August 2018 VOICE Magazine

AUGUST 2018

THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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Panowicz, 70 years of community, family & philanthropy

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

Getting Business Out of the Squeeze PUBLISHER Thurston County Chamber of Commerce

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

By Doug Mah, Director of Thurston Chamber's Public Policy Division David Schaffert, Thurston Chamber President/CEO

P

ublic Policy Division resources are

One unique feature of the UGA is the

available to Chamber members that find

requirement for joint planning. In general, new

themselves stuck in the middle of inter-

development inside the UGA is supposed to be

jurisdictional disputes.

built to city codes and standards. However, it is the County that is responsible for permitting

Email: dschaffert@thurstonchamber.com

A long simmering inter-jurisdictional conflict

and planning since the UGA is in the County.

David Schaffert

is growing between the City of Lacey and

In the past, the Cities and County have had

Doug Mah

Thurston County. This summer, the City was

joint-planning policies and agreements in place

the first to take formal action. This action could,

outlining shared responsibility and authority

Dinea Norell

if implemented at its most proposed extreme,

for review of growth and development in the

Christina Butcher

put private sector interests and wealth creation

UGAs. However, these policies and agreements

at great risk. The Thurston County Chamber

are now decades-old, and resource constraints,

of Commerce was there to protect our shared

jurisdictional differences in design approach

Krystal Barkus

interests and advocate for a more reasonable

and standards and differing policy and

Blake Knoblauch

approach to the problem.

tax objectives have made shared planning

CONTRIBUTORS

Doria Maselli Natasha Ashenhurst

Heather Harris

ADVERTISING Sales and Marketing:

Aaron Bernhard

more difficult for public entities, and now

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

Joint Planning is Good

the private sector is caught in the middle.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Potential clashes between the cities and the

The Chamber has advocated for a return

Phone: (360) 357-3362

county have been popping up in the region’s

to a more collaborative joint-planning and

Email: info@thurstonchamber.com

Urban Growth Areas (UGAs). A critical concept

permitting process in the UGAs, which is what

DESIGN

in the State’s Growth Management Act, the UGA

is envisioned for these areas under the Growth

Mosaic Marketing Studio

are those areas not currently in a city but will

Management Act.

COVER ART

someday be annexed and included in the urban

Leslie Panowicz,

or city boundary. Until annexed by the city,

Annexation Policy in Flux

Photo by Heather Harris

the UGA is subject to county jurisdiction. Until

Most cities in Washington require that new

developed, the UGA receives services, such as

development in the UGA be connected to city

roads, law enforcement, utilities, from either

services, like utilities and roads, as part of

the county or a special taxing district such as a

the permitting process. This requirement

fire district or the public utility district.

assumes that the new development will

PRINTING Print NW

CONTACT THE CHAMBER PO Box 1427

(Continued on page 19)

809 Legion Way SE 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: America's Credit Union - Lacey Capital Medical Center FORMA Construction Company Little Creek Casino & Resort Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel Port of Olympia Saint Martin's University TwinStar Credit Union Washington Business Bank

PLATINUM INVESTORS Greene Realty Group Heritage Bank - Olympia

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

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

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

QUALITY COUNTS SO COUNT ON US!

2017 For the third time, Capital Medical’s Joint & Spine Center has been awarded the Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval for hip, knee and spine surgery.

Learn more about Award-Winning Knee, Hip and Spine Surgery capitalmedical.com

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

©2018 BCI

FIND OUT MORE AT

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VOTED BEST BANK IN THE SOUTH SOUND

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

August 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.

In This Issue...

2

Thurston Young Professionals Join the Thurston Young Professionals on Thursday, August 2 at 5:30 p.m. at Lady of the Lake Public House. Enjoy a selection of beverages and snacks. Join us and meet with other Young Professionals and expand your network.

Olympia Brew Fest 2018 The 7th Annual Olympia Brew Fest is a summer beer festival that takes place at the Port Plaza in Olympia, WA on Saturday, August 4, 1 - 8:30 p.m.

It features 30+ hand-picked, northwest breweries and over 60 different beers. Proceeds from the festival benefit the Thurston County Chamber Foundation Small Business Development (Incubator) Program.

Come and celebrate Olympia's fine brewing heritage!

Morning Mixxer at Ila's Foods Please join our host, Ila's Foods, on Tuesday, August 7 at 7:30 a.m. for the Thurston Chamber’s Morning Mixxer. Ila's Foods will provide breakfast treats, our sponsor L&E Bottling will host the coffee bar and you can enjoy a morning of networking. Morning Mixxer is free to attend.

Where: Ila's Foods, 8036 River Dr Suite 204, Tumwater, WA 98501

August Forum: The Impact of Tourism Join Thurston Chamber’s August forum Wednesday, August 8 at 11:30 a.m. at Hotel RL Olympia as we go behind the scenes of Experience Olympia

Chamber Advocacy Resources are available to Chamber members who find themselves stuck in the middle of an interjurisdictional dispute.

6

Panowicz Jewelers A family-owned jewelry store built on the small business approach.

10

A New Leader at the Helm Get to know Derek Harris, Community Youth Services' new CEO.

14

& Beyond, Thurston County’s official destination marketing organization.

Meet Krosbie Carter

Get the insider insight on how the region is being marketed and walk

An executive profile of Thurston Thrives' new Director.

away with some fun ideas on how to spend your vacation days.

Business After Hours at Phillips Burgess Join the Thurston County Chamber on Thursday, August 16, at 5:30 p.m. for Business After Hours at Phillips Burgess. Business After Hours is a free networking event. Hosts provide light appetizers and beverages, games and raffles. This is a great chance to learn about a local organization and expand your network. When: Thursday, August 16 at 5:30 p.m.

Where: Phillips Burgess, 724 Columbia St NW #320, Olympia, WA 98501

21 New Chamber Members Please join us in welcoming the newest members of the Thurston Chamber.

Thank you Sponsors! thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE l

August 2018 l 5

Leslie Panowicz inside Panowicz Jewelers, located downtown in Market Centre. Photo by Heather Harris, Elements Photography.

A Family-Owned Jewelry Store Built on the Small Business Approach

By Christina Butcher

W

hen you think of philanthropy, chances are you don’t conjure images of fine jewelry or precious gemstones in your mind's eye. You probably don’t think about for-profit businesses, either. But, if you’re from Olympia, Washington, you might turn your head in the direction of Panowicz Jewelers, remembering that you’ve heard something about the jewelry store donating a little bit of money to a few local charities. If you did, you’d be right … almost.

As it turns out, Panowicz Jewelers – a

“We’re just trying to do the right

in Olympia for 70 years now, although

family-run, locally owned jewelry

thing,” said Leslie Panowicz, general

the jewelry store has made an indelible

store in downtown Olympia – has been

manager at Panowicz Jewelers and

mark on the Olympia community

quietly making incredibly generous

granddaughter of the store’s founder,

more through its philanthropic work

donations to dozens of non-profits

Anton Panowicz. “It’s kind of an old-

than anything else. The jewelry store

and charities over the years. They’ve

school idea, but we’re trying to make a

makes major in-kind donations to over

also been hard at work making the

difference with what we do, and to do

a dozen organizations each year and

act of buying fine jewelry a reality for

it well.”

minor donations to at least another

community members who otherwise could not afford it.

6 • August 2018 l

30. In 2017 alone, its donations have Panowicz Jewelers has been operating

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

led to over $$75,000 in cash-earned for

thurstonchamber.com

charities, non-profits and communitycentered organizations.

“We’re celebrating the community we live in,” said Leslie Panowicz.

“My grandfather was a farmer from Nebraska. He and my grandmother grew up in small towns where what you did in the community really made a difference. I feel like that mentality has carried on to my father and I … We have a responsibility to do what we can to make our community a great place to live.”

Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Southwest Washington, Boys & Girls Club of Thurston County, Family Support

Panowicz has been operating in Olympia for 70 years. Photo by Heather Harris.

Center, Hands on Children’s Museum,

Since joining her family at Panowicz

“We’re helping our customers – who

Safeplace, Saint Martin’s University

Jewelers, Leslie Panowicz has worked

are also our friends – by helping them

and Thurston County Food Bank are

in accounting, sales and marketing. She

celebrate intimate, beautiful occasions

just some of the organizations Panowicz

found her best fit in her current role as

like anniversaries or weddings, and

Jewelers has supported over the years.

the company’s general manager. The

honor achievements in their lives,”

position allows her to work hand in

said Leslie Panowicz. “That could mean

“Olympia is a great place because

hand with her father and owner of the

buying a new piece of jewelry, restoring

so many people are involved in the

jewelry company, Rob Panowicz. For

their grandmother’s ring or taking

community. So, for us it’s not an option to

all three generations of the family, the

jewelry they inherited and repurposing

not participate in the community,” said

core of the Panowicz business model

it to make gifts for others in the family.”

Leslie Panowicz, who left her career in

has always been, “helping friends and

social work to join the family business in

families commemorate the celebrations

The Panowicz business model also

2000. “It’s a very joyful part of my job.”

of life.”

includes maintaining a “small-business approach” to everything they do.

That means keeping as many of its services as possible in-house, including appraisals, custom designs and engravings. The jewelry store even has two goldsmiths and two gemologists on hand to conduct restorative and custom work.

“I think as a society, we’re shifting back to understanding the importance of a small-business mindset, of taking care of our customers and doing your best as a company,” said Leslie Panowicz.

“Any locally owned business that cares about its community and its customers would do the same.”

"We get a lot of customers who come in and tell us stories of my grandfather... He made a difference in their lives by helping them celebrate occasions." -Leslie Panowicz thurstonchamber.com

(Continued on page 9)

Thurston County Chamber VOICE l

August 2018 l 7

november 3

Saint Martin’s University Lacey, Washington

Saint Martin’s University Gala 2018 presents a celebration of the Hawai`i & Pacific Islands.

Featuring celebrity chef & restaurateur

Join us for a black-tie gourmet affair that includes an exquisite five-course dinner, cooking demos, and a live auction benefiting Saint Martin’s student scholarships.

Reserve your table or tickets today at www.stmartin.edu/GalaHawaii2018 or call 360-438-4366.

Leslie is Panowicz's General Manager. Photo by Heather Harris.

The Panowicz’s approach also means

Anton Panowicz, Leslie’s Panowicz

“While we’re known for our classic

treating employees and customers as

grandfather, founded the jewelry store

offerings, worldwide brands ... and an

family. Most staff at the jewelry store

in 1948 after he returned from fighting

amazing selection of loose diamonds,

have been working there long term,

in WWII with the U.S. Army. He opened

we’re committed to having a great

with anywhere from five to 15 years’

the business under the name The Jewel

selection of price-point fashion pieces

experience with the business. It’s not

Box, then opened a second storefront

… ranging from $50.00 and up.”

uncommon for customers to return

called Panowicz Diamond & Gem

year after year, either, because of the

several years later. The Panowicz family

The jewelry store also sells increasingly

jewelry store's generous pricing and

consolidated those stores in 1980 under

popular mixed metal and organic

payment plan policies.

the current name, Panowicz Jewelers.

jewelry lines. “We keep an eye on

The business has been at its current

bridal trends, too.”

“For me, it’s fulfilling to appreciate the

location on Market Street, near the

legacy of ‘family,’” said Leslie Panowicz.

Olympia Farmers Market, since 2001.

“We get a lot of customers who come

The company continues to look to the future while keeping its roots in

in and tell us stories of my grandfather

Over the last few years – and looking

community, family and the small-

and how he helped them establish an

to the future – Leslie Panowicz has

business mindset in mind.

account to buy something they couldn’t

been working to expand the company’s

afford or make payments on jewelry

offerings by selling more affordable,

“Customers are loyal to a business

someone they loved had admired in the

fashion-forward jewelry. “We’re always

when there’s goodwill going back and

store. He made a difference in their lives

trying to evolve to stay on the cutting

forth,” Leslie Panowicz concluded.

by helping them celebrate occasions.”

edge of fashion,” said Leslie Panowicz.

Christina Butcher is a freelance writer for the VOICE Magazine.

thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE l

August 2018 l 9

New Community Youth Services Director, Derek Harris. Photo by Dinea dePhoto.

A New Leader at the Helm

Introducing Derek Harris, Community Youth Services' New CEO

By Natasha Ashenhurst

I

n an age when the average American professional works for an organization for only 4.1 years and changes careers over five times, Derek Harris, the new Chief Executive Officer of Community Youth Services (CYS) is anything but average. Selected from a pool of over 40 candidates after a rigorous

interview process, Harris stood out, in part, because of his 23-plus-years serving youth in Thurston County and over 16 years in leadership positions at CYS in other roles.

Originally from Kalispell, Montana, he

After graduating from Elma High School

time, he traveled extensively throughout

moved to Elma, Wash. in second grade

in 1989 and receiving several college

Germany, France, Belgium, Denmark,

when his family relocated because

acceptance letters, Harris decided to enter

Austria and the Netherlands. After serving

of a work opportunity on a large

the Army rather than immediately attend

a six-month tour in southwest Asia

concrete project on the notorious —

college. “I wanted to offset the cost of my

during Operation Desert Storm, the Army

and mothballed — nuclear plant. “Our

education and see the world,” he said.

honorably discharged Harris, and he returned to the Pacific Northwest.

family settled in Elma, and it was a great community to grow up in, with

His plan worked. After completing basic

sports opportunities and lots of outdoor

training in Fort Benning, Georgia, he

Harris attended South Puget Sound

recreation,” he said.

moved with his cohort to Germany, where

Community College, Saint Martin’s

they lived for three years. During that

University and The Evergreen State

10 • August 2018 l

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

College where he graduated with a BA with a focus in Social Work and during college landed an internship at an organization called Second Chance, working with juvenile offenders transitioning back into the community.

“Being a young person, I could really relate to them — they had lost their way and needed support from caring adults.

Years later, I often bump into people I worked with during this time, and many are now professionals who so appreciate that they had a second chance,” he said.

From the internship, Harris worked his way up to becoming the Assistant Director of that program.

In 2002, Harris accepted the position of Program Director of CYS’s Haven House after receiving encouragement from former CYS CEO, Charles Shelan. “Haven House was all gender and housed youth who needed emergency shelter for a variety of reasons. We worked to find them safe, long-term placements back home with relatives, in foster care and, in some cases, treatment facilities,” he said.

While at Haven House, Harris transitioned to fully managing an $850,000 program with 24 staff. He found fulfillment training people and helping them find their spark and passion. “I was able to help staff transition into new careers, such as social workers, law enforcement and education.

New Community Youth Services CEO, Derek Harris. Photo by Dinea dePhoto.

Deputy Director, first under the leadership

many staff find and keep their career

of CEO, Charles Shelan, and then Scott

throughout the many opportunities at our

their calling,” he said.

Hanauer.

agency.”

“It is also worth noting that in this type

“When I moved into the deputy director

After five and a half years as deputy

of work, turnover is fast and people often

position, it was a hard choice to step away

director working closely under Hanauers’

only last 12 months in a position, while we

from a program that I was so passionate

mentorship, Hanauer retired, and the

see people staying here well over 5 years,

about, but quickly grew excited about

board hired Harris as CEO.

on average and many transitioning into

moving into a position using my skills

other positions at CYS. Some of the staff I

and experiences to help create future

Only weeks into his new role, but with 16

started working with at Haven House are

CYS leaders and become an integrated

years of experience at the organization,

still doing exceptional work there today.”

care agency, using continuous quality

Harris is passionate about CYS’s role and

CYS is a great place for people beginning their careers to get experience and find

improvement and relationship building

future in the community.

Five years ago, after serving 11 years at

to expand our services,” he said. “CYS

Founded in 1970 by a group of individuals

CYS, Harris transitioned into the role of

today is a destination employer, where

concerned about at-risk youth, the

11 • August 2018 l

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

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

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

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

We’ll power you to a personal best.

Photo by Grant Clark

Business customers trust Olympia Federal Savings for commercial real estate lending that helps them build on a solid foundation of financial support programs.

Talk to Ken Pekola, Oly Fed's Commercial Real Estate Relationship Manager.

KEN PEKOLA

olyfed.com

I

kpekola@olyfed.com

360.754.3400

Left to right: Charles Shelan, Derek Harris, Scott Hanauer. Photo courtesy of Community Youth Services. organization quickly grew from a team

adverse childhood experiences. Right

to help them provide integrated care while

of five and a budget of $120,000 to a staff

now, CYS is also working hard to recruit

tracking data about the effectiveness of

of 165 and a budget of over $12 million

foster parents. “The number of youth that

those services. “We are trying to develop

today. One of the larger organizations

need foster placement is higher than the

core data elements so we can create

headquartered downtown Olympia, CYS

number of foster parents available. We

dashboards of information to better track

is a nonprofit organization serving youth,

also believe we have an exceptional foster

outcomes,” he said. He and his team

ages 0 – 24 years of age, affecting close to

care program. When kids are placed in

believe the data will inform future work

6,000 individuals throughout Thurston,

our therapeutic foster care program, they

and help improve best practices.

Mason, Lewis and Pierce counties

have a 92 percent stability rating, which

annually. With a mission to provide a

is incredible,” he said. “Anyone interested

He will also continue work in the advocacy

continuum of individualized services,

in becoming a foster parent please call

realm at the local, state and federal level

from behavioral health, out-of-home care,

our foster parent recruitment number,

and will continue leading the Thurston

shelter and housing, juvenile justice,

1-888-R-FOSTER.”

Thrives Homeless Housing Hub, known as the red team and the local continuum of

education and employment and early intervention services, CYS believes that

As CEO, Harris is steering the organization

care, with over 50 community members.

every door at CYS is the right front door.

through the first year of a three-year

Harris plans to continue strengthening

strategic plan, which he lead for CYS and

partnerships with other community

Harris explains this statement, “A youth

was already in place when he stepped into

organizations and providers while sharing

can come to CYS through contact with

his new role. “I believe everyone wants us

the CYS expertise that got them where

someone doing outreach on the street, or

to continue doing consistent, quality work.

they are today. He said, “If we can build

they can go directly to CYS main office or

We consider ourselves a best-practices

that system of care throughout our entire

to our drop in center or receive a referral

organization, on the leading edge in our

community, we’ll all be better for it.”

from a case manager. No matter how they

field, and we want to continue on that

At the end of the day, what drives Harris

arrive, we use a wrap-around model to

track,” he said.

is what inspired him in the first place — hearing success stories from young people

make sure each receives support to treat Harris will lead CYS through major

who CYS served and are now thriving and

contractual changes with the Department

giving back to the community. “Or, often,”

Also, while CYS provides a cluster of

of Child, Youth and Families as they move

he said, “Participants will tell us that when

services to at-risk-youth, they also do a

to performance-based contracting, as

they grow up they want to work at CYS,

lot of early intervention work helping

well as contract changes to Managed Care

and you can’t get a better compliment

keep youth in their home. They also

Organizations. CYS is also in the midst of

than that.”

offer parent education to help reduce

implementing Electronic Health Records

the whole person.”

thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE l

August 2018 l 13

EXECUTIVE PROFILE

Krosbie Carter: Helping Thurston County Thrive

New Thurston Thrives Director, Krosbie Carter.

By Doria Maselli

B

orn and raised in Thurston County, Thurston Thrives’ new Director Krosbie Carter grew up in Rainier, graduating from Rainier High School in 2006. She attended classes at both South Puget Sound Community College and Saint Martin’s University, and later graduated with a degree in Humanities and Social Sciences

from The Evergreen State College. Much of her time at Evergreen was spent abroad, living in Florence, Italy, where she studied international politics and relations, as well as art history and photography.

“One of the greatest takeaways from

desire to be involved brought Krosbie

and youth homelessness. She began

my time spent in Europe was the strong

back to Olympia, where she was an intern

learning and researching more, and

sense of connectivity in the communities

for the state Homeless survey, Point-in-

the next year was hired to work on the

in Italy; Europeans really put the “we,”

Time Count in 2013. A Point-In-Time

survey again. Here she once again helped

before the “I,” says Krosbie. In fact, it

count is an unduplicated count on a

manage the Olympia Connect event, and

reminded her a lot of Thurston County.

single night of the people in a community

also put on the first Homeless Connect

who are experiencing homelessness that

event in Yelm. Continuing to become

“We have a tremendous sense of

includes both sheltered and unsheltered

an expert in this area, Krosbie studied

community in Thurston County — people

populations. Krosbie helped coordinate

fair housing and was contracted by the

coming together. Our geography makes

the Olympia Connect event, an event that

city of Olympia as the lead researcher to

us unique, and our diversity is a major

brings together volunteers, case workers

conduct the Thurston County Assessment

strength. We are able to highlight what

and service providers who serve the

of Fair Housing for HUD (Housing

makes us different, and our differences

common goal of ending homelessness.

Urban Development). She examined the

make us a stronger community. There’s

Services available on-site during the event

issue from all sides, looking at different

a sense of inclusion here, we’re small

include emergency shelter referrals,

standards, regulations and zoning laws

enough to care about our neighbors

housing assistance, medical and dental

from both a state and local level.

but large enough to accentuate our

screenings, haircuts and other assistance.

Krosbie also spent time working at

differences,” says Krosbie.

This experience sparked Krosbie’s

United Way Thurston County, first as

This connection to her community and

interest in learning more about family

Development Coordinator, then quickly

14 • August 2018 l

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

moving up to Development Manager,

advancement of Thurston Thrives

managing workplace campaigns and inspiring organizations to give. “I

strategies and goals; •

enjoyed showing people the value of their gifts and giving tangible examples

Identify community needs, gaps and opportunities;

•

of their long-term investment in

Review data and measures of

MEMBER PROFILE

progress;

Thurston County,” said Krosbie.

•

Set strategic goals for system

Krosbie received her Master of Public

•

Pursue resources to support Thurston

and process improvement; Administration from Evergreen last year and is thrilled about her new position as

Thrives strategy implementation; and •

Help with engaging the broader

Director of Thurston Thrives, replacing

community and maintaining a

Liz Davis who left in early 2018 to take

high level of public awareness of

on a new job at Thurston County Public

the actions being done to further

Health & Social Services.

Thurston Thrives.

Thurston Thrives, a program of the

In her new role, Krosbie hopes to

Thurston Chamber Foundation is

increase awareness of both Thurston

a county-wide initiative designed

Thrives and its mission. “I want people

to engage the entire community in

to recognize immediately who we are

improving public health and safety.

and understand the absolute value of

This effort takes a systems approach to

the work we do and our capacity to

identifying priority health outcomes and

strengthen collaboration and collective

implementing cross-sector strategies

impact,” says Krosbie.

to achieve these targets. Community members have come together to form

She is also looking forward to helping

action teams in eight areas – Clinical &

each action team assume a sense of

Emergency Care, Community Design,

identity within Thurston Thrives as

Education & Resilience, Economy,

a whole. “Think of it like spokes on

Environment (including Climate & Clean

a wheel, if we focus on a main area

Energy), Food, Housing and Public Safety

of emphasis and a centering factor,

& Justice.

everyone involved can understand their role while we piece all the moving parts

The Thurston County Board of Health

together to work toward common goals.”

founded Thurston Thrives in 2013 and, since 2015, is now overseen by a

Krosbie lives in Olympia with her

24-member public-private Coordinating

husband and 3-year-old daughter. She

Council comprised of representatives

enjoys getting out into the community,

from funders (non-governmental),

going to the Farmers Market and being

business, action teams/hubs, local

near the water. “I always knew I’d want

government and education, as well as

to end up living in Thurston County, and

two members at large.

am so pleased for the opportunity to contribute in this new role,” she says.

The general purposes of the Coordinating Council are to measure, promote and

Thurston Thrives Community Council

sustain the Thurston Thrives initiative

meetings are open to the public. They are

to improve the health and safety of all

held on the third Monday of each month

Thurston County residents. Its core

from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at the Thurston

functions are to:

County Courthouse, Building 1, Room 280, at 2000 Lakeridge Drive in Olympia.

•

Foster continuous communication between Council, staff and Action

For additional information,

Teams/Hubs, and support the

visit http://thurstonthrives.org.

thurstonchamber.com

Elite Cleaning of Washington No one wants to waste a gorgeous Saturday cleaning when they could be enjoying endless outdoor festivals, parades and activities.

What if you could (net)work while you play? Recognized a Thurston Green Business and awarded The Olympian's 'Best of South Sound' honors four years in a row, Scottiejo McNulty and her Elite Cleaning of Washington team will start their seventh year in June. They often attend city-wide networking events with detailed information, house-cleaning tips & tricks, prizes and answers to frequently asked questions.

Elite Cleaning also gives back to their community by donating gift certificates to local charities and supporting events like South Sound BBQ Festival, OMB's Home and Garden Show and Raise for Rowyn.

With a philosophy that no job is too big or too small, Elite Cleaning can handle whatever your schedule requires.

Whether it’s regular weekly maintenance or a thorough move-out deep-clean, their in-person inspection and high quality standards mean your sunny days can once again be dedicated to family, friends and fun.

To arrange a free estimate, call 360-529-2277 or visit us online at www.EliteCleaningofWA.com.

Sponsored Member Profile. Copy written by ThurstonTalk for Elite Cleaning of WA.

Thurston County Chamber VOICE l

August 2018 l 15

360.456.4999

venablespestmanagement.com info@venablespest.com

TRUSTED BY THOUSANDS Venables Pest Management is a locally owned and operated company using pet-friendly, professional pest management solutions for ants, termites, mice, beetles, spiders, bed bugs, yellow jackets and rats. We also offer commercial and residential maintenance services and real estate inspections. Give us a call today.

16 • August 2018 l

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

RHD Enterprises Celebrates Graduation & New Office

T

hurston County-based general contractor RHD Enterprises, Inc. (RHD) will celebrate multiple milestones at an open house event scheduled for August 21, 2018. The minority and

woman-owned business recently purchased a new building that will act as the headquarters for local operations and consolidate their general construction, design and fabrication facilities into one expanded office and production shop.

Rozanne Garman, owner of RHD Enterprises.

The ribbon cutting celebration coincides

owners started Harbor Wholesale at this

the skills and experience needed to be a

with RHD Enterprises’ graduation from

location as a small, family-owned business

successful federal contractor,” noted RHD’s

the 8(a) business development program—a

and have grown into one of the region’s

President and CEO Rozanne Garman.

nine-year, small business mentorship

top foodservice providers.

About RHD Enterprises, Inc.

created to help growing companies gain experience with federal government work

8(a) Business Development Program

RHD Enterprises, Inc. is a minority

procurement. The event will include local

To help provide a level playing field for

woman-owned general contractor

officials, family, friends, clients, project

small businesses owned by socially and

specializing in commercial and industrial

partners and a few planned surprises.

economically disadvantaged people

construction. RHD provides full-service

or entities, the government limits

for a variety of new construction, design-

New Office Grand Opening

competition for certain contracts to

build, remodel and tenant improvement

RHD was established in 2005 as a home-

businesses that participate in the 8(a)

projects. From their first laboratory

based residential tile company. The focus

Business Development Program. Program

renovation projects to their current energy

was changed three years later to general

participants can compete for set-aside

upgrades and structural repairs, RHD has

construction, and the RHD Enterprises

contracts, access a Business Opportunity

excelled at fostering a team atmosphere

name was born. A decade later, the

Specialist to help navigate federal

on every project. This creates projects that

company has grown to almost 30 full-

contracting, participate in the mentor-

our clients, employees and communities

time employees working on jobsites all

protégé program and receive business

are proud of. As a small business, they

over Washington State and across the

training, marketing assistance and

provide principal-level involvement on

country. As the company grew, RHD

executive development.

every project and a hands-on approach

expanded its services to include design,

to developing solutions that exceed

premanufactured metal buildings, custom

Since becoming a certified 8(a) small

their clients’ expectations. For more

welding and steel fabrication. With the

business, RHD has completed hundreds of

information, including project experience

acquisition of the new 8,750 square

federal projects for a long list of agencies

visit www.rhdenterprises.com.

foot office and shop, RHD will be able to

including the EPA, GSA, USCG and the US

consolidate production with operations

Navy. 2018 marks the end of RHD’s nine-

staff to increase customer service and

year involvement in the program. “The

efficiency in project delivery.

8(a) program has been a tremendous stepping stone for RHD, and we look

The history of RHD’s new building also

forward to transitioning into a mentor role

includes a unique aspect—the previous

to help other small businesses develop

thurstonchamber.com

For more information, contact: Rozanne Garman RHD Enterprises, Inc. 819 78th Avenue Tumwater, WA 98501 (360) 705-9459 frontdesk@rhdenterprises.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE l

August 2018 l 17

The right fit for your business.

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.

Same Great Service, Just A New Look!

We are proud to announce the launch of The Rants Group’s new look as part of our ongoing update of the company’s brand. Our business has grown and evolved over the last 45 years and we felt it was time for a new look.

Call me to learn how.

Alexis Miller

Business Development Officer 360.923.4450 alexis@twinstarcu.com

TwinStarCU.com/business

FULL SERVICE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LEASE AND SALES SERVICES

(360) 943-8060

18 • August 2018 l

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

|

rants-group.com

thurstonchamber.com

Getting Business Out of the Squeeze (Continued from page 2) eventually be annexed into the city. As part

alternative would require new development

of the conditions to receive services, new

adjacent to the city boundary to be annexed

development in the UGAs acknowledges that

at the time city services are provided, but only

it will be annexed at some point in the future.

require commitment to annexation for non-

Almost always, however, actual annexation

adjacent properties. The Chamber encourages

does not need to be completed prior to

the City to find a way to ensure that private

hooking up to these city services. Because of

sector investment and development can occur

ongoing issues with the County over planning

on a predictable and timely fashion. Not

and development review in the UGAs, City of

doing so will place an unnecessary burden on

Lacey has engaged in a process to change this

property owners and have a detrimental effect

requirement.

on the local economy.

At the most extreme, the City has entertained

At this time, the City is still evaluating any

a change in policy requiring any new

potential change in its annexation policies.

development in the UGA to be annexed into

The Thurston Chamber of Commerce

the city before city services are granted.

argues that is bad public policy when the

This would add time and uncertainty to the

private sector is held hostage by competing

development process. Furthermore, because

jurisdictional interests, and we ask that the

state law does not allow creation of city

City and County update and restore joint

“islands,” properties not directly adjacent

planning agreements that create a timely,

to the city boundary could not immediately

consistent and predictable permitting and

annex, making new development virtually

annexation processes, consistent with what is

impossible in areas not adjacent to existing

envisioned by the Growth Management Act.

City boundaries. This would create a defacto moratorium on new development in

Let’s Eliminate the Friction

Lacey’s UGA other than parcels immediately

The Chamber’s Public Policy Division seeks

contiguous to City boundaries.

to eliminate friction between the Cities and County. Membership support and input in this

The Chamber Calls for Moderation

area has been outstanding. We need to tell

The Chamber advocates that the most desirable

our story and provide examples where friction

outcome is no change, keeping in place the

between jurisdictions has, or will, constrain

current City policy that new development

investment and community prosperity. The

adjacent to city boundary apply for annexation

Chamber’s Public Policy Division welcomes

prior to being served by the City and that

your input and support as we protect our

development not adjacent to the boundary

shared interests and advocate for a more

commit to eventual annexation. A modest

reasonable approaches to the problems.

thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE l

August 2018 l 19

UPCOMING EVENT

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8, 2018 | 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Chamber Forum: The Impact of Tourism

In 2017, Thurston County experienced recordbreaking growth in tourism. With a 15.6 percent increase in visitor spending, Thurston County has become a destination for craft beverage enthusiasts, nature lovers and creative thinkers.

Get the insider insight on how the region is being marketed, learn about place branding and walk away with some fun ideas on how to spend your vacation days. You may even be surprised by how travel impacts the economy in unexpected ways.

Join Thurston Chamber’s August forum Wednesday, August 8 at 11:30 a.m. at Hotel RL Olympia as we go behind the scenes of Experience Olympia & Beyond, Thurston County’s official destination marketing organization.

The forum includes lunch, and the cost is $35 for general admission, $25 for prepaid Chamber members and $30 for members at the door.

Photo courtesy of Experience Olympia & Beyond.

20 • August 2018 l

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

Capital Medical Center celebrated the completion of their new Surgical Services Center with a Ribbon Cutting ceremony on June 28, 2018.

Welcome, New Members Farmers Insurance Agency - Patricia A. Gow Patricia Gow (360) 268-7525

Bare & Be, LLC Elizabeth Boyd (360) 259-9005 www.bareandbe.com Online Retail Barene DenAdel, CPA Alysia LaTourette (360) 533-1153 www.barenecpa.com Accountants Bloodworks Northwest Lynette Manning (206) 516-9970 Blood Banks Co-Creation Now Kirsten Sogge (360) 339-3647 www.honeylovechocolates.com Chocolate Cruz Wealth Management Angel Cruz (206) 552-9796 www.cruzwm.com Financial Planning/Services Evergreen Commercial Cleaning, Inc. CJ Jones (360) 972-2167 Commercial Cleaners

21 • August 2018 l

www.facebook.com/patriciagowfarmersagent

John L. Scott - Lacey Davina Clardy (360) 667-5100 www.olympialaceyhomes.com Real Estate - Agents & Companies

Olympia Sound Company Andrew Golden (360) 789-4035 www.olympiasoundcompany.com Audio-Visual Production Services

Fresenius Kidney Care Erin Fossen (360) 455-5026 Dialysis

L. J. Home Services Jessie Bensley (360) 791-5620 www.ljhomeservices.net Gutter/Roof Cleaning

Pints & Quarts - Olympia Ahmed Flores (360) 943-5611 www.pintsoly.com Brew Pubs, Sports Bars, Wine Bars

Grand Canyon University Emilee Oldham (360) 356-2264 www.gcu.edu/udc/emilee.oldham Schools - Private

Macarons by Mel Melinda Gagnon (360) 350-0332 www.macaronsbymel.com Bakeries

Radiant Hair & Skin, LLC Linda Fox-Rowe (360) 481-5818 www.radianthairandskinllc.com Hair Salon & Services

Holy Lamb Organics Mindy Schaefer (360) 273-9400 www.holylamborganics.com Bedding Manufacturer/Supplier

New York Life - Daniel Marsh Daniel Marsh (206) 708-5455 Insurance

John L. Scott - Dupont Davina Clardy (253) 964-7700 www.olympialaceyhomes.com Real Estate - Agents & Companies

Northwest Meats Danielle Lusk (360) 878-9350 www.northwestmeats.biz Grocers

South Sound Parent to Parent Kim Smith (360) 352-1126 www.ssp2p.org Non-Profit Organizations and Associations

John L. Scott - Lacey Davina Clardy (360) 667-5100 www.olympialaceyhomes.com Real Estate - Agents & Companies

Oly Events - Wedding & Event Design Ashley McCabe (360) 701-9350 www.oly-events.com Event Planning

Insurance

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

Well 80 Artesian Brewing Chris Knudson (360) 915-6653 www.well80.com Brew Pubs, Sports Bars, Wine Bars Williams Group Marketing & Design Mike Williams (360) 790-8803 www.wmsgroup.com Consultants - Marketing thurstonchamber.com

Caught in the Lens...

22 • August 2018 l

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

Save The Date Foofaraw 2018 Friday, September 7, 2018 | 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Olympia Yacht Club, Island Home

Foofaraw is free for the military service men & women* – always has been, always will be. To have such a wonderful event hosted for 200+ military, we need support of our community members.

We need door prizes for military attendee drawing – due August 28th.

Items of roughly $25+ value that you would want to “win” in a door prize drawing.

Contact Krystal Barkus to be a door prize donor.

Presenting Sponsor

thurstonchamber.com

Call us: 360.357.3362

Visit: thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE l

August 2018 l 23

PO BOX 1427 Olympia, WA 98507-1427