Thurston County Chamber of Commerce VOICE Magazine

JULY/AUG 2013

Thurston county chamber of commerce

m a g a z i n e

Meet Dr. Tim Stokes:

Aligning Workforce & Economic Needs in Our Community See Page 12 B ui l di ng C ommunity Prosperity for over 1 35 years

Contents

Calendar

Page 3................ President’s Column: Exiting Military Provide Edge Page 3..........................................................................Save the Date!

July 2 Morning Mixxer - 7:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m. - Pellegrino’s Event Center 5757 Littlerock Road, Tumwater

Page 4............Chair’s Column: Let’s Start Working On Capitol Lake

July 2 SBA Loan Seminar - Noon -1 p.m. - Thurston County Chamber

Page 5..............Forum: Thurston Thrives, Uniting to Improve Health

July 10 Forum - 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Saint Martin’s Norman Worthington Conference Center. Topic: “Thurston Thrives”

Page 5................................Leads Groups Nurture Economic Vitality Page 6.......................................Commit To Hiring America’s Heroes

July 18 Business After Hours - 5:30-7:30 p.m. - Hands on Children’s Museum, 414 Jefferson St. NE, Olympia

Page 9....2013 - 2014 Thurston County Chamber Board of Trustees Page 9..............................................Navigating Health Care Reform Page 10................................................................Networking Events Page 12..........Cover Story: Dr. Tim Stokes, South Puget Sound CC Page 20............. Chamber’s L&I Program Saving Employers Money

August 6 SBA Loan Seminar - Noon -1 p.m. - Thurston County Chamber

August 15 Business After Hours - 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. - T Brother’s 417 Plum Street SE, Olympia

www.thurstonchamber.com info@thurstonchamber.com 360.357.3362

Published bimonthly by the Thurston County Chamber.

August 6 Morning Mixxer - 7:30-8:30 a.m. - Earth Friendly Products 8735 Commerce Place Dr., NE Suite A, Lacey

August 14 Forum - 11:30 a.m. -1 p.m. - Saint Martin’s Norman Worthington Conference Center.

809 Legion Way P.O. Box 1427 Olympia, WA 98507

Copyright © 2007 Thurston County Chamber ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

August 3 Olympia Brew Fest - 1 p.m. - 8 p.m. - Port Plaza

Join the conversation online at facebook.com/ThurstonCountyChamber.

These events require pre-registration at www.thurstonchamber.com

Building Community Prosperity for over 135 years Diamond Investors:

Platinum Investors

Gold Investors

Capital Medical Center • The Creative Office GCI Ad Agency • GHB Insurance Heritage Bank • Key Bank Lucky Eagle Casino Mills & Mills Funeral Home & Memorial Park Morningside • O BEE Credit Union TwinStar Credit Union Washington Business Bank Williams Group Marketing + Design

Alternative Marketing Connections Columbia Bank • First Citizens Bank Express Employment Professionals Great Wolf Lodge • Jessica Jensen Law PS LOTT Alliance • Nisqually Red Wind Casino Pardiman Productions • Providence St. Peter Hospital • Puget Sound Energy Red Lion Hotel Olympia • Saint Martin’s University SCJ Alliance • Web-Sites-For-Less.com • Xerox

Chamber Board & Staff Executive Officers Mike Marohn, Chair Morgan Stanley Ron Bruchet, Chair Elect GHB Insurance Mariella Cummings, Vice Chair Physicians of SW WA Neil Woody, Treasurer McSwain & Company PS Reid Bates, Past Chair Express Employment Professionals

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Board of Trustees Michael Cade, Thurston EDC Jean Carr, SCJ Alliance Casey Cochrane, Puget Sound Energy Jessica Coen, Xerox Dick Cvitanich, Olympia School District Jeff Davis, Port of Olympia Cheryl Fambles, PAC Mountain Workforce Development Council

Jim Geist, Capital Medical Center Perry Hanchey, Diamond Technology Inc. George Le Masurier, The Olympian Cheryl Selby, Vivala Jerald Shaw, Anchor Bank Kevin Stormans, Stormans Inc. Sandi Wilson, Thurston First Bank

Editor: David Schaffert

Chamber Staff David Schaffert, President/CEO Dave Sisk, VP Member Services Sytease Geib, VP Workforce Development Pam Singleton, Finance Officer Alisha Blain, Events Coordinator Melissa Wanmer, Admin. Assistant Debbie Burk, Workforce Development Beth Johnson, Member Services Patti Grant, Leadership Thurston County

Layout & Design: Natasha Ashenhurst Printing: ABC Printing Thurston County Chamber VOICE

www.thurstonchamber.com

Message from Your Chamber President

Exiting Military Provide Edge

By David Schaffert, Thurston County Chamber of Commerce President/CEO

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everal years ago, pre-recession, I talked with some of the larger employers in the region assessing their human resource needs. It marked the beginning of a regional conversation on exiting military and their career opportunities.

During this conversation, I had an epiphany: Military veterans are a tremendous, competitive advantage for our region and employers, and that — as a region — we needed to collectively look at ways to harness this human capital.

pipeline to employers in Thurston County by enrolling exiting military David Schaffert prior to separation, and assessing skills and career opportunities. Then Pacific Mountain works directly with the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce to coordinate private sector employment opportunities. The Chamber does this in concert with WorkSource, Thurston Economic Development Council and the Employment Security Department.

Workforce development organizations, government, education, and business development groups have begun to align to provide exiting military with career opportunities — while at the same time provide the private sector with a workforce pool of trainable, adaptable, highly dependable, leadership-capable individuals who will create success for their employers.

Last year, the Chamber surveyed employer’s willingness to hire veterans. More than a hundred employers identified themselves as having a preference to hire veterans. This effort is just the beginning for our region, and in the coming months and years, we will build on this work to create new opportunities for exiting military in our region’s workforce.

Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council is spearheading this work. Pacific Mountain provides exiting military a direct

If you would like to take advantage of hiring exiting military, please contact the Chamber at 360.357.3362. 

Save the Date!

Check out these exciting events organized by the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce.

Foofaraw Military Appreciation Friday, Sept. 6.; Island Home; Military appreciation event hosted by the Chamber and the Olympia Yacht Club. Sponsorship opportunities available.

Saturday, Aug. 3, 1 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Port Plaza; Tickets $25; 21+ only; www.olybrewfest.com Brew, food and music benefiting the Small Business Incubator.

Commemorative Stein Sponsor

Event Sponsors

Business Showcase: Where Business Connects!

Wednesday, Oct. 9.; Saint Martin’s Marcus Pavilion; Call the Chamber for booth reservations: 360.357.3362 Networking, purchasing, and marketing event for local businesses, and buyers.

Bite of Business After Hours Oct. 17.; Indian Summer Golf & Country Club; Chamber members mingle and munch on samples from local business members. Interested in being a vendor? Contact Chamber Member Services at 360.357.3362.

Puddle Jump! 5K-10K Run/Walk/Stroll Saturday, Nov. 2.; Chehalis-Western Trail; www.thurstonchamber.com Chamber Foundation 5K and 10K. Call the Chamber at 360.357.3362. Vendor opportunities available.

More information about upcoming events can be found at www.thurstonchamber.com. www.thurstonchamber.com

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Message from the 2013-14 Board Chair

Let’s Start Working On Capitol Lake

By Mike Marohn, Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor and part owner of 94.5 ROXY

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ou’ll find me cycling around Capitol Lake four or five times a week. On a sunny day, hundreds of walkers, joggers, and cyclists all compete for space on the path — but that is part of the fun and instills a sense of community in those of us who love spending time there.

As a community member, I find peace and solace at the lake.

As a business owner and Chamber member, I understand the economic impact a thriving cultural hub has on the community. I understand the value of the lake is more than aesthetic. The lake allows three three marinas to exist, the Port of Olympia to stay busy, and by extension, our downtown to thrive.

Protection Association (CLIPA), I believe that a managed approach is the only environmentally sound, Mike Marohn cost-effective and communitybased solution that the citizens of Thurston County and the state will accept. To delay this project any longer will increase the eventual cost of dredging both Capitol Lake and the marine waters of Lower Budd Inlet.

If we choose to do nothing, the lake will turn into a mud flat, wiping out three marinas, the yacht club and parts of downtown Olympia.

Now, Capitol Lake is at risk. It is full of sediment, and — according to state studies — up to six feet of sediment will build up over the next few years in Lower Budd Inlet.

Implementation of a maintenance program is crucial in order to avoid losing the lake and Lower Budd Inlet to a tidal mud flat.

I’ve been attending CLIPA meetings for almost a year now.

I am passionate about preserving this community treasure.

Please take the time and learn about this issue, then join the conversation for a vibrant economy and community.

As a member of the Capitol Lake Improvement and

www.savecapitollake.org. 

If you want to learn more about CLIPA and its efforts, visit

ARE YOU IN?

Sponsored by

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July/Aug 2013 l

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

www.thurstonchamber.com

Leads Groups Nurture Economic Vitality With New Relationships

Forum - Wednesday, July 10

Groups Unite To Improve County Health

Thurston County Chamber Forum Event Wednesday, July 10, 11:30 a.m.

Saint Martin’s University Norman Worthington Conference Center

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veryone plays a part in the health of Thurston County, and improving health in our community is an effort shared by many people and organizations.

Please join us for a keynote address by Don Sloma, director of Public Health and Social Services of Thurston County.

Sloma will introduce Thurston Thrives, a program spearheaded by The Thurston County Board of Health.

Thurston Thrives is a partnership with community leaders from business, education, city governments, neighborhoods, local charities, social, and medical care Program groups.

Sponsors The program was created to honor what Thurston County does for families’ health, to celebrate collective efforts, and find ways to improve the health of citizens.

We hope you will join us to learn more about this important endeavor.

Media Sponsors

Forum includes lunch and the cost is $30 for general admission, $20 for prepaid Chamber members, and $25 for members at the door.

Visit www.thurstonchamber.com to make your reservation today, or call 360.357.3362. •

www.thurstonchamber.com

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he Chamber’s Leads Groups demonstrate the value of active participation in business development groups.

Each of the five leads groups — listed below — include business owners and sales professionals from non-competitive industries committed to help each other cultivate their businesses.

“I have been attending a Chamber leads group for the last five years,” said Tom Lally, an agent with GHB Insurance. “I have seen an increase in business and built lasting relationships with other business owners.”

Leads at Lunch

Capitol Leads

Tuesdays; 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Ramblin’ Jacks; 520 4th Ave, Olympia; Contact: Dave Sisk, 360.357.3362

Wednesdays; 7:45 to 9 a.m.; Elyse’s Catering; 3238 Capitol Blvd S., Tumwater; Contact: Julie Darby, 360.357.3362

Top Flight Thursdays; Noon to 1 p.m.

Pellegrino’s Event Center; 5757 Littlerock Road S.W., Tumwater; Contact: Dave Sisk, 360.357.3362

Wired Thursdays; 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.; AAA Travel; 2525 Capital Mall Dr., Olympia Contact: Beth Johnson, 360.357.3362

Women’s Referral Group 2nd and 4th Thursdays; 5:15 to 6:15 p.m.; Sound City Coffee; 125 Tumwater Blvd S.E., Suite 119, Tumwater; Located in the Old Towne Plaza near Olympia Airport Contact 360.357.3362 or Julie Darby

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Commit To Hiring America’s Heroes

By Sytease Geib s the Heroes at Home 2 Program comes to a conclusion, the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that it has been selected by Pac Mountain Workforce Development Council and Consortium for a Rapid Response grant as a subcontractor to assist transitioning military members to take steps toward a new civilian career.

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area if local jobs are available. Therefore, Thurston and Pierce counties can expect an influx of job-ready, military veterans with prior training in a variety of skill areas.

Enrollment for Camo to Commerce is

This program — aptly titled “Camo to Commerce” — will assist transitioning soldiers in connecting with employers desiring to use the transferrable skills soldiers have developed through a military career and plug them into positions within the civilian sector.

The Thurston County Chamber, in partnership with the Thurston Economic Two-tour Marine veteran, Patrick, returning home, met by Development Council, his wife, Kate. will identify and create partnerships with businesses interested in under way, and the Thurston County utilizing the highly qualified yet largely Chamber is working with local businesses untapped workforce of transitioning to match program participants with military personnel. current job openings.

According to information from the To learn more about this job-ready Army Career Alumni Program, the U.S. workforce solution, please contact Department of Defense will carry out the Chamber at 360.357.3362 a number of military base closures and or email Sytease Geib, VP of realignments over the next few years.

Workforce Development, at As a result, the number of military and civilian personnel reassigned to Joint Base sgeib@thurstonchamber.com.

Lewis-McChord is expected to increase exponentially. In addition to the military spouses we have been helping through the Heroes at Home 2 program, as many as 500 soldiers a month are expected to exit the military over the next three years.

This means more than 6,000 soldiers are expected to exit the military in 2013 alone.

Many of these soldiers have indicated that they would like to remain in this 6l

July/Aug 2013 l

Funding is made available through the Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council and Consortium.

The Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council is an equal opportunity employer and provider of employment and training services.

Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to persons with disabilities. 

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

The Advantages There are many advantages to hiring a veteran. Here are some of the benefits of hiring the veterans enrolled in our program.

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Program participants are eligible to receive On-the-Job Training Dollars to offset the cost of additional training.

Employers are reimbursed up to 50 percent of the participant’s wages during their training period of up to three months.

• Employers can claim a federal tax credit for each participant hired.

• Access to a pool of highly trained and skilled candidates.

Snapshot of skills veterans can bring to any workforce: • • • • • • • • •

Ability to learn new skills and concepts.

Propensity to employ strong leadership skills.

Ability to work well independently and as a member of a team.

Strong interpersonal skills.

Hands-on experience with technology and globalization.

Ability to work efficiently and diligently in a fastpaced environment.

Respect for procedures and accountability.

High levels of personal integrity.

Potential to triumph over adversity.

Sytease Geib is the Vice President of Workforce Development at the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce.

Contact: 360.357.3362 or SGeib@thurstonchamber.com www.thurstonchamber.com

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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The 2013-2014 Thurston County Chamber of Commerce Board of Trustees

Mike Marohn Chair 94.5 ROXY

Ron Bruchet Chair Elect GHB Insurance

Mariella Cummings Vice Chair

Neil Woody Treasurer McSwain & Company P.S.

Michael Cade Thurston EDC

Jean Carr SCJ Alliance

Casey Cochrane Puget Sound Energy

Jessica Coen Xerox Company

Jim Geist Capital Medical Center

Perry Hanchey Diamond Technology Inc.

George Le Masurier

Cheryl Selby Vivala

Physicians of SW WA

The Olympian

Reid Bates

David Schaffert President/CEO

Dick Cvitanich Olympia School District

Jeff Davis Port of Olympia

Cheryl Fambles

Jerald Shaw Anchor Bank

Kevin Stormans Stormans Inc.

Past Chair Express Employment Professionals

PAC Mountain Workforce Development Council

Sandi Wilson Thurston First Bank

Need Help Navigating Health Care Reform?

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he implementation day for the Affordable Care Act is Jan. 14, 2014, and it is quickly approaching. To help Thurston County Chamber of Commerce members navigate this complex issue, the Chamber is partnering with GHB Insurance to provide members with important information that they need about health care reform and the Affordable Care Act.

Twice each month, in the Online VOICE and Chamber Connection publications, the Chamber will distribute materials that discuss a specific topic relating to the ACA in detail.

According to GHB President Ron Bruchet, a recent Kaiser Family Foundation poll Ron Bruchet revealed that 42 percent of Americans think that the ACA was either repealed or overturned.

“There are a lot of misunderstandings about the law,” he said.

“The bottom line is that — beginning in 2014 — everyone is going to be affected by the Affordable Care Act, but few understand how the changes will affect them. We’re providing information on this topic to demystify and help Chamber www.thurstonchamber.com

members navigate this complicated issue.”

Look for topics such as: • • • • •

Calculating FTE ACA – How it Affects Large Employers ACA – How it Affects Small Employers Individual Subsidies All About the State Exchange

You can sign up for the Chamber’s newsletters at www.thurstonchamber.com.  Thurston County Chamber VOICE l July/Aug 2013 l 9

Networking Events Morning Mixxer July 2 - 7:30 a.m.

August 6 - 7:30 a.m.

5757 Littlerock Road SW, Tumwater

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8735 Commerce Place Dr., NE Suite A, Lacey

Bring Your Appetite

Earth Friendly Products

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arth Friendly Products pledge that their products are environmentally responsible, work well, provide value, and that they will conduct business in a socially responsible manner that safeguards the earth. At this Morning Mixxer join us to tour their sustainable manufacturing facility where they make their award winning line of environmentally friendly cleaning products.

oin us at the new and beautifully renovated Pellegrino’s Event Center in Tumwater. Pellegrino’s provides catering for any occasion at this new space and they are already booking weddings and receptions. Pellegrino’s catering will provide this morning event with: fresh baked muffins & pastries, Italian turkey sausage bites, pancake dippers, fresh seasonal fruit, mini breakfast quiche, and coffee and juice.

Morning Mixxer is the first Tuesday of each month, from 7:30-8:30 a.m.

Locations vary. Includes coffee and pastries. General admission $10; Chamber members $5.

Morning Mixxer Promotional Sponsors

Business After Hours July 18 - 5:30 p.m.

August 15 - 5:30 p.m.

414 Jefferson Street NE, Olympia

417 Plum St. SE, Olympia

Play the Night Away at Hands On Children’s Museum

Wine and Beer Tasting

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pecial sneak preview of Grown Ups Only Night at Hands On! Join Music Delight for your favorite tunes while you explore the new Hands On Children’s Museum at East Bay! Discover over 100 exhibits and activities: build a boat or a race car, check out the 25-foot Airways Maze and slide down the 2-story Tides to Trees Climber and Slide. Sample delicious hors d’oeuvres, mocktails, and desserts provided by the Museum’s Preferred Event Vendors.

Enter for a chance to win free passes to the Museum, a discount on a Private After-Hours Event, and more! **Please note the Museum will be open to our regular patrons during this event.

July/Aug 2013 l

T Brothers has over 1,000 different varieties of wine, including a large stock of Washington and California wines.

Enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres and fabulous door prizes. Once a state run liquor store, owner Thielen has successfully re-branded T Brothers Liquor & Wine Lodge as a locally and family-owned business that focuses on great selection, competitive pricing and a knowledgeable staff.

Business After Hours is the third Thursday of each month, from 5:307:30 p.m. Locations vary. General admission $20; Chamber members $10.

Business After Hours Promotional Sponsors 10 l

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oin us for an evening of wine and beer tasting in the T Brothers Liquor Lodge wine cellar.

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

www.thurstonchamber.com

LOCAL • ADVANCED • CARE • • • • • • • • •

110 Beds 24 hr Emergency Care Level IV Trauma Designation Critical/Intensive Care Unit State-of-the-Art Cardiac Cath Lab Cardiopulmonary & Respiratory Care Cardiac Rehab Program Full Dagnostic Imaging (X-ray, MRI, Ultrasound, CT) at hospital Full-Service Outpatient Imaging Center (X-ray, MRI, Ultrasound, CT)

• Interventional Radiology Services • PET/CT • Digital mammography • Echocardiography • Nuclear Medicine • Accredited Non-invasive Vascular Lab • 6 Surgery Suites • Medical Surgical Floor • Advance Wound Center • Radiation Therapy • Women’s Services OB & GYN • Private Birthing Suites • Newborn Nursery

• Lactation Specialist offering Breastfeeding Instruction • Comprehensive Neurosurgery Program • Joint & Spine Center • Pain Clinic • Physical Therapy • Urinary Incontinence Treatment • Vestibular Rehabilitation & Balance Program • Lymphedema Program • Massage Therapy • Hand Therapy Program • Fibromyalgia Program • Full-Service Lab

• Registered Dietitian • 24 hr Hospitalist Physicians • Friendly, Experienced Staff and Volunteers CLINICS: • Capital ENT • Capital Family & Sports Medicine • Capital Neurology • Capital Urology • Olympia Family & Internal Medicine

Your community hospital

Physician referral 1-800-798-5143 • (360) 754-5858 • 1-888-677-9757 • 3900 Capital Mall Drive SW, Olympia, WA • www.CapitalMedical.com

• Dividend-earning business checking accounts & savings accounts • Business Visa® credit cards

Member Business Services TwinStarCU.com

• Small business term loans • Operating lines of credit

• Business online banking

• Business Visa® credit cards

• Merchant card services • ACH origination & full-service Payroll Solutions • Preferred Business Partnerships • Employee Benefit Plans

• Commercial real estate loans Call 1.800.258.3115 and ask for Business Loan Expert Jim Minder

Call 1.800.258.3115 and ask for one of our local Business Experts:

Corinn ext. 4596

www.thurstonchamber.com

Gary ext. 4452

Gayla ext. 4560

Jim ext. 4495

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SPSCC’s Rapid, Dynamic Response

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By Natasha Ashenhurst

hen Dr. Tim Stokes recalls his work history, he proudly states that his first job was “fly killer.” He received a nickel for every fly he killed at his grandfather’s hardware store. The third-grader took his job — an early entrepreneurial lesson — seriously.

Stokes grew up in Hampton, Ark., 40 miles east of Hope, Ark. — birthplace of President Bill Clinton. Stokes’ family had known the Clintons a long time.

when I was only four years old,” he said.

“My earliest memory was handing out ‘Clinton for Attorney General’ pamphlets

passion for his work as president of South

The 43-year-old Stokes has a subtle Southern drawl, a ready laugh, and a

His path to SPSCC began when he left high school early to attend Lyon College in Batesville, Ark. During his senior year at Lyon, he had to complete a service learning project.

Puget Sound Community College.

Dr. Tim Stokes, president of South Puget Sound Community College, standing in front of a student art exhibit at the Kenneth J. Minnaert Center for the Arts at SPSCC. 12 • July/Aug 2013 l

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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to be here.”

“It was 1991, and … I joined the Clinton presidential campaign as part of the advance team,” he said. “From there, I worked at the White House for three years as the liaison for the chief of staff to the Department of Commerce. I worked on (the North America Free Trade Agreement) and the Workforce Investment Act.”

Stokes is proud to work with the faculty and staff at SPSCC. “The thing I hear most from faculty and staff is they know that the work they do every day matters,” he said. “We feel fortunate to be in this business.”

Stokes loved working for the Clinton Administration, and especially liked the link to his home state of Arkansas.

Partners in prosperity Stokes is adamant that the formation of community partnerships is crucial in creating prosperity. The fastpaced business environment demands that the educational systems respond by preparing students to meet the needs of the community.

“We had keggers and catfish every Friday,” he said. “Those years were a lot of fun.”

Family illness required Stokes to cut his work at the White House short and return to Arkansas, but he soon found another position closer to home.

“When I was 23 years old, I became dean of allied health and information technology at South Arkansas Community College in El Dorado, Ark.,” said Stokes. “It was there that I realized that the nexus for workforce is the community college, and I fell in love with workforce and economic development.”

Commitment to underserved populations Stokes completed his doctorate in education at the University of Arkansas, and went on to work at various colleges and universities.

“My doctoral dissertation won dissertation of the year (in 2002), and I travelled to Seattle to accept the award. There I met (Dr. Pamela Transue,) the president of Tacoma Community College, and we hit it off,” he said. “In 2004, I accepted the position of executive vice president for academic and student affairs at TCC.” In Tacoma, Stokes helped narrow the achievement gap of under-represented students, and last year, the diversity of the graduating class mirrored the surrounding community diversity www.thurstonchamber.com

Teaching critical thinking and technology skills remain top priorities of the SPSCC faculty. For example, SPSCC has a college-wide program The wood carving is called Welcome Pole, created by to ensure that every graduating master carver Andrea Wilbur-Sigo, a member of the student has completed Squaxin Island Tribe. It sits in the plaza outside of an information literacy SPSCC’s Student Union Building. component. for the first time in the history of the “We have just been through the fourth college. great reset in the economy. You can “The whole team was committed to look across the globe and easily find diversity and equity,” he said. low-skilled employees at low wages,” said Stokes. “Right now, 33 percent ‘A jewel among of Americans have a two-year degree other colleges’ or higher. In order to maintain our economic status in the world, that Once Stokes established himself in number needs to be at least at 60 Tacoma, he became more familiar with percent by 2020. That is 25 million SPSCC, and soon learned that thenmore people.”

President Gerald Pumphrey was planning to retire.

“SPSCC is considered a jewel among other colleges in the system because of its incredible board, community support and role in workforce development,” he said. “Not only that, but the academic programming at the college is superior and there is a high completion rate.”

“I really went after the job. I am so glad

That is where community colleges come in.

“There are not enough seats at fouryear colleges, so community colleges are going to have to carry that load to produce those graduates,” said Stokes.

The adaptability of the community Continued on Page 15

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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Continued from Page 13 college model positions SPSCC to meet the need for graduates in Thurston County. A key component is SPSCC’s ability to provide a seat for every student who applies, in one capacity or another.

Technology-based learning: Hybrid instruction model The college, under Stokes’ leadership, will continue to pursue technology-based learning by offering a hybrid instruction model involving online education, along with on-site instruction.

“The model we have for online learning is the best in the country. It is flexible and innovative,” Stokes said.

Online instruction is just one example of using technology and innovation to sustain the community college model, and one more way that SPSCC is a critical player in workforce development.

“We can work with any student and put them on the pathway to prosperity,” said Stokes.

South Sound Entrepreneurial Center in Lacey Since moving to South Puget Sound, Stokes has noticed a strong small business entrepreneur component to the local economy, and this allied strongly with his interest in workforce and economic development.

“One of the things we are working on is our small business administration component: corporate and continuing education,” Stokes said. “Together with the (Thurston County) Economic Development Council, we are spearheading efforts to establish the South Sound Entrepreneurial Center at (SPSCC’s) Rowe Six satellite campus in Lacey.”

The Thurston County Chamber of Commerce, Saint Martin’s University and the City of Lacey are also joining the partnership. www.thurstonchamber.com

“We will put together a degree-granting program in entrepreneurship. We will be one of the only programs like this in the country,” Stokes said.

Stokes’ vision of this new venture is to “be the catalyst for creating and growing high-wage, high value, private-sector companies.”

Plans include a business center for veterans, a business incubator, an alpha-product test facility for manufacturing, and leveraging a private sector funding network.

The entrepreneurial center is designed to support small- and medium-sized enterprises by providing an incubator of creativity, not only help establish businesses, but to help accelerate them. Stokes says a lot of businesses are able to get started on their own, but then they need help. Research shows that certain businesses — regardless of their size — create jobs, and generally grow faster than others. Some need help “gazelling,” or jumping forward to success.

Then there are the veterans returning from active service. Stokes plans for the center to play a large part in finding a place for these men and women in the local workforce. “(Veterans) leave the service with great skills,” he said. “If we can create an entrepreneurial center with a specialty for former service members and veterans, we will have done a great job growing the economy in Thurston County.

“The Chamber is going to be at the table as a primary partner in this. (The center’s efforts align) so well with the work that the Chamber is already doing with veterans and spouses of veterans.”

Stokes’ role at SPSCC not only satisfies his passion for workforce development, but also his interest in aligning the cultural

and economic needs of the community.

“I love this job, because — at a community college — you get to do a little bit of everything,” said Stokes. “We have an incredible arts community in Olympia and at the college. We have a gallery attached to the theater, and there is student work hanging there right now. Their work is incredible, and on par with many exhibits I’ve seen at museums across the country.

“It is a great example of the synergy that SPSCC has with Thurston County.

Everyone has an oar in the water, and everyone is rowing.”  Natasha Ashenhurst is a writer for the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce VOICE. Contact: 360.357.3362 or nashenhurst@thurstonchamber.com

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Membership Anniversaries

Thank you to the following members for renewing your membership with Thurston County Chamber of Commerce in April and May. (Represents consecutive years.)

Payne & Associates, Inc. Perfect Touch Auto Detailing Rocky Top Homebrew Supplies Thurston County Chamber Benefit Trust Trusteed Plans Service Corporation WalMart Washington Business Bank WOIS - The Career Info. System

25+ YEARS Bliss & Skeen, CPA Color Graphics State Farm Insurance - John Forespring The Rants Group

21-24 YEARS Berschauer Phillips Construction Elyse’s Catering, Inc. Emperor’s Palace Fairway Collections Gary Burk Hatton Godat Pantier Olympia Federal Savings Ralph’s Thriftway Sterling Savings Bank Timberland Regional Library Together!

TwinStar Credit Union Wells Fargo Home Mortgage 16-20 YEARS A Steve’s Professional Truck AAA Washington - Inland Anchor Bank - Lacey Capital Collision Center, Inc. Capitol Dental Center Columbia Bank - Olympia Doug Mah & Associates Genie Payroll Services Harborstone Credit Union Heritage Bank KeyBank Leadership Thurston County Morgan Stanley Nisqually Red Wind Casino Occasions Catering & Special Events Olympia Emergency Services, PLLC Olympic Truck & Auto

6-10 YEARS Abbey Capitol Floors & Interiors ABC Pediatrics, PLLC Alarm Center Bayview Catering Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Washington Brandman University - Lacey Campus Breckenridge Apartments Homes Brooks Plumbing Company Brown & Seelye Calcara Family Chiropractic Cheryl’s Alterations CHOICE Regional Health Network Dreamtime Snaks Educational Service District 113 H2O Jet, Inc. Harmony Hill Retreat Center Healthy Future Pediatrics Heritage Family Medicine, Inc. Isagenix - Mary Lou Hansen KB Family Practice Law Offices of Allen T. Miller, PLLC Maddox & Laffoon, PS New York Life Olympia Orthopaedic Associates, PLLC Owens Davies Fristoe Taylor & Schultz, PS Precious Metalsmith

Reynolds Real Estate Seattle Children’s Olympia Clinic Silver Springs Organics Sunshine House Swantown Marina & Boatworks The Olympia Tumwater Foundation Viewpoint At West Bay YMCA Youth & Government 1-5 YEARS A Quality Cleaning Service Ace Fire & Security Systems Americool Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC Aqua Vita Therapy Arbonne International - Vena Villanueva Back on Track Chiropractic & Massage, LLC Best Western Plus Lacey Inn & Suites Black Lake Cross Fit Capital Bookkeeping Solutions Capitol Alarm Inc. Cedar Crest Homes, LLC Clothes Mentor Dayle Designs Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Epic Realty Express Advertising & Promotions Family Medicine Clinic Floodex Inc. Geddes Home Energy Services Co. Generations Credit Union Hawks Prairie Home Furnishings Outlet Jennie Patton, Attorney At Law Jones & Roberts Company JTS General Contractor, LLC Kalich Construction Law Office of Mark N. Allen, P.S. Loading Dock Supply Marv’s Marvlus Pit B-B-Q

Medicine Creek Winery Nancy J. LaPointe Financial Services Noel Communications Ocean Shores Reservations Olympia Computer Central Olympia Fireplace & Spa Olympia Manor Skilled Nursing & Rehab Center Pellegrinos Italian Kitchen & Catering Pettit Oil Company Quinault Beach Resort and Casino Radiance Herbs & Massage Rainier Park Liquor & Beverage RE/MAX Four Seasons - Cecilia Mikler RE/MAX Parkside Affiliates - Jim Simmons Rebuilding Together Thurston County RockMyMonkey.com SCJ Alliance Sean Walsh Law SHAG Boardwalk Apartments South Sound Manor Event Center South Sound Radiology Spin Tees Screenprint and Graphics Sports Perfected Training Center LLC Sterile Surgical Systems T. Brothers Liquor Lodge The Call Center The Detailing Pros Mobile Auto Detailing The Ranger, NW Airlifter, & Weekly Volcano Thurston County Prosecutor’s Office Tuff Kookie Productions Tumwater Eye Center, Inc. Voices from the House VUE Ward Lending Group, LLC Washington Health Insurance Agency Woytowich Design Yelm Glass Company

(360) 357-5561 • (877) 802-6897 • AAA.com AUTOMOTIVE | TRAVEL | INSURANCE | DISCOUNTS

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Welcome the Chamber’s New Members from April and May

Aflac - Angel Anderson

Angel Anderson Insurance

Alley Oop Gymnastics Center

Kitty Dorling www.alleyoopgymnasticscenter. com Gymnastics Instruction American Red Cross

Tracy Peacock www.redcross.org/rainier Organizations and Associations Arachane Investigations LLC

Matthew Stidham www.arachaneinvestigations.com Investigators Bamboo & You

Carletta Rawlings www.bambooandu.com Retail

Clean ‘n Chrome

Volker Brunke www.clean-n-chrome.com Auto Detailing Goodstein Law Group

Carolyn Lake Legal Services

Gremlin Juice

Richard March www.gremlinjuice.com Cigar, Cigarette & Tobacco Retail Keller Williams - Kevin Gordham

Kevin Gordham www.kevingordham.com Real Estate Companies

Lacey Collision Center, Inc.

Junell Villines www.laceycollisioncenter.com Auto Body Repair & Paint Liberty Mutual

Walker Clark libertymutual.com

A NOTE, S GIVE AV

!

E A NOTE

Fill in your name & address below. Pass the notes out to all your friends. When they get their carpets cleaned & turn in the note, we will mail you a coupon to get 5% off your next residential carpet cleaning. Coupons can be combined!

A Steve’s Professional Truck Mounted Steam Cleaning “A referral is the best compliment a customer can give.”

Insurance

Lowe’s - Olympia

Jeff Pratt www.lowes.com Retail

MaxCARE of Washington, Inc.

Melissa Roesch www.maxcare247.com Restoration Service

Miss Moffett’s Mystical Cupcakes

Rachel Young www.mysticalcupcakes.com Bakers - Retail Newspin Photo

Red Williamson www.newspinphoto.com Photographers Papa John’s Olympia

Jaime Mathias Restaurants

Cleaning Services-Commercial and Residential

Terry’s Automotive Group

Tod Holmstrom www.terrysautomotive.com Auto Repair & Service Three Girls Media

Erika Montgomery www.threegirlsmedia.com Marketing Consultants Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc.

Heather Perdelwitz Financial Planning Consultants Trinity Massage & Wellness

DeAnna Billings www.trinitymassageand wellness.com Massage Therapy

Venti Productions LLC

Deborah Lee www.rescare.com Home Health Services

Kimberly Halinen www.southsoundwomenshow. com Video Production Services

The Statement

Viktoria Cleaning Service

ResCare HomeCare

Mike Seelig www.thestatement.org Beauty Salons & Services Sunny Day’s Customized Cleaning

Sunalina Dayton

Brian Van Eycke Janitor Service

Wilson Appraisal Service, LLC

Jean Marie Wilson www.wilsonappraisal.com Appraisers

SBA Loan Seminars for May and June July 2 and Aug. 6, Noon-1 p.m.

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My Frie

t Me Sen

Turn in this referral note to your carpet cleaning technician at time of service and your friend will receive 5% off their next residential carpet cleaning.

CALL NOW FOR AN APPOINTMENT! 360-701-9544 * 253-691-3150 For more referral notes, find us on Facebook!

www.thurstonchamber.com

The Small Business Administration is the largest source of long-term small business financing in the nation. Private lenders make the loans and the SBA guarantees a percentage of the loan amount up to $3.75 million.

Seminar topics include: Sponsored by: • SBA Loan Guarantee Program • Eligibility and Credit Requirements • The Loan Process • Financing Alternative • Business Plan or Loan Proposal Resources

Seminar held at the Thurston County Chamber.

Call 360.357.3362 or visit www.thurstonchamber.com to register.

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Chamber’s L&I Program Saving Employers Money

T

he Thurston County Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, has created one of Washington’s most successful retro programs.

Retro programs help employers reduce industrial insurance costs through refunds from the state. According to Jessica Nau, assistant program manager at Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, the average refund is in Washington is 23 to 26 percent of the standard premiums paid into the program.

Retail and professional businesses, as well as manufacturers, can join the GVCC Retro Program through the Thurston County Chamber.

For a free assessment, contact the Chamber at 360.357.3362.

The program is designed to help Thurston County employers by:

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Lowering risk.

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Improving industrial insurance rates.

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Having claims settled swiftly and

control services for cost containment.

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Reducing workload related to L&I claim management.

Providing refunds of varying percentages of annual premiums.

appropriately.

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Providing risk management and loss

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Providing assistance with organization safety programs.

Need a doctor?

Offering more than 20 clinics and 135 specialized providers in Thurston, Lewis & Grays Harbor counties.

• Adult primary care • Cancer care • Cardiology • Diabetes care • Endocrinology • Family medicine • General surgery

• Gynecology & obstetrics • Internal medicine • Neurosurgery • Physiatry • Psychiatry • Urology

www.provmedicalgroup.org

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Many Ways to Play at the Port this Summer

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Sand in the City

owntown Olympia and the Port of Olympia have a fun-filled summer planned for Thurston County. Mark your calendar and plan to attend these events!

Aug. 23-25; Hand’s On Children’s Museum, 414 Jefferson St NE

Music in the Park

July 10 – Aug. 2; Sylvester Park This summer concert series is held every Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Sylvester Park, with the exception of the performance on Friday, Aug. 2, at 7 p.m. at the Port of Olympia. For more information, visit www.musicintheparkolympia.com.

Capital Lakefair

July 17-21 – Capitol Lake and surrounding area This annual five-day community festival includes a carnival, summer sidewalk sale, kid’s day, Lakefair Run, volleyball tournament, battle of the bands, food concession booths, live

entertainment, fireworks display and much more. For more information, visit www.lakefair.org.

The South Sound’s largest family sand festival includes a community sand sculpting competition, giant sandboxes for play, art and educational activities, live animals, a marine touch tank, a climbing wall, live entertainment, and local food vendors.

Visit www.hocm.org/sandinthecity

Olympia Brew Fest Aug. 3; Port Plaza

Olympia Traverse

Saturday, July 27; Port Plaza Olympia Traverse is a multi-sport adventure relay for solo, tandem, relay and Traverse Company Teams celebrating the life cycle of wild salmon. It all starts out in the Capitol Forest and winds its way into downtown Olympia. For more information, visit www.olympiatraverse.com.

Join the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce for the Second Annual Olympia Brew Fest benefiting the Thurston County Small Business Incubator. This celebration will feature more than 60 different Northwest brews, food and live music. For more information, visit www.olybrewfest.com.

Destination Olympia Marina Facilities

700+ moorage slips, two-lane launch ramp, restrooms showers & laundry, free wi-fi, ample parking & picnic areas.

Boatworks Facilities 77-ton Travelift, 3.6-acre yard, environmentally efficient water treatment, marine repair services.

Swantown Marina - 360.528.8049 • Swantown Boatworks - 360.528.8059 • www.swantownmarina.com

www.thurstonchamber.com

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PO BOX 1427 Olympia, WA 98507-1427

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