December 2017 VOICE Magazine

DECEMBER 2017

THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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MakerSpace

Calling All Makers, Entrepreneurs & Hobbyists

B UI L DI NG CO M MUNITY PROSPERITY FOR OVER 140 YEARS

A Season of Giving

By Joanna West, Chair, Thurston County Chamber Board of Trustees

PUBLISHER Thurston County Chamber of Commerce

A

s I write this, I am eagerly

we take a few tags for family items. It is eye

awaiting the arrival of my family

opening for them to see everyday items they

from Wisconsin and Colorado

take for granted, like a toaster, on someone’s

to join us here in the Pacific

wish list. We look forward to donating gifts

Northwest for Thanksgiving. I look forward to

for the Giving Tree each year and use it as

sharing our home, lots of delicious food and

an opportunity to teach the kids about being

EDITORIAL

our wonderful community. I am so thankful

thankful for all that we have and giving to

Editor: David Schaffert

to have all of this to share. However, I also

others who are not as fortunate.

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

CONTRIBUTORS David Schaffert

recognize that this time of year is not always so joyous for all in our community.

Family Support Center of South Sound, whose mission is ‘Working Together to Strengthen

Thurston County has a long history of

All Families’ is another organization dedicated

Natasha Ashenhurst

philanthropy and taking care of the families

to giving back to the local community. During

Christina Butcher

around us. Many organizations in Thurston

the holiday season, they coordinate an Adopt-

County have clothing and gift drives during

a-Family program that serves many families

ADVERTISING

the holiday season. One of those organizations

in the South Sound. Family Support Center

Sales and Marketing:

is The Boys and Girls Club. The Boys and Girls

does this by collecting toys, gifts and family

Aaron Bernhard

Clubs of Thurston County has Giving Trees

items, as well as warm coats, shoes, blankets

Phone: (360) 357-3362

placed throughout the county, including at The

and stockings. Last year alone, Family Support

Doug Mah

Dinea Norrell

Blake Knoblauch

Email: info@thurstonchamber.com

Valley Athletic Club and at Olympia Federal

Center matched 201 families directly to have

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Savings branches. If you are not familiar with

their wish list filled, and an additional 176

Phone: (360) 357-3362

the Giving Trees, they are trees that are set up

families received gifts for their children on

at local businesses with tags attached to them

their annual distribution day.

Email: info@thurstonchamber.com

DESIGN

containing toy and gift ideas for children in

Mosaic Marketing Studio

need in our community. These Giving Tree

COVER ART

donations go specifically to Boys and Girls Club

3-D Printer

children and families, or a general donation of

PRINTING

supplies for other families that need them.

Print NW

Family Support Center and The Boys and Girls Club have families to match with donors and Giving Tree tags available. It could be a business office or even another family that adopts one of these families. Would you

My children and I are in and out of The Valley

consider joining me in supporting families in

several times a week for childcare, and this

need in our community this holiday season?

809 Legion Way SE

time of year it means passing by the Giving

Let’s join together to make this Season of

Olympia, WA 98507

Tree. Every year, my kids each choose a tag or

Giving truly come alive in Thurston County. ●

CONTACT THE CHAMBER PO Box 1427

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

two for a child similar in age to them and then

Website: thurstonchamber.com

COPYRIGHT All material appearing in the

THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY INVESTORS DIAMOND INVESTORS:

publisher accepts no responsibility

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

or liability for the accuracy of any

PLATINUM INVESTORS

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

information contained in the text or advertisements.

America's Credit Union - Lacey Conduent Greene Realty Group

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

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

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

HERE’S TO A

HEALTHIER

OLYMPIA When it comes to the health and well being of this community, Capital Medical Center is proud of its many years of dedicated service to South Sound residents.

And today, as it has always been, our expert team of physicians, nurses and medical staff remain committed to providing unmatched personal care, medical expertise and innovative treatments and technologies in the years ahead. Why? Because like you, we all share a common goal: to make this community a better place to live.

For a physician referral, visit us online at capitalmedical.com or call 1-800-798-5143.

3900 Capital Mall Dr. SW • Olympia, WA 98502 • 360-754-5858 • 888-677-9757 • capitalmedical.com

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

©2017 BCI

Employers: Get ready now for paid sick leave New law takes effect Jan. 1

D

o you provide paid sick leave to your

In November, Washington employers received an updated

employees? All employers in Washington will

Your Rights as a Worker poster in the mail. The poster includes

be required to very soon. The new paid sick

information about the new paid sick leave requirements,

leave law starts Jan. 1, 2018. It's one of the

minimum wage and protections for employees against

changes resulting from Initiative 1433, which

retaliation. Employers should post it immediately in a visible,

was approved by voters last fall.

accessible place at your worksite.

is implementing the new law, which also includes annual

Statewide outreach and media campaign to raise awareness

increases in the state minimum wage through 2020 and ensures

L&I is working with numerous organizations around the state to

employers pay their employees tips and service charges.

help employers get ready. L&I launched a statewide paid media

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I)

Online tools help employers get ready You can find paid sick leave tools, training and other resources at L&I’s new Employer Resource Center (www.Lni.wa/gov/ SickLeave). There are also webinars scheduled to help you get ready. To sign up, click “Employer Paid Sick Leave Training” on the right side of the web page.

Here are the webinar dates and times: •

Dec. 11: 9:30 a.m., noon, 2:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m.

•

Dec. 18: 9:30 a.m., noon, 2:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m.

•

Dec. 21: 9:30 a.m., noon, 2:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m.

Sign up for a webinar now! You can also request a Skype or inperson presentation on paid sick leave.

campaign in November including TV, radio, social media and other online ads, which will run through early 2018.

Learn more For more information about the new requirements for employers: •

Go to www.Lni.wa.gov/SickLeave, where you’ll find online resources for employers.

•

Sign up for updates on the new requirements, training for employers and more on the Employment Standards listserv at www.Lni.wa.gov/Main/Listservs/WRWageHour.asp.

You can also contact L&I's Employment Standards program by phone (1-866-219-7321) or email (esgeneral@Lni.wa.gov) if you have questions. ●

New required L&I workplace poster 4 • December 2017 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

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

RETURNING YOUR INVESTMENT

O

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

O

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

O

Small Cities Program to support community development goals in rural Thurston

O

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

O

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

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Patrick Rants, CCIM, CPM Designated Broker 724 Columbia St NW, Suite 140 • Olympia, WA 98501

(360) 943-8060 www.rants-group.com

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE  December 2017 5

6 • December 2017 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

December 2017 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.

Morning Mixxer by Melanie Bakala Join our host, Melanie Bakala State Farm Insurance, on Tuesday, Dec. 5 at 7:30 a.m. for the Thurston Chamber's Morning Mixxer. Melanie Bakala will provide breakfast treats, our sponsor L&E Bottling will provide the coffee bar—and you can enjoy a morning of networking.

Location: 2539 Marvin Rd NE #D, Lacey.

CONTENT & CALENDAR In this issue...

4 New Policy A new sick leave policy becomes law on Jan. 1, 2018, and it will impact small businesses.

Young Professionals Network (YPN)

8

Join the Young Professionals Network at their December 7

Lacey MakerSpace

networking event at the DoubleTree by Hilton at 415 Capitol Way N, Olympia at 5:30 p.m. YPN is a great place to interact with younger business professionals in a low-pressure environment.

Forum: Boss of the Year Please join the Chamber and Express Employment Professionals on December 13 at 11:30 a.m. at the Hotel RL Olympia to honor the recipients of the eighth annual Boss of the Year recognition. This award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership in the workplace.

Business After Hours at Wells Fargo Join the Chamber on Thursday, December 21 at 5:30 p.m. for our Business After Hours at Wells Fargo's West Olympia branch, 500 Black Lake Blvd., SW. 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.

SAVE THE DATE! Mark your calendar for STATE OF THE COMMUNITIES, Wed., Jan. 10, 2018. Visit www.thurstonchamber.com to reserve your spot!

Coming mid-2018, the Lacey MakerSpace will appeal to hobbyists and entrepreneurs.

10 Boss of the Year!

Boss of the Year honorees will be recognized at Chamber Forum on Dec. 13.

12 Software for Non Profits Learn about the Compass-360 Association and founder Omey Nandyal.

20 South Sound YMCA This organization is gearing-up for growth.

Thank you, sponsors! thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  December 2017 7

Calling All Makers, Entrepreneurs & Hobbyists

By Natasha Ashenhurst

M

any of us grew up building forts in the woods, repairing our bicycles and helping Dad change the oil in the family car. Even if we lived in a suburban environment, we had the opportunities to work with our hands and learn what human resource professionals call “transferable skills” and the confidence to tinker and make things.

In today’s knowledge economy and our increasingly urban landscape, younger generations rarely learn these hands-on

The Big Idea These revelations led Sackrison to a big idea: Bring community

skills at home, and — as schools put more and more attention

partners together to establish a makerspace in Thurston

on college readiness — fewer kids take advantage of the high-

County — a space where hobbyists, entrepreneurs, students and

quality career and technical education schools offer.

veterans could gather to make things.

When North Thurston Public Schools Board Member Graeme

Sackrison shared his idea with community leaders, and they

Sackrison recently attended a talk by a Boeing executive and

quickly formed a steering committee to formalize the creation

learned how Boeing’s assembly floor workers were retiring at a

of a makerspace. Those instrumental in moving the project

rapid pace and new applicants lacked hands-on skills, it spurred

forward include the Thurston Economic Development Council’s

him to speak with local employers. He discovered they, too, were

Center for Business & Innovation, the City of Lacey and Saint

facing the same problem — today’s workers lack basic, hands-on

Martin’s University.

skills employers need. One of them shared their frustration of hiring an electrical engineer who had never learned to solder

The Lacey MakerSpace will serve as a membership-based

two wires together.

community center that provides — in one place — equipment,

8 • December 2017 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

Once the EDC’s Center for Business & Innovation adopted the Lacey MakerSpace as a formal project, the steering committee quickly found a space. They will use Zaverl Hall on the Saint Martin’s University campus. supplies, computers, computer numerical controlled machines, 3D printers and other tools not generally available to individuals. Not only will they be able to learn how to use these tools, they will then be able to create things with the tools.

This is especially appealing to entrepreneurs who need to make a prototype of a new concept, hobbyists who want a space where they can complete projects using machines that are cost prohibitive for individuals to own and to veterans seeking a transition through education to post-military careers. It is also a great place for students from local schools to learn by doing, working with teachers and the

The MakerSpace will serve as a membershipbased community center that provides — in one place — equipment, supplies, computers, computer numerical controlled machines, 3D printers, and other tools not generally available to individuals. Not only will they be able to learn how to use these tools, they will then be able to create things with the tools.

MakerSpace staff.

The MakerSpace Executive Committee envisions a space that includes classrooms and a computer center, woodworking tools, metalworking tools and electronics.

Turning an Idea into Reality

Timeline The Executive Committee and Steering Committee hope to see the project come to fruition by mid- 2018, depending on grants and the ability to purchase necessary equipment.

Once the EDC’s Center for Business

Membership

& Innovation adopted the Lacey

“We envision that anyone can join

MakerSpace as a formal project, the

the MakerSpace as they would a gym.

steering committee quickly found a

We’ll help them become certified on

space. They will use Zaverl Hall on the

the equipment, and then they can work

Saint Martin’s University campus.

independently,” said Sackrison.

The next step is to secure funding

Ultimately, it is a do-it-yourself space

through grants, facilitated by the EDC

that will nurture creativity, hands-

and Saint Martin’s. They also hope that

on skill development and possibly an

local business leaders will step forward

entrepreneurial dream. ●

and sponsor the purchase of equipment.

thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  December 2017 9

Boss of the Year Awards

Eighth annual recognition set for Dec. 13

P

lease join the Thurston

leaders in the community and to also

Dr. Terrence Hess, Foot & Ankle Surgical

County Chamber and Express

learn more about what truly defines

Associates

Employment Professionals

leadership in the workplace,” says

Steve Brooks, Lacey Fire District 3

on December 13 at 11:30 a.m.

Richard Beer, Ph.D., dean of the School of

Jessica Jensen, Jessica Jensen Law PS

Business.

Joe Ingoglia, Boys & Girls Clubs of

at the Hotel RL Olympia to honor the recipients of the eighth annual Boss of the Year recognition.

Thurston County Past honorees include:

Mariella Cummings, Physicians of

Kevin Johnston, Capital Mall

Southwest Washington

Rozanne Garman, RHD Enterprises

Robert Coit, Thurston County Food Bank

Ed Galligan, Port of Olympia

Mike Harbour, Intercity Transit

Ron Bruchet, GHB Insurance

Mike Strub, LOTT Clean Water Alliance

Melissa Jenkins, The Olympian

Bruce Cramer, O Bee Credit Union

Meagan Darrow, TOGETHER!

John Setterstrom, Lucky Eagle Casino &

Again this year, Saint Martin’s University

Steve Hall, City of Olympia

Hotel.

business students played an important

Dr. Yong Liu, State Department of

role in the selection process by

Agriculture

Visit thurstonchamber.com and register

interviewing finalists and gathering data

Rae-Lynn Bidon, Olympia Orthopaedic

today! Thank you, sponsors Derma

for the selection committee. “This is a

Associates

Medical Spa, Sleep Number and Melanie

wonderful opportunity for our students

Joseph Di Santo, Panorama

Bakala State Farm. ●

to meet with exceptional business

Heidi West, America's Credit Union

This award recognizes outstanding individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership in the workplace through innovation, communication, vision and performance.

10 • December 2017 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE  December 2017 11

Omey Nandyal is the founder of the Compass-360 Association. Photo by Dinea de Photo.

Compass-360 Association Technology and Software for Non-Proϐits by a Non-Proϐit

By Natasha Ashenhurst

O

mey Nandyal became a serial entrepreneur the way many people do — abandoning a nine-to-five job right out of college and setting out on his own — and developed successful software and technology companies over the last 35 years.

Nandyal owned an Internet company in Chicago during the dot com boom of the late 1990s,

“This was the first time I had

then he and his wife decided to move to the Olympia area when he sold the firm in 2000. They

ventured into the non-profit

currently reside in Tenino.

space,” Nandyal said. “My research quickly revealed that

“I’ve always had to do a lot of traveling, and I did some consulting for Boeing in Everett when I

we would have to purchase

first got out of college,” said Nandyal. “[I] fell in love with this region.”

a lot of different products to accomplish our goals at a cost

Nandyal joined the board of a private school in Rainier 12 years ago—his daughter was 11 at

that was prohibitive.

the time and entered into their 6th grade program. Capitalizing on Nandyal’s background in technology, the board asked him to find software to run the school’s operations and help manage

“None of the platforms talked

development — including the school’s yearly auction and gala.

to each other. I came away

12 • December 2017 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

technology experts.

“We have become the technology advocates for non-profits in this country,” said Nandyal. “For example, if a non-profit in our association wants a new website, they can show us the proposals, and we can tell them if they are getting a good deal or not.

“We can save non-profits a tremendous amount of money in [Web design] alone.”

Employees of Nandyal’s other companies—Radical Blue Gaming and Knowtal Inc.—provide all of the development and marketing work needed at Compass-360.

Omey Nandyal at Olympia's Percival Landing. Photo by Dinea de Photo.

“[Compass-360] is a cool philanthropic from the research discouraged.”

At that same time, Nandyal and his wife Tammy started The Anonymously Yours Foundation, which encourages anonymous acts of kindness.

“While observing the day to day operations of the school, my wife and I learned first-hand that the time they were spending on administrative tasks took us away from their mission-driven work,” said Nandyal. “We decided to develop software that would allow non-

“The humbling part of this work is that these non-profits just want to do good in the world,” said Nandyal.

“Up to this point, they never really had a technology partner helping them do that."

profits to do their day-to-day business at an affordable price.

“We put it into a non-profit so that it is not an acquisition target and to

“We took that idea to a few non-profits

protect our member's investment in us.

across the country, and all of them

It was probably the best decision we

agreed that it was a really good idea.”

made,” said Nandyal. “We were truly able to form a bond with our nonprofit

In 2012, Nandyal founded the

members, and it created a team effort.

Compass-360 Association. The association worked with a handful of

“We started with three members and

mostly local non-profits to develop

now have over 70. We started by offering

a software platform that met their

four modules and now are up to 27,

needs. The platform now boasts more

which we can offer at a reasonable

than 25 modules that assist with tasks

price.”

Nandyal explained that Compass-360 is a membership association. Members join

Finally, Nandyal made Compass-360 a

at a set price per year and have access

non-profit organization.

to everything Compass offers, including access to Nandyal and his team of

thurstonchamber.com

We’ve modeled it so that once we reach a certain threshold the association will pay for itself, and we’ll no longer have to add capital,” said Nandyal. “However, I don’t ever see a time in which our for-profit employees are not involved because they love it. They love the community impact they have.”

The people doing the good work at nonprofits, from board members to administrative staff, continuously inspire Nandyal and his team.

“The humbling part of this work is that these non-profits just want to do good in the world,” said Nandyal. “Up to this point, they never really had a technology partner helping them do that.

“The moment we start working with a new organization, we become part of their DNA. If they are running an event and they are expecting to bring in a lot of money, [we] don’t want to be the reason that doesn’t happen.

“We need to make sure Compass, and

like constituent management, event management and income management.

entrepreneurial effort for social impact.

technology in general, does not get in the way of their mission — but rather be part of their success — and ... if no one knows we are there in the background, that means we are doing our job.” ●

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  December 2017 13

14 • December 2017 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

MEMBER PROFILE

On November 9, Olympia Pet Emergency celebrated their grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Congratulations!

Welcome, New Members Beechtree Coaching and Consulting Paula Coviello (360) 545-3033 http://beechtreecoaching.com Consultants – Business and Vocational C.P.C. Landscape, LLC Cliff Cote (360) 402-5521 Landscape Contractors Deschutes Law Group, PLLC Deborah Reback-Cushman 360-918-7217 http://www.deschuteslawgroup.com Attorneys and Legal Services Fike's Roofing & Construction Jason Fike 360-358-8153 http://fikesroofing.com Roofing Olympia Pet Emergency Care Center Trisha Jones (360) 455-5155 Veterinarians and Hospitals

thurstonchamber.com

Olympic Leather Vinyl Repair Al Denison (360) 508-8900 www.olympicleathervinylrepair.com Restoration Service Puget Sound Lighting, LLC Chris Calvert (360) 930-6062 http://www.pugetsoundlighting.com Lighting Raise for Rowyn Jen Scharber 360-264-7676 http://www.raiseforrowyn.org Non Profit Organizations and Associations Specialty Floral Design Tara Dixon (360) 688-6608 http://www.specialtyfloraldesign.com Florists - Retail Unique Remodeling and Appliance Installation CJ Juan (360) 489-6747 http://unique-rai.com Contractors - General

Vicky Churchill, First Citizens Bank

V

isit First Citizens Bank’s Lacey branch and you’ll find Financial Sales Manager Vicky Churchill ready to help people and businesses make more of their finances.

With over 18 years of experience in the banking industry, Vicky brings knowledge, professionalism and an understanding of the financial landscape to customer relationships.

She’s well known as a trusted banker, helping Thurston County individuals and families reach their financial goals and local businesses grow and succeed.

Her expertise is business banking — from deposit accounts and loans to merchant services and treasury products. She works one on one with businesses of all sizes and scopes to help them do more with the money they make, invest and borrow.

Vicky is an active leader in the community.

She’s served on the board for Big Brothers Big Sisters and worked as a committee member for its annual gala auction for the past 10 years. She is also member of the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce, Thurston County Women United, the Rotary Club of Tumwater and many other groups.

Vicky is proud to be part of the First Citizens family, where Forever First® is more than a slogan. It’s a commitment to the people, businesses and communities that rely on First Citizens to be the best bank it can be.

First Citizens Bank 721 College Street SE, Lacey (360) 455-6010 vicky.churchill@firstcitizens.com Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender SPONSORED MEMBER PROFILE Thurston County Chamber VOICE  December 2017 15

Volunteer citizen advisors make for a better community.

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

D

ecision makers work their best when they hear and understand a diversity of perspectives. Our communities benefit from active citizen participation in the decision-making process. Almost every public entity in Thurston County, such as the county, cities, and port, use citizen advisory committees. Advisory committees offer a formal way for individual citizens to regularly share their opinions and perspectives with decision makers. Most advisory committees operate as special focus groups, are staffed by professionals, and meet monthly.

Each year the area’s cities and public entities recruit and appoint interested individuals to provide advice and input into the multiple facets of public service. As an advisory committee member, you will work with other people from private businesses, public agencies, and non-profit organizations to provide input to local decision makers. Advisory committee members provide input on everything from the design of parks, utility rates, proposed ordinances, new roads, and how public entities can best meet their mission and deliver services. In return, advisory committee members gain insight into how community decisions are made, who makes them, and what can alter and influence the many decisions facing our community.

16 • December 2017 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

Committee activities include study of critical issues, hearing public testimony, research and reviewing reports, and making recommendations. Ultimately, the primary purpose of any citizen advisory committee is to provide input from the regular citizen’s perspective to elected officials and staff. Most entities have an application and short interview process. Depending on the entity and committee, there may be a residency requirement or some other criteria for participation. Some entities are constantly recruiting and seeking new members.

Others, like the Port of Olympia and City of Olympia have very specific recruiting and appointing periods to better coincide with annual workplans and key decision-making milestones.

Our community benefits when members of the Thurston Chamber join advisory committees. We bring unique perspectives, insights, and observations to any public policy discussion. Sharing our perspectives helps balance competing opinions and work to ensure all voices are heard. The public policy division is ready to help interested Chamber members pursue joining an advisory committee. Let us know and we’ll answer your questions or address any apprehension you may have about serving on an advisory committee. Consider serving on an advisory committee and help build a better community. ●

thurstonchamber.com

WANTED!

Engaged and thoughtful citizens for...

The City of Olympia is looking for citizens interested in

boards and commissions or to inquire about vacancies please

serving on City advisory committees. The advisory committee

go to the County website: http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/bocc/

application period is now open and runs until Wednesday,

boards-list.htm

January 31, 2018, at 5 p.m. Membership terms generally run for three years, with appointments ending March 31.

The City of Tumwater accepts applications for advisory

Applications and details on the application process are

boards, commissions, and committees throughout the year.

available online through the City website http://olympiawa.

Complete and submit the application along with a letter of

gov/city-government/advisory-committees.aspx

interest and resume with any pertinent personal background information such as previous work or volunteer experience

The City of Lacey is currently recruiting for the following

or areas of interest and expertise to the Office of the Mayor,

vacancies: the Parks Board, the Lodging Tax Advisory

City of Tumwater, 555 Israel Road SW Tumwater, WA 98501.

Committee, the Library Board, and the Lacey Historical

Applications remain on file and as vacancies occur, those

Commission. Please contact the City Clerk for more

that have already submitted an application are contacted

information at (360) 438-2625 or email cityclerk@ci.lacey.

for an interview. Appointments are made as positions open.

wa.us. More information is available at: http://www.ci.lacey.

More information is available at: http://ci.tumwater.wa.us/

wa.us/city-government/city-council/city-council-2/boards-

departments/mayor-city-council/advisory-boards

commissions Thurston County has more than 25 different advisory boards, committees, and commissions that are appointed by the County Commissioners. For information about each of the

thurstonchamber.com

The Port of Olympia has an active Citizens Advisory Committee. However applications closed prior to publication.

Please visit the Port’s website at http://www.portolympia. com/90 for more information on the work of the Port of Olympia Advisory Committee.

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  December 2017 17

Caught in the Lens...

18 • December 2017 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

Photos taken at the following events: Morning Mixxer at Thurston Community Media, Business After Hours by Elyse's Catering at South Sound Manor, Chamber Forum Keynote by GoRail and Ribbon Cuttings at Walmart - Lacey, World Market and Olympia Pet Emergency.

thurstonchamber.com

In November, the Chamber held an 80s Prom Murder Mystery dinner party, which was A Night on the Town 2017 auction item.

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE  December 2017 19

EXECUTIVE SPOTLIGHT

South Sound YMCA President and CEO Kyle Cronk is eager to put community members’ minds at ease about the upcoming (and longoverdue) change in downtown Olympia's facility and open dialogue on expansion that could positively impact surrounding communities for the next 100 years. Photo by Mosaic Marketing Studio.

Focusing on Growth South Sound YMCA gears up for a year jam-packed with community expansion, revitalization and growth

By Christina Butcher

S

outh Sound YMCA will not be leaving downtown Olympia. On the contrary, the non-profit organization is rededicating itself to the capital city after serving Thurston and Lewis County patrons for over 100 years. As this year comes to a close, South Sound YMCA President and Chief Executive Officer Kyle Cronk is eager to put community members’ minds at ease about the upcoming (and long-overdue) change in downtown Olympia's facility and open dialogue on expansion that could positively impact surrounding communities for the next 100 years.

“The YMCA brings the power to connect people and build relationships and collaborations in

he said. “Early on, I saw the

a community,” says Cronk, who oversees both the Olympia Downtown and Briggs Community

magic that can happen at

branches of South Sound YMCA. We have the opportunity to make a broader impact here.”

the YMCA. You’re connecting people who’ve never met

Cronk took up his role of President/CEO of South Sound YMCA is November 2015. He’s been

before, making lifelong

involved with the Y since he was 15-years-old. “The YMCA is such an integral part of my life,”

friends ...you see the huge

20 • December 2017 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

Kyle Cronk and his wife, Meegan Cronk. Photo courtesy of Danielle (Jimenez) Gregory. impact it can have on people.”

programmable space, which Cronk says is approximately the same amount being used at the Franklin Street facility. The Plum

In the 30 years since Cronk worked as a YMCA camp

Street YMCA will also include parking stalls for patrons, air

counselor in his teens, he has garnered an impressive array

conditioning, and renovated and upgraded spaces.

of professional experience and held numerous positions at YMCA facilities across the Puget Sound. He’s worked as a youth

“The YMCA is really about people, though,” said Cronk. “It’s not

development director, branch operations director, Activate

about buildings, facilities or shiny and new equipment. It’s about

America national facilitator and CEO of the Olympic Peninsula

what we do with people when they come through our doors.

YMCA.

This new facility, the Plum Street YMCA, is just a tool that will let us better work with our members and community members.

Through his experience, Cronk understands the importance of keeping the community members in-the-know about the South

The Y’s shift from one downtown Olympia facility to another

Sound YMCA’s upcoming changes, most notably, the Y’s new

also signifies its dedication to the city’s recent downtown

downtown Olympia facility, previously known as 5th Avenue

revitalization efforts. “It was really important for our board

Fitness.

and our senior leadership to say, ‘we have a commitment to downtown Olympia,’” said Cronk. “There’s commitment from a

The Y announced the purchase of 5th Avenue Fitness in October,

historic sense, since we’ve been here for so long, and from an

as well as its plans to renovate and reopen the facility as the

accountability sense. We don’t come into communities and leave

new “Plum Street YMCA” in Spring 2018. The Plum Street YMCA

after 100 years. We stay. And we stay because there’s a need.”

will replace the current downtown Olympia branch on Franklin Street, which has been open for over 100 years but no longer

Cronk also explained that South Sound YMCA considers itself

serves the Y’s or its patrons’ needs.

a key player in revitalizing downtown Olympia. South Sound YMCA hopes another business buys and repurposes the Franklin

“Moving into the Plum Street Y will relieve the organization

Street YMCA facility when it becomes available next year.

from long-term, deferred maintenance costs,” said Cronk.

“Without having to work on the 108-year-old building, we can

“Everyone wants a vibrant, active, safe, fun and engaging

focus on the people instead...That’s the work we do really well

downtown core, and that’s what makes our city unique,”

and that’s where we need to position ourselves.”

continued Cronk. “We play a big part in that, not only because we’re staying downtown, but also because of the partnership

Despite being only half the size of the Franklin Street facility, the Plum Street facility still allows for 16,000 square feet of thurstonchamber.com

opportunities we offer.”

Continued on page 22

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  December 2017 21

South Sound YMCA is also focused on regional growth and

for 100 years.”

expansion in the coming year. Dialogue between the Y and city council members and school district officials of Lacey, Shelton

In addition, South Sound YMCA will continue to grow its Power

and Yelm has already begun. “We’re still in the beginning stages

Scholars Academy (PSA). The five-week-long summer learning

of understanding what the community needs are,” said Cronk.

loss prevention program is a joint initiative between YMCA

“We want to figure out where the (community) gaps are and

and BELL. PSA’s main objective is to close the opportunity and

where a (new) YMCA can be built.”

education gaps children face by providing arts, enrichment, literacy and science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)

Among the cities mentioned above, Shelton has shown a strong

education during summer months.

need for a community recreation and fitness facility in the area, as well as robust public support for bringing in a YMCA,

“This is among the most impactful work we do,” said Cronk.

specifically. The Shelton Health and Recreation Center, a small

“We work with kids a lot, and other than school and home, the

non-profit organization working to bring a recreation center

YMCA is the next place for over 800 kids in Thurston and Lewis

to Mason county, facilitated community meetings, polls and

County.”

research that identified the need for a YMCA in the area. The group assisted with discussions involving South Sound YMCA

The number of students attending South Sound YMCA’s PSA

leadership last March, which led to a vote by the Y’s board begin

has more than doubled since the program began two years

the process of opening a YMCA facility in Shelton.

ago. School districts in Tumwater, Lacey and Olympia are already participating in the program, and plans to expand into

“When we look at the need (for a YMCA) and the community

surrounding cities’ school districts are in the works.

of volunteers in Shelton who’ve stepped up and said, ‘this is very important to us, it’s the most important thing we’ll do for

“We’re focused on growth,” concluded Cronk. “I believe

probably the next 100 years,’ that’s an interesting thing to think

everyone is better off with the YMCA experience.” ●

about,” said Cronk. “What we’re doing today in Lacey, Yelm and Shelton is a century’s worth of work. It will impact communities

22 • December 2017 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

Christina Butcher is a freelance writer and owner of Blue Cactus Press.

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