February 2019 VOICE Magazine

THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

FEBRUARY 2019

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THE HIGHER EDUCATION ISSUE

Stories from Thurston County's Universities, Colleges & Trades

Oly's Foodie Favorites

Share an Essential Ingredient...

B U I L D I N G C O MMU N I T Y PROSPE RI T Y F OR OVER 140 YEA RS

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PUBLISHER Thurston County Chamber of Commerce

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

Contact Your Elected Officials

T

oday, more than ever, our elected officials need to hear from the business community and Chamber members.

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

CONTRIBUTORS David Schaffert Doug Mah Doria Maselli Natasha Ashenhurst Nikki McCoy

ADVERTISING Sales and Marketing: Krystal Barkus Blake Knoblauch Marny Bright Phone: (360) 357-3362 Email: info@thurstonchamber.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS

The State Legislature is in session and

officials to voice your concerns and ideas

must address a multitude of statewide

on any and all topics. They need to hear

issues including tax policy and

from us. They want to hear from us. And

resources for mental health, education,

we share the responsibility of ensuring

transportation and the environment.

that our elected officials receive accurate

City Councils, the County and Port

and timely information so that they can

Commissions are meeting regularly

make informed and balanced decisions.

to address pressing local issues such as homelessness, housing, land use

The Chamber has compiled a list of our

and development, public safety and

local elected officials and their contact

Email: info@thurstonchamber.com

economic development. There is no

information. We encourage you to use

DESIGN

shortage of challenges and issues at

the list to share your thoughts with our

Mosaic Marketing Studio

the State and local level that depend

elected officials.

COVER ART

on quality input from citizens.

Phone: (360) 357-3362

Dillinger's, Courtesy of The Evergreen State College, taken by Shauna Bittle

The Elected Officials Contact List can be

PRINTING

The Public Policy Division encourages

found at: www.thurstonchamber.com/

Print NW

Chamber members to contact our elected

contact-your-elected-officials.

CONTACT THE CHAMBER PO Box 1427 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 Wells Fargo Community 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

MATTERS OF THE

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February 2019 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.

Morning Mixxer at Flying Colors Painting Co. Please join our host, Flying Colors Painting Co., on Tuesday, February 5 at 7:30 a.m. for the Thurston Chamber’s Morning Mixxer. Flying Colors 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: Rodda Paint, 4520 Lacey Blvd #10, Lacey, WA 98503.

Thurston Young Professionals After Hours Join Thurston Young Professionals on Thursday, February 7 at 5:30 p.m. at the Olympia Country and Golf Club. Enjoy a selection of beverages and snacks, meet with other Young Professionals (21-35 year olds) and expand your network. Where: The Olympia Country and Golf Club, 3636 Country Club Dr NW, Olympia, WA 98502. Hosted by ThurstonTalk.

CONTENT & CALENDAR In This Issue...

6 Survey Results are In Intercity Transit wants to learn how to get more vanpool riders and increase awareness.

8

Apprenticeships Are an Attractive Alternative The Value of a Career in the Trades and how to get one.

11

February Forum: Education Summit & EXPO

Oly's Foodie Favorites Share Ingredient...

Thurston County educators are working hard to build a bridge between the world

...The Evergreen State College.

of learning and the world of work. On Wednesday, February 13, attendees of the

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Chamber's Annual Education Summit & EXPO will learn how local schools are preparing students to enter the workforce. Suzan "Suzi" LeVine, Commissioner of the Employment Security Department of Washington State, will be the keynote speaker. Visit thurstonchamber.com for tickets and information. When: The event begins at 11:00 a.m. Where: South Puget Sound Community College, Lacey Campus, 4220 6th Ave SE, Lacey, WA 98503. What: Forum includes lunch and is $35 for general admission, $25 for prepaid Chamber members, $30 for members at the door. Advanced registration is encouraged.

Business After Hours at Nicholson & Associates Join the Thurston County Chamber on Thursday, February 21, at 5:30 p.m. for

SPSCC Expands Dr. Angela Bowen Center for Health Education

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Saint Martin's University Announces Nursing Program

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Business After Hours at Nicholson & Associates Insurance. Business After Hours is

Brandman's Ed.D.

a free networking event. Hosts provide light appetizers and beverages, games and

Creates Transformational Leaders

raffles. This is a great chance to learn about a local organization and expand your network. Where: Nicholson & Associates Insurance, 1802 Black Lake Blvd SW #301, Olympia, WA 98512.

Thank you Sponsors!

Save the Date! A Night on the Town in Venice Save the Date for A Night on the Town in Venice, Friday, March 1, Hotel RL Olympia. The evening begins with a cocktail hour at 6 p.m. followed by dinner, auction and after party! For further information, to make a reservation or for sponsorship opportunities, please call Krystal Barkus at 360.357.3362 or email events@thurstonchamber.com.

thurstonchamber.com

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Caught in the Lens...

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE

For more photos, follow the Thurston Chamber on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThurstonCountyChamber/

thurstonchamber.com

On January 17, Leadership Thurston County and the Thurston Chamber Foundation honored Distinguished Leaders, Cheryl Fambles, Drew Phillips, Meghan Goldenberger and Meagan Darrow. Congratulations!

FRIDAY MARCH 1 6PM

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THURSTONCHAMBER.COM

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For Generation Z, the Value of a Career in the Trades is a No-Brainer Apprenticeships are an attractive alternative to student loans and desk jobs for those who seek success and engaging work at a young age.

By Natasha Ashenhurst

When your heat pump stops

you may have pay a very steep price for the

55 to 64-year-old demographic. Unless more

working in the middle of winter,

luxury of heat in winter.

people enter this field, we’ll experience an

chances are—unless you are an extreme DIY-er, you are

even more severe labor shortage.

“Right now, we employ nine residential service techs,” said Trenton Fluetsch,

What surprises many is that these jobs

going to call an HVAC (heating,

service manager at Sunset Air. “I could

pay well. Really well, in fact. Someone

ventilation and air conditioning)

easily employ twice that number.”

new on the job in an apprenticeship

company to send out a service technician and have them fix or replace the heat pump and get the heat back on ASAP.

program can make around $50,000 per

Let’s Set the Stage

year and a journeyman — someone who

Fluetsch and other experts concur that part

has completed the apprenticeship program

of the problem is that for years, we’ve been

— will make close to six figures per year,

repeating to kids a false choice—either get a

with benefits and an impressive retirement

college degree, or you’ll be flipping burgers

package and no student-loan debt.

The growing shortage of skilled trade

at McDonald's for the rest of your life. So

labor—jobs that fill positions such as HVAC

many people have chosen the ‘college then

The Solution?

technicians—would hit home when the

career’ path that our country is facing a

Build awareness and encourage young

HVAC company you call tells you that there

shortage of skilled tradespeople. According

women and men to try it for a year. Sunset

is a two-week wait to fix your heat pump.

to Forbes, in 2012, 53 percent of skilled-trade

Air is trying a new approach to build a

So you hang up the phone and keep dialing

workers in the U.S. were 45 years and older,

future workforce — let young people try the

until you find someone to do it, knowing

and 15.5 percent of jobs were held by the

work for a year or two before committing

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to the trades. "There is an inductee program

Sunset Air works with the Joint Apprenticeship

that is one step before the apprenticeship

Training Center in Dupont. The employer and

program. This is for someone with no

union (HVAC is the Local 66 and Plumbing is

experience in our industry and offers them

the Local 26) pay for the training. Apprentices

a chance to get their hands dirty and learn

work full-time Monday through Friday and

what the industry is all about and find out

attend classes in Dupont two nights per week.

if the apprenticeship program is right for

This means that apprentices are pulling in a

them,” said Fluetsch.

good hourly wage while in school and, when they complete the program, they’ll become

Who makes an ideal candidate?

a journeyman and have zero college debt.

Fluetsch said it is the person who loves to

According to Fluetsch, the work is challenging,

fix that broken lawnmower or tinker with

but skilled tradespeople have incredible job

cars—mechanically-minded folks who can’t

security, are well compensated and report

see themselves working behind a desk for

high job satisfaction.

the rest of their lives.

Why aren’t more people signing up? “We

A Sunset Air technician performs an inspection. An apprentice in the program can make around $50,000 per year and a journeyman — someone who has completed the apprenticeship program — will make close to six figures per year.

The inductee program lasts a year or two.

need to do a better job of getting the word

After that period, Fluetsch says most know

out to high school guidance counselors,

if the job is a good fit or not. If they love

parents and students. Many people aren’t

the work, they’ll enter an apprenticeship

aware that this program exists. If we don’t do

program and a bright future of good, high

a better job recruiting talent, we’re going to

paying work lies ahead of them.

have a huge problem in the years to come.”

Check out our latest Talent Magnet podcast episode when we interview Trenton Fluetsch about the inductee program at thurstonchamber.com

360.456.4999

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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FIND OUT MORE AT

wabizbank.com VOTE

BEST BANK IN THE SOUTH SOUND

Oly's Foodie Favorites Share an Essential Ingredient

....The Evergreen State College.

Sofie Landis, Class of 2015, owner of Sofie’s Scoops Gelateria in Olympia's 222 Market.

A version of this story, written by Nikki McCoy, was originally published in The Evergreen State College’s The Evergreen Magazine.

Photos courtesy of The Evergreen State College, taken by Shauna Bittle.

W

hat do Dillinger’s, Sofie’s Scoops and Tart Hard Cider all have in common?

Graduates of The Evergreen State College own or founded these award-winning and iconic businesses. “The Olympia area is quickly becoming recognized for

its culinary scene, drawing visitors from all over. These local foodie hot spots are tapping into visitors’ desire to experience a sense of place through its food,” said Shauna Stewart, CEO of Experience Olympia & Beyond and “Greener” grad of Evergreen’s Masters of Public Administration program. Read on to find out what some Evergreen alumni are serving up. thurstonchamber.com

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Sofie’s Scoops

Nineveh

Also mentioned in Food & Wine

Nineveh co-owner Lisa David owns

was Sofie’s Scoops, owned by Sofie Landis. Landis prepares gelato made from local milk pasteurized on site. Sofie’s is located in the 222 Market on Capitol Way—a foodie mecca designed by architect Roussa Cassel, also an Evergreen Grad.

“Olympia’s new [222] artisan food market puts the capital city on the

Dillinger's Cocktails, Kitchen, and Rum Room on Washington Street, coowner Sandy Hall, Class of 2002.

Dillinger’s Cocktails & Kitchen

two businesses that Olympians — and Food & Wine Magazine — love: Filling Station Espresso and Nineveh Assyrian Food Truck, right next to the Teeny Tiny Taproom. Nineveh is self-described as a “destination for authentic Assyrian cuisine inspired by our ancestry and prepared fresh with care.” David has also been a special guest on “Assyrian Kitchen,”

culinary map” – Seattle Magazine.

a Chicago-based cooking show.

Three Magnets Brewing Co. Three Magnets Brewing Co., co-

Olympia Coffee Roasting Co.

owned by Sara and Nate Reilly,

Olympia Coffee Roasting Co.

experienced a flurry of fame in

co-owners Sam Schroeder and

2013 when their former breakfast

Oliver Stormshak. The business

café, Darby’s — now part of Three

recently expanded to Tacoma and

Magnets — was featured on Food

Seattle, in addition to Downtown,

Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins, and

Westside, and South Capitol

Dives.” Three Magnets continues to

locations in Olympia. In addition,

attract visitors and win awards for

the South Capitol location was

their signature craft beer and food.

designed by Evergreen grad

Dillinger’s mission is simple: To create “classic craft cocktails from eras past and present, paired with platters of perfection.”

Top 20 Winner, Western Washington’s Best Trendy Bars and Best Cocktails - The Evening Best of Western Washington 2015. South Sound Magazine talks about Dillinger’s Ritz Cocktail: Cognac, triple sec, lemon, maraschino liqueur, topped with sparkling wine and served in a champagne flute.

Dillinger’s was also a hit in an Olympia focused Food & Wine Sara and Nate Reilly, both graduated from Evergreen in 2001, co-own Three Magnets Brewing Co.

Magazine feature.

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

Lisa David, Class of 2001, is the owner of two businesses that Olympians love – Filling Station Espresso and Nineveh Assyrian Food Truck (co-owned), both near the Teeny Tiny Taproom (pictured below, co-owned by Heather Ringwood, class of 2001) on 4th Avenue & Plum Street.

Roussa Cassel and built by

College, and Van Schyndel, an

Cider—owned by Heather

Evergreen grad Pete Chramiec.

Evergreen professor and Army

Ringwood and David White.

Year after year, the company

veteran, walked away with $25,000

You’ll find it tucked among the

receives awards for best business

in startup money and an additional

food trucks on 4th Avenue and

practices and delicious coffee.

$25,000 in time and services.

Plum Street.

Schroeder keeps his skills sharp

At the Olympia Farmers Market

by competing—and winning—

New and longtime favorites anchor Oly’s culinary scene

in barista competitions.

Another local gem included

from OlyKraut by Sash Sunday.

Tart Hard Cider

in Food & Wine was the cider serving Teeny Tiny Taproom—a

Nick Timm and Zoe Van Schyndel

mini extension of Good Food

launched Tart Cider LLC, a hard

award-winner Whitewood

cidery, in 2017. And in April 2018 opened in Deschutes Landing in

you’ll see fermented delights Other popular establishments include King Solomon’s Reef: Justin McIntyre, Budd Bay Café: Pam Oates, and The Mark: Lisa Owen.

Tart Hard Cider co-owner, Zoe Van Schyndel pictured with her dog, Georgia.

Tumwater on April 13. Tart’s cider includes flavors such as Granny's Grudge (made with Granny Smith apples), Apple Pie, Mojito Madness, and Ging-a-Berry—a rosé hard cider. Tart won a coveted prize from the University of Washington in Tacoma, the Veterans Incubator for Better Entrepreneurship. The VIBE award, featuring a “Shark Tank” sort of process, pitted Tart against 14 other startups. Timm, an Air Force veteran and recent graduate of The Evergreen State

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Vanpooling for a new home Malika saves thousands of dollars each year vanpooling.

She spends less on gas, car care and insurance. Soon, she says she’ll have enough for her family dream home. She’s also taken one car off the road and cut tons of carbon pollution.

Vanpool and save for something you love.

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EZ Foods

small businesses. Nelson is

Evergreen grads Jeff Nelson and Sarah Boyle, are the owners of EZ Foods Olympia, a premier five-star catering and event planning company.

the founder of the EZ Foods

EZ Foods Olympia artisan catering specializes in providing locally sourced foods with exquisite presentations that are elegant without being elitist.

Nelson and Boyle are dedicated to investing in local food networks and directly supporting other

Commissary Kitchen, where he provides consulting services as Thurston County's first business incubator for local culinary startups.

He is also a royalty partner in Wild Heart Shrubs, and makes Olympia's favorite hot sauces: "Chasing the Dragon" and "Grinch." Boyle is a "Best of the Best" event planner, known for her humor, grace, and commitment to serving others.

Above: EZ Foods Olympia co-owners, Sarah Boyle and Jeff Nelson. Left: Olympia Coffee Roasters' Tasting Room is a local hot spot.

Is there an elephant in your office?

Workplace conflict, lack of communication and incivility are common in many organizations, but, too often, ignored or avoided.

The Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County provides a variety of resources to help businesses and organizations resolve conflict, prevent conflict and improve communication:

Workplace Mediation Group Facilitation Customized Training

Civic Harmony Starts Here thurstonchamber.com

Contact us to explore how the DRC can serve your needs: (360) 956-1155 info@mediatethurston.org MediateThurston.org Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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Left to right: Ted Schultz, SPSCC Foundation Board member and executor of Dr. Angela Bowen's Estate, Tanya Mote, Executive Director of the SPSCC Foundation, Dr. Timothy Stokes, President of SPSCC, Leonor Fuller, Vice Chair, SPSCC Board of Trustees.

SPSCC Expands with Dr. Angela Bowen Center for Health Education South Puget Sound Community College and the SPSCC Foundation announced its acquisition of the Louis Walker Middleton building from the Estate of Olympia philanthropist Dr. Angela Bowen. The announcement event held on Jan. 16, 2019, celebrated Dr. Bowen’s $1.19 million in-kind contribution to the SPSCC Foundation, the largest gift in school history.

SPSCC has designated the 24,000-square-foot building as the Dr. Angela Bowen Center for Health Education. The building will serve as the instructional home for some of SPSCC’s health education programs and become the primary office of the SPSCC Foundation. Students will begin instruction in the building when classroom and lab space are completed. Estimated completion is fall 2021, allowing SPSCC to expand programs for high-demand fields, like nursing and medical assisting.

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The event included a celebration of Dr. Bowen’s legacy and a message of community impact on health care from SPSCC president Dr. Tim Stokes, SPSCC Board of Trustees Vice Chair Leonor Fuller, and Executor of the Estate of Angela J. Bowen and SPSCC Foundation Board Member Ted Schultz.

About Dr. Angela J. Bowen Dr. Bowen was a physician, medical research pioneer and dedicated community philanthropist. One of just four women in her medical school class, she spent much of her life working to improve access to medical services, especially for women, and supporting medical ethics research and patient’s rights. She also had a long history of philanthropy and natural resource conservation and invested millions of dollars locally to conserve and protect treasured Olympia resources. This building was named in honor of her stepfather, Louis Walker Middleton.

industry in Thurston County, and the fastest growing from 2014 to 2016.

Careers in health care are forecasted to increase significantly over the next 20 years, and SPSCC is making big moves to educate for and fill those jobs.

SPSCC’s growing programs will move into a new space, expand enrollment cohorts and send confident and educated graduates into the county’s many clinics and hospitals. SPSCC Healthcare Pathway subjects include: • Allied Health • Dental Assisting • Medical Assisting • Medical Billing & Coding • Naturopathic Medicine • Nursing • Nutrition • Physical Therapy • Pre-Medicine • Pre-Veterinary Medicine

About Health Education at SPSCC Health care is the second largest

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

UPCOMING EVENT

The 2018 Education Summit featured career and technical education experts from schools located throughout Thurston County.

February Forum: Education Summit & EXPO Thurston County educators are working hard to build a bridge between the world of learning and the world of work.

On Wednesday, February 13, attendees

thought-leader in redefining and rethinking

What: February Forum, Annual

of the Thurston Chamber’s Annual

our education and workforce systems to

Education Summit & EXPO

Education Summit and EXPO will

ensure economic security for our workers

When: Wednesday, February 13

learn how local schools are preparing

and companies. During her talk, she will

at 11:00 a.m.

students to enter the workforce—

explore ways business, industry and the

Where: South Puget Sound

ensuring that schools are training

trades can partner to enhance our students’

Community College, Lacey Campus,

the next generation of employees for

career pathways.

4220 6th Ave SE, Lacey, WA 98503.

business owners about the skills they

Forum will be entertaining, engaging and

Forum includes lunch and is $35 for

want new employees to have in order

interactive and includes an Education EXPO

general admission, $25 for prepaid

to be successful at work.

for educators to connect with the Forum

Chamber members and $30 for

attendees and the business community. The

members at the door.

today’s jobs. We’ll also hear from

We’re excited to announce this year’s

EXPO will be available starting at 11 a.m.,

keynote speaker, Suzan “Suzi” LeVine,

highlighting what schools in our Thurston

Visit thurstonchamber.com for

commissioner of the Employment Security

County schools are teaching students. Come

tickets and additional information.

Department of Washington State.

and find out what is going on in education!

We’ll have over 20 exhibitors.

Thank you to our sponsors, Boys and Girls

Prior to her role as commissioner, LeVine

Club of Thurston County, South Sound

served as the United States Ambassador

The Chamber encourages registering in

Parent to Parent, Morningside, Saint

to Switzerland. LeVine is a respected

advance for the Education Summit & EXPO.

Martin’s University.

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Photo by Aric Becker, courtesy of Saint Martin's University

Saint Martin's University Announces Nursing Program Saint Martin’s University has received approval from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) to add a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program to its education offerings. Saint Martin's will enroll students into the traditional BSN program beginning fall 2019, pending approval from the Washington Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission.

The creation of the Saint Martin’s BSN program will help fill a void in Washington, since no baccalaureate nursing program exists between Portland and Tacoma. For fall 2019, Saint Martin’s will admit 25 first-year students for its four-

This past summer, the Saint Martin’s nursing programs received a boon in the form of the nursing equipment that the University won in an auction from St. Gregory’s University in Shawnee, Oklahoma. St. Gregory’s, a Benedictine university, closed in fall 2017 due to financial difficulties, and Woo, Jeff Crane, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and interim dean of the School of Business, Philip Cheek, director of grounds and facilities and Jeremy Fleury, maintenance technician, traveled to the St. Gregory’s campus to pack up the equipment and bring it back to Saint Martin’s.

“Acquiring St. Gregory’s nursing lab equipment will allow us to move forward with our plan to have state-of-the-

year BSN program and will begin admitting upper division

art nursing learning labs here on campus. The nursing

transfer students in fall 2020, which is in addition to its RN-

program at St. Gregory’s was new and only two cohorts of

to-BSN program that provides an option for nurses with an

students had used the equipment, which includes teaching

associate’s degree or diploma to complete their BSN in a year.

models and equipment for students to learn skills, as well as hospital beds, a baby warmer and cribs, IV equipment and

“We are excited about creating a pre-licensure BSN program

more. It is a blessing as we begin our program to have won

at Saint Martin’s. The program will serve a critical need for

the auction,” said Woo.

nurses locally. We also anticipate BSN students from Hawaii, Guam and the Pacific Islands, so our BSN graduates will fill

The original nursing program at Saint Martin’s, the RN-to-

a need outside the local area as well,” said Teri Moser Woo,

BSN program, began in 1986, with Maddy deGive, Ph.D.,

Ph.D., RN, ARNP, CPNP-PC, CNL, FAANP, director of nursing

as the director. In the 1990s, the program added master’s

at Saint Martin’s.

degrees for family nurse practitioners and for health policy.

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Martin’s University. She graduated from Oregon Health Sciences University with a BSN in 1984, an MSN in childrearing family nursing in 1989 and a post-masters pediatric nurse practitioner certificate in 1993.

She earned her Ph.D. in nursing at University of Colorado Denver College of Nursing in 2008. She came to Saint Martin’s from Pacific Lutheran University (PLU), in Parkland, where she was a professor and associate dean for graduate nursing programs. While at PLU, Woo worked with the faculty

Photo of a Saint Martin's University RN-to-BSN student delivering a presentation. SMU now offers both a traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), in addition to the RN-to-BSN program. The RN-to-BSN program at Saint Martin's University provides Registered Nurses a pathway to earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

These nursing programs were phased out in the late 1990s when enrollment declined. In 2010, Washington set a goal for academic progression in nursing for 80 percent of RNs to obtain BSN degrees or higher by 2020, which led to a decision to reinstate Saint Martin’s RN-to-BSN program. In 2012, Saint Martin’s admitted a new class of RN-to-BSN students into the program, which was under the direction of Louise Kaplan, Ph.D. The program is

to develop the PLU Doctor of Nursing Practice program, with the first students graduating from the program in 2017.

Nursing is just one of the strong and growing science programs at Saint Martin’s, which includes biology, chemistry, environmental studies, mathematics and physics. In addition to the new BSN, Saint Martin’s also received approval from NWCCU to add a bachelor of science and a bachelor of arts in exercise science. The exercise science program will also launch in fall 2019. Potential career paths for graduates of the exercise science degree include chiropractics, sports managers, exercise physiologists, athletic coaches, fitness trainers, and occupational or physical therapists.

accredited through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

The RN to BSN program has graduated 81 students since 2012.

Woo was appointed to her position in July 2018 to lead the creation of the BSN program and to increase enrollment in Saint Martin’s RNto-BSN program. Woo brings more than 30 years of nursing experience and educational leadership to Saint thurstonchamber.com

For more info about SMU's Bachelor of Science in Nursing, visit www.stmartin.edu/ academics/programs-schools and click on either 'BSN' or 'RN-to-BSN' under 'Nursing'.

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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Brandman's Ed.D. Creates Transformational Leaders The staff at Brandman University's Lacey campus provides a culture of support that leads to student success. From right, Michael Brouillette, senior academic advisor, Margo Deegan, campus director and Kailani Quichocho, assistant director of OneStop Global.

Brandman University’s Doctorate of Education

peers. Kailani Quichocho of Brandman’s Lacey campus is

in Organizational Leadership (Ed.D.) is designed

part of the Epsilon cohort. She is working with the Lacey

to help students transform their organization

YMCA as part of her Ed.D.’s required transformational

from within. Students learn how to harness and embrace collaboration, innovation, positive influence, strategic thinking and a profound commitment to lifelong learning. More than 50 percent of Brandman Ed.D. students receive a promotion or new position while in the program.* This interdisciplinary degree is for students from all career paths: K-12 educators, business executives, organizational development consultants, city and county government employees and community college and university faculty

change project, which puts into practice the theoretical teachings of the program. Her goal is to revitalize the economic development program and build a community support system all while pursuing her doctorate, working full time and raising her family.

Brandman’s Ed.D. program is for busy professionals like Quichocho, using the best of online learning and face-to-face support through local cohort meetings, three immersion sessions a year and synchronous virtual meetings to accomplish rich learnings in the six pillars of the program:

and staff. It integrates the latest theories and best practices

• Transformational leadership

from both education and organizational leadership to

• Diversity

produce 21st-century leaders.

• Collaborative relationships • Political intelligence

The program’s cohort model allows students to work with

• Strategic thinking

distinguished leaders and mentors while bonding with

• Creative and sustained innovation

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

During the two years of coursework, students take part in

graduation rate, Brandman’s culture of support allows

six immersions. They meet with fellow doctoral students

our students to outperform their peers at most four-year

from throughout the world to build extensive relationships,

colleges and other non-traditional universities.*

see presentations by expert speakers and participate in hands-on interactive learning.

To learn more about Brandman’s Ed.D. program, call 1-800-746-0353.

Students develop their leadership competencies at collaborative local cohort meetings to enhance individual

Brandman University, a part of the Chapman University

online classes. Monthly meetings are under the guidance of

System, is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by

distinguished cohort mentors who are experienced leading

the WASC Senior College and University Commission,

practitioners. Cohort mentors stay with the students for the

that offers academic programs at more than 25 campuses

entire two years of coursework, fostering students in their

throughout California and Washington and online, and

career development, foster dialogue and model best practices.

through Brandman MyPath, their self-paced online competency-based education modality.

A traditional or thematic dissertation is the final project of the Ed.D. program. It’s a supportive collaboration between faculty and students to draft research plans around current issues. The cohort mentor guides students as they explore dissertation topics and provide direction as they write from their points of view and investigation. With an 82 percent

* www.brandman.edu/sources

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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Vanpooling Survey Results Are In!

By Doria Maselli

C

ommuters and employers who engage in vanpool programs in Washington State have built the largest public vanpool fleet in North America, setting a national model for vanpooling. In Thurston County, about 1,500 commuters choose to vanpool regularly

through Intercity Transit’s Vanpool Program with capacity to serve more. “Vanpooling is an economical and customizable commuter option with many benefits that a business and their employees can enjoy,” says Ann Freeman-Manzanares, Intercity Transit’s General Manager, adding that one of the goals of the vanpool program is to ensure Chamber members have easy access to vanpool services. “We want to help businesses be successful. Along with benefits like cost savings, vanpools reduce traffic congestion so people and freight move freely. They also enhance the overall quality of life in our community and create a better business environment.”

In August 2018, the Thurston Chamber

•

collaborated with Intercity Transit to survey Chamber members and their employees to learn:

22 • February 2019

What local business owners and leaders knew about vanpooling.

•

Their perception of the benefits and barriers.

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE

What would motivate the use and support of vanpools.

•

Recommended influencers and communication channels.

thurstonchamber.com

Here’s what we discovered...

information into the hands of the

Energy, each gallon of gas burned

•

About 8% knew about vanpooling

right people.

creates 20 pounds of greenhouse gases,

and had employees vanpooling,

The survey also revealed what

or 6 to 9 tons of greenhouse gases

while about 61% reported they

businesses might value about

each year for a typical vehicle. While

had no employees vanpooling

vanpooling. This group of mostly

more people are vanpooling out of

Nearly half reported they had

small- to medium-size employers

concern for the environment, South

no idea what it would take to

showed more interest in the benefits to

Sound Business reports that 81% of

make vanpools available to their

employees rather than to the business

commuters in Thurston County still

employees and more than a third

or organization itself — particularly

drive their cars to and from work

did not know vanpools served

in cost savings for their employees

alone. While driving alone may seem

their area.

and parking convenience. Having a

more convenient, the costs are high.

It’s not surprising that 75% of

reliable and less expensive way for

the respondents reported their

employees to get to work, combined

“Vanpooling makes a lot of sense

organizations had not promoted

with the possibility of not having

for many reasons,” says Newsome.

vanpooling to employees.

to pay for leased parking or build

“Whether you vanpool for

additional parking spaces, were an

environmental or financial reasons,

added bonus.

you can also reap the rewards of

•

•

Connecting workers to information

vanpooling by reducing stress on

For employers who were aware of

Vanpool as a solution

your daily commute and taking

vanpooling, they assumed shift work,

“Our community could solve a lot of

back time for things you enjoy, like

or having too few employees meant

problems through vanpooling!” says

reading, catching up on email and text

vanpooling wasn’t an option for them.

Newsome. “Our region is experiencing

messages, talking to a friend, or just

Carolyn Newsome, Intercity Transit’s

many symptoms of what happens

taking a nap.”

Vanpool Manager, says, “Vanpooling

when you drive alone, including traffic

works great in many shift work

congestion, parking issues, the high

Intercity Transit Vanpool Program

situations and where vanpoolers don’t

costs of maintaining and using a car

has 7, 12 and 15-passenger vans

necessarily work at the same place.

daily, and of course, the impact on our

available. Learn how your company

Part of our job is to help connect

environment.”

can encourage vanpooling to meet

people to vans and to each other.”

your goals and your employees' goals On average, people spend between

and ask about opportunities for co-

The survey responses showed a

$8,000 and $9,000 a year or $650 - $750

branding the van with your company

significant barrier employers have to

per month to drive their cars. The

logo.

supporting employee vanpools is the

average vanpooler with a commute

lack of awareness and information

of 40 to 60 miles pays $100 to $120 a

Contact an Intercity Transit Vanpool

about vanpools in their area. The

month for vanpool fares with Intercity

Coordinator today at 360-786-8800 or

information and assistance needed

Transit. “Do the math!” says Newsome.

1-866-330-7033. Or learn more about

to promote vanpooling is, for the

“Vanpooling is a money saver.”

vanpooling at www.intercitytransit.

most part, currently available. The challenge is getting the specific thurstonchamber.com

com/vanpool. It only takes three According to the U.S. Department of

people to start a vanpool.

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PO BOX 1427 Olympia, WA 98507-1427