August 2017 VOICE Magazine

A U G UST 2017

TH UR STON C OUN TY C H AMBE R OF C OMME R C E

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A LOOK into the future of fifth

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www.thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE ď Ź August 2017 ď Źď€ 3

Embracing the Opportunity of 'Views on 5th'

By David Schaffert, President/CEO of the Thurston County Chamber

PUBLISHER Thurston County Chamber of Commerce

EDITORIAL Editor: David Schaffert Phone: (360) 357-3362 Email: dschaffert@thurstonchamber.com

CONTRIBUTORS David Schaffert Doug Mah Natasha Ashenhurst Greg Raines Rebekah Finn Heather Harris Barbara Wakefield Cheryl Heywood

ADVERTISING Sales and Marketing: Beth Johnson Blake Knoblauch Melanie Bell Phone: (360) 357-3362 Email: info@thurstonchamber.com

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

DESIGN Mosaic Marketing Studio

COVER ART The 'View from 5th and Simmons Looking Northeast' is the architect’s rendering of the Views on 5th project, created by Olympia architecture firm Thomas Architecture Studios.

PRINTING Print NW

CONTACT THE CHAMBER PO Box 1427 809 Legion Way SE Olympia, WA 98507 Phone: (360) 357-3362 Email: info@thurstonchamber.com Website: www.thurstonchamber.com

T

his month’s issue of the VOICE features an exciting new project called 'Views on 5th' — a transformative project for Olympia’s vacant, nine-story Capitol Center building on Fifth

Avenue.

This project—which will convert the building into 138 units of market-rate housing, a restaurant and café—is a unique opportunity for the downtown area, and one that we should celebrate and support.

We are seeing significant investment in market-rate housing, commercial space and amenities in the downtown corridor — all building on the positive momentum created in part by positive policy decisions by the Olympia City Council and a renewed commitment to the private sector.

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.

Opponents argue potential “sea level rise” makes this project impractical, when the new buildings will actually be built to withstand those rises and significant resources will be invested into the tower renovation to address potential flooding, as is currently required by Olympia’s municipal code.

Finally, opponents argue additional residents and cars will snarl traffic downtown, when transportation impact analysis demonstrates the intersections surrounding Views on 5th will continue to operate at “level of service A,” the highest rating possible.

This project has the potential to transform downtown Olympia by renovating an eyesore and blighted area between Capitol Lake and Budd Bay into a crown jewel worthy of its setting.

Fortunately, Brogan is committed to seeing this project through. He and Ron Thomas, chief architect for Views on 5th, have done an excellent job listening to the community and have gone the extra mile to address concerns.

There is a small but vocal opposition consisting of activists who want to turn this space into a park. However, their vision does not include a viable funding source. Without funding we end up with under-used properties and urban decay. Unfortunately, project opponents have resorted to disseminating discredited arguments to divert and delay this $30 million investment by local developer Ken Brogan.

The Chamber board voted to support this redevelopment and we urge the community to do likewise. Support it not only because of the economic benefits that will result from its completion, but for what it signifies – a game-changing project addressing blight and demonstrating that investors are more willing than ever to put substantial resources into our downtown.

Opponents argue that the existing nine-story tower can’t meet seismic standards; when in fact, seismic upgrades are underway as we go to print.

Views on 5th will continue the downtown redevelopment renaissance that will ultimately transform our region. ●

THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY INVESTORS DIAMOND INVESTORS:

COPYRIGHT

Opponents argue that “liquefaction” of soils during a major earthquake event make this project dangerous, when in fact added steel pilings will protect the tower and new buildings in the event of an earthquake of this magnitude.

Anchor Bank Capital Medical Center Heritage Bank Phillips Burgess Port of Olympia Conduit

PLATINUM INVESTORS America's Credit Union - Lacey Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel Mills & Mills Funeral Home & Memorial Park Morningside

4 • August 2017 Thurston Thurssto on County Chamber VOICE

Olympia Federal Savings Olympia Orthopaedic Associates Print NW Providence St. Peters Saint Martin's University TwinStar Credit Union Washington Business Bank

GOLD INVESTORS First Citizens Bank Cabinets by Trivonna Columbia Bank The Creative Office GHB Insurance Great Wolf Lodge Hometown Property Management Jessica Jensen Law PS

Nicholson & Associates Nisqually Red Wind Casino Olympia Furniture Company Pardiman Productions Puget Sound Energy RHD Enterprises Hotel RL Olympia Saint Martin’s University SCJ Alliance TAGS Wells Fargo

www.thurstonchamber.com

The Morningside Ride is a short road rally—a scavenger hunt in your car! But instead of bringing back stuff, your mission is to answer clues related to the sights you see along the way. The team with the most right answers wins!

This year we’re adding a Poker Run to the fun!

Draw five cards along the route - if you have the winning hand you get a Prize!

The theme this year is Pirates!

Costumes are optional, but they really add to the fun.

The event concludes with brunch, raffles, program and prizes for winners and best costumes.

REGISTER ONLINE AT MorningsideServices.com/events Need help? 360-596-3539 The Ride raises funds for Morningside’s programs for students with disabilities.

Road Rally/ Poker Run Start: Olympia High School 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Finish Line, Brunch & Program: Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM

www.thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  August 2017 5

Featuring...

CONTENT & CALENDAR

Every month, the Thurston County Chamber offers several networking events, forums & workshops to the community. Here are some highlights you won't want to miss.

August 1

Morning Mixxer at Wireless Revolution JJoin our host Wireless Revolution on Tuesday, August 1 at 7:30 a.m. for the Thurston Chamber’s Morning Mixxer. Wireless Revolution will provide breakfast treats and our new Morning Mixxer Sponsor, L&E Bottling, will provide a coffee bar! 1520 Cooper Point RD SW, Olympia.

August A ugust 3

Young Professionals Network Y JJoin us for the Young Professionals Network at Northwest Beerwerks on Thursday, August 3 at 5:30 p.m., located at 420 Steele St SE, Olympia. The Young Professionals Network is a great way to interact with younger professional

August 9

positively impacts children, families, and our community. The panel, moderated by Liz Davis of Thurston Thrives, includes: Patty Belmonte, Executive Director, Hands On Children’s Museum Trish Gregory, Executive Director, the Family Support Center of South Sound •

Nancy Villanueva, Coordinator, the United Way’s Right from the Start program

•

Greg Williamson, Assistant Director for Partnerships & Collaboration at the Washington State Department of Early Learning.

Forum includes lunch. Register today at www.thurstonchamber.com

BAH at Nearing Total Health August 5

Nearing Total Health is our August Business After Hours host. Stop by this beautiful health center on Thursday, August 17 and enjoy appetizers and beverages as well as networking with community members. 4520 Intelco Lp SE Ste 3A in Lacey.

For more event information, please visit www.thurstonchamber.com

www.thurstonchamber.com

Executive Update Meet the Olympia School District's New Superintendent, Dr. Patrick Murphy

12 Advocacy Update We asked. You responded.

Thank you, Members, for your feedback.

Views on 5th

At the August Chamber Forum, learn how high-quality early learning

•

10

14

Chamber Forum: Early Learning

•

In this issue...

The VOICE talks to developers planning to transform a blighted property into a beautiful landmark.

20 Harbor Wholesale Harbor Wholesale may be the biggest local business you rarely hear about and it is four generations strong.

24 Welcome New Members Take a look at the newest members of the Thurston County Chamber!

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  August 2017 7

Caught in the Lens...

A collection of photos taken at Chamber events during June and July.

DAYS OF CARING

09.22.17 & 09.23.17 PITCH IN. GIVE BACK. JOIN US!

VOLUNTEER www.unitedway-thurston.org/dayofcaring

360.943.2773 ext. 122 8 • August 2017 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

www.thurstonchamber.com

EXECUTIVE PROFILE

Dr. Patrick Murphy is the new Olympia School District Superintendent.

Olympia School District Welcomes New Superintendent Written by Rebekah Finn. Photo by Heather Harris.

D

r. Patrick Murphy's path to becoming the Olympia School District superintendent was paved with encouragement from other educators and administrators.

After coaching youth sports as a young man, Murphy was inspired to join his good friend and enroll in the teaching program at Whitworth University in Spokane.

However, it was witnessing his own mother’s career as a teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent that influenced him most.

In addition to teaching in Spokane, Murphy also taught junior high school social

Murphy’s own educational background

studies in the South Kitsap School District, before becoming a junior high school

includes a bachelor’s in history

assistant principal in Bremerton. He then served as a middle and high school assistant

from the University of Washington,

principal and a middle school principal in Issaquah. From 2008 to 2012, Murphy

a master’s degree in teaching from

served as the executive director of secondary education in the Issaquah School

Whitworth University and a doctorate

District. Murphy has been assistant superintendent in the Edmonds School District

in education from Washington State

since 2012.

University. Murphy earned his principal certification from University of

10 • August 2017 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

www.thurstonchamber.com

Washington and superintendent certification from Washington

scene, and is looking forward to enjoying some local live music

State University.

with his wife. He also loves to sail and can’t wait to explore Olympia’s waters, and other outdoor activities, while getting

When the position in Olympia opened up, Murphy didn’t

plugged into the school district community.

hesitate to apply. He had heard that Olympia was an excellent school district and after talking to many people who had lived

"I'm most looking forward to meeting the people—the students,

and gone to school here, was convinced that it was a great place

the families and the staff. I want to meet them and know what

to live, learn, work, and raise a family.

they're passionate about,” Murphy says.

"I feel very fortunate and humbled that the school board asked

Murphy is also excited to spend more time diving deeper into

me to come down and be the superintendent," Murphy said.

the early learning areas of the public school system, as he has spent most of his administrative work focused on the secondary

When asked what attracted him to this line of work, Murphy

levels. He’s excited to be able to support the development of a

explained his desire to help students reach their dreams and

solid foundation for our youngest learners, and looks forward to

realize their potential is common to most educators: "It’s

seeing a new cohort of kindergartners get started in the fall.

rewarding to be able to give them the tools they need, and then encourage their curiosity and their resiliency to go out and

As for which high school his own daughter will attend, he’s

pursue whatever they want to pursue."

heard the arguments from both Capital and Olympia loyalists.

But at the end of the day, Murphy explains, everyone says

While he has yet to learn about all the details and specific

the same thing about Olympia schools: "There are high

challenges in Olympia, Murphy acknowledges that the public

performing, dedicated staff at every school, and no matter what

school system in general has not always succeeded in preparing

neighborhood you live in and which school you send your kids

every student for the opportunities of adulthood.

to, you can't go wrong." ●

"The data is there, and it's not unique to Olympia. For the most part, low-income students don't have the success in the traditional academic metrics that middle- and high-income

Rebekah Finn is a freelance writer and owner of Finn Communications: finncommoly@gmail.com

peers have. Our students of color do not graduate on time at the same rates. If you're an English language learner, there's a higher likelihood that you're not going to be present in an [Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate] classroom; there's a higher likelihood that you will not graduate on time. In most areas, Olympia is out-performing those state averages. But those gaps are still there.”

Murphy knows that there is already a lot of work going on the district to address those gaps, and this first year of learning and introductions will help him figure out how he can best support and accelerate those efforts. By the time school starts in September, he’ll have completed Phases 1 and 2 of his entry plan. Phase 3 will include continued listening and learning with deeper immersion into each of the schools in the district through December 2017. The full entry plan is available at www.osd.wednet.edu.

Murphy is clearly excited for his new role and his new home, and is looking forward to so many things both professionally and personally. He spends most of his time outside of work with his wife and three daughters—the youngest set to start high school in Olympia in 2018, the oldest is starting at Cal Poly in

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the fall and his middle daughter finishing her senior year of high school in West Seattle.

Murphy has heard about Olympia’s growing art and culture

www.thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  August 2017 11

ADVOCACY UPDATE

A walking path at the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

We asked. You responded.

By Doug Mah, Doug Mah & Associates, director Thurston Chamber's Public Policy Division

I

representatives reached out to you on

private enterprises;

boards, feather flags, etc.” -MM

n July, the Chamber’s member service •

“How has the policy on downtown

2.

private sector investment in the

homelessness shaped issues

behalf of the Public Policy Division to

Will work to encourage greater community;

hear about your public policy concerns.

regarding downtown development

Many of your responses will help guide

and how has the policy on building

the upcoming work of the division.

heights affected downtown

across the region. The Chamber

Specifically, here is what some said:

residential development?” - CM

will use your questions to refine

“My primary concern for our region

our positions and seek clarity to the

is finding a permanent solution (e.g.,

difficult questions you ask.

•

“What is the position of the Chamber

•

and surrounding communities public safety and in February on how is the Chamber integrating its

•

review of these issues into support for a downtown development “The Port remains a key part of our economic development foundation in Thurston County. Are (members) aware of the critical Port Commission races coming up in the fall and would

“My second issue would be Capital Lake...'no decision’ is a ‘decision’ is my perspective. Who wins with this ongoing intergovernmental stalemate?” -MC

•

“One of the questions I get a lot is about Olympia’s Sign Code...how they are coming with it and if there is anything exciting to look forward to in regards to signage, temporary sign

can expect to see increased awareness

“Earlier this year you had a Forum

and advocacy for significant projects and

on updates from all the cities within

solutions that address the questions and

Thurston county. At that meeting I

interests you raised.

representative regarding senior

We encourage you to continue

issues and/or senior focused

participating in surveys and other

challenges. Housing is a huge issue in

opportunities to voice your opinion and

the senior community. With that said,

provide input on important public policy

are there policies that will shape the

decisions.

seniors in Thurston county?” ANON.

candidate positions in order to be •

In the months ahead, Chamber members

homeless population.” -JJ

future housing issues/challenges for

they like to get further informed of more supportive?” -DF

mental health treatment) for the

heard nothing said by any mayor/

strategy?” -BJ •

Will enable the creation of new jobs

permanent housing, drug treatment,

regarding the fall ballot issue on housing and homeless funding, and

3.

Please feel free to contact us at Doug@ DougMahassociates.com to learn more

You have great questions and they

about how you can be more involved.

provide insight into the concerns of business and private sector interest.

Public policy is determined by those who participate and share their experiences,

Heading into the elections for city council

ideas, and insights as decisions are made.

and port commissioner, the Thurston Chamber of Commerce will place a

Participation by Chamber members will

premium on candidates that:

ensure that our community reflects our

1.

Seek to understand the impact public

shared values and entrepreneurial

policy changes have on business and

ethic. ●

12 • August 2017 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

www.thurstonchamber.com

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE  August 2017 13

Local developers plan on turning the vacant nine story Capitol Center Building on Fifth Avenue in Olympia into market-rate housing, a restaurant and café. The photo, 'View from 4th and Simmons Looking Southeast' is the architect’s rendering of the Views on 5th project, created by Olympia architecture firm, Thomas Architecture Studios.

Views on 5th Plans to Continue the Revitalization of Downtown

By Natasha Ashenhurst

W

hen local developers Ken and Julie Brogan met with their banker about their newest market-rate housing development project, the bank tried to talk them out of investing in Thurston County real estate, arguing the scale and scope of their proposal was better suited to Seattle.

The Brogans admit there are much easier ways to see a return on investment than turning

renaissance, and that

Olympia’s vacant nine-story Capitol Center Building on Fifth Avenue into market-rate housing, a

more and more people are

restaurant and café.

discovering this is a great place to live and raise a

So why take on such an enormous project?

family. When the Brogans had the opportunity to redevelop

“It’s about pride in our community. It’s about our desire to improve Olympia. It’s about watching

the Fifth Avenue property

trends and helping provide needed market rate housing downtown,” said Ken. “But, it’s also about

— which many consider

loving a challenge.”

an eyesore — into a project that will improve the heart

“We’ve done a lot of apartment and housing developments,” said Julie. “But Ken really enjoys

of downtown Olympia, they

challenging rehabs and loves making them look amazing.”

jumped at the opportunity.

The Brogans — who are residents of Olympia — believe Thurston County is undergoing a

The Brogans and their

14 • August 2017 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

www.thurstonchamber.com

Julie and Ken Brogan outside of the Capitol Center Building. When the Brogans had the opportunity to redevelop the Fifth Avenue property — which many consider an eyesore — into a project that will improve the heart of downtown Olympia, they jumped at the opportunity. Photo by Greg Raines of Lionsdenpro.

The vacant nine-story Capitol Center Building is often referred to as 'the mistake on the lake'. Photo by Greg Raines.

partners, Emil Khodorkovsky and Alex

is handling legal affairs for the project;

two new mixed use buildings.”

and Troy Nichols with Phillips Burgess

Gorban, are the developers and principal investors in Views on Fifth, LLC — the

The talent the Brogans have assembled

Government Relations is serving as the

property development group responsible

to work on the project is impressive:

point person for public outreach.

for Olympia’s newest redevelopment

Ron Thomas and Tom Rieger of Thomas

project, set to begin construction in the

Architecture Studios are the architects

This team has created a design that

fall.

and planners; Michael Szramek of MC

incorporates a mirror effect to soften the

Squared, Inc., is the structural engineer;

hard edges of the building, and are using

Plans submitted to the City of Olympia

Steve Hatton of Hatton Godat Pantier,

design elements inspired by the Pacific

state the developers will build a “multi-

Inc., is the civil engineer; Ricky Wang of

Northwest and take advantage of both

family and commercial complex

The Riley Group, Inc., is the geotechnical

lake and bay views. The building will

intended to provide 138 new residences

engineer; Jeff Glander of SCJ Alliance

feature a lobby, restaurant and café with

and a mix of ground floor restaurant and

is the landscape architect; Alistair

outdoor seating — and a fully automated

retail spaces.

Jackson of O’Brien & Company oversees

144-stall parking garage. Rather than

Leadership in Energy and Environmental

simply upgrade the existing nine-story

“The project will include demolition of

Design; and Neil Warburton of RDH

building, the tower will be integrated and

the onsite single story structure, reuse

Building Science is the energy consultant;

attached to the adjacent newly developed

of the existing tower and construction of

Heather Burgess of Phillips Burgess Law

three-story buildings.

Continued on page 17 www.thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  August 2017 15

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Continued from page 15

'The View from Simmons Looking East' is the architect’s rendering of the Views on 5th project, created by Olympia architecture firm, Thomas Architecture Studios, Ron Thomas, AIA, President, Tom Rieger, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Project Manager In July, Olympia held a neighborhood

because of moisture—to firm stable soil

certification for the project.

meeting and listening session to

or bedrock. Seismic upgrades are already

“The City of Olympia has been incredibly

give residents the opportunity to ask

underway.

helpful throughout the planning

questions about the project and voice

process,” said Ken. “The staff we’re

concerns. Among the concerns raised

To address sea level rise, the project will

working with have the ability to hold the

were rising sea levels and seismic

meet or exceed current building codes

project accountable to compliance issues

stability, both of which the team has

and regulations and feature a Flex-Wall

while maintaining a positive attitude

addressed.

— a rapidly-deployed, emergency flood

toward development. We appreciate the

barrier -- at the perimeter of the tower

support they’ve given us.

According to a presentation created

building to a level of one foot minimum

by Thomas Architecture Studios and

above the base flood elevation.

“This is the biggest project [remodel]

partners, the project will meet or exceed

we’ve ever done, period. It is hard

all current codes and regulations.

Other project features include a new

to visualize the magnitude and

Engineers will add additional supports

pedestrian pathway and access, a vertical

transformation it will have on this part

to the tower, and those supports will

green wall and energy efficient ductless

of downtown, but it will be a great thing

be continuous through the liquefaction

heating and cooling. The developer also

to see this area thrive.” ●

zone—an area where soil loses stability

plans to seek LEED Silver multi-family

Natasha Ashenhurst writes for the VOICE and owns Mosaic Marketing Studio.

www.thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  August 2017 17

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE ď Ź August 2017 ď Źď€ 19

From left to right, Justin Erickson – President & CEO, Bob Erickson – Senior Vice President, Mike Erickson – Chairman of the Board and Scott Erickson - COO. Photo courtesy of Harbor Wholesale.

Harbor Wholesale - Four Generations Strong

F

By Barbara Wakefield

ew of us go to the office, bury ourselves in daily tasks and then, every now and then, Dad pops in, sets down his coffee mug and asks: “What are you up to?”

That’s what it’s like, however, for Justin Erickson, chief executive officer of Harbor Wholesale Foods. Not only that. He’s greeted every work day by larger-than-life vintage photos of his grandfather, great-grandfather and other folks from his family tree.

He wouldn’t have it any other way, even though he’s well aware almost no family business survives

intricately controlled series

like his has, to the fourth generation (fewer than 3 percent, actually).

of refrigerators and freezers, where the temperature

Harbor Wholesale may be one of the biggest area businesses you’ve never heard of. They know

ranges down to minus 11.

that. “We’re a behind-the-scenes company,” Justin said.

(And yes, people do work in

What They Do Among the huge warehouse facilities in Hawks Prairie stands Harbor’s state-of-the-art headquarters, 200,000 square feet stretching from attractive offices to a warehouse stacked to the rafters with thousands of products to serve 2,500 weekly customers, primarily convenience stores and restaurants.

Another Harbor distribution facility, this one 100,000 square feet, operates in Roseburg, Oregon, and serves customers in that state and Northern California.

there.)

Harbor Wholesale supplies all of the food products to Subway restaurants in Western Washington. That’s more than 400 locations.

Harbor also services Brewery City Pizza, Casa Mia and Taco Time restaurants.

It’s almost certain you’ve enjoyed a product that came through that warehouse, which includes an

20 • August 2017 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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Left: Harbor Wholesales trucking fleet. Middle: Katie Leonard, executive assistant says, "The sense of family values is genuine." Right: Manual "Manny" Sierra, a stocker in Harbor Wholesale's warehouse, joined the company earlier this year.

From Lettuce to Paper Towels

cream sandwich.

keep people motivated,” said Adam, who supervises about 30 people.

Harbor prides itself on satisfied

The top three items Harbor trucks to

customers.

convenience stores are cigarettes, candy

Justin, the CEO, feels strongly about

or snacks and grab-and-go items, such

employees being treated well. “If we

The company got a huge economic boost

as pizza, burritos and ready-made

have a tough year, we aren’t going to

a couple of years ago when it won the

sandwiches.

cut wages. We’ll take it on the chin,”

contract to supply all of the Subway stores in Western Washington.

Jeanne Ryan, Subway’s director of

he said. “If we don’t have good people, Harbor provides work for more than 400

we don’t have anything.” He describes

people, 75 percent of whom work at its

Harbor’s management as “bottom up,” in

main offices in Lacey.

that bosses try to listen to their workers,

development for southwest Washington, has been impressed. “They do what they say,” she said. “It was huge for them to take this on,” she said of the job, which previously had been broken into two geographical areas. “But they’ve done it with class and grace. They’re always thinking ahead, about how they can help us improve our business,” said Ryan,

respect their opinions and give them

Harbor Wholesale will have more than $600 million in sales this year.

Compare that to $337 million in 2012 and less than $100 million in 2000.

who is based in Gig Harbor.

micromanaging.

“The sense of family values is genuine,” said Katie Leonard, executive assistant.

“It helps drive the team that there is a sense of trust,” she said, adding that more than a dozen employees have been with the company for more than 25

In addition to happy customers, Harbor Harbor’s biggest client is convenience

the autonomy to do their jobs without

strives for happy employees.

years.

Rich History

stores, where they supply just about everything except alcohol. “From lettuce

Adam Lynch, assistant warehouse

Trust is a value that goes back to the

to paper towels,” we handle it, Justin

manager in Lacey, started with the

company’s beginnings in 1923. Justin’s

said. Harbor is the fastest growing

company 20 years ago as a stocker. He’s

great-grandfather, Carl V. Erickson,

convenience store distributor in the

stayed because of good pay and benefits,

immigrated from Sweden around the

United States, dealing with more than

but there’s more than that. “There’s a

turn of the last century. After working

400 vendors, from Hershey’s for the

feeling we’re in this together. I’ve always

his way across the country, he ended up

candy you crave to Tillamook for an ice

loved the family atmosphere. We try to

in Grays Harbor County.

Continued on page 23 www.thurstonchamber.com

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Continued from page 21 Logging camps dotted the landscape.

Grays Harbor County. Thurston County

Loggers have big appetites. Carl saw a

was a logical choice, particularly because

His dad Mike remembers that well: “He

niche, launched the West Coast Produce

of its spot right on Interstate 5 between

used to beg me to come to work with

Co. and began diligently supplying camps

Seattle and Portland.

me.”

In 1985, Harbor moved to a warehouse

What's Ahead

with butter, eggs, cheese and groceries.

He passed the company on to his sons,

near the Olympia airport in Tumwater

Carl R. Erickson and Jim Erickson, and it

and began to meet the needs of what

began to grow.

became known as “convenience stores,” soon found on corners in every big and

It rebranded in 1954 as supermarkets

small town and at the end of interstate

started becoming popular, calling itself

exits. Business boomed.

Harbor Wholesale Grocery, operating out of Aberdeen for 45 years.

When that warehouse proved too small, it was time to find yet another new

The future, as always, is hard to predict, but Justin is confident Harbor Wholesale Foods will continue to find the niche where it’s needed and will continue to thrive.

He sees strong growth potential within Harbor’s current footprint geographically, particularly into

In the 1970s, Mike Erickson (Justin’s

home. In 2011, Harbor moved into its

father and the founder’s grandson) and

current spot, a new facility allowing

his brother Steve Erickson saw another

major technological advances, an

And Justin said his 10-year-old daughter

niche for potential growth. No longer

intricately organized warehouse and a

is ready to go to work: “That’s a little

were gas stations fixing cars and filling

modern fleet of more than 70 trucks with

young, but we’ll see.”

up your tank. They were closing down

multiple temperature options. Operations

their auto repair bays and making room

go on 24 hours a day, six days a week.

Northern California.

●

for Chex Mix, Milky Ways and Icee Justin grew up watching all these

dispensers.

changes and knew from an early age it It was time to grow the business outside

was the career he wanted.

Barbara Wakefield, Wakefield Consulting LLC, is a writer and editor. Email barbwake@comcast.net

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Northwest Beerwerks Matt Smith (360) 350-2051 www.nothwestbeerwerks.com Brew Pubs, Sports Bars, & Wine Bars

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