September 2018 Thurston Chamber VOICE Magazine

THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SEPTEMBER 2018

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Olympia's brick & mortar retailers thrive Capital Mall, g.miller, Washington Retail Association Talk Shop

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

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Public Meeting Deserve A Culture of Respect

By David Schaffert, Thurston Chamber President/CEO PUBLISHER

Generally, this section of the VOICE focuses

People who attend government meetings are

on highlighting community issues and topics

not entitled to behave in whatever manner they

through the lens of the Thurston Chamber,

choose. I’ve witnessed elected officials being

EDITORIAL

its President/CEO and Board of Trustees.

called names, shouted at and even threatened.

Editor: David Schaffert

We editorialize in order to provide our

These behaviors do nothing to create a climate

unique perspective on issues important to

for elected officials to do the public’s business.

Thurston County Chamber of Commerce

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

CONTRIBUTORS David Schaffert Doug Mah

our community’s wellbeing as well as issues we plan on advocating for or against.

Being an elected official is a challenging job, and we need to recognize and thank those who

Doria Maselli

Recently, we’ve noticed an uptick in a disturbing

have chosen the calling continually. We all have

Natasha Ashenhurst

trend — intimidation of elected officials. After

perspectives and views on the way the world

reading the Olympian’s account of the August

should operate, and yes, there may be frustration

14 Olympia City Council study session where an

about decisions made by those who represent

individual made physical contact with Mayor

us, but they all are working hard to make best

Krystal Barkus

Selby, the Chamber’s leadership concluded that

decisions possible — and they deserve to make

Blake Knoblauch

our community should call for more significant

these decisions without intimidation.

Dinea Norell Timothy Stokes

ADVERTISING Sales and Marketing:

Aaron Bernhard Phone: (360) 357-3362

measures to ensure our elected officials are

Email: info@thurstonchamber.com

serving in climates conducive to governing.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Phone: (360) 357-3362 Email: info@thurstonchamber.com

DESIGN Mosaic Marketing Studio

COVER ART

examine the climate and culture of their public So what’s at stake if we continue in this climate?

engagements and ensure these engagements

At stake is the ability of elected officials to serve

are structured to support positive interactions.

the public adequately. We lose an environment

It is not acceptable to merely excuse or enable

that allows for weighing of information,

behaviors that are intimidating toward those we

communication, and deliberation with

have entrusted with public service. Please help

colleagues, stakeholders, and community.

us promote a culture of respect in our public

Leslie Panowicz, Photo by Heather Harris

The Chamber encourages local governments to

meetings. Help us ensure civility is the norm in If we have a climate of intimidation in our

our representative government.

PRINTING

public meetings — if elected officials fear

Print NW

physical encounters — free speech for all

Let’s demand civility, galvanize a lively debate

is diminished by the few who use tactics of

for the common good while celebrating our

bullying as a means to influence.

democracy and our varying points of view.

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

World-Class Surgical Care in West Olympia capitalmedical.com

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

©2018 BCI

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 Road Rally/ Poker Run Start: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Finish Line, Buffet Breakfast & Program: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Morningside Ride & Poker Run Begins and ends at the Norman Worthington Conference Center at Saint Martin’s University 5300 Pacific Ave SE, Lacey, WA 98503

The Morningside Ride & Poker Run is a scavenger hunt in your car.

Your mission is to correctly answer clues related to the sights you see along the way.

Draw a card at 5 different stops the best poker hand wins!

Safari-inspired costumes are optional, but they really add to the fun.

The event concludes with a buffet breakfast, raffles, program and prizes for winners and best costumes. presented by

360.596.3539

MorningsideServices.com/events

The Morningside Ride & Poker Run raises funds for Morningside’s Transition Program for high school students with disabilities thurstonchamber.com 4 • September 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE l

September 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.

Morning Mixxer at Temple Fit Please join our host, Temple Fit, on Tuesday, September 4 at 7:30 a.m. for the Thurston Chamber’s Morning Mixxer. Temple Fit will provide breakfast treats, our sponsor L&E Bottling will host the coffee bar and

In This Issue...

6 g.miller olympia

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

Olympia's Favorite Men's

Where: Temple Fit, 120 State Ave NE #1004, Olympia, WA 98501.

Clothing Shop Thriving at New Market Centre location.

Thurston Young Professionals After Hours Join Thurston Young Professionals on Thursday, September 6 at 5:30 p.m. at Well 80 Brewhouse. Enjoy a selection of beverages and snacks. Join us

9

and meet with other Young Professionals and expand your network.

Capital Mall

Where: Well 80 Brewhouse, 514 4th Ave E, Olympia, WA 98501.

Community partnerships,

Foofaraw 2018: Military Appreciation Event Now in its 56th year, the Thurston County Chamber will once again partner with

ongoing investment and innovation spur thriving retail scene.

the Olympia Yacht Club to host & honor local military personnel at Foofaraw 2018.

Join us Friday, September 7, at 7:30 a.m. as we shove off from the Olympia Yacht Club main station, transporting guests to Island Home for a full day of games and a terrific salmon barbecue lunch. Finally, local dignitaries honor the military personnel. Where: 201 Simmons St NW, Olympia, WA 98501.

September Forum: Lisa Bridge at Capital Mall Join Thurston Chamber’s September Forum Wednesday, September 12

12 Retail Careers Learn about the impact of retail careers on our region's economy.

at 11:30 a.m. at the Macy's Courtyard at Capital Mall for a unique event.

Lisa Bridge, President and Chief Operating Officer of Ben Bridge Jewelers will speak about how the retail industry has changed over her tenure and changes in workforce demands. Where: Capital Mall, Macy's Courtyard, 625 Black Lake Blvd SW, Olympia, WA 98502.

Business After Hours at American Workforce Group

15 Advocacy Update Our community must address Sea Level Rise.

Join the Thurston County Chamber on Thursday, September 20, at 5:30 p.m. for Business After Hours at American Workforce Group. 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: American Workforce Group, 4250 Martin Way E #103, Olympia, WA 98516.

17 An Educated Workforce Today's jobs demand an education beyond a high school diploma.

Thank you Sponsors! thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE l

September 2018 l 5

Owner, Greg Miller, pictured in the new g.miller olympia location in Market Centre Building. Photo by Dinea Norrell.

The South Sound's Favorite Men's Store – g. miller olympia

F

By Rebekah Finn

or several years now, customers throughout Thurston County have voted g.miller olympia as the best men’s clothing store in The Olympian’s Best of South Sound awards. Between the commitment to high quality products

and customer service that goes the extra mile, it’s easy to see why.

Greg Miller started out in sales for Bartels men’s store in 1986. Pretty soon, he had advanced to manager, and eventually became a part owner.

Miller and his business partner (who also owned Bartels in Chehalis) came up with a plan for Miller to take over full ownership of the Olympia store. In 2011, that plan started to fall into place, and the name of the store was changed from Bartels to g.miller olympia.

located on the corner of 5th Avenue and Capitol Way, lighting up the block with beautiful window displays. In the fall of 2017, the store was moved to the Market Centre Building directly across from the Olympia Farmer’s Market.

Miller and his team carry on a proud tradition: downtown Olympia has been home to a locally-owned men’s store since 1948. For 50 years, that store was

“There was mild concern that our customers wouldn’t see us,” explains Miller, “but we’ve discovered that everyone goes to the market, so we

6 • September 2018 l

Despite some early confusion during the move from passersby on Capitol Way that the store was going out of business, g.miller is thriving in its new location.

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

actually see our regular customers more often.”

The decision to move the store stems from Miller’s philosophy about business in general: he is always striving to be better than before and the best version possible. To that end, he had his eye out for a great location for years. When Vivala closed up their brick-and-mortar operation last year, Miller couldn’t pass up the opportunity.

“Everything about this is better: we have a brand new store that’s much more modern looking, there’s ample thurstonchamber.com

parking, and we’re next to the best jewelry store in town,” Miller says about the new location.

Along with a more modern look, the updated g.miller shop boasts a more streamlined design than their old space.

Fewer square feet on the floor means a lot less running around for Miller and his right hand man, Wyatt Finn. It also means that when they are shopping at trade shows for the clothes they’ll sell, they have to think carefully about where each item will go. As Miller puts it, they have become much more efficient, because they’ve realized they are “in the real estate business.”

So what kinds of items will you find taking up that precious real estate on g.miller’s racks?

“We fall into the category called a ‘specialty store,’ ” says Miller. “So I always try to remember that what we carry should be special.”

What that means to him is making sure they’re stocked with unique items that are “new, fresh and interesting to the customer.” What that doesn’t mean is a lot of familiar brand names that you’ll find in a big department store. “We’re willing to take the chance to experiment with a new brand and see what they

Greg Miller stands in front of merchandise at g.miller olympia. Photo by Dinea Norrell. do,” Miller explains.

Some of the brands that g.miller and its predecessors have experimented with in the past have included names like Nautica, Ralph Lauren, and Tommy Bahama. Many people recognize these as big names now, but they all started in smaller shops and eventually gained enough popularity to become the department store staples that they are now.

Miller describes the brand life cycle this way: “If you’ve only ever walked into a Macy’s store, you would never know the

lines that we have. But ultimately, a lot of those lines that are in Macy’s started in stores like ours.”

Rather than brand names, what the g.miller crew looks for in a product is value. Whether in performance, in longevity or in style, the pieces and lines found at g.miller are always going to be what Miller calls “upper-end.”

This commitment to high value again hearkens back to Miller’s philosophy of striving to have his business be the best it can be.

Not one to be limited by a big fish in a small pond mentality, Miller says he wants “a store that’s good enough for anywhere. I want a store that’s good enough for Seattle or any major city.”

In that vein, he’s excited to see the retail culture in Thurston County being refined and elevated in new ways, as our area’s commerce continues to grow with an increase in tourism and influx of residents.

Merchandise on display at g. miller olympia's new location in the Market Centre Building, directly across from the Olympia Farmer's Market. Photo by Dinea Norrell. thurstonchamber.com

“People often say to me, ‘I don’t know how a men’s store like this succeeds in Olympia.’ All I can tell you is that it does and it has for the last 30 years,” says Miller. And it isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Thurston County Chamber VOICE l

September 2018 l 7

Capital Mall is owned by Starwood Capital Group, who acquired the mall in 2013 from Westfield. Photo by Dinea Norrell.

Capital Mall Thrives Community partnerships, ongoing investment and innovation spur a retail Renaissance.

By Natasha Ashenhurst

R

etail is a disruptive industry that is changing rapidly, and the successful businesses are innovating and transforming, especially in shopping malls. According to a 2017 report by Credit Suisse, close to 25 percent of shopping malls will close within five years as more people shop online and there are simply too many

retail spaces in an online shopping age. We spoke to Kevin Johnston, general manager of Capital Mall, about the changing nature of malls and the current climate of retail. We learned Thurston County’s largest shopping area is doing just fine, and -- thanks to the $20 plus million in infrastructure improvements along with exciting mix-use plans -- the mall is set to greet our region’s projected double-digit population growth with open doors.

History The Hahn Corporation opened Capital Mall in 1978. In the early 2000s, Hahn sold Capital Mall to the Westfield Corporation.

Starwood Capital Group -- owner of 30 malls across the United States -- acquired Capital Mall from Westfield in 2013.

Today, Starwood refers to the Capital Mall as “the preferred shopping destination for an exceptionally eclectic market,” featuring “[a] broad collection of retailers to serve an audience that includes outdoor enthusiasts, fashionistas, military personnel, legislators and students.”

8 • September 2018 l

Capital Mall partners with local retailers, such as Miss Moffett's Mystical Cupcakes, pictured above.

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

Johnston. “People love the convenience of shopping online, but they still want to touch & feel the merchandise or try it on.

“We’re finding that people do a lot of research online, but use the store to pick up their merchandise.”

Capital Mall boasts an occupancy rate of around 90 percent. “Since Starwood acquired the mall, they’ve invested significant capital into infrastructure improvements,” said Johnston.

Renée Sunde, president/CEO of the Washington Retail Association, agrees with Johnston’s assessment.

“Malls are reinventing themselves because the way people access retail is different today and we’re changing how we shop,” said Sunde. “We’re finding that people are doing more of what we call ‘chore shopping’ online, which includes everyday household items, but what we call ‘cherish shopping’ is something we like to do in person.

“We’re constantly improving mix, which includes bringing in more local flavor, as well as entertainment, exercise and even bringing in groups such as Olympia Broadway Productions to stage performances on site,” Johnston said.

An example of a recent partnership with a local retailer is Miss Moffett’s Mystical General Manager, Kevin Johnson, near the West Entrance to the Capital Mall. Photo by Dinea Norrell.

Cupcakes, which Johnston hopes to turn into a permanent tenant.

The Changing Nature of the

Mexican Grill, Cost Plus World Market,

Capital Mall – Community Center

Francesca's, MAC Cosmetics, Vans, Red

Rachel Young, the owner of Miss Moffett’s

At first glance, Capital Mall is similar

Robin, Old Navy, Victoria's Secret, Pints &

says that her Capital Mall location is

to many malls throughout the country,

Quarts and Starbucks.

thriving. “We’ve had a really good

renting space to 120 stores and appealing

experience there and they have been

to anchor tenants including Macy's,

Johnston and the Starwood team are well

JCPenney, Best Buy, Dick's Sporting Goods

aware of the grim statistics facing malls

and Century Theater.

and mall retailers, but they are confident

In addition to creating a more innovative

they’ll continue to grow.

retail mix, Johnston said Capital Mall is

Key tenants include REI, T.J. Maxx, Bed

really supportive of my business,” she said.

looking toward mix-use as well. Starwood

Bath & Beyond, Chico's, Loft, 24 Hour

“First, online sales have leveled off at

is exploring adding residential spaces to

Fitness, Total Wine & More, Chipotle

around 8 percent of total sales,” said

the mall by going up instead of out.

thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE l

September 2018 l 9

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They are also considering turning what they refer to as “dark

“We’ve made a lot of infrastructure changes to make our tenants

spaces” into office space and adding services to their mix.

and customers happy, and as a result, we’re seeing … sales steadily increase,” said Johnston. “The economy is strong, and

“We want to draw businesses that increase traffic, and service

we see strong sales as well, which allows us to continue to make

providers can do this consistently,” Johnston said.

improvements.

Johnston said they’ve even talked to Cheryl Heywood, executive

“I think we’ve put those fears of mall closures and the death of

director of Timberland Regional Library, about bringing a

bricks and mortar to rest. We’re looking forward to increased

branch to the mall.

collaboration with community partners and local retailers to continuously improve our mix of retail, services, dining, and

“Everyone is excited about this possibility, but we have to find

entertainment while continuing to invest in making this a viable

the right space at the right price to make it feasible for the

community center.”

organization,” he said.

Having conversations like these with community partners shows that mall leadership is not only willing to think outside the box, but they want to transition the mall into more of a community center.

A case in point, Starwood is looking at infrastructure surrounding the Mall to address walkability, and concerns about walkability and pedestrian safety.

“Right now we are working with the West Olympia Business Association to create a walking path that surrounds the Mall in an oval, combining city paths and mall property,” said Johnston.

“We envision people walking their dogs and exercising and then connecting the path to other trails around the Westside.”

Other projects might include a bridge over Cooper Point road to connect the mall with Yauger Park and the adjoining neighborhoods.

Capital Mall General Manager, Kevin Johnson. Photo by Dinea Norrell. thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE l

September 2018 l 11

The Impact of Retail Careers On Our Region's Economy

By Natasha Ashenhurst

G

WRA President/CEO, Renée Sunde

ov. Jay Inslee has proclaimed September 2018 to be Careers in Retail Month. The governor’s announcement included 2017 data showing that the state’s retail industry generated a record $155.3 billion in taxable sales, $19.8 billion in wages, employed nearly 400,000 people and

projected 50,700 jobs opening in the next five years. This is the second year the governor has made this proclamation, and according to Renée Sunde, president/CEO of the Washington Retail Association (WRA), it raises awareness of the opportunities tied to the industry.

While headlines declare brick-and-

“Retailers that are creative, open and agile

Sunde knows first-hand the economic

mortar retail is struggling and retail jobs

are those that will thrive. Omnichannel

impact of retail on a region’s economy

are declining nationwide, Washington

retailers – who embrace both online and

and the importance of a vibrant retail

State is bucking the trend. The State is

brick-and-mortar options are driving the

workforce from a community development

seeing an increase in retail sales – up 6.5

retail landscape.

perspective. She served as the deputy

percent last year – and boasting an 11

director of the Thurston Economic

percent gain in e-commerce. The new

“It is an exciting time for the industry and

Development Council in YEAR and the City

retail jobs are diverse, ranging from

those who work in it.”

of Olympia’s first economic development

logistics, management and administration,

director in YEAR. Sunde also has a personal

to finance, real estate and computer

The WRA represents the retail industry in

connection to retail going back to college,

technology in addition to sales and

the State, advocating for 3,500 storefronts

where she worked at various locations at

accounting positions.

ranging in size from large corporate

Bellevue Square.

stores to small mom and pop retailers.

“When you think about the retail industry,

It advocates at the federal, state and

“Many of the skills learned in those early

words like disruption and transformation

grassroot levels.

years are skills that I continue to utilize

often come to mind,” said Sunde. “Retailers

today,” said Sunde. ”Retail jobs employ a

are challenged to reinvent themselves to

Recently, WRA tackled some significant

wide range of skills and the jobs associated

accommodate today’s consumers.

issues including the Seattle head tax,

with the retail industry can help carve an

carbon tax and secure scheduling. The

interesting career path.”

“‘Chore shopping,’ things we buy every

State Legislature passed several new labor-

day, more and more people are doing

related laws including equal pay, domestic

A lot of people begin a career in retail,

online, while what we refer to as ‘cherish

violence leave, and sexual harassment

Sunde said, because they are interested in

shopping’ is also increasing. We want more

policy. WRA works with retailers to clarify

a flexible work schedule or as a source of

handcrafted artisan products and unique

impacts and requirements of these laws on

supplemental income. Whether temporary

shopping experiences.

their operations.

employment or a lifetime career, there are

12 • September 2018 l

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

A lot of people begin a career in retail, Sunde said, because they are interested in a flexible work schedule or as a source of supplemental income. many possibilities.

and think differently about how the entire

with Employment Security to create a

customer experience plays into profits.

WorkSource microsite where retailers

Sytease Geib, Thurston Chamber’s Vice

“Like other key industries impacted by

can list jobs and connect with potential

President of Workforce Development, got

advancements in technology, the jobs still

employees, and where job seekers might

her start in retail. “My retail experience

exist and are growing but they will likely

discover the beginning of a fantastic

taught me a lot about creative problem

look different and require other types of

career.

solving such as how to meet customer

skills than they once did. For example,

business needs in a variety of ways and

we see this in our region with jobs in

“There are great opportunities, and we

how to effectively communicate and treat

manufacturing, forest and wood products,

want to do more to connect job seekers

others professionally. Skills that I feel have

even IT constantly changes and evolves

with our retailers,” said Sunde. “We look

helped me build a successful career.

meaning current and future employees

forward to working with community

must continually advance and develop

partners and retailers around the

professionally to stay relevant,” she said.

state to craft solutions that support the

Geib believes that retail is not going anywhere, but that online competition is causing the industry to continually evolve

transformation of our industry.”

Sunde and her team have been working

Looking for a career in retail?

Career Fair, September 19, 2018 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. at Capital Mall To support the growing retail workforce needs our region, WorkSource Thurston County is hosting a hiring event to highlight a variety of career opportunities available to job seekers and aid our retail employers in finding the top talent they need for continual growth.

Call us: 360.357.3362

thurstonchamber.com

Visit: thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE l

September 2018 l 13

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14 • September 2018 l

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

ADVOCACY UPDATE

"Now is the time to call for Sea Level Rise Management Strategies that protect our working waterfront well into the future."

Sea Level Rise: An Urgent Issue For Our Community

By Doug Mah, Doug Mah & Associates and Director of Chamber's Public Policy Division There is never a week where we do

shoreline construction concepts with

The future of the Olympia’s waterfront

not hear or read about a new report or

the Chamber and the public. This is a

and downtown continues to be the

study that calls our attention to sea level

positive step as our community works

subject of study and planning. Current

rise and climate change. Each day the

to address how to protect and preserve

long-range planning, proposed

problems become more apparent and

areas impacted by sea level rise.

redevelopments, and ongoing visioning

more serious, and each day the call to action becomes louder.

for new public and private investments The Thurston Chamber of Commerce,

up into the Deschutes watershed and

Public Policy Division, will actively

out into Budd Inlet leave no shortage

The Thurston Chamber of Commerce has

engage these entities to better understand

of opportunities to create better public

long championed a working waterfront

their approach for protecting downtown

policy and improved coordination at the

in our region. Now our call to action to

from tidal flooding and advocate for

local, state, and federal levels.

address sea level rise shall be louder.

strong investments in protecting the waterfront and downtown Olympia.

The City of Olympia, LOTT Clean Water

It is our objective to ensure any adoption strategy or mitigation adequately

Alliance and the Port of Olympia are

We anticipate an open discussion

protects and even encourages private

currently working on a Sea Level Rise

concerning the planning, engineering,

sector investment in the greater urban

Management Plan.

and feasibility of shoreline construction

waterfront as a working and commerce-

approaches to best protect our public

oriented area. Now is the time to call for

This September, these entities will

and private investments. More

Sea Level Rise Management Strategies

begin sharing their plans and adoption

importantly, we will seek to build a

that protect our working waterfront

strategies to address sea level rise with

coordinated, valid, and reliable voice for

well into the future. Thank you for your

the public. It is anticipated that they will

protecting and enhancing our working

support of these efforts.

share engineering schematics of feasible

urban waterfront.

thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE l

September 2018 l 15

WE’RE BUILDING SO YOU CAN TOO

PLEASE WELCOME DANIEL BERNER, our newest Senior Associate. A graduate of the Seattle University School of Law and the University of Washington, he has been employed by Washington’s Attorney General and highly regarded private law firms in Seattle and Olympia since obtaining his legal degree in 2010. Mr. Berner will practice in the Olympia office of the law firm and focus his litigation practice in the areas of real estate, construction, and business law. dberner@phillipsburgesslaw.com

SERVING THE SOUTH SOUND AND SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON

WWW.PHILLIPSBURGESSLAW.COM

By 2021 our state will see 490,000 new jobs that require a postsecondary degree or certificate. Of those, 260,000 are career jobs (like cybersecurity professionals, electrical line workers, and registered nurses) that pay upwards of $60,000 per year

Today's Jobs Demand Education Beyond High School

By Dr. Timothy Stokes, President, South Puget Sound Community College

I

n June, the Editorial Board of the Everett Herald published a thoughtful editorial titled, “High school diploma just not enough for a good job.” In this piece, they tapped into a notion that business owners and supervisors already know is the new norm: individuals must have more than a high school diploma in order to get into

jobs that offer upward mobility and opportunities for long-term increases in wages and responsibilities.

In 2016, the Washington Roundtable pointed out that

training or education beyond a high school diploma.

Washington’s anticipated job growth rate is nearly three times the projected national growth rate. By 2021 our state will see 490,000

So we as a community need to ask what part we each play in

new jobs that require a postsecondary degree or certificate. Of

making sure the people in our lives know that some kind of

those, 260,000 are career jobs (like cybersecurity professionals,

education beyond high school is necessary to succeed and how

electrical line workers, and registered nurses) that pay upwards

we are helping them achieve that.

of $60,000 per year. If we don’t engage our communities in education beyond high school, we are facing a significant

For our part, Washington’s community and technical colleges have

undersupply of labor, making hiring increasingly difficult and

been upgrading the way we do absolutely everything from more

necessitating an influx of hundreds of thousands of people into

engaged recruitment to streamlined financial aid procedures

our already congested cities and roads to fill these positions.

and even redesigned curriculum to ensure that our students are getting the exact skills our local employers need and want.

This is a tough reality for many people to accept. Baby boomers and many Gen X-ers entered the work force at a time when jobs

Like everything in life, though, our work is not enough if parents,

were plentiful for high school graduates willing to work hard.

friends, teachers, counselors, bosses, business leaders, and elected

And not just entry-level jobs; jobs that offered wages high enough

officials do not fully understand the age we are in. Our students

to buy a house and support a family, and jobs that provided

must get enrolled in training and education beyond high school

full benefits and a guaranteed pensions. The reality of today’s

and must complete their programs. The schools are ready.

workforce is that jobs like these are rare, highly competitive, and

The jobs are ready. Let’s help Washingtonians be ready.

now require specialized skills—the kinds of skills that require thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE l

September 2018 l 17

The right fit for your business.

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

Same Great Service, Just A New Look!

We are proud to announce the launch of The Rants Group’s new look as part of our ongoing update of the company’s brand. Our business has grown and evolved over the last 45 years and we felt it was time for a new look.

Call me to learn how.

Alexis Miller

Business Development Officer 360.923.4450 alexis@twinstarcu.com

TwinStarCU.com/business

FULL SERVICE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LEASE AND SALES SERVICES

(360) 943-8060

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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rants-group.com

thurstonchamber.com

Events Are Big at Little Creek Casino Resort

B

y now you’ve probably heard that Little Creek Casino Resort was voted Best Casino in South Sound, but did you know it’s also the perfect site for events, meetings, conferences and retreats large & small? It’s true, and September is the perfect time to take full advantage of the resort’s many memorable amenities, inside and out.

Little Creek Casino Resort is designed to

and aficionados to a more upscale and

casino floor has over 1,200 electrifying slot

make your event eventful — the good kind

sophisticated experience.

machines and nine types of thrilling table

of eventful — with a myriad of options to

games, plus other forms of great casino fun

choose from. It boasts an ample range of

Little Creek’s hotel boasts newly renovated

like poker, bingo, keno and pull tabs. And

event space, impeccable service, incredible

rooms and several levels of luxurious

Little Creek’s huge smoke-free gaming area

food and beverage options, luxurious hotel

suites that are perfect for leaving a great

sweetens the deal even more.

rooms, world-class golf, a tranquil spa, and

impression. An indoor pool, hot tub and

of course, the best casino in South Sound.

gym are just some of the amenities to enjoy.

For your event’s icing on the cake, head

And your attendees can let the world melt

to the greens at Little Creek’s nationally-

Little Creek Casino Resort can accommodate

away at the Seven Inlets Spa, offering

ranked Salish Cliffs Golf Club. The par-72

a wide range of meeting needs, from a

relaxing massage sessions, organic facials

championship course is designed for all skill

single room for a handful of people to over

and body treatments, a sauna, steam room,

levels and covers over 300 awe-inspiring

40,000 square feet of available meeting

meditation room and more.

acres of Pacific Northwest majesty.

space. Its Skookum Creek Event Center is

Little Creek Casino Resort is easy to get to,

a highly flexible multipurpose facility that

As mentioned before, Little Creek was voted

but hard to leave. It is truly the Kamilche

can seat over 1,800, making it perfect for

Best Casino in South Sound, and your event

Valley’s shining jewel and the ideal location

trade shows, seminars, banquets and more.

is the perfect time to find out why. The

to really make your event live a little.

It comes with an available built-in stage, retractable bleachers, skybox seating, pair of full-service cocktail bars and high-end sound system.

Along with customized menu options created just for your event, Little Creek has five restaurants, two lounges and a coffee bar to satisfy a wide range of tastes. From the lauded Creekside Buffet to an exceptional experience that can only be found at the Squaxin Island Seafood Bar, Little Creek is sure to satisfy. The entertainment in the Starlight Lounge offers the perfect opportunity for your attendees to let their hair down, so to speak, and the Wine and Cigar Lounge invites connoisseurs

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE l

September 2018 l 19

FIND OUT MORE AT

wabizbank.com VOTED BEST BANK IN THE SOUTH SOUND

20 • September 2018 l

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

SEPTEMBER 12, 2018 | 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

UPCOMING EVENT

Lisa Bridge, President of Ben Bridge Jewelers, to Keynote September Forum at Capital Mall The community is invited to attend a unique Thurston Chamber Forum. On Wednesday, September 12 at 11:30 a.m. at the Macy’s Courtyard at Capital Mall, Lisa Bridge, President and Chief Operating Officer of Ben Bridge Jeweler will speak to attendees about her experience growing up in a renowned Pacific Northwest retailing family.

She’ll also speak to how the retail industry has changed over her tenure and she’ll address changes in workforce demands.

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

What: Thurston Chamber’s September Forum: When: Wednesday, September 12, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Where: Capital Mall, Macy’s Courtyard, 625 Black Lake Blvd SW, Olympia, WA 98502.

Register early. This Forum will have limited seating and a full house is expected.

Thank you to our sponsors, Our Community Credit Union, Right! Systems and Window Genie.

For more information call (360) 357-3362 or visit thurstonchamber.com

Lisa Bridge, President of Ben Bridge Jewelers.

Photo courtesy of Ben Bridge.

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

Caught in the Lens...

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE

thurstonchamber.com

UPCOMING EVENT

SEPTEMBER 7, 2018 | 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Foofaraw – Annual Military Appreciation Event

N

ow in its 56th year, the Thurston County Chamber will once again partner with the Olympia Yacht Club to host local military personnel at Foofaraw, an event unmatched anywhere else in the world.

Always the first Friday after Labor Day, we will be shoving off from the Olympia Yacht Club main station Friday, September 7.

Foofaraw has gained in popularity with every passing year and is well-known throughout the United States Armed Forces. Yacht club members transport guests to Island Home, where the Yacht Club and the Chamber treat them to

thurstonchamber.com

a full day of games and a terrific salmon barbecue lunch.

Finally, local dignitaries honor the military personnel. The event averages two service members to every one civilian.

For the last several years, the Port of Olympia has shown their gratitude of service to our military by arranging an unofficial send-off which includes representatives from local police, medic, and fire departments and always hanging a large American flag from one of their cranes.

One dictionary defines Foofaraw as "much ado about nothing" and, at one point in history the official

"purpose" of the day, claimed that a "Foofarite [military attendee] has earned the right to say 'Foof' to all duties and responsibilities for one day each year."

Sponsor tickets for this year’s event are limited and available to Chamber Members only.

We are collecting donations for the free military raffle that takes place throughout the day.

For more information about Foofaraw or to make a donation, please call the Chamber at 360.357.3362 or visit thurstonchamber.com/foofaraw.

Thank you to our sponsor, America’s Credit Union.

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September 2018 l 23

PO BOX 1427 Olympia, WA 98507-1427