February 2017 VOICE Magazine

F E B R UA RY 2017

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

M

A

G

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Z

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Innovation in Education

February is National Career and Technical Education Month and we are celebrating innovative education in Thurston County, see p. 12.

Page 16

South sound Solar

Page 20 0

Joby Glass & The Business of Art B U I L D I N G C O M MU N I T Y P R OS P E R I T Y F OR OV E R 1 4 0 YEAR S

SAY HELLO TO

JOINT FREEDOM! Are you considering hip or knee replacement surgery?

Pain in your hips or knees can often keep you from living a full and active life. That’s why the award-winning surgeons of the Joint & Spine Center at Capital Medical Center are committed to helping you get you back on your feet! As the only South Sound hospital to earn a Gold Seal of Approval® for hip and knee replacement surgery from The Joint Commission, the nation’s leading organization for health care accreditation, you can expect the very best in high quality orthopedic care with a single focus on helping you regain the lifestyle and activities you enjoy most.

For more information, visit us online at capitalmedical.com or call 360-956-1296 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

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.

In this issue...

6 Caught in the Lens Photos from Chamber events.

Feb. 2

YPN at Don Juan's Mexican Kitchen The Thurston Chamber Young Professionals Network (YPN) is a great

8

place to interact with younger business professionals in a low-pressure

Advocacy Update

environment. Join us at for after hours Feb. 2 at 5:30 p.m. at Don Juan's Mexican Kitchen's NEW location at 4419 Harrison Ave, Olympia.

Feb. 7

Morning Mixxer at Greene Realty

12

JJoin us at Greene Realty Group on Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 7:30

Innovation in Education

a.m. for Morning Mixxer. Enjoy plenty of coffee, breakfast treats and great conversation. Where? 1722 Harrison Ave NW, Olympia.

Feb. 8

Thurston School District Superintendent Debra Clemens,

16

Ph.D., Thurston County students and Evergreen State College

South Sound Solar

president, George Bridges, Ph.D. Where? Saint Martin's

Norman Worthington Center @11:30 a.m.

BAH at Cabinets by Trivonna JJoin us for Business After Hours at Cabinets by Trivonna on Thurs., Feb. 16 at 5:30 p.m. Enjoy drinks, appetizers and the chance to tour this beautiful showroom located at 4444 Lacey Blvd SE G, Lacey.

Mar. 3

Thurston County is home to over 700 solar systems, and South Sound Solar has installed over half.

Learn more about this business & this emerging technology.

20

A Night on the Town

From Politics to Art

JJoin us...

We are headed to New York City!

March 3, 2017, 6 p.m. at the Hotel RL Olympia Cocktails ● Dinner ● Auction ● After Party Visit www.thurstonchamber.com/anott/ for reservations

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

www.thurstonchamber.com

We're celebrating CTE Month in February with a highlight of Thurston County CTE Programs.

Forum: Education Summit On Wed., Feb. 8, Forum attendees will hear from North

Feb. 16

Your opinion counts.

Don't forget to VOTE!

Joby Shimomura was a successful political strategist and is now a successful glass artist.

Her inspiring story is about second acts and following your dreams.

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  February 2017 3

Innovative Education

I

n this issue of the

South Sound Solar is a local

of respondents in a 2011

VOICE, we have

business in an emerging

manufacturing skills gap

three stories for

sector—solar energy. Decades

study indicated that they are

you: Innovation in

ago, this technology didn’t

experiencing a shortage of

Education, South

exist. Today, founder Kirk

qualified workers overall—

Sound Solar and Joby

Haffner needs employees

with 12 percent reporting

Glass. On the surface, each

ready to work within this

severe shortages and 55

seems wholly distinct from the

new industry. The great news

percent indicating moderate

other, but there is a common

is that schools like Yelm and

shortages. CTE plays a vital

theme that pulls them

their green energy class are

role in helping American

together—the changing nature

preparing future South Sound

business close this gap

of work and the skills students

Solar employees or future

by building a competitive

CONTRIBUTORS

need in order to be prepared

green energy entrepreneurs.

workforce for the 21st century.

Natasha Ashenhurst David Schaffert Jessica Coen Rebekah Finn Greg Raines Scott Le Duc

for that work.

We’re celebrating Career

There are many paths to a

and Technical Education

fulfilling career and there

(CTE) month in February

is no one-size-fits-all model,

ADVERTISING

a tremendously successful

with our article Innovation

nor do we know today the

Sales and Marketing: Marny Bright, Beth Johnson, Korey Twombly or Blake Knoblauch Phone: (360) 357-3362 Email: info@thurstonchamber.com

career as a political strategist.

in Education. We know that

skills our kids will need

CTE isn't only something

tomorrow. What we need is

that educators should be

to continue the conversation

concerned with. We all stand

between business, industry

to benefit from high-quality

and education. We also need

CTE programs because they

to help students navigate

provide our students with

the ever-complex world

the academic, technical and

of work. Your continued

employability skills that we

engagement in programs like

need in the workplace.

our Business2Youth connect

PUBLISHER Thurston County Chamber of Commerce

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

Before Joby Shimomura became a glass artist, she had

Instead of following a traditional education model of high school followed by

SUBSCRIPTIONS

college, Shimomura worked

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

to gain as much hands-on

DESIGN

world that she could and

Mosaic Marketing Studio

those networks she developed

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY

helped launch her career. She

One of Capital High School's Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers, William Murray, stands in front of a Computer Numeric Control (CNC) machine. The workstation behind him allows the students to practice manufacturing at different angles, including overhead--an important training exercise for possible future work manufacturing Boeing airplanes.

Photo by Capital High School teacher, Scott Le Duc.

learned on-the-job and had the

experience in the political

mentors in place, as well as the drive to succeed, to make her career a success. When she wanted to learn new skills, like glass art, she sought out formal learning to launch her in a new venture. What she had was critical thinking skills,

PRINTING

a support system and the

Print NW

desire to learn and grow.

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

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.

help make that possible According to the U.S. Bureau

and your attendance at our

of Labor Statistics, of the 20

February Education Summit

fastest growing occupations,

means you are engaging in the

14 require an associate degree

conversation.

or less. Furthermore, of the 20 occupations with the largest numbers of new jobs projected for 2020, 18 require on-the-job training, an associate degree or a postsecondary credential.

Also, consider that 67 percent

THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY INVESTORS DIAMOND INVESTORS: Anchor Bank Capital Medical Center Heritage Bank Phillips Burgess Washington Port of Olympia Xerox Services

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

4 • February 2017 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

Morningside 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

By, David Schaffert, THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER PRESIDENT/CEO & Jessica Coen, THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS, CHAIR 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

www.thurstonchamber.com

On January 6, Cascadia Grill celebrated their grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Introducing the newest members of the Thurston County Chamber Ballaura Wellness Spa Whitney Boling (360) 539-7726 www.ballaura.com Health & Fitness - Massage Skin Care Beech Tree Woodworks Nic James (360) 349-1558 beechtreecustomcabinets.com Cabinets Better Properties Olympia Harry Soete (360) 489-0601 www.betterpropertiesoly.com Real Estate - Agents & Companies – Residential & Commercial

Cooper Moss Advanced Dentistry, Inc. Carol Cooper (360) 357-8075 Dentists & Orthodontists Dept. of Revenue - Small Business Liaison Janet Shimabukuro (360) 705-6602 Government Offices e2 Young Engineers Jennifer Chevalier (360) 688-9963 www.pugetsound. e2youngengineers.com Education - Consultants & Services

Cascade Family Dental Karla Davis (360) 456-1234 Dentists & Orthodontists

Empire Office Equipment Lee Bowman (360) 491-1854 www.eoedigital.com Office Equipment - Copiers, Toner, & Supplies

Cascadia Grill Jef Dukes (360) 628-8731 Restaurant - American

Essential Bodywork Stacie Edwards (360) 791-6565 Health & Fitness - Massage

Clayton Homes Trevor Belch (360) 438-0246 Manufactured - Mobile Homes

Fleshworks Tattoo Studio Travis Brown (360) 357-9969 fleshworkstattoostudio.org Tattooing

www.thurstonchamber.com

Hilton Garden Inn Olympia Matthew Jones (360) 236-9934 http://hiltongardeninn3.hilton. com/ Hotels & Accommodations Homes First Marge Price (360) 236-0920 http://www.homesfirst.org Non-Profit Organizations & Associations Inbound Designs Mike Whitlatch (360) 701-1261 http://inbounddesigns.com Web Design Lacey Realty and Property Management Arielle Gines (360) 491-4400 http://RealtyLacey.com Real Estate - Agents & Companies - Residential Lasting Touch Memorials Tony Ward (360) 458-9070 Funeral Homes & Memorial Parks

Mount Rainier Urology Bess Marshall (360) 350-0281 Physicians & Surgeons Nelson Interiors Peggy Nelson (253) 961-6416 Interior Designers Olympia Pediatric Dentistry Andrea VanCleave (360) 352-3515 http://olypd.com Dentists & Orthodontists Preferred Business Solutions Bob Nocis (253) 215-7002 www.preferredbiz.net Office Equipment - Copiers, Toner & Supplies Transition Way Compassionate Embrace PLLC Lisa Reed (360) 561-8489 Mental Health Services Unified Telecom Brandon Firkins (360) 528-3000 http://www.unifiedtele.com Telecommunication Equipment, Repair & Services

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  February 2017 5

Caught in the Lens...

6 • February 2017 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

A collection of photos taken at Chamber events during January 2017

www.thurstonchamber.com

Events include: Morning Mixxer at Derma Medical Spa, YPN at 222 Market, Ribbon Cuttings at Cascadia Grill, Nelson Interiors, TOGETHER! and e2 Young Engineers.

Finally, we include photos from the State of the Community Forum featuring a keynotes and a panel discussion from Tumwater Mayor Pete Kmet, Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder, Olympia Mayor Pro-Tem Nathaniel Jones, Yelm Mayor Pro Tem Tracey Wood and Thurston County Commissioner Bud Blake.

www.thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  February 2017 7

ADVOCACY UPDATE

creating a positive climate for business and community Your Opinion Counts Good public policy needs three things to be successful: awareness, engagement, and insight.

Policy makers need to be aware of the impact their decisions have on the community. The community needs to be engaged and actively telling stories of success and challenges.

Finally, both policy makers and the community need more reliable and valid insights into the conditions of the community so that advocacy and decisions are made on information and not anecdotal events.

Chamber members can expect more opportunities from the Chamber to voice their opinion and build greater awareness, engagement, and insight. You will start receiving regular surveys from the Thurston Chamber of Commerce in your email. The Chamber's Public Policy Division asks that you participate and complete the surveys. Be part of the discussion by answering future Chamber surveys.

Your involvement

Love, hope, success, family, security.

is critical for developing good public policy. The Public Policy Division thanks you for making a little time to complete upcoming surveys. Your participation will ensure that we are building awareness, engagement, and insight in our community that best reflect your values and entrepreneurial work ethic.

Melanie M Bakala, Agent 2539 Marvin Road NE Suite D Lacey, WA 98516 Bus: 360-972-7905 www.mylaceyagent.com

Some things we all have in common.

There’s nobody like me to protect the things we all value.

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.

CALL ME TODAY. ®

Don't Forget to VOTE on Feb. 14 Remember to vote on February 14, 2017 in the special election concerning the Lacey Transportation Benefit District. The Chamber board of directors APPROVES the proposed two-tenths of one percent (0.2%) sales and use tax to be collected for ten years to fund transportation improvements within the district.

8 • February 2017 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

1101022.1

State Farm, Home Office, Bloomington, IL

www.thurstonchamber.com

Thurston Green celebrates business sustainability, apply today!

Thurston Green Business designation applications are open Jan. 1 - Mar. 15. Apply online at www.thurstongreenbusiness.com

S

aving water, conserving energy, reducing waste and buying or selling green are all sustainable steps that improve the health of our community and environment.

Businesses who take these steps to lower their environmental footprint find that

they save money while protecting and preserving resources.

In Thurston County, businesses who take one or all of these stewardship steps receive recognition for their efforts when they become a Thurston Green Business. It’s easy and FREE to join. Applications accepted Jan. 1 through Mar. 15, 2017.

Apply today! It's free! Visit www.thurstongreenbusiness.com www.thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  February 2017 9

Education Summit & EXPO at February Forum

CHAMBER FORUM

North Thurston Public Schools Superintendent Debra Clemens, Ph.D, left, and Evergreen State College President George Bridges, Ph.D., right, will keynote the Education Summit on Feb. 8, 2017 at Saint Martin's University. Tickets are available at www.thurstonchamber.com. Center photo: Students Samantha Brinkley and John Ames speaking at 2016 Education Summit.

O

n Wednesday, February 8, Forum attendees will hear from North Thurston Public Schools Superintendent Debra Clemens, Ph.D and The Evergreen State College President, George Bridges, Ph.D. as well as from Thurston County students.

Clemens, Bridges and several students will discuss the current state of education in Thurston County, highlight a variety of new education programs and ways that business and education can connect.

The Education Summit will also feature an Education EXPO for educators to connect with the Forum attendees. The tradeshow will be available starting at 11:00 a.m., showcasing what schools in our community are teaching our students.

“Rick is an excellent aƩorney. One with vast experience and keen knowledge of the law. I recommend him for his unprecedented skills in this arena.” — Parella Lewis, SeaƩle-area news personality and client.

Advancing his clients’ legal interests since 1987 Employment law Contracts Real estate

This event begins at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Martin’s University Norman Worthington Conference Center. Forum includes lunch and is $35 for general admission, $25 for prepaid Chamber members and $30 for members at the door.

Government Call (360) 464-6533 www.richardhugheslaw.com

Reservations are strongly advised. Forum is sponsored by: Saint Martin’s University and Mathnasium. www.thurstonchamber.com

324 West Bay Dr. NW, Ste. 201, Olympia

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  February 2017 11

CAREER AND TECHNICAL E D U C AT I O N I S R E T R O F I T T I N G THE CLASSROOM

A

ccording to the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics, almost all high school students participate in CTE, and more than half take three or more credits. About 60 percent of college students are involved in CTE programs, and more than 25 percent of the adult U.S. population participates in work-related training By

Natasha Ashenhurst Greg RAINES

Photo by

12 • February 2017 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

www.thurstonchamber.com

Photo on left and above were taken by Greg Raines of www.Lionsdenpro.com. Students at Nisqually Middle School work with their teacher, Craig Brown, to make ukuleles and then develop a business plan to sell them.

I

n Lacey, students are making ukuleles—from scratch. If the class stopped there, students may learn how to use woodworking tools and experience the satisfaction that comes from creating something beautiful, but crafting the instrument is only the beginning. Those middle school students also learn about the manufacturing process, creating sales channels and how to successfully market a finished product.

In Olympia, 32 Capital High School students are learning the

pursue a certification; maybe it will launch them into a two

skill of riveting on a fuselage located right in the classroom. This

or four-year degree program. I call it one, two four. We are

pre-employment training program, in partnership with Boeing,

developing career pathways that will start in middle school and

prepares the students for a career as a mechanic.

will provide kids with a vision and purpose for what they are doing,” he said.

In Yelm, high school students are learning to install solar panels. They are designing and creating products using vinyl

Career and technical education (CTE) prepares students for a

printing, 3d printing, and CNC machines.

wide range of careers and further educational opportunities.

These careers may require varying levels of education—

In Tumwater, the exciting world of aerospace comes alive

including industry-recognized credentials, postsecondary

through a Flight and Space unit. Students delve into the history

certificates, and two- and four-year degrees and is offered in

of flight and space, discover the science behind aeronautics, and

middle schools, high schools and area career and technical

explore traveling and living in space. Students then use their

centers.

knowledge to design, build and test an airfoil.

According to the U.S. Department of Education’s National How do schools prepare students for the world of work when

Center for Education Statistics, almost all high school students

the nature of work is in a constant state of change?

participate in CTE, and more than half take three or more credits.

Thurston County schools have a three-word answer: Career & technical education (CTE).

CTE is at the forefront of preparing students to be “college- and career-ready” by equipping students with:

“Our primary focus is developing 21st-century skills in

•

Core academic skills and the ability to apply those skills to

kids so they can join the workforce,” said Brian Hardcastle,

concrete situations in order to function in the workplace

Tumwater School District’s CTE director. “Maybe they’ll

and in routine daily activities

Continued on page 15 www.thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  February 2017 13

The Chamber Foundation is the bridge between the world of learning and the world of work, and has three pillars: youth education, community leadership and small business development. A Night on the Town supports this work. Please join us on March 3.

Join us...

We are headed to New York City March 3, 2017 ● 6 p.m.

Cocktails ● Dinner ● Auction● After Party Hotel RL Olympia $125 per person Sponsorships Available www.thurstonchamber.com Presented by:

Continued from page 13 • •

Employability skills (such as critical

career interests could play out in real

thinking and responsibility)

life. Students can ask professionals in

Job-specific, technical skills related

their field of interest questions about

to a specific career pathway

their work, learn about apprenticeship opportunities and see upcoming

Each of North Thurston School District’s

employer-hosted events right here in

five middle schools has applied

Thurston County,” said Christina Bower,

technology courses, but each with a

the B2Y Connect program coordinator.

different theme. Last year they added underwater robotics at one school and

And while it may seem that putting such

next year another school will adopt the

an emphasis on technical education

curriculum. At the middle school level

would detract from traditional learning

they use a kit for the robotics course, but

models and traditional career paths,

at the high school, they build the robot

research does not support this idea.

from scratch. Then, the oceanography

Rather, according to a 2007 study titled

class will use the robots that the school

Looking Inside the Black Box: The

manufactured. The district also added

Value Added by Career and Technical

interested in going into medicine learn

Students in the Yelm school district practice splinting techniques in Sports Medicine.

how to tape ankles and work with

permission to try new things and find

participate in CTE activities, the higher

student-athletes,” said Brad Hooper,

out what this work is really like,” she

their academic motivation, academic

North Thurston’s CTE director, “They

said.

engagement, grades, career self-efficacy,

sports medicine as a CTE class. “Students

get the opportunity to see if this type of

Student Organizations to Students’ High School Experience, the more students

college aspirations and employability

work appeals to them. My motto is I am

To encourage students to learn whether

skills. Students at schools with highly

helping the kids find a career, not just a

a career might be right for them, each

integrated rigorous academic and CTE programs have significantly higher achievement in reading, mathematics, and science than do students at schools with less integrated programs.

In fact, CTE classes offer math and science credits

Yelm Community Schools Welding: MIG welding mild steel to repair greenhouse table.

often fulfilling graduation

job. Trying a lot of different classes helps

of the school districts is a partner

requirements. For example, robotics

kids figure out their path.”

with the Thurston County Chamber’s

classes offer math credits and sports

Business2Youth (B2Y) Connect program.

medicine offers a biology credit.

Teri Pablo, Yelm Community Schools’

In the Olympia School District, B2Y

CTE director agrees. “We have over 50

Connect uses software to connect

Brian Hardcastle sees this in Tumwater.

CTE electives including green energy,

students with local professionals who are

“Hands-on learning helps students

landscaping, business, marketing, web

doing the work that interests the student.

make sense of theoretical subjects, like

design. The variety of things kids have

algebra. CTE helps students construct

to choose from allows them to know

“This cloud-based software allows

their knowledge and our role is to guide

who they are and pick classes that will

students to engage with Thurston

them,” he said. ●

help them reach their goals. They have

County professionals to see how their

www.thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  February 2017 15

GREEN BUSINESS

In November 2016, South Sound Solar installed a 9.6kW system with Washington-made Itek Energy modules/inverters at Tumwater Auto Spa. Tumwater Auto Spa received a grant from USDA Rural Energy covering 25 percent of the installation costs.

Solar<>Powered

By

Rebekah Finn

There are over 700 solar systems installed throughout Thurston County & South Sound Solar has installed over half of them.

M

any would say that a hot cup of coffee is essential for getting through a dark Pacific Northwest winter day. What if we could harness the natural energy around us and translate that into a steaming cup of joe?

“It’s been a win-win for us.

Here in Olympia, our business community has come up with

& Wine Lounge in Olympia

a way to use sunlight and turn it into that essential human

both having their own South

fuel, maybe not directly, but via the innovative partnership

Sound Solar systems installed

between South Sound Solar and Batdorf & Bronson Coffee

in recent months.

The initial cost worried me a bit but the results of our investment shine upon us daily.”

And other local businesses have followed suit, with Impressions Dentistry in Lacey and T Brothers Liquor

Roasters.

As of December 2016, As one of over 50 Thurston area businesses to install a South

Puget Sound Energy

Sound Solar energy system, Batdorf & Bronson has harnessed

recorded having almost

the renewable energy of the sun as a supportive resource in

390 solar customers—

creating delicious coffee.

residents, businesses and governments—in Olympia

“I enjoy the part of my job that allows me to look at ways

alone.

to reduce our environmental footprint,” explains Batdorf maintenance engineer Jim Unzicker.

Of the approximately 700 solar systems in Thurston

16 • February 2017 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

www.thurstonchamber.com

County, South Sound Solar has installed over half.

Mission Driven Business At the heart of the company is its mission-driven founder, Kirk Haffner.

Before receiving his Masters in Physics in 1996, Kirk was an award-winning math and science teacher.

“His first love is as a teacher and communicator. His personal philosophy is founded in sustainability, and as his career developed, he saw the opportunity to not just live it, but actually do

vendors when possible” explained South Sound Solar is also a sponsor for

Engelman.

the upcoming Thurston Green Forum event in support of the Thurston Green

Crain’s Office Center supplies the office,

Business program, where Haffner

Ben’s Automotive services the company

will have the opportunity to educate

vehicles, and Town & Country Roofing

Thurston Chamber members and guests

provides roofing for any installation

on solar energy systems.

needs. The solar panels used for the systems are even manufactured in-state,

Other community sponsorships

by Itek Energy in Bellingham.

include support of Harlequin Theater productions, Hands on Children’s

South Sound Solar’s adamant support

Museum events, and Music in the Park

of local businesses results from the

bands, to name a few.

marriage of Haffner’s community focus with his commitment to spreading the

Haffner’s employees speak highly of his

sustainability gospel.

Engelman points out that local vendor support has “a huge element of sustainability. Why pay for something that’s shipped halfway across the world, which has energy costs to it?”

New Standards for New Technology The speed at which solar energy can be adopted in the region has a lot to do with the actual infrastructure of the local utilities. As Dubes explained, solar

October, 2016: South Sound Solar insalls solar panels on the roof of Impressions Dentistry. something that contributed to the spread of sustainable lifestyles. That’s what the business is about,” said Jon Engelman, Office Coordinator for South Sound Solar.

Commercial Liaison Toby Dubes agrees: “Kirk is absolutely dedicated to educating the community. That’s his main goal.”

That dedication is apparent in Haffner’s many speaking engagements, which have included giving his “Solar 101” presentation at Timberland Regional Library events, the Olympia Solar Fest, and more. Coming up this spring, the South Sound Solar team will participate in the Oly Energy XP April 14-15 at the NOVA school in Olympia. This free twoday event features classes for middle schoolers Friday, and educational workshops open to the public Saturday.

www.thurstonchamber.com

family-oriented and community-focused

energy is “still a fairly new concept,” so the increasing market demand is not always met with the necessary staffing to

leadership.

handle it.

“As a business owner, he is very

Engelman regularly has to manage

supportive of a work-life balance.

We have the opportunity to work from home, there are flexible shifts,” explained Engelman. “Everybody’s input is welcome, and he’s aware that the work that we all do together is just one part of all of our lives. It’s a healthy work environment that’s collaborative.”

And that collaboration extends to the local economy, where Haffner’s staff is dedicated to connecting with other businesses. The team is even developing a referral system on their new website to connect their own customers with other

the complexities of how a potential customer’s local utilities may impact the cost return of their solar system.

“There were nuances that weren’t taken into account when these programs were established.”

Engelman continued, explaining, “converting to this ‘new grid’ takes some labor, and effort and time.”

He and the team work closely with the local Public Utility Districts (PUDs).

recommended businesses.

“Everyone understands that we’re all in

“In everything we do, we choose local

the future. It’s absolutely a necessity, and

it together, it is just simply the wave of

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  February 2017 17

so we’re all just figuring it out together," he said.

On the state level, the systems policies have not quite caught up to the needs of energy adaptation. The Solar Installers of Washington, a lobbying association of which South Sound Solar is a founding member, has been instrumental in advocating for relevant changes in Washington State laws and regulations.

An upcoming Solar Lobby Day is in the works for the current legislative session.

What sustainable energy minded businesses and farms do have going for them, however, is the federal USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). The grant program provides funding to rural small businesses and farms for up to 25 percent of the cost of a solar system.

Small-business owners can go directly to the USDA to apply, or they can take advantage of South Sound Solar’s comprehensive application service in conjunction with the installation.

At the heart of South Sound Solar is its mission-driven founder, Kirk Haffner. Before receiving his Masters in Physics in 1996, Kirk was an award-winning math and science teacher. In the photo above Kirk is presenting at the Olympia Solar Fest.

In order to qualify for a USDA grant,

business wanting to go solar?

the owner of the property, the name on the energy bill, and the purchaser of

“Absolutely,” says Unzicker. “This is a

the solar system need to all be the same

proactive long term investment that has

entity.

many rewards. Being Americas first 100 percent green powered coffee roaster,

The next deadline for applying for this

we didn’t make this investment planning

USDA grant is March 31, 2017. Through

on the panels to pay off immediately, we

this program, South Sound Solar’s Toby

just know it’s the right thing to do. The

Dubes has so far coordinated nearly

decision took foresight but the sun will

$300,000 in refunds for about 14 South

be there every morning. Some days are

Sound customers.

brighter than others but not a day has gone by when we didn’t produce at least

So is the initial expense worth it to a local

a little bit of energy.” ●

WE’RE BUILDING SO YOU CAN, TOO Meet Kent van Alstyne, one of two new members of the expanding Phillips Burgess legal team. A cum laude graduate of Lewis & Clark Law School, Kent has clerked for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

He will work out of the firm’s Tacoma office and focus his practice on land use and environmental law and litigation.

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by Natasha Ashenhurst

www.thurstonchamber.com

WWW.PHILLIPSBURGESSLAW.COM

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  February 2017 19

Joby Shimomura in her studio, located at 313 5th Avenue SE, Olympia. Photo by Natasha Ashenhurst.

By

Political Strategist Begins Second Act as a Glass Artist

Natasha Ashenhurst

W

hen Governor Jay Inslee asked Olympia artist Joby Shimomura to create a unique glass token for his inauguration, she was honored.

University with no backup plan, so when

The governor wanted a gift he could give to those who helped make his first term a

“He told me that I didn’t have to go to

success, and together, Shimomura and Inslee planned the project.

college in order to live in an exciting

she didn’t get in, she wasn’t sure what to do next.

Joby said her father gave her the best advice she’d ever received.

town,” Joby said. “He told me I could just Shimomura knew that Mount Rainier should be the basis for the work because it is a

live there.”

favorite of Inslee’s, which she learned when she was Inslee’s chief of staff.

It was a life-changing moment.

We will tell you more about the piece she created for the inauguration, but first — as part of our Business of Art series — we’d like to tell you how Joby Shimomura began a

Joby realized that she didn’t want to go

successful career in politics, left politics and entered the world of art.

to college. She wanted to live and work in Washington D.C. In 1990, just out of

Self-Educated in Seattle

high school, she moved to D.C., crashed on a friend’s couch and started looking

Joby was born in Lawrence, Kan., and grew up in Seattle. As a teenager, she was active

for a job. She had a lot of interviews,

in politics. She admits that she wasn’t an engaged student, preferring to spend her time

but no offers. One well-intentioned

on projects she loved — especially in the political arena. She applied to Georgetown 20 • February 2017 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

www.thurstonchamber.com

Governor Jay Inslee and Trudi Inslee at Joby Glass Studio, viewing the Mount Rainier Inaugural Project before it was cut into 250 pieces. Photo taken by Joby Shimomura. person told her they received hundreds of outstanding resumes every day — many candidates fresh from the nation’s top universities armed with amazing internships and connections — and she would need to find another way in.

“It was an important insight,” she said. “I quickly learned that I needed advocates promoting me in order for doors to open.”

Find people who will advocate for you

need to change jobs,” said Joby. “That a

It was an important insight," she said. "I quickly learned that I needed advocates promoting me in order for doors to open."

connections she had cultivated in

field she loved with no college degree.

became an assistant to Miller’s press secretary.

“It was a wonderful experience,” she said. “I was surrounded by smart and interesting people far from home. I could not have imagined anything better.”

Joby — then only 18 years old — had

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Mayor] Norm Rice’s campaign as a volunteer, and I realized that I liked the work. I liked working on campaigns.”

She enjoyed the short-term, fast-paced work campaigns offered and dove in full-time. She worked as a field director for the anti-601 and 602 tax initiatives.

She worked on a school levy race. She then ran a house race. She developed a

landed a fast-paced, interesting job in a

Congressman John Miller, R-Wash., and

me. I’d just finished working on [Seattle

managed a city council campaign and

A few weeks later, with the help of Seattle, she received a job offer from

long-term career in one place wasn’t for

track record. People began to know her work.

Know thyself

One thing led to another and in 1995 she

Two years later, after a fun-filled stint in

Anne with Jay and Trudi Inslee. Three

D.C., she was back in Seattle working for

hours later, she walked out of the meeting

a small media management firm. Joby

thinking she would do anything for these

had an insight about herself that sent

people.

found herself sitting in a café on Queen

her in another direction.

“They are the best human beings and so “I realized that it was in my nature to

authentic,” said Joby.

get an itch every two years and would

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  February 2017 21

For the next 20 years, Joby worked on

to Olympia until Inslee’s chief of staff

and off for Jay Inslee. First, running his

decided to make a career change.

When she heard that the owners of the

campaign for governor, later on, his

“It made sense for me to step into that

Little General were moving the store

campaign for Congress. She was his chief

role,” Joby said. “I was Chief of Staff for

from 5th Avenue to Capitol, she knew

of staff in D.C. for six years.

two years and it has now been a year

that she wanted their old space. She got

since I left.”

the keys and moved in mid-August and

By 2005, she took some time off to explore other options.

Joby recalled asking herself, “What would make me really happy? What would make me excited to get up every day?”

Act 2: A Glass Artist in Olympia For the first six or seven months after leaving politics, she said she traveled and did little else.

was ready for an open house by Arts Walk. By October, she had installed a kiln to make fused glass, having just taken a class.

Her first few months in the studio after moving in were busy preparing for the open house, getting ready for Christmas

The Inauguration project started with a photo of Mount Rainier. Joby enlarged the photo to 17" x 60" and placed three sheets of glass on top of the photo and began to paint the glass. Next, she fused each of the three glass panels in the kiln. She then cut the large piece into 250 individual pieces, smoothing each edge. Finally, she stamped the pieces with the branch of a hemlock.

She had taken a class to learn how to create stained glass and developed it as a hobby. She realized she wanted to try making glass full time. She found a space in Pioneer Square and opened a studio.

“I had no plan, but I did have an

“My time off was so rejuvenating, Joby said. “This past summer I started looking for [glass studio] spaces in Olympia and Seattle, and everywhere in between.”

She had moved to Olympia a few years ago after tiring of the commute from

awesome community there,” she said.

Seattle.

Eventually, she was pulled back into

“The great thing about Olympia is its

politics and put glass on hold.

“Republicans fronted a candidate [James Watkins] against Inslee in 2010, so I started working on his re-election campaign,” said Joby. “He came out of the campaign very strong and decided to run

affordability and the supportive and creative community. It is easy to live here. It is easy to get around,” said Joby.

“I have decided that it is better for my soul and anxiety level to live in a place I can afford and where I don’t spend half

for governor in 2012.

the time in my car frustrated. It is just

“That was an extremely difficult process.

Seattle, and the airport.

He asked me to be his chief of staff and I said, ‘no,’ and became a senior adviser

close enough to the beach, to Portland,

“What will be interesting is to see what

instead.”

all the development does to downtown.

Joby was living on a houseboat in

interesting parts and if all the growth is

Seattle’s Portage Bay and commuted

What it does to the charming and sustainable.”

and — finally — starting Inslee’s timeconsuming inauguration project, which she loved working on.

It started with a photo of Mount Rainier.

Joby enlarged the photo to 17" x 60" and placed three sheets of glass on top of the photo and began to paint. Nine hours later, the glass painting was complete.

Next, she fused each of the three glass panels in the kiln, each taking one day to fuse. Next, she cut the glass mountain into 250 pieces — like the pieces of a puzzle, only each the same rectangle shape, the edges ground smooth with a glass grinder. Each piece was cleaned and hand-stamped with a branch of Western hemlock — the Washington state tree. The pieces then went back into the kiln for another round of fusing.

This process took three days. When the glass pieces were complete, she packaged each piece in a trifold card with an explanation of the project and a photo

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Joby Glass features smaller pieces of glass as well as bowls and trays created using a slumping technique.

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of the original painting. Inslee wrote on

the end of a process and a successful

the card, “This glass token represents my

campaign, but for Joby, it marked the

deep appreciation for all you have done

beginning of her next act.

Providence Southwest Washington serves more residents in Thurston, Lewis,

for our state. Like you, this glass is a piece of something big.”

“It is really nice to know that this is who

The inauguration project celebrated

I am. There is nothing better. I felt at one point that the

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my calling, but in late 2011 a light bulb went off and I knew that I needed to be in a creative space that this — creating art — was

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where I wanted to be,” said Joby.

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE  February 2017 23

A Night on the Town supports the Thurston Chamber Foundation.

Cocktails Ɣ Dinner Ɣ Auction Ɣ After Party

March 3, 2017 Ɣ 6 p.m.

PO BOX 1427 Olympia, WA 98507-1427