May 2018 VOICE Magazine

MAY 2018

THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

M

A

G

A

Z

I

BRINGING COMMUNITY to schools Tumwater School District and TOGETHER!

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

N

E

Tumwater School District & Collective Impact

By David Schaffert, Thurston Chamber President/CEO

PUBLISHER Thurston County Chamber of Commerce

EDITORIAL Editor: David Schaffert Phone: (360) 357-3362

I

n 2015 Tumwater School District

no single entity responsible for delivery

developed its strategic plan which

of all services, but rather a collection of

they are currently implementing.

people and organizations in alignment

A vital component of this plan is

working together toward common goals

a strategy to serve students and

and measurements. The visual would look

their families to make sure kids

something like many independent arrows —

are ready to learn. This collective impact

or efforts — pointing in the same strategic

initiative is called Community in Schools,

direction, versus many arrows — efforts

David Schaffert

and we’ve featured the story in this issue of

— not aligned and pointing in different

Doug Mah

the VOICE.

directions.

Tumwater’s plan includes six goals with

Tumwater School District deserves ongoing

corresponding strategies to achieve those

community support for their strategic plan

goals. They include Early Learning, Whole

and the high-impact innovative approaches

Blake Knoblauch

Child, Choice/Flexibility, Academic Success,

that look to the entire community as

Aaron Bernhard

Community Engagement and Operational/

partners in its implementation. Partners

Fiscal Effectiveness. A central theme in the

such as Together! and the Community

plan is the recognition that each student

Schools initiative deserve accolades for their

is unique, and numerous factors influence

innovative strategies as well as the impact

their academic and lifelong success.

they are having on our youth.

Email: dschaffert@thurstonchamber.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Natasha Ashenhurst Doria Maselli Christina Butcher

ADVERTISING Sales and Marketing:

Phone: (360) 357-3362 Email: info@thurstonchamber.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS Phone: (360) 357-3362 Email: info@thurstonchamber.com

Tumwater recognizes that to have success DESIGN Mosaic Marketing Studio

for each student, the District must build infrastructure to address these influences.

COVER ART

Note: From time to time the VOICE Magazine will highlight collective impact efforts in our community. The Thurston

Photo by Dinea Norell of Dinea de

Infrastructure-building on this scale

Chamber Foundation is the backbone

Photo of Jennifer Gould, John Bash,

is a daunting task, but when we take a

organization supporting Thurston Thrives,

closer look at the Community Schools

our community’s collective impact initiative

Lindsey Bates and Arianne Sandel from Tumwater School District.

initiative, we recognize a model in the

around the determinants of health. The

PRINTING

way to achieve infrastructure needs

Community Schools Initiative is a strategy

Print NW

when dealing with complex issues. The

within the Education and Resilience Action

CONTACT THE CHAMBER

community Schools initiative implements

Team of Thurston Thrives. ●

PO Box 1427

collective impact strategies, and there is

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

Robotic-Guided Spine Surgery capitalmedical.com

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

©2017 BCI

LOCAL, HELPFUL! For Flexible Loan Solutions or to Grow Your Business.

Plus, Everyday Banking and Mobile Banking.

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

Paull Long P L

D Diana iana G Grantham ranth ham

Matt DeBord M D B d

Tim Collins

Matt Hargrave

Erik Heimann

NMLS# 1218316

NMLS# 539571

s U t i s i V NLINE O

TOO!

OLYMPIA TUMWATER LACEY PANORAMA YELM

800.562.8761

May 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.

Morning Mixxer at PrimeLending Join our host, PrimeLending, on Tuesday, May 1 at 7:30 a.m. for Morning Mixxer. PrimeLending will provide the breakfast treats, our sponsor L&E Bottling will host the coffee bar — and you can enjoy a morning of networking.

In This Issue...

7 Chelsea Farms ...a model of environmentally sustainable shellfish.

12

Thurston Young Professionals Join the Thurston Young Professionals on Thursday, May 3 at 5:30 p.m. at the Brick. And while you're having fun, eating food and enjoying refreshments, have fun meeting other Young Professionals and expand your network.

Member Orientation & Lunch!

Community in Schools Learn about Tumwater School District's community partners to wrap services around students for academic success.

Join us on Friday, May 4 at noon for Chamber Member Orientation. During the lunch hour, you'll learn about many benefits and services the Chamber provides our members

16

and the community. We have a lot of fun and then we'll serve

Advocacy Update

a delicious lunch after the tour & talk.

Thank you to our community partners.

Thurston Chamber 113th Annual Meeting Please join us for our 113th Annual Meeting on Wednesday, May 16 at 11:30 a.m. at Hotel RL Olympia. We have a fantastic program lined up! Stay tuned for our keynote speaker by checking back at thurstonchamber.com Thank you to our co-presenting sponsors, Heritage Bank and Port of Olympia.

18 Caught in the Lens Enjoy photos from our April events.

Business After Hours at Bruce Titus Automotive Group

20

Join the Thurston County Chamber on Thursday, May 17, at 5:30 p.m.

We speak with Sanjeev Batta, president of Cayzen Technologies and Gardiant about his business model and his efforts to use capitalism for good.

for our May Business After Hours at Bruce Titus Automotive. Business After Hours is a free networking event. Hosts provide light appetizers and beverages, games and raffles.

Capitalism for Good

Thank you, sponsors! thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE 

May 2018 5

6 • May 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

The shellfish Chelsea Farms grows — primarily in Eld and Totten Inlets — create a natural eco-system for the South Sound and provides local jobs in Thurston County. Job development is part of a set of Chelsea Farms' community ethics. Photos by Poppi Photography, courtesy of Chelsea Farms.

Chelsea Farms & A Working Model of Environmental Sustainability

Written by Doria Maselli

C

helsea Farms’ story began in Olympia in 1987, when then-owners Linda and John Lentz began their journey of sustainable shellfish farming. “Chelsea,” which means “Port of Ships,” was chosen as the name of the company and was also the name of John’s tugboat used for geoduck diving.

The Lentz’s began with a commitment to

mission current owners Shina Wysocki

Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar, continuing

practice organic, sustainable farming with

and Kyle Lentz, a 2nd generation President

their parents’ mission of paying homage

an environmental obligation to the South

of Pacific Coast Shellfish Grower’s

to the indigenous shellfish while creating

Sound and Pacific Northwest as a whole.

Association, remain committed to

a genuine rapport with the community.

The continual progress seen through the

fulfilling.

Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar is located at 222 Capitol Way N. Olympia, WA in the

years from Chelsea Farms could not be more evident in the community. It’s a

In 2016, siblings Shina and Kyle opened

open marketplace of businesses called 222

Continued on page 9 thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE 

May 2018 7

MEMBER PROFILE

Little Creek Casino Resort Invites You to “Live A Little”

A

quick 15-minute drive north of Olympia, Little

available in the South Sound.

Creek Casino Resort has something to offer just about everyone.

Little Creek Casino Resort’s convenient getaway also offers

For professional groups in search of off-site meeting facilities, the casino’s beautiful Kamilche Valley setting is the perfect place to host a business meeting or retreat. More than 40,000 sq. ft. of conference and meeting space can be adapted to provide privacy for small groups or room for larger organizations to spread out.

guests: •

suites, a gym, heated indoor pool and hot tub • •

people and features amenities such as private skybox seating and built-in staging.

contemporary cuisine •

Seven Inlets Spa with a full menu of professional spa services

•

The Arcade offers close to 100 games with titles suitable for every gamer in the family and

•

Thurston Chamber members who are looking for a leisure-time

Seven popular bars and restaurants, providing with breathtaking views to the freshest seafood and

Creek Event Center is well-equipped to host large-scale events, state-of-the-art, multi-purpose facility can seat more than 1,800

The nationally-ranked Salish Cliffs Golf Club everything from karaoke to live DJs, from casual dining

In addition to Little Creek’s flexible meeting space, the Skookum such as banquets, conferences, seminars and trade shows. This

Luxurious hotel accommodations, including family

The Washington RV Park with all of the conveniences and services campers desire

escape will find many ways to unwind – or to “LIVE a little” as subtlety stated in Little Creek’s new branding campaign. One of the region’s newest, full-service gaming facilities, the casino offers slots, table games, a poker room, bonus craps, bingo, live keno, pull tabs and many smoke-free gaming options. Plus, entertainment in the Skookum Creek Event Center includes

Little Creek Casino Resort 91 West State Route 108 Shelton, WA 98584 www.little-creek.com

some of the best performers, sporting events and comedy acts SPONSORED MEMBER PROFILE

8 • February 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

Continued from page 7

MEMBER PROFILE

Scottiejo McNulty

Spring Cleaning Time is Here

O

Chelsea Farms has made a priority of farming the Olympia Oyster, a native oyster to Olympia that was on its way to extinction. Photos by Poppi Photography, courtesy of Chelsea Farms.

Market. Owning a restaurant had always

Chelsea Farms has made a priority of

been a dream for Shina, who has a

farming the Olympia Oyster, a native

culinary background. Since opening, she

oyster to Olympia that was on its way to

has curated each piece of the bar to be a

extinction. They are a proud member

piece of history and opportunity, from the

of Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers

decor to her staff.

Association. Sustainable farming is a crucial aspect of keeping the water

Executive chef Henri Ñol brings his

clean. Water maintenance demands vital

background of Mexican culinary heritage

attention while growing their Chelsea

to Olympia, WA by incorporating his love

Gem, Bonita and Olympia Oysters, along

of Northwest ingredients and culture to

with their fresh clams and geoduck.

the menu. Cody Goodwin, the General

Education about the local waters and

Manager, has created a bar program

where their seafood is sourced is

to be geared toward the flavor of each

essential to the experience the Farm

oyster and to be easily paired with the

offers.

local shellfish. Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar represents the heart and soul of the

They are well-known throughout the

company. The restaurant, a dream 10

United States for their “Chelsea Gem.”

years in the making, was opened in part

This petite beauty is a tide tumbled

as a tribute to Shina and Kyle’s father

Pacific oyster. The growing method

John, who passed away in 2014.

of this oyster is original; it’s grown

ur climate, while blessed with mild winters and moderate summers, isn’t perfect. The excess damp causes cobwebs and mildew, making surfaces dirty, meaning more things to clean. Scottiejo McNulty’s crew at Elite Cleaning can help! They clean windows, screens and tracks. They'll create a honey-do list for future repairs, switch out winter clothes and shoes and prep for spring garage sales by sorting outgrown items.

Their work can focus on entire home (or business) deep clean or high traffic areas. They'll tidy the garage or freshen up window treatments. The team at Elite Cleaning believe that for spring cleaning to be effective, homeowners must take an organized approach. Elite Cleaning's website has downloadable sample checklists, showing the services they offer and the range of their expertise.

They are always willing to talk over any request, frequency or event, be it onetime or on a regular basis. •

Elite Cleaning of Washington 325 Washington St NE #405 Olympia, WA 98501 (360) 529-2277 elitecleaningofwa@gmail.com Sponsored Member Profile. Copy written

by Thurston Talk for Elite Cleaning.

Continued on page 11 thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE 

May 2018 9

Continued from page 9

Kyle Lentz, pictured far left and Shina Wysocki, second from right, take pride in operating a small-scale farm with no warehouse. Photo by Poppi Photography, courtesy of Chelsea Farms. in "tumble" bags

Farm Director, Shina,

with ultimate dedication

suspended by buoys in

takes pride in operating

towards shellfish

the water. This method

a small-scale farm with

farming; Shina and Kyle

creates an entirely

no warehouse, where

continue to carry on

new flavor profile that

they treat farmers as

that legacy.

is clean, sweet and

part of the family. With

buttery, with a delicate

a small operation, the

“We are incredibly

touch of brine.

farm can refine their

thankful for the

oysters, genuinely

welcome that Olympia

The shellfish Chelsea

making it Washington’s

has given us,” said

Farms grows —

first “boutique shellfish

Shina. “We love being

primarily in Eld and

farm.”

part of the downtown community. We are

Totten Inlets — create a natural eco-system

Chelsea Farms is

also thankful for our

for the South Sound

a working model

teams both at the farm

and provide local jobs

of environmental

and the restaurant who

in Thurston County. Job

sustainability. The

are always pushing to

development belongs

foundation Chelsea

do more. It’s a great

to a set of community

Farms sits on was built

journey we are on with

ethics Chelsea Farms

by John and Linda, as

holds to high standards.

passionate individuals

thurstonchamber.com

them.” •

Thurston County Chamber VOICE 

May 2018 11

From left to right: Jennifer Gould, Lead Community Schools Manager, John Bash, Tumwater School District Superintendent, Lindsey Bates, Secondary Community Schools Manager and Arianne Sandel, Elementary Community Schools Manager

Students, Resources & Community Schools

How Tumwater School District and Together! are ensuring all kids are ready to learn with the Community Schools partnership.

Written by Christina Butcher. Photography by Dinea DePhoto.

I

magine a partnership that provides school-aged youth and families with access to healthcare, clothing, food, daily necessities and transportation right on school grounds, ensuring convenient access and encouraging students to continue attending school despite the odds.

If it sounds too good to be true, you’re in for a shock, because it’s anything but. The partnership is

other community

known as Community Schools, and it’s been growing and evolving into something quite beautiful

organizations” said John

since it was implemented in Tumwater School District in 2014.

Bash, superintendent at Tumwater School District.

“The Community Schools program in Tumwater is a partnership with Together! and several

12 • May 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

“The fundamental concept is

thurstonchamber.com

that schools function as a hub for many

Schools encompasses 22 community-

“One of the challenges we face in

different services based on families’

based partners leveraging resources

implementing the model in the school

needs. Together! is our lead community

throughout the year, hundreds of

district is sustainable resources,”

agency.”

volunteers from faith-based partners

continued Darrow. “Together! believes

assisting with stocking resource

strongly – and research shows – that

Led by director Meghan Sullivan

“pantries” at schools, and multiple

if we have a sustainable funding

Goldenberger and deputy director

service groups who are highly involved

structure that pairs school money with

Meagan Darrow, Together! is a non-

in the Community Schools initiative.

community money, we’ll get the most

profit organization working to “tackle

“In addition to case management, these

bang for our buck. But we really struggle

barriers students and families face to

organizations leverage partnerships,

to maintain sustainable funding; it’s a

their health, well-being and success.”

build trust in the community and

challenge.”

The organization implements the

schools, and bring in new partners and

Community Schools model in Tumwater

fold them into our initiative so we can all

Bash, who has 30 years of experience

Photo left and center, Jennifer Gould and Arianne Sandel give a tour of available resources. Photo on left is Meagan Darrow, deputy director at TOGETHER! School District and Yelm Community

move in the same direction towards our

in public education himself and has

Schools.

goals,” said Darrow.

been serving as superintendent since

“It’s a collective impact (approach),

Darrow has been working at Together!

Schools partnership is building

not just a service,” said Darrow. “Our

for six years now. She estimates that

community ties.

kids don’t live single issue lives, so we

over 2,000 students have benefited from

need to stop trying to solve single issue

the Community Schools partnership in

“The success of this partnership lies in

problems.”

Tumwater.

growing relationships within a wide

2015, believes the key to the Community

cross-section of public and private Darrow and Bash have been working

“But collective impact is about moving

entities to support the non-academic

closely together since the Community

away from just counting the number of

needs that many of our students and

Schools partnership began four

people we serve and moving towards an

families face so they can succeed in

years ago. Initially, they’d hoped

outcome,” said Darrow. “The collective

school,” said Bash, who holds a Bachelor

it would increase graduation rates

impact approach asks us to align what

of Arts in elementary education from

in the Tumwater School District by

we’re (all) doing. That’s not to say that

Central Washington University and a

coordinating and organizing community

each program by itself isn’t worthy...

master’s in educational leadership from

resources in schools. Available resources

it’s [to say] that when we align, we start

University of Washington.

include clothing, food, bus passes, sports

seeing the underlying causes.”

“The school district has been a convener.

gear, toiletries, access to sports physicals Darrow has extensive experience

We gather (organizations) and...before

working with the Community Schools

we leave we ask each other, ‘who’s

The partnership has grown over the

model, and she holds a Bachelor of

not here that we need to invite and

last four years to include seven on-

Science in public health from Western

include in this effort.’ We learn about

site community resource centers and

Washington University and a Master of

individuals and groups who have a

recently, expansion of Together! staff

Business Administration from Evergreen

similar mission and whom we didn’t

at Tumwater schools. Community

State College.

know about before.”

and immunizations and more.

Continued on page 15 thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE 

May 2018 13

Grow your business the credit union way.

Amplify offers the services you need to grow your business • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Business Savings / Checking Credit Cards SBA Loans Lines of Credit Construction Loans Term Loans Commercial Real Estate Loans Cash Management Services Bill Pay & Mobile Banking Sweep Accounts Remote Deposit Capture International Payments ACH Origination

Our team is ready to help you reach your goals!

youracu.org/amplify | 253-591-6881

Federally insured by NCUA.

Continued from page 13 to Washington D.C. later this spring in support of the project.

But like any growing initiative, the Community Schools

“With the collective impact approach, we come together with a

partnership faces new challenges every day. The ever-

joint commitment to serve as many students and families as we

increasing demand for highly-capable staff and obtaining long-

can so as many kids come to school every day ready to learn -

term, sustainable funding are two of its biggest obstacles now.

not hungry, with clean clothes, a roof over their head and school supplies – so they have every opportunity to learn that other

“We’ve learned that when families find out there’s help – and

students have,” said Bash. “Community Schools is a key part of

there’s a person available to help them with the challenges and

Tumwater Schools’ strategy for achieving its strategic planning

barriers they’re facing – they share the news with each other;

goals.”

they’re part of a network.

Although Tumwater School District and Together! leverage “One of the challenges we’re facing is a significant increase in

hundreds of volunteers each year in support of Community

demand for this kind of help. We don’t have enough people

Schools, they’re always looking to bring new individuals and

– people like Jennifer Gould from Black Hills High School - to

organizations into the partnership’s fold.

meet the (current) demand ...The word is out now. People are “Without exception, when I reach out to new (potential)

asking for help and we don’t turn anyone away.”

partners, they’re not only willing, they’re excited that someone Despite staff and funding obstacles, Community Schools’ over

is organizing the effort,” said Bash. “We can only accomplish

arching success in Tumwater School District has garnered

so much by ourselves. When we bring together those who

the attention of national organizations like the American

are trying to accomplish the same things, there’s a lot more

Association for School Administrators (AASA) and Communities

efficiency and effectiveness.”

in Schools (CIS). Both organizations extended an invitation to Tumwater School District to participate in the “National Project

“If people or sponsors want to get involved,” concluded Darrow,

to Promote Integrated Student Supports” in 2019. The project

“they can contact me at mdarrow@thurstontogether.org and

focuses on promoting and developing implementation strategies

we’ll discuss how they can join this effort.” •

for collective impact models on a national level. Bash will travel

Christina Butcher is a freelance writer for the VOICE.

ScaleUp is brought to you by Center for Business & Innovation and sponsored by TwinStar Credit Union

ScaleUp LV WKH &HQWHU IRU %XVLQHVV ,QQRYDWLRQ·V FRPSUHKHQVLYH GHVLJQHG for business owners ZKR ZDQW WR DFKLHYH stronger results IRU WKHLU HIIRUWV DQG WR JURZ WKHLU EXVLQHVVHV

Starting May 31

3-part training series

Business TuneUp will teach you how to: • ,GHQWLI\ NH\ PHWULFV IRU EHWWHU GHFLVLRQ PDNLQJ • ,PSURYH SURÀWDELOLW\ DQG LQFUHDVH VDOHV • 7XUQ IUXVWUDWLRQV LQWR VROXWLRQV • 7KLQN PRUH VWUDWHJLFDOO\ • :RUN IHZHU KRXUV HQMR\ PRUH SHUVRQDO WLPH 2018 Dates: 5/31 - 6/21 & 9/13 - 10/4

www.scaleupthurston.org

Build Your Market will teach you how to: • ,GHQWLI\ DQG H[SORUH JURZWK RSSRUWXQLWLHV • 'HYHORS \RXU FRPSHWLWLYH DGYDQWDJH • 'HÀQH \RXU PDUNHWLQJ VWUDWHJ\ • &KRRVH WKH PRVW HIIHFWLYH PDUNHWLQJ WDFWLFV IRU \RXU EXVLQHVV 2018 Dates: 10/18 - 11/8 Financial Mastery will teach you how to: • 5HFRJQL]H \RXU ÀQDQFLDO GULYHUV • 3URMHFW \RXU FDVK ÁRZ • 7UXO\ XQGHUVWDQG \RXU 3 / DQG EDODQFH VKHHW • &UHDWH D ÀQDQFLDO SODQ • 0LQH IRU SURÀWV 2018 Dates: 11/15 - 12/13

thurstonchamber.com

The cities of Olympia & Lacey support local businesses by providing scholarships to businesses located within city limits. See website for details

Thurston County Chamber VOICE 

May 2018 15

extend our thanks and great appreciation to the following:

ADVOCACY UPDATE

•

District 2: Representatives Andrew Barkis and J.T. Wilcox and Senator Randi Becker

•

District 20: Representatives Richard DeBolt and Ed Orcutt and Senator Braun

2018 Thurston Chamber’s Public Policy Report to the Community 2018

•

District 22: Representatives Beth Doglio and Laurie Dolan and Senator Sam Hunt

•

District 35: Representatives Dan Griffey and Drew MacEwan and Senator Tim Sheldon

The legislative delegation worked hard on our behalf over the last two legislative sessions. They were responsive to our requests and helped bring new resources to our community.

We encourage members to take every opportunity to thank our representatives for their ongoing support of the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce.

Leaders and decision makers work best when they hear and

Thank You

understand a diversity of perspectives. Our community benefits

O

to the public policy discussion and decisions. Sharing your

By Doug Mah, Doug Mah & Associates and Director of Chamber's Public Policy Division

when the Thurston Chamber of Commerce is active and visible in the public process. Your support of the Public Policy Division helps bring business perspectives, insights and observations

n behalf of the Public Policy Division of the

perspectives helps balance competing opinions and work to

Thurston County Chamber, we’d like to say

ensure all voices are heard. Again, we thank you for your

“Thank You” to the Chamber membership

support. •

for your ongoing support, availability and interest.

Starting and sustaining business in the greater

Thurston County region can be harder than other communities of similar size. Very few regions in Washington offer the perfect

Proudly providing 44 years of Commercial Sales, Leasing and Management services

storm of culture, politics, and interests that make up Thurston County. In 2016, the Chamber added resources and expertise to create a more unified and precise approach to public policy and issue management on behalf of business.

With your support, the Public Policy Division has become your business and community advocate. We bring your insights, community knowledge, and expertise to the table to forge more successful relationships and stronger partnerships across public, non-profit, and private entities. It is a privilege to represent the Chamber membership’s shared interests.

TUMWATER COMMERCE PLACE Industrial lots for sale or build to suit 1.86 to 8.75 acres Contact Pat Rants for more information

Last month we produced an annual report to the community.

The report highlights some of our successes and outlines our overall approach. The report can be found at http:// thurstonchamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/PublicPolicy-Division-Report-Out-March-2018.pdf . We hope that you are pleased by what we have accomplished.

The Public Policy Division Chamber would also like to thank the Thurston County State Legislative Delegation for their support and action on behalf of our community. Specifically, we want to

16 • May 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

Patrick Rants, CCIM, CPM Designated Broker 724 Columbia St NW, Suite 140 • Olympia, WA 98501

(360) 943-8060 www.rants-group.com

thurstonchamber.com

The right fit for your business.

WE KNOW WHAT IT TAKES TO BUILD

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

REAL ESTATE IS AT THE CENTER OF ALL THAT WE DO. We’ve tripled in size since our inception and offer more than a century of combined legal experience. Our attorneys provide high-quality, timely, and personalized legal advice on all matters related to real estate transactions and development.

SERVING THE SOUTH SOUND AND SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON

WWW.PHILLIPSBURGESSLAW.COM

thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE 

May 2018 17

Caught in the Lens...

18 • May 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

Photos on this page are from Morning Mixxer at Cornerstone Mortgage, YPN at Great Wolf Lodge, Thurston Green Business Awards and ribbon cuttings at Tart Hard Cider, Pellegrinos and Capital Land Trust.

thurstonchamber.com

thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE 

May 2018 19

Capitalism for Good Get to know entrepreneur, Sanjeev Batta, President of Cayzen Technologies.

By Natasha Ashenhurst

I

f you’ve received a speeding ticket, hired a contractor for home or work, or used an elevator in Washington State, you’ve interacted with a Cayzen Technologies’ work — but chances are you have not heard of this Lacey-based tech company.

In addition to helping state agencies

Cayzen develops and builds custom software solutions for a large client base, but the

program, Batta launched a second

majority of their work in the past 11 years has been for the State. Cayzen helped build the software that connects courts, cities and law enforcement to seamlessly process speeding tickets. Cayzen developed the regulatory process that monitors the safety of the pet food you’ve purchased. Cayzen helped develop the software that enables safety

become more effective in delivering services to Citizens, Cayzen has been an incubator and accelerator for technology startups in the Thurston county.

In 2013 as part of its incubation company, Gardiant. “I have done a lot of work with workers compensation in the State of Washington,” said Batta. “We started Gardiant when we asked how

inspections for the elevators.

we could improve the lives of injured

Cayzen works day in, day out with clients to envision a unique way to solve problems

worker compensation process with both

and in the majority of cases the solution involves the creation of custom software.

“We help government operate more effectively,” said Cayzen President Sanjeev Batta.

“We remove complexity by championing and enabling a customer-focused process.

We are not afraid to challenge the status quo and recognize that things can be done differently.”

Batta founded Cayzen in Olympia in 2007, and today it employs close to 20 people.

workers by removing the friction in the internal and external stakeholders.

“We discovered employers, retrospective rating programs, vocational counselors and others involved in the claim, besides the LNI claims managers, have a role in improving the life of an injured

Continued on page 22.

20 • May 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE 

May 2018 21

Continued from page 20.

worker, but they didn’t have the right

refer to as “conscious capitalism.” He

set of tools, so we built the product that

prefers to call it “capitalism for good.”

the majority of RETRO programs and

Batta said communities can utilize a

vocational service providers use today.”

private company’s mindset, energy, innovation and thought processes to

“Gardiant enables stakeholder

solve larger policy issues and problems.

collaboration and removes barriers to communication and information

“The kind of innovation we’ve created

exchange,” said Batta. “Our software

is sometimes not possible in the

connects employers, retro groups,

public sector due to risks, rules and

vocational counselors, and other service

regulations, but the private sector can

providers so they can work together,

take the risk,” said Batta. “We can move

ultimately reducing the claims time and

quickly and make decisions quickly.

the likelihood that the injured worker

We make connections and listen to

can return to work.”

our customers to make decisions that are made in days and weeks instead of

Batta said Gardiant is a great example

months and years.”

of a public/private partnership, because while L&I or any state agency has not

Batta believes that — at the end of the

funded the product’s development,

day — the private sector can solve

they benefit from the impact it has on

public problems because they can move

the outcomes and impact on the whole

quickly, take risks, challenge the status

system. Gardiant is building the product

quo and innovate. This is what he’s

in Washington, but they have plans to

referring to when he states “capitalism

expand nationally.

for good” is at work.

Batta is developing as part of its

Locally, Batta and his team are working

incubation and innovation effort a

to use this approach to solve another

third company in partnership with the

problem -- getting more kids interested

University of Washington Research

in science, technology, engineering and

and Innovation Lab, to increase

math (STEM).

development screening using innovative

“We started a project with Tumwater

technology and behavioral psychology.

High School called the ‘Girls Who Code’

The goal is to make tools available to

program,” he said. “We’re trying to get

parents, healthcare providers, early

more high school kids interested in

childhood service providers and others

programming and technology. I see that

to conduct development screenings for

not enough local talent is coming into

developmental delays.

this field.

Batta said “No one had the funds

“We are also looking to bring more

to do this work, so we are going to

startups to Olympia. Thurston County is

commercialize the project to serve the

a great place to raise a family and there

greater public good while still creating

is room for companies like Gardiant to

a value for investors and stakeholders.”

come in and make a difference.” •

which he said falls under what others 22 • May 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

What does a $50 annual tax investment to the Port look like?

RETURNING YOUR INVESTMENT

O

Business activity supporting nearly 5,000 familywage jobs +$100 million in wages

O

Environmental Stewardship: Budd Bay Clean-up, East Bay Remediation, Cascade Pole and more

O

Small Cities Program to support community development goals in rural Thurston

O

Port Plaza and viewing platform, waterfront trail, public docks and public waterfront access

O

and much more For more information on how the Port supports Thurston County visit

PORTOLYMPIA.COM

WE’LL BE

YOUR SUPER HERO.

No phone booth required.

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

FIND OUT MORE AT

thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE 

wabizbank.com

May 2018 23

PO BOX 1427 Olympia, WA 98507-1427