purchases sand and gravel—also known as aggregate—from their neighbor, Holroyd—and they turn it into asphalt on-site.

Competitive Edge

Asphalt producers make the product using aggregate bound

successful company, “Our people and their commitment to

with bitumen—a dark, sticky substance derived from crude oil.

quality work,” he said.

Asphalt is the preferred road-building material because when contractors pour it onto a bed of heavier aggregate and then pressed using a steamroller, it becomes strong and durable. It is also 100 percent recyclable.

“Our plant is the only one in the state not zoned for recycling, but that may change,” said Smith. “Asphalt paving is the most recycled product in the world, even more than steel. The

22 • April 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

Smith didn’t hesitate when we asked why Lakeside is a

Lakeside is proud to employ union laborers, operators and teamsters for field operators, and they pay living-wage jobs in the range of $38 to $40 per hour, plus benefits.

Lakeside’s average tenure is 14 years, but Smith knows quite a few people who have been there closer to 20. However, despite good pay and benefits, Lakeside still has to work to

thurstonchamber.com

recruit employees — a common sentiment during a robust economic boom in a growing region. “For two years now we’ve gone to speak to students at North Thurston Public Schools to tell them about what we do and why we make an excellent career choice,” he said. He likes to joke with the students that technology has made some of their operator work similar to playing a video game. The company’s website has information about internship and apprentice programs, and the company is always looking for new ways to appeal to a new generation—a testimony to Smith’s statement that the company is trying to get out in front of emerging issues—and workforce development is top of mind right now.

And what about the future? How will self-driving cars change Lakeside’s work? Does the company have any concerns about resource scarcity?

“We believe there are only 20 to 25 years of gravel left — a county-wide issue that the Comprehensive Plan Update is working to address. We need to encourage recycling and do everything we can with the pits that are permitted within the rules and go from there,” he said. “Maybe in 25 years we’ll be like the Jetsons, and everyone will be flying around and we won’t need roads. But until then, we’ll keep paving roads and helping Thurston County absorb expected growth.” •

What does a $50 annual tax investment to the Port look like?

RETURNING YOUR INVESTMENT

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Business activity supporting nearly 5,000 familywage jobs +$100 million in wages

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Environmental Stewardship: Budd Bay Clean-up, East Bay Remediation, Cascade Pole and more

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Small Cities Program to support community development goals in rural Thurston

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Port Plaza and viewing platform, waterfront trail, public docks and public waterfront access

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and much more For more information on how the Port supports Thurston County visit

PORTOLYMPIA.COM thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  April 2018 23

PO BOX 1427 Olympia, WA 98507-1427