Contender eSports Celebrates Gaming Like Never Before Jon Girod: Building Bridges to Shape the Future of Work
PUBLISHER
Thurston County Chamber of Commerce
EDITORIAL
David Schaffert
360-357-3362
dschaffert@thurstonchamber.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Natasha Ashenhurst
Kathryn Millhorn
David Schaffert
ADVERTISING
Sales & Marketing:
Krystal Barkus-Franco
Elizabeth Bretschneider
Ashley Chandler
SUBSCRIPTIONS
360-357-3362
info@thurstonchamber.com
DESIGN
Ben Hawkes Mosaic Marketing Studio
COVER
Mark Cabaltica & Mitchell Higgins at Contender eSports, Photo by Shanna Paxton Photography.
PRINTING Print NW
CONTACT THE CHAMBER 809 Legion Way SE Olympia, WA 98507 360-357-3362 info@thurstonchamber.com thurstonchamber.com
Innovation, Connection and Progress from Collaboration
by David Schaffert, President/CEO, Thurston County Chamber
This October, VOICE showcases stories about innovation, connection, and the people shaping the future of Thurston County. From cutting-edge gaming to family-run creativity, and workforce pipelines, each story reminds us that progress comes from collaboration.
eSports is now a $5 billion global industry, and Contender eSports is putting Lacey on the map. Open since May 2025, the gaming center is more than a place to play—it’s a hub for mentorship, STEM learning, and community connection. Owner and veteran Mark Cabaltica calls it “a safe, structured place where kids, families, and gamers can come together.” With partnerships ranging from grassroots gaming groups to the YMCA, Contender is proving that gaming can fuel growth far beyond the screen.
For businesses looking to stand out, Promo Northwest is the local go-to. Founded by John Grantham and joined by his daughter Lindsay, the Lacey-based company blends decades of promotional industry experience with a fresh eye for style. From branded apparel to online stores, their “never say no” philosophy makes them trusted partners for schools, nonprofits, and businesses across the region.
As founder of Quail Homes and Careers in Construction SWWA, Jon Girod is connecting students, schools, and employers to tackle the workforce gap. What began in 2021 with 100 students has grown to more than 1,200, thanks to industry-aligned curricula, state-of-the-art trade centers, and hands-on competitions like SkillsUSA. Jon’s work in the Vancouver community may offer the approaches our region needs to support youth career pathways and build skills for today’s and tomorrow’s jobs. Girod’s mission is clear: help students leave high school job-ready and supported by a strong network of employers.
On October 8 at Saint Martin's University, the 4th Annual Future of Work Summit brings together business leaders, educators, and changemakers to rethink and reimagine workforce strategies. With sessions on local workforce trends, K–12 readiness, higher education pipelines, and a keynote from Jon Girod, this summit is a must-attend for anyone invested in shaping tomorrow's economy.
From entrepreneurs launching new ventures to leaders building career pathways, Thurston County is proving once again that our future depends on innovation, mentorship, and working together.
THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER
BUILDING COMMUNITY PROSPERITY SINCE
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Ossa Skinworks, Olympia
W hen Monique Ossa, founder of Ossa Skinworks, set out to purchase her building in downtown Olympia, OlyFed was the clear choice.
What started as a commercial loan quickly grew into a full business and personal banking relationship. “The team made the loan process seamless but what surprised me most was how much support, and care came after the loan closed.”
From providing exible nancial solutions to being champions of the community, OlyFed shows what it means to be a trusted neighbor and local partner.
Monique Ossa, Owner Ossa Skinworks
October 2025
Visit thurstonchamber.com/events or scan the QR code for more info about all upcoming Thurston Chamber events.
Join our host, Great Wolf Lodge at 20500 Old Hwy 99 SW, Grand Mound, WA 98531 on Thursday, October 2 at 5:30 p.m. for a special Thurston Young Professionals Networking Event. Enjoy bites and beverages as you expand your network! All are welcome – feel free to invite other 20 to 30-year olds so they can expand their networks! Thurston Young Professionals is sponsored by KGY Media Group and MultiCare Capital Medical Center.
Join our Business After Hours host Mills & Mills Funeral Home & Memorial Park at 5725 Littlerock Rd SW, Tumwater, WA 98512 on Thursday, October 16 at 5:30 p.m. for mingling and networking with other business professionals, a door prize business card drawing, beverages and appetizers. Business After Hours is a great opportunity to expand your network, and it is proudly sponsored by ROXY 94.5
Join business leaders, educators, and community members on Wednesday, October 8, 8:30am1:30pm at the Norman Worthington Center at Saint Martin's University, 5300 Pacific Ave SE, Lacey 98503 for the 4th Annual Future of Work a half-day of bold ideas, data insights, and real solutions to close our region’s workforce gaps. Unable to join us for the entire event?
Register to attend the keynote luncheon portion of the event from 11:30am-1pm, in place of our regular Chamber Forum. Register today at ThurstonChamber.com
Thank You Sponsors!
IN THIS ISSUE
Family Run, Customer First, Always on Trend p. 7
From custom apparel to online stores, Promo Northwest in Lacey blends decades of experience with fresh, youthful creativity.
Jon Girod: Building Bridges to Shape the Future of Work p. 10
From football fields to construction sites, Girod is connecting students, schools, and employers to close the workforce gap.
Contender eSports
Celebrates Gaming Like Never Before p. 13
Lacey's Contender eSports brings a nearly $5 billion market with players livestreaming competitions to an audience of more than 640 million worldwide.
Caught in the Lens p. 20
Keep up with the latest Chamber happenings and see all of the great smiles that make up our membership!
Promo Northwest: Customer-First, Family-Run, and Always on Trend
From custom apparel to online stores, this Lacey-based company blends decades of experience with fresh, youthful creativity to help businesses shine.
by Kathryn Millhorn
Photography by Shanna Paxton Photography
Experience, Service, and Style
In today’s digital age, it’s easy to feel like a DIY branding expert—until you’re suddenly in over your head. Businesses need more than ideas; they need strategy, service, and expertise. That’s where Promo Northwest, a multi-generational, family-run business in Lacey, steps in.
Founded in 2019 by John Grantham, who brought nearly four decades of promotional industry experience from Silicon Valley and Western Washington, Promo Northwest offers clients the advantage of both deep knowledge and a personal touch. “I realized that this customer base prefers to work locally,” says John, “so I branched out on my own.”
In 2021, John’s daughter Lindsay Grantham joined the company—her résumé tucked in his Christmas stocking. She now brings a fresh perspective on trends and styles, helping the business grow by leaps and bounds. Together, the father-daughter team keeps the company “lean and competitive” by staying “personal and local.”
“We never say no—we always try to find a solution.” – John Grantham
Products and Services
As members of both the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) and the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), Promo Northwest gives customers access to tens of thousands of customizable items— everything from apparel to promotional merchandise.
But what sets them apart is their one-on-one guidance. “Having customers come in really gives us a good place to start,” explains Lindsay. “We talk about their audience and budget to figure out what products will really work, instead of just sending them to an online search page.”
Promo Northwest also specializes in custom online stores for schools, companies, teams, and charities. They currently operate dozens of these shops—some year-round, others for special events—handling the entire process from order to delivery.
Turnaround typically takes about three weeks, but rush orders are welcome. “We never say no,” says John. “We always try to find a solution.”
“We talk about their audience and budget to figure out what products will really work.”
– Lindsay Grantham
A Personal Touch
Whether it’s helping a start-up design its first logo or giving established businesses a seasonal twist on their branding, Promo Northwest is a one-stop shop. For John and Lindsay, success comes from building lasting relationships.
“This industry is changing so fast,” says John. “New decorating technologies are opening up possibilities we couldn’t have imagined before. Because we don’t have to keep inhouse machines running, we’re not tied to any single decoration method. Instead, we can explore a wide range of options that are constantly evolving—always finding what works best for the customer and their needs.”
And their connections extend beyond business. Both John and Lindsay are active in local Chambers of Commerce, and Lindsay works with the Olympia Master Builders, continuing to build bridges across the region.
Visit Promo Northwest at 6715 Martin Way East, Suite B in Lacey, explore their website at www.PromoNorthwest.com, or call 360.705.4585
“We’re likely the smallest large distributor in the industry, handling more than a thousand orders a year.”
– John Grantham
Building Bridges: How Jon Girod is Shaping the Future of Work
by Natasha Ashenhurst
From football fields to construction sites, Girod is connecting students, schools, and employers to close the workforce gap. Hear him speak at the fourth annual Future of Work on October 8.
Jon Girod has spent more than 30 years building homes. Today, he’s building something else—bridges between education and the private sector.
As Founder & CEO of Quail Homes and Founder of Careers in Construction Southwest Washington (SWWA), Girod has seen what happens when students graduate without clear pathways into the workforce. “Our focus is to get kids trained when they graduate from high school,” Girod said. “The idea is to get all of this infrastructure in place so they are job ready upon graduation.”
That’s exactly what Careers in Construction SWWA is tackling. Launched in 2021, the nonprofit began with about 100 students in construction classes. By fall 2024, that number had grown to more than 1,200. The group partners with local schools to expand skilled trade centers, align curriculum to industry standards, and connect students with employers before graduation.
Girod says the growth comes from three big shifts:
• Adopting Core Plus curriculum, which allows students to earn geometry credit in a construction class.
• Building first-class trade centers on high school campuses—two finished, two under construction, and several more funded.
• Getting students competing—and winning—through SkillsUSA in carpentry, electrical, and plumbing.
The nonprofit’s mission is simple but ambitious: give students meaningful training and networks so they leave high school ready for quality jobs in the building industry.
Breaking Silos
Girod believes one of the biggest challenges is the disconnect between educators and the private sector. “Here’s what I ask teachers when I speak to them: ‘Raise your hand if one of your parents was a teacher. What about a grandparent?’ For many, teaching is multigenerational,” Girod said. “If you’ve never been in the private sector, you don’t know how to reach out to it.”
The result? Strong silos. School boards once filled with local small business leaders are now mostly educators. “I am the bridge,” Girod said. “We’re getting employers engaged, and they love it. Once you give them attention, they give back.”
Hands-On Learning
The model Girod and his nonprofit are creating emphasizes practical skills and employer engagement:
• Shop classes that are job-ready, not hobby shops
• Pre-training programs tied to industry needs
• Events like Dozer Days, where high schoolers operate equipment and meet employers
The results are promising. In the first year of his program’s job fair, 30 students connected with 30 employers. Twenty-six were hired. Last year, 75 students met 50 employers, with nearly half securing jobs—even in a softer market. “Kids don’t have a network. We want to bring the network to them,” Girod said. “When you create those connections, students thrive.”
Busting Myths
One myth Girod wants to bust: that skilled trades are “less than” college. “Parents are stressed about what comes after high school. Not every kid is going to college—and that’s okay,” he said. “These are good-paying careers that build the foundation of our communities.”
To drive the point home, Girod is pushing for programs like SkillsUSA competitions to be treated with the same respect as sports. “Think of it as a team with coaches and support. These kids have talent, but they aren’t being listened to in a traditional classroom. We need to honor that talent.”
Looking Ahead
Since starting four years ago, Girod has raised more than $12 million, drawing grants from major homebuilders and buy-in from school leaders. But he says the real success will come when more businesses re-engage with education. “The private sector checked out,” Girod said. “We have to get more involved, and it will start self-correcting.”
That’s the message he’ll share at the Thurston Chamber’s Future of Work on October 8 at Saint Martin’s University. Girod will lay out proven strategies for closing workforce gaps, building educationemployer collaborations, and creating a roadmap for workforce success. “Employers want simple things,” he said. “Show up on time. Be safe. Be ready. If we get kids there, everyone wins.”
Wednesday, October 8 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Saint Martin’s University
Norman Worthington Center
5300 Pacific Ave SE, Lacey 98503
Join business leaders, educators, and community members for the 4th Annual Future of Work—a half-day of bold ideas, data insights, and real solutions to close our region’s workforce gaps. Hear from keynote speaker Jon Girod, Founder and CEO of Quail Homes and Founder of Careers in Construction SWWA, as he shares proven strategies for building stronger education-employer partnerships. Unable to join us for the entire event? Register to attend the keynote luncheon portion of the event from 11:30am-1pm, in place of our regular Chamber Forum. Register today at thurstonchamber.com/events/the-future-of-work-summit-expo
B Cabaltica, Mark Cabaltica, Kensuke Rivas, Mitchell Higgins, and local partner Chris Chase, a local esports tournament and events organizer under the brand "Geekend"
Lacey’s Contender eSports Celebrates Gaming Like Never Before
by Kathryn Millhorn • Photography by Shanna Paxton Photography
Gone are the days when computer games meant grinding solo through vast digital landscapes. In 2025, competitive esports is a nearly $5 billion market with players livestreaming competitions to an audience of more than 640 million worldwide.
Locally, Contender eSports in Lacey opened its doors in May 2025 and has quickly lived up to its name as the newest gaming contender in town.
Mark Cabaltica, owner and operator, retired from the military in 2022 and set out to turn his lifelong love of gaming into a small business.
“I wanted to pursue entrepreneurship in something I’ve always been enthusiastic about: video games,”
Cabaltica said. “What I carried over from my service was building successful teams, raising leaders through mentorship, and something I call ‘exhausting your resources.’ That means leaning into every opportunity to learn, connect, and grow—whether it’s through formal education, informal mentorship, or expanding your network.”
For Cabaltica, Contender eSports is more than just a tech destination—or the only publicly accessible
LAN center in Thurston County. “It’s a hub for connection and a safe, structured place where kids, families, and gamers can come together.”
Community Connections
As a new business owner, Cabaltica credits the Thurston County Chamber for supporting their grand opening. On the eSports side, Contender has teamed up with grassroots organizers like Generation NSTLGA, Geekend, and NOVA.gg to bring high-quality tournaments and events to the community. “Other organizers are reaching out to us as well, and we hope to see this list keep growing,” he said. “These relationships show how civic groups and local organizers can both play a role in fueling growth that extends well beyond our own walls.” Like in gaming, Cabaltica discovered that entrepreneurship requires constant problem solving. “You’re juggling ten different roles in a single day: HR, marketing, compliance, and community outreach,” he said. “But you don’t build a business alone. From securing funding in 2023 to opening in 2025, every step involved partners, advisors, and community connections. Business ownership today isn’t about standing apart; it’s about plugging in, contributing, and creating momentum together.”
Level Up
Contender eSports offers multiple ways to connect:
Exhausting Every Resource
At Contender eSports, “exhausting your resources” isn’t just a motto—it’s a strategy. Networking, Cabaltica says, goes beyond collecting contacts. “It’s about partnering. We’re already working with trading card shops and video game retailers, and here’s my call to other business owners: let’s talk about ad exchanges. Why aren’t we cross-marketing more? When businesses in adjacent industries support each other, we’re not just growing individually, we’re growing the entire community.”
Looking ahead to 2026, Cabaltica hopes to expand into larger tournaments, strengthen partnerships with schools, and grow youth-focused initiatives. “The vision for Contender eSports is to be seen as more than a gaming center but as a community partner where play and personal growth happen side by side.”
Whether your world is conquered by PC, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, or PS5, Contender eSports is the place to compete, connect, and level up.
In person: 1350 Galaxy Drive NE, Lacey (open daily at 3PM) Online: www.ContenderLacey.com or 360.670.0427
Discord: A server with real-time chats, announcements, and the occasional meme war.
THIRTY TWO YEARS OF Community Leadership Development INTRODUCING LTC CLASS OF 2026!
The 45 talented public sector, private sector, and nonprofit leaders that make up the 32nd class of Leadership Thurston County (LTC), began their journey in September. As a 10-month community immersion learning experience, LTC is designed to develop informed, connected, and engaged community leaders.
Since the first graduating class in 1994, LTC has been designed to assist participants in acquiring a broad understanding of the complex issues facing Thurston County and building relationships that will facilitate collaborative efforts to embrace opportunities and resolve challenges.
Leadership Thurston County is the founding program of the Thurston County Chamber Foundation. Applications for the LTC Class of 2027 will be available March 1, 2026.
Alexander Mershon, The Evergreen State College
Amanda Ruston, HDR Engineering, Inc.
Ben Miller-Todd, Thurston County
Blake Lord, KPFF Consulting Engineers
Carla Carter, Thurston County Sheriff's Office
Catherine Peacher, Sensory Tool House
Colin Meenk, Bean, Gentry, Wheeler & Peternell
Damien Egan, Port of Olympia
Dawn Carvalho, City of Olympia
Dena Withrow, Intercity Transit
Dylan White, South Puget Sound Community College
Ellie Thorstad, Integrated Solutions Group
Gretchen Maliska, North Thurston Public Schools/Shelton School District
Heather Ocho, O Bee Credit Union
Heather Villalobos, Thurston County District Court
Janelle Cromwell, Rockefeller Global Family Office
Jeanne Colvin, Office of the Governor
Jeff Barehand, Sky Bear Media
Joan Lutz, City of Olympia
John Grossman, Saint Martin's University
Julia Chavez, Saint Martin's University
Karlah Ramirez-Tanori, Big Brothers Big Sisters of SWWA
Kat Santana, The Moore Wright Group
Katie Lorz, HGCM Therapy
Kim Ramuno, City of Olympia
Kristina Hancock, Timberland Regional Library
Kristine Rompa, Puget Sound Energy
LeAnne Rangel, Olympia Municipal Court
Linsey Lee, WSECU
Liz Rosback, Washington Student Achievement Council
Luis Apolaya Torres, The Evergreen State College
Matthew Ames, City of Tumwater
Mike Pond, MultiCare Capital Medical Center
Noe Hinojosa, Thurston County Food Bank
Patrick Holm, SCJ Alliance
Rosemary Fitzgerald, Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney
Sarah Ketter, Senior Helpers
Sarah Tracy, Sound Specialty Pharmacy/Family Vitality/NTPS
Scott Gunther, Olympia Federal Savings
Siri Nelson, LOTT Clean Water Alliance
Spencer Griffin, Cap City Law PS
Taylor Rome, Thurston County
Vanessa Arita Reyes, Washington State Department of Health
Vincent McGowan, City of Lacey
Wendy Steffensen, LOTT Clean Water Alliance
Wednesday, October 8 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Saint Martin’s University
Norman Worthington Center
5300 Pacific Ave SE, Lacey 98503
Get ready to rethink, refresh, and revolutionize your approach to the workplace at Future of Work!
Join us on October 8 at Saint Martin's University, for the 4th annual Future of Work! This event is your go-to destination for all things workforce – where open minds, innovative ideas, and curious spirits come together to shape the future of work. Whether you’re a small business owner, a seasoned executive or an educational professional looking to ignite change – this event is tailored just for you!
Why Should You Attend?
Now more than ever, collaboration between industry leaders, education professionals, and career seekers is critical. This event provides a platform to share insights, analyze workforce trends, and develop actionable pathways for success.
Circle October 8th on your calendar and prepare for the event of the year dedicated to building the skills and strategies essential for tomorrow's workforce.
For tickets, scan the QR code or visit: thurstonchamber.com/events/the-future-of-work-summit-expo
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Jon Girod
Founder
and CEO, Quail Homes,
Founder,
Careers in Construction SWWA
Building the Future: How Industry - Education Partnerships Close Workforce Gaps
With over 30 years in construction and community development, Girod has led innovative partnerships between businesses and schools, creating hands-on training opportunities and clear career pathways into the skilled trades. He will share proven strategies for closing workforce gaps, building strong education-employer collaborations, and developing a roadmap for workforce success.
Become a Sponsor!
This event is not only an opportunity to gain valuable insights but also a chance to showcase your business as a leader in supporting our local economy. Explore our sponsorship options to highlight your brand and make a significant impact on our business community.
Troy Oliver Superintendent, North Thurston Public Schools
CONVERSATION STARTER
K-12 Education and Public Policy
Michelle Gipson
Senior Director, South Sound YMCA North Thurston Public Schools Board Member
Dr. Timothy Stokes President, South Puget Sound Community College
Local Workforce Trends: What the Numbers Say
Jason will open with a data-driven overview of regional skill gaps and share how employers can collaborate with education systems to strengthen the talent pipeline.
Career Readiness in K–12: What
Employers Should Know
Superintendent Oliver will highlight how K–12 is preparing students for the workforce and how businesses can engage through work-based learning, student-run enterprises, and career pathway partnerships.
Developing Talent Pipelines In Higher Education
Dr. Stokes will share how higher education supports workforce development through customized training, employer engagement, and its programs connecting students to career pathways.
Caught in the Lens
Keep up with the Thurston Chamber happenings – ribbon cuttings and the networking events. Find more at the Chamber's Facebook page – fb.com/thurstoncountychamber.
Olympic Benefits Trust
Washington’s Source for Employee Benefits
Lower Costs. Easier Administration. Plans Your Team Will Value.
Attract and retain top talent with affordable, high-quality employee benefits—powered by the Thurston County Chamber and our trusted partner, Kaiser Permanente.
B
S TRUST
Whether you’re a growing small business or a midsize employer, the Olympic Benefits Trust (OBT) gives you access to medical, dental, and vision coverage designed for Washington businesses—without the headaches of managing multiple carriers.
Why Choose the Olympic Benefits Trust?
CONTROL COSTS & STAY
COMPETITIVE
• Chamber-powered rates for employers with 2–250 employees (medical eligibility begins at 5+ employees).
• Keep your team healthy and happy without breaking your budget.
SIMPLIFY YOUR ADMINISTRATION
• Consolidated billing for all your plans.
• Online employee enrollment from any device, year-round.
• Low-cost COBRA administration included.
COVERAGE THAT SCALES WITH YOUR TEAM
• Medical for 5+ employees.
• Dental (Delta Dental of Washington and Ameritas) & Vision (VSP and Ameritas) for 2+ employees.
HOW IT WORKS
• Request a Quote – Share your company size and coverage needs.
• Get a Custom Plan – We’ll help you build the right mix of benefits.
• Keep Growing – Offer benefits that help you hire and keep great people.
READY TO GET STARTED? Email kbarkus@thurstonchamber.com or call 360.357.3362.
Live Our Values!
At Print NW, our values aren’t just words on a wall - they’re the way we do business every single day. From the first conversation to the final delivery, we approach every project with energy, pride, and commitment. Living our values means holding ourselves to the highest standards, taking ownership, and always showing up for our customers and our team. It’s about more than printing - it’s about trust, consistency, and building real partnerships.
Print NW Values
DO THE RIGHT THING Integrity, fairness, and accountability guide us.
BE NICE
Kindness, respect, and inclusivity matter.
BE VERSATILE
Adaptability fuels creativity and innovation.
BE ALL IN
Commitment, passion, and accountability drive success.
BE
1% BETTER EVERY DAY
Daily growth towards excellence matters.
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