October 2018 VOICE Magazine

OCTOBER 2018

THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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Custom Source Woodworking A Business Philosophy to Build Partners, Not Employees

Vote like your community depends on it A Guide to the Local Elections, Resolutions & Initiatives That Affect You

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

Vote – Your Community Depends On It

By David Schaffert, Thurston Chamber President/CEO PUBLISHER

In this month’s issue of the VOICE

Only 34 percent of Thurston County

Chamber of Commerce

Magazine, we focus on the upcoming

registered voters voted in the 2017

EDITORIAL

election, specifically, spotlighting the

general election, which means that

Thurston County Commission race

less than 25 percent of Thurston

and several ballot measures.

County’s citizens voted. The August

Thurston County

Editor: David Schaffert Phone: (360) 357-3362 Email: dschaffert@thurstonchamber.com

CONTRIBUTORS David Schaffert

2018 primary was slightly higher.

We believe that it is those who

Please, do not opt out of having your

Natasha Ashenhurst

show up who ultimately influence

opinions and values be part of not

ADVERTISING

public policy. Voting, too, is a public

just an election process but also

policy engagement opportunity. It

the public process by which those

allows the full spectrum of thought,

elected to represent us operate in.

Doug Mah Christina Butcher

Sales and Marketing: Krystal Barkus Blake Knoblauch Aaron Bernhard Marny Bright Phone: (360) 357-3362

opinion, background, life experience

Email: info@thurstonchamber.com

to determine an electoral outcome.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

It provides a pulse of what the

Phone: (360) 357-3362

community values at a point in time

v. We will provide a first-hand

and provides solid direction to those

opportunity for the community to

Mosaic Marketing Studio

who are elected or are in a decision

meet all those running for elected

COVER ART

making position. Voting is a melting

office and representatives of ballot

pot that produces an answer to a

measures at the upcoming “Meet the

Source Woodworking

question. However, the electoral

Candidates” Forum on October 10.

PRINTING

system stops working when people

We hope to see you there.

Email: info@thurstonchamber.com

DESIGN

Martin Way Senior Center, Photo courtesy of Custom

Print NW

Every single vote matters.

opt out.

CONTACT THE CHAMBER PO Box 1427 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: 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

EXPERIENCE THE CAPITAL ADVANTAGE

Enhanced Digital Mammography Services capitalmedical.com

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

©2018 BCI

October 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.

In This Issue...

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Morning Mixxer at The Rants Group

Custom Source Woodworking

Please join our host, The Rants Group, on Tuesday, October 2 at 7:30 a.m. for the Thurston Chamber’s Morning Mixxer. The Rants Group will provide breakfast treats, our sponsor L&E Bottling will host the coffee bar and

CEO Joe Wadsworth explains his company's custom business philosophy.

you can enjoy a morning of networking. Morning Mixxer is free to attend.

Where: The Rants Group, 724 Columbia St. NW #140, Olympia, WA 98501.

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Thurston Young Professionals After Hours

Thurston Voter's Guide

Join Thurston Young Professionals on Thursday, October 4 at 5:30 p.m.

Get informed on the issues and what's at stake in local elections this November.

at The Schmidt House. Enjoy a selection of beverages and snacks. Join us and meet with other Young Professionals and expand your network.

Where: The Schmidt House, 330 Schmidt Place SW, Olympia, WA 98501.

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October Forum: Meet the Candidates

Meet The Candidates Incumbent County Commissioner Bud Blake, and challenger, Tye Menser draw distinctions in Q&A.

Join the Thurston County Chamber Wednesday, October 10, 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a Candidates Reception & Meet the Candidates Forum. This event will feature the County Commissioner race candidates – incumbent Bud Blake and challenger Tye Menser – a pivotal race with regional significance. Doug Mah, the Thurston

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Chamber's Director of Public Policy, will moderate the discussion.

Where: Hotel RL Olympia, 2300 Evergreen Park Drive SW, Olympia, WA 98502 $25 for prepaid Chamber members, and $30 for members at the door.

Congratulations LTC Class of 2019

Thurston County Chamber Membership Event

Leadership Thurston County (LTC) turns the tassels over on the Class of 2019.

What: Forum includes lunch, and the cost is $35 for general admission,

For two and a half days, over 100 volunteers will work against the clock and against

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each other in a fun, competitive drive to sign up new Chamber members and create a greater community awareness of the important role of the Chamber. The Membership

Red Wind, Green Team

Event will kick off on October 16 and conclude on October 18 with a Business After

Nisqually Red Wind Casino's Green Team honored as a Thurston Green Business.

Hours celebration at 5:21 p.m. at Hilton Garden Inn Olympia. For more information on how you can be involved, call the Thurston County Chamber at 360.357.3362.

Where: Hilton Garden Inn, 2101 Henderson Park Lane SE, Olympia, WA 98501.

Thank you Sponsors!

Business After Hours at Hilton Garden Inn Olympia Join the Thurston County Chamber on Thursday, October 18, at 5:21 p.m. for a special Business After Hours celebration at Hilton Garden Inn Olympia.

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. Where: Hilton Garden Inn, 2101 Henderson Park Lane SE, Olympia, WA 98501.

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Revel Lacey, Martin Way Senior Living. Photo courtesy of Custom Source Woodworking.

Building Partners, Not Employees Custom Source Woodworking explains the pillars of its business philosophy.

By Christina Butcher

I

magine standing inside a 37,500 square-foot warehouse across from Olympia Regional Airport. Sawdust covers the work floor under your feet, muffling the sound of your footsteps as you walk past heavy machinery and wood stacked floor-to-ceiling.

You pass a pallet of marble as you walk from one end of the work floor to the other, past woodworkers and engineers huddled over carefully-laid, custom furniture plans.

Chances are, you’re standing in the middle of Custom Source Woodworking in Olympia.

Custom Source Woodworking has been in

can be more profitable as an industry if

understanding of the company, it

business in the South Sound since 2007,

we manage things properly. I also want

remains one of the pillars of his business

and with over a decade of first-hand

to be the best business woodworkers can

philosophy.

experience – including crushing mishaps

work at. I want to share the wealth with

and notable achievements alike - it’s

our employees and have them feel the

“One of the main things I wanted to do at

finally ready to make its mark on the

benefits.”

CSW was treat my employees differently –

woodwork industry.

better – than how typical (woodworking) Wadsworth has been championing for

shops treated them,” said Wadsworth.

“I want to show people how things can

increased pay for woodworkers since

“We (woodworkers) were always treated

be done,” said Joe Wadsworth, majority

he started Custom Source Woodworking

like we were replaceable, and companies

owner and chief executive officer (CEO)

in June 2007. Along with increasing

in this industry can’t pay livable wages

at Custom Source Woodworking. “We

efficiency and a strong financial

because profits are so low. I knew things

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could be done a lot better.”

So, Wadsworth threw caution to the wind and started CSW in nearby Lacey, Washington state. He hired a single employee and secured a 10,000 squarefoot warehouse to get the business on its feet. “I saw a niche in the market and I thought, ‘I can do that,’” said Wadsworth.

“I knew that even if things didn’t work, I could rebuild. I wasn’t afraid to start the business.”

Initially, CSW specialized in custombuilt cabinets, reception desks and work stations, before adding a finishing department in 2011 and millwork department in 2012. The business moved to its current location in Olympia in 2009.

There, Wadsworth continues his efforts to treat employees as partners. He implements monthly meetings in which all employees (43 in total) gather to go

“I want to show people how things can be done,” said Joe Wadsworth, majority owner and chief executive officer (CEO) at Custom Source Woodworking. “We can be more profitable as an industry if we manage things properly. I also want to be the best business woodworkers can work at. I want to share the wealth with our employees and have them feel the benefits.” Photo by Natasha Ashenhurst.

over the state of the business, financial statements and project management. “I

on New Year’s Day (2016) and told myself

to increase CSW’s efficiency by 33%. “I

wanted to invite workers to be partners in

I had to figure out what was going on … I

learned a lot about our financials, cash

our company,” Wadsworth said. “I wanted

had to find out why our company was not

management, and how to properly run a

to find a way to get them interested in

profitable.”

business. It made a big change in our cash

business. But, it wasn’t until two years

flow,” said Wadsworth.

ago that I really made a big step toward

Wadsworth forced himself to leave

that. We started doing “open book

the work floor that winter to focus on

“A lot of small businesses make the

management, teaching employees how to

CSW’s finances full-time. “I found out

mistake of outsourcing their financials.

read our financial statements.”

we were a ship with a thousand holes,”

They only want to do what they’re good at

he explained. “We’d suffered through

… but understanding your financials is the

At the end of each meeting, the floor

every kind of financial mishap we could

most important aspect of your business.”

is opened to employees to share ideas.

– mismanagement, theft, debt – it was a

“This helps us zero in on unnecessary

financial mess.”

CSW’s five co-owners, Belen Carrillo, Steve

expenses,” Wadsworth said. “We focus on eliminating unnecessary variables.”

Glabe, John Fetters, Louis Velasquez and Around the same time, CSW was hit with

Wadsworth, are also intent on increasing

Ransomware, crippling the company for

sales by 10% each year. The company’s

In the same vein, Wadsworth hopes to

three days until its owners agreed to pay

long-term goals include expansion into

implement profit sharing for employees

a bitcoin ransom. “It shut us down – no

other industries parallel to woodworking,

within the next six months. His insistence

one could work, including our engineers,

including metal and upholstery shops.

on financial readiness – both for the

administrators, everyone. It was terrible.

company and for his employees - comes

Since then, we’ve been working on

“But, once I can hand profit sharing

after a long string of financial crises.

strengthening our IT security.”

checks to my employee, I’ll consider this business a success. Then, we can build

“The first two years in business, I worked

Wadsworth also decided to take a “Profit

other benefits into the company while

every day,” said Wadsworth. “We were

Mastery” financial education course with

growing our reputation as a great place to

doubling in size every year in sales, but

Small Business Administration (SBA).

work.”

we weren’t making any money. I woke up

After completing the course, he was able

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Proposition 1 asks taxpayers to expand the service area, route frequency and services of Intercity Transit with a sales tax increase.

Transit & Trails, Pools & Parks on November Ballot

­Intercity Transit Proposition 1 – What You Need to Know

O

n November 6, Intercity Transit (IT) will ask voters to approve a sales tax increase to maintain, improve and expand public transportation services. The Thurston Chamber board supports the resolution. The Chamber asked IT to provide details on what our community stands to gain, or lose,

depending on the fate of the tax measure. The following provides a summary of responses from Intercity Transit’s General Manager, Ann Freeman-Manzanares.

Q. What happens if the tax measure

funding was eliminated from the federal

to be for us to balance our budget. If the

passes? What happens if it fails?

budget for four years and only a small

ballot measure does not pass, we’ll need to

A. If approved, IT will provide service

portion was restored starting in 2016. That

cut service by 15% in 2019. If we wait until

into new areas, increase frequency and

changed our entire financial model. The

2020, we’ll need to cut service by 24%.

operating hours for local and commuter

reality is we cannot afford to replace buses

bus services, and expand specialized

with local dollars. Without buses, we cannot

Q. What convinced IT to ask for 4 tenths

transportation services for seniors and those

provide service. Sales tax is our primary

of 1% (4 cents on a $10 purchase) versus

living with disabilities. If it fails, service will

source of revenue. We receive no property,

a smaller amount?

need to be cut by 15% to balance our budget.

motor vehicle excise or gas tax. If we want

A. Starting in 2016, we initiated a public

to maintain service or expand service our

engagement process to have the community

Q. Why are you asking for a sales tax

option is sales tax. IT is projected to have

define the future of public transportation.

increase and why are you asking now?

a budget shortfall by 2022. The longer we

We received over 10,000 comments from

A. A significant source of our capital

wait to cut service, the steeper the cuts need

some 5,000 people including riders,

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potential riders and non-riders. Based

increase. People are asking us to expand

A. Our proposal includes the following

on that information, we presented the

service, including adding new lines to

improvements, which are described on our

community a list of service enhancements

growing employment centers in N.E. Lacey,

website:

that could fulfill those goals. We also asked

South Tumwater and Yelm, as well as

people to identify a preferred scenario

speeding service to existing employment and

1. Extended Span of Service

among three options: service cuts; status

service destinations.

2. Improved Frequency

which included the implementation of

As a public agency, it’s our job to provide

3. Service to Growing Neighborhoods and Employment Centers

the community defined enhancements.

the level of service our community wants

4. Maintain On-Time Performance

Through independent polling, we discovered

and is willing to pay for. There was a clear

5. Enhanced Capital Facilities

almost 83% want transformational change

recognition of the need to address our

6. Bus Rapid Transit

and more than two-thirds are willing to pay

growing population and connect people

7. Night Owl Service

for those enhancements with the four tenths

to jobs, schools, healthcare, services and

8. Enhanced Commuter Service

of 1% sales tax increase.

shopping. Community members told us

9. Fare-Collection Efficiencies

quo system; or transformational change,

what they wanted. It’s our duty to put the In short, people don’t want us to cut service.

Q. Where should people go to get more

measure forward to the voters.

information?

And they’re not satisfied with the same level of service we have today, which is all

Q. What system enhancements will be

A. Please visit https://www.intercitytransit.

we could manage with a smaller sales tax

made if it passes?

com/ITprop1 for more information.

The City of Lacey’s Metropolitan Park District

I

n 2015, the City of Lacey began gathering public input to provide direction for the update of its Parks Comprehensive Plan (Plan). The Plan guides future recreational facilities, park improvements, and maintenance needs for Lacey’s overall park system. Following a 2-year, public-input process and

endorsement by the Parks Board and Planning Commission, the Lacey City Council adopted the updated Plan on September 14, 2017.

The Plan outlines the following future

Authorize the Metropolitan Park District's

valuation, the Lacey City Council authorized

opportunities and challenges for the

governing board to set the tax rate at

Proposition 1 at a levy rate of $0.47 per

Parks and Recreation Department:

$0.47 per $1,000 assessed home value.

$1,000 of assessed property value. The

• •

•

Provide adequate facilities to keep up

increase would cost City of Lacey property

with growth.

Quick Facts

owners $11.75/month per household (not

Move from a predominately “property

•

The City of Lacey's population has

individual), based on $0.47 per $1,000 on a

increased 62 percent since 2002.

house with an assessed value of $300,000.

acquisition era” to a “park improvement and development phase.”

•

•

of park land.

Q. What is the Difference Between a Parks

65 percent of the City's park land

Bond and a Metropolitan Park District?

is undeveloped.

A. A bond is for specific acquisition and

The last time Lacey had a park measure

development projects and has a defined

Create a Lacey Metropolitan Park District

on the ballot was 16 years ago. (Lacey

dollar amount. A Metropolitan Park

to provide ongoing funding to acquire,

voters approved a Parks Bond Issue

District provides ongoing funding for park

maintain, operate, and improve parks,

for $9,985,000 in 2002.)

improvements, amenities, and operations.

Solidify a future funding strategy.

•

Prop 1 is a measure on the November 6, 2018, ballot asking Lacey voters to: •

The City owns nearly 1,200 acres

•

trails, recreational facilities & programs.

• •

Establish the Metropolitan Park District’s

Q. What is the Cost to Lacey Residents

Q. When Will Residents Decide?

boundaries as the Lacey city limits.

(homeowners)?

A. November 6, 2018, Lacey residents

Designate the Lacey City Council as

A. Property Tax: Although state law

will have the opportunity to vote on the

the Metropolitan Park District's

authorizes an established MPD to levy a

formation of a Metropolitan Park District.

governing board.

maximum of $0.75 per $1,000 assessed

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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Tumwater Falls Park. Photo courtesy of the Olympia Tumwater Foundation.

Tumwater's Metropolitan Parks District Proposition: Funding for Parks & Recreation Programs Going to Ballot

T

he Tumwater City Council has proposed that a Metropolitan Park District be formed to fund improved parks facilities and recreation programs in Tumwater. While a legally separate entity, the District would have the same boundaries as the City and be governed by the City Council. The Proposition

will be on the November 6, 2018 General Election ballot and requires a simple majority for approval.

Proposition No. 1, if approved, would fund these priorities:

With funding from a Metropolitan Parks District, the City would

1.

Parks and playgrounds maintenance and safety;

spend $1.5 million annually for our parks, playgrounds, and trails

2.

New neighborhood parks, playgrounds, and restrooms;

improvements in the first five years. This will extend the useful life

3.

Community Center with meeting and event space, senior

of our most used parks and playgrounds, address safety and security

services, indoor sports courts, and land for a future public

issues, invest in underserved neighborhoods, improve energy

swimming pool; 4.

Trail expansion along the Deschutes River Valley; and

5.

Community arts and cultural heritage programs, historic properties, recreation programs, and a community garden.

efficiency, and preserve new open spaces.

The City has invested in parks, trails, and open spaces over the years, but there are no dedicated revenue sources to maintain and improve those properties.

Proposition 1 is a ballot measure asking the voters of the City of

Why Parks? Why now?

Tumwater to consider forming a Metropolitan Park District that

Over the years, City Council and staff have taken a number of cost-

would collect property tax to maintain, improve, and build parks,

savings actions to streamline and increase operational efficiency

trails and recreation programs.

as revenues have declined for parks and recreation programs and facilities.

Approval of this measure would provide dedicated and sustainable funding for Tumwater’s Parks and Recreation programs and facilities.

Tumwater City Council unanimously voted to include the

In addition, it would support construction of a new Community

Metropolitan Park District measure on the November general election

Center with space for a future public swimming pool, and enhance

ballot to provide adequate funding to maintain, improve and build

cultural heritage, public arts, and recreation programs.

parks, playgrounds and trails.

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Meet the Candidates for Thurston County Commissioner: Bud Blake & Tye Menser

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

T

his November, Thurston County voters will elect a County Commissioner. Voters will choose between incumbent Bud Blake or challenger Tye Menser (District 3).

Both candidates bring a unique set of experiences and perspectives to job of County Commissioner. The two candidates were asked to answer three questions regarding economic development and the role of a County Commissioner in growing the local economy.

Their written responses help serve as a

The three-member county commission

include electing local state legislators,

primer for the October Forum where the

is both a local government and a

members of congress, and most of the

candidates will answer questions and

subdivision of state government. Its

county officials including a county

articulate why they are the best person to

primary responsibility is serving as the

commissioner. Make sure you are

be your next County Commissioner.

general - purpose local government

registered to vote by checking your

and legislative authority outside of city

status at: https://weiapplets.sos.wa.gov/

Commissioners are elected by district.

limits. Many county responsibilities

myvote/#/login.

The primary election was limited to only

are mandated by state law; others

those registered to vote within District

are permitted by state law, allowing

The Thurston County Chamber and

3. Bud Blake and Tye Menser prevailed

for considerable local discretion. The

its Public Policy Division encourage all

in the primary as the top-two vote

commission is responsible for county

voters to gain a better understanding

getters, defeating two other candidates,

policies relating to public safety and

of the Thurston County Commission,

and moved to the general election. The

health, community development, human

the role of commissioners, and their

general election is county wide. All

services, environmental protection, solid

impact on the local economy. Public

registered voters in Thurston County

waste, county finance, transportation,

policy requires participation. The easiest

can vote in the County Commissioner

parks and recreation, and other state

and most important step is voting. We

race, regardless of district. County

directed duties.

encourage you to vote in this November’s

commissioners traditionally have been

general election.

partisan and Commissioners are full time

The general election will be held on

employees of the County.

November 6, 2018. The 2018 election will

thurstonchamber.com

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360.456.4999

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Bud Blake question

Tye Menser

T

he new Thurston County Strategic Plan (updated for 2019/2020) articulates a desired future state where, "People are economically secure. The Thurston economy is diversified and resilient, supports living wages, and creates equitable opportunities for economic prosperity at all levels and stages of career development. What do you see as the primary barrier(s) to achieving this future state and what will you do as county commissioner to address this/these barrier(s)?

ONE

Bud Blake: "A number of social determinants create barriers

Tye Menser: "A primary barrier to economic security in

that plague young adults as they transition to adulthood.

Thurston County right now is the instability in our housing

The long-term goal of a healthy, diverse and equitable

market. With a growing homeless population --- and

economy depends on our commitment to raising children

more than a third of our citizens rent-burdened and at

who are physically and emotionally healthy, well-educated,

risk of losing their housing --- people are struggling, and

and prepared to be successful workers, entrepreneurs,

local businesses and tax revenues are adversely affected.

and innovators. Kids who grow up healthy will be far less

Thurston County needs a larger housing supply across the

vulnerable to addiction, and less likely to ever be homeless –

entire market, and a greater proportion of affordable units.

both of which are detrimental of any community’s economic

As a Commissioner, I will bring regional leadership to this

progress. Healthy, successful young adults are also more

issue, and work hand-in-hand with local jurisdictions and

likely to raise the next generation of successful young people.

the private and non-profit sectors to incentivize new housing

That’s why I continue to invest in programs such as Nurse-

projects, and find creative ways to shelter our homeless.

Family Partnership, early childhood education, before

This is our first challenge in creating enduring economic

and after school programs, and great schools are vital.

prosperity in Thurston County."

The best way to attract great employers is to create a healthy community. And the best way to create a healthy community is to invest in our infants and children." thurstonchamber.com

(continued on page 17) Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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We’ll forge a financial course built on time & trust.

INVESTMENTS

•

FINANCIAL PLANNING

•

INSURANCE

For knowledgable direction to help you attain your goals for retirement, education or adventure: talk to Jason today at 360-596-9788 and get a higher perspective.

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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

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question

TWO

T

he County’s updated Strategic Plan identifies coordinating “County investments and plans to promote economic growth…” as a short-term strategy to “proactively shape a strong, diverse economy that provides equitable access to opportunity.” In your opinion, how

important is this strategy and what changes would you make as county commissioner to better coordinate and plan for economic growth?

Bud Blake: "The changes we need are underway: We are

Tye Menser: "County government can play an important role in

working in partnership with the Chehalis, Squaxin and

promoting economic growth and ensuring equitable access to

Nisqually tribes, cities and jurisdictions to create a regional

opportunity. We know that economic development will thrive

economy that attracts and creates new jobs, equitable growth,

where a community is healthy and well-balanced. Thurston

and environmental excellence. The critical factor for success is

County is projected to grow by 40% in the next 20 years, so the

human relationships – that is, building trust and mutual respect

opportunities for economic development will be plentiful.

and keeping everyone engaged in this common purpose.

But local governments must ensure their budgets are in healthy

Change will not and should not happen overnight. We need

shape, that sustainable economic practices are being promoted

steady, gradual progress that takes into account the need for

so that our local businesses can prosper well into the future,

predictability, and the challenges of adaptation to changing

and that we appropriately address the inter-related issues of

conditions, technologies, and federal and state policies.

crime, housing, and mental health, so that Thurston County

We also need to consider bold ideas that might lead to a

remains a desirable place to do business.

signature regional industry. For instance, the work of the tribes,

At the same time, we must be mindful of how we grow, because

our state government, and scholars at The Evergreen State

even as our local economy has performed well overall recently,

College provide a wealth of expertise that could make Thurston

poverty among households with children has spiked over the

County a national center of research and development for

last 2+ years. We can't leave anyone behind."

environmentally beneficial technologies and practices."

question

three

T

he Thurston Community Economic Alliance’s Strategic Plan includes “Target Industry Growth and Innovation” and a vision to “support and stimulate growth in empirically-defined “clean and green” target industries that provide critical jobs, generate significant taxable revenue and attract

new investment”. What skills and experiences would you bring to this endeavor and what leadership role would like to play in achieving this vision?

Bud Blake: "My public service skills were developed

Tye Menser: "I have had a 21-year career as an attorney, with

during a 25-year military career. The military is a learning

14 of those years spent in the private sector. I also spent 7

organization, focused on the imperative to learn from its own

years working in rural communities in Alaska, so I understand

actions and improve its performance. “Planning, process and

the challenges of growing a business in a rural or remote

outcomes” are the bywords of military organization, and there

area, and the important role government plays in terms of

is clear accountability for success, no matter how complex the

infrastructure and services. I have always supported a “clean

challenge. Teamwork is at the heart of all of this.

and green” approach to any activity, including commercial/

My military career developed skills, values and habits of mind

industrial activities. The County can assist in this type of

that are well suited to the challenge of leadership for Thurston

economic development by providing tax incentives for

County. In this community, success in one area is inextricably

businesses that face unreasonable market obstacles. With its

connected to success in others. For our economy to thrive, we

proximity to the state capital, we can market Thurston County

have to get ahead of a growing crisis of homelessness, plan for

as an “innovation center” and showcase new technologies

population growth, reform and improve our criminal justice

to legislators from around the state. Another strategy is to

system, invest in infrastructure, and protect our natural

work with neighboring jurisdictions on proposals for large,

resources – all while holding ourselves accountable for job

regional projects to bring in large numbers of new, nearby

creation, and attracting industries that generate tax revenue."

jobs accessible to our residents."

thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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AUTO | HOME | BUSINESS | LIFE 18 • October 2018

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

Leadership Thurston County (LTC) Class of 2019. Photo courtesy of the Thurston County Chamber Foundation.

Congratulations to Leadership Thurston County Class of 2019

By Natasha Ashenhurst

On September 6, Leadership Thurston County kicked off the 25th class at the annual Opening Retreat. The Class of 2019 joined together to start their 10-month journey of community connections, involvement exploration, and learning about current issues. LTC is a community immersion based adult leadership program of the Thurston County Chamber Foundation. Upon graduation in June, the current class of 40 will bring the total number of informed, engaged, and connected alumni to an astounding 707 community leaders. Stay tuned for information about the 25th Class Celebration honoring all of our alumni scheduled for June 12, 2019.

2019 Leadership Thurston County (LTC) Graduates: Heather Antanaitis, Family Education & Support Services

Katie Gerard, Thurston County

Mike Opitz, The Wave Carwash

Thera Black, SCJ Alliance

Jesse Gleason, Chehalis Tribe

Nate Peters, Saint Martin's University

Conley Booth, Port of Olympia

Trish Gregory, Family Support Center of South Sound

Chris Quimby, Senior Services for South Sound

Jeff Bowe, Experience Olympia & Beyond

Erik Hansen, Office of Financial Management

Michael Brouillette, Balanced Counseling and Hypnosis Center

Lance Inman, City of Tumwater

Chad Carpenter, Washington Center for the Performing Arts

Blake Knoblauch, Thurston County Chamber of Commerce

Krosbie Carter, Thurston Thrives Cailen Cecil Wevodau, Thurston County Prosecutor's Office Tami Collins, Tumwater School District Karen Cordero, Adult Family Home Council Ryan Cox, Lacey Fire District #3 Alena Dicke, South Puget Sound Community College

thurstonchamber.com

Alan Kirshner, TwinStar Credit Union

Danielle Rants, The Rants Group Lauren Robbins, Pacific Mountain WDC Michael Shupe, Capitol City Press Morgan Sohl, Timberland Regional Library Thomas Van Nuys, Intercity Transit

Mike Leonard, United Way of Thurston County

Jason Vatne, Columbia Bank

Joanne Lind, LOTT Clean Water Alliance

Nichole Wachtman, Evergreen Financial Services

Cathy McKenney, Fairchild Record Search

Diane Whaley, City of Olympia

Sokha Meas Colbo, Thomas Architecture Studios

DeAndra Williams, American Workforce Group

Sandy Mugartegui, Department of Labor & Industries

Ashley Worth, South Sound Bank

Daryl Murrow, Daryl Murrow Coaching

Joe Wolfe, City of Yelm Theresa Wu, Capital Medical Center

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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TwinStarCU.com/business

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20 • October 2018

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

THURSTON GREEN BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Nisqually Red Wind Casino's Green Team – (L to R) David Horn, Diane Hanson, Patti Rigby & LeRoy WhiteMountain. Photo courtesy of Nisqually Red Wind Casino.

Spotlight on Nisqually Red Wind Casino's Green Team

By Natasha Ashenhurst Energy efficient lighting in the parking

meets twice a month. They produce a

made consistently over time can have a

garage. Environmentally friendly cleaning

monthly newsletter (printed on recycled

significant impact.

supplies in housekeeping. Biodegradable

paper) allowing them to share ideas and

packing peanuts in the gift shop. Recycled

new programs. Each year, the group picks

“Our team won’t give up. We keep working

ink cartridges in marketing. A nearly

quarterly themes, creating a focal point for

together to move our ideas forward until

paperless purchase ordering system. These

the upcoming year’s efforts. Last year it was

they become a reality,” said Diane, another

are just a few items from a list of last year’s

the four elements, Earth, Wind, Air, and Fire.

Green Team member.

Red Wind Casino’s Green Team, an eight

“We get new ideas, and we do everything we

One of their most ambitious projects is on

member team established in 2008 to lower

can to implement that idea,” said Patti Rigby,

track to roll out close to Thanksgiving — a

the organization’s environmental footprint

one of the group’s leaders. “Recently a team

food rescue and recovery program. The first

and sustainability efforts.

member noticed that we were going through

part of the plan was to reduce the amount

too many plastic straws. The team talked

of leftover food through improved planning

Every April, Thurston Green Business

and went to the manager of the department

and buying, but there was still a lot of

celebrates area businesses and

and asked if there was a way to reduce straw

leftovers, so then the group worked out a

organizations that practice sustainability.

use. Today, they no longer offer straws to

system to get that food to needy residents in

At the annual recognition celebration,

customers but provide one if requested. It is

our community. The group is working with

Thurston Green honors a small, medium

an easy fix; you have to start small and work

kitchen managers to package and deliver

and large business with the Green

together to come up with solutions.”

high-quality leftover meals to their local

accomplishments compiled by Nisqually

Business of the Year award. According

food bank program, which will provide the

to the committee, Nisqually Red Wind

Over the past eight years, the group has

Casino consistently has an outstanding

successfully lobbied to have employee

meals to area low-income seniors.

application full of innovative activities they

reviews change from a 12-page printed

What motivates the team and the

implemented over the previous 12 months.

document to digital instead. They worked

organization?

A notable force at this organization — the

with purchasing to buy pens made from

committee believes — is the existence of a

recycled plastic, and they dramatically

“We want to lessen our footprint and

Green Team that consistently pushes the

increased the number of recycling bins

preserve the environment for future

casino’s green efforts forward. We caught

throughout the Casino while working with

generations,” said Patti. “The support of this

up with the Green Team in September to

employees on best practices – remove that

program comes from the top down, but it

learn more.

lid before you recycle the water bottle.

takes everyone, from the general manager to the folks working in the kitchen to make

Nisqually Red Wind Casino’s Green Team thurstonchamber.com

The lesson learned is that small changes

this happen.”

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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It’s Coming!

2018 Event Chairs

Event 2018 Membership

For 3 days in October, hundreds of volunteers will work against the clock, and each other, to sign up new Chamber members and create a greater Thurston County Chamber!

Drew Phillips FORMA Construction

Melanie Matthews Physicians of Southwest Washington

Tim Stokes South Puget Sound Community College

Ron Bruchet GHB Insurance

Len Faucher Port of Olympia

Kim Steepy TwinStar Credit Union

Michelle Wickett Axia Home Loans

Jaron Banks Russell Chiropractic

Jim Greene Greene Realty Group, LLC

October 16-18, 2018

Ken & Julie Brogan Commercial Property Services, LLC EVENT SPONSOR

Is there Is anan elephant elephant Is there elephant in your office? in your in office? office?

Workplace conflict, lack of Workplace Workplace conflict, conflict, lack of lack communication ofcommunication communication andand and incivility are common in many organizations, incivility incivility are common are common in many in many organizations, organizations, but,but, but, too often, often, ignored or too often, too ignored ignored or avoided. or avoided. avoided.

The Dispute Dispute Resolution Center of The Dispute The Resolution Resolution Center Center of Thurston ofThurston Thurston County provides a variety of resources totohelp County County provides provides a variety a variety of resources of resources to help help businesses and organizations resolve conflict, businesses businesses and organizations and organizations resolve resolve conflict, conflict, prevent conflict and improve communication: prevent prevent conflict conflict and improve and improve communication: communication: Workplace Mediation Workplace Workplace Mediation Mediation Group Facilitation Group Group Facilitation Facilitation Customized Training Customized Customized Training Training

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Prevent and Resolve Prevent Prevent andand Resolve Resolve

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Contact Contact us to explore us to explore how MediateThurston.org the how DRC thecan DRC serve can your serveneeds: your needs: (360) 956-1155 • info@mediatethurston.org MediateThurston.org MediateThurston.org (360) 956-1155 (360) 956-1155 • info@mediatethurston.org • info@mediatethurston.org

22 • October 2018

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE

Workplace Conflict Workplace Workplace Conflict Conflict

Wednesday, October 24th 8:00 – 9:30 a.m.

SPSCC Lacey Campus Cost: Wednesday, Wednesday, October October 24th 24th 8:00•– 8:00 9:30 –$35 a.m.

9:30 a.m.

Register: MediateThurston.org/WorkplaceConflict SPSCC SPSCC LaceyLacey Campus Campus • Cost: • Cost: $35 $35 Register: Register: MediateThurston.org/WorkplaceConflict MediateThurston.org/WorkplaceConflict

thurstonchamber.com

Chamber Board Tours and Talks with Tumwater Businesses

CHAMBER OUTREACH

On Thursday, September 13, the Thurston Chamber Board held a work session which included visiting four Tumwater businesses: Custom Source Woodworking, Cardinal Glass, Ice Chips and Alaffia. The four hour tour ended with a discussion and reception at Matchless Brewing at Deschutes Landing in Tumwater.

Custom Source Woodworking

Cardinal Glass

With its beginnings in a 1,000-

Cardinal Glass Industries

sq. foot garage, Custom Source

is a management-owned

Woodworking has grown to a

S-Corporation leading the

37,000-sq. foot facility, over the

industry in the development

course of its 10 year. They have

of residential glass for

expanded from serving the

windows and doors. They

local community to providing

have grown to more than

high-end custom woodwork all over the United States.

6,000 employees located at 37 manufacturing locations around the United States with two in Washington.

Ice Chips Candy LLC Ice Chips is a privately held company in Tumwater. Ice Chips was founded in Yelm in 2012 by Bev Vines-Haines and Charlotte Clary or more commonly known as the two Grannies. Their growth continues in their Tumwater Location and employs a staff of 36.

Alaffia Alaffia is a body care company founded under the principles of fair trade.

Olowo-n’djo Tchala and Prairie Rose Hyde founded Alaffia and launched one of the most successful fair trade body care organizations in the natural products industry.

Shea butter is a natural resource that Alaffia uses to support and launch independent—women operated—businesses in West Africa. In September, Alaffia was named the winner of the 2018 U.S. Secretary of State’s Award for Corporate Excellence.

thurstonchamber.com

FIND OUT MORE AT

wabizbank.com VOTED BEST BANK IN THE SOUTH SOUND

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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October 2018

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PO BOX 1427 Olympia, WA 98507-1427