May 2019 VOICE Magazine

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GROWING A PROSPEROUS ECONOMY & VIBRANT COMMUNITY

magazine PUBLISHER Thurston County Chamber of Commerce

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

CONTRIBUTORS David Schaffert Natasha Ashenhurst Heather Harris Doug Mah Kathryn Millhorn

ADVERTISING Sales & Marketing: Krystal Barkus Elizabeth Bretschneider Marny Bright Blake Knoblauch

SUBSCRIPTIONS 360-357-3362 info@thurstonchamber.com

DESIGN Mosaic Marketing Studio

COVER ART Photo courtesy of Washington State Legislative Support Services

PRINTING Print NW

Meet the Chamber & the All New VOICE Magazine!

by David Schaffert, Thurston County Chamber President/CEO

T

he Chamber’s new year – and our 145th – begins on May 1. The new year brings a few new faces to our Board of Directors, including

our new Board Chair, Joseph Lanham. We’re also pleased to roll out a new look for the VOICE Magazine. The changes are subtle, but we hope you’ll enjoy the refresh.

In this issue, we’re going to bring you

We'll roll out the Chamber's calendar

up to date on your Thurston County

of events, and we'll share important

Chamber. You won't find the usual stories

information about our programs and

and photos of the business community;

how you can make the most of your

instead, we're going to share important

membership and plug into outstanding

information about how the Chamber

opportunities.

is growing a prosperous economy and vibrant community and what this means

Look forward to themed issues

for you and your organization.

throughout the year – our Health Care Issue in June, our Tourism issue in July,

The rest of the year we’ll return to our business magazine format and content, but for this issue only, we're going to do

If you’d like to learn more about our

some Chamber story telling.

2019/2020 editorial calendar, get in touch with our Chamber Member

CONTACT THE CHAMBER PO Box 1427 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. ©2019 VOICE Magazine, Thurston County Chamber.

our Outdoor Issue in August... and so on.

We'll introduce you to our new board of

Services team, by calling 360-357-3362 or

directors, our staff, and ambassadors.

emailing info@thurstonchamber.com.

THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY INVESTORS DIAMOND INVESTORS American Workforce Group Caliber Home Loans Charter College Commerce Home Mortgage LoanStar Division Community Youth Services

Great Wolf Lodge

Greene Realty Group

The Rants Group

Hometown Property Management, Inc.

Heritage Bank - Olympia

GOLD INVESTORS

Hooper Financial Services

L & E Bottling Company, Inc. Morningside

America's Credit Union - Lacey

Mills & Mills Funeral Home Nisqually Red Wind Casino

Olympia Federal Savings

Olympia Furniture Company

Olympia Nissan Commercial Vehicle

Pardiman Productions

Phillips Burgess, PLLC

Radia Inc., PS

Providence St. Peter Hospital

The Creative Office

Timberland Bank

The Firs Senior Living Community

Venables Pest Management PLATINUM INVESTORS

GHB Insurance, Inc.

Capital Medical Center

Grays Harbor Fair & Tourism

The Evergreen State College

Puget Sound Energy Saint Martin's University SCJ Alliance South Puget Sound Community College

FORMA Construction Company Little Creek Casino & Resort Lucky Eagle Casino and Hotel Olympia Orthopaedic Associates, PLLC Port of Olympia TwinStar Credit Union Corporate Office Washington Business Bank Wells Fargo Community Bank

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May 2019 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.

Thurston Young Professionals at Rumors Wine Bar

In This Issue...

Join Thurston Young Professionals on Thursday, May 2 at 5:30 p.m. at Rumors Wine Bar. Enjoy a selection of beverages and snacks, meet with other Young Professionals (21-39 year olds) and expand your network.

Where: 430 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98501

Meet the Chamber Board of Trustees Meet the new faces of the Thurston Chamber – including new Board Chair, Joseph Lanham.

Morning Mixxer at Boot Barn Please join our host, Boot Barn, on Tuesday, May 7 at 7:30 a.m. for the Thurston Chamber's Morning Mixxer. Boot Barn 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: 1214 Marvin Rd NE, Lacey, WA 98516

Forum: Chamber's 114th Annual Meeting On Wednesday, May 8 at 11:30 a.m., join the Thurston County Chamber for our 114th Annual Meeting and the beginning of the Chamber's 145th year. The

P. 6 Meet the Chamber Ambassadors From event registration to hanging banners, Chamber Ambassadors volunteer at most Chamber events.

P. 9

program will include a report out and glimpse at an exciting program of work for 2019. Keynote speaker, Devin Craig will share tips and tricks to build an intentionally awesome workplace culture. Visit thurstonchamber.com for tickets and information. What: Chamber's Annual Meeting. When: Wednesday May 8, 11:30 a.m. Where: Hotel RL Olympia, 2300 Evergreen Pkwy, Olympia, WA 98502. Cost is $35 for members, $40 for non-member in advance. $40 for members, $45 for non-members at the door.

Business After Hours at PC Technologies Join the Thurston Chamber on Thursday, May 16, at 5:30 p.m. for Business After Hours at PC Technologies. Business After Hours is a free networking event. Hosts provide light appetizers and beverages, games and raffles including a magician.

This is a great chance to learn about a local organization and expand your network.

Meet the Chamber Team Connect friendly faces of the Thurston Chamber staff with their names and roles.

P. 12 Public Policy & Advocacy A Year in Review of the Chamber's Public Policy efforts in both regional and statewide issues.

P. 21-22

Where: 3739 Griffin Ln SE, Olympia, WA 98501.

Caught in the Lens

Thank you Sponsors!

thurstonchamber.com

Catch the latest round of photos from Chamber events and ribbon cuttings.

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2019/2020

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Meet the Chamber Board of Trustees

Joseph Lanham, Chair

David Schaffert, President/CEO

Joanna West, Past Chair

Wells Fargo

Thurston Chamber

Washington Business Bank

Kevin Stormans, Vice Chair

Kim Adney, Treasurer

Cheryl Fambles, Board Advisor

Stormans Inc.

Account Source

Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council

Ron Bruchet

Michael Cade

Debra Clemens

GHB Insurance

Thurston Economic Development Council

North Thurston Public Schools

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

Dave Cullen

Trenton Fluetsch

Sam Gibboney

David D. Cullen, Attorney

Sunset Air

Port of Olympia

Perry Hanchey

Kelsey Hulse

Eric Johnston

Diamond Technology Innovations

Puget Sound Energy

SCJ Alliance

Zach Kosturos

Todd Monohon

Shauna Stewart

Prime Locations

Olympic Rental Properties

Experience Olympia & Beyond

Theresa Wall

Dave Wasson

Michelle Wickett

Kaufman Construction

Batdorf & Bronson Coffee Roasters

Axia Home Loans

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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Chamber Ambassadors

Meet Our Chamber Ambassadors

Featured (left to right): Tina Carey, Synergein Solutions; Shirley Jones (Ambassador Chair) T & S Cleaning; Corey Lopardi, Pardiman Productions; Lynza Zeman, Window Genie; Sarah Jackson, South Sound Manor; Molly Gruse, AAA Washington. thurstonchamber.com

Photo by Heather Harris, Elements Photography.

The Chamber Ambassadors is a group of volunteers who promote a professional atmosphere, encourage participation, and attend community activities and events as representatives of the Chamber. From event registration to hanging banners, Chamber Ambassadors volunteer at most Chamber events. The Ambassadors meet monthly. To learn more about the Chamber Ambassadors, please contact Krystal Barkus at events@thurstonchamber.com.

Back row: Tom Lally, GHB Insurance; Jerry Robertson, Olympia Nissan – Bruce Titus; Glenn Richardson, Edward Jones; Lauren Dunnington, Comfort Keepers; Michael White, Altman Insurance Agency; Lori Bodnar, Great Wolf Lodge; Tim Shaw, ThurstonTalk; Erik Naslund, Heritage Wealth Management.

Not pictured: Trevor Altman, Altman Audio; Shamika Cordis, Phoenix Rising Wellness Center; Paula Coviello, Beechtree Coaching & Consulting; Chelsea Evans, Cornerstone Home Mortgage; John Hansman, Hans-On Technology Solutions; Tabitha Johnson, Sound Advantage Realty; Ted Jones, T & S Cleaning; Suze Kent, American Workforce Group; Nichole Wachtman, Evergreen Financial Services; DeAndra Williams, American Workforce Group.

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Chamber Team

Meet the Thurston Chamber Team

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David Schaffert

Sytease Geib

Krystal Barkus

President/CEO

Vice President of Workforce Development

Director, Member Engagement & Events

Laurie Bjerke

Alisha Blain

Marny Bright

Administration & Finance Assistant

Leadership Thurston County Program Coordinator

Member Services

Krosbie Carter

Christina Chestnut

Megan Feiss

Director, Thurston Thrives

Business Solutions Coordinator

Project Manager

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

Photo by Heather Harris, Elements Photography.

Michele Helfgott-Waters

Blake Knoblauch

Joanne Stimac

Program Manager

Member Services

Finance Officer

Michele Winn

Pam Volz

Natasha Ashenhurst

Training & Development Manager

Business Solutions Coordinator

Marketing & Communications Contractor

Elizabeth Bretschneider

Doug Mah

Susie Navarre

Contracted Sales Support

Director of Public Policy Division

Contracted Sales Support

thurstonchamber.com

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Chamber Workforce Development & You Workforce development may sound like a human resources buzzword but is a fascinating, crucial part of business. It’s a combination of matching workers to valuable jobs in their area while at the same time building up businesses which echo the needs and strengths of a specific region.

By Kathryn Millhorn Thurston County Chamber staff can help your business find—and retain— the best employees possible. They have a division entirely dedicated to workforce development and the many paths, tips, tools, and trends you’ll encounter along the way.

“The Thurston County Chamber’s workforce division provides connections to workforce solutions for private employers, government agencies, and other non-profits,” says Chamber Vice President Sytease Geib.

“Our workforce development division ensures that, as a region, we are taking care of industry needs, and that businesses have the most competitive workforce for ongoing success. We do this because having a strong workforce development system is vital to building a healthy economy and community.”

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To do so, it “serves as an essential conduit between the private sector and the public workforce system known as WorkSource,” explains Geib.

“WorkSource is a demand-driven and integrated system of partners who share common goals. Our WorkSource Centers are a focal point for developing community prosperity, one job seeker and one employer at a time. The Chamber is contracted to provide services through WorkSource

by Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council, who oversees the public workforce system.”

Beyond WorkSource, the Chamber “works hard to customize our services to meet the ever changing and eclectic needs of business,” says Geib. “We offer workforce planning, connect employers to work based

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

learning training incentive programs, provide labor market data, targeted recruitment assistance, hiring events, employer workshops, connections to online recruitment platforms, and training incentives to upskill current employees.”

When to seek help depends on the individual business. Geib says some just want help listing available jobs while others are looking towards the future.

Her team often conducts a needs assessment which “allows us to get a better understanding of the business’s operations, their culture, career paths, and what is important to them in building a workforce. From there we create an action plan customized to meet their specific needs, and provide incentives and resources as the vehicle to get them there.”

thurstonchamber.com

Is your business new? Established?

Struggling? Expanding? Whatever your situation, the Chamber can help.

“Business is busy, especially when you are experiencing a staffing shortage.

Becoming an expert in all the workforce resources a community has to offer is not something business has time for, and that is where we step in.

We recognize how valuable time is, and we have a staff of subject matter experts dedicated to connecting business with the right resources to solve tough workforce challenges.”

“We have a variety of resources that help business in any stage and lifecycle,” says Geib. “We are here to celebrate your growth, serve as an advocate and support in times of struggle, and anywhere in between.

For example, we help businesses hire their very first employee, but have also helped employers transition their

employees into re-training and new employment when a business closes.”

If this sounds like the lifesaver you’ve been looking for, consider contacting the Chamber’s team. Visit ThurstonChamber.com and read more under the Workforce and Employment tab or at WorkSourceWA.com.

Then check the Chamber’s online calendar for upcoming workshops and New Member Orientation meetings, and download the Talent Magnet podcast through iTunes or the Google Play store. There you’ll find sessions dedicated to recruiting and retaining veterans and military spouses, mental and behavioral health issues in the workplace, connecting to youth, and unlocking hidden talent.

whole. Sometimes they’re the first, or only, point of contact for your customers and clients. Let them—and the Thurston County Chamber—be active partners in your long-term success.

“Talent acquisition is only one challenge facing today’s businesses,” said Geib. “Up-skilling employees to maintain pace with industry changes, talent retention, succession planning, and workforce diversity are just a few of many diverse challenges industry leaders face. By engaging industry and facilitating partnerships among service organizations, the Thurston County Chamber’s workforce division helps businesses leverage various programs to assist in creating sustainable solutions to these challenges.”

Employees represent you, your product, and your business as a

Help shape the way our Port looks, feels and functions in the future The Port has been creating economic opportunity in Thurston County for nearly a century. Over time, we’ve also developed some of our community’s most prized community spaces and places and increased our role as an environmental steward.

Now we’re looking to the future once again, and we want you to help map it out.

So, WHAT’S NEXT? Share your ideas and priorities at www.portolympia2050.org

thurstonchamber.com

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Expand & Grow Your Business with the Chamber Okay, the doors to your business are open—or have been for a while—and customers are excited with everything you have to offer. Take a minute, catch your breath, and then let the Thurston Chamber help you turn things up a notch.

By Kathryn Millhorn Since 1874, the Thurston County Chamber has been “growing a prosperous economy and vibrant community by connecting people, ideas and resources,” says their mission. “The Chamber continues to make strides in workforce development, advocate for public policy that impacts your organization, and continues our commitment to provide a conduit for business to engage with education.”

To help with expansion and growth, they facilitate programming that’s open to all and welcomes business owners from across the county. “It is always a good idea for new businesses to join the Chamber,” encourages Member Services staffer Marny Bright. “By networking you get to know your community and they get to know you. By advertising in the VOICE or on our website you are

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letting the world know that you are here and open for business.”

A study in American Business Magazine reports that “when consumers know that a small business is a member of their local chamber of commerce, they are 44 percent more likely to think favorably of it and 63 percent more likely to purchase goods or services from the company in the future [and] Research indicates that chamber membership stimulates business-to-business commerce in the local community. Other businesses in town are more likely to do business with you and your company if you are a member of the local chamber.”

“The Thurston County Chamber offers its members a number of ways to help grow their business, whether it be through direct network marketing

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

events (we have 18 every month), advertising opportunities, sponsorship of events, getting involved on one of our many committees or becoming an Ambassador,” says fellow associate Blake Knoblauch. “Members can also send us press releases about their company and we publish those on our website, Facebook, and email monthly newsletter. They also have the opportunity to post their own events and happenings to our events page.

We work hard every day to protect, promote and serve our members.”

To join the Thurston County Chamber, consider attending a member orientation event. “It’s held quarterly,” explains Bright, “and all new members are invited to tour our office for a tour and to have lunch. It is set up so that each section of the Chamber gets to share their part of all the Chamber does.

thurstonchamber.com

This way new members get to know what we do as well as who does what.”

After joining, classes and resources galore are at your fingertips. “All members of the Chamber have access to our database which shows all of our members,” says Bright. “It's the best resource for connecting with their community one on one.”

just about anyone’s schedule,” say organizers. “Each group will give you the opportunity to introduce yourself and your business, practice your ‘30-second commercial,’ and exchange leads with other members.”

With three options of day, time, and location, there’s a group to fit every busy calendar.

To grow your name, brand, visibility, and recognition, try an in-person activity. “Networking is a long-term process,” admits Bright. “People do business with those they know and trust.” Whether you want a largescale mixer or smaller interaction, there’s something for everyone at any phase of development.

Morning Mixers, Lunch Forums, and Business After Hours are other opportunities to shake hands, rub elbows, and learn more about yourself and your colleagues. These are also great ways to practice presenting yourself to a supportive and encouraging crowd. Public speaking skills pay off through increased confidence, honing your message, and inspiring others.

Leads Groups are ideal ways to meet and mingle. “Each meets on a different day and time to fit into

Read about everything the Thurston County Chamber has to offer at ThurstonChamber.com or their

Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube portals. Don’t wait for a slow-down to start thinking about growth. A more knowledgeable, confident, connected business benefits everyone.

Krystal Barkus, Thurston Chambers Director of Member Engagement and Events sums up saying, “Regardless of your participation and whether or not you ever attend a single event, participate in a single committee, or read a single piece of Chamber information, the Thurston Chamber is the force behind the quality of life in our community. Every day, the Chamber is working hard to ensure there is a growing job sector, that customers are visiting shops and hotels, that we have a strong education system and that your business has a voice in the creation of public policy. We are at the table every day, representing you.”

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EVENTS

Thurston Chamber's 114th Annual Meeting On Wednesday, May 8, join the Thurston County Chamber for our 114th Annual Meeting and the beginning of the Chamber’s 145th year. The program will include a report out and glimpse at an exciting program of work for 2019.

Our keynote speaker is Devin Craig.

Craig is on a mission to help organizations and the people within them flourish. Craig is the author of a book called Super Manager: How to Unlock People and Organizational Performance and Potential through Great People Leadership.

Craig will share tips and tricks to build an intentionally awesome workplace culture.

Note: We originally published that our keynote speaker was Suzie LeVine, but due to a scheduling conflict she will not be able to speak at the Annual Meeting.

Keynote Speaker, Devin Craig.

Cost is $35 for members, $40 for nonThank you to our presenting sponsors, The Port of Olympia and Heritage Bank. members in advance. $40 for members, $45 for non-members at the door.

WHAT: Chamber's Annual Meeting WHEN: Wednesday, May 8, 11:30 a.m. For more information: Contact Krystal Barkus at (360) 970-9458 or email WHERE: Hotel RL Olympia, 2300 Evergreen Pkwy, Olympia, WA 98502 events@thurstonchamber.com.

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ADVOCACY

A Team Approach: Advancing Legislative Priorities T

he greater Thurston County Shared Legislative Agenda coordinated by the Chamber’s Public Policy Division, advanced regional legislative priorities and projects in 2018 and 2019. Working with local governments, we seek to add important infrastructure on which community health and wealth will be sustained and enhanced.

The shared agenda operates with some very specific principles and agreements that include: •

Exclusive and unique only to the Thurston County region

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Result in benefits to more than a single member entity

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Demonstrated commitment to member cooperation and collaboration

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Provide for inter-legislative district cooperation and collaboration

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Non-supplanting to individual member requests

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In 2019 the Public Policy Division coordinated legislative requests that include: Transportation Budget Request for I-5 Tumwater to DuPont: NEPA/ SEPA Review A $4.5 million request for the next planning phase for the State’s most critical corridor. This project builds on our successful 2018 request.

Capital Budget Request for the Lacey Veterans Services Hub A $2 million request to renovate the building that provides direct assistance to the region’s 32,000 veterans with a unique service delivery model utilizing 51 veterancentric organizations.

Capital Budget Request for the SW Washington Regional Agricultural & Innovation Park A $1.9 million request for site development and construction a building to meet the production and distribution needs of the first tenant(s)

of the park. This request builds on our successful 2018 request.

Capital Budget Request for First Responder Regional Training Facility A $4 million request to construct a shared training facility in Olympia that provides adequate space and technology to train officers in contemporary policing practices.

Operating Budget Request to Restore Judicial Impact Fee Funding A $2.2 million request to offset the impact of State related actions in Thurston County Superior Court.

The Shared Legislative Agenda builds on previous efforts to efficiently and effectively build awareness for some of our region’s most pressing needs. These projects require State investment because they exceed local capacity. These requests provide multiple and broad benefits to the entire region and, in the case of Interstate 5, the entire State.

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ADVOCACY

Champions for Business & Community T

he Thurston Chamber of Commerce continues to be your champion for business and community interests. With added resources and expertise, we are creating a more

unified and precise approach to public policy and issue management.

The Public Policy Division of the Thurston Chamber strives to bring business needs, perspectives, insights, and observations to the public policy discussion and decisions.

Sharing our perspectives help balance competing opinions and work to ensure all voices are heard. With your support, the Public Policy Division helps to create a strong, vibrant, and prosperous communities.

The Public Policy Division is your community advocate and provides the skill, acumen, and deep community knowledge and expertise to help forge more successful relationships and stronger partnerships across public, non-profit, and private entities. Today, more than ever, our elected officials need to hear from the business community and Chamber members.

Here is a sample of the issues and projects we successfully supported during the 2018/2019 year: • • • • •

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Capital Lake EIS Process Habitat Conservation Planning Homeless Responses Housing Crisis Intercity Transit – Prop 1 I

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• • • • • • • • • • • •

Interstate 5 – Planning K-12 Education Funding Lacey - Annexation policy amendments Olympia - B&O tax amendments Olympia - Downtown Strategies Olympia - Minimum wage increase proposal Port of Olympia - Vision 2050 Port of Tacoma – LNG facility Sea Level Response Planning Statewide Data Center Incentives Tumwater – Temporary Sign ordinance Tumwater - Warehouse distribution center ordinance

The Public Policy Division encourages Chamber members to contact our elected officials to voice your concerns and ideas on any and all topics. They need to hear from us. They want to hear from us. And we share the responsibility of ensuring that our elected officials receive accurate and timely information so that they can make informed and balanced decisions. On behalf of the Public Policy Division of the Thurston Chamber of Commerce, we’d like to say “Thank You” to the chamber membership for your ongoing support, availability, and interest.

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M E M B E R

P R O F I L E

Building Ownership In Our Community The Northwest Cooperative Development Center operates throughout the Pacific Northwest but calls Thurston County home. We seek to promote economic development through the cooperative business model. Cooperatives are businesses that operate to meet the needs of their membership—access to markets, access to goods and services, or access to gainful employment. Co-ops operate on the democratic principle of one-member, one-vote and have a proven resilience to market forces along with a high consumer trust rating.

Savings Jobs and Creating a Legacy Through our Legacy Project, we are helping business owners develop a succession plan that will allow the business that they spent a life-time building continue as a community asset and their legacy through conversion to employee-owned businesses or consumer cooperatives.

For many business owners, the co-op conversion may be the best method of transitioning the business. It saves the jobs for our local communities, builds an entrepreneurial spirit among the workforce, and keeps business that define Thurston County’s community thriving. With the passage of the Main Street Employee Ownership Act in 2018, we have been reaching out the region’s Small Business Development Centers to build strong worker owned businesses.

Olympia currently has the highest number of worker cooperatives per capita in the nation. Learn more at nwcdc.coop.

Affordable Home Ownership Another key aspect of NWCDC’s work is through the ROC Northwest project. We work with the owners of manufactured home parks interested in selling to their tenants to create Resident Owned Co-ops. ROCs have proven to be the most efficient form of affordable housing in the country. NWCDC has assisted with the establishment of 15 communities representing over 600 affordable homes. We provide support to the residents as they learn to set up, establish, and manage a community owned business Olympia currently has the highest number of worker cooperatives per capita in the nation. Co-ops build a resilient economy. The focus on the needs of the community provides a buffer in harsh economic times and a foundation of strength during periods of wealth. NWCDC looks forward to continuing to serve Thurston County and beyond. Learn more at nwcdc.coop.

Key Upcoming dates for Thurston County: April 27: Co-opatopia a celebration of co-ops in our community at 5th Ave & Adams St in Olympia from 12-4 pm. www.nwcdc.coop/coopatopia or on Facebook @coopatopia May 17: The Legacy Project workshop from 9:00 am – Noon at the Olympia Center. Learn about the process of converting to a cooperative from experienced attorneys.

Visit www.nwcdc.coop/legacy-project or on Facebook @ LegacyProjectNWCDC May 17: Community Cooperative Reception 5:30 pm-8:00 pm at The State of Washington Grange on Capitol Drive.

Meet cooperative leaders from around our region.

May 18: Western Worker Co-op Conference at the Olympia Center—a regional meeting of worker co-op members and developers. For more information, visit https://west.usworker.coop/olympia/. SPONSORED PROFILE

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CONNECT

Get Connected!

Unlike a gym membership, you don’t need to show up every day to make the most of your investment in the Thurston Chamber. Why? Because every day, we’re working hard for you in the areas of workforce development, public policy, education, transportation, community health and business representation. However, there is tremendous value in getting involved and directly connecting with people, ideas and resources. Here are just a few Chamber programs that directly contribute to our mission of growing a prosperous economy and vibrant community.

Become a Chamber Ambassador!

The Chamber Ambassador program is

Network with Thurston Young Professionals!

a volunteer group of Chamber Members

Thurston Young Professionals (TYP)

who — based on their schedule — sign up for various event and program tasks to assist the Chamber in all that we do. From event registration to greeters to hanging banners at events, Chamber Ambassadors volunteer at most Chamber events. There is no fee nor is it limited to business categories, the Ambassadors meet monthly. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Krystal Barkus by emailing

provides opportunities for business networking, community involvement and professional development to individuals in their 20s and 30s.

TYP has a weekly round table discussion every Monday at noon at the Olympia Elks Lodge and a monthly networking event on the first Thursday of the month at various locations.

Follow TYP on Facebook to learn more.

Join a Leads Group!

Leads groups are a great way to network and build relationships with other businesses people. We encourage all Chamber members to visit and join a Leads Group. The Chamber has three Leads Groups with unique sets of policies and guidelines.

Each meets on a different day and time to fit into just about anyone’s schedule. Each group will give you the opportunity to introduce yourself and your business, practice your “30-second commercial,” and exchange leads with other members. Visit thurstonchamber.com for more info.

events@thurstonchamber.com.

Become a Job Coach or Mentor through Business 2 Youth Connect (B2Y)!

Join Leadership Thurston County’s Leadership Program!

Join a Thurston Thrives Action Team!

Leadership Thurston County (LTC) is a

initiative to improve the health and

(B2Y) Connect provides opportunities

community-driven, experience-based

for job pathways, work readiness and positive youth development for a strong and successful community.

Become a mentor or job coach! Visit thurstonchamber.com

leadership development program. Each year’s class consists of a maximum of 40 participants who come from private businesses, public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and as interested community members. Learn more at leadthurstoncounty.com

Thurston Thrives is a community safety for all in Thurston County.

Thurston Thrives believes that health is more than “health care”. Our health is determined in part by the resources and supports available in our homes, and communities; by our ability to afford housing and make a living wage; the quality of our schooling; the safety of our children; and the cleanliness of our water, food, and air. For more information, contact Krosbie Carter at kcarter@thurstonchamber.com.

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M E M B E R

P R O F I L E

Salish Cliffs Golf Club Memberships at Little Creek Casino Resort T

here’s a golf club where the course is a little more memorable, the scenery is a little more stunning, and it’s your time to live a little. That place is Salish Cliffs Golf Club. Salish Cliffs is challenging yet fun for all golfers, and is ranked as one of the nation’s top 100 courses.

Whether you are an avid golfer or just starting out, check out Salish Cliffs, the par-72 championship course that has won accolades in Golfweek magazine. The beautifully treated course will test your golf skills while exciting your senses as you traverse over 300 acres of lush bent grass tees, fairways and greens. With stunning elevation changes and terrain, the cart-only course is challenging yet fun for all golfers.

Membership packages allow players to golf seven days a week. They also include an upgraded range ball bag, discounted items from the pro shop, no food minimums and membership in the Men’s Club and GHIN. And with ten minute tee time intervals they provide an enjoyable pace of play whether weekday or weekend.

For anyone who has played Salish Cliffs before, they know the service provided is as good as or better than any of the

area courses, country clubs included. One big advantage of making Salish Cliffs your home course is they don’t enforce things like food minimums or membership assessments. The annual membership is golf, plain and simple. With a limited number of annual memberships available you should take advantage while this opportunity is still available.

Golf Academy courses are available for adults as well as camps for kids and professional club fitting services. Want to try before you buy? That’s no problem with the Stay and Play resort package. This includes a room at Little Creek Casino Resort’s luxurious hotel, 18 holes of golf, bag of balls and cart rental. Book online using promo code GOLF or call 800-667-7711.

The All-Inclusive Golf Membership is $2,099 plus tax, while the Cart Fee Only Membership is $1,499 plus tax. Because Salish Cliffs uses a system of demand-based pricing, membership means no math harder than adding up your shots.

Once purchased, you’re enrolled for 12 months and downloadable forms are available online or by visiting the Golf Shop. Questions? Stop by to chat in person or call 360-462-3673 or email golfshop@salish-cliffs.com.

After enjoying nature on the course, you can settle in for some food at the golf course restaurant. Salish Cliffs Grill has plenty of options for you to savor. The resort also includes the Squaxin Island Seafood Bar where fresh, locally sourced oysters are prepared in front of you, and the Island Grille serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Seven Inlets Spa is also available at the casino for massage therapies, facials and body treatments incorporating Native American influences and healing elements. With golf, gaming, dining and spa, Little Creek Casino Resort is perfect for a day of golfing or a destination weekend. Escape from the day-to-day and live a little! SPONSORED PROFILE

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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 its 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.

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PO BOX 1427 Olympia, WA 98507-1427