January 2018 VOICE Magazine

JANUARY 2018

THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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Community building is a team sport.

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

PUBLISHER

Community Building is a Team Sport

Thurston County Chamber of Commerce

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

By David Schaffert, Thurston Chamber President/CEO

I

n this issue of the VOICE Magazine, we

One theme we hear from each jurisdiction

include State of the Community reports

is recognition that a team approach

from the cities of Olympia, Lacey,

produces results.

CONTRIBUTORS

Tumwater, and Yelm as well as Thurston

David Schaffert

County. This information precedes our

We believe this team approach began,

annual State of the Community Forum

in part, 13 years ago when the Chamber

Dinea Norrell

which takes place the second Wednesday of

convened local governments to create the

ADVERTISING

January.

Shared Legislative Agenda (SLA) for our

Doug Mah Natasha Ashenhurst

Sales and Marketing: Blake Knoblauch Aaron Bernhard Phone: (360) 357-3362

Why both? Why a report and a Forum?

Aren’t you duplicating effort?

That answer is yes and no. We know that

Phone: (360) 357-3362

250 of you will attend Forum to hear

Email: info@thurstonchamber.com

the State of the Community address and

DESIGN

network with our elected officials. For

Mosaic Marketing Studio

those attending Forum, take the time to

COVER ART Dinea dePhoto

read the reports, beginning on page 11, as a way to prepare to engage one-on-one with your elected representatives at Forum. For

PRINTING Print NW

those of you who are not able to attend Forum—roughly 2550 of our readers—this

CONTACT THE CHAMBER

article provides an excellent briefing from

PO Box 1427

local government.

809 Legion Way SE

resulted from the SLA have had significant impacts on capital funding for our region.

Email: info@thurstonchamber.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS

community. The legislative requests that

It also set in motion a model of how we can work together and leverage each other.

It is not always easy to work collaboratively, and it is essential to recognize it often takes more significant energy and resources to do so, but the payoff of alignment and greater effectiveness is worth the extra effort. Give credit to local elected officials for the team effort that is now prevalent in the community and to the Chamber for creating a vehicle that has served the community well in achieving a common

Olympia, WA 98507

agenda. ●

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

COPYRIGHT All material appearing in the

THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY INVESTORS DIAMOND INVESTORS:

publisher accepts no responsibility

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

or liability for the accuracy of any

PLATINUM INVESTORS

VOICE Magazine is copyright unless otherwise stated or it may rest with the provider of the supplied material. The VOICE Magazine takes all care to ensure information is correct at time of printing, but the

information contained in the text or advertisements.

America's Credit Union - Lacey Greene Realty Group Heritage Bank - Olympia

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

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

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

HERE’S TO A

HEALTHIER

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

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

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

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

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

©2017 BCI

ADVOCACY UPDATE

I-5 planning dominating regional public policy efforts

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

W

e must begin today to identify and

week. Later the transportation department released a report that

implement long-term solutions for

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

mobility and infrastructure stability on

millions of dollars. Critical to state mobility, economic vitality,

I-5 in the Thurston region. The greater

and national security, I-5 also serves as a major component of the forward deployment of troops from JBLM.

Thurston County Shared Legislative

What is planning?

Partnership is advancing I-5 planning as a top priority for the 2018 legislative session and seeks $5 million to start this effort.

Why now?

Population growth in the South Sound has increased the transportation demand on I-5 south of Mounts Road. Currently, 30 percent of the Joint Base Lewis McChord workforce live in Thurston County and cross the Nisqually River estuary every day. In addition, new and preliminary analysis indicates that I-5 may now be at great risk of flooding due to changing river conditions just north of the Nisqually River bridges. These factors make it important to start planning today.

What’s at stake?

Population growth I-5 planning is an important step for significant in the South Sound investments in the region’s transportation system. The effort envisions a full systems has increased the approach to determine solutions that provide transportation the greatest mobility and benefit throughout the demand on I-5 corridor. The effort will focus on solutions for south of Mounts known problem areas like the Nisqually River Road. Currently, bridges, which impede regional mobility, degrade 30 percent of salmon habitat, and increase the risk of I-5 flood the Joint Base damage.

Lewis McChord workforce live in What would be in the plan?

Thurston County The Thurston County Shared Legislative and cross the Partnership agree that the planning must Nisqually River evaluate the full costs and benefits of mobility estuary every day. solutions to include a preliminary design

When the Chehalis River flooded I-5 with 10 feet of water, the interstate was closed for a

4 • January 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

and rough cost estimates for the Nisqually River bridges to support preferred alternative selection. Planning must assess incident and

thurstonchamber.com

emergency management for north and

Thurston County Economic Development

southbound traffic. The planning must conduct

Council, South Puget Sound Community

a hydrology assessment of the Nisqually

College, and the Thurston County Chamber

River to determine I-5 flood risks and any

of Commerce, working in partnership with

plan must also include an assessment of the

the Nisqually Tribe and the South Sound

habitat impacts of I-5 through the Nisqually

Military & Communities Partnership, will

River estuary and opportunities for ecosystem improvements.

Who are our champions?

The $5 million is crucial to address congestion along this corridor, minimize risk from potential floods, restore salmon habitat and support our national defense. 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.

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.

What’s next?

continue to work with the delegation during the 2018 legislative session. To find out how you can assist with this effort, please contact Doug Mah, with the Chamber’s Public Policy Division at Doug@DougMahAssociates.com.

More than a plan, the $5 million request is necessary to complete preliminary design and rough cost estimates to support a preferred alternative, evaluate the full costs and benefits of the mobility solutions, and position the region for the next state/ federal transportation and infrastructure investment.

About the Shared Legislative Partnership:

The Shared Legislative Partnership, established by the cities of Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm, Thurston County, Port of Olympia, Thurston Regional Planning Council,

The Partnership advocates on common interests to maintain the region’s economic vitality and generate opportunities that enhance the quality of life for residents in the Thurston County Region. ●

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE  January 2018 5

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6 • January 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

January 2018

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.

Morning Mixxer at Nelson Interiors Join our host, Nelson Interiors, on Tuesday, Jan. 2 at 7:30 a.m. for the Thurston Chamber's Morning Mixxer. Nelson Interiors will provide breakfast treats, our sponsor L&E Bottling will host the coffee bar—and you can enjoy a morning of networking. Location: 801 7th Ave. SE, Olympia.

In this issue...

4 Advocacy Update I-5 planning dominating regional public policy efforts.

8 From the Law Desk

Young Professionals Network (YPN) Join YPN on Jan. 4 at 5:30 p.m. at Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar and Shoebox Spirits, located at 222 Market in Olympia.

YPN is a great place to interact with younger business professionals in a low-pressure environment.

What constitutes illegal harassment and how to prevent it.

10 Distinguished Leaders

Forum: State of the Community On Wed., Jan. 10, at 11:30 a.m., representatives from Olympia, Lacey,

Announcing the 2018 Distinguished Leaders

Tumwater, Yelm and Thurston County will collectively present a State of the Community address. Location: Hotel RL Olympia, 2300 Evergreen Park Dr. SW, Olympia. Visit thurstonchamber.com for ticket information. This event does sell out every year; please register early.

Business After Hours at Impressions Dentistry Join the Chamber on Thurs., Jan. 18 at 5:30 p.m. for Business After

12 The State of the Community Report Read updates from the cities of Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, Yelm and Thurston County

Hours at Impressions Dentistry. Business After Hours is a free networking event. Hosts provide light appetizers and beverages, games and raffles. Location: 4538 Martin Way E #103, Olympia.

Morning Mixxer at LoanStar Home Lending Mark your calendar for Morning Mixxer at LoanStar Home Lending on Tues., Feb. 6 at 7:30 a.m.

Location: 525 Columbia Street NW, Suite 204, Olympia.

Thank you, sponsors! thurstonchamber.com

20 Thurston County Profile State economist, Jim Vleming, presents Thurston County data.

The year 2017 has continued the run of positive news for the Thurston County economy.

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  January 2018 7

What Constitutes Illegal Harassment and How to Prevent It

By Shawn Newman, Attorney at Law and Adjunct Professor

W

e all understand that “harassment” can be illegal, but what constitutes “illegal harassment”? To answer this question, we turned to Shawn Newman, an Olympia-area attorney and adjunct professor at Saint Martin's University.

If you have questions about this issue, feel free to contact Shawn Newman by visiting www.newmanlaw.us Unwelcome: Harassment is unwelcome conduct that is based on a protected class characteristic. This includes: race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation and military status.1

Hostile Environment: Unless you are a Hollywood producer, legislator, TV or radio talent, quid pro quo sexual harassment is rare. Hostile environment is unlawful where 1) enduring the offensive conduct becomes a condition of continued employment, or 2) the conduct is severe or pervasive enough to create a

environment do not affect the terms or conditions of employment to a sufficiently significant degree to violate the law.”3 The conduct must be objectively and subjectively

work environment that a reasonable person would consider

abusive.

it intimidating, hostile, or abusive. Regarding stereotypical

Employer Responsibility and Liability:

sexual harassment, the employee must show that the conduct was (a) directed at a member of a protected class and (b) motivated by animus against that person based on their protected class characteristic. It is not sufficient to show that the employee suffered embarrassment, humiliation, or mental anguish arising from nondiscriminatory harassment.

“The dispositive question is whether the employee would have been subjected to harassment if she had been a man.”2 Hence, general obnoxious behavior may not constitute illegal harassment.

Pervasiveness: In deciding whether the relevant conduct was severe or pervasive enough to affect the terms and conditions of employment, courts looks at the totality of the circumstances, including the frequency and severity of the conduct, whether it was physically threatening or humiliating or merely an offensive utterance, and whether it unreasonably interfered with the employee's work performance. Lost in

The employer is automatically liable for harassment by supervisors that results in a negative employment action such as termination, failure to promote or hire, or loss of wages.4 However, unlawful harassment may occur without economic injury to, or discharge of, the victim. The employer will also be liable for harassment by non-supervisory employees or non-employees over whom the employer has control (e.g., independent contractors or customers on the premises), if it knew, or should have known about the harassment and failed to take prompt and appropriate corrective action. This may include customers.

Under Washington State Law, individuals may file a lawsuit in state court or file a complaint with the Washington State Human Rights Commission. RCW 49.60.180 establishes a legal right for an employee to sue an employer for a hostile work environment, sexual harassment, quid pro quo sexual harassment, disparate treatment and/or retaliation.

all the cacophony over sexual harassment is the fact that “casual, isolated or trivial manifestations of a discriminatory

8 • January 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

Employers can avoid liability by thurstonchamber.com

establishing: 1.

The employer has taken reasonable care to prevent and promptly correct any sexually harassing behavior (e.g. by establishing effective antiharassment policies and complaint procedures) and

2.

Showing that the plaintiff-employee unreasonably failed to take advantage of any preventative or corrective opportunities provided by the employer to avoid harm. 5

Practical Advice for Employers:6 •

Develop a written anti-harassment policy and a proactive workplace program and make sure that all employees have a copy of it. To make sure that all employees have received and understood the written policies, ask employees to sign a statement confirming their understanding of the policy, and keep a copy of the signed form in each employee's personnel file.

•

Notify employees of their rights, including how to report incidents of harassment.

•

Establish a clear complaint procedure that establishes a process for handling complaints, investigating and documenting charges, and correcting misconduct. Create an open atmosphere in which complaints can be raised without fear of retaliation.

•

Educate and train managers and supervisors about their responsibilities under the anti-harassment policy.

•

Educate and train all employees regarding responsible behavior in the workplace and appropriate procedures for reporting incidents of harassment.

•

Investigate complaints promptly and thoroughly. Employers must be proactive, avoid conflicts (i.e. hire an independent investigator) and be sensitive to the rights of the accuser and the accused (i.e. avoid defamation).

•

Take prompt and effective remedial action. Employers must exercise reasonable care to promptly correct any harassing behavior.

For further information or assistance regarding training, representation or a business check-up, contact Shawn Newman, Attorney at Law, P.S. at www. newmanlaw.us ●

See, https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/types/harassment.cfm; See also RCW 49.60 Payne v. Children's Home Soc'y, 77 Wn. App. 507, 514-515, 892 P.2d 1102 (1995).

3 See, Washington v. Boeing Co., 105 Wn. App. 1, 10, 19 P.3d 1041 (2000).

4 Burlington Indus., Inc. v. Ellerth, 524 U.S. 742, 757-59, 118 S. Ct. 2257, 141 L. Ed. 2d 633 (1998).

5 This is known as the Ellerth/Faragher affirmative defense.

6 See MRSC, Sexual Harassment http://mrsc.org/Home/Explore-Topics/Legal/ Personnel/Sexual-Harassment.aspx See also: Small Employers on Employer Liability for Harassment by Supervisors, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 04/01/2010 https://www.eeoc.gov/policy/docs/harassment-facts.html 1

2

thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  January 2018 9

2018 Distinguished Leader Honorees Announced

eadership Thurston County and the Thurston County Chamber Foundation are proud to announce the 2018 Distinguished Leader Award honorees: Abbot Neal Roth, OSB, Saint Martin’s University; Olowo-n’djo Tchala & Prairie Rose Hyde, Alaffia; and Taylor Shellfish Farms.

L

The event recognizes leaders who demonstrate outstanding initiative, inspire others and make a significant impact in our community and beyond. Honorees will be recognized through live and multi-media presentations.

in Olympia. The evening begins with a reception at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner and the program at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person or $600 for a table of eight. For information or reservations, please register at thurstonchamber.com.

For further information and partnership opportunities, please call Alisha Blain at 360.357.8515 or email LTC@ ThurstonChamber.com.

Leadership Thurston County is a program of the Thurston County Chamber Foundation and has been developing informed, engaged and committed community leaders since

The 17th annual Distinguished Leaders Awards celebration

MEMBER PROFILE

will take place on, Thursday, February 8, 2018, at the Hotel RL

1994. For information, please go to leadthurstoncounty.com . ●

The Sports Medicine at OOA

T

he Sports Medicine Team at Olympia Orthopaedic Associates strives to deliver comprehensive innovative care to the physically active population.

Utilizing a team-based approach to patient-centered treatment, our

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For more information about Drs. Bradley Christ, Dominic Femiano, Tracy Hamblin and Trent McKay, or to make an appointment, find us at olyortho.com or call (360)709-6203.●

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10 • January 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

Olympia Orthopaedics Sports Medicine Team at OOA 3901 Capital Mall Drive SW, Suite A Olympia, WA 98502 www.olyortho.com

thurstonchamber.com

JAN. 1 MAR. 15

Thurston Green Business celebrates sustainability in Thurston County.

Apply to become a Thurston Green Business or renew your designation. thurstongreenbusiness.com

REAL ESTATE LAW FROM THE GROUND UP

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Our talented attorneys bring enthusiasm, business savvy, and a healthy dose of common sense to every case we handle. The result?

FIRST-RATE LEGAL WORK YOU CAN COUNT ON. EVERY CLIENT. EVERY TIME.

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE  January 2018 11

From left to right, Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder, Thurston County Commissioner Bud Blake, Olympia Mayor Cheryl Selby, Yelm Mayor JW Foster and Tumwater Mayor Pete Kmet.

Photography by Dinea DePhoto

The State of the Community Report

F

or the State of the Community Report, we asked elected officials from the cities of Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater and 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 10 where we'll dive deeper into some of the successes, challenges and opportunities highlighted here.

12 • January 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

THE CITY OF LACEY'S REPORT Lacey’s Challenges

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e’re extremely proud that Lacey’s parks and open space inventory has grown to more than 1,200 acres — making it the largest municipal park system in Thurston County. However, only forty percent of the city’s park locations have been improved for public access and enjoyment.

Andy Ryder, Mayor of the City of Lacey

Lacey is Celebrating...

S

ignificant public and private investment in the Woodland District. In fact, the area could be described as going through a “renaissance” since the great recession.

Nearly all of the office buildings vacated by the state during the economic downturn are, or soon will be, redeveloped and leased. South Puget Sound Community College’s new Lacey campus is flourishing, and planning for two additional college structures is underway.

Securing adequate funding to ensure recreational opportunities keep pace with a growing population will be challenging. One possible solution could be to form a metropolitan parks district. Another could include submitting a parks bond proposal to the voters.

And, of course, an efficient transportation system—particularly along the Interstate 5 corridor— is critical to growing our local and regional economies. While a substantial amount of effort remains, we are confident jurisdictional partnerships formed across the South Sound provide a foundation for success.

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission will soon break ground on a new 41,000 square-foot headquarters building in the center of the district, bringing 150 jobs to the area.

In addition, three 5-story, multifamily housing structures are planned, bringing a total of 350 market-rate housing units to the district.

thurstonchamber.com

Future office buildings at "The Hub" in Lacey, photo courtesy of MJR Development

Aerial view of the Woodland District

How Lacey is Encouraging Job Growth

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he city is also proud to have recently established a $2.5 million Strategic Investment Fund— an exciting new resource designed to create a flexible “economic toolbox” supporting key economic development objectives and partnerships within the community.

Potential uses of the fund include investments in workforce training and technology to support Lacey employers, as well as investments in strategic partnerships with higher education and other institutions to create an environment of entrepreneurism.

One such example is the Port of Olympia's $6.5 million investment in 60,000 square-feet of flex industrial space at the Lacey Commerce Business Center—the port's first investment within the City of Lacey.

The city will partner with the port, via the Strategic Investment Fund, to help create small business incubator spaces at the facility.

There is also a great deal of enthusiasm for the upcoming Lacey MakerSpace project on the Saint Martin’s University campus. The project will support businesses, entrepreneurs, and inventors with workforce training and skills enhancement. A major benefit of this type of facility is the opportunity for interaction among creative people to collaborate and solve problems.

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  January 2018 13

THE CITY OF OLYMPIA'S REPORT

Cheryl Selby, Mayor of the City of Olympia

Low-income housing on Adams, downtown Olympia. Photo by Greg Raines.

Olympia is Celebrating...

Olympia’s Challenges

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N

e’re celebrating the recent passage of our public safety levy. Our council worked hard with the Olympia Police Department and community members to come up with a funding package that not only fully reinstates a downtown walking patrol but also helps address the need for mental health outreach.

Additionally, we’ll be able to continue funding our innovative “community court” approach to restorative justice for low level offenders.

Another 2017 highlight was winning a statewide planning award recognizing our work designing the “Downtown Strategy” which is our vision for growing gracefully as we accommodate an additional 5,000 new residents in our core.

Our planning staff are rock stars!

o surprises here. Olympia continues to struggle with the impacts of homelessness on our community.

There are many frustrations around this issue as Olympia shoulders the vast majority of regional services in our downtown. We’re hopeful that by staying innovative and using best practices we can move the needle, but it will take a multi-jurisdictional approach to make a real difference.

It’s not sustainable, nor fair, for Olympia to shelter our neighbouring community’s vulnerable populations year after year.

Affordable housing is the priority as we go out to ask our voters this February to approve a dedicated funding stream to increase the inventory of affordable housing with supportive services. Housing is the answer to homelessness and I hope for a regional emphasis in the coming years.

14 • January 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

How Olympia is Encouraging Job Growth

W

e are building on the success of our recently created Economic Development Director position and recently hired Mike Reid from the Port to take over the reins this coming year.

Mike inherits some exciting projects.

The re-development of the former Griswald property into an innovative partnership with the Economic Development Council and The Evergreen State College around shared work space and work force housing is one example. The City also continues to support our small business community with grants for free training from the EDC. The “ScaleUp” and TuneUp” curriculums have been a hit with local business owners.

Up and forward to 2018!

thurstonchamber.com

THE CITY OF TUMWATER'S REPORT Tumwater’s Challenges

T

umwater is home to Bush Prairie and associated state and federally-protected species, including the Mazama pocket gopher. In partnership with the Port of Olympia and the US Fish & Wildlife Service, we are preparing a Habitat Conservation Plan to protect this unique prairie habitat and associated species, while providing for future development.

Pete Kmet, Mayor of the City of Tumwater

Tumwater is Celebrating...

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he City has taken a significant step toward preserving Tumwater’s most iconic structure, the Old Brewhouse. With support from community partners, emergency repairs to preserve the Brewhouse were made by skilled volunteers using donated building materials.

Expanding Tumwater parks to keep pace with growth continues to be a challenge. Changing trends in leisure activities and sports complicate our ability to meet the demand for recreational facilities. We have convened a task force to examine this issue in more detail.

The City Council is also beginning an in-depth look at affordable housing and homelessness, with the intent of identifying ways Tumwater can help address these regional issues.

Our largest pavement maintenance project to date was completed over the summer, including repaving a major part of Capitol Boulevard.

These projects were funded by a voter-approved sales-tax increase, with over $2 million in improvements.

A recent grant award of $6.6 million from the State will fund improvements at Trosper Road and Capital Boulevard, to reduce congestion and improve pedestrian and bicycle safety at this busy intersection. thurstonchamber.com

The City of Tumwater has taken a significant step toward preserving Tumwater’s most iconic structure, the Old Brewhouse.

In partnership with Toyota, the City of Tumwater extended Tyee Drive to Israel Road, opening up a large new area for commercial development on the west side of I-5. Photo: Shane Rotter tours Toyota of Olympia in 2016 when Toyota was building their new 28-acre facility.

How Tumwater is Encouraging Job Growth

I

n partnership with Toyota, the City extended Tyee Drive to Israel Road, opening up a large new area for commercial development on the west side of I-5.

We are working in collaboration with the developer of a new Warehouse District southeast of the airport to recruit tenants seeking entry-level retail or commercial space. Several new businesses have already opened, including two bakeries, two microbreweries and a specialty food store.

Tumwater continues to build on our brewing heritage, cultivating investors and providing opportunities for economic development on the former Olympia Brewery properties. The Center for Craft Brewing and Distilling is under construction in the Craft District along Capitol Boulevard. The Center will be home to South Puget Sound Community College’s Brewing and Distilling Training Center and Heritage Distilling. The Center will serve as a hub for the craft beverage industry – and a destination for residents and visitors to Tumwater.

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  January 2018 15

THE CITY OF YELM'S REPORT

The City of Yelm, situated in south Thurston County, has picturesque views of Mt. Rainier from almost any location around the city.

JW Foster, Mayor of the City of Yelm

Yelm is Celebrating...

Y

elm is celebrating the attention we received from the DOT in moving up the completion date of the SR 510 Bypass project. When Interstate 5 has a problem, all roads lead through Yelm.

Having State Routes 510 and 507 as the only other North/ South alternative to I-5 makes it a regionally important project.

These highways provide important access to JBLM and are essential to commercial truck traffic.

Yelm’s Challenges

T

he biggest challenge to the future of Yelm is the limitation we have on water rights. There is an expectation that Yelm must build out within our defined urban growth area, yet without more water connections available, it will be difficult to do that, or attract new businesses.

We have worked with regional partners to mitigate any impact to local streams and rivers in acquiring new water sources, but have been severely impacted by recent court decisions. We have solutions in hand though and will be working with our legislative representatives to do the right thing for Yelm.

The “Yelm Loop” project will also ease congestion on Yelm Avenue which travels through our main business district as well. We are grateful to our legislative representatives who made this happen.

16 • January 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

How Yelm is Encouraging Job Growth

T

he economy in Yelm is heavily dependent on both our sales tax and the B&O tax paid by our local businesses. Those shops and stores also help make Yelm the special place it is to live, work, shop and play!

We work closely with our local Chamber and partner with the Thurston County Economic Development Council and the Olympia area Visitor and Convention Bureau to attract and support local businesses. We recently invited our business community to come together to tell us what they need to be successful and have plans to work on the things we learned through that process.

We are also developing a strategy to attract other businesses and industries to Yelm. With a population of just 8,500, Yelm also attracts over 45,000 people who come here for their services. thurstonchamber.com

THURSTON COUNTY'S REPORT Thurston County's Challenges •

•

Bud Blake, Thurston County Commission Chairman

Thurston County is Celebrating...

•

•

•

•

•

•

Becoming a Purple Heart County in honor of those who sacrificed for our county.

Implemented changes to the 2017 interim gopher review season, resulting in the completion of all project applications submitted in 2017.

Implemented a pilot project for Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) with local jurisdictions, to work with lowlevel drug and mental health offenders.

Invested in addressing failing culverts to enhance salmon habitat. Allocated a total of $4 million to replace 10 culverts in 2018.

Opened the Deschutes Falls Park after a closure of over 20 years for the public to enjoy this natural wonder.

Strengthened relationships with local jurisdictions and Tribal agencies working towards achieving regional goals.

thurstonchamber.com

Balancing the budget is becoming more difficult through revenue restrictions, unfunded mandates and state funding reductions. We continue to balance the increase in need for services with shrinking revenues.

Implementation of a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) addressing the pocket gopher habitat, which imposes financial pressures to the county.

Balancing the economic vitality of the County and protecting the environment will continue to be a challenge, plus water availability related to the Hirst decision compounds the issue.

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The replacement/remodel of the existing Courthouse requires strategic patience and public input to ensure the County provides adequate facilities to our citizens.

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Mental health and affordable housing, combined, will be the greatest challenge for our county.

Photo: Pocket gopher mound.

How Thurston County is Encouraging Job Growth •

Completed a record number of pocket gopher project reviews during the 2017 season.

Implemented changes, included reducing the maximum number of site visits, adding USFWS field biologists and County staff, completing more than 300 project applications. Also, extending hours of operation to accept permit applications, changing County Code to ease regulation, resulted in a more predictable process to issue building permits. More building permits leads to construction jobs creation.

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Added an economic development position to work on attracting industries and new business to the county.

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Easing regulation will make Thurston County more attractive for enterprises to come and do business on a long-term basis.

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Working closely with our partners at the Economic Development Council (EDC) as part of, and in alignment with, the Thurston Community Economic Alliance Strategic Plan, to coordinate our efforts to ensure a vital economic development in the County.

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  January 2018 17

Caught in the Lens...

18 • January 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

Photos taken at the following events: Morning Mixxer at Melanie Bakala State Farm, Chamber Boss of the Year Forum.

thurstonchamber.com

State of the Community Address

O

n Wednesday, January 10, Tumwater Mayor Pete Kmet, Yelm Mayor JW Foster, Olympia Mayor Cheryl Selby, Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder and Thurston County Commissioner Bud Blake will collectively present a State of the Community address.

Every year, leaders from the community share their perspectives on current issues and future prospects. Leaders

Bud Blake at the State of the Community Forum, January 2017.

will illustrate the important steps and investments made

Chamber members, and $30 for members at the door.

this past year to grow our local economy and promote new

Reservations for the State of the Community Forum are

employment.

strongly advised. Visit thurstonchamber.com or call the

This is an opportunity to engage business and community

Chamber at 360.357.3362. The Forum Sponsor is Puget Sound

leaders in a one-on-one networking setting. Forum includes

Energy. ●

lunch. The cost is $35 for general admission, $25 for prepaid

thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  January 2018 19

Thurston County Profile Written by Jim Vleming, regional labor economist - updated November 2017. Reprinted with permission.

I

n 2017, Forbes Magazine ranked the OlympiaTumwater MSA (Thurston County) #32 for the best places in the nation for business and careers. The ranking acknowledges the county’s favorable performance in the areas of cost of living, job growth, recreational and cultural opportunities and educational attainment.

Outlook The year 2017 has continued the run of positive news for the Thurston County economy. The unemployment rate has remained low and nonfarm payrolls have expanded consistently over the year.

Government employment in the county has remained steady and strong with no reason to see this trend not continuing into 2018. Ground has been broken on many new projects, including a craft brewing and retail sector in Tumwater which will

College classrooms, as it launches new craft brewing and distillery classes.

New hotels have been built or renovated and rooms are being filled on a regular basis. The general tone of this data supports a belief in continued prosperity as we march into 2018.

Labor force and unemployment (Source: Employment Security Department, WITS) Current labor force and unemployment statistics are available on the Labor area summaries page.

include craft brewing space, distillery space and South Puget Sound Community

20 • January 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

The average annual unemployment rate in the county has

Per capita income in Thurston County in 2015 was $44,155

dropped every year since 2011, when the rate was 9.0 percent.

compared to the state at $51,898 and the nation at $48,112. It

In 2016 the rate averaged 5.8 percent. This year, through

ranks 14th for per capita income in Washington state.

the September preliminary data, the county is averaging 5.0 Median household income over the period 2015 was $61,677

percent unemployment.

higher than that of the state ($61,062) and the nation ($53,889), In 2017 there have been on average 6,658 county residents

according to the U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts.

unemployed as 127,099 received paychecks. That compares to 7,604 unemployed in 2016 with 123,049 at work. Since 2014 the

The percent of the county’s population below the official

labor force has grown, demonstrating confidence in the local

poverty rate in 2015 was 12.2 percent compared to the state’s rate of 11.3 percent and the nation’s at

labor market.

Industry employment (Source: Employment Security Department, WITS) Thurston County average annual nonfarm employment totaled above 100,000 jobs from 2007 through 2009 before dropping below that level in 2010 and 2011. In 2016 employment in nonfarm categories averaged 112,900 jobs.

Through the first nine months of 2017, average employment exceeded every corresponding month of 2016, and now has surpassed the 2016

"The general tone of this data supports a belief in continued prosperity as we march into 2018."

-Jim Vleming

annual average.

12.7 percent, according to the U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts. The state and national rates are not directly comparable to the county rate because they each use different data sources.

Population (Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis; Washington State Office of Financial Management) Thurston County’s estimated population in April 2017 was 276,900. The growth rate from 2010 to 2017 in Thurston County was 9.8 percent. ●

From September 2016 to September 2017, state nonfarm jobs expanded by 2.3 percent. In Thurston County over that same time period, nonfarm employment is up 2.1 percent.

Looking at the September 2017 numbers, nonfarm payrolls in Thurston County are up 2,400 over September 2016, including government (+700), retail trade (+100) and construction

The right fit for your business.

(+1,500). Also adding steam to the economy were professional and business services, up 100.

Wages and income (Source: Employment Security Department, WITS; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; Bureau of Economic Analysis; U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey) In 2016, there were 110,188 covered employment jobs in

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Thurston County. The total payroll for 2016 was over $5.2 billion dollars.

Call me to learn how.

Alexis Miller

In 2016 the average annual wage was $47,800, compared to the

Business Development Officer 360.923.4450 alexis@twinstarcu.com

state average of $59,073.

Personal income Personal income includes earned income, investment income and government payments such as Social Security and Veterans Benefits. Investment income includes income imputed from pension funds and from owning a home. Per capita personal

TwinStarCU.com/business

income equals total personal income divided by the resident population. thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  January 2018 21

Join us...

We are headed to Paris March 2, 2018 ● 6 p.m.

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

PO BOX 1427 Olympia, WA 98507-1427