November 2018 VOICE Magazine

THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

NOVEMBER 2018

m

a

g

a

three generations strong The Rants Group Builds on its Reputation as an Evolving Family Business

Elevating downtown olympia A Proactive Approach to Sea Level Rise Downtown

B U I L D I N G C OMMU N IT Y PR O S PE R IT Y F O R OV E R 1 4 0 Y E A R S

z

i

n

e

Protect & Preserve Our Working Waterfront PUBLISHER Thurston County Chamber of Commerce

EDITORIAL Editor: David Schaffert

By David Schaffert, Thurston Chamber President/CEO Doug Mah, Doug Mah & Associates & Thurston Chamber's Public Policy Division Director

T

he connection between regional

Lake/ Lower Deschutes Watershed.

commerce and the Puget Sound

The EIS will document potential

has never been stronger or more

environmental impacts of various

important than it is today. The Thurston

alternatives and determine how

Email: dschaffert@thurstonchamber.com

County Chamber has long championed a

these alternatives meet the long-term

CONTRIBUTORS

working waterfront in our region, and we

management objectives identified for

David Schaffert

are excited to see continued investment in

the watershed. This work will ultimately

Christina Butcher

and around the waterfront from the private

reflect and shape our connection with the

Natasha Ashenhurst

and public sectors.

Puget Sound and a working waterfront.

Important work is underway from the City

But the most exciting news is how

of Olympia, LOTT Clean Water Alliance

businesses continue to see opportunity in

and the Port of Olympia as they work

and around the waterfront. The success

on our Sea Level Rise Response Plan.Â

of much beloved gathering spots, such

These entities have produced plans and

as Budd Bay CafĂŠ and The Oyster House

Phone: (360) 357-3362

Doug Mah

Heather Harris Miguel Pineda

ADVERTISING Sales and Marketing: Krystal Barkus Blake Knoblauch Marny Bright Phone: (360) 357-3362 Email: info@thurstonchamber.com

adaption strategies to address sea level rise

continue to reinforce the need and

SUBSCRIPTIONS

that will help create a more predictable

opportunity to build a coordinated,

Phone: (360) 357-3362

environment for future investments.

valid and reliable voice for protecting and

The engineering schematics of feasible

enhancing our working urban waterfront.

shoreline construction concepts are positive

The Chamber will continue to advocate

steps that demonstrate we can protect and

and work to ensure our public strategies

preserve areas impacted by sea level rise.

and mitigation adequately protects, and

Email: info@thurstonchamber.com

DESIGN Mosaic Marketing Studio

COVER ART The Rants Group: Three Generations, Photo by Heather Harris of Elements Photography

PRINTING Print NW

CONTACT THE CHAMBER

even encourages, private sector investment In addition to the sea-level rise work, the

in the greater urban waterfront as a

Washington State Department of Enterprise

working and commerce-oriented area.

Services has initiated the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process for Capitol

Thank you for your support of these efforts.

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

THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY INVESTORS

COPYRIGHT

DIAMOND INVESTORS:

Email: info@thurstonchamber.com

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.

America's Credit Union - Lacey Capital Medical Center FORMA Construction Company Little Creek Casino & Resort Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel Port of Olympia Saint Martin's University TwinStar Credit Union Washington Business Bank

PLATINUM INVESTORS Greene Realty Group Heritage Bank - Olympia

L & E Bottling Company, Inc. Mills & Mills Funeral Home Morningside Olympia Federal Savings Olympia Orthopaedic Associates Phillips Burgess, PLLC Providence St. Peter Hospital Puget Sound Energy South Puget Sound Community College

GOLD INVESTORS American Workforce Group C.P.C. Landscape, LLC Cabinets by Trivonna Charter College Community Youth Services Creative Office

Elite Cleaning of Washington, Inc. GHB Insurance, Inc. Grays Harbor Fair & Tourism Great Wolf Lodge Hometown Property Management, Inc. Hooper Financial Services Loanstar Home Lending Nisqually Red Wind Casino Olympia Furniture Company Pardiman Productions Radia, Inc., PS SCJ Alliance The Rants Group Venables Pest Management Wells Fargo Community Bank

Let’s sharpen your business focus.

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

Talk to Carrie Whisler, OlyFed's Commercial Relationship Manager.

CARRIE WHISLER

I

cwhisler@olyfed.com

NMLS# 1143795

olyfed.com

360.754.3400

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

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

l

November 2018

l

3

HIGH QUALITY, COST-EFFECTIVE

SURGICAL CARE No better place to choose for joint and spine surgery Capital Medical Center’s Joint & Spine Center of Excellence is the only one of its kind anywhere in Southwestern Washington, and one of only three in the state.

Capital is also proud to be recently named by the Washington Health Care Authority as one of two of the state’s only Centers of Excellence for spinal fusion surgery - which means there’s no better place to choose for high-quality, cost-effective surgical service.

So if you’re a public employee in need of spinal fusion treatment, look no further than the medical center in your own backyard. Capital Medical Center’s excellent and compassionate surgical team is here to get you back to your normal routine with minimal or no pain as soon as possible.

Learn about the Capital spine surgery advantage at capitalmedical.com 3900 Capital Mall Dr. SW • Olympia, WA 98502 • 360-754-5858 • 888-677-9757 • capitalmedical.com

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

©2018 BCI

November 2018 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 After Hours Join Thurston Young Professionals on Thursday, November 1 at 5:30 p.m. at Tart Hard Cider in the Tumwater Warehouse District at Deschutes Landing.

Enjoy a selection of beverages and snacks. Join us and meet with other Young Professionals and expand your network. Where: Tart Hard Cider, 8024 River Drive SE Bldg #303, Tumwater, WA 98501.

Morning Mixxer at Axia Home Loans Please join our host, Axia Home Loans, on Tuesday, November 6 at 7:30 a.m. for the Thurston Chamber’s Morning Mixxer. Axia Home Loans will provide breakfast treats, 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: Axia Home Loans, 5210 Corporate Center Ct SE Unit B, Lacey, WA 98503.

November Forum with Governor Jay Inslee Join the Thurston County Chamber (and an anticipated audience of 250-300) on Wednesday, November 14, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in welcoming Governor Jay Inslee as the Chamber's Forum keynote speaker at Hotel RL Olympia.

Governor Inslee will address the topic of Career Connected Learning. Don't miss this discussion about the competitiveness of employers in Thurston County.

When: Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Buffet-style lunch begins at 11:45 a.m.

Program at 12:00 p.m. Where: Hotel RL Olympia, 2300 Evergreen Park Drive SW, Olympia, WA 98502. What: Forum includes lunch. $35 for general admission, $25 for prepaid Chamber members, and $30 for members at the door.

Business After Hours at Pellegrino's Event Center Join the Thurston County Chamber on Thursday, November 15, at 5:30 p.m. for Business After Hours at Pellegrino's Event Center. Business After Hours is a free networking event. Hosts provide light appetizers and beverages, games and raffles.

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

CONTENT & CALENDAR In This Issue...

7

Raising Olympia's Elevation Partners take a proactive approach to the problem of sea level rise.

11

Three Generations Strong The Rants Group builds on its reputation as an evolving family business

15

Four Restaurants, Three Cities, One Family Restaurateur Patrick Knutson explains his family focus and his plans for The Oyster House

20

Welcome New Members Please join us in welcoming the newest members of the Thurston Chamber.

Where: Pellegrino’s Event Center 5757 Littlerock Rd, Tumwater, WA 98512.

Get Connected – Join a Leads Group!

Thank you Sponsors!

Leads groups are a great way to network and build relationships. The Chamber offers three Leads Groups, each with unique sets of policies and guidelines.

•

TOP FLIGHT: Thursdays, Noon to 1 p.m. at Lacey Forza Bistro & Event Center, 130 Marvin Rd SE #130, Lacey, WA. Contact: 360-357-3362.

•

CAPITOL LEADS GROUP: Wednesdays, 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. at Elyse's Catering, 3238 Capitol Blvd S, Tumwater, WA. Contact: 360-357-3362.

•

WOMEN'S REFERRAL GROUP: 2nd and 4th Thursdays, 5:30 - 6:45 p.m. at Tart Hard Cider, 8024 River Dr SE, Olympia, WA. Contact: 360-357-3362.

thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

l

November 2018

l

5

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.

Raising the Elevation of Olympia

Partners take a proactive approach to the problem of sea level rise.

By Natasha Ashenhurst

I

f you want a glimpse of how vulnerable the downtown core of Olympia is to flooding, take a walk along Percival Landing in December at high tide. You’ll see Budd Bay spilling over the boardwalk. Combine high tide with a storm and the Deschutes River at flood-stage, and

downtown Olympia will experience flooding. According to Andy Haub, water resources director for the City of Olympia, downtown has always been vulnerable to flooding because most of it is built on fill excavated from Budd Inlet to create shipping channels.

“We’ve had dramatic floods throughout

Alliance joined efforts. The Sea Level

our history, and the last major one was in

Response Plan is a comprehensive strategy

services they provide.

the 1970s,” said Haub. “Since then, we’ve

for minimizing urban flooding in both

The City of Olympia is interested in

managed it very carefully, but we know

the near and long-term, and its timeline

protecting downtown infrastructure,

that downtown’s elevation is simply not

extends through 2100.

as well as health and safety services.

high enough.”

The plan has evolved over the past 26

The Port of Olympia owns extensive

What happens when you add a new

years from a problem statement into

shoreline and much of its infrastructure is

variable — sea level rise — to an existing

an actionable strategy, complete with

located downtown, including the Marine

problem? We have an untenable situation.

specific proposals that are feasible from

Terminal and leased properties — such

Even a moderate amount of sea level rise

an engineering perspective. The partners

as the Olympia Farmers Market and the

– six inches — is a problem, let alone some

committed in early 2017 to identify

Hands On Children's Museum.

estimates that forecast 32 to 68 inches of

stakeholders and actionable steps, create an

sea level rise over the next 80 years.

implementation schedule and set a budget.

In order to proactively plan for this

LOTT Clean Water Alliance’s water treatment facility is located downtown,

looming challenge, the City of Olympia,

The plan partners share similar but

and much of it is underground and

the Port of Olympia and LOTT Clean Water

unique flooding threats that challenge the

extremely susceptible to flooding and salt

7 • November 2018

l

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

FIND OUT MORE AT

wabizbank.com VOTED BEST BANK IN THE SOUTH SOUND

water. If saltwater gets into the plant, for

This data indicates we will need to

design. “If we stick with it we can build

example, it would kill off the biological

increase the elevation of the shoreline,

a better shoreline as a community

treatment process.

and the plan addresses how to do this

amenity. I envision an improved Percival

from an engineering perspective. The

Landing and East Bay Trail system, and

other aspect is elevating downtown.

a waterfront that is linked by trails and

The plan assumes sea level rise of 25 inches by 2050 and up to 68 inches

paths.”

by 2100. Haub admits these are high

“We require that new buildings downtown

projections, but they are realistic.

are a few feet higher,” said Haub. “When

Haub is optimistic the community will

we rebuild Percival Landing, we’ll design

be able to sustain the work already in

“We can pick lower numbers, but

for flood protection, and we may need to

progress, but he is cautious.

given that this is our downtown, we’ve

build roads higher.”

intentionally picked the high numbers so

“We have to stick with this plan and stay

we can have confidence that we’ll meet

Plan implementation over the next 10

with this work or else 20 or 30 years down

the needs of the community.”

years will be subtle, and many changes

the road we’ll be in a pickle.” said Haub.

are already underway, such as new

“Other communities have not started and

For the past decade, the partners have

building codes and installing one-way

they could find themselves in panic mode

collected information to inform solutions.

tide gates. More extensive changes will be

down the line. They ask me where to begin.

The most critical data is elevation

a slow process, toward mid-century, but

I tell them to start slowly and to stick with

information.

very ambitious.

it, and soon you’ll have a viable plan.

“We must understand current elevations

“Given the scale, cost, and complexity,

“Like most large and seemingly impossible

compared to future elevations,” said Haub.

it can take many, many years between

tasks, the trick is to simply begin.”

“For example, we know finished floor

concept and construction,” said Haub.

elevations, street and shoreline elevations,

To learn more about the Sea level Rise

and now we can overlay potential sea-level

However, Haub is optimistic that some of

Response Plan for Downtown Olympia visit

rise over the top of this.”

the changes will enhance our community

http://olympiawa.gov/city-utilities/stormand-surface-water/sea-level-rise.aspx.

Even a moderate amount of sea level rise – six inches — is a problem, let alone some estimates that forecast 32 to 68 inches of sea level rise over the next 80 years. This map shows the potential impact of a 24 inch (2 ft) sea level rise.

thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

l

November 2018

l

9

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

Plus, Everyday Banking and Mobile Banking.

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

Paul Long

Diana Grantham

Matt DeBord

Matt Hargrave NMLS# 1218316

Tim Collins

Erik Heimann NMLS# 539571

s U t i s Vi LINE ON TOO!

OLYMPIA TUMWATER LACEY PANORAMA YELM

800.562.8761

Company founder, Ron Rants; granddaughter, Danielle Rants; and son, Patrick Rants represent The Rants Group's past, present and future. Photo by Heather Harris of Elements Photography.

The Rants Group: Three Generations Strong An ever-evolving family business builds on its stellar reputation

By Christina Butcher

“T

he opportunity to work in the family business drew me back home.” These words, spoken by Danielle Rants of the Olympia-based real estate company The Rants Group, express a common sentiment of young, working professionals who have moved

away from home to pursue higher education or a burgeoning career. “I wanted to get back to my hometown, Olympia, so I started working with The Rants Group.” This was said by Patrick Rants, president and CEO of The Rants Group and father to Danielle Rants. “I’ve been here 31 years now.”

The Rants Group, a commercial and

“Our reputation and the services we

and logo were all updated over the course

investment real estate company in Olympia,

provide are very important, but so is

of a nine-month period earlier this year.

prides itself on being family-oriented with

how we look as a company,” said Patrick.

both staff and clientele. And although

“We’re changing the way we’re portraying

One of the more obvious changes at The

it recently went through an extensive

The Rants Group.”

Rants Group was the implementation

rebranding process, The Rants Group’s

brand-new logos. In a non-traditional

core business principles of being family-

After 45 years in business in Thurston and

business twist, the real estate company

focused, building strong relationships and

surrounding counties, The Rants Group

decided to use two logos, rather than

maintaining an exemplary reputation,

was long overdue for a rebrand. So, the

one, to establish brand identity. A new

remain firmly intact.

company’s website, signage, advertisements

logo was put in place for the company’s

thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

l

November 2018

l

11

The right fit for your business.

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

Your Property + Our Expertise = Maximized Value

Call me to learn how.

Alexis Miller

Business Development Officer 360.923.4450 alexis@twinstarcu.com

TwinStarCU.com/business

RESIDENTIAL Property Management, Leasing, and Investment Sales COMMERCIAL Property Management Sales, Leasing, and Development

RANTS-GROUP.COM

12 • November 2018

l

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

Group – one which is determined to meet the ever-evolving needs of a growing market– stay grounded despite constant change? By continuing to build strong relationships and an airtight reputation.

“Olympia has grown a lot, but it’s still a small town, and people know each other,” said Patrick. “People know us and the quality of the work we do. We’ve had a lot of our clients for decades. They keep coming back … Our reputation has always been extremely important to us. It’s how we’ve built our company.”

The Percival Condominiums will be downtown Olympia's only upscale condominium community. Located in the heart of the city near Percival Landing park, this contemporary, 28-home building will feature five floors for residence, two floors of parking, and infinite views of the Puget Sound, Olympic Mountains, and the Capitol. commercial and residential rental divisions,

business world continues to change around

respectively, because they offer services to

The Rants Group, most of the company’s

different clientele. Both divisions lease, sell,

staff are determined to evolve their

manage and develop investment property

business practices along with it.

for investors and tenants, but the products offered differ.

“We have to respond to change, and part of that is to understand that each generation

“We designed our logo 30 years ago,” said

conducts business differently,” said Patrick.

Patrick. “We needed to refresh things … and

“Our office staff has gotten younger over the

once we started looking at one thing, like

last few years - especially with Danielle and

the logo, we realized it touches everything

a few others coming into the business - and

else in the business.”

they understand the younger generations better than I do. This younger generation

The Rants Group also reworked the company’s

is coming into decision making positions …

website to make it more user-friendly

and we have to be able to respond to them

and convenient for clients. Danielle Rants

and what’s coming down the road.”

and Cameron Wilson, both who serve as commercial brokers and property managers

Part of that response includes paying closer

for The Rants Group, led the rebrand

attention to real estate cycles and shifting

process. They worked together to ensure the

market needs. In Olympia, that means

rebranding was fully implemented.

looking at building condominiums and apartments in neighborhoods poised for

“We wanted to let the public know we’re

growth. In Olympia, that neighborhood is

keeping up with the times and aren’t stuck

downtown, and The Rants Group is in the

in the past,” said Danielle, who has been

process of building the downtown’s first

working at The Rants Group for five years

sizeable condominium project.

dedication to relationship building. “We really try to understand our clients’ goals,” said Patrick. “We need to understand the ‘why’ before we can serve them …”

The same can be said for how The Rants Group treats its employees. Of the 17 individuals who work at the real estate company, eight have working there for over 10 years and three have been there for over 30 years.

“We’re in a good business. Our employees can make a good income for themselves, and we try to be fair about giving employees what they want,” said Patrick.

“Now, we’re not the kind of firm that has a pool table in the middle of the office or gets beer every Friday at four o’clock, but we do think about our employees and their families. They have kids they need to take care of and errands to run so, we try to provide flexibility.”

To top it all off, three generations of the Rants family still work together at The Rants Group. Ron, Patrick’s father and one of the real estate company’s founders, continues to serve as chairman of The Rants Group to this day. He may have started

now. Danielle joined the family business in 2013, after graduating from Western

“Olympia is our home,” said Patrick. “It’s a

Washington University in Bellingham, Wash.

great place to live and work. There’s enough business here to keep things vibrant, and

As expected, the focus on “keeping up with

The Rants Group also extends that

things are changing all the time.”

The Rants Group in 1973, but it’s his son, granddaughter and the trusted team they surround themselves with who carry the company into the future.

the times,” at The Rants Group goes far beyond the recent rebrand process. As the

thurstonchamber.com

So, how does a company like The Rants

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

l

November 2018

l

13

14 • November 2018

l

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

Restaurateur Patrick Knutson, in front of his latest acquisition, The Oyster House in downtown Olympia. Scott McKinney from Pints & Quarts Lacey and The Pints Barn in Tumwater is coming in as a business partner of The Oyster House. Pam Oates will also be a minority partner. Photo by Miguel Pineda.

Four Restaurants, Three Cities and One Family Budd Bay Café’s Patrick Knutson explains the importance of family and his plans for The Oyster House

By Christina Butcher

S

eventeen years ago, Patrick Knutson purchased Budd Bay Café in downtown Olympia.

It wasn’t his first restaurant acquisition (he’d already purchased Billy McHale's in Federal Way) nor would it be his last. The restaurateur acquired River’s Edge in Tumwater ten years ago, and, this year, he’s made his move on yet another downtown Olympia business: The Oyster House.

“Four or five months ago, I heard The

Fast-forward to present day and Knutson

known for: fresh shucked oysters, oyster

Oyster House was for sale, and I knew it

is the proud new owner of The Oyster

stew, fish and chips baskets.”

would bring direct competition to Budd

House, and he has big plans for the

Bay Café,” said Patrick Knutson, co-owner

restaurant. “When we open, it’ll be all-

Improving the restaurant’s food quality,

and managing partner of Budd Bay Café.

hands-on-deck,” said Knutson, who will

service and creating a family-friendly

The café's co-owner is Pam Oates.

co-manage the restaurant alongside his

energy which customers can feel

“I could either be my own competitor

wife, Dannielle Knutson, for the first few

immediately upon walking through its

(by purchasing The Oyster House) or

months after it re-opens. “We’re going to

doors are also on Knutson’s to-do list.

let someone else come in and be a

focus on highlighting the history of The

direct competitor,” continued Knutson.

Oyster House and bringing back some

While creating a family-oriented

“So, I chose to make an offer.”

of the menu items the restaurant was

atmosphere is only one of Knutson’s

thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

l

November 2018

l

15

WE’RE BUILDING SO YOU CAN TOO

PLEASE WELCOME TADEU VELLOSO, a new Associate focusing his practice on land use, real estate, and environmental law through our Olympia office. A graduate of the University of Washington School of Law and the University of Portland, Mr. Velloso recently completed a Judicial Clerkship with the Washington State Supreme Court. He holds membership in the Thurston County, Tacoma-Pierce County, and Washington State Bar Associations. tvelloso@phillipsburgesslaw.com

SERVING THE SOUTH SOUND AND SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON

WWW.PHILLIPSBURGESSLAW.COM

16 • November 2018

l

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

“Four or five months ago, I heard The Oyster House was for sale and I knew it would bring direct competition to Budd Bay Café,” said Patrick Knutson, co-owner and managing partner of Budd Bay Café. “I could either be my own competitor (by purchasing The Oyster House) or let someone else come in and be a direct competitor,” continued Knutson. “So, I chose to make an offer.” overarching business principles, it is the one he exemplifies best in

Despite restaurant success across multiple cities, the Knutson

his personal life. He, Dannielle and all four of their children work

family plans to remain in Olympia. They hope to take full

at one or more of the family businesses. Their oldest daughter,

advantage of the forecasted influx of downtown residents and

Alexy Dolby (28 years old) works as a supervisor at Budd Bay

the resulting increase in business. According to the City of

Café, while their son, Spencer Dolby (25 years old) works as the

Olympia’s “Downtown Strategy: Connecting People, Places &

bookkeeper in the same establishment. Their younger sons,

Spaces” report, over 5,000 residents are expected to move to

Dominic Dolby and Colton Knutson (17 and 16 years old) both

downtown Olympia within the next 20 years.

work as bussers at River’s Edge and Budd Bay, respectively.

“There’s a lot of growth in downtown Olympia … including Other business principles the Knutson family tries to instill in

market growth for housing,” said Knutson. “So, who’s to say if

their restaurants are quality, consistency and respect. “We treat

we opened another restaurant downtown (The Oyster House)

people with respect,” said Knutson. “We don’t ask our managers

we wouldn’t have enough volume to maintain both businesses?

to work 75 hours a week, it’s more like 45 hours a week. But

We’re really excited about that possibility, and we don’t think

when they come through those doors, they’re working … It’s

Budd Bay Café will be affected all that much.”

the same with our hourly employees. We try to treat people like family and create a family-friendly (work) environment.”

With two businesses located less than a mile from each other, the Knutson family will know sooner than most whether

In fact, family is what brought Knutson to the Pacific Northwest

the expected market growth comes to fruition in downtown

30 years ago. Although he was born and raised in east Texas,

Olympia. Either way, they plan to remain in Olympia.

Knutson moved to Olympia in 1988 in the hopes of reconnecting with his extended family in the Puget Sound region. Since then,

“I want to raise my family in a close-knit community like

he and his wife have been building their family and business in

Olympia,” said Knutson. Living and working in the same city

Olympia. They’ve acquired a reputation for running exceptional

gives me the ability to be close to my family and spend more

restaurants in Olympia, Tumwater and Federal Way.

time with them.”

thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

l

November 2018

l

17

20 PERSON MINIMUM (LIGHTER APPETIZER SELECTION) 20 PERSON MINIMUM (LIGHTER APPETIZER SELECTION) SLEIGH KRIS KRINGLE KRINGLE SLEIGH BELLS BELLS KRIS

JACK JACKFROST FROST LAYERED CHEESE TORTA LAYERED CHEESE TORTA W/CROSTINI ROUNDS W/CROSTINI ROUNDS TORTELLINI TORTELLINISKEWERS SKEWERS GRILLED VEGETABLE GRILLED VEGETABLE PLATTER PLATTER

DOLLAR-SIZE SANDWICHES DOLLAR-SIZE SANDWICHES CHICKEN SALAD CHICKEN SALAD CUCUMBER CUCUMBER BOATS BOATS STUFFED STUFFEDRED RED POTATOES POTATOES CHEESE CHEESE TORTA TORTA ON ONFRENCH FRENCH BREAD BREAD SALMON SALMON STUFFED STUFFED

TUSCAN MEATBALLS TUSCAN MEATBALLS $1 3.25 PER $1 3.25 PERPERSON PERSON

CHERRY CHERRYTOMATOES TOMATOES

$1 $14.25 4.25PER PER PERSON PERSON

CHICKEN DRUMETTES CHICKEN DRUMETTES FRIED OR TERIYAKI FRIED OR TERIYAKI ITALIAN STUFFED BREADS: BREADS: ITALIAN STUFFED VEGETABLES OR OR MEAT MEAT VEGETABLES FRESH FRUIT FRUIT TRAY TRAY FRESH GRILLED VEGETABLES VEGETABLES GRILLED W/DILL DIP DIP W/DILL SWEET & SOUR SOUR MEATBALLS MEATBALLS SWEET &

SNOWFLAKE SNOWFLAKE FRESH FRUIT & IMPORTED FRESH FRUIT & IMPORTED CHEESE PLATTER CHEESE PLATTER PROSCIUTTO BASILWRAPS WRAPS PROSCIUTTO BASIL CHICKENOR ORBEEF BEEFSATES SATES CHICKEN W/PEANUTDIPPING DIPPINGSAUCE SAUCE W/PEANUT STUFFEDMUSHROOMS MUSHROOMS STUFFED

$1 6.95PERPERSON PERPERSON $1 6.95 *GlutenFree FreeMenu Menu *Gluten

STUFFED MUSHROOMS MUSHROOMS STUFFED

Elyse’s Complete Holiday Feast Elyse’s Feast YourComplete Complete“Holiday “Holiday Your DinnerTo ToGo” Go”Serves Serves8-10 8-10 Dinner People and Includes: People and Includes: 18-20lb. lb.Roast RoastTurkey Turkey • • 18-20 TraditionalDressing Dressing • • Traditional

$325 $325value value for foronly only

$300 $300

GarlicMashed MashedPotatoes Potatoes • • Garlic TurkeyGravy Gravy • • Turkey

CranberryOrange OrangeRelish Relish • • Cranberry • Homemade Dinner Rolls • Homemade Dinner Rolls • Pumpkin Pie with Real • Pumpkin Pie with Real Whipping Cream Whipping Cream

Call or Order Online: Call or Order Online:

360-943-5555 elysescatering.com 360-943-5555 elysescatering.com

UPCOMING EVENT

Governor Inslee will address the topic of Career Connected Learning at the Thurston Chamber's November Forum.

Governor Jay Inslee to Speak at Chamber's November Forum Join the Thurston County Chamber

"We are going to stop telling our

on Wednesday, Nov. 14 in welcoming

kids that a four-year degree is the

Governor Inslee as the Chamber Forum

only path to success. Most of them

speaker at Hotel RL Olympia. Governor Inslee will address the topic of Career Connected Learning.

What is Career Connected Learning?

Career connected learning can be as simple as a business person visiting a classroom, talking about what they do. Or a job shadow where a young

will require education and training after high school, but that doesn’t necessarily mean a four-year college degree. Through registered apprenticeships, technical training programs and other career connected learning opportunities, we’ll give students all kinds of ways

person learns more about an occupation

to fulfill their dreams of helping

or business. Or in some cases, it can

build airplanes, cure diseases or

be an internship, or a registered

design innovative new software."

apprenticeship, where youth are paid while they learn hands-on skills. thurstonchamber.com

When: Wednesday, November 14, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Where: Hotel RL Olympia, 2300 Evergreen Park Dr SW, Olympia, WA 98502 What: Forum includes lunch.

The cost is $35 for general admission, $25 for prepaid Chamber members, and $30 for members at the door.

Thank you, sponsors: The Rants Group, Bruce Titus and Armor Storage.

Visit thurstonchamber.com to make your reservation today.

- Governor Jay Inslee Thurston County Chamber VOICE

l

November 2018

l

19

Thurston Chamber's 2018 Membership Event. Ken Brogan, center, was named "Godfather" of the event, because he signed up the most new Chamber members.

Membership Event Brings Awareness to the Chamber's Role in Our Community While most Chambers of Commerce struggle

sign up over 100 new members.

together to gain a deeper understanding of the role

through their annual membership drive, the

The event also created greater community

of the Chamber in the community and then sharing

Thurston County Chamber hosted a 'Membership

awareness of the critical role the Thurston County

that message with their peers. And, we had a lot of

Event' like none other! For two and a half days,

Chamber plays in community development,

fun in the process,” said David Schaffert, President/

October 16, 17 and 18, over 150 community leaders

economic development and business services.

CEO of the Thurston Chamber. Jaron Banks, Ron

worked against the clock and against each other to

“The real success was the community coming

Bruchet, Jim Greene, Melanie Matthews, Drew Phillips, Kim Steepy and Michelle Wickett led teams of volunteers.

Those who participated in the Chamber’s Membership Event had the opportunity to hear Schaffert share the Chamber’s message, garnering the support of new members. This happens by tackling the tough issues, from transportation to education, creating opportunity and visibility for members and understanding that more members translate into more opportunity for all.

The Chamber is a champion of Thurston County, working hard to bring new business and opportunity to our community.

The Thurston Chamber is our region’s largest chamber, serving over 1,250 members, and has been promoting economic prosperity across Thurston County for over 140 years.

thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

l

November 2018

l

20

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Abbey Capitol Floors & Interiors

Freshii West Olympia Fulcrum Real Estate Services

Pacific Timberland Management

Academy Mortgage Corporation - Jeff Devlin

Geneva Woods Health Supplies

Patrick Harron & Associates

Glitter & Suede, LLC

Phillips Family Corporation

Advanced Environmental

Gray Lumber Company

Pillar Financial Group

Great Western Supply

Pinup Cleanup, LLC

Groff Electric

Pioneer Fire & Security, Inc.

Hardwood Floors, LLC

Premier Media Group

Harp Music by Cyndi

Principal Financial Group

Hawks Prairie Pharmacy

Puget Sound Taps

Henderson Law Group, PLLC

Qsystems

Hilti

Real Estate of the South Sound

Historic Lord Mansion & Coach House

Refinery.inc @Primp&Refinery

Holbrook, Inc.

RM Investment Properties

Ideal Lifestyle Center Ideal Option

Robert W. Droll, Landscape Architect, PS

Indigo Olympia

Robison Engineering Inc.

Indigo Urgent Care Lacey

Royce Marie Bean Bar

Isagenix - Shannon Cameron

Sare Electric, Inc.

IT Creations

Serendipity Children's Center, Inc.

Aflac - David Hannant Aflac - Richard Hawkins Ahern Rentals Fife Allstate - The Morales Agency A-Pro Home Inspection Service Armor Storage - Lacey Armor Storage - West Oly Ascent Audiology & Hearing AUSA, Association of the United States Army, Lacey Birdseye Holding, LLC Black Bear Construction Black Hills Excavating Inc. Brewer Public Affairs Britton Parkway, LLC Cafe Au Lait Carlee Hjelm Real Estate Chabad Jewish Center of Olympia Civil Investments, LLC Commercial Property Services, LLC Compass 360 Association Copiers Northwest Creative Ink & Embroidery Curb Master Custom Comfort Northwest Heating and Cooling, LLC Custom Source Woodworking Dairy Queen Deschutes Aggregate & Recycling Enterprise for Equity Enterprise Truck Rental Eric Hjelm - Team Hjelm Real Estate Event Planning Specialists, LLC Faceplant, PLLC Fairway Mortgage Karen Kashmar Fastenal Store Watum Fastenal WAO26 Fickett Structural Solutions Forbix Financial Services Freedom Boat Club

thurstonchamber.com

J & K Concrete, Inc.

Rivera Law Offices, PLLC

Jennifer Ziegler Public Affairs

Smith & Dietrich Law Offices PLLC

Justin Hjelm - Team Hjelm Real Estate

Snell Crane Service, Inc. South Sound Towing, LLC

Keller Williams Kevin Gordham

SSA Pacific

Knight Fire Protection

State Farm - Ben Kerby

Koelsch Construction

StraderHallett, PS

L.B. Steele Cabinets

Sunrise Landscaping

Law Offices of Jennifer R. Smith

Sunset Cement Construction Inc.

Liberty Tax Service - Lacey

Sutter Metals

Little Tuscany Apartments

Team Lowe

M+C Drywall

The Form Tool

Martin Way Collision & Auto Trim

Three Girls Media, Inc.

MB Electric

Tumwater Tool Repair & Fasteners

MC Squared, Inc.

Star Rental

Top Rung Brewing Co.

Media Marketing Solutions, LLC

Tumya Plumbing

Mint Landscapes

US Survey

Morgan James, PLLC

Van Dorm Realty- Alley Savin

Mr. Electric

Varsity Electric

Mutual of Omaha

Views on Fifth, LLC

Navigate Financial Northwest Benefits, Inc.

Waunch Construction & Trucking, Inc.

NW Sign Source

Your Chamber Connection

Olympia Construction, Inc. Pacific Northwest Eyecare

United Rentals

MEMBER PROFILE

Elite Cleaning of Washington No one wants to waste a gorgeous Saturday cleaning when they could be enjoying endless outdoor festivals, parades and activities.

What if you could (net)work while you play? Recognized a Thurston Green Business and awarded The Olympian's 'Best of South Sound' honors four years in a row, Scottiejo McNulty and her Elite Cleaning of Washington team will start their seventh year in June. They often attend city-wide networking events with detailed information, house-cleaning tips & tricks, prizes and answers to frequently asked questions.

Elite Cleaning also gives back to their community by donating gift certificates to local charities and supporting events like South Sound BBQ Festival, OMB's Home and Garden Show and Raise for Rowyn.

With a philosophy that no job is too big or too small, Elite Cleaning can handle whatever your schedule requires.

Whether it’s regular weekly maintenance or a thorough move-out deep-clean, their in-person inspection and high quality standards mean your sunny days can once again be dedicated to family, friends and fun.

To arrange a free estimate, call 360-529-2277 or visit us online at www.EliteCleaningofWA.com.

Sponsored Member Profile. Copy written by ThurstonTalk for Elite Cleaning of WA.

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

l

November 2018

l

21

Caught in the Lens...

22 • November 2018

l

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

l

November 2018

l

23

PO BOX 1427 Olympia, WA 98507-1427