January 2019 VOICE Magazine

JANUARY 2019

THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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The State of the community Report Elected officials report to the community our successes, challenges and future work

B U I L D I N G C OMMU N IT Y PR O S PE R IT Y F O R OV E R 1 4 0 Y E A R S

PUBLISHER Thurston County Chamber of Commerce

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

The State of the Community Address

CONTRIBUTORS David Schaffert Doug Mah Dinea Norrell

ADVERTISING Sales and Marketing: Krystal Barkus Blake Knoblauch

O

n Wednesday, January 9, Tumwater Mayor Peter Kmet, Yelm Mayor JW Foster, Olympia Mayor Cheryl Selby, Lacey Mayor

Andy Ryder and Thurston County District 1 Commissioner, John Hutchings will collectively present a State of the Community Address.

Marny Bright

Every year, leaders from the community

for general admission, $25 for prepaid

share their perspectives on current

Chamber members, and $30 for

SUBSCRIPTIONS

issues and future prospects. Leaders

members at the door.

Phone: (360) 357-3362

will illustrate the important steps and

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

Email: info@thurstonchamber.com

investments made this past year to grow

When: Wednesday, January 9, 2019

DESIGN

our local economy and promote new

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Where:

Mosaic Marketing Studio

employment.

Hotel RL Olympia | 2300 Evergreen Park Dr SW, Olympia, WA 98502

COVER ART Photo by Dinea DePhoto, taken inside the Helen Sommers Building

This is an opportunity to engage business and community leaders in a one-on-one

Reservations for the State of the

PRINTING

networking setting.

Community Forum are strongly advised.

Print NW

CONTACT THE CHAMBER

Visit thurstonchamber.com or call the Forum includes lunch. The cost is $35

Chamber at 360.357.3362 to make yours.

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

A NEW YEAR, A NEW YOU! As the season changes, so should your thinking about your family’s health. Make these habits a priority to stay well through our colder months: Drink plenty of water, even though you may not be thirsty. Continue eating a rainbow of colors with seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Be active and dress in layers to stay warm PRIMARY CARE and dry. And, if you haven’t already done so, be sure to speak with your health care Capital Eastside provider about your annual flu shot.

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CARE FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY Including seasonal allergies, colds & flu, management of chronic conditions such as diabetes & high blood pressure, wellness exams and more!

©2018 BCI

2019 AAA CRUISE SHOW EXPLORE THE WORLD OF TRAVEL The 2019 AAA Cruise Show is one of the largest gatherings of world-class cruise providers in Washington. Come get the latest tips and trends from knowledgeable travel experts, attend insightful presentations and take advantage of special savings.

Special Offers:*

• Day of show specials with $10 per person deposit • Receive up to $100 per stateroom onboard spending credit on cruises • Save 15% off Travel Store gear, accessories and luggage at the show

• Earn 3% back when you book travel with your AAA Member Rewards Visa® card • Free admission

Capital Event Center 6005 Tyee Drive SW, Tumwater Date: Saturday, February 9, 2019 Time: 8:30 am – 2:30 pm - Doors Open 8:00 am RSVP: (360) 704-6185 or AAA.com/CruiseShows *$10 per person deposit required to secure Day of Show specials. Up to $100 per stateroom onboard spending credit applies to cruises only, first two full-fare passengers only, valid on select sailings and customer must complete purchase for the deposit to be credited toward reservation by 5/31/2019 or first penalty date. $10 per person deposit is nonrefundable. Travel Store 15% off savings valid day of show only. All offers valid day of show only. AAA does not charge service fees on the purchase of cruises and tours. Other service fees may apply for items such as airline tickets, passports, fees imposed by other companies or gov’t entities, etc. AAA Member Rewards Visa® available to everyone. Restrictions and limitations apply per product. Ask AAA for details. Agency #178-018-521 Job #4165

January 2019

CONTENT & CALENDAR

Every month, the Thurston County Chamber offers several networking events, forums and workshops to the community.

Here are some highlights you won't want to miss.

Thurston Young Professionals After Hours Join Thurston Young Professionals (TYP) on Thursday, January 3 at 5:30 p.m. at Hands On Children's Museum. Enjoy a selection of beverages and snacks, meet with other Young Professionals (21-35 year olds) and expand your

In This Issue...

7 Looking to Shift Gears

network. Where: Hands On Children's Museum, 414 Jefferson St NE,

I-5 planning continues to dominate

Olympia, WA 98501.

regional public policy efforts.

Forum: State of the Community Address

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Leaders from Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, Yelm and Thurston County will share

State of the Community

their perspectives on current issues and future prospects for their communities.

The event will take place on Wednesday, January 9, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and

Leaders from Lacey, Olympia,

includes a lunch buffet. Reservations are strongly encouraged. To make a

Tumwater, Yelm and Thurston

reservation, register online at thurstonchamber.com or call the Chamber at

County share updates on the status

(360) 357-3362. When: Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Buffet-style lunch begins

of the communities they serve.

at 11:45 a.m. Program begins at 12:00 p.m. Where: Hotel RL Olympia, 2300 Evergreen Park Drive SW, Olympia, WA 98502. What: Forum includes lunch. $35 for general admission, $25 for prepaid Chamber members, $30 for

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members at the door.

Nancie Payne Award

Business After Hours at First American Title

Thurston Chamber recently

Join the Thurston County Chamber on Thursday, January 17, at 5:30 p.m. for

received the Nancie Payne Award.

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

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games and raffles. This is a great chance to learn about a local organization

Big Fun at Little Creek

Business After Hours at First American Title Insurance Company. Business After

and expand your network. Where: First American Title Insurance Company, 300 Deschutes Way Suite #210, Tumwater, WA 98501.

There's tons of BIG fun to be had at Little Creek Casino. It's easy

Save the Date! Distinguished Leaders Awards

to get to, but hard to leave!

Save the Date for the 18th annual Distinguished Leaders Awards celebration, Thursday, January 17 at 5:30 p.m., at Hotel RL in Olympia. The evening begins with a reception and dinner at 5:30 p.m. The program begins at 6:30 p.m.

For further information, to make a reservation or for partnership opportunities, contact Alisha Blain at 360.357.8515 or email LTC@ThurstonChamber.com.

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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WE HAVE A NE W LO O K & LO CAT I O N 24 2 4 HE RI TAG E COURT SW, S TE 30 2 OLYMPI A, WA 9 8 502

ADVOCACY UPDATE

Looking to Shift Gears

I-5 Planning Continues to Dominate Regional Public Policy Efforts

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

The greater Thurston County Shared

complete this summer and enables us to move to the NEPA/

Legislative Partnership is advancing

SEPA analysis.

Interstate 5 planning and analysis as a top priority for the 2019 legislative session and

Who is helping?

We thank WSDOT, the Nisqually Indian Tribe, and the

seeks $4.5 million for the next planning phase.

Thurston Regional Planning Council. They leveraged the

The region requests funds for National and

initial 2018 supplemental budget investment into $2 million

State Environmental Policy Act (NEPA/SEPA) analysis of mid and long-term action on

worth of planning work and short-term congestion strategies (ramp meters at southbound I-5 on ramps). The leveraged funds resulted in greater progress than was originally

the I-5 corridor from Tumwater to Dupont.

expected and moves us closer to NEPA/SEPA analysis.

What’s been done so far?

Why now?

Last year we secured funding in the 2018 supplemental

Momentum for this critical planning work must be

transportation budget for the Washington State Department

sustained. The NEPA/SEPA analysis will help refine 10-year

of Transportation (WSDOT) to begin a corridor study for

and 20-year actions. It will evaluate potential beneficial

I-5 between Tumwater and DuPont. The study will develop

and adverse impacts to prepare the region and State for

mid- and long-term strategies and identify potential US

implementation activities. The next phase, if funded, aligns

101/I-5 interchange improvements, a strategic plan for the

with WSDOT’s broader planning for I-5 from Marysville

Nisqually River bridges, regional congestion relief options,

through Tumwater. It provides an excellent test case

and ecosystem benefits to the Nisqually River estuary for

for moving beyond planning to program and project

salmon productivity and flood control. This work will be

implementation.

thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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advocacy update

Why is this important?

I-5 congestion through the Thurston region continues to worsen. The County’s population is projected to grow nearly 48 percent between 2015 and 2040. We need to begin preparing for that growth today. Also, currently 30 percent

Members of the Thurston Legislative Delegation, including Representatives Wilcox, Barkis, Orcutt, DeBolt, Dolan, Doglio, Griffey, and MacEwan and Senators Becker, Braun, Hunt, and Sheldon have taken a strong interest in this issue.

of the JBLM workforce lives in Thurston County and crosses

What’s next?

the Nisqually River estuary every day. I-5 and the Nisqually

The Shared Legislative Partnership, established by the cities

River bridges are critical to state mobility, economic vitality,

of Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm, Thurston County, Port

and national security.

of Olympia, Thurston Regional Planning Council, Thurston County Economic Development Council, South Puget Sound

What’s at stake?

Community College and the Thurston County Chamber of

When the Chehalis River flooded I-5 with 10 feet of

Commerce, will continue to work with the delegation during

water, the interstate was closed for a week. Later the

the 2019 legislative session on I-5 planning. To find out

transportation department released a report that estimated

how you can assist with this effort, please contact

the total cost of closure and delays to be in the tens of

Doug Mah, with the Chamber’s Public Policy Division

millions of dollars. We cannot afford to let a failure to plan

at Doug@DougMahAssociates.com.

have negative consequences for the region and state.

Who are our champions?

About the Shared Legislative Partnership The Partnership advocates on common interests to maintain

The $4.5 million request is crucial to address congestion

the region’s economic vitality and generate opportunities

along this corridor, minimize risk from potential floods,

that enhance the quality of life for residents in the Thurston

restore salmon habitat and support our national defense.

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The State of The Community Elected officials from Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, Yelm and Thurston County report to the community their successes, accomplishments and status of their ongoing work.

From left to right: Thurston County District 1 Commissioner, John Hutchings; Olympia Mayor Cheryl Selby; Yelm Mayor JW Foster; Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder; Tumwater Mayor Pete Kmet. Photo by Dinea DePhoto.

F

or the State of the Community Report, we asked elected officials from Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, Yelm, and Thurston County, three questions – What is your community celebrating? What challenges does your

community face? What is your community doing to encourage job growth and economic development? What follows is answers to these questions, written by representatives from each municipality. Take some time to read this report, and then attend Forum on January 9 where we'll dive deeper into some of the successes, challenges and opportunities highlighted here. thurstonchamber.com

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The City of Lacey's Report Lacey's Challenges Lacey and its urban growth area have some of the highest densities of urban septic systems in Thurston County. Studies show that these septic systems have a negative impact on local bodies of water, aquifers, and the Puget Sound. The City is committed to converting and connecting these systems; however, initial estimates City of Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder

Lacey's Celebrating The generosity of our community supporting three amazing local projects: the Lacey Food Bank, the Lacey Veteran Services Hub, and the Lacey Makerspace. Each of these projects have benefited from thousands of volunteer hours and tens of thousands of local fundraising dollars and supplies.

The Lacey Food Bank will be a critical resource to many of Lacey’s residents, including thousands of underprivileged children.

put the total cost of remediation at $300 million. As a Council, we are confident we will find a manageable solution.

During the last election, the Lacey City Council put forth a ballot measure for a metropolitan parks district. The proposed district would have provided a sustainable funding method for the City in developing and maintaining Lacey’s beautiful park system. Unfortunately, the measure did not pass, and now the City is faced with finding a new path forward that will provide our community with accessible and well-developed parks.

How Lacey is Encouraging Job Growth The City of Lacey prides itself with being business friendly. This is evident from the exceptional amount of growth occurring in northeast Lacey, as well as the continued development of the Woodland District.

We are thrilled that employers like Uline, Ryan Properties, South Sound Behavioral Hospital, and the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission are bringing and creating hundreds of new, family-wage jobs in Lacey.

These employers and many others are providing exciting and rewarding employment opportunities for our City’s residents.

To ensure sustained job growth in Lacey, we continue to promote local programs like LocationLocationLacey.com, a valuable website providing potential employers with tools

The Veterans Hub began a daily

and resources; the Lacey B&O Tax

van shuttle program to the

Exemption Program, which gives

American Lake VA Medical Center

new startups a tax break during

completely staffed by volunteers.

the critical first three years of business; and the Lacey Strategic

The Lacey Makerspace broke

Investment Fund, a resource

ground in September 2018, and

providing investments into

we look forward to the modern

workforce training and technology,

resources it will provide to local

as well as fostering a local

students and entrepreneurs.

environment of entrepreneurism.

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The City of Olympia's Report once they could see that it wasn’t an “either/or” option. It became a “yes/and” outcome. Rare in politics these days!

Olympia's Challenges We continue to struggle with an effective response to homelessness.

The population downtown exploded this late summer and we were hamstrung by the September ruling from the 9th Circuit

Olympia's Celebrating

Court of Appeals. That ruling makes it problematic to move encampments off city property

I would say that successfully

unless we can offer alternative

passing the Public Safety and

shelter.

City of Olympia Mayor Cheryl Selby

How Olympia is Encouraging Job Growth We continue to move ahead in this

Home Fund ballot measures within 3 months of each other was pretty

The good news is that we now

area after adding our very first

remarkable.

have a full-time homeless program

economic development director

coordinator, a full-time Home

position in 2016.

A big factor of our success was

Fund program director and staff

that even though they addressed

has been re-allocated to provide

In 2017 Mike Reid took over that

different community needs, we

an “all hands on deck” approach to

position but has had his plate full

were able to show they were

the crisis.

addressing land use issues around our homeless crisis. My hope is

complementary to each other and A continuing challenge is telling

that in 2019 he’ll be able to block

our story to constituents in a real

out more time to do outreach to

Advocates for both measures

time manner as the situation is

our business community and get

showed amazing cooperation

constantly evolving.

us back on track for job growth.

actually designed to work together.

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The City of Tumwater's Report Tumwater's Challenges As community leaders, we want Tumwater to be a city for all

How Tumwater is Encouraging Job Growth

people. We are identifying how to

Spuds Market and Tart Hard Cider

best meet the needs of those at risk

are the newest tenants at the

of or experiencing homelessness,

Tumwater Warehouse District –

preventing homelessness, and

a destination for craft beer,

expanding the availability of

spirits, cider, food and more.

affordable housing in Tumwater.

The Craft District project is the

City of Tumwater Mayor Pete Kmet

Tumwater's Celebrating We are grateful Tumwater voters supported the creation of a Metropolitan Park District.

Revenue from this measure will help maintain and improve our current parks and facilities, enhance recreational programs, build new neighborhood parks, and ultimately build a community center.

We are celebrating completion of the Desoto Street rehabilitation project to replace the failing road

Bush Prairie is home to the

future home of SPSCC’s Craft

Olympia sub-species of the

Brewing & Distilling Center,

Mazama Pocket Gopher, a Federal

a distillery, a brewery and a

and State protected species. Work

restaurant – along with nearly

continues to protect this unique

a dozen small craft food and

prairie habitat and protected

beverage purveyors. Look for

wildlife, and support future

significant progress on this

development in the area.

project during the year.

In spite of our efforts, redevelopment

Tumwater worked closely with

of the former brewery properties

Tom Schrader, owner of the

is stagnant. Inadequate security

former Chambers Prairie Grange,

resulted in a 3-alarm fire in one

to redevelop this historic building

building last fall. We continue to

into a new Starbucks. Yea!

work to connect the owners to prospective tenants, or parties

We continue to make significant

that may be interested in

investments in infrastructure,

purchasing this huge complex.

including City-wide pavement

and improve the retaining wall. The new sidewalk and bike lane make this key east-west connector to lower Tumwater Hill a true multimodal connection to that neighborhood.

Several community events are planned throughout 2019 to celebrate Tumwater’s sesquicentennial – the 150th

and sidewalk maintenance work; water, sewer and stormwater system upgrades; and a congestion relief project between Israel Road and 73rd on Capitol Boulevard.

Planning continues for major reconstruction of the Trosper and Capitol Boulevard intersection, with preliminary work underway and construction beginning in 2020.

anniversary of the town’s incorporation.

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

The City of Yelm's Report Yelm's Challenges Yelm has become almost too popular for its own good!

Convenient location to the County seat and JBLM, combined with competitive housing costs and great schools, has resulted in considerable growth.

The population of Yelm proper has tripled over a dozen years, and unincorporated Thurston and Pierce Counties contribute to a service population of more than 45,000. We have a small commercial and industrial base

Yelm's Celebrating We’re celebrating the fact that our little city out on the prairie has come into its own – Yelm has become a destination!

Whether you come to bicycle on the Yelm-Tenino trail, visit the newly opened upper Deschutes River Falls park, or enjoy a quality cinema or live theater experience – Yelm is full of surprises.

With a small town feel and slower pace, we’re a friendly, safe place and love to entertain visitors from around the region.

We’ve become a ‘foodie’ town too, with a great variety of quality restaurants ranging from Asian fusion and classic Mexican, to solid American comfort food. thurstonchamber.com

to support community services and our growth has been limited by constrained water rights and accommodating the endangered species act.

City of Yelm Mayor JW Foster

zoning, Yelm has created a superb location for businesses to start up and thrive. Although the ‘big box’ stores have located in the more densely populated urban core of Thurston County, many mid-sized commercial enterprises are doing well here in Yelm. Our community

The good news is that by working with our legislators and regional partners, we have solutions at hand and the future is bright.

We’re still challenged by the limitation of our highway system, but also know that WSDOT is dedicated to solving those issues.

development department is dedicated to working with business owners, from Mom and Pop startups, to established businesses looking to expand into a new, supportive market.

We’ve laid out the welcome mat and are enthusiastically marketing our city through partnerships

How Yelm is Encouraging Job Growth

with the Economic Development Council, Experience Olympia & Beyond, and both the Yelm Area Chamber and Thurston County

We’ve always known that if we

Chamber.

build it, they will come.

It’s a perfect place to live, work and By developing an excellent

play – all are welcome to become

infrastructure, and with thoughtful

part of the Pride of the Prairie!

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Thurston County's Report Thurston County's Challenges • Developing and implementing a budget that provides services to the citizens, funds constitutionally mandated programs, and ensures fiscal responsibility through maintaining a sustainable and responsible balance in the general fund.

Thurston County District 1 Commissioner, John Hutchings

Thurston County is Celebrating • Culvert replacement projects opened more than seven miles of streams to aid in the movement and spawning of native fish, primarily salmon. A $4 million set-aside of REET2 funds will pay for design and replacement of ten culverts over two years, five

• Working with U.S. Fish and Wildlife to finalize a Habitat Conservation Plan spelling out how the County will offset development impacts to the habitat of species protected under the Endangered Species Act that result from building permits issued by the County.

Until approved, the County will use a streamlined interim gopher review process to ease the burden on the citizens.

completed in 2018.

How Thurston County is Encouraging Job Growth • The Commissioners collaborated with elected and appointed leaders to update the County’s 2019-2020 strategic plan. The Commissioners aligned the 2019-2020 biennial budget priorities with the strategic goals and objectives, keeping the County focused on its strategic initiatives. The strategic plan includes strategic initiatives for economic growth in the County

• In response to considerable criminal caseloads and

and supports creating local, sustainable jobs.

increasing jail populations, judicial partners adopted

• Making sound policy and budget

the First Look program to

decisions to enhance the local

address criminal behavior by

economy. The 2019-2020 biennial

examining cases independently

budget increases funding for

and proactively assessing

local tourism grants and historic

prosecution goals. Each case

preservation grants to support

represents a unique individual

economic prosperity for citizens

with factors to consider when

and businesses. And in 2019

finding a path to justice. This

the County will be hiring

strengthens public safety and

an Economic Development

reduces criminal justice costs.

Manager.

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thurstonchamber.com

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Thurston Chamber Receives Nancie Payne Award Nancie Payne was a longstanding Pacific

and this region’s businesses. The Chamber “work place” and

Mountain Workforce Development Council

David’s leadership is ensuring all our work places have a

(PacMtn) board member, business owner,

chance to become high quality.”

and advocate for workers of all abilities.

On December 6, 2018, at the Thurston Economic

Whether the issue is land use, public policy, education,

Development Council's Regional Economic

employment opportunities, or finding that balance

Forecast & Innovation Expo, PacMtn awarded

between social/economic/environmental demands, the

the Thurston County Chamber and President/ CEO, David Schaffert, with the 3rd Annual Nancie Payne Workplace Excellence Award.

Nancie was one of David's mentors and Nancie Payne's

Thurston Chamber is finding a way to convene people, host important conversations and make sure there is always a seat for business at the table. According to Fambles, “The Chamber’s leadership is consistent, creative and steeped in civic diplomacy. They advocate and acknowledge quality

daughter, Angie, was there to offer the award of

work places and encourage employee and organizational

acknowledgment and appreciation.

engagement that makes our region stronger.”

When presenting the award, PacMtn’s CEO, Cheryl Fambles

The Thurston County Chamber is growing a prosperous

said, “The Thurston County Chamber is one of the most

economy and vibrant community by connecting people,

revered chambers in the State of Washington. David Schaffert

ideas and resources. Our engagement in regional

has been the CEO of the organization for the past 20+ years.

planning, education, workforce development, community

During that time, he and the Chamber have taken on many

infrastructure, and environmental stewardship are integral

issues that have impacted the quality of life in our region

components of the Chamber’s mission.

thurstonchamber.com

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When asked why Cynthia chose Evergreen Home Loans, her reply: “I was looking for a purchase driven company that had all products and services to meet my customer’s expectations.”

Cynthia has 2 boys – one at Gonzaga (Go Zags!) – and one at Capital High School.

She’s an avid runner – works out every day, loves to travel and spends time with her family including her 2 dogs – Otis and Bodhi. SPONSORED MEMBER PROFILE.

thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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January 2019

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New Rules for Small New Rules forBusiness Small Business

Charitable Donations Charitable Donations With deduction, the standard deduction, With the standard manymay individuals many individuals not may not itemize, in turn losing need to itemize,need in to turn losing

$40,000 car would be set on a 19 year many changes occurring (as you have $40,000 cardepreciawould be set on a 19 year depreciaThereThere arearemany changes occurring (asnoyou have notion schedule thatschedule same $40,000but pur-in 2018 that same $40,000 purin the2018 2018 taxtax yearyear and this is especially true for tion ticed)ticed) in the and this is especially true for but in 2018 chase would be set at 6chase years depreciation. businesses. Here are some of the most would be set at 6 years depreciation. smallsmall businesses.

Here are some of noteworthe most noteworthy…thy…  Other importantareas Other for small important businesses include areas for small businesses include A brand new new 199A Deduction allows forallows a 20% for a the Section 179 Changes the Meals179 & Enter A brand 199A Deduction 20% theandSection Changes and the Meals & Enterdeduction ofofqualified business income forincome some for tainment can be found Guide below. which can be found below. deduction qualified business some Guide which tainment proprietorships, partnerships, and S-Corps.and S-Corps. solesoleproprietorships, partnerships,

for charitable their deduction their for deduction charitable donations.

One donations. One solution issolution is “bunching” where the money “bunching” where the money donations set aside and  for donations isforset aside isand donated every donated every other year allowother year allowing you to meet ing you to meet the threshold thefor threshold for itemizations. itemizations.

Section 179 Changes Section 179 Changes Transportation Transportation Fringe Benefits, which in 2017 Fringe Benefits, which in 2017  toNew wording expands wereboth both tax to employees and deductible  New wording expands were taxfreefree to employees andtodeductible employers, are no no longer deductible to employers.to employers.“property” definition “property” definition employers, are longer deductible Thismeans means even business owners owners should be motiThis even business should be moti Maximum deduction  expanded Maximum deduction expanded vated out those expense vatedtoto fill fill out those expense reports. reports. from $500,000 to $1 millionfrom $500,000 to $1 million

 Business Vehicle Deductions larger and depreBusiness Vehicle Deductions are largerare and deprePhase-out threshold adjusted  Phase-out threshold adjusted

ciate more quickly.

For example, ciatemuch much more quickly.

For example, in 2017 a in 2017 afrom $2 million to $2.5 million from $2 million to $2.5 million

Meals & Entertainment Guide Meals & Entertainment Guide DescriptionDescription Meals with clients prospects Mealsand with clients and prospects Entertainment with clientswith andclients prospects Entertainment and prospects Employee meals Employee for convenience of employer meals for convenience of employer Employee meals for required meeting Employee meals forbusiness required business meeting Meals while traveling awaytraveling fromaway home Meals while fromovernight home overnight

 forAll  All #’s will be adjusted infla-#’s will be adjusted for inflaAmount Allowed for Deduction tion during future tax yearstion during future tax years Amount Allowed for Deduction in 2018 in 2018 2018 Standard Mileage Rates Rates 100% 50% 50%Zero Zero2018 Standard Mileage 100% -cents per mile -cents per mile X X Business 54.5 Business 54.5 X Charitable 14.0 X Charitable 14.0 18.0 Medical & Moving Medical 18.0 & Moving X X Depreciation 25.0 Depreciation 25.0 X X X X

XX

Year-end party for employees and spouses Year-end party for employees and spouses Year-end party for customers Year-end party for customers

X XX X X X X

Golf outing for all employees and spouses Golf outing for all employees and spouses Meals for general public at marketing presentation Meals for general public at marketing presentation Team-building recreational event for all employees Team-building recreational event for all employees Golf, theater, or football game w/your best customer Golf, theater, or football game w/your best customer Mileage Trackers



TripLog



MileIQ



Hurdlr

 

Everlance QuickBooks

Mileage Trackers



TripLog





MileIQ





Hurdlr



Everlance



Gone… until 2025 Gone… until 2025 Personal Exemptions  Personal Exemptions Home Equity Loan Interest  Home Equity Loan Interest Moving Expenses (except  Moving Expenses (except military) military)

     

X

X

X

Job Expenses Job Expenses Casualty & Theft Loss Casualty & Theft Loss Miscellaneous Itemized Miscellaneous Itemized Deductions Deductions

 QuickBooks *This publication provides summary information regarding the subject matter at the time of printing. Please call Precisely Right Accounting at 360-352-6195 with any questions on how this information maysummary impact your specific *This publication provides information regardingsituation the subject matter at the time of printing. Please call Precisely Right Accounting at 360-352-6195 with any questions on how this information may impact your specific situation

Big Fun and Entertainment Abound at Little Creek!

A

fter a long week of work, or perhaps even as your weekday turns to evening, reward yourself and have some fun at Little Creek Casino Resort, located just 15 minutes north of Olympia on Highway 101. Little Creek is renowned for its impeccable service, incredible

food and beverage options, luxurious hotel rooms, world-class golf, a tranquil spa, and of course, the best casino in South Sound. Bring some friends or even your family, because the more, the merrier!

Little Creek has five restaurants, two

Little Creek is filled with a myriad of

Cliffs Golf Club, ranked as one of the

lounges and a coffee bar to satisfy a

gaming options. The casino floor has

nation’s top 100 courses. The par-72

wide range of tastes. From the lauded

over 1,200 electrifying slot machines

championship course is designed

Creekside Buffet to an exceptional

and nine types of thrilling table

for all skill levels and covers over

experience that can only be found

games, plus other forms of great

300 awe-inspiring acres of Pacific

at the Squaxin Island Seafood Bar,

casino fun like poker, bingo, keno

Northwest majesty.

Little Creek is sure to satisfy. The

and pull tabs. And Little Creek’s

entertainment in the Starlight Lounge

huge smoke-free gaming area

Looking for a different sort of

offers the perfect escape from the

sweetens the deal even more.

gaming fun? When you step into

daily grind, and the Wine and Cigar

Little Creek's Arcade, you know

Lounge invites connoisseurs and

If you wish to spend a night or two,

you've found something special.

aficionados to a more upscale and

Little Creek’s hotel boasts newly

Kids of all ages will enjoy the huge

sophisticated experience.

renovated rooms and several levels

selection of XBOX One games

of luxurious suites. An indoor pool,

available to play in this very unique

If you’re looking for even bigger

hot tub and gym are just some of the

room. Gameplay is just $5 per hour.

entertainment, the Skookum

amenities to enjoy. And you can let

Creek Event Center at Little Creek

the world melt away at the Seven

Great food. Great fun. Great

frequently hosts exciting concerts

Inlets Spa, offering relaxing massage

getaway. Little Creek Casino Resort

and events. From great musical

sessions, organic facials and body

is easy to get to, but hard to leave.

acts like Toto and Dwight Yoakam

treatments, a sauna, steam room,

Day or night, it is truly the Kamilche

to major sporting events, revue

meditation room and more.

Valley’s shining jewel and the perfect

shows and exclusive casino events,

opportunity for you to live a little.

Skookum Creek is the perfect venue

If golf's your game, you've got to

to be perfectly entertained.

test your skill at Little Creek’s Salish

thurstonchamber.com

You deserve it!

SPONSORED MEMBER PROFILE

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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January 2019

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23

PO BOX 1427 Olympia, WA 98507-1427