M A R C H
T H U R S T O N
2 0 2 1
C O U N T Y
C H A M B E R
UPTOWN GRILL Powered by Friendship TOWNSEND SECURITY Providing Data Protection Worldwide
OAC OLYMPIA Better is Always Possible GROWING A PROSPEROUS ECONOMY & VIBRANT COMMUNITY
Thurston YOUNG PROFESSIONALS An initiative of the Thurston Chamber
Influence Thurston Young Professionals, a Thurston Young Professionals (TYP) program, is now meeting bi-monthly to connect TYPs with business leaders in our region! TYP looks to help bridge the distance between entering into a professional work environment and the management and/or executive career paths.
Visit www.ThurstonChamber.com and click on EVENTS to find the next Thurston Young Professionals event.
Back to Business 5 POINT SAFETY PLEDGE The Chamber asks business owners to take the “Back to Business” 5-Point Safety Pledge. Businesses pledge to practice safe social distancing and frequent hand washing; to reduce ‘high touch’ surfaces; to provide flexibility, training and education to employees with clear policies and procedures; and to follow all Public Health and CDC guidance. Together, with a concerted effort, we can get our community back to business quickly and safely. Take the pledge at www.ThurstonChamber.com.
Banking made easy! For business, home, construction...or just a smile.
ERIK HEIMANN NMLS# 539571
MATT HARGRAVE NMLS# 1218316
ASHLEY WORTH NMLS# 1287822
DOWNTOWN OLYMPIA WEST OLYMPIA TUMWATER LACEY/DOWNTOWN LACEY/HAWKS PRAIRIE PANORAMA YELM
TIM COLLINS
ILE & MOB E, N ONLI ! TOO
MATT DEBORD
DIANA GRANTHAM
800.562.8761
March 2021
THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER VOICE MAGAZINE
Visit ThurstonChamber.com and click on the Events Calendar for the latest information regarding Chamber events.
Sponsored by:
Women's Sphere of Influence will bring women of our community together to share expertise and network. There is no cost to attend and non-Chamber members are welcome. The group will meet twice a month, on the second and fourth Thursday at noon. Visit thurstonchamber.com/events for more information.
In This Issue... Uptown Grill p. 7 Michelle Nurmi and Pedro Gallegos are co-owners of Uptown Grill. Get to know this new Downtown restaurant! Advocacy Update p. 11 Affordable housing and the public policy connection. Get to Know OAC p. 13
INNOVATE the Workplace is a series of workshops delivered by nationallysought-out speakers whose trainings will ignite employees to implement new and innovative strategies in the areas of employee care, human resources and community engagement. Visit thurstonchamber.com/events for more information.
OAC boasts award-winning Forensic Architecture and Engineering specialists, structural engineers, program and project managers and industry professionals ready to get started on your next project with offices up and down the West Coast. Townsend Security p. 16 Olympia firm is protecting data worldwide.
VIRTUAL NETWORKING EVENT
Caught in the Lens p. 22 Take a look at Ribbon Tying and Ribbon Cuttings!
Join Chamber Staff, Elizabeth Bretschneider and Ashley Chandler Tuesdays @ 2 for Thurston County Chamber's Virtual Networking Event! Every Tuesday @ 2, you have the opportunity to meet, tell us about your business, what a good referral looks like, or how you value our community. See you there! Register at thurstonchamber.com/events.
thurstonchamber.com
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
I March 2021
I
3
magazine PUBLISHER Thurston County Chamber of Commerce EDITORIAL David Schaffert 360-357-3362 dschaffert@thurstonchamber.com CONTRIBUTORS Doug Mah Kathryn Millhorn David Schaffert Alison Bailey Heidi Smith ADVERTISING Sales & Marketing: Krystal Barkus Elizabeth Bretschneider Ashley Chandler SUBSCRIPTIONS 360-357-3362 info@thurstonchamber.com DESIGN Mosaic Marketing Studio COVER Project Name: Carter Lake Elementary School (Central Valley School District) Photo Credit: Aaron Locke/BCRA PRINTING Print NW CONTACT THE CHAMBER 809 Legion Way SE Olympia, WA 98507 360-357-3362 info@thurstonchamber.com thurstonchamber.com
Recognizing Leadership During COVID By David Schaffert, Thurston County Chamber President/CEO This month, Leadership Thurston County will recognize 27 individuals and organizations for leadership during the Pandemic. Annually, Leadership Thurston County holds the Distinguish Leader Awards, which recognizes a handful of individuals and organizations each year that exemplifies exceptional leadership in our community. Many of the recipients this year were those who provided direct mitigation of the Pandemic's impacts. Thurston Strong’s collective impact model by the local government and the private sector demonstrated how federal, state, and local resources could be distributed strategically for the most significant impact. Others were delivering critical services, such as Thurston County Auditor – Election Team, who successfully held an election during unprecedented times. • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Amanda Ruston, HRD Inc. Anne Larsen, Olympia Police Department Covid-19 Response Fund* Harold Pickernell, Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation Jason Robertson, J Robertson & Co. Jennifer Hermann, Olympia Symphony Orchestra Judge Brett Buckley Judge Erik D. Price Justice Debra Stephens JW Foster, Mayor, City of Yelm Panowicz Jewelers Rickie Ramage, Little Creek Casino Thurston County Auditor's Office Election Team
• •
Thurston County Food Bank Thurston County Public Health and Social Services • Thurston Strong** • Todd Cutts, Olympia Downtown Alliance • TVW | Washington's Public Affairs Network Covid-19 Response Fund: • Community Foundation of South Puget Sound • United Way of Thurston County **Thurston Strong partners: • City of Lacey • City of Olympia • City of Tumwater • Community Foundation of South Puget Sound • Experience Olympia & Beyond • J Robertson and Co. • Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council • Port of Olympia • Thurston County • Thurston County Chamber of Commerce • Thurston County EDC Though 27 may seem like a lot of recognition, it doesn't scratch the surface of the many individuals and organizations who are leading during COVID. It also did not recognize all those first responders and healthcare professionals who have shown through their actions and commitment to people from day one of the Pandemic. Please find opportunities to thank and recognize individuals and organizations who are leading in our community.
THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER BUILDING COMMUNITY PROSPERITY SINCE 1874 COPYRIGHT All material appearing in the VOICE Magazine is copyright unless otherwise stated or it may rest with the provider of the supplied material. The VOICE Magazine takes all care to ensure information is correct at time of printing, but the publisher accepts no responsibility or liability for the accuracy of any information contained in the text or advertisements. ©2021 VOICE Magazine, Thurston County Chamber.
Your Local Business Banking Team As our community and its business needs grow, so do we! You’ve got ambitious goals for 2021 – so why not partner with a bank that can get you where you want to go with the resources, technology and expertise you need? Our trusted and experienced business banking team have creative, common-sense answers to every financial need.
Chuck Hoeschen
Carrie Whisler
Joel Slovick
Ken Pekola
Commercial Loan Officer
SVP, Chief Credit Officer
Small Business Banker
VP, Comm. Lending Dir.
NMLS #1143795
NMLS #850393
BANKING THAT’S MUTUAL olyfed.com I 360-754-3400 I commerciallending@olyfed.com I member fdic I equal housing lender
Looking for better I.T. Support?
Look no further.
Olympia.Computer can help.
We provide I.T. Solutions for businesses just like yours. ...and we have been doing it for 30 years! Our services include: Managed Services PCI & HIPAA Compliance I.T. Strategies for Growth Data Security and Backups
Remote Access I.T. Audits Email Migration Hardware Upgrades
Olympia.Computer Computer Support for the Pacific Northwest
Help Desk Outsourced CIO Cloud Options Software Support
Free Phone Consultation for any Chamber Member
Call today!
360-995-1010 • Office@Olympia.Computer
Pedro Gallegos, a seasoned chef from the Seattle restaurant scene, is co-owner of Uptown Grill. Photo courtesy of Uptown Grill.
UPTOWN GRILL
M
Powered by Friendship
By Alison Bailey
ichelle Nurmi, co-owner of Uptown Grill on Capitol Way South, was on the fence when she toured the restaurant and bar formerly known as Tipsy in February 2020. An Olympia resident for over 25 years, Michelle had been working as a CFO in major Seattle restaurants for 30 years. Sick of the commute and ready to live out a long-time dream, she was seriously considering taking the plunge with restaurant ownership. Michelle asked her close friend Pedro Gallegos, a seasoned chef in the Seattle restaurant scene, to check out the kitchen and share his opinion. Pedro thought the space had serious potential, so when Michelle started to lean away from the idea, Pedro offered to make it a joint effort. With the prospect of co-ownership and a trusted friend leading the kitchen, Michelle was all-in without hesitation.
Their neighbors to the south, Batdorf and Bronson’s Dancing Goats coffee bar, offered the sidewalk space in front of their shop after 4:00 p.m. when they close. This brought Uptown’s outdoor table count to six. Michelle went to every length to make sure her brave guests could be as comfortable as possible. “I even got two big heaters from my dad for Christmas,” Michelle laughs.
Uptown Grill opened their doors on July 1, 2020, when Thurston County restaurants were permitted to operate at 50% capacity indoors. Michelle and Pedro were able to take advantage of the City of Olympia’s Simplified Sidewalk program and expand their outdoor dining area’s footprint. This became critical to their survival in November when temperatures cooled and COVID cases spiked. Indoor dining was once again prohibited.
“All things considered, it’s gone well,” Michelle goes on. “The community has been wonderful. We’ve met so many new people. Everyone is very supportive.” Michelle and Pedro were in a unique and tricky situation as new business owners. They opened after the pandemic had already started and were not eligible for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans or grants. With support from the community, they’ve continued to do well. They currently employ a ten-
thurstonchamber.com
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
I March 2021
I
7
Proud to be a founding sponsor of the Thurston County Chamber Foundation’s Diversity in Business Scholarship.
wsecu.org
| 800.562.0999
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.
Michelle Nurmi, co-owner of Uptown Grill on Capitol Way South, was on the fence when she toured the restaurant and bar formerly known as Tipsy in February 2020. Once they opened, Michelle and Pedro were able to take advantage of the City of Olympia’s Simplified Sidewalk program and expand their outdoor dining area’s footprint. This became critical to their survival in November when temperatures cooled and COVID cases spiked. Photos courtesy of Uptown Grill.
person team and plan to expand as soon as they can. says. “Pedro likes to come up with new specials and change things up.” Michelle and Pedro are relieved to be open for indoor dining at 25% capacity and look forward to They recently added a section of grain bowls, returning to 50% soon. While they could keep the including a Mediterranean steak option and a salmon business afloat with a menu well adapted to take out and vegetable option, among several others. orders and a loyal new fanbase of patrons, a bustling indoor restaurant environment is what they both live They offer everything from pasta dishes and salads to tacos and Spanish black beans and rice. “It’s a for. big menu!” Michelle says with a smile. There are also “At 25% capacity, we have about eight indoor tables plenty of vegan and gluten-free options available. and four outdoor tables,” Michelle says. “We also Uptown Grill is not to be missed for anyone in town have an area upstairs with one table for those who want to dine out but who are particularly concerned who loves a craft cocktail or a pour of an interesting liquor. “We have one of the biggest selections of with social distancing.” liquor in all of Olympia with over 300 varieties,” Uptown Grill is one of Olympia’s most exciting new Michelle boasts. Perhaps most excitingly of all, they dining establishments. “We’re an all-scratch kitchen,” offer a Happy Hour menu with drinks and snacks all Michelle explains. day, every day. You can tell she’s proud of the work her friend Pedro does. “Everything we serve except our pasta is made from scratch. Sauces, dressings, hand-cut fries.” One of their best sellers this winter has been a chicken pot pie with a flaky hand-made crust. They offer prime rib dinner on Friday and Saturday nights. “We’re constantly changing out our menu,” Michelle
thurstonchamber.com
Their hours are currently 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Although they are not taking reservations, you are welcome to give them a call about ten minutes before you expect to arrive, and they can stake out the next available table for you. Visit uptowngrill514.com to check out their menu, or give them a call at 360-338-0340 if you’re headed in for a bite! Thurston County Chamber VOICE
I March 2021
I
9
Three Girls Media
STRONG COMMUNITIES ARE BUILT ON COMMITMENT At Phillips Burgess, our highly-skilled team of legal professionals is passionate about what we do and the communities and clients we serve. We are committed to being here for the long-term to help rebuild and restore our community.
NEW OLYMPIA OFFICE ADDRESS: We offer world class marketing and custom quality content for small & mid-sized businesses. Services include social media management & ads, blogging, email marketing and much more. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation!
360-955-1410 • ThreeGirlsMedia.com
McCleary Mansion: 111 21st Ave SW
WWW.PHILLIPSBURGESSLAW.COM
111 21ST AVE SW • OLYMPIA • 360.742.3500 915 SOUTH I STREET • TACOMA • 253.292.6640
Olympic Limousine
(360) 456-8054 | info@olympiclimo.us | www.olympiclimo.us Family Owned in Olympia Since 2001
Airport transportation in safety and style
360-470-0362
COVERYOURFAMILY.COM
reallebeuf@legalshieldassociate.com
Real LeBeuf
LegalShield Independent Associate Silver Executive Director Employee Benefits, Small Business, CDLP and Broker Division Specialist
Safe, Sanitized, Private car. Book a ride with us today! www.olympiclimo.us UBI 602 652 454
ADVOCACY
Affordable Housing & the Public Policy Connection By Doug Mah, Doug Mah & Associates and Thurston Chamber's Public Policy Director
T
he greater Thurston region is in the midst of a housing crisis primarily due to a lack of affordable housing across the region. Elected leaders agree.
Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder is credited in the Olympian as writing, “In Lacey, the need for affordable housing is more significant than ever. Unfortunately, several factors are working against those efforts.” (the Olympian, February 15, 2021).
mitigation goals. What is significant about these separate actions is that it appears that the City Councils used the fiscal impact of the proposed building policies to inform their decisions. Knowing and understanding how public policy impacts housing affordability creates an opportunity to discuss and debate community priorities and trade-offs.
The Thurston Chamber agrees with Mayor Ryder. Significant factors working against affordable housing are well-intentioned but costly regulatory and construction requirements. Our elected State agencies must estimate the cost of any leaders are recognizing proposed law as part of the State that competing community government’s legislative and "Knowing and understanding ambitions are creating budgeting process. The analysis difficult public policy tradehow public policy impacts must identify what part of the offs. housing affordability creates proposed regulations will add or In Olympia, the City Council an opportunity to discuss and save money and clearly outline discovered that building the assumptions used to estimate some new Accessory Dwelling debate community priorities the fiscal impact. These fiscal and trade-offs." Units or ADUs (mother-inimpact statements, or “Fiscal law apartments) included Notes,” are profoundly important -DOUG MAH a requirement for a fire for lawmakers and help ensure suppression sprinkler system lawmakers understand the added that could add more than cost or savings of any proposed $8,000 in additional costs to a project. As a result of policy change. this finding, the City Council voted to exempt ADUs The Public Policy Division of the Thurston Chamber from the fire sprinkler requirement if the primary believes that local decision-makers need to have house is not required to have them. The Council, the equivalent of a “Fiscal Note” for every proposed in this instance, placed housing affordability and change to public policy that influences the cost and housing goals over fire protection goals. equity of housing across the region. In Lacey, the City Council found that new State Now is the time for every jurisdiction to start using energy codes could add $10,000 to $30,000 to the valid, reliable, transparent, and shared calculations cost of new homes. As a Statewide building code, to ask: “Does this policy proposal have a negative the law required Lacey City Council to adopt the or positive financial impact on how affordable our new costly regulations. However, the cost impact future housing will be?” prompted the City Council to vote to send the Governor a request to delay implementing the new Let’s enable our elected officials to have better energy code. In effect, the City Council is asking discussions and debates around community that the State place immediate housing affordability priorities and trade-offs by asking for a local housing and housing goals over long-range climate change Fiscal Note. thurstonchamber.com
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
I March 2021
I
11
Leave The Dirty Work to Us!
WINDOW CLEANING • WINDOW TINTING • PRESSURE WASHING ROOF WASHING • GUTTER CLEANING • HOLIDAY LIGHTING • AND MORE!
YOUR PACIFIC NORTH WEST EXTERIOR CLEANING EXPERTS! From the roof to the cement or anywhere in between we have your solution.
360.664.3643 WindowGenie.com/Olympia Neighborly.com | Veteran Owned and Operated
THERE’S ONLY ONE
ARCHIBALD SISTERS ARCHIBALDSISTERS.COM DOWNTOWN
Olympia
SINCE 1975 BEST OF 2019 THE OLYMPIAN • BEST OF 2020 SHOWCASE MAGAZINE
Olympia City Hall. Photo by Flowstate Creatives. OAC acted as construction managers during the construction of Olympia City Hall.
Better is always possible with OAC
Interview with Mitch Romero, Senior Director Written by Kathryn Millhorn
B
uildings are more than just a company’s physical location. They become landmarks—vital to their community for years to come—and a thing of beauty in their own right. But deciding to build can feel overwhelming. Design, cost, materials and regulations shouldn’t be tackled alone. Your project will exceed expectations from start to finish thanks to OAC’s team of building scientists and design and construction management experts. OAC boasts award-winning Forensic Architecture and Engineering specialists, structural engineers, program and project managers and industry professionals ready to get started on your next project with offices up and down the West Coast. “It boils down to three things: care, collaboration, and fun,” says Mitch Romero, Senior Director of their Olympia location. “OAC not only boasts some of the most skilled and celebrated experts in their fields in the U.S., but we also infuse a dynamic client experience into every project we take on.”
thurstonchamber.com
Add this to their renowned expertise, cutting-edge technology and more than 60 years of experience, and it makes for a powerful ally. “At the end of the day,” says Romero, “it is one thing to manage a project or identify risk; it is another to help a client with every step of the build process. We deliver buildings that make a community proud and bring peace of mind to those responsible for outcomes. We do this through a hunger to learn the best methods and apply them to our firm’s overall expectations.”
The motto that better is always possible isn’t just a catchphrase. “This philosophy reflects everything at OAC—it’s our culture, it’s our genes and it’s the reason we love what we do in the service to those who love what they do,” says Romero. “We care, we deliver and we want to be better. We pursue the best option, not just once, but every time for every outcome.” OAC’s Olympia office opened in 2017, but they have been a presence in and around Thurston County for decades. Most notably, they acted as construction
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
I March 2021
I
13
JAMI BLOCK
Physical Inventory Counts with Speed & Accuracy
Vice President Senior Cash Management Officer 253.284.1835
DAN HOWARD
Vice President Commercial Loan Officer 360.528.4113
Accurate Inventories Minimize Year End Efforts
Local lending options backed by the cash management services you need to help your business succeed!
• • • •
Intuitive Cycle Count Workflow Bar Code Scanning Integration Full & Spot Counts by Item & Location Count Adjustments Queue Financial Transactions Automatically
Value At A Glance ®
844.551.0674 www.fourasoft.com
commencementbank.com | 877.284.1880
We’re here to help you
THE LOCAL COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE EXPERTS.
Navigate the Way Forward
during challenging times. The Dispute Resolution Center offers a variety of resources to help your organization prevent conflict and navigate conflict when it occurs:
SINCE 1973
• De-escalation skills for customer service staff • Group facilitation for work teams • Mediation for co-worker, employee-supervisor, vendor and client conflict • Customized training tailored to your needs All services are now available in an online environment. BECKY SAMUELSON
DANIELLE RANTS
PAT RANTS
DARRELL MCQUISTON
CAROLYN GRADEN
FULL SERVICE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LEASE AND SALES SERVICES
(360) 943-8060
rants-group.com
Civic Harmony Starts Here
Contact us to explore how the DRC can serve your needs: (360) 956-1155 info@mediatethurston.org MediateThurston.org
Centralia High School; Photo Credit: 2020 Doug Walker
managers of the Olympia City Hall project. And having strong local ties is essential.
Master of Science in Construction Management program. After working in and around Western Washington, he joined the U.S. Department of State, working on Embassy projects in Brazil, Afghanistan, Belgium and the Africa Bureau.
“We have a dedicated team here that brings a full scope of services within our design and construction management services, with direct access to our building sciences team in Seattle, bringing a unique “My role at OAC has been to lead projects for offering to all of Thurston County,” Romero explains. agencies and owners,” he explains. “I enjoy it as I “The beauty of having smaller offices throughout get to have a hand in all phases of a project and the region is that we are close by for participate in their success within the our clients, and our staff lives in the "I am fully confident wider context of the community. I’ve that this community been fortunate enough to be given a communities that we serve.” leadership role here in Olympia and and the regional Since the arrival of COVID-19, have firsthand experience of why this Romero admits many new projects community is going is where OAC put down to come roaring back, community were put on hold. But for existing roots. clients, the switch to a close-toand we’re excited to be home model meant “productivity "I am excited about future projects, here to help." increased on contracts we had in especially in the education, healthcare place due to the limitations on travel -Mitch Romero and public sectors, that will allow our and our company supporting our team to positively impact the community staff in adjusting to remote work. Right now, we we all appreciate and care about. Overall, I am fully see a tremendous increase in projects starting up confident that this community and the regional again as optimism improves and the horizon for folks community is going to come roaring back, and we’re getting the vaccine shortens.” excited to be here to help.” Romero grew up in Spokane and has been in the construction industry for thirty years, six with OAC. A licensed Architect and Certified Construction Manager, he has studied industrial design and architectural studies, eventually finishing with a Master of Architecture program, coupled with a thurstonchamber.com
When your business is ready to become a landmark in the community, reach out to OAC. "Make better" happen for your employees, customers, friends and neighbors. Visit www.oacsvcs.com for more about their approach and information about noteworthy buildings in our area. Thurston County Chamber VOICE
I March 2021
I
15
The Townsend Security team at a February 2021 team meeting via Zoom. Top Row: Luke Probasco, Keith Clark, Sharon Kleinerman, Sandra Hulteen, Shawn Protsman. Second Row: Mike Brown, Katie Koch, Muoi Nguy, Michael Vaganek, Alex Bryan. Bottom Row: Eppy Thatcher, Carol Haas, Patrick Townsend, Chris Edwards
Olympia Data Security Firm Protects Sensitive Data for Clients Worldwide By Heidi Smith
J
ust as many people don’t visit a doctor until they get sick, companies housing sensitive information often contact Townsend Security only after they’ve had a data breach. The Olympia-based business supports clients worldwide with secure encryption to protect health care records, credit card numbers and other essential data. “The threats have changed over time,” says CEO Patrick Townsend. “Five years ago, you probably hadn’t heard of ransomware. Now, people are moving back and forth between the cloud and their data centers, and that information has to be protected. The kind of encryption work we do helps to protect against different types of risks.” Two critical areas of focus are ransomware and hacks that target credit card data, social security numbers and other information. In the former case, a hacker will create an infection that infiltrates a company’s database, then scramble the data and demand a ransom to unlock it. “They also take a copy of the data,” Townsend
16 I
March 2021
I
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
explains. “The threat is, ‘You’d better pay us because if you don’t, we’ll release it.’ Encryption is how we prevent hackers from being able to extort money. If they can’t use the data, then you don’t have to worry that they might expose it.” In a recent case, a healthcare company employee lost a backup tape of healthcare records after a thief broke into their car. The thief stole the tape, and then there was the risk that those records would be exposed. “The data wasn’t encrypted, and that led to a lot of pain for that organization,” says Townsend. As convenient as they are, credit and debit cards can also be a significant liability when it comes to security. Many retailers store card information to
thurstonchamber.com
Patrick Townsend , CEO. Photo courtesy of Townsend Security.
streamline the checkout process, but thousands of fraudulent purchases ensue if hackers gain access to that information. Townsend Security can encrypt that data so that it will appear as a scrambled mess that hackers won’t use.
Sandra Hulteen, COO. Photo courtesy of Townsend Security.
processes in place to help with things like conflict resolution, respect and communication.”
Community service is also part of the culture. One member of the company’s leadership team serves on the board at United Way of Thurston County. As Townsend points out, sensitive data goes beyond Other staff members support organizations focused credit cards. “It’s our email addresses, phone on environmental sustainability, women’s health and numbers and social security numbers. A great deal of children’s health and wellbeing. information needs to be protected.” “We’re working with software engineers who have a After a first career as a Special Education teacher, lot of choices about where they can live,” Townsend Townsend developed an IT company in the San notes. “They tend to be involved in creating Francisco Bay Area that served clients like Apple, healthy communities and positive environments for IBM and Pottery Barn. He and his wife moved themselves and their children to enjoy.” Staff is paid to Europe for several years, then relocated to for a certain number of volunteer hours throughout Washington State just as many tech companies were the year. getting their start. COVID-19’s impact on the company has been mixed. “It was a very lively, cloud-centric tech community On the one hand, clients dropped security projects in Seattle that included medical technology, space as they scrambled to support a workforce suddenly technology and telecommunications,” he recalls. working from home, and several vital industries “Once I got settled here, we slowly made a transition suffered substantial economic hits. Townsend’s to software products focused on security and then airline, transportation and hospitality clients found into fully becoming a security company. That was the their budgets decimated. genesis of where we are today.” Simultaneously, the move to home-based jobs From the start, he wanted to develop something meant a greater need for security in some cases, different from the highly competitive, maleand as more online businesses sprung up, they also dominated tech culture so prevalent in Silicon Valley. required support. The leadership team at Townsend Security is half As technology continues to evolve, Townsend women, and the business celebrates diversity in Security will grow with it to continue keeping client’s gender, race, ethnicity, political beliefs and spiritual data safe, Townsend says. “Our focus is to keep pace beliefs. “We set out to create a business that was emotionally positive and healthy,” he says. “We have with all the changes our clients are going through.” thurstonchamber.com
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
I February 2021
I
17
Go Beyond 'Reduce, Reuse, Recycle' Your business’s most important resources are human resources. Good employees are hard to find and even harder to keep! That's why WorkSource Washington has created a free, one-stop hiring hub to help your company find talent to fill every position. WorkSourceWA. com features Washington's largest employment database, along with tools to simplify your hiring process. Once you've found the perfect employees, WorksourceWA.com offers training resources for your team's professional development. Find virtual job fairs, training resources, labor market information AND post job listings for free today! Sign up for your employer account at WorksourceWA.com. Worksource Washington – We work for you! The Employment Security Department and WorkSource are equal opportunity employers/programs. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. WA Relay 711
The Thurston Green Business program connects and celebrates sustainable businesses and organizations in Thurston County and enhances our community's overall environmental and economic health. Community partners created the Thurston Green Business program over 14 years ago, and applications for the 2021 designation opened on January 1 and will remain open until March 15. There are seven sections to the application. Businesses must pass one of the seven areas to receive the Thurston Green Business designation for 2021, including:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Green Business Practices Energy Efficiency Transportation & Community Trip Reduction Waste Reduction & Recycling Water Conservation Social Performance Sustainable Product Life-Cycle
THERE IS NO COST TO APPLY! Successful applicants will receive a Thurston Green window cling, a certificate, and the community will recognize successful applicants at a virtual event in April 2021. Also, Thurston Green honors a small, medium and large business with the Green Business of the Year award and an award to the Thurston Green Municipality of the year.
Visit ThurstonGreenBusiness.com to apply today.
If your business is interested in learning about resources in Thurston County that help improve efficiency and reduce waste, contact the Chamber, or contact one of the Thurston Green Business program partners that are committed to a sustainable Thurston County.
Program Partners
worksourcewa.com
Program Sponsors
For more information about hiring a Morningside client visit our website…
www.morningsideservices.com
thurstonchamber.com
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
I March 2021
I
19
Welcome home to joyful & vibrant living! At Fieldstone, every day is an opportunity for joy—whether relaxing in the spa, working out in the exercise studio, or taking a stroll through the beautiful grounds. Call today for a virtual tour! Independent & Assisted Living
810 Fieldstone Drive SW, Olympia WA 98502 (360) 915-5764
Memory Care
710 Fieldstone Drive SW, Olympia WA 98502 (360) 915-5737
T
he Thurston Chamber is currently accepting applications for the Future of Work Employee Development Program. Employers can apply for up to $15,000 per year to upskill their staff, helping them acquire new skills that help them move into higher skilled and higher wage jobs in the company. Learn more at: http://thurstonchamber. com/workforce/the-future-of-work
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.
510
Tumwater
4. Provided $20,000 to assist with the design and construction of
6
the community center.
5. Provided $15,000 to support investment in the Lacey Yelm
121
3 2 5
Tenino
12
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
EVENTS
Save the Dates A DAY OF CAREER EXPLORATION
What is Apprenticeship?
March 16, 2021 • 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Click here to join day of event: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89365310831
Careers in Healthcare
April 20, 2021 • 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Click here to join day of event: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88132007969
Careers in the Wood and Forest Products Industry
May 18, 2021 • 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Find your Future is brought to you by the Thurston Chamber Foundation in partnership with Career Connect Washington, North Thurston Public Schools, Olympia School District, Tumwater School District, Yelm Community Schools & New Market Skills Center.
If you are unable to attend an event we are recording each panel discussion and you can view them by visiting thurstonchamber.com or going to the Thurston Chamber's YouTube channel.
Thank you to Our 2021 Find Your Future Sponsors
thurstonchamber.com
The Thurston County Chamber, in collaboration with the participating school districts, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, or disability in education programs, services and activities.
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
I
February 2021
I
21
Caught in the Lens
Thurston County Businesses are back to work! Enjoy this special “Tying Our Community Back Together” edition of Caught In the Lens! For more photos, follow the Thurston County Chamber on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThurstonCountyChamber American Family Insurance Childhood's End Gallery
Childhood's End Gallery
Royal King's Spa
EverWorks LLC
Genuine Auto Glass of Lacey
The Olympia Symphony
US Bank US Bank
Cabinets by Trivonna
Fleur de Lis Garden Ornaments LLC
22 I
March 2021
I
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
thurstonchamber.com
WE UNDERSTAND THE MEANING OF
COMMUNITY.
We’re Washington Business Bank—your local friendly bank. We’re in your community, getting to know, supporting, and partnering with small businesses and vital nonprofits.
We want to see you thrive.
CALL US AT
thurstonchamber.com
DISCOVER MORE AT
Thurston County Chamber VOICE I March 2021 I wabizbank.com (360) 754-1945 23
The Rants Group Heritage Bank Olympia L & E Bottling Company, Inc. Morningside Olympia Federal Savings Olympia South Puget Sound Community College Providence St. Peter Hospital SCJ Alliance Phillips Burgess, PLLC Great Wolf Lodge
Port of Olympia
Puget Sound Energy
Saint Martin's University
FORMA Construction Company
Wells Fargo Community Bank
Lucky Eagle Casino and Hotel
Little Creek Casino & Resort
Olympia Orthopaedic Associates, PLLC
Washington Business Bank
TwinStar Credit Union Corporate Office
The Thurston County Chamber sends a BIG THANK YOU to ALL of our investors. With members like you, we are able to provide a sustainable business community in Thurston County as well as foster growth and positive change. Only through your support can we continue to fund important community initiatives and lead the way for business.
Thank You!
Comcast
PLATINUM
DIAMOND
South Sound Behavioral Hospital
Timberland Bank
Caliber Home Loans
1st Security Bank Home Lending
Hooper Financial Services
American Workforce Group
Charter College
Olympia Furniture Company
Venables Pest Management
___
Hometown Property Management, Inc.
Nisqually Red Wind Casino
Columbia Bank Downtown
The Creative Office
Community Youth Services
GHB Insurance, Inc.
GOLD
Express Employment Professionals The Firs Senior Living Community First Citizens Bank TAGS Awards and Specialties Budd Bay Cafe KeyBank Martin Way AAA Washington Inland Michael White Agency Farmers Insurance Nicholson & Associates Insurance Edward Jones Dirk Farrar, Financial Advisor Big Brothers, Big Sisters of SW WA Window Genie Jensen Milner Cap City Law PS Greene Realty Group Cabinets by Trivonna RHD Enterprises, Inc. Madcap Marketing Bakala State Farm Family Education and Support Services Morgan Stanley Mike Marohn, Financial Advisor 94.5 ROXY T & S Cleaning, Inc.
SILVER
PO BOX 1427 Olympia, WA 98507-1427
