March 2020 VOICE Magazine

M A R C H

T H U R S T O N

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C O U N T Y

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Downtown Stories OLYMPIA

Todd Cutts, Olympic Rentals, Olympia Supply Company and 500 Columbia share their Downtown Olympia stories

GROWING A PROSPEROUS ECONOMY & VIBRANT COMMUNITY

NOW OPEN

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8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

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March 2020 THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER VOICE MAGAZINE

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.

Morning Mixxer at Northwest Home Team Realty Please join our host Northwest Home Team Realty on Tuesday, March 3 at 7:30 a.m. for the Thurston Chamber's Morning Mixxer. Northwest Home Team Realty will provide breakfast treats, and our sponsor, L&E Bottling, will host the coffee bar and you can enjoy a morning of networking. Morning Mixxer is free to attend. Where: 111 Tumwater Blvd SE, Suite A109, Tumwater, WA 98501.

Thurston Young Professionals at Top Rung Brewing Join Thurston Young Professionals on Thursday, March 5 at 5:30 p.m. at Top Rung Brewing. Enjoy a selection of beverages and snacks, meet with other professionals (in their 20s and 30s) and expand your network.

Where: 8343 Hogum Bay Ln NE, Lacey, WA

Chamber Forum: Best of South Sound Awards The Thurston Chamber and The Olympian are pleased to co-host the 8th annual awards ceremony, sponsored by TwinStar. Preceding the event, the Chamber will host the Best of South Sound Expo, where you can "network with the best". The awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday, March 11 at 12:00 p.m. at Little Creek Casino, and includes a lunch buffet. The Expo begins at 10:30 a.m. For members, cost is $25 in advance, $30 at the door. For non-members, the cost is $30 in advance, $35 at the door. Reservations are strongly advised. When: Expo at 10:30 a.m. Awards ceremony at 12:00 p.m.

Where: Little Creek Casino, 91 WA-108, Shelton, WA 98584.

In This Issue...

Urban Living p. 7 Vine Street & Cascadia Groups Commit to Olympia's Downtown Renewal

Olympia Supply Co. p. 10 114-Year-Old Hardware Store Thrives Under New Ownership

Todd Cutts p. 14 ODA Executive Director Champions Business Success in Downtown Olympia

Grand Mound's Eagle One p. 18 Brewery, Distillery & Restaurant Coming Soon

Olympic Rentals p. 23 Olympic Rentals moves into newly renovated downtown space.

Caught in the Lens p. 26

BAH at North Thurston Education Foundation Join the Thurston Chamber on Thursday, March 19, at 5:30 p.m. for Business After Hours hosted by the North Thurston Education Foundation at Columbia Bank in Lacey. Business After Hours is a free networking event. Hosts provide light appetizers and beverages, games and raffles.

This is a great opportunity to learn about a local business and expand your network. Where: 665 Woodland Square Loop SE, Lacey, WA 98503

A glimpse at Thurston Chamber events over the past month!

Thank You Sponsors!

WWW.OLYMPIAPEPSI.COM

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magazine PUBLISHER Thurston County Chamber of Commerce

EDITORIAL David Schaffert 360-357-3362 dschaffert@thurstonchamber.com

CONTRIBUTORS David Schaffert Doug Mah Kathryn Milhorn Alison Bailey Heidi Smith Doria Maselli Poppi Photography

ADVERTISING Sales & Marketing: Krystal Barkus Elizabeth Bretschneider Blake Knoblauch

SUBSCRIPTIONS 360-357-3362 info@thurstonchamber.com

DESIGN Ben Hawkes Mosaic Marketing Studio

COVER ART Todd Cutts, Photo by Poppi Photography

PRINTING Print NW

CONTACT THE CHAMBER 809 Legion Way SE Olympia, WA 98507 360-357-3362 info@thurstonchamber.com 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. ©2020 VOICE Magazine, Thurston County Chamber.

A Downtown Improvement District Will Work

by David Schaffert, President/CEO, Thurston Chamber

Doug Mah, Doug Mah & Associates and Thurston Chamber Public Policy Director In February, the Olympia Downtown Alliance requested that the Olympia City Council support a Downtown Improvement District or DID. The District goals are simple: create a cleaner, safer and more welcoming environment for everyone in downtown Olympia. The Improvement District uses a private sector funding model to bring improvements and new services to a designated area. New services, such as programs designed to enhance safety and maintenance, are provided exclusively within the district, and are an enhancement to – rather than a replacement of – those already provided by the City. This enables the District and City to complement their strengths and areas of expertise.

State law allows districts to be selfimposed by property owners in the designated area. It is not a tax.

However, formation of the DID requires that property owners petition the City to establish the district. Districts

work in the same way as “common area maintenance agreements” used in shopping malls and office parks. The DID Steering Committee is moving closer to achieving the property owner support needed to make the district a reality.

There are four factors that ensure the DID will deliver on the district goals: Private Sector Action, Investment, Control and Accountability.

•

Private Sector Action – Something must change. Local property and business owners are frustrated by undesirable conditions in Olympia’s downtown that are harming business success. This long growing frustration results in a demand for a more collaborative and resource intensive set of actions. Private Sector interests are proactively creating new solutions in collaboration with long-time partners to improve the community.

(Continued on page 6)

THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY INVESTORS

DIAMOND INVESTORS

SCJ Alliance

GHB Insurance, Inc.

Capital Medical Center

Grays Harbor Fair & Tourism

PLATINUM INVESTORS

The Evergreen State College

South Puget Sound Community College

Greene Realty Group

The Rants Group

Heritage Bank - Olympia

GOLD INVESTORS

Hometown Property Management, Inc.

L & E Bottling Company, Inc.

American Workforce Group

Hooper Financial Services

Morningside

Caliber Home Loans

Mills & Mills Funeral Home

Olympia Federal Savings Olympia

Charter College

Nisqually Red Wind Casino

Nissan Commercial Vehicle

Commerce Home Mortgage LoanStar Division

Olympia Furniture Company Pardiman Productions

TwinStar Credit Union Corporate Office

Phillips Burgess, PLLC

Community Youth Services

Radia Inc., PS

Providence St. Peter Hospital

The Creative Office

Timberland Bank

Washington Business Bank

Puget Sound Energy

Venables Pest Management

Wells Fargo Community Bank

Saint Martin's University

The Firs Senior Living Community

America's Credit Union - Lacey FORMA Construction Company Little Creek Casino & Resort Lucky Eagle Casino and Hotel Olympia Orthopaedic Associates, PLLC Port of Olympia

THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER

Great Wolf Lodge

BUILDING COMMUNITY PROSPERITY SINCE 1874

“I’m honored to be a hands-on partner in this landmark project.”

Ken Pekola VP Commercial Banking Olympia Federal Savings

Enabling vibrant ecosystems.

Ken understands mixed-use – how the right commercial/retail and residential spaces can revitalize downtown Olympia. Ken and OlyFed are helping bring to life the visionary Laurana project, featuring space for a new restaurant, shops, apartments with terraces extending to the boardwalk – and a fresh burst of economic growth. Contact Ken to launch your next project.

BANKING THAT’S MUTUAL olyfed.com I 360-754-3400 I kpekola@olyfed.com I member fdic

(Continued from page 4) •

Private Sector Investment – We typically invest in what we value. The DID goals articulate a specific set of values: clean, safe and welcoming. Property owners are willing to invest more resources to achieve these shared goals.

We expect many current and future customers and patrons of Downtown also share these values. Private Sector interests are making the additional investments in Downtown.

•

Private Sector Shared Control – Representation and shared control are key to sustained efforts. It is proposed that the DID authority will be shared between a board of directors and the City Manager. This board will include property owners and business operators within the district and represent a wide variety of geographic subdistricts and use-types. Diverse representation and control by those making the investment ensures that the DID does not stray or abandon its stated goals and values.

•

Private Sector Accountability - As proposed, the DID will exist for an initial term of 10 years. Five years into the district’s formation, a formal evaluation will be conducted to determine if the services and assessment methods are consistent with the district’s needs. To extend the DID beyond the first 10-year term, the district must be reaffirmed by the investors and the City.

This upfront and transparent process for review and reaffirmation ensures accountability for those making the investment.

The DID is an example of how the private sector can better partner with the public sector to create the type of community and community engagement we desire and value. The DID demonstrates collaborative advocacy and shared ownership of outcomes. The DID is a successful public process, utilized by the private sector, that creates opportunities for input and public impact that clearly articulate the long-term implications. The DID brings business perspectives, insights and actions to the public policy discussions and outcomes.

Public policy is determined by those that show up and share their experiences, ideas and insights as community decisions are made. The DID will work because the private sector is working in collaboration with the public sector to create awareness, engagement and provide insights and viable solutions that reflect our shared values and entrepreneurial work ethic. The Olympia Downtown Alliance deserves kudos and support to implement the Downtown Improvement District.

For more information or updates on the DID, visit OlympiaDID.org. Chamber members wanting to lend support to this effort should reach out to Alliance Executive Director Todd Cutts at tcutts@DowntownOlympia.org.

David Schaffert President/CEO, Thurston Chamber

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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

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Urban Living

At the 500 Columbia location will be 116 Harbor Heights Apartment units for those 55+ as well as 60,000 square feet of retail and commercial space on the first and second floors.

Vine Street & Cascadia Groups Commit to Olympia's Downtown Renewal

by Kathryn Milhorn | Photo by Poppi Photography

Statisticians report that by 2050, more than 20% of Americans will be over the age of 65. But aging doesn’t have to slow you down.

S

cientific and economic advances make for plenty of active, vibrant post-retirement years. If you or someone you know is looking to downsize to a live/work/play community, explore the new 500 Columbia project’s central location and abundant amenities when doors open in early 2020.

Harbor Heights Apartment units for those 55+ as well as 60,000 square feet of retail and commercial space on the first and second floors. Plenty of parking will also be integrated into the building as well. With a walking score of 77 — meaning most errands can be accomplished on foot — and a bike score of 92, all of downtown Olympia is at your doorstep.

“The project is a joint venture between the owners of the Vine Street Group and Cascadia Group,” explains Jeremiah "The city has great bones McKinley, Founder and Investment and we continue to expand Officer at the Cascadia Group. “It is a our commitment and local family owned business and has investment in Olympia." been investing in Olympia since 1979.

Owners include both the McKinley For residents, apartment amenities will Family and Woolf Family.” include a rooftop deck with views of the At the 500 Columbia location will be 116 Capitol building, Olympic Mountains, thurstonchamber.com

Puget Sound and Port of Olympia marinas. There will also be a theater, conference room, business center, bar, gym, game rooms and on-site storage.

Keycard access is standard and electric vehicle charging stations are planned.

With all this so close at hand, expect house guests galore. Thankfully the Double Tree Inn is directly across the street. Cynara, a new restaurant from Christian Skillings, the owner of Olympia’s Iron Rabbit Restaurant & Bar, will be opening summer 2020.

“We wanted to differentiate our investment from other offerings in the market,” explains McKinley. “This will be the only Urban 55+ offering in Thurston County. The city has great bones and

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We love being your bank!

For business, construction, home… or just a smile.

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Want to get your business in on the ground floor …literally?

With a variety of floorplans, visit www.HarborHeightsLiving.com to see layouts and a complete list of amenities.

Leased Harbor Heights Apartments can range in size from 600 sq. ft. studios to more than 1,100 sq. ft. 3 bedroom, 2 bath units.

With its water views and mixed-use status, entrepreneurs wanting to call 500 Columbia home can reserve retail space starting at 1,000 sq. ft. and office space ranging from 2,500 to 22,000 sq. ft. Visit www.500Columbia.com.

we continue to expand our commitment and investment in Olympia and downtown. We are always excited to partner with other community members to make our community even better.

We are actively participating with Todd Cutts, Executive Director at Olympia Downtown Alliance with the proposed

Business Improvement District and think around the region. the idea has great potential.”

Life is all about making choices. But one If the Vine Street Group sounds familiar, of the perks of aging is knowing what’s you’ve definitely seen their other most important to you and your family, notable projects. From the Cherry and thanks to developments such as Street Plaza state offices to Town 500 Columbia, we no longer have to Square, Town Center East and Union choose between living, working and Tower, they are recognizable landmarks playing — we can have it all.

MEET OUR AWARDED SPINE TEAM

Zachary Abboo, M.D.

Clyde T. Carpenter, M.D.

Ryan J. Halpin, M.D.

Andrew Manista, M.D.

OLYMPIA’S TOP

SPI N E CARE SPECIALISTS

SOME OF THE MOST COMMON SPINE CONDITIONS WE TREAT INCLUDE: CHRONIC BACK OR NECK PAIN SCIATICA SPINAL STENOSIS SPINAL FRACTUTRES DEGENERATIVE DISC DISEASE PINCHED NERVE Westside Clinic 3901 Capital Mall Drive SW Olympia, WA 98502

Eastside Clinic 615 Lilly Road NE Stes 100 & 120 Olympia, WA 98506

Douglass W. Taylor, M.D. Hawks Prairie Clinic 8140 Freedom Lane NE Lacey, WA 98516

Yoshihiro Yamamoto M.D.

ROC Urgent Care: West Olympia 3901 Capital Mall Drive SW Olympia, WA 98502 Open 7 Days a Week

Call (360) 709-6230 or go to www.olyortho.com to schedule an appointment.

thurstonchamber.com

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114-Year-Old Hardware Store Thrives Under New Ownership

by Alison Bailey

O

lympia Supply Company is among the oldest continuously operating businesses in downtown Olympia. It has not always been in its current location on the corner of 7th and Columbia, but it was owned and operated by the same family for four generations up until 2017.

The Bean family opened Olympia Junk, as it was originally called, on the corner of Legion and Columbia in 1906. They moved into the current location in the 1940s, well after the name change. The building that houses the business was built to suit the store. In fact, it is the building that carries the name Olympia Supply, which explains why the True Value signs came down and the Ace Hardware signs went up when the Beans decided to sell the business.

Today the store is owned by the Chambers family and managed by Sandi Stratton. Jeff Bean hired Stratton in 1999. She worked as a cashier when she started. They had just decided to build the two-station cash register counter and she manned one of those stations.

Stratton has spent the last two decades learning and sharing information about home improvement and commercial building supplies. She loves the fact that she’s been at the job for over twenty years and continues to learn new information about hardware and how it’s used. “It’s been really fun,” Stratton says.

In 2017, the Bean family was ready to sell the store. The Chambers family stepped up to buy the store and continue operating it. Stratton has been a familiar face to dozens of Olympia residents and businesses.

She’s excited about the direction the Chambers family is taking the business.

They continue to offer an unusually wide selection of pipe, pipe fittings and steel and have expanded their paint and color matching services to accommodate the needs of commercial-scale contractors.

Olympia Supply Company has always offered

Olympia Supply got its bright blue paint job in 2013. Photo by Poppi Photography.

Tips from Wes Martin, Owner of Sound Business Brokers

Realistic Business Valuation: A Seller's Best Friend

Manager Sandi Stratton and her colleague Vic Barnes love helping frequent and new customers alike.

residential and smaller-scale painting supplies, but the Chambers family had owned a paint store up north and wanted to bring their specialty to Olympia.

They remodeled the offices on the north side of the space by opening them up and installing a paint showroom. Anything a commercial-scale contractor could need for a project involving painting is available here, along with ample knowledge and a good-neighbor attitude.

Although the store’s franchise changed from a True Value to an Ace Hardware, loyal customers know they can still count on hard-to-find items and friendly service. If they can’t find something, the team at Olympia Supply Company can track it down.

Olympia Supply Company hopes to continue to be a go-to for Olympia residents and businesses who want to keep their dollars as local as possible. They’ve sustained relationships with operations as large as Olympia Construction, the City of Olympia and Sunset Air over the course of decades.

And 114 years since its founding, Olympia Supply Company remains Downtown’s onestop-shop for yard boots, a fishing license, house paint and everything in between.

W

hen a business owner finally makes up his or her mind to sell a company, the next step of business valuation is of critical importance to the success of a potential sale. One of the difficult realities of business valuation is that it is completely subjective. There are dozens of formulas and methods that will assist in forming a basic value of any business. However, not one of them fits all businesses perfectly.

Also, each business is unique from those even in the same industry and may have internal and external market forces in play that cannot be easily defined in a specific formula. The process can be laden with challenges before you even begin, so it's vital to use a method that best suits your industry and to understand how the regional market comes into play.

Despite what a business seller may think, potential very rarely plays any role in the value of a company. Buyers typically will not pay for, and bankers will not lend on, potential. It will, however, keep a buyer at the table if they can see clearly the company’s future direction and potential for growth. It's best to focus on past company performance and develop a realistic valuation based on historic adjusted cash flow.

The Chambers family brought a passion for paint to Olympia Supply.

thurstonchamber.com

If you need a guide to take you through the process of determining your company’s value – Contact us for a consultation at 360-352-9191 or visit our website at www.soundbusinessbrokers.com Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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Saturday, April 4 4-8 p.m.

Hal and Inge Marcus Pavilion Saint Martin’s University Join us for the best happy hour in town while celebrating Saint Martin’s 125th anniversary! In 2020, Saint Martin’s celebrates 125 years as a Catholic, Benedictine institution committed to empowering students through education. The Festival combines two important Benedictine values: community and stewardship. Sample great wine, beer and delicious food.

Support students’ educational dreams.

Proceeds benefit student scholarships.

To buy tickets, or for more information about sponsorships and vendors, visit:

stmartin.edu/festival General admission tickets Before March 15: $25 / After March 15: $30 online or $40 at the door VIP tickets $125 Individual ticket or VIP table $1,000 Includes early access to Festival (3 p.m.) and exclusive VIP reception (2-4 p.m.)

Attendees must be 21+

The Best Happy Hour in Town

T

he Saint Martin’s University Food and Wine Festival, the best happy hour in town, makes a comeback on Saturday, April 4 at the University’s Lacey campus. The Festival, featuring wineries and breweries from the greater South Sound and beyond, will take place from 4-8 p.m. in the Hal and Inge Marcus Pavilion. Proceeds from the Festival will benefit student scholarships.

This year, 2020, marks the 125th anniversary of Saint Martin’s University as a Catholic, Benedictine institution of higher learning and the Festival is one of the key events during the 18-month anniversary celebration. A special preevent VIP reception, from 2-4 p.m., will honor the anniversary with delicious bites and drink pairings as well as shared memories from the University’s 125 years.

“This Festival combines two important Benedictine values: community and stewardship,” says Cecelia Loveless, the University’s vice president of institutional advancement. “As we come together to sample great wine and delicious food, we

thurstonchamber.com

support students' educational dreams.”

The Festival itself is celebrating 30 years as one of the premier wine and food events in Thurston County. “We’re excited to see the community come back to enjoy this beloved event,” added Loveless.

“Many alumni and volunteers have added to the success of the Festival over the decades; we wouldn’t be where we are today without them.”

General admission tickets are available online at www.stmartin.edu/festival.

Tickets are $25 if purchased before March 15. After March 15, tickets are $30 online or $40 at the door. Guests have the opportunity to purchase tickets or tables to the pre-event VIP reception.

Individual VIP tickets are $125 and VIP tables are $1,000. The VIP reception includes admission and early entrance to the Festival as well as 125th anniversary memorabilia. Both the Festival and the VIP reception are 21+ events.

Vendors who would like to showcase their wine, beer and distilling offerings at the

Festival can contact special.events@ stmartin.edu. Sponsorship opportunities are also available; more information can be found at www.stmartin.edu/festival.

Saint Martin’s University is an independent, four-year, coeducational university located on a wooded campus of more than 300 acres in Lacey, Washington. Established in 1895 by the Catholic Order of Saint Benedict, the University is one of 13 Benedictine colleges and universities in the United States and Canada, and the only one west of the Rocky Mountains. Saint Martin’s University prepares students for successful lives through its 29 majors, 11 graduate programs and five certificate programs spanning the liberal arts, business, education, nursing and engineering. Saint Martin’s welcomes more than 1,300 undergraduate students and 250 graduate students from many ethnic and religious backgrounds to its Lacey campus, and more students to its extended campus located at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Visit the Saint Martin’s University website at www.stmartin.edu.

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TODD CUTTS A Champion for Business Success and a Thriving Downtown Olympia

Todd Cutts, Executive Director, Olympia Downtown Alliance, in front of "Tiger", one of downtown Olympia's many murals. "Tiger" is located at 109 Capitol Way N.

by Heidi Smith | Photos by Poppi Photography

F

or Todd Cutts, downtowns are more than just a collection of buildings and businesses.

He sees them as living things, organisms that need to be cared for in order to stay healthy. It’s an attitude that informs every aspect of his work as Executive Director of the Olympia Downtown Alliance, a role he assumed in March 2017.

When he first met the organization’s former director over coffee, Cutts went home and told his wife that he’d identified his dream job. As a former city manager and economic development director with an extensive background in working with downtowns, he saw Olympia’s potential.

“You can tick off all the boxes,” he says. “It has everything you need for a thriving, vibrant downtown community: amazing small and

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locally owned businesses, historic architecture, walkable streets, public assets with parks and open spaces, and waterfront.”

they’d like to see, even if that meant that we would be taking things on organizationally that we haven’t in the past,” he explains.

Since taking the helm, Cutts has made a point of actively listening to downtown business owners and creating strategic priorities based on what he hears. Within the first year, he did 75 stakeholder interviews and held five focus groups with different industry sectors. “We wanted to know what

At the ensuing board retreat, Alliance board members developed a vision, mission, core values and strategic priorities, using business owners’ feedback as a guideline. The priorities that emerged were Advocacy, Clean and Safe, Imagemaking, Business Assistance and Financial Health.

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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The various teams meet monthly to assess their direction and modify strategy when appropriate.

"Everyone wants downtown Olympia to stay funky, independent and locally owned." - Todd Cutts They also follow guidelines from Main Street America, a nationwide organization focused on preservationbased economic development and community revitalization. “They provide a framework for urban revitalization,” says Cutts. “These are tried and true methods.”

Todd Cutts, Executive Director, Olympia Downtown Alliance.

Business owners have recognized the Downtown Alliance’s efforts and are The Clean and Safe priority is seeing results. “I appreciate the fact that focused on supporting a welcoming the Alliance is now engaging in service environment to ensure business levels related to issues that are a concern success and a thriving downtown while to downtown customers and that are ‘imagemaking’ involves improving the impacting their bottom lines,” says Dean community’s perception of downtown Jones, owner of downtown business while making them aware of all it offers. Encore Chocolates & Teas. “I also believe these efforts are bringing our community One example of the Clean and Safe downtown in greater numbers than we priority in action is improved lighting. saw a couple of years ago.”

Several times a year, committee members will tour downtown at night looking for areas that are not welllit and might cause someone to feel unsafe. Through a grant program with the city, they install new lights in places like the Capitol Theater Building, home to Rumors Wine Bar and the Painted Plate, where lights are now wrapped around the area underneath the building’s awning.

In 2020, the ODA’s efforts may get a substantial boost through the creation of a Downtown Improvement District (DID). Property owners within a designated area would pay a self-initiated assessment to fund improvements. The formation of a DID requires a petition process, with support from property owners representing 60 percent of the total assessment required. The total budget would be $600,000 dedicated, at least initially, primarily towards downtown beautification and hospitality, with programs and services also to assist small businesses.

“These are best practices across the nation,” says Cutts. “How they fund their revitalization efforts is largely through DIDs. Right now, I’m proud of what we’re doing with the resources that we have but I also believe the difference that sort of resource would make would be significant.” Over a period of months, a Steering Committee made up of downtown property owners have been soliciting support from property owners. If the petition drive is successful, the City Council would be asked to implement the district.

(Continued on page 17)

To implement each priority, Cutts works with committees that provide strategic guidance. “We come up with a whole laundry list of cool stuff,” he says.

“Then we prioritize that. We allow only so many high priorities, and we drive toward those throughout the year.” thurstonchamber.com

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Some of the projects the DID would make possible on a larger scale include things the Alliance is already doing, including the ambassadorstyle Downtown Guide program, and coordination of a sidewalk pressurewashing service.

In addition, the Alliance could add

programming to support a welcoming environment, including detailed cleaning, snow and leaf removal, enhanced landscaping, and flower baskets.

In promoting the DID, Cutts is attempting to fulfill the wishes of business owners he’s been listening to

for nearly three years. “Everyone wants downtown Olympia to stay funky, independent and locally owned,” he says. “We want our community to come here with their family and friends, go shopping, visit the movie theater and get an ice cream cone afterward.

What we have to sell down here is that vibrant, eclectic experience.”

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Grand Mound's

EAGLE ONE is Almost Here

by Kathryn Milhorn | Artist rendering courtesy of Chehalis Tribal Enterprises

W

e all love one-stop shopping. The ability to get everything on your list without running all over town is a delight, especially during the soggy winter months.

Coming in May 2020, there will be a new one-stop destination nearby that’s even better because it incorporates a brewery, distillery, family-friendly restaurant and so much more.

L

ocated within the Thurston Bountiful Byway, the Talking Cedar development is a labor of love. It will be located at 19770 Sargent Road SW on the Chehalis Tribal Indian reservation in Grand Mound directly off Exit 88. Staffing the project falls to members of Heritage Distilling, the Ramblin Restaurant Group and Chehalis Tribal Enterprises. While open hiring is set to begin approximately 30 days before their Grand Opening, behindthe-scenes work is well underway.

distillery itself, including the head brewer and head distiller, will be Chehalis tribal members.” They expect to hire 10 to 12 for each as helpers, bottlers and other manufacturing assistants.

“We look at it like there’s two parts of the project,” says Chris Richardson, Chehalis Tribal Enterprises’ Managing Director. “There are the production— the brewery and distillery—and retail.”

The project is on schedule thanks to their “deliberate pacing” and set to open the week after Mother’s Day.

Heritage Distilling Company, based in Gig Harbor, makes vodka, gin and whiskey and is the most awarded craft distillery in North America six years in a row from the American Distilling Institute. This new partnership agreement makes the Eagle One project their largest overall distribution hub.

Both beer and spirits can be sampled— and purchased to take home for later— at the on-site restaurant or through one of their frequent property tours.

These hands’ on events allow visitors “to see, touch, taste, feel and experience” while exploring behind the scenes, says Richardson.

“Everything the public sees, the restaurant, taproom and distillery store, should employ approximately 80 people under a general manager,” he explains. “Staff at the brewery and

To welcome their artisanal collaborators, Richardson and his team have brought in “really beautiful distilling equipment from Italy and specialized brewery equipment from

Want to taste it all without worry?

Consider turning your trip into a staycation thanks to the new Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott that opened its doors in 2018. Owned by the tribe, the

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“Everything the public sees, the restaurant, taproom and distillery store, should employ approximately 80 people under a general manager.” -Chris Richardson

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

metalworkers in Vancouver, British Columbia.”

On the beer side, “the tribe is breaking new ground” with their hand-crafted Talking Cedar label. “Ramblin Jack’s Restaurant Group is beyond excited to be a part of the Talking Cedar Project on the Chehalis Reservation,” says Managing Partner Adam Adrian. “This will undoubtedly be a spectacular addition to the area and an exciting tourist destination!”

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hotel’s close proximity means you can enjoy all that Eagle One has to offer without stressing about the drive home later.

Work in breweries and distilleries is growing like crazy. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that “From 2006 to 2016, the beverage manufacturing industry gained 61,448 jobs, over half of which (32,716) were in the brewery industry” alone.

From 2017 to 2018, they show that employment in breweries, wineries and distilleries grew by more than 14 thousand jobs nationwide. It’s a much loved field with exciting potential ahead.

Add that to growth on the Thurston County Bountiful Byway—an agritourism route featuring activities, stops and destinations from the Nisqually Valley to Yelm, the Capital Forest to west Olympia—and you’ve got an afternoon, evening or weekend full of unique delights.

There isn’t an official website or hiring portal yet but stay tuned to social media for more. Richardson and his team will post information about an upcoming job fair as the Grand Opening draws closer.

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CHAMBER EVENTS

The Olympian & The Thurston Chamber Co-Host 'Best of South Sound' Awards & Expo The Thurston County Chamber and The Olympian are pleased to co-host the eighth-annual awards ceremony for Best of South Sound category winners. The awards ceremony will take place at the Chamber’s Forum March 11 at Little Creek Casino at 10:30 – 1:00 p.m. We expect over 500 people at Best of South Sound, so advance registration is encouraged.

For the past decade the Olympian has recognized Thurston County businesses with the coveted Best of South Sound award.

Readers vote online for their favorite business in over 80 categories, including favorites such as Best Bank, Best Real Estate Agent, Best Dentist and of course, Best Barista.

Forum includes lunch and the cost is $35 for general admission, $25 for prepaid Chamber members and $30 for members at the door. Finalists are able to register for $25 online through March 2.

Reservations are strongly advised.

Immediately preceding the Best of South Sound Awards Ceremony, the Thurston County Chamber will host the Best of South Sound Expo. The Expo begins at 10:30 a.m. and is a tradeshow-style format featuring some of the top nominees from each category. This is an incredible opportunity to get to know these businesses.

What: Best of South Sound Awards Ceremony and EXPO When: Mar. 11, 2020. The EXPO is from 10:30 a.m. until noon and the Awards Ceremony begins at 12:00 p.m.

Where: Little Creek Casino, 91 WA-108, Shelton, WA 98584 For more information call (360) 357-3362 or visit thurstonchamber.com Thank you to our sponsor, TwinStar Credit Union.

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Olympic Rentals Makes Downtown Home

by Doria Maselli

The interior of Olympic Rental and Landlord Services’ new office space mirrors owner Todd Monohon’s character – warm, inviting and open. There’s a fire crackling in the fireplace of the rehabbed warehouse and beautiful, exposed original wood beams overhead.

M

onohon purchased the building at 115 State Ave downtown about two years ago. And after working in a temporary location on the corner of State and Capitol in the old Olympia Press Building, the team at Olympic Rentals is happy to be settling into their new space.

Monohon started Olympic Rentals about 15 years ago, almost by accident. “I worked in the non-profit world in social services and education for years,” says Monohon.

“I began investing in rental properties that were managed by other people and thought: “I could do this.” So, he took control of his own rental properties, started offering his services to others via word of mouth, and his business was a one man show for the first four years.

Fifteen years later, Olympic Rentals and Landlord Services has 12 full-time team members and dozens of contractors.

They offer residential property

management services, specialize in single family and small multi-family (duplex-type) properties and currently manage over 600 properties in Thurston County.

So how does Monohon feel about his new office location downtown?

“When I bought this building two years ago, everyone had some reservations about the location downtown. There was the unsanctioned homeless camp

right near the location, and the team members almost staged a rebellion,” jokes Monohon. He counteracted these concerns by encouraging his team to get involved, support local businesses and learn of some of the initiatives taking place in downtown Olympia.

“Once we really started rehabbing this building about a year ago, we really poured ourselves into downtown,” says Monohon.

Photo by Poppi Photography

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Serving All of Thurston County ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT THROUGHOUT THURSTON COUNTY

1. Provided $70,000 for the renovation of the Historic Oddfellows

101

8

Building.

7

101

Olympia

5

2. Provided $75,000 to complete the Master plan for the SW

5

Washington Innovation & Business Park.

Lacey

3. Provided $10,000 for the installation of wider sidewalks,

bulb-outs and landscaping along Binghampton Street to build downtown character and enhance the setting for local and visiting shoppers.

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Tumwater

4. Provided $20,000 to assist with the design and construction of

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the community center.

5. Provided $15,000 to support investment in the Lacey Yelm

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3 2 5

Tenino

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507

Rainier

4

MakerSpace project.

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

Wildlife, developed a Habitat Conversation Plan to provide long-term preservation and management of protected and endangered species.

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

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

PORTOLYMPIA.COM 360.528.8000

1 507

Bucoda

Inquiries@PortOlympia.com

Monohon, who sits on the board of both The Olympia Downtown Alliance and Thurston County Chamber, attended meetings, invested in downtown initiatives and continues to stay involved in the downtown community.

“There are so many good things happening downtown, and I’ve seen so much growth and improvement even in the last year,” says Monohon. “We all need to be working together to change polices that aren’t working and to find better ways of doing things, and if business owners, organizations and downtown residents work together, there’s room for continued improvement.”

Monohon has built his business over the years with virtually no advertising.

Olympic Rentals sponsors community events and activities but doesn’t have any paid marketing initiatives. Their business model is exceptional customer service and positive word of mouth reviews. “I try and respond to every review online and contact a client personally if there is a problem or concern,” says Monohon.

“Clients are talking to a real person when they contact us, there’s no central corporate call center or central answering system. The service we offer is personal.”

“There are so many good things happening downtown, and I’ve seen so much growth and improvement even in the last year. We all need to be working together to change polices that aren’t working and to find better ways of doing things, and if business owners, organizations and downtown residents work together, there’s room for continued improvement.” - Todd Monohon

When asked about his business mantra, Monohon keeps it simple: “We have to be extremely competent at what we do and at the same time personable in how we do it. One of our key mottos is “Get it done!” If we can be efficient and effective, we have more time to build personal relationships – that is the real success for our team.

For more info about Olympia Rental & Landlord Services, visit www.olyrents.com.

GET YOUR TICKETS!

A

NIGHTON THE TOWN

Friday

March 27

BENEFITTING THE THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER FOUNDATION

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Caught In The Lens

Caught in the Lens is a place to catch up on all of the Chamber happenings over the past month - whether it's Morning Mixxer, Business After Hours, Thurston Young Professionals, Chamber Forum, an awards ceremony, fundraising event or a Ribbon Cutting. For more photos, follow the Thurston Chamber on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThurstonCountyChamber.

PO BOX 1427 Olympia, WA 98507-1427