June 2018 VOICE Magazine

JUNE 2018

THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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Kaiser Permanente Executive Profile

Capital Medical Center Aiming High & An Alliance

Physicians of Southwest Washington

Innovation in a changing industry

Hope Can we measure it?

BU I LDI NG CO MMUNI TY PROSPERITY FOR OVER 140 YEARS

The Changing Nature of Health Care in Thurston County PUBLISHER Thurston County Chamber of Commerce

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

CONTRIBUTORS David Schaffert Rebekah Finn

By David Schaffert, Thurston Chamber President/CEO

I

n this issue of the VOICE Magazine, we highlight three health care organizations in our community. All three are working in an ever-changing arena—and it is worth noting these stories don’t begin to tell the story of health care in our community.

Health care is a significant part of the fabric of our community. Quality health care is an

Doria Maselli Christina Butcher Dinea Norell

essential part of a high-functioning community; it provides critical services to our citizens

Heather Harris Natasha Ashenhurst

ADVERTISING Sales and Marketing:

and it has a significant impact on the local economy. The economics and workforce numbers are significant. In 2017, health care total wages were nearly $653 million, roughly

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

one-fifth our local workforce, and $1.3 billion of our Gross Regional Product.

Email: info@thurstonchamber.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS Phone: (360) 357-3362

In past VOICE issues, we have focused on the addition of mental health capacity added

Email: info@thurstonchamber.com

DESIGN Mosaic Marketing Studio

by US HealthVest in the Woodland District, and The Providence Community Care Center, and in a future issue we'll profile Providence’s efforts to increase our community’s mental

COVER ART Benjamen Wilson, Regional Director

health capacity with partner Fairfax Behavioral Health.

of Clinical Operations & Market Integration for the Olympia and Puyallup regions at Kaiser. Photo by Dinea dePhoto taken at the Olympia Kaiser campus.

The Chamber recognizes our health care industry as a driver of our local economy and a

PRINTING

critical piece of community infrastructure. It cuts a wide path in our community, and our

Print NW

CONTACT THE CHAMBER

ability to engage and support it is vital to the health care sector. •

PO Box 1427 809 Legion Way SE Olympia, WA 98507 Phone: (360) 357-3362 Email: info@thurstonchamber.com Website: thurstonchamber.com

COPYRIGHT All material appearing in the VOICE Magazine is copyright unless otherwise stated or it may rest with the provider of the supplied material. The VOICE Magazine takes all care to ensure information is correct at time of printing, but the publisher accepts no responsibility or liability for the accuracy of any information contained in the text or advertisements.

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

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

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

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

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

EXPERIENCE THE CAPITAL ADVANTAGE

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Chamber

Advanced Care For Hard-To-Heal Wounds capitalmedical.com

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

©2018 BCI

Leadership Thurston County Class of 2018. Photo by Heather Harris of Elements Photography.

Leadership Thurston County Celebrates the Class of 2018

L

eadership Thurston County (LTC) and the Thurston County Chamber Foundation are

Congratulations, Graduates!

Ross Jarvis

pleased to recognize members of the Class of 2018, the 24th graduating LTC class. Sponsored

Rodney Anderson

Shirley Jones

by The Wave Car Wash, the graduation program

Heidi Andrade

Paul Koleber

will be held June 13 during the monthly

Jana Ayres

Brock Le

Shawn Ball

Jeffery Lippert

Krystal Barkus

During the 10-month program, LTC class members met with

Nathan Magee

Paulette Beadling

local, community, and statewide leaders, learned about issues

Travis Matheson

Daniel Berner

surrounding South Sound communities, expanded networks

Alexis Miller

Bruce Brenna

and resources, and explored numerous opportunities to

Natalie Skovran

Albert Brown

get involved. Topics ranged from business and economic

Chantelle Petrone

Craig Clark

development to environmental issues, education, and

Marker

Erin Conine

health and human services. Site visits included tours of

Harry Pickernell

Bryon Dahl

local businesses, schools, public agencies, and non-profit

Zach Powers

Meagan Darrow

organizations.

Terri Prather

Moira Davin

Ken Rice

Robb Dunn MANY THANKS to Graduation Sponsor The Wave Car Wash, all

Tim Rudloff

JJ Geise

the employers who sponsored participants, local leaders who

Rudy Rudolph

Lynda Green

contributed to the monthly sessions, LTC Sustaining Trustees

Leslie Shahan

Wendy Hill

and Board of Regents, and the Thurston County Chamber for all

Ryan Warner

Pamela Holsinger-Fuchs

Rebekah Zinn

Thurston County Chamber Forum.

their outstanding support during the past LTC year!

Are you an alumni of Leadership Thurston County? Join us after graduation for an all class reunion from 4-7pm at River’s Edge! Meet the newest alumni, reconnect with your class, and enjoy an evening of leadership connections. Complimentary appetizers provided, no-host bar. •

4 • June 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

Samantha Jenkins

Leadership Thurston County Graduation June 13, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Hotel RL Olympia thurstonchamber.com

thurstonchamber.com

June 2018

CONTENT & CALENDAR

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

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

In This Issue...

Morning Mixxer at Angle Agency

7

Join our host, Angle Agency, on Tuesday, June 5 at 7:30 a.m.

Aiming High in Health Care

for Morning Mixxer. Angle Agency will provide the breakfast treats, our sponsor L&E Bottling will host the coffee bar — and you can enjoy a morning of networking.

Thurston Young Professionals Join the Thurston Young Professionals on Thursday, June 7 at 5:30 p.m. at Northwest Beerwerks. Enjoy a large selection of beverages & snacks. Join us and meet with other Young Professionals and expand your network.

Leadership Thurston County Graduation Leadership Thurston County (LTC) and the Thurston County

Capital Medical Center and UW Medicine join forces to raise the bar in local health care.

12 Meet Benjamen Wilson Get to know Kaiser Permanente's Regional Director.

Chamber Foundation are pleased to recognize members of the Class of 2018, the 24th graduating LTC class. Sponsored by The Wave Car Wash, the graduation program will be held June 13 during the

15

monthly Thurston County Chamber Forum at Hotel RL Olympia.

How Hopeful is Thurston County?

Business After Hours at Tart Cider

Hope can be a telling insight into a community's well-being and trajectory.

Join the Thurston County Chamber on Thursday, June 21, at 5:30 p.m. for our June Business After Hours at Tart Cider. Business After Hours is a free networking event. Hosts provide light appetizers and beverages, games and raffles. Tart Cider, LLC is committed to sourcing products locally, maintaining a U.S. base for raw materials, and creating a delicious, natural product for any person older than 21.

Health Care Champions On Tuesday, June 26, the Thurston-Mason County Medical Society in partnership with the Thurston County Chamber will celebrate the 12th annual Health Care Champions award winners. Please join us as

16 Physicians of Southwest Washington PSW ensures a vibrant health care community by supporting independent physicians and providers.

we honor and celebrate these leaders. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. at the Olympia Country & Golf Club and will include honoree recognition, videos, hors d’oeuvres and a no host bar.

22 Time for a Checkup?

Thank you, sponsors! thurstonchamber.com

The variety of services offered by your local library may surprise you.

Thurston County Chamber VOICE 

June 2018 5

6 • June 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

Capital Medical Center announced an alliance with University of Washington Medicine in February 2018.

Aiming High in Health Care An alliance between Capital Medical Center & UW Medicine is raising the bar in health care Written by Christina Butcher

I

ncreasing quality of services, improving the patient experience, and maintaining reputability among community members...these are all components of a strong healthcare system, one which most medical institutions strive to achieve while serving the community. They’re also the primary goals of a brand-new alliance between University of Washington (UW) Medicine and Capital Medical Center (CMC) in Olympia.

“The alliance aims to offer higher

time...but Capital Medical happens to

CMC. It was legalized and facilitated

quality and better patient experiences

be the first and only facility within the

by RCCH HealthCare Partners, an

and services to the people of Olympia,

partnership.”

organization that provides “high-quality, compassionate hospital and health care

Thurston County and surrounding areas,” said Mark Turner, CEO of CMC.

The alliance, which was announced

services across the country,” according to

“Other hospitals will be added from

last February, is a public-private sector

its website.

Alaska, Idaho and Washington over

partnership between UW Medicine and

Continued on page 9 thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE 

June 2018 7

MEMBER PROFILE

The Pizza Story

W

e keep getting the same question online and at the windows: "Why is a successful burger place getting into pizza?"

To my family and friends I've talked about opening up a separate pizza

spot on the grounds for more than two decades. Obviously, there was no room to attempt anything out of the drive-thru, but I own the entire block front, so there's room, there just had to be the right time.

Artwork by Vince Ryland

The right time came this fall. We'd had a great run over in

To make things easier, the website has been revamped for

the ice cream shack, the neighborhood embraced it in a big

online ordering. www.eastsidebigtoms.com. Check out the

way, enough that I had to hire more staff over the spring and

menu, call it in, or use the app and order via your phone. Yep,

summer. The problem was, as a walk-up spot, the second the

there's a Big Tom app for your phone so you can order on

weather worsened, sales plummeted. Suddenly I had no sales

the go. I really wanted this to work so I could keep everyone

to support four employees for five months. Normal industry

employed.

practice is to button the place up, lay off, or fire the entire staff, and reopen in the spring. I couldn't do that. Not my style.

Am I going to lose focus of the burger stand? Hardly. I've still got the most amazing staff of any business in town, they've got my

Instead, I spent 20K+ on pizza equipment, and we spent the next

back. Plus, I'm still a terribly bothersome micro-manager, so I

several months perfecting our craft. We passed out samples

can't ever turn my back on the business completely, nor would

for the first two months, taking criticism and praise alike, until

I want to, as I have way too much fun. Now I've just got two or

the criticism fell away and the praise grew. While everybody

three things, if you count the ice cream shack, to muck about in

in town was preparing to watch football the first weekend of

all day.

February this year, we quietly opened up and sold 108 pizzas.

Success! The biggest smile on my face came from the fact that

OK, this went longer than expected, but that's not a surprise to

I was not only able to keep everyone employed, I hired a new

any of you that have ever talked to me in person, it's kind of my

staff member to help that first weekend. In the weeks since,

style.

we've had to hire six new staff members between burgers and pizza as the option to get either, or both, has driven a lot of

Thanks for the support Olympia/Lacey/Tumwater.

families in to see us. It's pretty common to see families in the seating area eating both burgers and pizza at the same table.

I love you all,

Helping drive our pizza sales are the choices we're offering.

Michael

We have Take N Bake, Gluten Free Take N Bake, & We Bake. 8" and 15" available in the We Bake. What sets us apart is that we make Pizzas that others can't. We can make you a Big Tom Pizza, a Dirty Bird Pizza, Taters N Gravy Pizza, Vegetarian Dirty Bird Pizza, Dessert Pizza (that doesn't involve cinnamon), as well the every day favorites that you expect to find in all the pizza places.

SPONSORED MEMBER PROFILE

8 • February 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

Big Tom's Pizza 2023 4th Ave E Olympia, WA 98506 https://eastsidebigtoms.com/

thurstonchamber.com

Continued from page 7 Turner has been working in the health The new alliance created a recent buzz

care sector for almost 35 years. Prior to

among the regional medical community

his work at CMC, he worked as a CEO

not only for leveraging the strength

at a community hospital in Riverside

of existing partnership between UW

County, California, for eight years. He

Medicine and CMC, but for what it aims to

was drawn to the Pacific Northwest by

achieve for patients in the future.

opportunities for growth at hospitals in

“We’re on a continual mission to

expanding communities (like those of

improve both quality of care and

Thurston County), as well as the appeal of

patient experience,” said Turner. “This

working with the RCCH leadership team in

partnership will allow CMC to benefit

Washington state.

from, and leverage, UW Medicine’s work His extensive experience in health care

in achieving the ‘Triple Aim.’”

and with RCCH, specifically, as well as The “Triple Aim” Turner talked about is

CMC’s above average rating as a hospital,

a set of health care reform goals set out

combine to bring an exceptional balance

by UW Medicine. They are (1) improving

to its alliance with UW Medicine.

patient experience through care (including quality and satisfaction), (2) achieving better health care outcomes and

Mark Turner, CEO of Capital Medical Center

(3) reducing the per-capita cost of health care.

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which rates hospitals to

ensure patients are fully informed about health care practices, the quality of care in Thurston County is already above average.

Although the Triple Aim goals may seem lofty, UW Medicine

CMC is rated as a four-star hospital (on a one to five-star scale).

already has a reputation for not only providing high quality care to patients, but for leading the way in national health care

With existing high marks for all the alliance’s parties and over

reform initiatives, as well.

four years of successful collaboration under their belt, it won’t be surprising if CMC and UW Medicine achieve everything they

“UW Medicine is the regional leader in health care quality and

set out to, or more, in the coming year. The aim may be high,

service in the five-state area of Washington, Wyoming, Alaska,

but then again, so are the CMC and UW Medicine reputations

Montana and Idaho,” said Turner. “It’s a recognized leader in

for excellence. •

quality care. That coupled with the fact that CMC was already been working in alliance with UW on other fronts led us to pursue a stronger relationship with UW Medicine.”

Call us!

Advertise in the (360) 357-3362 VOICE Magazine

Because CMC and UW Medicine were already collaborating prior to the formal alliance (CMC is a part of the UW Medicine Accountable Care Network and the two organizations worked hand-in-hand at the UW Neighborhood Olympia Clinic), they were able to hit the ground running when they announced the alliance in February. Then, they immediately formed a Quality Committee to identify needs and develop an implementation plan for a future rebranding effort.

“Later this year, we’ll go through a big rebranding effort,” said Turner. “The ‘Capital Medical Center’ name will include the

Fresh and inventive storytelling

UW Medicine tagline, which reads, ‘a UW Medicine Community

Business-centric

Health Partner.’”

Hyper-local

The Quality Committee is also exploring the possibility of incorporating a physician residency program at CMC. “We’re building on existing relationships with the alliance,” said Turner, who’s been serving at CMC since September 2017.

Now, if you buy ad space in one issue of the VOICE, we’ll give you 30 days of digital advertising for free! www.thurstonchamber.com

809 Legion Way SE, Olympia, WA 98501 Call (360) 357-3362 to learn more. Ask for Krystal, Blake or Aaron.

thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE 

June 2018 9

The right fit for your business.

One size never fits all. At TwinStar, you’ll have several business accounts and services to choose from, and together we’ll find the right accounts and cash management tools to improve your bottom line.

Call me to learn how.

Alexis Miller Business Development Officer 360.923.4450 alexis@twinstarcu.com

TwinStarCU.com/business

We are not sure it will catch on, but we like it!

Personalized service, great products, and competitive rates — we think that’s pretty epic.

FIND OUT MORE AT

10 • June 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

wabizbank.com

thurstonchamber.com

On May 15, Olympia Wax Bar held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate their new location. Congratulations!

Welcome, New Members 90 Ten Training Academy Robin Johnson (360) 280-5971 capitalcityhoopfest.com Non-Profit Organizations & Associations

HiLine Homes of Satsop Gayle Hall (360) 482-4227 www.hilinehomes.com/location/satsop-wa/ Construction – Residential

Tan Republic – Lacey Chris Clare(360) 915-6133 tanrepublic.com Health & Fitness - Tanning Salon

BMG Painting Brian Gobat (360) 481-9261 www.bmgpainting.com Painting

Innovative Sleep Centers Dana Ochsner (360) 754-3825 www.innovativesleepcenters.com Medical Equipment & Supplies

Tan Republic - West Olympia Chris Clare (360) 338-0156 tanrepublic.com Health & Fitness - Tanning Salon

Dos Hermanos Mexican Ktichen Augustin Galicia (208) 250-1166 dos-hermanos-mexican-kitchen.business.site Restaurant – Mexican

Lowe's – Lacey Brooke Stephens (360) 359-9044 www.lowes.com Building Materials

The Wave Car Wash – Lacey Mike Opitz (360) 413-0195 www.thewavewash.com Auto Wash, Detail, & Polish

Eastside Big Tom Michael Fritsch (360) 507-1295 www.eastsidebigtom.com Restaurant – American

Mary Kay Cosmetics - Aimee Insull Aimee Insull (260) 413-7432 www.marykay.com/aimeeinsull Cosmetics

Value Village/Savers Bruce Kendall (360) 923-2410 valuevillage.com Thrift Shop

Expedia CruiseShipCenters Anne Mills(206) 478-2099 www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-us/annemills, www.passporttotravel.org Travel Agencies

Natural Lynx Marketing Sheena Hamilton (206) 914-4906 natural-lynx-llc.business.site Photographers

Gamma Security Group Trevor Richie (253) 720-0342 www.gammasecuritygroup.com Investigators

Olympia Wax Bar Pamalee Perry (360) 280-3558 www.olympiawaxbar.com/ Wax Bar

thurstonchamber.com

Ribbon Cutting at Lowe's

Thurston County Chamber VOICE 

May 2018 11

EXECUTIVE PROFILE

Photo: The Kaiser Permanente campus in Olympia. Photo by Dinea dePhoto.

Introducing Benjamen Wilson, Regional Director at Kaiser Permanente

By Doria Maselli

B

enjamen Wilson lived in Thurston County twice in his life prior to settling here in his current role as Regional Director of Clinical Operations & Market Integration for the Olympia and Puyallup regions at Kaiser Permanente. His father was in the military, stationed at Joint Base Lewis McChord when Wilson was in high school and he is a graduate of Timberline High School in Lacey.

“I’ve always really loved this area, and

aid stations and a surgical team. He

in the US Army Medical Department

knew even then that it was a place I’d

was responsible for coordinating all

and supports over 125,000 active duty

want to come back to,” says Wilson.

evacuation, field sanitation, preventive

service members and their families.

After moving to Minnesota for college

and emergent health requirements for all

Following his role with the Chief Nurse

and obtaining a B.S. in Biochemistry

personnel.

Wilson transitioned to a role managing

from The University of Minnesota,

the Human Resources Department for

Wilson spent 10 years in the Army. His

In 2008, Wilson found himself in the

the 1600 soldiers working at Madigan.

career in Medical Operations began

area for the second time, working at

After two years in this role, Wilson spent

in Watertown, NY, leading a 30 person

Madigan supporting the Chief Nurse of

time again overseas, serving as a foreign

medical platoon providing medical

the Army and CEO (Commander) of the

medical and logistics consultant to the

services to a 420 person unit. While the

Western Regional Medical Command as

Commander of the Iraqi Federal Police

platoon was deployed to Afghanistan

her military assistant. Madigan is one

and then as a Director of Operations for a

for 16 months, Wilson managed four

of only three level II trauma centers

55 dentist clinic group at Ft. Carson, CO.

12 • June 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

Above, Benjamen Wilson, Regional Director of Clinical Operations & Market Integration for the Olympia and Puyallup regions at Kaiser.

Photo by Dinea dePhoto.

In 2014, Wilson returned to the Pacific Northwest for Clinical

In addition to strategic planning and operations, Wilson’s role

Director roles with UW Medicine in Seattle until accepting

at Kaiser Permanente also allows him to act as a community

his current role at Kaiser Permanente 10 months ago. Kaiser

liaison. “I enjoy representing Kaiser Permanente at Chamber

Permanente is a non-profit, integrated health care delivery

and Rotary events and the community advocacy portion of my

organization whose mission is to improve the health of

role here,” says Wilson. Managers under Wilson’s leadership at

both its members and the communities they serve. Through

Kaiser Permanente serve as advisors to Boards at South Puget

partnerships with community organizations, government

Sound Community College and Clover Park Technical College.

entities, and public agencies, Kaiser Permanente works to

A Kaiser Permanente Nursing Manager sits on the advising

address issues that affect overall community health.

Board of Pacific Lutheran University’s nursing program, and externship programs for students are often offered at Kaiser.

As an insurance company with its own care delivery system, Kaiser offers an integrated network of its own providers, allowing

Wilson completed his MBA from The George Washington

patients continuous and consistent care. “This really differentiates

University in 2016.

us from other health care providers and allows us to focus on keeping patients safe and healthy and work toward a more

Today, he is glad to be back in the Pacific Northwest, living with

preventative health model of patient care,” says Wilson. Kaiser

his wife and two young sons in Lacey. When he’s not working,

Permanente has 11 million members nation-wide, and over

you can find him spending time with his family or enjoying a

710,000 as part of Kaiser Permanente Washington. Wilson’s region

run, bike ride or hiking on one of his favorite trails at Woodard

sees 51,000 members in Thurston County and 18,000 in Puyallup.

Bay or Capitol Forest. Wellness is ingrained in Ben’s mantra and the mantra of Kaiser. The Olympia Medical Center backs up to

Kaiser Permanente’s Olympia location employs 549 locally,

the Chehalis Western Trail. “A lot of employees will take walks

and the organization regularly sponsors and participates in

during breaks or lunch, which is of course encouraged ,” says

community events focused on health and wellness, including

Wilson. “We have incentive to keep our employees and patients

the STP bike ride, the largest multi-day bicycle event in the

healthy.” And with Wilson’s help, that’s Kaiser Permanente’s

Northwest. Partnering with local companies, Kaiser is a large

ultimate goal. •

provider of insurance coverage for many employers, including several state agencies. thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE 

June 2018 13

november 3 Saint Martin s University Lacey, Washington

Saint Martin s University Gala 2018 presents a celebration of the Hawai`i & Pacific Islands.

Featuring celebrity chef & restaurateur

Join us for a black-tie gourmet affair that includes an exquisite five-course dinner, cooking demos, and a live auction benefiting Saint Martin s student scholarships.

Reserve your table at www.stmartin.edu/GalaHawaii2018 or call 360-438-4366.

Photo on left: Jon Tunheim, Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney and one of the founders of Hope Thurston. The image on the right was taken in his office. Photo by Dinea DePhoto.

How Hopeful is Thurston County?

Researchers plan to have the answer by the end of the summer.

By Natasha Ashenhurst

R

esearch tells us that hope is the single best predictor of a person’s ability to thrive and flourish. People who have hope are more productive at work, they are higher achievers, attain higher academic success and they are healthier, with lower rates of depression and PTSD. In fact, when you define hope and start looking at the components of hope, researchers are able to measure hope—hope at an individual-level, organizational-level and community-level.

In June 2018, a local organization called Hope Thurston, in partnership with Saint Martin’s University, The Evergreen State College, South Puget Sound Community College and Dr. Chan Hellman from the University of Oklahoma-Tulsa, will measure, analyze, and establish a Thurston County “Hope Score.” This data will inform the development of strategies to improve social determinants of health in alignment with the Thurston Thrives framework.

Thurston County Prosecutor, Jon Tunheim, is one of Hope Thurston’s founders. He has been working with Dr. Chan Hellman to implement the survey, created by Dr. Hellman and his team of researchers.

Tunheim explained that hope research is abundant—there are over 1,000 published studies on hope spanning two decades.

thurstonchamber.com

And what does Hope Thurston expect to find when the survey is complete? Tunheim says, “I really don’t know. However, I do expect to find that there are communities in Thurston County that have higher Hope Scores than others and we’ll need to figure out why and learn ways we can move the ‘hope needle’ for those communities.”

As part of the survey process, Hope Thurston plans to educate the community about hope and what Hope Theory is and how it works, and they will share the idea that hope is contagious.

“We want to make Thurston County a ‘hope informed community.’ That will lead to a hopeful culture—because we know that when people have a strong sense of connection to community they have a higher likelihood of being hopeful. It is a social gift we give to each other.” • Please join Hope Thurston on June 26 at 8 a.m. at South Puget Sound Community College's Lacey Campus for a launch party! Learn more at thurstonthrives.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE 

June 2018 15

Above, from left to right: Richard Faiola, MD, Cheri Dorhauer, MD, Debra Johnson, MD, Gary Goin, MD, Darien Heap, MD, Michael Herring, MD. Photo by Heather Harris of Elements Photography.

Physicians of Southwest Washington

Supporting independent physicians through innovation in a changing industry Written by Rebekah Finn

P

hysicians of Southwest Washington (PSW) was launched in 1995 by a group of Thurston County physicians for the purpose of sustaining independent physician practice. Twenty-three years later, PSW continues its success, employing innovation to strengthen the value of independent health care in a rapidly changing marketplace.

Health care is a highly collaborative

these partners, including local hospitals

“Our goal is to ensure a vibrant health

effort. Physicians, hospitals and health

Providence St. Peter and Capital Medical

care community across the region by

plans must work together to collectively

Center, which serve PSW’s mission

supporting providers in navigating

shape the future of how quality care

of supporting the physician-patient

today’s health care industry. PSW’s

will be delivered to the communities we

relationship in independent practice.

deep knowledge and experience in

all serve. It is the interdependence of 16 • June 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

the management and implementation

thurstonchamber.com

of health care delivery across multiple payers, diverse stakeholders and partners has provided an advantageous platform for growth,” explains Tamara Schaffert, PSW’s Chief

“In today’s business of health care, there are many voices trying to influence the physician-patient relationship. One of

Operating Officer.

the most rewarding aspects of being an

That growth includes

independent physician is the ability to

harnessing the value of innovation in health care.

In 2016, PSW created NW Momentum Health Partners Accountable

choose how and when we deliver care to our patients despite these external influences.

Care Organization (ACO),

Tamara Schaffert, COO of PSW

in partnership with RCCH Health care Partners, the

parent company of Capital Medical Center. The creation of this entity enables PSW and its provider network to partake in new models of health care that aim to reduce cost and improve the

Our relationships with our patients can be life-long as independent physicians tend to stay in one place for the duration

quality of patient care.

of their career and therefore have lower

PSW’s core business model is to contract with health plan payers

rates of patient turnover. This supports

on behalf of its network of more than 550 regional providers.

Via these contracts PSW serves as the local center of operations for the health plan by managing claims processing, provider credentialing, contracting and providing care management services.

a patient’s continuity of care which in turn can reduce potential unnecessary medical expenses.

The regulatory and

As entrepreneurs, we value the sense of

administrative requirements in health care continue to

freedom and self-fulfillment we receive

increase, which impacts provider’s time with

from managing our business of health

patients. To minimize these burdens, PSW offers a suite

care.”

of management services such as compliance, quality

Gary Goin, MD

reporting and credentialing.

President, PSW Managing Board

PSW’s CEO Melanie Matthews notes, “PSW’s ability to be flexible in a changing industry has allowed us to work with

Melanie Matthews, CEO of PSW

providers and partners in improving care for more than 25,000 patients in Thurston and Lewis Counties.”

In March, PSW announced its newest innovation, a partnership with MultiCare. The organizations entered into a minority investment agreement to improve health care delivery and management in the Puget Sound region. PSW had been seeking a partner to help grow its geographic footprint and strengthen

thurstonchamber.com

financial sustainability, while preserving the independent physician practice care model.

“We chose to partner with MultiCare because our two organizations’ missions, visions, and values are well aligned,” says Matthews. “We believe strongly in keeping care local and supporting independent physician practices. As a regional health care leader, MultiCare shares that same philosophy and commitment.” •

Thurston County Chamber VOICE 

June 2018 17

Caught in the Lens...

18 • June 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

360.456.4999

venablespestmanagement.com info@venablespest.com

TRUSTED BY THOUSANDS Venables Pest Management is a locally owned and operated company using pet-friendly, professional pest management solutions for ants, termites, mice, beetles, spiders, bed bugs, yellow jackets and rats. We also offer commercial and residential maintenance services and real estate inspections. Give us a call today.

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE 

June 2018 19

Celebrating our Health Care Champions

O

n Tuesday, June 26, the Thurston-Mason County Medical Society in partnership with the Thurston County Chamber will celebrate the 12th Annual Health Care Champions award winners. Nominated by the Health Care Champions Committee, the award winners are leaders and organizations in our community who have made a significant impact in the field of healthcare this year.

The Health Care Champion awards were established to recognize heroic acts, steadfast dedication, extraordinary service and professionalism that are seen every day in our community’s medical offices, clinics, hospitals, emergency services and related organizations.

The 2018 Health Care Champions: •

Interfaith Works – Health Care Safety Net Award

•

Paul Wilkinson – Lifetime Achievement Award

•

Dr. Annie Iriye – Professional Leadership Award

•

Karen Hilburn Cancer Fund – Community Impact Award

Dr. Annie Iriye

Karen Hilburn Cancer Fund

Paul Wilkinson

Please join us as we honor and celebrate these leaders at the 12th Annual Health Care Champions event on Tuesday, June 26. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. at the Olympia Country & Golf Club and will include honoree recognition, videos, hors d’oeuvres and a no host bar.

Tickets are $40 each available by calling the Chamber 360.357.3362 or visiting ThurstonChamber.com.

20 • June 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber Welcomes New Board Members & Chair Elect

Kelsey Hulse Puget Sound Energy

T

Zach Kosturos Prime Locations

he Thurston County Chamber of Commerce has elected two new

IN BRIEF

Joseph Lanham, Chair Elect Wells Fargo

NOW PRE-SELLING

LIFE WITH A VIEW

2 0 2 0 M OV E - I N

members to its board of directors, Kelsey Hulse and Zach Kosturos.

Each will serve a three-year term

beginning June 1, 2018.

Kelsey Hulse is Senior Local Government Affairs Representative at Puget Sound Energy Puget Sound Energy and Zach Kosturos is President & Designated Broker at Prime Locations.

The returning Chair of the 2018/2019 Board is Joanna West of Washington Business Bank.

Chair Elect is Joseph Lanham of Wells Fargo. Kevin Stormans of Stormans Inc. serves as Vice Chair.

OWN THE BEAUTY, CONVENIENCE AND LIFESTYLE OF OLYMPIA’S NEWEST LANDMARK Located in the heart of the city near Percival Landing Park, this contemporary, 28-home building will feature five floors of homes, two floors of parking and infinite views of Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains and the Capitol.

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(360) 943-8060 percivalcondos.com

DEVELOPED

Kim Adney of AccountSource Inc. serves as Treasurer. •

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE 

June 2018 21

&

SOLD

BY

Time for a Checkup?

Check out your Library!

We are all focused on being the best we can be, and yet taking

here to relieve your stress, not cause more. So if you are

our health seriously can sometimes be overwhelming. Where

having a hard time narrowing down your search, stop by your

do you start? Whether you or a loved one received a recent

local library or contact TRL’s “Ask A Librarian” service for

diagnosis, or you want to start cooking healthier, or maybe

recommendations.

you want to dive into the science behind your favorite yoga pose. Your local library has a wealth of free information and

We recently (Feb. 2018) did a survey to understand the impact

resources.

of the technology services offered by Timberland libraries, and of the 3,156 people that participated 19 percent reported

Browsing through more than 1.2 million books, CDs, DVDs,

using online library resources for health or wellness purposes.

magazines, and downloadable materials could appear

Twelve percent looked into diet and nutrition, and 10 percent

overwhelming, after all we have 54 copies of the 2018 “Complete

followed through with changes to their diet based on what

guide to prescription & non-prescription drugs” (magazine

they learned. Over 160 users described researching exercise

format), over 10,000 items related to nutrition, including a vast

or fitness related topics, of which 140 made a change in their

collection of cookbooks for every food preference, allergy, or

exercise habits...Bravo!

lifestyle choice.

To access many of these online materials, visit TRL.org under There are thousands of physical, mental, and spiritual health

Research, Reference Databases, where you’ll find the Health &

topics represented in our collection. Don’t despair; we are

Medicine resource section including:

22 • June 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

•

Gale Encyclopedia of Surgery & Medical Tests - Provides

mobility, and communication.

coverage of numerous surgical procedures, medical tests

•

and related topics, such as anesthetics, common lab tests

This program provides you the opportunity to try out a

and procedures, medications and postoperative care.

device you may be considering for yourself or another and to

Gale Medical Sourcebooks – Topics on AIDS,

encourage thinking about how assistive devices may promote

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM),

greater independence. Try these products at your home, school,

Congenital Disorders, Eating Disorders Information

or work for up to three weeks to be sure they meet your needs

for Teens, Encyclopedia of Prescription Drugs, and the

before making a financial investment.

Encyclopedia of Public Health.

•

•

Family Health Database - This ProQuest database includes

There are also library events focused on health, wellness, and

journals and magazines covering an enormous range of

nutrition which can be found by searching our online event

health subjects, from sports injuries to women's health,

calendar or asking at your library. Aberdeen and Yelm regularly

from food and nutrition to midwifery, from eye care to

offer Yoga programs; Lacey hosts a “Read It & Eat: Food Book

dentistry, and children’s health.

& Potluck Club,” and special seasonal programs can be found

The Health & Wellness Resource Center which hosts

across the district’s 27 libraries.

hundreds of topics on diagnostics & tests, diseases & conditions, drugs, therapies, treatments, and surgeries.

We also can help you navigate local community services, apply for medical assistance from DSHS, learn about health care

Did you know that you can borrow assistive devices through

coverage options, or even locate jobs in the industry.

your local Timberland library?

While we don’t replace a trip to your doctor, we can help you Through a partnership with the Washington Assistive

explore options and ways to improve your health.

Technology Act Program (WATAP), UW Center for Technology & Disabilities Studies, Washington Access Fund, and TRL you can

Look to your local library, an essential destination on your

access Aids for Better Living: Tools to help with vision, hearing,

wellness journey! •

Let’s sharpen your business focus.

Success-driven professionals depend on Olympia Federal Savings for business accounts and other sound financial programs.

Talk to Carrie Whisler, Oly Fed's Commercial Relationship Manager.

CARRIE WHISLER

I

cwhisler@olyfed.com

NMLS# 1143795

olyfed.com

thurstonchamber.com

360.754.3400

Thurston County Chamber VOICE 

June 2018 23

PO BOX 1427 Olympia, WA 98507-1427