October 2020 VOICE Magazine

THURSTON COUNTY

Voter’s Guide

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October 2020

THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER VOICE MAGAZINE

Due to the fluid nature of the COVID-19 crisis, please visit ThurstonChamber.com and click on the Events Calendar for the latest information regarding Chamber events.

Back to Business 5 POINT SAFETY PLEDGE

In This Issue...

Thurston County Voter’s Guide p. 7 22nd LD State Senate p. 7 22nd LD Position 1 p. 9 22nd LD Position 2 p. 9

The Chamber asks business owners to take the “Back to Business” 5-Point Safety Pledge.

Businesses pledge to practice safe social distancing and frequent handwashing; to reduce ‘high touch’ surfaces; to provide flexibility, training and education to employees with clear policies and procedures; and to follow all Public Health and CDC guidance. Together, with a concerted effort, we can get our community back to business quickly and safely.

Take the pledge at www.ThurstonChamber.com.

35th LD Position 2 p. 11 Thurston County Commissioner District 1 p. 13 Thurston County Commissioner District 2 p. 13

L&I Business Safety & Health Consultations p. 15

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Don’t wait until it’s too late to make a safety plan for your business. L&I can help.

Business Essentials is a Webinar series focused on providing listeners with info to help their business survive and thrive during the time of COVID-19. This webinar takes place every other Wednesday.

Visit ThurstonChamber.com for registration links. Find past episodes on the Chamber YouTube channel.

Tuesdays @ 2

VIRTUAL NETWORKING EVENT

Join Chamber Staff, Elizabeth Bretschneider Tuesdays @2:00pm for Thurston County Chamber's Virtual Networking Event! Note: “Tuesdays @2:00pm” was previously “One Minute What’s Up” – same event, new name! Every Tuesday @2:00pm, you have the opportunity to meet, tell us about your business, what a good referral looks like, or how you value our community. You create relationships. See you there! Register at ThurstonChamber.com/Events.

The Thurston Chamber and Thurston EDC have partnered to offer a virtual talk show for small business owners and open to the general public. Thurston EDC Executive Director, Michael Cade and Thurston Chamber CEO/President, David Schaffert host various guests to provide the latest information on business resources, state, federal and local actions and the COVID-19 status and advocacy efforts for our community. This virtual talk show takes place every other Thursday at 2:00 p.m. For registration link and topics, visit ThurstonChamber.com. thurstonchamber.com

35th LD Position 1 p.11

Orchestra Brings Hope On Cue p. 19 Olympia Symphony Orchestra and Emerald City Music team up to bring hope to those affected by the pandemic.

Warrior Rising p. 21 Jason Van Camp joins Talent Magnet to explain his Total Warrior Method, and how he helps veterans start their businesses.

Caught in the Lens p. 22 Chamber Businesses “Tie Our Community Back Together” in this month’s Caught in the Lens.

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magazine PUBLISHER Thurston County Chamber of Commerce EDITORIAL David Schaffert 360-357-3362 dschaffert@thurstonchamber.com CONTRIBUTORS David Schaffert Doug Mah Emily Sixta ADVERTISING Sales & Marketing: Krystal Barkus Elizabeth Bretschneider Melanie Bell SUBSCRIPTIONS 360-357-3362 info@thurstonchamber.com DESIGN Ben Hawkes Mosaic Marketing Studio COVER Photo by Sawyer Sutton, Courtesy of Pexels.com PRINTING Print NW CONTACT THE CHAMBER 809 Legion Way SE Olympia, WA 98507 360-357-3362 info@thurstonchamber.com thurstonchamber.com SPECIAL THANKS TO TVW, ACME Fuel & Hometown Property Management for sponsoring the 2020 Thurston County Voter’s Guide

Remember to Vote!

by Doug Mah, Doug Mah & Associates, Thurston Chamber Public Policy Director David Schaffert, Thurston County Chamber President/CEO

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n November, voter turnout is expected to be excellent with record numbers of voters at the national, state and local levels. Presidential and State races for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, State Treasurer and Auditor, Attorney General, Insurance and Lands Commissioners and Superintendent of Public Instruction all help drive interest and turnout.

voters can ask candidates: How well did incumbents respond to the COVID-19 public health crisis? What do incumbents and challengers plan to do to address the economic crisis following the public health crisis? How will incumbents and challengers address racial equality and social justice? Now, more than ever we recognize that leadership matters.

COVID-19 is teaching us all numerous lessons about our community and those we elect to lead during good and challenging times. The past 8 months revealed issues, concerns and challenges about our community, society and government that we cannot ignore heading into 2021. It is important that the business community continue to be engaged in public policy. The election The Thurston County Chamber and its process enables Chamber members and Public Policy Division encourages all voters voters to voice their priorities and interests to gain a better understanding of the with future elected leaders. candidates and their positions concerning the local economy. We encourage you Public policy is determined by those that to use the Chamber’s election resources participate. The easiest and most important including our new on-line videos. step in participating is to vote. We encourage you to vote in this November’s This year there are several questions that general election. Your vote counts.

Several key races for Congress and County Commissioner compel Thurston County voters to be engaged and informed.

These local races will directly shape and guide our community in more ways than the State level races. It is important that Thurston County Chamber members vote in these “down ballot” races.

THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER BUILDING COMMUNITY PROSPERITY SINCE 1874 COPYRIGHT All material appearing in the VOICE Magazine is copyright unless otherwise stated or it may rest with the provider of the supplied material. The VOICE Magazine takes all care to ensure information is correct at time of printing, but the publisher accepts no responsibility or liability for the accuracy of any information contained in the text or advertisements. ©2020 VOICE Magazine, Thurston County Chamber.

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THURSTON COUNTY

Voter’s Guide

This year, we asked candidates running in contested races for Thurston County Commissioner and the State Legislature to answer two questions.

We hope that their short answers give you a better idea about their applicable experiences and what they see as the opportunities for regional economic growth. In addition to the seven races highlighted, there are candidates in other races for offices that include parts of Thurston County that we need to pay attention to. These include the 10th Congressional district; Thurston County Superior Court; and the State House of Representative 2 and 20 legislative districts. Please remember to vote and use this information to be a better-informed voter.

Sam Hunt

Garry Holland

22nd LD

State Senate Candidates Sam Hunt Garry Holland

Q1 Summarize your experience creating greater regional economic prosperity.

Q2 If elected, which private sector industries will you specifically champion to create economic growth for the Thurston region and why? thurstonchamber.com

“Improving transportation by supporting the new Marvin Road interchange, I-5 corridor study and advocating for education to help build a quality workforce.”

No submission as of deadline.

“I would prefer environmentally sound industries and want to see expanded use of the Olympia airport. Rebuilding after the pandemic is a huge challenge.”

No submission as of deadline.

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22nd LD Pos. 1

Laurie Dolan

J.D. Ingram

Candidates Laurie Dolan J.D. Ingram

Q1 Summarize your experience creating greater regional economic prosperity.

Q2 If elected, which private sector industries will you specifically champion to create economic growth for the Thurston region and why?

22nd LD Pos. 2

“While serving on the Finance Committee, I worked closely with Sharon Wylie to update the Washington Main Street B&O Tax Incentive Program.”

No submission as of deadline.

“I am actively involved in the House Tax Structure Workgroup. Our B&O tax is irreparably broken. Small businesses should not have to pay B&O tax.”

No submission as of deadline.

Jessica Bateman

Dusty Pierpoint

Candidates Jessica Bateman Dusty Pierpoint

Q1 Summarize your experience creating greater regional economic prosperity.

“As Olympia Mayor Pro-Tem, Planning Commissioner, and with Thurston United Way I have prioritized affordability and job creation, thriving small businesses and strong communities.”

“33 years on the City of Lacey team keeping the community a safe and inviting place to live, play, shop and own a business.”

Q2 If elected, which private sector industries will you specifically champion to create economic growth for the Thurston region and why?

“Housing, healthcare and a green economy. Each industry generates family wage jobs, improves affordability across our region, and improves the health of our communities.”

“Tourism, with the State Capital, waterfront, premier sport fields and numerous golf courses, Thurston County should be a destination for dining, retail and leisure.”

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“I absolutely love building communities, and seeing neighbors gather in new places and in new ways.”

Ken Pekola VP Commercial Banking Olympia Federal Savings

Local support to revitalize and restore.

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35th LD Pos. 1

Dan Griffey

Colton Myers

Candidates

Dan Griffey Colton Myers Q1 Summarize your experience creating greater regional economic prosperity.

Q2 If elected, which private sector industries will you specifically champion to create economic growth for the Thurston region and why?

35th LD Pos. 2

“I currently serve on the Local Government Committee. In that I have advocated to cut unnecessary red tape and streamline the process to start or grow businesses.”

“I’m a health policy analyst, working to improve access to healthcare, crucial for ensuring the health and vitality of workers, community members – and our economy.”

“I want all businesses to thrive. From aviation, aquaculture to store fronts, internet sales and natural resources, diversity benefits us all.”

“Access to family-wage jobs strengthens communities. That’s why I’ll advocate for local investments in infrastructure, broadband, clean energy and manufacturing of PPE and medical equipment.”

Drew MacEwan

Darcy Huffman

Candidates

Drew MacEwan Darcy Huffman Q1 Summarize your experience creating greater regional economic prosperity.

Q2 If elected, which private sector industries will you specifically champion to create economic growth for the Thurston region and why? thurstonchamber.com

“I’m a business owner investing in numerous businesses throughout the district. As representative, I directed millions of dollars from the capital budget to many projects.”

“Regional economic prosperity is truly built one family at a time. As a community banker I have helped countless working families realize their American dream.”

“The craft brewing and distilling industry, as well as builders and contractors.

Brewing continues to be a big trend, and we need to expand housing.”

“I support industries that create family wage jobs and will be a vital part of tomorrow’s economy, including Clean Energy Manufacturing, Tourism & Information Technology.”

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Carolina Mejia

C Davis

District 1

Thurston County Commissioner Carolina Mejia C Davis Q1 Summarize your experience creating greater regional economic prosperity.

Q2 If elected, which private sector industries will you specifically champion to create economic growth for the Thurston region and why?

“Private sector knowledge and experience No submission as of deadline. in budgeting and achieving financial goals. Years of Public sector experience.

Supports local businesses and community organizations.”

“Supporting our local businesses and local farmers by marketing a buy local campaign and providing incentives.

Have available infrastructure for jobs and affordable housing.”

Gary Edwards

No submission as of deadline.

Michael Steadman

District 2

Thurston County Commissioner Gary Edwards Michael Steadman Q1 Summarize your experience creating greater regional economic prosperity.

“As Commissioner and past Sheriff, I work collaboratively with groups like PacMtn, EDC, local Chambers, Olympia Master Builders and Realtors to reduce regulatory roadblocks.”

“As a small business owner, it has been my career to create economic prosperity. A vibrant economy requires a strong community and a healthy environment.”

Q2 If elected, which private sector industries will you specifically champion to create economic growth for the Thurston region and why?

“Our region has identified six sectors that show strong opportunities for employment and workforce training.

Additional research and development is needed to support these industries.”

“Logistics. Light Manufacturing. Tourism, especially ecotourism. Agribusiness.

Alternative Energy. Technology. Most important– entrepreneurs and small businesses, which is the true lifeblood of our local economy.”

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Serving All of Thurston County ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT THROUGHOUT THURSTON COUNTY

1. Provided $70,000 for the renovation of the Historic Oddfellows

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Building.

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101

Olympia

5

2. Provided $75,000 to complete the Master plan for the SW

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Washington Innovation & Business Park.

Lacey

3. Provided $10,000 for the installation of wider sidewalks,

bulb-outs and landscaping along Binghampton Street to build downtown character and enhance the setting for local and visiting shoppers.

510

Tumwater

4. Provided $20,000 to assist with the design and construction of

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the community center.

5. Provided $15,000 to support investment in the Lacey Yelm

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3 2 5

Tenino

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507

Rainier

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MakerSpace project.

6. In partnership with the City of Tumwater and U.S. Fish and

Wildlife, developed a Habitat Conversation Plan to provide long-term preservation and management of protected and endangered species.

7. In partnership with the Frank Family, Squaxin Island Tribe and

Salmon Defense, developed and maintains the Billy Frank Jr. Park and Trail to provide a historical and educational self-guided walking tour.

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L&I Business Safety & Health Consultations: What Can They Do for You?

by Emily Sixta

Many businesses don’t think about their safety plan until it is needed. However, ensuring your WA State required safety plan is not only up to date, but also that your employees are aware of what to do if someone were to be injured on the job, is critical.

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&I’s Consultation Program provides free, confidential, professional advice and assistance to Washington businesses, with 76 consultants statewide and 11 in Region 4 which reaches from Olympia to Vancouver. Within the program, they provide a variety of options depending on your safety needs such as Safety and Health, Risk Management and Ergonomic consultations.

this region due to the larger concentration of state government and office workers, deal more with building maintenance, tripping hazards, ergonomics and janitorial chemicals that are not kept according to protocol.

The most common issue they provide support on is development of Accident Prevention Programs. Jim Lawrence, Region 4 Consultation Manager, explains There is a perception that only large that typically businesses either do not have businesses or certain higher risk industries one, or it is not effective or practiced. Also, would benefit from consultations. In fact, many businesses get stuck on the safety in speaking with Jim Lawrence and Pam program requirements, what is needed and Cant from L&I’s Division of Occupational how to cover these requirements within the Safety and Health (DOSH), they state that safety plan. DOSH consultants are able while they do work with larger businesses, to review your company’s program and the program is mostly set up for businesses provide helpful hints and direction, saving under 25 employees because they most your business from running into costly often lack the resources or department to fines and issues down the road due to an cover what is needed. In fact, many of the insufficient program. As Jim Lawrence issues that are uncovered, particularly in states, “Use us. We’re here to help you, so

thurstonchamber.com

take advantage of it.”

One hesitation businesses often share in scheduling a consultation is that they are concerned with being fined for an issue that may be uncovered when the consultation occurs. However, DOSH consultants are simply there to assist businesses and provide direction. Pam Cant, Consultation Operations Manager, reassures businesses that the only time they would report any findings is if what is deemed a “serious” issue is uncovered, and the business refuses to correct it.

After each consultation, businesses will receive a report of any areas that are not up-to-code and are given typically around three days to fix any issues. However, if more time is needed, for instance if new equipment must be ordered or a contractor must be involved for building maintenance, consultants will happily work with the business to provide an extension.

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What should you expect during a consultation? Jim Lawrence explains that consultations typically last at least four hours but can be all day, ultimately depending on the size of the business and the safety needs you ask them to cover. Consultations can be specific or comprehensive. At this time, L&I experts are conducting onsite consultations. Representatives will be wearing PPE and adhering to social distancing, however businesses can still take advantage of this excellent resource. Consultations are currently being scheduled about two days out, and the team will work with your business to find a time that is convenient. There’s no long wait to make sure your business is prepared.

By setting up a consultation, you can be sure that your business is compliant with WISHA – Washington Industrial Safety & Health Act rules and best practices, plus receive helpful tips to create a healthy workplace and ensure your business has an effective safety program. Voluntary compliance helps you avoid workplace injury claims and keep worker’s comp premiums down as much as possible.

To request a free consultation for your business with an L&I expert, visit the Labor & Industries website: https://lni.wa.gov/ safety-health/preventing-injuries-illnesses/request-consultation/ onsite-consultation.

We’re here to help you

Navigate the Way Forward

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2020

Community Youth Services is embarking on 50 years of excellent service to youth-at-risk and youth experiencing homelessness in the South Sound region. With over 20 interrelated programs and service to 6,500 youth and families each year, we are in need of some building restoration and improvements to ensure continued excellence for the next 50 years! We hope you will join us in this endeavor to change young people’s lives.

To learn more, please visit:

Orchestra Brings Hope On Cue Olympia Symphony Orchestra and Emerald City Music team up to bring hope to those affected by the pandemic The Olympia Symphony Orchestra and Emerald City Music embark on a joint partnership from September to December 2020, bringing classical music from their stages at the Washington Center and Minnaert Center into the Greater Olympia community. With concert halls remaining inaccessible during the COVID-19 pandemic, each organization will disperse musicians out into different areas of the community to serve, inspire and bring hope to those most isolated by the pandemic.

“From our own lived experiences, we know that classical music can provide so much hope and healing during troubling times”, says Emerald City Music Executive Director Andrew Goldstein. “It’s so important to us that, while we can’t be on stage, we remain a steadfast beacon of hope for our community.

We might not be on stage, but we’re still working hard and dreaming big for what’s possible in Olympia.”

video platform) – to community members who are most isolated or affected by the pandemic.

“The pandemic and isolation have brought our mission into clearer focus,” says Jennifer Hermann, Olympia Symphony Orchestra Executive Director. “In a typical season we would be preparing for audiences to gather and come to us on the stage. We are embracing this opportunity to reflect on the essential role the arts play in our mental, physical and emotional health, and mobilizing our organizations to meet those in need where they are. By joining forces, we are demonstrating the power of unity, partnership and collaboration in times of uncertainty and distress.”

About Emerald City Music Emerald City Music, deemed the “beacon for the casual-classical movement” (CityArts), is a classical chamber music concert producer based equally in Seattle and Olympia, WA. The partnership will initially focus on bringing Founded in 2016 by Avery-Fisher Career music – both in-person (as allowed by Grant winning violinist Kristin Lee and local restrictions on each given date) and virtually arts administrator Andrew Goldstein, the (via high-quality performances on the Zoom series boasts a roster of international touring musicians that perform a wide-array of music,

thurstonchamber.com

Submitted by Olympia Symphony

from jazz to percussion and core-classicalrepertoire. In lieu of hosting live performances during this anniversary fifth season, the series is directing its Fall 2020 activities toward community service to leverage its artistic platform to make meaningful impact during this pandemic time.

About the Olympia Symphony Orchestra The Olympia Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1947, is the premiere orchestra in the South Sound, acclaimed for its commitment to both community and artistic excellence. Six conductors have led the ensemble in its 73 year history, including outgoing Music Director Huw Edwards, who held the position until 2020. Four internationally heralded conductors have been selected as finalists for the position following a nearly year-long international search. The candidates will audition in the 2021-2022 season, with an appointment being awarded for a 2022-2023 debut. With a roster of 65 professional musicians, the Olympia Symphony will engage in creative educational and outreach experiences for our community in the 2020-2021 season as we anticipate a celebratory return to the symphonic stage.

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Sandstone Distillery, photo courtesy of Experience Olympia & Beyond.

Thurston Tourism Ambassador Program Announced Experience Olympia & Beyond form partnership with the National Tourism Ambassador Institute®

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tarting this fall, Thurston County will have a new program that trains anyone — from frontline hotel staff, museum workers and restaurant servers — to answer visitors’ questions about things to do and see in our region. Once trained, these individuals will be Certified Tourism Ambassadors.

region to become expert tourism guides and remain excited about such a resilient and strong community amid a challenging time,” says Shauna Stewart, CEO of Experience Olympia & Beyond. “Our research shows that we can promote our region more effectively when we empower people in the community working in places where visitors already are.”

Experience Olympia and Beyond has formed a partnership with the National Tourism Ambassador Institute® (TAI) to train hospitality workers and community leaders to become well-informed, enthusiastic advocates for their region. TAI is the Certified Tourism Ambassador™ (CTA) industry-recognized certification program’s oversight entity. Since the program’s inception in 2006, over 50,000 individuals have been certified as CTAs in 18 U.S. states and Bermuda, involving over 100 Convention Visitor Bureaus.

The program has a multi-faceted curriculum that helps increase tourism by inspiring hospitality professionals and community members to turn every visitor encounter into a positive experience. When visitors have a positive experience, they are more likely to return and share their experiences with others. Everyone benefits – the visitor, the industry, the local economy, the hospitality professional and the community.

“We are excited to launch the Thurston Tourism Ambassador Program, which will allow those already passionate about the

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Kathleen Thomas, Director of the Office of Event Services at Saint Martin’s University, participated in a beta test in August. “I feel more confident in my knowledge of the area and realized how much I didn’t know. It’s a great learning opportunity,” said Thomas.

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

Experience Olympia & Beyond has also partnered with key regional organizations, such as the Port of Olympia and Leadership Thurston County, whose staff and students will receive some of the inaugural classes. Three virtual classes are scheduled now through the end of the year for those interested in participating in the program. The course registration fee includes an ambassador handbook, frameable certificate of completion, lapel pin and enrollment in the CTA “Freebies & Discounts” program redeemable at area restaurants and attractions.

Experience Olympia & Beyond will be holding a FREE information session about the Thurston Tourism Ambassador program on September 23. Register here: https://register.gotowebinar.com/ register/3661922785875493392 For more information on the program and a list of available classes, visit https:// www.experienceolympia.com/members/ thurston-tourism-ambassadors/

thurstonchamber.com

talent magnet

Jason Van Camp, Mission Six Zero & Warrior Rising on Talent Magnet Former Army Ranger uses his experience and his Total Warrior Model to help businesses gain a cognitive edge over their competitors.

Jason Van Camp had a choice to make. "Die in place, weather out the storm and hope things return to normal, or do something about it – innovate, change, adapt, improvise, and overcome," he explained on the most recent podcast episode of Talent Magnet.

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alent Magnet is a podcast produced by the Thurston County Chamber in partnership with Pacific Mountain Workforce Council. The program shares best practices in recruitment, training and retention helping businesses learn how to attract top talent. Host Michele Winn interviews experts in their field, and each episode is full of helpful workforce information. This month Talent Magnet has a new look and now has a video to accompany most podcast episodes. Watch on the Chamber’s YouTube channel.

In episode 245 released on September 8,

thurstonchamber.com

Talent Magnet kicked off the new format with an interview with former Army Ranger and Deliberate Discomfort author Jason Van Camp. His company Mission Six Zero and his Total Warrior Model is based on his military experience and scientific research on performance and team building. His clients include NFL teams such as the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets.

The Total Warrior Model uses testing to determine if someone had what was needed to be in special forces. The Total Warrior Model uses that criteria and applies it to a “whole person” model. Six criteria –

mental, physical, spiritual, social, emotional, professional – are used to evaluate clients.

His model helps clients with camaraderie and team building.

Jason’s non-profit Warrior Rising assists veterans in starting their own businesses, building upon their entrepreneurial spirit and providing a supported pathway to the right resources and mentors to launch their business.

Listen to the full Talent Magnet episode at thurstonchamber.com/workforce/talentmagnet or on Apple iTunes, Google Play, and YouTube.

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Caught in the Lens

Thurston County Businesses are back to work! Enjoy this special “Tying Our Community Back Together� edition of Caught In the Lens!

For more photos, follow the Thurston County Chamber on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThurstonCountyChamber

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The Rants Group Heritage Bank - Olympia L & E Bottling Company, Inc. Morningside Olympia Federal Savings - Olympia South Puget Sound Community College Providence St. Peter Hospital Pardiman Productions SCJ Alliance Phillips Burgess, PLLC

Port of Olympia

Puget Sound Energy

Saint Martin's University

FORMA Construction Company

Wells Fargo Community Bank

Lucky Eagle Casino and Hotel

Little Creek Casino & Resort

Olympia Orthopaedic Associates, PLLC

Washington Business Bank

TwinStar Credit Union - Corporate Office

The Thurston County Chamber sends a BIG THANK YOU to ALL of our investors. With members like you, we are able to provide a sustainable business community in Thurston County as well as foster growth and positive change. Only through your support can we continue to fund important community initiatives and lead the way for business.

Thank You!

South Sound Behavioral Hospital

PLATINUM

DIAMOND

Caliber Home Loans

1st Security Bank Home Lending

Hooper Financial Services

American Workforce Group

Charter College

Olympia Furniture Company

Great Wolf Lodge

Venables Pest Management

Hometown Property Management, Inc.

Nisqually Red Wind Casino

Columbia Bank - Downtown

The Creative Office

Community Youth Services

Mills & Mills Funeral Home

GHB Insurance, Inc.

GOLD

Express Employment Professionals The Firs Senior Living Community First Citizens Bank TAGS Awards and Specialties Budd Bay Cafe KeyBank - Martin Way AAA Washington - Inland Michael White Agency - Farmers Insurance Nicholson & Associates Insurance Edward Jones - Dirk Farrar, Financial Advisor Big Brothers, Big Sisters of SW WA Window Genie Jensen Milner - Cap City Law PS Greene Realty Group Charlie's Safari - The Family Fun Center RHD Enterprises, Inc. Madcap Marketing Bakala State Farm Family Education and Support Services Morgan Stanley - Mike Marohn, Financial Advisor 94.5 ROXY T & S Cleaning, Inc.

SILVER

PO BOX 1427 Olympia, WA 98507-1427