Thurston Green Business Awards
LARGE BUSINESS: Ameresco
MEDIUM BUSINESS: ECOS
SMALL BUSINESS: Top Rung Brewing (pictured)
GREEN MUNICIPALITY: The City of Lacey
PUBLISHER
Thurston County Chamber of Commerce
EDITORIAL
David Schaffert
360-357-3362 dschaffert@thurstonchamber.com
CONTRIBUTORS
David Schaffert
Natasha Ashenhurst
ADVERTISING
Sales & Marketing:
Krystal Barkus-Franco
Elizabeth Bretschneider
Ashley Chandler
Shelbi Boyd
SUBSCRIPTIONS
360-357-3362 info@thurstonchamber.com
DESIGN
Ben Hawkes Mosaic Marketing Studio
COVER
Casey Sobol and Jason Stoltz of Top Rung Brewing. Photo by Shanna Paxton Photography.
PRINTING Print NW
CONTACT THE CHAMBER 809 Legion Way SE Olympia, WA 98507 360-357-3362 info@thurstonchamber.com thurstonchamber.com
In This Issue: The Green Business Edition
Spring is in the air, and sustainability is at the forefront as we celebrate the businesses and organizations leading the way in environmental stewardship. This month, VOICE Magazine spotlights the 2025 Thurston Green Business Award winners and the inspiring efforts shaping a greener future for our region.
Thurston County Chamber Hosts Green Business Forum & Awards – On April 9, the Chamber will recognize nearly 100 businesses and nonprofits for their commitment to sustainability, including Top Rung Brewing (Small Business), ECOS (Medium Business), Ameresco (Large Business), and the City of Lacey (Green Municipality of the Year). We’ll also hear from keynote speaker Tessa Bradley of Artisans Group Architecture + Planning, who will share insights on affordability and sustainability in building trends.
Top Rung Brewing: Sustainability on Tap – What started as a dream between two firefighters has grown into a community staple, committed to sustainable brewing practices. Learn how Casey Sobol and Jason Stoltz have made ecoconscious brewing a core part of their business.
ECOS: 50+ Years of Green Innovation – Since 1967, ECOS has been a leader in green chemistry, crafting plant-powered cleaning products that are safer for people and the planet. CEO Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks shares the company’s vision for a cleaner, greener future.
Ameresco: Powering a Greener Future – A leader in energy efficiency and clean energy solutions, Ameresco has spent 25 years helping organizations reduce costs and carbon footprints. Joel Hansen explains how they’re driving the transition to net-zero emissions.
City of Lacey: Leading by Example – From energy-efficient infrastructure to water conservation, Lacey sets the gold standard for municipal sustainability. Wesley Nguyen walks us through the city's latest green initiatives.
Plus, don’t miss highlights from the Thurston Green Business Expo and Electric Car Show—because the future is green, and it’s happening now! Happy reading!
THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER
“ OLYFED BANKERS HAVE THE BEST ATTITUDE, FRIENDLIEST SERVICE AND ALWAYS
INTERIOR DIMENSIONS, OLYMPIA I
CEO Diane
D iane Gassman, Founder and CEO of Interior Dimensions, a full-service interior design firm has been proudly banking with OlyFed for more than a decade. Diane met a long-time OlyFed banker at an Olympia Master Builder’s meeting and was thoroughly impressed with her professionalism and kind heart.
Soon thereafter, Diane made the switch to OlyFed where she says they always work together to help with her deposits, ACH transfers and digital banking needs. “Their bankers have the best attitude and friendliest service, “Diane said. We love how they’ve helped us grow and support the community.”
It’s OlyFed’s caring approach that showed Diane the bank truly puts real relationships above the bottom line.
Gassman (right), Designer Emma Gomez (left)
April 2025
Visit thurstonchamber.com/events or scan the QR code for more info about all upcoming Thurston Chamber events.
After Hours
Join our host, Jared Deel and Country Financial at the Hub, 676 Woodland Sq Lp, Lacey, WA 98503 on Thursday, April 3 at 5:30 p.m. for our Thurston Young Professionals Networking Event. Enjoy bites and beverages as you expand your network! All are welcome – feel free to invite other 20 to 30-year olds so they can expand their networks! Thurston Young Professionals is sponsored by KGY Media Group.
Join our Business After Hours host Ideal Lifestyle Center at 406 Lilly Rd. NE Ste A, Olympia, WA 98506 on Thursday, April 17 at 5:30 p.m., for mingling and networking with other business professionals, a door prize business card drawing, beverages and appetizers. Business After Hours is a great opportunity to expand your network, and it is proudly sponsored by ROXY 94.5
Join the Chamber on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at Saint Martin’s University’s Norman Worthington Center at 5300 Pacific Ave SE, Lacey, WA 98503 for April Forum and Thurston Green Business Designation ceremony. More than 100 businesses that earned the designation this year will be honored. Attendees will also hear from keynote speaker, Tessa Bradley of Artisans Group. Don't be late! Arrive at 11:00am for a Green Business Expo, open to all of the businesses receiving the Thurston Green Business designation this year. In addition, the event will feature an electric car show outside, courtesy of the Thurston Climate Action Team. Register at thurstonchamber.com/events. Thank you to our sponsors, Homes First!, Sunset Air, Capital Business Machines and Pinup Cleanup.
Thank You Sponsors!
Thurston Green Award Winners p. 7
The Chamber profiles the four organizations that won this year's Thurston Green Business Awards.
Small Business of the Year: Top Rung Brewing p. 7
Medium Business of the Year: ECOS p. 10
Large Business of the Year: Ameresco p. 15
Municipality of the Year: The City of Lacey p. 18
Forum: Thurston Green Awards & Expo p. 26
Find out more about the Chamber's April Forum –Thurston Green Awards, Green Business Expo, Electric Car Show and Keynote Speaker.
Caught in the Lens p. 24
Keep up with the latest Chamber happenings and see all of the great smiles that make up our membership!
SMALL GREEN BUSINESS OF THE
YEAR
TOP RUNG BREWING
A Commitment to Sustainability and Community
Photos by Shanna Paxton Photography
It all started with a dream, a 1/2 barrel system, and two firefighters seeking relief from the rigors of their demanding jobs. When Jason and Casey won first place at the Dick’s Brewing "Beer for a Cure" event with their HoseChaser Blonde, they knew they were onto something special. In April 2014, they opened Top Rung Brewing in Lacey, bringing their passion for craft beer to the community. Over the years, their dedication to integrity and excellence has extended beyond their taproom—making them a leader in sustainable brewing practices. This year, Top Rung Brewing has been recognized as the Small Green Business of the Year for its efforts in sustainability.
Casey Sobol, co-founder of Top Rung Brewing (right), with Lucas, the Taproom Manager (left).
We spoke with Casey Sobol of Top Rung Brewing to learn more about their commitment to green business practices.
What are some of the key sustainability practices you’ve implemented at Top Rung Brewing?
We have worked diligently to recycle, reuse, and adopt sustainable practices wherever possible. A few of our key initiatives include reusing water in our brewing system, capturing heat generated during the wort transfer process to more efficiently heat water, and partnering with local farmers to provide spent grain for animal feed.
Where have you seen the most success in your sustainability efforts?
We’ve had great success in our waste reduction and recycling efforts. We recycle aluminum cans, glass bottles, and paper products, and we compost spent grain and hops. Additionally, our water conservation efforts have been impactful—we reuse water from the brewing process to reduce waste and optimize efficiency.
What challenges have you faced in maintaining sustainable practices?
One of our biggest challenges is tracking energy consumption and ensuring consistency across the brewery. We are always working to improve how we conserve resources. Another challenge is encouraging our customers to recycle properly when they visit the taproom.
How does your water conservation strategy work?
We reuse water in our heat exchanger, which allows us to pump it back into our hot liquor tank for future production. The water reaches about 140 degrees after use, which makes it more efficient to heat up to the 180 degrees required for brewing. This reduces the amount of energy we use and minimizes waste.
Why is sustainability important to Top Rung Brewing?
As a business rooted in the community, we believe in being responsible stewards of our resources. Sustainable brewing not only helps the environment, but also improves efficiency and reduces costs, allowing us to continue producing high-quality craft beer while minimizing our impact.
What’s next for Top Rung Brewing’s green initiatives?
We are always looking for ways to improve! We plan to refine our energy monitoring, continue innovating our water conservation methods, and explore new ways to engage customers in our sustainability efforts.
Visit Top Rung Brewing
Top Rung Brewing is located at 8343 Hogum Bay Lane NE, Ste E, Lacey, WA 98516. Visit www.toprungbrewing.com to learn more about their craft beers and sustainability efforts. Cheers to great beer and a greener future!
MEDIUM GREEN BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
ECOS Leading the Way in Sustainable Manufacturing
Since 1967, ECOS has been at the forefront of sustainability, crafting plant-powered cleaning products that are safer for people, pets, and the planet. As a family-owned and operated business, ECOS has always been committed to green chemistry and environmental stewardship. With a manufacturing facility in Lacey since 2011, ECOS is dedicated to reducing its ecological footprint while delivering high-quality, eco-friendly cleaning solutions. This year, ECOS has been recognized as the Medium Green Business of the Year for its outstanding sustainability practices.
We spoke with Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks, President & CEO of ECOS, to learn more about the company's commitment to sustainability.
What are some of the key sustainability initiatives ECOS has implemented?
ECOS is a pioneer in sustainable manufacturing and green chemistry, and we’re very focused reducing toxins for human and planetary health. To reduce our carbon footprint, we source raw materials and packaging locally whenever possible and operate four geographically distributed facilities across the U.S. to reduce emissions from shipping. ECOS was the first manufacturer to achieve LEED Zero certifications in energy, carbon, and waste. We have been carbon-neutral since 2013, achieved TRUE Platinum Zero Waste certification in 2015, and became water neutral in 2016. Our facilities are powered by 100% renewable energy, including our own onsite solar panels, and we divert over 98% of our waste from landfills.
How does ECOS ensure its products are environmentally friendly?
Our commitment to green chemistry ensures that our products are safer for human and planetary health and work great. We have an in-house green chemistry lab at each facility, continuously researching innovative, plant-powered cleaning formulations. Over 120 ECOS products are certified Safer Choice by the U.S. EPA, more than any other manufacturer, and we’re an 8-time winner of EPA’s Safer Choice Partner of the Year (last year we hosted the Safer Choice awards at our facility in Lacey). On our website you can find our “Nasties List” of 500 harmful ingredients that we promise never to use. We’re also the first company in the U.S. to manufacture liquidless laundry detergent sheets, eliminating plastic
packaging and significantly reducing the product’s environmental impact. Our innovations in packaging design, like using recyclable paperboard boxes for our laundry detergent sheets and aluminum bottles for our concentrated liquid detergents, reduce landfill waste and carbon emissions.
What challenges has ECOS faced in maintaining sustainable practices?
We see challenges as opportunities to do better and be better. One of our continuing challenges is reducing absolute emissions before offsetting. While we’ve been carbon-neutral since 2013, we have set a Science-Based Target to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2030. To help achieve this, we’ve electrified our buildings, transitioned from propane to electric forklifts, and added onsite solar capacity. As our business has grown, we’ve doubled down our efforts to train our team members so they understand our mission and deep commitment to sustainability and follow the practices that help us achieve our goals.
What role does water conservation play in ECOS’s sustainability strategy?
Water is our most precious resource, and our company has been wholeheartedly committed to creating products that are greywater safe to avoid aquatic toxicity. Water conservation is also a critical part of our sustainability efforts. We implement water-saving technologies in our production processes and increase the concentration of our products to reduce our water use. Our Lacey facility is our first to produce liquidless
laundry detergent sheets, which eliminate water entirely from the finished product. We also invest in Water Restoration Certificates (WRCs) to support critically threatened rivers and streams. This helps restore the ecological, recreational, and economic health of freshwater ecosystems.
How does ECOS engage with the broader sustainability community?
ECOS participates in global sustainability initiatives, including the Science Based Targets initiative, The Sustainability Consortium, and the Round Table for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). We also submit our emissions and impact data to CDP, the gold standard for corporate environmental disclosure, and collaborate with suppliers to improve sustainability across the industry. We work closely with the American Sustainable Business Network and other stakeholders to advocate for public policies that help protect human and planetary health.
Why is sustainability important to ECOS?
Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and now we’re moving beyond sustainability to regeneration - it’s the path to protecting human and planetary life and a successful business model. We’re proud to be climate-positive, meaning we don’t just minimize our environmental impact but actively restore planetary resources. At ECOS, we offset 110% of our net carbon, water, and energy use through investments in clean wind energy projects and waterway restoration programs, ensuring we are making a positive, lasting impact on the planet.
What’s next for ECOS’s green initiatives?
We will continue to lead in sustainable manufacturing by investing in emission-reduction projects, furthering our circular economy efforts, and developing even more innovative, eco-friendly products.
Visit ECOS
ECOS is located at 8735 Commerce Pl Dr NE, Ste A, Lacey, WA 98516. Visit www.ecos.com to learn more about their environmentally responsible cleaning products and commitment to sustainability.
Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks, President/CEO, ECOS
LARGE GREEN BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AMERESCO Powering a Greener Future
As a leading energy solutions provider, Ameresco is dedicated to helping customers reduce costs, enhance resilience, and achieve net zero emissions in the global energy transition. With a focus on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable infrastructure, Ameresco partners with federal, state, and local governments, utilities, healthcare and educational institutions, and commercial industries to implement cutting-edge solutions. This year, Ameresco has been recognized as the Large Green Business of the Year for its outstanding contributions to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
We spoke with Joel Hansen of Ameresco to learn more about the company's 25 years of commitment to green business practices and clean energy solutions.
What are some of the key sustainability initiatives Ameresco has implemented?
Founded on the vision of energizing a sustainable world, Ameresco integrates energy efficiency, renewable energy, battery energy storage, microgrids, biofuels, geothermal, water management solutions, and more to deliver cost-saving, environmentally-responsible projects. We are a trusted, full-service sustainability partner with much of the work that we do is focused on advancing customers’ decarbonization and resiliency goals, while addressing their aging infrastructure that is in desperate need of upgrades.
How does Ameresco contribute to energy efficiency?
Ameresco has been delivering energy efficiency solutions since the company’s founding in 2000. Energy efficiency measures can significantly reduce energy consumption and associated carbon emissions, contributing towards long-term goals in the short-term. From replacing inefficient lighting and optimizing HVAC systems to central plant upgrades and water conservation measures, the cost of implementing these measures will vary depending on the system size and facility type; however significant savings can be generated long-term through reduced energy bills and systems maintenance costs. As pioneers of energy savings performance contracts (ESPCs), a vehicle to enable companies to implement efficiency measures while paying for the upgrades through the guaranteed energy savings, we’ve worked with partners across every sector to help reduce consumption and optimize their energy systems.
What challenges has Ameresco faced in its sustainability efforts?
When delivering energy-efficient, sustainable solutions at our customers’ facilities, we must strike a balance between decarbonization and affordability. Many are eager to transition to cleaner energy but face financial barriers. That’s why we focus on solutions that reduce consumption and lower costs – while also helping organizations apply for local, state, and federal incentives to make sustainability more accessible. Many organizations have set ambitious sustainability targets and take a phased approach to meet these strategic initiatives over time. As a trusted sustainability partner, we advise customers at any stage of their journey, helping them prioritize actions and make progress towards achievable goals.
How does Ameresco encourage sustainable transportation?
We often support transportation decarbonization through our customer projects – whether it’s implementing EV charging infrastructure to support fleet electrification at a facility or school or partnering with Departments of Transportation to reduce energy use through technology such as LED lighting upgrades. Locally, we’ve done this type of work with Washington State DOT, for example. Sometimes this can also look like pairing EV chargers with new solar carports in a parking area. It’s important to remember that our energy systems span beyond building walls, so it is critical to consider all infrastructure when looking at widespread energy, carbon, and cost savings.
What role does waste reduction and recycling play in Ameresco’s sustainability strategy?
We have a strong commitment to waste reduction and circular economy initiatives. For example, we partnered with the City of Boulder, Colorado to sustainably deconstruct a former hospital building, achieving 90% waste diversion, far exceeding the city’s 75% goal. Additionally, we are a leading developer of renewable natural gas (RNG) plants at landfills and wastewater treatment facilities in the U.S., converting naturally occurring raw biogas into a usable form of clean energy that can power homes and businesses.
How is Ameresco advancing water conservation efforts?
Water and energy conservation go hand-in-hand. We work with municipalities and businesses to implement solutions that conserve water inside building walls – such as efficient-flow hardware in restrooms – and help manage it in externally too – such as preserving and protecting groundwater or managing storm drainage. We also have a strong reputation for advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) installations which use advanced technology to automatically communicate data between utilities and consumers in a centralized database for billing and consumption analysis. These systems feature leak detection to further promote conservation.
What are Ameresco’s long-term sustainability goals?
We have been in business for 25 years, always focused on making meaningful impact. Our mantra is “doing well by doing good.” Ameresco has committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions from our own scope 1 and 2 operations by 2040 and reducing our customers’ carbon footprints by a cumulative 500 million metric tons by 2050. In 2024 alone, Ameresco’s projects and energy assets prevented approximately 17 million metric tons of CO2 emissions, equivalent to eliminating 44 billion miles driven by gasoline-powered vehicles. Moreover, we are committed to the communities in which we serve – whether through STEM education programs and scholarships for students, opportunities for clean energy career development, volunteerism and philanthropic giving aligned to causes in our customers’ communities – ultimately delivering lasting, sustainable impact across many areas of the global energy transition.
Learn more about Ameresco
Ameresco is headquartered in Framingham, MA with local offices in Spokane and Kent, WA – serving clients across the Pacific Northwest and beyond in North America and Europe. Learn more about their sustainability initiatives and energy solutions at www.ameresco.com and explore their latest Impact Report detailing their progress toward a greener future.
CITY OF LACEY Leading the Way in Municipal Sustainability
The City of Lacey is a recognized leader in sustainability, setting the standard for green initiatives in Thurston County. As the largest city in Thurston County with more than 60,000 residents, Lacey is committed to reducing its environmental impact through energy efficiency, waste reduction, water conservation, and green infrastructure. This year, Lacey has been honored as the Thurston Green Municipality of the Year for its outstanding commitment to sustainability.
We spoke with Wesley Nguyen from the City of Lacey to learn more about its green initiatives.
What are some of Lacey’s most impactful sustainability initiatives? Lacey is committed to a broad range of sustainability efforts, including:
• Recycling & Composting: City Hall, the Library, and other municipal buildings have comprehensive recycling programs for paper, cardboard, metals, batteries, and food scraps.
• Energy Efficiency: Internal efforts to support energy efficiency with LED facility lighting
• Senior Center-approximately 50%
• Community Center-80%
• Maintenance Center-70%
• Smith House-100%
• Sprout House (Facilities Office)-100%
• Green Infrastructure: Lacey’s municipal buildings are powered by 100% Green Energy as part of PSE’s Green Direct program, supporting wind energy production.
• Tree City USA Designation: Lacey has been a Tree City USA for 33 consecutive years, emphasizing urban forestry as a key part of its sustainability strategy.
Andy Ryder, Mayor. City of Lacey
How does Lacey support energy efficiency for its residents?
Lacey has taken significant steps to encourage energy efficiency beyond city buildings. The City implemented a rebate program that matched over $200,000 in energy efficiency upgrades for community members in partnership with Puget Sound Energy (PSE). Additionally, we are promoting solar adoption by providing an easy online application process to help homeowners install solar panels and transition to clean, renewable energy.
What has been the biggest challenge in implementing green initiatives?
The most significant challenge we face is funding for green conversions and infrastructure upgrades. While we have been successful in integrating sustainability into City planning, securing additional resources for large-scale conversions—such as expanding electric vehicle infrastructure or increasing renewable energy investments—remains a challenge.
How does Lacey encourage alternative transportation and reduce commute times?
Lacey supports sustainable transportation through multiple initiatives:
• Fleet Conversion: We do have a long term fleet conversion plan to electric vehicles but it not always possible with what is actually available or will meet the needs of staff at the time we need to make a purchase.
• EV Charging Stations: Lacey has public EV charging stations at City Hall and the Lacey Timberland Library.
• Green Transit Programs: The City offers telecommuting and 9/80 work schedules (compressed workweeks) to reduce traffic congestion and emissions.
• Bicycle Commuter Challenge: The City encourages staff to participate in the annual Intercity Transit campaign that promotes using bicycling as a means of transportation, including commuting to/from work.
• LED Traffic Signals: Lacey was the first community in Thurston County to transition to LED traffic lights, significantly cutting energy use.
How does Lacey promote waste reduction and recycling?
We have robust waste reduction efforts, including:
• Holiday Tree Recycling: Partnering with Scout Troops 222 and 9207 for curbside tree pickup and recycling.
• Stormwater Treatment Innovations: A new stormwater treatment facility helps clean runoff before it enters Woodland Creek, ensuring environmental protection.
• Reclaimed Water Use: Lacey recycles and repurposes 70% of municipal wastewater through the LOTT Clean Water Alliance, supporting aquifer recharge and irrigation.
What role does water conservation play in Lacey’s sustainability efforts?
Water conservation is a priority, particularly in the summer months when daily water consumption can exceed 15 million gallons. The City has implemented:
• Incentive programs for water efficient clothes washers, toilets, and commercial irrigation upgrades. A WaterSmart Program, in cooperation with LOTT Clean Water Alliance, offered rebates up to 75% of cost for water saving commercial upgrades.
• Free indoor and outdoor water conservation items for water utility customers including showerheads, hose timers, and soil moisture sensors.
• Odd-Even Outdoor Watering Schedule: To help reduce strain on the water supply June 1st – Sept 30th.
What are Lacey’s long-term sustainability goals?
Lacey is committed to ongoing environmental leadership, including:
• Implementing the Thurston County Climate Mitigation Plan, adopted in 2021.
• Expanding green building practices across municipal and commercial developments.
• Increasing renewable energy use while continuing to invest in local sustainability projects.
• Educating the community on best sustainability practices through outreach programs and resources.
Visit the City of Lacey
Learn more about Lacey’s sustainability efforts at www.cityoflacey.org and discover how the City is shaping a greener future for Thurston County.
Life for
Looking for an engaging Spring Break activity? Dive into the world of real-life math with Math for Life 2025, an interactive program bridging the gap between education and the business community.
Math for Life invites students from Griffin, Olympia, North Thurston, Rainier, Rochester, Tenino, Tumwater, Yelm School Districts, and select private schools to embark on a math-filled scavenger hunt to local businesses in the region. Participants will explore how math shapes everyday operations, all while having a blast!
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
1. Eligibility: Students in grades K-12.
2. Get Your Map: Obtain a Math for Life Map from your school or download it online.
3. The Adventure Begins: Visit at least 5 local businesses listed on the map and collect signatures confirming your visit.
4. Enjoy the Journey: Have fun exploring and discovering the math around you!
5. Submit Your Entry: Inform your teacher of your participation and submit your completed map to your teacher by April 19, for a chance to win exciting prizes, including a Kindle Fire Tablet!
Exciting Prizes Await:
One grand prize winner will be selected from participating school districts to receive a Kindle Fire Tablet!
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make math come alive this Spring Break with Math for Life 2025!
LEARN MORE: thurstonchamber.com/mathforlife
Explore Career Paths at Find Your Future!
Find Your Future is a community career exploration event aimed at breaking down obstacles, barriers, and stigmas associated with employment and providing opportunities for career exploration for students and adults of all ages.
CALLING ALL STUDENTS AND FAMILIES!
The Thurston Chamber Foundation is launching Find Your Future 2025! Join us during this FREE event to take the first step toward a new fulfilling career.
During this one-day expo-style event, prepare to find the inspiration to think about future careers, meet with employers face-to-face in a less formal setting, and gain the valuable tools and resources to navigate training and education for success. Featuring specialized equipment, scenarios, and training materials, participate in a complete sensory experience while gaining new insights into occupations that you may not have previously known existed or thought were attainable to you. Learn from educators, businesses, and graduates on what it takes to become a professional in Healthcare, Food Production, IT, Hospitality, Manufacturing, Wood and Forest Products, and more!
Visitors will be able to come and go and attend optional breakout sessions throughout the day. Food will also be available for purchase during the event. Register today!
ATTENTION ALL BUSINESSES!
Looking to connect with potential employees and showcase job opportunities? Find Your Future is the perfect event for you! Hosted by the Thurston County Chamber, this one-day, expo-style event invites businesses to highlight at least one job opening and engage attendees with hands-on activities that showcase diverse career pathways in your industry.
This event welcomes individuals and families of all ages to explore career possibilities, connect with local employers, and take the next step toward a fulfilling career.
Businesses will have the opportunity to:
• Meet potential employees in a relaxed, interactive setting
• Inspire future career seekers
• Promote current job openings
• Help develop a talent pipeline for your industry
Don't miss this chance to showcase your company, build connections, and make an impact. Register your business here: tinyurl.com/FYFBusiness
WHO: Find Your Future is a Thurston County Chamber Foundation program, in partnership with Career Connect Washington, North Thurston Public Schools, Olympia School District, Rainier School District, Rochester School District, Tenino School District, Tumwater School District, Yelm Community Schools, and New Market Skills Center.
WHAT: Find Your Future – A One-Day Community Career Exploration Event
WHEN: April 26, 2025 | 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
WHERE: New Market Skills Center, 7299 New Market St SW, Tumwater, WA 98501
LEARN MORE: thurstonchamber.com/findyourfuture
Caught in the Lens
Keep up with the Thurston Chamber happenings – ribbon cuttings and the networking events. Find more at the Chamber's Facebook page – fb.com/thurstoncountychamber.
When: Wednesday, April 9, 2025 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Where: Saint Martin's University, Norman Worthington Center
5300 Pacific Ave SE, Lacey Tickets: ThurstonChamber.com
Thurston Chamber Hosts Green Business Awards and EXPO at April Forum
The Thurston County Chamber is proud to present the annual Green Business Forum & Awards on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at Saint Martin’s University’s Norman Worthington Center. This signature event celebrates sustainability in our region, honors outstanding green businesses and organizations, and provides insights into the future of sustainable development.
The Thurston Green Business Awards will recognize Top Rung Brewing (Small Business), ECOS (Medium Business), Ameresco (Large Business), and the City of Lacey (Green Municipality of the Year) for their leadership in environmental stewardship. Additionally, over 100 businesses and nonprofits will be honored as 2025 Thurston Green Business Designees for their commitment to sustainable practices.
This year’s keynote speaker, Tessa Bradley of Artisans Group Architecture + Planning, will explore the intersection of affordability and sustainability in both residential and commercial building trends. Her presentation will highlight real-world examples of successful green projects that balance cost and environmental impact, innovative solutions driving sustainable and affordable development, industry trends shaping the future of green building, and actionable strategies for developers, businesses, and community leaders.
The event kicks off at 11:00 am with the Thurston Green Business Expo, where attendees can connect with local sustainable businesses and organizations. The Thurston Climate Action Team will also host an Electric Car Show, showcasing the latest advancements in clean transportation.
This annual celebration of sustainability is hosted by the Thurston County Chamber in partnership with the Thurston Green Committee, which includes representatives from the City of Lacey, City of Tumwater, City of Olympia, Thurston County, Port of Olympia, Intercity Transit, and Puget Sound Energy. Thank you to this month’s Forum Sponsors: Homes First!, Sunset Air, Capital Business Machines and Pinup Cleanup
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Tessa Bradley
Tessa Bradley is a broadly experienced Architect, dedicated to stunning and sustainable design. Whether it is designing a community center, place of healing, or a street café, she believes architecture is a cohesive part of making a lasting and joyful human experience. With her tireless enthusiasm for problem solving and her love of tackling design challenges, Tessa will approach your project with determination and optimism. Winner of numerous National and International design awards, her work is highly published, and she regularly guest lectures at University of Oregon, University of Arizona and Syracuse University, NYC.
