January 2021 VOICE Magazine

J A N U A R Y

T H U R S T O N

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C O U N T Y

C H A M B E R

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January 2021

THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER VOICE MAGAZINE

Visit ThurstonChamber.com and click on the Events Calendar for the latest information regarding Chamber events.

On Tuesday, January 19, 2021, Olympia Mayor Cheryl Selby, Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder, Tumwater Mayor Peter Kmet, Yelm Mayor JW Foster and Thurston County Commissioner Tye Menser will collectively present a State of the Community Address, brought to the community by the Thurston County Chamber and sponsored by Puget Sound Energy. During the virtual event, representatives will respectively share the state of their jurisdiction and then will address moderated topics, including, but not limited to economic recovery, homelessness and affordable housing. The State of the Community Address is a virtual event and will take place on January 19, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Register at: https://live.remo.co/e/state-of-the-community-or-thurst/register

Influence Thurston Young Professionals, a Thurston Young Professionals (TYP) program, is kicking off a new year on January 22nd and continuing to connect TYPs with business leaders in our region!

TYP looks to help bridge the distance between entering into a professional work environment and the management and/or executive career paths. In the first of our series, Friday, January 22, 2021, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m., you will hear from former Olympia Mayor Doug Mah. Doug will discuss his professional journey and the importance of developing a network within your community. Register at: members.thurstonchamber.com/ events/Details/ityp-influence-thurston-young-professionals-292549?sourceTypeId=Hub INNOVATE the Workplace is a series of workshops delivered by nationally-sought-out speakers whose trainings will ignite employees to implement new and innovative strategies in the areas of employee care, human resources and community engagement. Visit members.thurstonchamber.com/events for more information.

2021 Shared Legislative Partnership Priorities p. 7 Public Policy Director, Doug Mah shares priorities for the new year.

2021 L&I Changes and What You Need to Know p. 9 A new, higher state minimum wage, and prohibited employment restrictions are among the changes for 2021.

State of the Community p. 11 Local elected officials convey the state of their jurisdictions and assess their response to the COVID-19 crisis.

Olympia p. 11 Lacey p. 13 Thurston County p. 15 Tumwater p. 17 Yelm p. 19 Crown Beverage Packaging Expands the County's Manufacturing Workforce p. 20 Forty new Thurston County jobs to be added as Crown adds a third production line.

INNOVATE: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Workshop Series to Debut p. 22

Tuesdays @ 2 VIRTUAL NETWORKING EVENT

Join Chamber Staff, Elizabeth Bretschneider and Ashley Chandler Tuesdays @ 2 for Thurston County Chamber's Virtual Networking Event! Every Tuesday @ 2, you have the opportunity to meet, tell us about your business, what a good referral looks like, or how you value our community.

You create relationships. See you there! Register at ThurstonChamber.com/Events.

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In This Issue...

The Chamber (and sponsor Comcast) are pleased to present a new workshop series focused on breaking down racial and cultural barriers to inclusion in the workplace.

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magazine

A Washington Free of Barriers to Racial Equity

by David Schaffert, Thurston County Chamber President/CEO

PUBLISHER Thurston County Chamber of Commerce EDITORIAL David Schaffert 360-357-3362 dschaffert@thurstonchamber.com

In December 2020, some of the world’s largest companies and employers in Washington State made a public commitment to drive racial equity in the corporate sector; advocate for racial equity in our communities and public policy; and be accountable and transparent in the efforts to ensure racial equity for Black Washingtonians. The Thurston Chamber is proud to sign on to this commitment and to be part of the solution.

The data comparing the experiences of Black and white Washingtonians across multiple

CONTRIBUTORS David Schaffert Doug Mah Emily Sixta Alison Bailey

dimensions of life—education, healthcare, criminal justice, personal finance and the corporate

ADVERTISING Sales & Marketing: Krystal Barkus Elizabeth Bretschneider Ashley Chandler

As a first step, the Thurston Chamber joins Challenge Seattle, Washington Roundtable and

SUBSCRIPTIONS 360-357-3362 info@thurstonchamber.com DESIGN Ben Hawkes Mosaic Marketing Studio COVER Our Local Elected Officials, photos by Poppi Photography PRINTING Print NW CONTACT THE CHAMBER 809 Legion Way SE Olympia, WA 98507 360-357-3362 info@thurstonchamber.com thurstonchamber.com

workplace confirms that Black Washingtonians experience inequity in all aspects of life. There is clear and compelling evidence that racial bias and structural inequities exist in our country, our state and our community. To learn more, please read the report at www.employers4equity.org.

more than 55 other companies as part of a statewide coalition of employers committed to a racially equitable future. The coalition, called “Washington Employers for Racial Equity” will work collectively to achieve parity in hiring, pay and promotion for Black Washingtonians, support Black-owned businesses and invest resources to support racial equity. The coalition will set measurable targets, assess progress and publicly report its collective results.

By signing on to the commitment, The Chamber commits to owning our part of the problem, to actively contribute to solutions and to use our voices to advocate for racial equity. As part of the coalition, we believe that all Washingtonians must have the same opportunities free from the barriers of racism. We believe racial equity is achievable in our state. And, we believe the private sector has a vital role to play in creating lasting change in support of racial equity for Black Washingtonians.

The Chamber kicks off a three-part workshop on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion on January 13th. We will gain an understanding of how to create a sense of belonging and an atmosphere in which everyone can thrive and help expand our perception of diverse groups. The Chamber is pleased to provide our community with local, state and nationally recognized speakers and to help us meet our shared commitment to achieving racial equity.

We look forward to working together with you and partnering to achieve an equitable future for Washington and Thurston County. Thank you for all that you do for our communities.

THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER BUILDING COMMUNITY PROSPERITY SINCE 1874 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. ©2021 VOICE Magazine, Thurston County Chamber.

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2021 Shared Legislative Partnership Priorities

E

ach year, the Public Policy Division of the Thurston Chamber convenes the Shared Legislative Partnership. The Partnership works to advance regional priorities for the upcoming State Legislative session. These priorities, when approved, will provide multiple and broad benefits to the entire region due to the significant scope and impact across and between entities. The list of regional priorities for 2021 include the following:

Habitat Conservation Plan Implementation – Tumwater and the Port of Olympia The listing of the Mazama Pocket Gopher under the Federal Endangered Species Act and subsequent requirements to protect habitat require the City to set aside and conserve land from future development. Funds will start up the initial acquisition of land suitable for conservation. The initial start-up funds help to expedite the conservation process as well as help open economic development opportunities.

(Capital Budget - $2,500,000)

Beverage Quality Laboratory Equipment and Instrumentation – Tumwater Craft District

by Doug Mah, Doug Mah & Associates and Thurston Chamber Public Policy Director

Planning & Congestion Strategies – Interstate 5 I-5 is the lifeline of Washington State commerce, transportation and Joint Base Lewis-McChord’s mission readiness. The section of highway spanning the Nisqually Delta impedes salmon and habitat recovery and is at a growing risk of major flooding events. The entire system between JBLM and Tumwater is strategically important but is inefficient and subject to rapidly increasing congestion. Current planning and analysis indicate that design and environmental review are needed to: 1) assess elevating I-5 through the Nisqually estuary to mitigate habitat and flood risks and 2) add a new lane from Mounts Road to SR 101. In addition, improvements are needed for the alternative routes in the Yelm area to keep the State moving when an incident on I-5 "breaks" the system.

Finally, a series of projects and improvements are needed to provide short- and medium-term congestion relief. The total cost to address the entire corridor in the next major transportation package will exceed $4.2 billion and must include elevating I-5 across the Nisqually Delta, replacing bridges, widening railroad trestles, reducing flooding impacts and restoring critical ecological functions to increase salmon survival. (Transportation Budget – $204,000,000)

The Shared Legislative Partnership has proven to be an effective way to advocate for regional investments with the State Legislature. These priorities focus on common interests Laboratory and analytical services are needed by breweries, to maintain the region’s economic vitality and generate wineries and distilleries across the South Puget Sound region opportunities that enhance the quality of life for residents to meet State and Federal regulatory requirements. Working in the Thurston County Region. The Shared Legislative within the South Puget Sound Community College’s Craft Brewing and Distilling Program, a properly equipped Beverage Partnership is convened by the Thurston County Chamber, in partnership with the cities of Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm, Quality Laboratory will provide training opportunities for Thurston County, the Port of Olympia, South Puget Sound students, support the fermentation science field and provide Community College, the Thurston Regional Planning Council, an important service to the growing commercial craft and the Thurston Economic Development Council. beverage industry. (Capital Budget - $750,000) thurstonchamber.com

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Department of Labor & Industries Changes for 2021

The state minimum wage will rise to $13.69 per hour on January 1st.

In addition, local minimum wage rates will increase in Seattle ($16.69 per hour) and SeaTac ($16.57 per hour)

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

by Emily Sixta

A

s we all look forward to the new year and what it will bring, employers should also be looking to the WA Department of Labor & Industries to stay up-to-date on changes coming in 2021 that affect their business.

Minimum Wage The state minimum wage will rise to $13.69 per hour on January 1st, 2021. In addition, local minimum wage rates will increase in Seattle ($16.69 per hour) and SeaTac ($16.57 per hour). Employers should also keep in mind that the rise in the state minimum wage means the minimum salary threshold for overtime exempt workers will increase for both small and large employers.

Isolated Worker Protections The Sexual Harassment Prevention Act, which originally went into effect in January of 2020, requiring businesses within certain industries to provide isolated workers with sexual harassment prevention training, resources for seeking help and a panic button to keep them safe on the job, will expand to include employers in the following industries: • • • •

Hotels Motels Retail Security Guard Services

•

Property Services Contractors (including Commercial Janitorial Services)

• Small Employers (1-50 employees): $821.40 per week, or $42,712.80 per year

• Large Employers (51+ Required Signage employees): $958.30 per A new year, a new poster. There have been updates made week, or $49,831.60 per year to the required “Your Rights as a Worker” poster and the new version must be properly displayed in the workplace.

To learn more about updates to the Washington State overtime This poster can be found at: https://www.lni.wa.gov/formsrules that you’ll see in the coming years, see our previous article publications/F700-074-000.pdf in the Voice, https://thurstonchamber.com/july-updates-towashington-state-overtime-rules-what-you-need-to-know/.

Non-Compete Agreement Restrictions Non-compete agreements prevent employees who leave a company from doing similar work for a competitor or for themselves as their own business for a stated length of time.

Washington State has implemented an annual earnings minimum which companies must meet in order to utilize these types of agreements. These minimums are adjusted by the Consumer Price Index each year and as of January 1, 2021, that minimum will be $101,390 for employees and $253,475 for independent contractors.

Prohibited Employment Restrictions Prohibited employment restrictions allow employees earning under a certain wage to moonlight or work other jobs at one time. In other words, employers cannot prohibit an employee from a second (or more) job or running their own side business unless they are paid greater than twice the minimum wage.

Starting in January 2021, that threshold will be $27.38 per hour, or $56,950.40 per year. thurstonchamber.com

For further information regarding the various changes in 2021, please see the resources below.

Minimum Wage https://lni.wa.gov/workers-rights/wages/minimum-wage/ Minimum Salary Thresholds for Exempt Workers https:// content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WADLI/bulletins/2a3b068 Non-Compete Agreement Restrictions https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=49.62 Prohibited Employment Restrictions https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=49.62 Isolated Worker Protections https://app.leg.wa.gov/Rcw/default.aspx?cite=49.60.515 Poster Requirements https://lni.wa.gov/forms-publications/f101-054-000.pdf Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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

This year, we asked elected officials from Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, Yelm and Thurston County, to respond to one question for the State of the Community Report. Their responses are on the following pages.

Read this report and then attend the Thurston Chamber’s State of the Community Virtual Event on Tuesday, January 19, 2021. Learn more and how to register for the event on page 3.

MAYOR

Cheryl Selby

Olympia

: “The COVID-19 pandemic made 2020 one of the most challenging years in history for many businesses. How did your city pivot to help businesses and families through the crisis; how did the community respond; and why does this give you optimism for the new year?”

One of the first things we did was recognize that this virus and the economic devastation it would leave in its path, wouldn’t care about City boundaries. Thurston County residents may live in Tumwater, work in Olympia, take the kids to childcare in Lacey and have loved ones that live in Yelm. We’re deeply intertwined, and an infection in one area inevitably hurts all of us.

Working quickly with neighboring cities, the County and economic development practitioners, we helped convene a regional economic recovery task force and had contracts in place with the Chamber of Commerce and the EDC in early April. The seed money we provided helped get the “Thurston Strong” alliance up and running. This helped our region leverage already available expertise and platforms to get immediate help

thurstonchamber.com

to impacted employers and employees throughout Thurston County. The investment that the City made in the Thurston EDC’s Business Resource Hotline is a another example of this – last I heard, the hotline had over 10,000 points of contact. In addition, Olympia made an early contribution (and 2 more subsequent contributions) to the United Way and the Community Foundation COVID-19 Relief Fund so that we could get crucial assistance to some of our most vulnerable populations.

I’m optimistic about our future because we are a deeply resilient community and this crisis has forced all of us to work together closer than we ever had before. I believe that with these reinforced partnerships and regional teamwork we can conquer even the most complex challenges ahead.

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MAYOR

Andy Ryder

: “The COVID-19 pandemic made 2020 one of the most challenging years in history for many businesses.

How did your city pivot to help businesses and families through the crisis; how did the community respond; and why does this give you optimism for the new year?”

In late-March 2020—just three days after the Governor issued the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order—Lacey’s City Council authorized a $1 million Small Business Stabilization Program utilizing City reserve funds. The program provided relief to eligible small businesses in Lacey, impacted by COVID-19. Grants up to $10,000 were available to assist with lease payments, payroll and related expenses. With program operational support from the Thurston Economic Development Council (EDC), 110 businesses received grants by the end of May, preserving nearly 500 jobs.

To further assist Lacey’s business community, the City Council authorized the extension of first quarter B&O tax payments by 90 days; created online resources to provide quick access to federal COVID-response programs assisting businesses; and suspended portions of the city’s sign ordinance, allowing temporary signage to promote curbside and take-out services.

On a regional level, Lacey participated with our neighboring jurisdictions, Thurston County Chamber and the EDC in a successful collaboration, “Thurston Strong.” This effort helped direct more than $180,000 in funding to Lacey childcare providers to ensure capacity remained available to our community’s workforce dependent upon their services. This effort also provided needed masks and sanitation supplies so thurstonchamber.com

businesses could safely reopen to customers.

To help families and individuals overcome by the financial disruption caused by COVID-19, the City Council waived penalties and suspended disconnection of service to customers unable to pay their bills. To address food insecurity, the City directed over $250,000 in CARES Act funding to United Way and the Homeless Backpacks program and worked with the Thurston County Food Bank to establish a pop-up food distribution site at Saint Martin’s University, which served more than 3,000 households in its first 6 months.

And, in partnership with Community Action Council, the City provided nearly $800,000 in direct assistance to Lacey residents struggling to meet rent and mortgage payments, basic utilities and childcare expenses.

In total, nearly $2.3 million was directed toward Lacey’s COVID-19 recovery efforts.

All of these efforts and actions demonstrate the resiliency and compassion of our community. Through this shared experience of responding to this historic health crisis, Lacey is more confident than ever that the Thurston County region can overcome any challenge or difficulty to secure a better future for everyone.

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6. In partnership with the City of Tumwater and U.S. Fish and

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7. In partnership with the Frank Family, Squaxin Island Tribe and

Salmon Defense, developed and maintains the Billy Frank Jr. Park and Trail to provide a historical and educational self-guided walking tour.

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Inquiries@PortOlympia.com

: “The COVID-19 pandemic made 2020 one of the most challenging years in history for many businesses. How did your city pivot to help businesses and families through the crisis; how did the community respond; and why does this give you optimism for the new year?”

A

t the beginning of 2020, no one in county government—or the world—could have predicted the onset and ongoing impacts, of the COVID-19 pandemic. From the initial stages of this emergency, Thurston County has actively responded, with our Public Health and Social Services Department serving on the front lines. We have worked tirelessly to protect our community, especially families with children and help our local businesses.

Thurston County received federal CARES Act money and other grants to help respond to COVID-19. We quickly prioritized these funds by allocating: •

$7.5 million to the Thurston Strong coalition to support economic recovery activities including restaurant-retail grants, nonprofit grants, childcare grants, business resiliency training, personal protective equipment purchases and distribution to businesses and microbusiness reopening support grants.

•

$2.3 million to United Way, for food shortages, shelter & youth services needs.

•

$4.4 million to Community Action Council, for rent, utility assistance and associate housing costs to county residents at risk of losing their homes, by providing direct payment to landlords and utility providers.

•

$2.8 million to other organizations, who help unsheltered individuals in our community, by creating additional shelter capacity and addressing basic hygiene needs.

•

$1 million per month in our overall public health response, including testing, case investigation, contact tracing, isolation and quarantine facilities and business support on re-opening strategies.

The County implemented strategies to address the financial impacts by reducing budgets, eliminating vacant positions and implementing a hiring freeze. We also took steps to repurpose County housing and social service contracts to meet the specific challenges of the pandemic.

The community stepped up and responded positively in a variety of ways. Businesses pivoted, adapted their business models and the community supported local businesses through those changes. A reason for optimism is that Thurston County has not been hit as hard as many other counties around the state economically. The structure of our local economy has proven resilient and this intrinsic resilience is, in part, a product of collaboration and the strong local partnerships between the County, municipalities, Economic Development Council, Chambers of Commerce and the larger business community.

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: “The COVID-19 pandemic made 2020 one of the most challenging years in history for many businesses.

How did your city pivot to help businesses and families through the crisis; how did the community respond; and why does this give you optimism for the new year?”

MAYOR

Peter Kmet "While we still have challenges ahead, with the announcement of vaccine distribution, we can see renewed optimism in Tumwater... We will come through this stronger, better and more able to meet the challenges of the future."

The COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions abruptly changed the work of the City. Our first order of business was to determine how to maintain essential services in a safe manner. Every employee in a position that could work remotely was asked to so do. Field staff were divided into teams to prevent the spread of the virus throughout the organization. We closed City Hall, parks and facilities and canceled recreation programs.

One of the first actions taken was to suspend water shut-offs for nonpayment and late payment penalties for businesses and residents. In response to concerns about safety from workers in the grocery industry, our plastic bag ban was suspended. City webpages were developed specifically for residents and businesses, with links to local non-profits providing services to persons in need and local, state and federal resources. thurstonchamber.com

Tumwater

“Tumwater 2 Go,” an interactive map of Tumwater restaurants, was launched to promote local businesses providing curbside pickup, takeout and delivery.

City emergency funds and federal COVID-19 relief dollars were allocated to non-profit organizations providing direct services to residents. We have contributed to the Thurston Strong initiative supporting local businesses and workers. Our participation in this regional economic development network gave us access to funds and administrative support to distribute PPE, process grant applications, manage federal relief funding and deliver checks to businesses.

Throughout our community, people are wearing masks, businesses are doing their best to comply with restrictions and residents are supporting the many nonprofits that serve our community.

New home construction is booming.

With an online portal for plan submittals, our staff continues to process building permits in a timely manner. City parks and Tumwater Valley Golf Course have reopened with appropriate safety measures, community members are participating in an array of online recreation classes and programs and seniors have access to meal delivery services.

While we still have challenges ahead, with the announcement of vaccine distribution, we can see renewed optimism in Tumwater. Tumwater elected officials, City staff, businesses and residents have demonstrated resiliency and grit that is inspiring. We will come through this stronger, better and more able to meet the challenges of the future. We look forward to hosting community events and enjoying the company of one another once again.

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W

e know now, more than ever, leaders in our community are utilizing this disruptive time to lead through change and turn challenges into opportunities. The Leadership Thurston County Board of Regents would like to recognize those efforts through the “Community Leadership Awards.”

the course of the past year, that often goes beyond their own organization. Leaders are often the unsung heroes working tirelessly behind the scenes. Please join us in taking a moment to nominate someone, or an organization, you feel embodies community leadership and went above and beyond over the course of 2020.

The Community Leadership Awards will recognize leaders who have demonstrated outstanding initiative, inspired others and made a significant impact over

Leadership Thurston County will be accepting nominations through January 20 and honorees will be recognized at their place of business on February 25.

Leadership recognition during unprecedented times

Presenting Partner: TwinStar Credit Union

Nominate the local leader that inspired you this past year at: https://leadthurstoncounty.com/community-leadership-awards/

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Yelm Yelm has always been a neighbor-helping-neighbor kind of community. As soon as businesses started closing and some people lost their jobs, community service organizations and churches stepped up their existing programs to distribute food and hygiene necessities. So much food was donated, they actually ran into storage and distribution challenges!

But no one in Yelm went hungry.

Locals started helping locals right away. Individuals with stable incomes took the opportunity to support local businesses to such a degree that our sales tax revenue actually increased.

Other than not being able to find toilet paper or potatoes for a few months, the supply chain stayed intact and Yelm citizens were able to acquire most basic goods and services.

One family used their expected relief check money to seed a new “Yelm Community Relief Fund” to help citizens pay their bills. Partnering with the existing ACU Credit Union Foundation to receive donations and with TOGETHER! to process applications and write the checks, the fund quickly attracted many generous donors.

MAYOR

JW Foster : “The COVID-19 pandemic made 2020 one of the most challenging years in history for many businesses. How did your city pivot to help businesses and families through the crisis; how did the community respond; and why does this give you optimism for the new year?”

thurstonchamber.com

The City Council allocated an additional $35,000 of the expected Relief Fund disbursement from the State to that fund. The Council also authorized a small-business grant program to help mitigate the effects of the Stay Home Stay Safe guidelines. So far, in addition to covering the City’s increased expenses to maintain a safe work environment for our employees, we’ve been able to distribute over $35,000 in direct aid to citizens and $215,000 in small business grants.

Yelm Community Schools quickly established a mobile lunch program for their student families and when some folks couldn’t make it to the distribution points, local volunteers stepped up to assist in delivering meals to those homes.

The City made sure no one had their water turned off for nonpayment and created programs for citizens to defer payment of their bills on a no-interest contract. We held a business town hall to understand the needs of our local shop and restaurant owners and helped point them to other sources of relief like Thurston Strong and Commerce Department grant opportunities.

In short, Yelm folk did not let 2020 defeat them and we’re looking forward to 2021 with optimism and pride in our community.

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Crown Beverage Packaging Expands Thurston County’s Manufacturing Workforce

A third production line adds 40 jobs in 2021

Crown's Olympia facility is expanding by nearly 20,000 square feet to accommodate a new production line and 40 new employees in 2021.

by Alison Bailey

Few know that there is a facility on Fones Road that produces over five million aluminum beverage cans per day. Crown Beverage Packaging is a quiet leader in manufacturing excellence here in Thurston County and has been for over 60 years. Established to can for the Olympia Brewing Company in the late 1950s, Crown currently employs 118 full-time team members and cans beverages for producers all over the continent.

They’re especially proud to can for PepsiCo Northwest Beverages right here in Tumwater.

By the third quarter of 2021, Olympia’s Crown plant will have added an entirely new production line, hired an additional 40 employees and upped production to nine million cans per day. “The demand for aluminum beverage cans is higher than it’s been in the past,” explains Tony Ellison, the plant’s superintendent. “Honestly, we’re having a little trouble keeping up.”

This level of growth requires an updated and expanded facility. Construction is well underway to increase their plant’s footprint by nearly 20,000 square feet. Crown is working with contractors from around the South Sound, including Christensen Inc. General Contractors right here in Tumwater.

The City of Olympia, the Thurston Economic Development Council (EDC) and the Thurston County Chamber have been supportive of Crown’s expansion. The Thurston County 20 I

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Chamber and Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council have helped Crown expand their workforce. Late last year, the Chamber helped Crown host its first virtual job fair.

“The majority of the positions we’re hiring are for what we call Maintainers,” Ellison explains. “These are the individuals responsible for the maintenance and operation of the can making equipment on the floor.” These are hands-on, detailoriented, well-paying union positions. Crown runs four 12-hour shifts, so all hours worked over the standard eight are paid at time and a half. Employees who work night shifts are paid an additional five percent.

This is the kind of workforce expansion Thurston County loves to see, especially on the part of a leader in manufacturing excellence like Crown Cork. “One of the things I’m most proud of is the strides this company is making from an environmental and sustainability perspective,” Ellison says. Last October, The Wall Street Journal released a comprehensive list of corporate leaders in sustainability. They assessed over 5,500 companies and Crown Cork landed at number 93.

By the fall, Crown will be a nearly 160-person operation humming 24 hours a day, seven days a week right here in Thurston County. That’s 40 more individuals bringing home a fair living wage to pay their living expenses and contribute to the local economy when they choose to patronize Thurston County restaurants, retailers and other small businesses. thurstonchamber.com

Crown’s Olympia facility will produce 1.7 billion aluminum beverage cans in 2020. These cans have just been lacquered on the inside to prevent aluminum from coming into contact with the beverage they will eventually contain.

Crown Beverage Packaging proudly offers a variety of aluminum beverage cans for beverage makers around the continent.

THERE’S ONLY ONE

If you or anyone you know might be interested

in starting a career at Crown, they can visit crowncork.com/careers and search “Olympia” to view current opportunities. Check back often because this leader in manufacturing is expanding our workforce!

"Businesses such as Crown are an excellent example of how a company can grow and thrive when local partners wraparound support for them. Our partnerships with Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council, WorkSource and Career Connect Washington empower our Business Solutions Team to assist employers with their recruitment, training and retention strategies," said Megan Fiess, VP of Workforce and Strategic Initiatives at the Thurston Chamber. "We've enjoyed assisting Crown with their expansion and look forward to helping grow their career pathways and on-the-job training programs." thurstonchamber.com

ARCHIBALD SISTERS ARCHIBALDSISTERS.COM DOWNTOWN

Olympia

SINCE 1975 BEST OF 2019 THE OLYMPIAN • BEST OF 2020 SHOWCASE MAGAZINE

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Parfait Bassalé, Executive Diversity Officer, South Puget Sound Community College

Bobby Humes, Director, Seattle Department of Human Resources

Dr. "Bowtie" Todd Jenkins, Founder & CEO of Bowtie Leadership and Development, Inc.

Thurston Chamber’s New Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Workshop Series is Free and Open to the Community Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Workshop Series

The Thurston County Chamber’s INNOVATE the Workplace workshop series continues in January 2021 with a focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Attendees will gain skills to break down racial and cultural barriers and gain an understanding of how creating a sense of belonging will create an atmosphere in which everyone can thrive.

The series will kick-off on January 13 with speaker, Parfait Bassalé, Executive Diversity Officer at South Puget Sound Community College. Bassalé will teach attendees how to create and sustain a vibrant learning and working environment and expand our perception of diverse groups. Bobby Humes will present the second workshop on January 20 and will explore how to build successful diversity, equity and inclusion strategies in the workplace. Dr. “Bowtie” Todd Jenkins will present the third and final workshop in the series, titled, “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Moving from Diversity to Inclusion: COVID 19 and Beyond.”

January 13, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – "The Journey Home; Barriers & Keys to Belonging" with Parfait Bassalé. Learn more and register at: https://thurstonchamber.growthzoneapp. com/ap/Events/Register/kLxe1OZr?sourceTypeId=Website January 20, 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – "Human Resources" with Bobby Humes. Learn more and register at: http://members. thurstonchamber.com/events/Details/diversity-equityinclusion-human-resources-292354?sourceTypeId=Website January 27, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – "Moving from Diversity to Inclusion: COVID-19 and Beyond" with Dr. Todd Jenkins.

Learn more and register at: http://members.thurstonchamber. com/events/Details/diversity-equity-and-inclusionmoving-from-diversity-to-inclusion-covid-19-and-beyond292894?sourceTypeId=Website Thank you to Comcast for sponsoring this workshop series and to our program partners, Saint Martin's University, Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council and WorkSource.

The INNOVATE the Workplace – Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Series is a weekly virtual event series taking place on Wednesdays, January 13, 20 and 27.

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Caught in the Lens

Keep up with the latest Chamber happenings – Ribbon Cuttings, Thankful in Thurston, Tying Our Community Back Together and Thurston Strong campaigns. Find more at the Thurston Chamber's Facebook page: facebook.com/ThurstonCountyChamber

Your business’s most important resources are human resources.

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Worksource Washington – We work for you!

The Employment Security Department and WorkSource are equal opportunity employers/programs. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. WA Relay 711

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The Rants Group Heritage Bank Olympia L & E Bottling Company, Inc. Morningside Olympia Federal Savings Olympia South Puget Sound Community College Providence St. Peter Hospital Pardiman Productions SCJ Alliance Phillips Burgess, PLLC

Port of Olympia

Puget Sound Energy

Saint Martin's University

FORMA Construction Company

Wells Fargo Community Bank

Lucky Eagle Casino and Hotel

Little Creek Casino & Resort

Olympia Orthopaedic Associates, PLLC

Washington Business Bank

TwinStar Credit Union Corporate Office

The Thurston County Chamber sends a BIG THANK YOU to ALL of our investors. With members like you, we are able to provide a sustainable business community in Thurston County as well as foster growth and positive change. Only through your support can we continue to fund important community initiatives and lead the way for business.

Thank You!

Comcast

PLATINUM

DIAMOND

South Sound Behavioral Hospital

Caliber Home Loans

1st Security Bank Home Lending

Hooper Financial Services

American Workforce Group

Charter College

Olympia Furniture Company

Great Wolf Lodge

Venables Pest Management

Hometown Property Management, Inc.

Nisqually Red Wind Casino

Columbia Bank Downtown

The Creative Office

Community Youth Services

Mills & Mills Funeral Home

GHB Insurance, Inc.

GOLD

Express Employment Professionals The Firs Senior Living Community First Citizens Bank TAGS Awards and Specialties Budd Bay Cafe KeyBank Martin Way AAA Washington Inland Michael White Agency Farmers Insurance Nicholson & Associates Insurance Edward Jones Dirk Farrar, Financial Advisor Big Brothers, Big Sisters of SW WA Window Genie Jensen Milner Cap City Law PS Greene Realty Group Charlie's Safari The Family Fun Center RHD Enterprises, Inc. Madcap Marketing Bakala State Farm Family Education and Support Services Morgan Stanley Mike Marohn, Financial Advisor 94.5 ROXY T & S Cleaning, Inc.

SILVER

PO BOX 1427 Olympia, WA 98507-1427