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How to Go Remote ...and Stay Efficient, Successful and Happy

by Alison Bailey

Businesses and organizations of all sizes, across industries of all kinds, are changing how they operate because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing guidelines from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) now strongly recommend restrictions to the number of people who can occupy the same physical space. Countless organizations structure their operations on physically present employees working within feet of one another for hours at a time. With this model on hold wherever possible, many businesses have pivoted to working from home. How can we make this transition as smooth and undisruptive as possible?

Erika Taylor Montgomery is the founder and CEO of Three Girls Media. Her company has never had a brick and mortar office in its nearly 15 years of operation. She was happy to share some of the tools she uses to keep her ten-person team cohesive and synergized. Every Monday morning at 10:30, the whole team logs on for a face-to-face meeting on Zoom, a video-based platform that allows everyone in the

meeting to see one another. “The visual contact is crucial for maintaining team cohesion,” Erika explains. They start every meeting with the question, “How was your weekend?” They end every meeting with a “water cooler question.” Starting and ending on a personal note is key to keeping the team connected on a human level, Erika says. Their question on Monday, March 16? “What do you do for fun when you can’t leave the house?”

Three Girls Media utilizes a number of tools to manage workflow and team connectivity. Trello is their application of choice for project management. It’s a comprehensive tool for file upload and organization, task assignments and deadline tracking. Google Docs is their preferred platform for creating content that can be shared quickly and edited in real time by multiple team members.

Erika emphasized that Slack, a robust mobile messaging platform, is a vital tool for her team. They keep a general channel open for in-house chatter on everything from workrelated news and comments to personal anecdotes like recipe sharing. Keeping that channel open to any topic helps maintain the human connection among team members.

Once per week, every employee has a one-on-one video check in with the Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Shanai Bemis. Having a regularly scheduled one-on-one with a manager allows team members to rely on a time when they can ask questions or broach concerns in a non-group setting. Erika explains that this is also a key component of keeping morale boosted and team cohesion strong.

Having trouble transitioning your team to remote work on a technical level? Remote IT support is available for Thurston County organizations that may not be big enough to have their own IT specialists in house. John Hansman, owner of Oly Tech Guys, isn’t making house calls at the moment, but he is fully equipped to access the computer of anyone with an internet connection. He is ready to help the small businesses of Thurston County meet the changing technology demands of these unique times. You can reach him at olytechguys.com.

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Local Programs Address Changing Workforce Needs PacMtn & Thurston County Chamber Reduce Long-Term Economic Injury of Coronavirus

Right now, the demand for employment support services is increasing dramatically – with many people losing their jobs, while at the same time other industries needing to ramp up their staff to meet demand. In light of this, there is a profound need to rethink and retool how economic and employment support is provided to local communities while, at the same time, considering public health. by Doria Maselli

I spoke with Cheryl Fambles, CEO of Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council (PacMtn) and Megan Fiess, Project Manager in Workforce Development at The Thurston County Chamber to learn more about the collaborative efforts of assessing and adapting to the needs of the local workforce in response to COVID-19.

PacMtn is the recognized convener of the region’s workforce development efforts, providing workforce solutions in Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific and Thurston Counties. Business Services, a program of the Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council and administered by the Thurston County Chamber, is a complimentary resource for businesses in our community in all stages of the workforce development process.

“We are currently pivoting our delivery model in order to provide rapid response to our business community. Our role as a workforce intermediary is to be a liaison between business, workforce, economic development and education. We convene and lead associations and organizations in order to provide a robust menu of services and referrals to our local businesses. We work with our partners to meet our businesses and customers where they are; we’re aiming to provide support and innovative solutions that will reduce long-term economic injury,” says Fiess.

business and your lives. I am pushing our government and community-based systems to deal with the most important things first—getting money flowing, and as soon as it is safe, sending people back to work. That will be important for the pocketbook and will absolutely help with the psychological trauma of this crisis,” she continues.

Some of the items Fiess and the workforce team at the Chamber are addressing include: providing a connection between local resource hubs to the PacMtn regional resource hub, providing technical assistance to regional partners – especially smaller organizations – gathering and analyzing business needs to both streamline and innovate necessary services and providing business services and staffing support for industries currently expanding due to demand. Fambles, who represents workforce issues on the Governor’s Poverty Reduction and Military Transition Council and previously held executive and senior positions in the Washington Workforce Association, speaks to PacMtn’s role in the response. “PacMtn is about helping the region’s residents get to self-sufficiency. Typically that means career preparations, training and jobs. All the work is about helping people transition. The COVID-19 virus has created massive displacements and people’s access to jobs is now very limited. Training and service delivery in a virtual world is challenging, and the stress levels are driven by very basic needs for food, housing and medical care. This is an unprecedented time, but PacMtn has been here before,” says Fambles. Fambles remembers the massive shutdown in the timber and forest products industry from which the fivecounty region and many industries are still not fully recovered. “I also think when the military changed strategy and downsized thousands of personnel into the local economy, PacMtn was able to respond with Camo2Commerce, serving hundreds of former service members with access to job training and hope for the future.” “This is an all hands on deck moment. Territoriality and hoarding goods or information is never helpful. In times of crisis it is detrimental. Most of this region’s key organizational entities are very experienced at working in collaboration and in partnership. The Chamber is an established focal point for workforce business solutions across the region and this is a moment in time when we can rely on their leadership and expertise,” says Fambles. “Every crisis has multiple silver linings. Keep looking for them in your Both Fambles and Fiess have been impressed with the response and resiliency shown so far in the community. “Dozens of staff are working long hours in remote locations designing ways people can get the information they need – online applications, virtual workshops – and directing people to other essential resources. AmeriCorps members are spending all day over the phone or online greeting customers and providing information and connecting them with resources. And restaurant food pick-up and delivery has been so valuable at the end of a long day, and it’s also helping local businesses keep their doors open,” says Fambles.

“I’ve been so impressed with the rapid response of local employers and other organizations and associations who came together immediately to pool ideas and resources,” says Fiess.

“Not only is everyone working together to maintain Main Street, we’re also continuing to build it.”

For Washington State COVID-19 response information visit: coronavirus.wa.gov

For Thurston County Chamber’s Impact Resource Guide visit: thurstonchamber.com/advocacy/ business-continuity-resources-covid-19

For PacMtn resources and information visit: pacmtn.org

by Natasha Ashenhurst Photos by Heather Harris, Elements Photography Community Resilience A Conversation with David Schaffert, Shauna Stewart and Michael Cade

In the third week of March 2020, I sat down with Michael Cade, Executive Director of the Thurston Economic Development Council, Shauna Stewart, CEO of Experience Olympia & Beyond and David Schaffert, President & CEO of the Thurston County Chamber to talk about aligning resources to provide support to Thurston County businesses impacted by the COVID-19 crisis and to talk about strategies for recovery. Ultimately, we talked about what makes a community resilient and why they believe, without a doubt, that Thurston County will get through this stronger than ever.

The Crisis

The second week of March 2020, when Governor Inslee began issuing proclamations limiting the size of gatherings, closing schools statewide, limiting food and beverage services and restrictions on non-medical procedures, David Schaffert, Thurston Chamber’s President/CEO said he sat in his office for three days numb and in shock. Businesses were closing their doors, some temporarily, but others, permanently. “I received call after call from devastated business owners in so much pain and under so much stress. Some broke down crying. They expressed their devastation that they were letting their employees, families and community down. The pain is immense, and it shook me,” he said.

Michael and Shauna shared similar experiences.

“The hospitality industry imploded,” said Shauna. “And we aren’t at the bottom yet. This is worse than 9/11 and the 2008 recession combined. People are suffering. Over the last week, our team reached out to several hotels and member businesses and had some very difficult conversations. Once the people we speak to become aware of the options available in our community, I can hear a weight lifted and a sense of relief. There is so much conflicting information out there right now, and people are overwhelmed. What helps is folks tapping into relationships and connections and leaning in on one another for relief and support,” she said.

“We haven’t worked less than a 14- hour day since February,” said Michael. “Right now, we’re creating a raft of support for our businesses, providing resources, and one-on-one counseling. Just yesterday, we put five people in front of counselors to talk about cash flow and resources. We don’t promise we can solve everyone’s problems. Still, we can let people know what resources are available and what support is available to get them through the crisis phase and tide them over until we’re in the recovery phase.”

Support Networks & Resources

All three organizations have an incredible amount of helpful information on their websites. Still, more importantly, each has trained every single staff member to take calls from businesses who need help sifting through available resources and gaining a clearer understanding of what options are available during the crisis. The message each organization is preaching is simple: don’t let social distancing mandates become a reason to walk through this alone. All three have created virtual spaces to engage.

“You are not alone! We can’t walk in your shoes because this business is your baby, but we can set up a counseling session for clarity of purpose and so you can tap into an incredible network of resources,” said Michael. “Fill out an economic injury form. We have to

"We haven’t worked less than a 14-hour day since February. Right now, we’re creating a raft of support for our businesses, providing resources and one-on-one counseling." - Michael Cade, Executive Director, Thurston EDC

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT THROUGHOUT THURSTON COUNTY

1. Provided $70,000 for the renovation of the Historic Oddfellows Building.

2. Provided $75,000 to complete the Master plan for the SW Washington Innovation & Business Park.

3. Provided $10,000 for the installation of wider sidewalks, bulb-outs and landscaping along Binghampton Street to build downtown character and enhance the setting for local and visiting shoppers.

4. Provided $20,000 to assist with the design and construction of the community center.

5. Provided $15,000 to support investment in the Lacey MakerSpace project.

6. In partnership with the City of Tumwater and U.S. Fish and Wildlife, developed a Habitat Conversation Plan to provide long-term preservation and management of protected and endangered species.

7. In partnership with the Frank Family, Squaxin Island Tribe and Salmon Defense, developed and maintains the Billy Frank Jr. Park and Trail to provide a historical and educational self-guided walking tour.

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360.528.8000

Inquiries@PortOlympia.com

1. Please fill out an economic injury form at thurstonedc.com. We need this data to obtain resources for recovery. 2. If you are a small business owner, visit thurstonchamber.com or thurstonedc.com and look at the resources available to you. If you are in the hospitality industry, also visit experienceolympia.com. 3. Call us. Tell us how you are doing. Share your experience with one other person. We’ll make sure you are connected. Don’t go through this alone. Please, take care of yourself, take care of your business and get ready for the recovery.

Thurston County Chamber 360-357-3362 Experience Olympia & Beyond 360-704-7544 Thurston EDC 360-754-6320

have the data for our recovery plan and to obtain federal recovery dollars for our businesses! Contact your landlord and talk about your lease. Contact vendors and restructure contracts. Explore alternative methods to offer goods and services. Extend lines of credit. Keep your customers up to date with daily updates. Trim as many expenses as possible. Sell non-essential assets to generate cash. Contact other businesses to see if there are goods and services you can share. Move services online. If you own a restaurant, get your menu online! Contact your insurance company. Be positive. Find a mentor. Find someone to talk to. Stay in touch with Experience Olympia, your EDC, your Chamber. There is an economic solution,” he said. “Yes! We want to hear from you. We’re here to support and advocate for your success and your people. For the next six weeks, our efforts will be about triage and support,” said David. All three agree: They don’t care which door you walk through. Call, and they’ll figure it out and will put their network and referrals to work for businesses. What Recovery Looks Like Once the COVID-19 crisis eases, community leaders can begin to provide opportunities for healing. And Shauna, David and Michael agree that Thurston County is in an excellent position to recover. “If you look at the big picture, Thurston County has an intricate and elegant economy. We have strong entrepreneurs that continually seek new markets and new ways of doing business. Our economic system is built on networks and relationships, and this includes our community development organizations such as the Chamber, the EDC and Experience Olympia and our outstanding partners in education,” said Michael.

Shauna agrees, “The power of partnership is profound. I hold my hope in our local culture. People here are intentional, passionate and creative. We look at the problem straight on and find solutions, innovations and new systems. I believe it is our spirit of entrepreneurship that will pull us out and get us to recovery,” she said.

Ultimately, what recovery looks like depends on resilience—our ability to cope, bounce back and thrive despite overwhelming barriers.

“There are no easy answers right now,” said David. “Right now, we can’t provide solutions. It is too early for that. What we can do is provide support and resources during this difficult time. All we ask is for folks to connect with us — please don’t go through this alone.”

Business and Community Resources Information for Workers & Employers

ATTENTION If you represent a business seeking immediate technical support, please call the Thurston Economic Development Council’s BUSINESS HOTLINE. Professional business counselors and support staff are available to help identify resources, complete forms and provide other guidance as necessary. BUSINESS HOTLINE (360) 754-6320

For additional resources for those affected by COVID-19, visit: thurstoncountywa.gov/phss/Pages/coronavirus.aspx

We are developing and coordinating a multi-faceted response to the COVID-19 Pandemic and its specific impacts to and throughout our broader Thurston Community. Our goal is to build and reinforce community resiliency to the extent possible over the months ahead. Conditions and reporting around this situation are evolving rapidly, and this site will be periodically updated as new information and resources are identified. The COVID-19 Economic Recovery Initiative is a partnership between local municipalities and economic development organizations throughout Thurston County. While the specific tactics used to implement our response will be adjusted as necessary, we are currently pursuing a two-phased approach as follows:

Phase 1: Personal Resilience and Relief People come first. Many workers are already experiencing economic hardships, from reduced hours and wages to loss of employment. Others fear not going into work will result in lost income and the ability to pay for essential needs like rent and food.

Yet, medical experts and every level of government make it clear the best way to combat this disease is for people to shelter in place and remove themselves from excessive social contact. The immediate goal is to flatten the curve* so we don’t overwhelm hospital capacity and exacerbate the spread of the virus. This means people need to feel more comfortable and secure staying home from work.

Given the national scope of this event, we anticipate it may be some time before any federal stimulus package or other form of government relief can be delivered to help locally. As a result, our immediate focus is connecting impacted or displaced workers to existing resources and other stop-gap measures that can help people bridge budget challenges over the next several months. Please see the 'Resources for Impacted Workers' section on page 17 for potential sources of relief or support for workers.

*To see the differing effects of limited vs. extensive social-distancing watch the virus simulations presented here: washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/ world/corona-simulator

Phase 2: Business Recovery and Renewal Longer-term, we are working to develop support and response systems for impacted businesses and employers. The level of fiscal investment for this endeavor is expected to be enormous. Because local resources are limited, we will likely need to rely on stimulus packages currently under development at the State and Federal level. We believe that, by working as a region, we can best accomplish a full recovery by coordinating efforts, pooling of resources and presenting a shared voice with respect to State and Federal government response requests. The City of Olympia has invested seed funding for business recovery efforts and will work with partners to assemble a Regional Economic Recovery Task Force to help identify and direct future resources to impacted businesses. For an inventory of existing business resources, please see the 'Resources for Businesses and Employers' section on page 18.

Resources for Impacted Workers COVID-19 is creating hardships for many area workers and additional impacts are expected. Affected workers may be able to find temporary relief through one or more of the resources below. Visit ThurstonStrong.org for the latest information.

Federal Resources

Coronavirus Worker Relief Act At the time of publication, this proposed Act is currently awaiting Senate action. As currently proposed, the Act would expand the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Disaster Unemployment Assistance Program by making those who are impacted by the coronavirus outbreak eligible for benefits.

Specifically, in the case of an emergency declaration by the president, the bill would:

• Provide access to disaster unemployment assistance for workers, including self-employed individuals and contractors, who are sick, quarantined, furloughed, laid off or who’s individual or family circumstances have changed as a result of COVID-19 or government containment efforts • Waive state waiting periods and work-search requirements to ensure that workers can get the assistance they need as soon as possible • Set a minimum amount of assistance at parity with that of state unemployment compensation laws • Assist states in the administration of this unemployment assistance

Additional federal legislation, currently in the works, but not yet confirmed, could address individual payments to American citizens and expanded support for unemployment benefits distrusted through individual states.

State Resources Local Resources On the following page

Employment Security Department The Employment Security Department (ESD) has enacted a series of emergency rules to help people and employers affected by COVID-19. For detailed instructions for accessing benefits, visit: esd.wa.gov/newsroom/covid-19.

The graphic below offers “at-a-glance” information for which benefits someone might qualify for depending on their situation.

Resources for Impacted Workers (continued)

Local Resources

*Please keep in mind many of the resource partners referenced below may be operating under unique schedules or via online communication only at this time.

United Way-Community Foundation COVID-19 Community Response Fund The Thurston Community Foundation and United Way of Thurston County have teamed up to create a “COVID-19 Community Response Fund.” The Fund is designed to rapidly mobilize and deploy resources to the people who are most vulnerable to the economic impacts of COVID-19 in Thurston County. To donate or learn more about qualifications for receiving funds, visit unitedway-thurston.org/covid-19 Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council For people displaced from employment or interested in moving into a new career field, the Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council (PacMtn) serves as the primary employment training provider and connector for our region. The links below may be of help to individuals seeking new skills or employment options: pacmtn.org/job-seekers pacmtn.org/regional-sectors/ explore-careers Community Action Council Certain individuals may also qualify for assistance through the Thurston Community Action Council. The Council operates a variety of programs that can help low-income residents make rent payments, complete essential home repairs or obtain medical services. needhelppayingbills.com/html/ thurston_county_assistance_pro.html South Puget Sound Community College Another option for worker training or retraining, SPSCC offers degrees and certificates in a variety of fields. The college will continue to offer programming through alternative delivery methods for the immediate future. spscc.edu

If you are a worker and/or current student at SPSCC, the College Foundation has launched a COVID-19 Support Fund at spscc.edu/foundation/ covid-19-support-fund. Anyone can donate to this fund, and students who need emergency funding can apply through the existing Student Success Funds Application at spscc.edu/ foundation/studentsuccessgrants/ apply

Resources for Businesses & Employers

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First, we want you to know we understand the challenges employers and businesses are facing, and we share your concerns. The Thurston Chamber recently surveyed local businesses, and as shown in the graph on the right, most are expecting major financial impact (70 of 80 respondents).

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Business resource information is constantly evolving. Measures for direct payments to small business, loan guarantees and other topics are under active discussion in the US House and Senate now. Some existing resources available now are described below: Employee Leave & Telework Guidance Many employers are struggling with how to maintain operations and manage employees at this time. NASA has developed a chart that provides guidance on what actions an employer might take given different scenarios. nasapeople.nasa.gov/coronavirus/ employee_leave_guidance_during_ novel_coronavirus.pdf Economic Injury Worksheet If you own or operate a business, please complete an Economic Injury Worksheet form. These forms may help qualifying businesses secure approval for lowinterest, long-term repayment loans from the US Small Business Administration. However, they may also help us as a region when the time comes to request and distribute state and federal economic injury funding. thurstoncountywa.gov/em Resource Links for Washington State Business & Workers – Governor's Office The Governor’s Office has compiled a broad inventory of resources available for impacted businesses and workers. The fact sheet linked below addresses: •Tax Filing Extensions •Tax Penalty Waivers •Export Assistance •Unemployment Benefits •Employment Alternatives (e.g. Shared Work, Partial Unemployment & Standby) •Rapid Response Service governor.wa.gov/coronavirusresource-list-businesses-and-workers PTAC – Contracting Opportunities for Vendors and Suppliers The Professional and Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) helps local businesses navigate federal contracting opportunities, including many of the supplies and services the federal government will be purchasing through FEMA in response to the President’s recent declaration of a National Emergency. washingtonptac.org Washington State Dept. of Commerce The Department of Commerce has assembled a comprehensive set of links for all manner of specific COVID-19 questions and concerns. startup.choosewashingtonstate.com/ links/crisis/covid-19-resources SBA Federal Disaster Loans The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering some Washington state counties low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses that are suffering substantial

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Increased Sales 3 7 Remain the Same

economic injury due to coronavirus. Small businesses that qualify are encouraged to apply online for a disaster loan. sba.gov

Business Insurance Questions The Insurance Commissioner's Office has produced responses to frequentlyasked questions regarding business insurance, including event cancellation insurance. insurance.wa.gov/coronavirusinsurance-information-businesses

Chamber of Commerce Business Networking Local networking is also important, as peer businesses may be able to offer insights or other resource information they’ve discovered while working through this situation. The Thurston Chamber of Commerce operates one such group. Go to facebook.com/ groups/thurstonchambermembers and request to join.

Local Resources You can also continue to access local resources, often the same people who helped many local businesses get started or grow. thurstonedc.com/resources-for-smallbusinesses-impacted-by-coronaviruscovid-19

thurstonedc.com/score

wsbdc.org/services/grow/resources/ disaster-planning-and-recovery

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The Thurston County COVID-19 Response Fund: Seniors & Low-Income Parents Are Fund's First Recipients

by Alison Bailey

As our community continues to confront the COVID-19 pandemic, two organizations have come together to create the Thurston County COVID-19 Response Fund in support of vital nonprofits and vulnerable families. United Way of Thurston County (UWTC) and Community Foundation of South Puget Sound (CFSPS) launched the fund on March 16 and immediately received an influx of donations made by generous community members and businesses. To date, the fund is already positively impacting nonprofit groups whose existence might otherwise be threatened by the sudden economic changes brought on by the pandemic. In addition, on March 23 the fund was able to start providing assistance to families with children impacted by the pandemic.

Meals on Wheels Doubles Delivery Senior Services of South Sound (SSS) helps seniors in Thurston, Mason and Lewis counties stay active, connected and well-fed. Their Meals on Wheels program ensures that all seniors have access to at least one complete, nutritious meal per day. With almost all of our community’s seniors now isolated in their homes, the need for this service has skyrocketed at the same time SSS has had to discontinue its regular fundraising activities such as bingo nights.

“The money that this fund has made available fills a critical, rapidly-growing gap in our funding,” explains Brian Windrope, Executive Director at SSS. In the third week of March alone, the number of meals SSS delivered doubled from 700 to 1,400. Windrope anticipates the need will continue grow. As SSS team members deliver meals, they find more seniors who need and want to enroll in the program because they can no longer leave their homes to grocery shop and their families might not live in the area to deliver supplies. Windrope emphasizes his gratitude for the combined efforts of UWTC and CFSPS on behalf of his team and the individuals they serve and the many donors who have contributed to the fund. Baby Wipes & Formula The Nurse-Family Partnership program (NFP) has also benefited from the new fund. NFP pairs registered nurses with first-time parents in low-income circumstances. Their clients represent some of the families who will be hit hardest by this crisis. As of Monday, March 23, disbursements from the fund have procured 284 containers of infant formula and 216 packages of baby wipes, thanks to our corporate partner, Costco. They are working to source 400 packages of diapers and 300 jars of baby food that will be delivered in compliance with social distancing recommendations by NFP’s visiting nurses. The Community Action Council helps low-income community members cover basic expenses such a rent and utilities, while Catholic Community Services and Interfaith Works provide meals and hygiene supplies to our unsheltered and food-insecure community members. All three organizations have already received financial support from the new fund. You can be a part of this movement. Please make a donation online through United Way of Thurston County's website, www.unitedway-thurston.org/covid-19 or by mail to United Way of Thurston County, 3525 7th Ave SW Suite 201, Olympia, WA 98502.

Organizations that help our low-income and unsheltered population will also benefit from the new funding source.

Five Tips for Financing Your Home in Today’s Market

When buying a home, a lot goes into thinking about finding the right place. Location, lot size, number of bedrooms, bathrooms, architectural style, neighborhood schools, finishes, etc.

In today’s hot housing market where inventories remain at historic lows, prices continue to climb, so affordability is becoming an even bigger factor in all the decisions that need to be made. Moreover, when it comes to affordability, buyers tend to oversimplify and focus on two things: price and interest rate. While it’s easy to think “the lower the price and interest rate, the better the financial deal I’m getting.” Unfortunately, it’s more complicated than that and if buyers just focus on these two items, they could be selling themselves short in terms of maximizing their finances and future.

We consulted Jennifer Arnold, Olympia Federal Savings (OlyFed) VP of Residential Lending for insider expertise on what to look for when shopping for a home loan and how you can customize the right financing solution to meet your needs. people, not automated computers, make underwriting decisions because we believe our local bankers better understand our South Sound market and make sensible decisions.

Many times, there is even more fine print with rates based on factors like down payment amount and home location. Again, OlyFed does not take into consideration these elements when it comes to rate because our values are centered on treating all customers like family.

Second, it’s always good to ask if the lender is going to sell your loan to a third party. For most of us, this is the largest investment we’ll make in our lives. When you purchase your home, you’ll be working with that bank for years to come and we believe selling our loans would be like selling our relationship with you. We assure top quality service by providing it ourselves.

Below are Jennifer’s five tips to getting the right mortgage:

First, I would recommend asking any lender if the advertised rate is available to everyone? Often lenders will advertise their best rate that’s only available to someone with a perfect credit score. At OlyFed, the rate we advertise is available to everyone; regardless of credit score. In addition, Third, I think it’s important to recognize the volatility of our economy and the ups and downs of interest rates in correlation to market conditions so it’s good to ask if you are going to get the best deal before closing. At OlyFed, we hold your rate at application and don’t require you to pay a fee to “lock” it in, even better than that - if a lower rate comes along, no worries; it’s yours – automatically! You don’t even have to call us to ask.

Fourth, ask about fees. Many lenders charge admin fees, processing fees, underwriting fees and many more. These fees can significantly drive up the cost of your loan. Be sure to compare Annual Percentage Rates (APR), not the interest rates because APR factors into many of these fees.

If you consider that the average lifespan of a mortgage is just seven years, the likelihood you will either sell or refinance before the end of your term is high, so why would you want to pay all those fees up front, when those are dollars you likely won’t recoup? Most of the fees we charge on the loan are the actual costs and we do not profit from them because we want to keep our loans as affordable as possible.

Lastly, be sure to check the reputation, knowledge and experience of your lender. At OlyFed, we’ve been a part of the Thurston County community for 114 years and we’ve financed a lot of the original homes built in the area. We have many meaningful community connections and can provide you with a wealth of insight and support.

To schedule an appointment with one of our Loan Officers call (360) 754-3400, email customerservice@olyfed.com or visit olyfed.com/team.

E24: Creative Retention Strategies and the Changing Nature of the Workplace TALENT MAGNET PODCAST

Sytease Geib, former co-host of Talent Magnet and VP of Workforce Development at the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce, joins the program to discuss creative ways to retain talent, and the changing nature of work. Sytease discusses her own journey of moving across the country after the birth of her second child, how she has continued to do some remote project-based work, and shares takeaways from her experience. Discover ideas for how employers can support their workers while they may be working from home, and how to balance work and family obligations.

Find this podcast at thurstonchamber.com/ workforce/talent-magnet

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