Wolbert's: Sixty Years of Caring for Thurston County Lawns & Yards
FC Olympia: Local Club Grows One Goal At A Time
Capitol City Press: Local Expertise for a Regional Reach
PUBLISHER
Thurston County Chamber of Commerce
EDITORIAL
David Schaffert
360-357-3362
dschaffert@thurstonchamber.com
CONTRIBUTORS
David Schaffert
Natasha Ashenhurst
Kathryn Millhorn
ADVERTISING
Sales & Marketing:
Krystal Barkus-Franco
Elizabeth Bretschneider
Ashley Chandler Shelbi Boyd
SUBSCRIPTIONS
360-357-3362
info@thurstonchamber.com
DESIGN
Ben Hawkes
Mosaic Marketing Studio
COVER
Wolbert's Owner Robyn Wilson, Founder Neal Wolbert and Operations Manager, Cody Cochran. Photo by Shanna Paxton Photography.
PRINTING Print NW
CONTACT THE CHAMBER 809 Legion Way SE Olympia, WA 98507 360-357-3362
In This Issue: Community, Legacy and Momentum
Welcome to the latest edition of the VOICE Magazine—your source for the people, businesses, and energy driving Thurston County forward. This month, we spotlight three stories centered on community, legacy, and momentum.
We begin with Capitol City Press, a company proving that print is anything but outdated. With long-standing ties to Thurston County and a forwardthinking mindset, they’re more than just your neighborhood print shop—they’re solution providers offering everything from influencer kits to packaging, digital campaigns, and more. What really makes Capitol City Press special is its employee-owners, who take pride in delivering excellent service and customized marketing support to organizations across the region.
Then, we head outdoors with Wolbert’s, a multi-generational, family-run company helping homeowners keep their landscapes beautiful and pest-free. With more than 60 years of dedication to healthy yards and happy homes, Wolbert’s combines experience, environmental stewardship, and strong community connection. You’ll meet the family behind the brand—and discover why their story continues to flourish across Thurston County.
Next, we take you to the pitch with FC Olympia, home of the Artesians. What began as Oly Town FC is now a community-driven path to pro soccer, honoring Olympia’s brewing history and Artesian wells. FC Olympia is also helping shape the region’s sports and entertainment economy. Fans travel from over 70 miles away to catch a match, bringing hotel bookings and dining dollars with them.
And here’s exciting news for soccer fans: Thurston County has been selected as one of nine official fan zones across Washington for the FIFA World Cup 2026, bringing global soccer excitement right to our backyard.
Whether you’re a business owner, sports enthusiast, or nature lover, there’s something for you in this issue. Let’s celebrate what makes Thurston County such a dynamic place to live, work, and play.
THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER
“ OLYFED BANKERS HAVE THE BEST ATTITUDE, FRIENDLIEST SERVICE AND ALWAYS
INTERIOR DIMENSIONS, OLYMPIA I
CEO Diane
D iane Gassman, Founder and CEO of Interior Dimensions, a full-service interior design firm has been proudly banking with OlyFed for more than a decade. Diane met a long-time OlyFed banker at an Olympia Master Builder’s meeting and was thoroughly impressed with her professionalism and kind heart.
Soon thereafter, Diane made the switch to OlyFed where she says they always work together to help with her deposits, ACH transfers and digital banking needs. “Their bankers have the best attitude and friendliest service, “Diane said. We love how they’ve helped us grow and support the community.”
It’s OlyFed’s caring approach that showed Diane the bank truly puts real relationships above the bottom line.
Gassman (right), Designer Emma Gomez (left)
July 2025
Visit thurstonchamber.com/events or scan the QR code for more info about all upcoming Thurston Chamber events.
After Hours
Join our host, Olympic Flight Museum at 7637 Old Hwy 99 SE, Tumwater, WA 98501 on Thursday, July 10 at 5:30 p.m. for a special Thurston Young Professionals Networking Event. Enjoy bites and beverages as you expand your network! All are welcome – feel free to invite other 20 to 30-year olds so they can expand their networks! Thurston Young Professionals is sponsored by KGY Media Group. Note: This month's event is on the second Thursday of the month, because of the holiday.
Join our Business After Hours host Action Business Furniture at 2316 4th Ave E, Olympia, WA 98507 on Thursday, July 17th at 5:30 p.m., for mingling and networking with other business professionals, a door prize business card drawing, beverages and appetizers. Business After Hours is a great opportunity to expand your network, and it is proudly sponsored by ROXY 94.5.
On Friday, September 5, join us for the 61st annual Foofaraw! – an unforgettable day for our local military heroes, hosted by the Thurston County Chamber and the Olympia Yacht Club. The Port of Olympia kicks things off with a grand send-off featuring local police, medics, and fire departments, and a giant American flag hoisted by one of their cranes. Includes a salmon bake provided by Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis. For more information or to donate, call the Chamber at 360-357-3362. Tickets and registration info is available at thurstonchamber.com/events
IN THIS ISSUE
From Local Roots to Regional Reach p. 7
From printing signage to direct mail and beyond, Tumwater's Capitol City Press has the expertise to help you make a lasting impression.
FC Olympia is Growing One Goal at a Time p. 10 What began as Oly Town FC in 2014 has evolved into a high-level, semi-professional club with national ambitions.
Wolbert's Keeps Thurston County Green p. 13
With over 60 years and three generations behind them, Wolbert's has provided lawn care, weed and pest control to the Thurston County area.
Caught in the Lens p. 16
Keep up with the latest Chamber happenings and see all of the great smiles that make up our membership!
From Local Roots to Regional Reach: Capitol City Press Looks Ahead
by Kathryn Millhorn
In today’s crowded marketplace, standing out is everything. A strong, recognizable brand isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. That’s where Capitol City Press in Tumwater comes in. From printing and signage to direct mail and beyond, they’ve got the tools and expertise to help your brand make a lasting impression.
As an employee-owned local business, Capitol City Press lives its motto every day: Optimism isn’t just hoping things will work out—it’s showing up with accountability, humor, and flexibility to meet ambitious goals, one day at a time.
An Employee-Owned Local Staff Helps Capitol City Press Care for You and Your Customers
Mike McKnight, President of Capitol City Press, joined the company in 2009 with more than 30 years of industry experience. What drew him in? The company’s stellar reputation—not just among customers, but across the printing profession.
“What really makes Capitol City Press special is its employee owners,” says McKnight. “That creates a level of ownership I hadn’t experienced at other companies. We take pride in being a full-service printer—offering everything from design, mailing, and finishing to packaging, wide-format, labels, digital printing, fulfillment, and e-commerce solutions.”
Capitol City Press has been employee-owned since 1997. Today, it’s one of the largest locally owned printers in the Pacific Northwest—making decisions right here, in the same community where their team lives, works, and plays.
Capitol City Press Works Both in and for their Hometown Community
Over the years, Capitol City Press has built strong partnerships with what President Mike McKnight calls “some of the biggest and best employers throughout Thurston County.” He adds, “We wouldn’t be here today without their trust in our services and solutions.”
CCP is also a proud supporter of civic-minded organizations—especially Leadership Thurston County (LTC), a program of the Thurston County Chamber Foundation. So far, six CCP employees have graduated from the program, and the team is currently exploring ways to partner with LTC on key challenges facing the printing industry.
Leadership Thurston County brings together emerging and established leaders to deepen their understanding of South Puget Sound’s issues and strengthen relationships across sectors. It’s about building a stronger future— one informed, connected leader at a time.
More than Just Printing at Capitol City Press
Capitol City Press is more than just your neighborhood print shop. As McKnight puts it, “We’re a team of consultants and solution providers who know how to execute critical campaigns that help our customers reach their target audience—across digital, print, large format, direct mail, packaging, influencer kits, and back-end engagement reporting.”
Exciting things are ahead. In Q3 2025, CCP will roll out new products and services, and a recent acquisition in Bellingham is already expanding their reach for clients north of Seattle. “Stay tuned,” says McKnight.
And remember—hardworking optimism isn’t just a motto at CCP. It’s the secret to their continued success.
“We’re not just building a soccer team. We’re building something Olympia can be proud of.”
FC Olympia: Growing the Game, One Goal at a Time
by Natasha Ashenhurst
If you've driven past a packed soccer match at The Regional Athletic Complex (RAC) in Lacey on a summer night, chances are you’ve witnessed FC Olympia in action. What began as Oly Town FC in 2014 has evolved into a high-level semi-professional club with national ambitions.
Rebranded as Artesians, FC Olympia now fields multiple men’s and women’s teams under USL League Two, a national pre-professional soccer league, and the USL W League, a national pre-professional women's soccer league. But it’s more than just a rebrand—it’s a full-blown transformation.
“We started by offering competitive opportunities for college players and elite youth,” said Ryan Perkins, General Manager of FC Olympia. “Now we’ve expanded to bring in Olympic athletes, World Cup players, and NCAA AllAmericans each summer. They live in Olympia, play world-class soccer, and inspire our community.”
Even as the club scales, it hasn’t lost sight of its mission to champion local talent. FC Olympia continues to compete in
Ryan Perkins, General Manager, FC Olympia
regional leagues like Evergreen Premier League (EPL) WA and Canadian Premier League (CPL), ensuring that hometown players—from college athletes to high school standouts—still have a place to shine.
But it’s not just what happens on the field that matters. Through the Oly Soccer Foundation, the club removes financial barriers for kids who want to experience the game. Scholarships, discounted camps, and free tickets for youth 12 and under are just part of the impact.
“We want every kid to see what’s possible,” said Perkins. “But programs like these rely on community support. We need funding to rent fields, pay coaches, and provide gear—especially when half our campers are on scholarships.”
From a business standpoint, FC Olympia is helping shape the region’s sports and entertainment economy. Fans travel from over 70 miles away to catch a match, bringing hotel bookings and dining dollars with them.
“There’s nothing else like it locally,” said Perkins. “Instead of spending hundreds to go to Seattle, you can spend $30, watch future pros, enjoy a beer garden, a kids’ zone, and be part of something electric.”
So what’s next? A stadium, of course.
Long-term goals include building a soccer-specific stadium and expanding access to turf and lit fields. With enough infrastructure, FC Olympia could even enter the professional ranks—joining the likes of the Sounders or Reign.
“We’ve been offered a pro franchise if we can secure a stadium,” Perkins shared. “We want a Ted Lasso-type experience right here in Olympia. And we’re ready to partner with local businesses and municipalities to make it happen.”
FC Olympia is proof that the beautiful game can be a powerful force— not just for fans and athletes, but for the entire community.
“Our goal is to inspire— and we can’t do it without the community.”
Celebrating 20 remarkable years at the Saint Martin’s University Gala
November 1, 2025
Join us for an unforgettable evening as we honor two decades of extraordinary moments, distinguished chefs, and the inspiring students who are at the heart of our mission.
Step into an atmosphere of timeless elegance with a speakeasy flair, and savor bold, authentic Mexican cuisine as we welcome acclaimed celebrity chef
Rick Bayless
Winner of Top Chef Masters and host of the Emmy-nominated series Mexico – One Plate at a Time, Chef Bayless brings his passion and culinary artistry to this milestone celebration. This black-tie evening supports student scholarships and celebrates the spirit of Saint Martin’s.
Reserve your tickets today at www.stmartin.edu/Gala or call 360-438-4366.
“Our family’s been helping Thurston County grow for over 60 years.”
Rooted in the Region: Wolbert’s Keeps Thurston County Green, One
Yard at a Time
Generations of Local Landscape Care
by Kathryn Millhorn
Even in the Evergreen State, a healthy yard doesn’t happen by accident. It takes care, knowledge, and a little help from people who know the land—like the team at Wolbert’s.
With over 60 years and three generations behind them, Wolbert’s has deep roots in Thurston County. From lawn care and weed management to home pest control and organic treatments, they’re dedicated to helping people make the most of their own backyards.
“We’ve built a trusted name by focusing on results and family values,” says Robyn Wilson, second-generation owner. “We live here too, so people, pets, and wildlife are always top of mind when we choose our products and services.”
A Family Business with Deep Roots
Founded by Neal Wolbert in the late 1950s, the business has remained a true family affair. Robyn took over the Thurston County branch after Neal, and now her son-in-law Cody Cochran serves as operations manager, with lead estimator Evan Ogden—who’s been with the company since 1986—rounding out the leadership team.
“What really sets us apart is our shift into the organic space,” says Cochran. “We’re not just fighting pathogens— we’re building healthier landscapes from the ground up. That means using compost-based fertilizers and focusing on soil health to let nature do the work.”
Adapting to the PNW Climate
Wolbert’s is known for customized solutions and deep local knowledge. With Thurston County’s wet winters and dry summers, they help clients navigate challenges like water conservation and plant selection.
“Our climate isn’t without its quirks,” Cochran says with a smile. “But we’ve learned to balance those conditions through decades of experience.”
New Organic Options for 2025
Wolbert’s is rolling out new organic lawn care services just in time for Summer 2025. Compost-based fertilizers, irrigation tune-ups, and droughttolerant landscaping are all part of their latest offerings aimed at sustainability and long-term yard health.
Innovation That Stays True to Its Roots
Ogden, who’s been creating custom care plans for nearly 40 years, says the company's legacy of innovation continues to grow.
“Neal was always thinking outside the box, and the next generation is taking that to the next level with new technology and natural solutions,” Ogden says. “We’re excited to open new markets while staying true to what makes Wolbert’s special.”
Whether you're dreaming of lush turf, pollinator-friendly blooms, or simply fewer weeds and pests, Wolbert’s offers a local, knowledgeable, and familyowned approach to bringing your backyard to life.
“We live here too, so people, pets, and pollinators are always top of mind.”
A Special Day for Our Military Members
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 5
Join us for the 61st annual Foofaraw! On Friday, September 5, the Thurston County Chamber and the Olympia Yacht Club will host an unforgettable day for our local military heroes.
Every year, always the first Friday after Labor Day, we gather at the Olympia Yacht Club to set sail for Island Home. Foofaraw is a special event loved by military members across the United States. Yacht club members will ferry our guests to the island, where they’ll enjoy a day filled with fun games, a delicious salmon bake, and heartfelt recognition from local leaders. This tasty feast is provided by Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel and The Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis.
The event is special, with two service members for every civilian. The Port of Olympia kicks things off with a grand send-off featuring local police, medics, and fire departments, and a giant American flag hoisted by one of their cranes.
The word "Foofaraw" means "much ado about nothing," and for one day each year, our military guests get to say "Foof" to their duties and just have fun.
Sponsor tickets are limited and only available to Chamber Members. We’re also accepting donations for the free military raffle held throughout the day.
For more information or to donate, call the Chamber at 360-357-3362. Tickets and registration information is available at thurstonchamber.com/events
Carefully Crafted Signs Provide a Competitive Advantage: Quality signage can set your business apart, making it visible, memorable, and appealing. It can increase customer confidence, inspire word-of-mouth referrals, and boost employee pride by reinforcing the brand’s commitment to excellence.
