September 2019 VOICE Magazine

S E P T E M B E R

2 0 1 9

The Future of Work:

Innovate by Upskilling Your Workforce and Help Youth Create a Career

Tumwater's New Superintendent Dr. Sean Dotson brings new ideas & energy to Tumwater schools

GROWING A PROSPEROUS ECONOMY & VIBRANT COMMUNITY

magazine PUBLISHER Thurston County Chamber of Commerce

EDITORIAL David Schaffert 360-357-3362 dschaffert@thurstonchamber.com

CONTRIBUTORS David Schaffert Doug Mah Doria Maselli Kathryn Millhorn Michele Winn

ADVERTISING Sales & Marketing: Krystal Barkus Elizabeth Bretschneider Susie Greene Blake Knoblauch

SUBSCRIPTIONS 360-357-3362 info@thurstonchamber.com

DESIGN Ben Hawkes, Mosaic Marketing Studio

COVER ART

Photo courtesy of Dreamstime

PRINTING Print NW

CONTACT THE CHAMBER PO Box 1427 809 Legion Way SE Olympia, WA 98507 360-357-3362 info@thurstonchamber.com 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. ©2019 VOICE Magazine, Thurston County Chamber.

A Culture of Flexibility & Empathy Supports Working Parents

by David Schaffert, President/CEO, Thurston County Chamber

A

colleague and former employee recently shared an article examining the unique challenges, conflicts and sacrifices working moms experience while trying to balance a career and care for their family.

As I read, I started thinking about how I rate and how this organization rates when it comes to supporting our employees who are parents of young children. Do we adequately understand the challenges these parents face every day?

Most working moms start their day hours before rolling into the office at 8 a.m. Not only do they have to get themselves ready, but also they have to get their kids ready for school or daycare and often drive them and drop them off. Then they have to leave the child each morning, often already exhausted before the day even begins —

both emotionally and physically. Many face limited opportunity for flexibility that affects both work and social life. Most parents face work guilt vs. family guilt daily — especially when work challenges your belief of being a good parent, and parenting challenges your expectations of what it means to be a professional contributing at a high level.

As an employer, we have always tried to have a good understanding of competing needs each employee faces and work to support with the recognition that one’s personal life directly impact one’s professional life and vice versa. After reading the article, it prompted me to ask current and past employees about their experience pursuing a professional career while caring for young children.

Here are a few enlightening things they shared with me:

“Work-life balance doesn’t exist. It is impossible to find the perfect concoction where your work world is perfectly balanced with your personal life. When one is balanced, the other isn’t.”

“One of the ONLY ways I successfully navigated being a working mom was my supportive boss who took the time to learn, understand, and empathize with the demands of working moms.”

“Choosing between personal and professional ambition is a constant struggle. There are days when it’s exhausting trying to be the best at both and feeling like you have to choose one or the other.”

“Having an employer that is flexible and understanding that life happens, and children’s needs are constant.”

“The opportunity to bring a child to work when needed is so helpful in managing those times when a child must accompany.”

“You couldn’t pay me enough money to leave an employer that provides flexibility, support and understanding.”

The assessment by current and past employees – and mine as well – is that, as an employer, we strive to understand the needs and demands of working moms, look to learn how to be supportive and create a nonjudgmental and flexible work environment for people to have success. As an organization, we will continue to offer flexibility to our employees, but we will also do our best to listen, trust and empathize.

THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY INVESTORS

DIAMOND INVESTORS

SCJ Alliance

GHB Insurance, Inc.

Capital Medical Center

Grays Harbor Fair & Tourism

PLATINUM INVESTORS

The Evergreen State College

South Puget Sound Community College

Greene Realty Group

The Rants Group

Heritage Bank - Olympia

GOLD INVESTORS

Hometown Property Management, Inc.

L & E Bottling Company, Inc.

American Workforce Group

Morningside

Caliber Home Loans

Olympia Federal Savings

Charter College

Nisqually Red Wind Casino

Olympia Nissan Commercial Vehicle

Commerce Home Mortgage LoanStar Division

Olympia Furniture Company Pardiman Productions

TwinStar Credit Union Corporate Office

Phillips Burgess, PLLC

Community Youth Services

Radia Inc., PS

Providence St. Peter Hospital

Timberland Bank

Washington Business Bank

Puget Sound Energy

The Creative Office

Wells Fargo Community Bank

Saint Martin's University

America's Credit Union - Lacey FORMA Construction Company Little Creek Casino & Resort Lucky Eagle Casino and Hotel Olympia Orthopaedic Associates, PLLC Port of Olympia

The Firs Senior Living Community

Great Wolf Lodge

Hooper Financial Services Mills & Mills Funeral Home

Venables Pest Management

THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER BUILDING COMMUNITY PROSPERITY SINCE 1874

Grow your business the credit union way.

Amplify offers the services you need to grow your business • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Business Savings / Checking Credit Cards SBA Loans Lines of Credit Construction Loans Term Loans Commercial Real Estate Loans Cash Management Services Bill Pay & Mobile Banking Sweep Accounts Remote Deposit Capture International Payments ACH Origination

Our team is ready to help you reach your goals!

youracu.org/amplify | 253-591-6881

Federally insured by NCUA.

Banking feeling a little ... detached?

Business banking doesn’t have to be all business.

Let’s get to know each other.

Loosen up. Unwind. We’re Washington Business Bank— your local friendly bank. We’re in your community, partnering with small businesses and vital nonprofits. Banking with us isn’t transactional—it’s transformative.

Business banking with a personal touch.

DISCOVER MORE AT

wabizbank.com

September 2019 THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER VOICE MAGAZINE

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 Indian Summer Golf & Country Club

In This Issue...

Please join our host Indian Summer on Tuesday, September 3 at 7:30 a.m. for the Thurston Chamber's Morning Mixxer. Indian Summer will provide

Supporting Public Schools p.7

breakfast treats, and our sponsor, L&E Bottling, will host the coffee bar, and you can enjoy a morning of networking. Morning Mixxer is free to attend.

Where: Indian Summer Golf & Country Club, 5900 Troon Ln SE, Olympia, WA 98501.

Prioritizing education benefits students AND area businesses.

Forum: Save the Date – Wednesday September 11, 2019 Join the Thurston County Chamber on Wednesday, September 11 at 11:30 a.m. at

Meet Dr. Sean Dotson p.9

Hotel RL Olympia for our monthly Forum. Topic TBD. Cost is $25 for members, $30 for non-members in advance. $30 for members, $35 for non-members at the door.

Executive Profile of Tumwater School's new superintendent.

Where: 2300 Evergreen Park Dr SW, Olympia, WA 98502.

Thurston Young Professionals at NW Beerwerks

TVW Upskills with Drones p.11

Join Thurston Young Professionals on Thursday, September 5 at 5:30 p.m. at Northwest Beerwerks. Enjoy a selection of beverages and snacks, meet

TVW's workforce adds skills with their new drone program.

with other Young Professionals (21-39 year olds) and expand your network.

Where: 420 Steel St SE, Olympia, WA 98501.

Foofaraw 2019: Military Appreciation Event

Career Connected Learning p.13

Now in its 57th year, the Thurston County Chamber will once again partner

Youth get a hands-on look at trades and apprenticeships.

with the Olympia Yacht Club to host & honor local military personnel at Foofaraw 2019. Join us Friday, September 6, from 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.

Foofaraw 2019 p.17

Business After Hours at Capital Mall in Olympia

Celebrating our veterans as they "foof off" with a day on the water!

Join the Thurston Chamber on Thursday, September 19, at 5:30 p.m. for

Caught in the Lens p.19

Business After Hours at Capital Mall. Business After Hours is a free networking event. Hosts provide light appetizers and beverages, games and raffles. This

A glimpse at Thurston Chamber events over the past month!

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

Where: Capital Mall, 625 Black Lake Blvd, Suite 324, Olympia, WA 98502.

Thank you Sponsors! thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

I

September 2019

I

5

OLYMPIA’S NEWEST & BEST OSTORAGE FACILITY ne Olympia’s Newest Need Space?

Month and Highest Quality Call us today! Free! Self Storage Facility features

ONE H MONTE FRE

• • • • • • •

Heated storage spaces rV & Boat storage coVered parking Large encLosed rV garages Hi-tecH security Wide driVe aisLe Boxes & packing suppLies

STORE YOUR HOUSEHOLD, RV, BOAT OR MOTORHOME HERE! 360-866-9999 | ARMORSTORAGE.COM

360-866-9999 • WWW.ARMORSTORAGE.COM

Store your RV, Boat or Motorhome with Armor! • 3400 Mottman Rd SW, Olympia, WA 98512

Serving All of Thurston County ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT THROUGHOUT THURSTON COUNTY

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

101

8

Building.

7

101

Olympia

5

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

5

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

6

the community center.

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

121

3 2 5

Tenino

12

507

Rainier

4

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.

PORTOLYMPIA.COM 360.528.8000

1 507

Bucoda

Inquiries@PortOlympia.com

ADVOCACY

Gov. Inslee signs Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill No. 1599, May 7, 2019. Relating to promoting career and college readiness through modified high school graduation requirements.

Primary Sponsor: Monica Jurado Stonier.

Photo © Washington State Legislative Support Services.

Supporting Public Schools

by Doug Mah, Doug Mah & Associates, Thurston County Chamber Public Policy Director

T

he Thurston County Chamber has long acknowledged the positive relationship between high performing public schools and effective recruitment and retention of business and economic development.

Our local education system is a critical part of the community and economic prosperity and an area of special emphasis for the Thurston County Chamber and the Public Policy Division.

During the 2019 legislative session, the Thurston County Chamber supported efforts to help our public schools avoid painful budget cuts to staff and programs. We worked to ensure that the Thurston region was not held to an educational disadvantage when compared to other areas across the state.

The Problem The original 2017 legislative “fix’ to the McCleary Decision used a methodology for distributing resources and included a mandated levy cap

thurstonchamber.com

that put the Thurston region at a disadvantage.

This disadvantage would essentially leave Thurston County school districts in the financial losing column when compared to other districts. Our region needed legislative action to make sure basic education was fully funded in our region.

Successful Actions The Thurston County Chamber joined a coalition of other supporters, regions, and school districts to highlight and correct the problem.

The Public Policy Division asked Chamber members to support our school superintendents and board members. We encouraged our legislative delegation to solve this problem. And they did.

We successfully advocated and avoided steep budget cuts to our region’s education system. Thank you.

Lessons Learned Our region works hard to sustain high performing public schools. We understand the positive impact schools have on business and economic development.

Our community’s strong local support for our school districts also enables us to see and create other options and opportunities for students and employees. Programs like Career Connected Learning and the Future of Work complement our public school system so that the Thurston region is never at a disadvantage when compared to other regions around the state.

It is important that the business community stay connected to our region’s schools and education system.

The Thurston County Chamber of Commerce is helping businesses stay connected and engaged and the Public Policy Division will continue to make education an area of special emphasis - because it matters for all of us.

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

I

September 2019

I

7

A NEW MOVEMENT

How do you address the unknowns impacting your business and life?

Synergein’s Proprietary Coaching Model provides entrepreneurs with a powerful platform & process that will help you achieve new levels of success & breakthrough results.

Contact us today for a complimentary consultation!

360.754.1732 O LY M P I A

509.747.2636 SPOKANE

thecreativeoffice.com

360-970-4566

Furniture | Office Supplies | Promotional Items | Break Room Items | Janitorial Products

SynergeinSolutions.com

Tina Carey Founder & Small Business Expert

Locally Owned & Operated Since 2002

Comprehensive Initial Evaluation • Power Training • Customized Care Video Analysis • Functional Therapy • Super Treadmill Ground-Based Training • Risk Reduction • Plyometrics Improve Performance Reduce Injury Risk Increase Speed & Agility Increase First Step Quickness Improve Flexibility & Mobility Maximize Endurance

“Proactive helped me improve my strength, stamina and overall athleticism.

I was able to make one of the top U16 Girls’ Hockey Teams in North America and I believe Proactive was a big part of my success.”

Three Girls Media We offer world class marketing and custom quality content for small & mid-sized businesses. Services include social media management & ads, blogging, email marketing and much more. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation!

– Rebecca, age 15, Olympia

Improve Balance Build Strength & Power

proactivesportsmed.com

Tumwater Clinic | 111 Tumwater Blvd SE, Ste 113, Tumwater Olympia Clinic | 2964 Limited Ln NW, Ste A, Olympia Lacey Clinic | 4219 6th Ave SE, Ste B, Lacey

Erika Taylor Montgomery, CEO

360-955-1410 ThreeGirlsMedia.com

EXECUTIVE SPOTLIGHT

Meet Dr. Dotson, Tumwater's New Superintendent

by Kathryn Millhorn

To some, a school superintendent is CEO of the district. To others, they’re the face and voice. They supervise staff, work with the school board, and wrangle budgets.

An incoming superintendent has the power to influence lives for generations.

O

n July 1, 2019, Tumwater’s new superintendent took his place at the head of nearly a dozen schools and more than 6,000 students. Dr. Sean Dotson is excited for a new year to start…even if his students aren’t quite ready for summer to end.

Like many transitions, Dotson’s took place over several months. “I learned about the Tumwater position in late December,” he recalls. “From my time living in Elma, I knew the Tumwater area and was excited to have the chance to apply. In early January, I came to Tumwater with my family to visit the community, explore the area, and decide whether to pursue the position. After our visit, we were convinced that Tumwater was a perfect community for us, and I made a commitment to pursue the position. I am so thankful that this turned out to be a fit for the district and for our family.

In the interim, he and his family—wife Cortney, herself an educator, and their four children—have been house hunting and settling in. Their two older children are in college but

thurstonchamber.com

eighth-graders Meilyn and Tai are prepping for school alongside dad.

“Tumwater School District has a great reputation for quality schools and excellence in school programs. One of the things that excites me most about Tumwater is that the district is the perfect size: it is big enough to have a full range of programs and options to meet the needs of all students, and yet the district is small enough to have a personal, family-like feel.”

And that family atmosphere extends into the classroom as well. “Relationships are key to supporting students and helping them be successful. In Tumwater, I see staff committed to developing great relationships with kids and giving their all to help children succeed, board members who care deeply about creating conditions to support all children, and a community that is willing to partner with the school district in support of our kids. With all of that in place, we have the chance to do great things for children, Thurston County Chamber VOICE

I

September 2019

I

9

EXECUTIVE SPOTLIGHT and I am excited to have the chance to work with people here to ensure our children learn and grow in a caring, engaging environment.”

Outside of work, the family enjoys our region’s welcoming spirit. “Thurston County has the perfect mix of urban and rural living. I am in awe of the natural beauty of this area, and I love the sense of community here. We have already enjoyed watching the symphony play on the Capitol lawn, enjoyed Arts Walk and Lakefair, and had a great time at the Tumwater Fourth of July parade. Just blocks from our home we can find fresh berries in the summer and amazing apple fritters at Lattin’s Cider Mill. Last night, we went for a walk on the Chehalis Western Trail, and it was an absolutely beautiful place to explore. And I will never get tired of the Mt. Rainier views on a clear day. This is a wonderful place to live, and we feel very fortunate to have the chance to join this community.”

Read more about Dr. Dotson’s background, education, philosophies, and strategic plan goals on the district’s website, www.tumwater.k12.wa.us.

Photo courtesy of Dr. Sean Dotson.

WE’RE BUILDING SO YOU CAN TOO

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

We Make Room

For Your Business.

SERVING THE SOUTH SOUND AND SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON

WWW.PHILLIPSBURGESSLAW.COM

(360) 943-8060 | RANTS-GROUP.COM FULL SERVICE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LEASE AND SALES SERVICES

Dave Martinson (L), Legislative Review & Field Report, On-Air Host & Producer, David McGimpsey (R), Media Content Producer. Not pictured: Michael Peters

Local TV Provider Innovates with Drone Pilot Training

by Doria Maselli

As TVW prepares to enter its 25th year, it remains competitive – in part – by sending three videographers to FAA Drone Pilot Training at Glacier Aviation.

Next year, TVW will celebrate its 25th anniversary and year in operation.

In 1995, Denny Heck, current United States Representative for Washington's 10th congressional district, and Stan Marshburn founded TVW based on the model of C-SPAN. TVW is a public affairs network airing gavel-to-gavel coverage of the State Legislature as well as independently produced shows. They made history with the first-ever televised state court proceeding when it went on the air April 10, 1995, televising a death penalty case being heard thurstonchamber.com

by the Washington State Supreme Court. “Modeling ourselves after C-SPAN has been very successful, and really sets us apart from other states,” says Frank Van Gelder, Director of Development at TVW. TVW broadcasts the proceedings of all three branches of Washington State government - legislative, executive, and judicial - as well as public policy events of statewide significance. While most of its programming is unedited gavel-to-gavel, TVW also produces several programs including Inside Olympia, The Impact, Legislative

Review and Faces and Places (of Washington State).

Van Gelder regularly attends Thurston Chamber monthly Education Committee and Economic Development Meetings. ‘’We have a program called Teach TVW that connects middle school and high school students.

It is an online resource produced by our Education Department here at TVW and during legislative session, students are connected with a lobbyist and actually get to follow the process of a bill being enacted to a law. So, I like to stay engaged with the Chamber

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

I

September 2019

I

11

and the resources and opportunities available in the community by attending those meetings,” says Van Gelder.

While attending a meeting, Van Gelder learned about an opportunity for his team at TVW to receive additional training through the Future of Work Program and applied for a grant for three employees at TVW to receive FAA Drone Pilot Training at Glacier Aviation.

“To stay competitive and continue to produce high quality content, I really thought we could take advantage of this opportunity. We didn’t have anyone certified to fly a drone and it’s becoming commonplace now; I knew this would give us the opportunity to continue to innovate and use a drone in the production of our public affairs programs,” says Van Gelder.

Van Gelder received a grant from The Future of Work Employee Development Program. The Pacific Mountain Workforce Development board set

aside $100,000 for their five-county region (Thurston, Lewis, Mason, Grays Harbor, Pacific) to foster public-private partnerships to upskill their workforce.

Employers can apply for up to $15,000 per year to upskill their staff, helping them acquire new skills that help them move into higher skilled and higher wage jobs in the company. Employers must agree to cost-sharing requirements based on the size of their workforce, and contributions can be in-kind with the employer paying employees their wages to attend the training.

The Thurston County Chamber is contracted by The Pacific Mountain Workforce as a business solutions provider for the program and Michele Winn, Training and Development Manager for the Thurston County Chamber, acts as the business liaison for the program in the five-county region. She promotes the program to Chamber members, as well as the community at large. Lee Childs, Senior

Program Manager at Pacific Mountain Workforce, assists businesses with paperwork and other tasks required of the business after the grant is awarded.

“TVW plays an incredibly important role in our statewide community, and their ability to scale up their employees and technicians is critically important to how our state’s communities understand policy that impacts our communities,” says Michael Cade, Executive Director at Thurston EDC. “These employees now have a nationally recognized FAA certification, and we have more opportunities to get great footage to cover how legislation affects people on the ground in Washington,” says Van Gelder.

For more information about the Future of Work Program visit: www.thurstonchamber.com/ workforce/the-future-of-work/

Career Connected Learning Connects the Dots for Local Youth Exploring Careers Participants enrolled in ResCare's Youth Programs, with ResCare staff member, Alysha Boysen (third from left).

by Michele Winn

In June, the Chamber coordinated a day of career connected learning for youth enrolled with ResCare to learn more about hands-on careers in the trades. Youth ages 16-24 who are not enrolled in school were eligible to enroll in the program. Nine participants attended the field trip day, meeting staff from Sunset Air, Custom Source Woodworking, Western Washington Sheet Metal JATC in DuPont, and Southwest Washington Pipe Trades. The goal was to inspire participants to see a future and a career path for themselves in which they can start in entry level positions and work their way through apprenticeships to journeyman wages.

Trenton Fluetsch of Sunset Air kicked off the day with two videos on what the trades have to offer, including benefits, great pay, continuous learning, and apprenticeships in which you earn as you learn. Participants were treated to a laser cutter demonstration, listened to the personal story of a Sunset Air HVAC tech who went through the apprenticeship himself, and reviewed project plans with a Sunset Air Project Manager. They learned that a positive, thurstonchamber.com

inquisitive attitude is more important than experience and can open doors to this rewarding career field.

Next, Joe Wadsworth, CEO of Custom Source Woodworking offered a tour of their workshop, explaining how the former bassist started his own company and set off to create a culture of caring for people and a profit sharing plan that drive employees each day to take ownership of their work.

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

I

September 2019

I

13

Seth Thompson of Southwest Washington Pipe Trades talks about pipe fitting careers.

Participant at Western Washington Sheet Metal JATC.

Trenton Fluetsch of Sunset Air takes participants on shop tour.

After lunch at the new Pita Pit in DuPont, the group headed to the Western Washington Sheet Metal JATC, where apprentices come for up to five weeks per year to learn about the HVAC and sheet metal trades.

They visited classrooms and saw how computer drafting is a cutting edge technology used in what most youth would consider more of a labor-based profession. Instructor Justin led the group around the shop, visiting the welding and service shops.

Lastly, the group wrapped up the day with a tour of the Southwest Washington Pipe Trades training center in Lacey. Participants were wowed by the precision of the hand-drafted blue prints, as well as the working plumbing designed by apprentice students.

Let’s sharpen your business focus.

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

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

CARRIE WHISLER

olyfed.com

I

cwhisler@olyfed.com

NMLS# 1143795

360.754.3400

MEMBER PROFILE

The Dispute Resolution Center Expands Resources to Employers

P

The DRC’s Training Department offers a wide range of courses and workshops, as well as custom trainings tailored to meet organizations’ specific needs. Photo courtesy of the DRC.

icture this – a South Sound community that has and uses healthy and respectful conflict resolution skills. This is the vision of the Dispute Resolution Center (DRC) of Thurston County.

Since 1991, the staff and volunteers of the DRC have dedicated themselves to empowering people to resolve their disputes through mediation services, and to prevent conflict and communicate more effectively through facilitation, training and outreach.

organizations with the skills and resources to help them successfully navigate through it.”

Workplace Mediation

Conflicts involving co-workers, supervisors, vendors and clients occur in many Resources for Businesses & Organizations businesses. The DRC offers the services of specially-trained, certified mediators who help parties in conflict express their needs The DRC offers a growing range of and concerns, identify common ground and resources to businesses, government work toward mutually beneficial agreements. agencies and non-profit organizations to Workplace mediation can help avoid costly help them resolve conflict, prevent conflict litigation and employee grievances. and communicate more effectively.

The Cost of Conflict Workplace conflict, lack of communication and incivility are common in many organizations, but, too often, ignored or avoided. Unaddressed, they can have significant negative consequences emotional costs to managers and staff, as well as financial costs: •

Staff dissatisfaction and turnover

•

Decreased job performance and productivity

•

Poor customer service

•

Time-consuming hassle and stress

“Conflict is a part of life,” emphasizes DRC Executive Director Jody Suhrbier. “The DRC’s mission is to provide individuals and

thurstonchamber.com

In addition, through master contracts with the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services the DRC’s services are available to managers and employees of state agencies, city and county governments, local colleges, school districts and many other public and non-profit agencies.

Group Facilitation Work teams and other groups sometimes need an outside facilitator to run an orderly and productive meeting or other group process. The DRC provides specially-trained facilitators to help groups accomplish key tasks and achieve their goals.

In 2018, the Washington State House of Representatives and Senate reached out to the DRC to facilitate the development of policies for respectful workplace conduct, which resulted in a recently-enacted

Legislative Code of Conduct. “The DRC made sure the time our workgroup spent together was productive, while also demonstrating a thoughtful approach to sensitive conversations,” noted Washington State Senate Secretary Brad Hendrickson.

Training Services Customized training, tailored for each organization’s needs, are available to help them prevent and manage workplace conflict, de-escalate intense situations, promote teamwork and improve customer service. Throughout the year, the DRC also offers trainings on Facilitating Effective Meetings, Collaborative Negotiations and Professional Mediation Skills.

Curious to Learn More?

On Tuesday, October 22nd, the DRC will present a special Breakfast Workshop – “Prevent and Resolve Workplace Conflict”, 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. at the SPSCC Lacey Campus. To register, or for more information, visit MediateThurston.org/ workplaceconflict.

For more information about the Dispute Resolution Center’s services & resources for employers, call (360) 956-1155, email info@mediatethurston.org or visit mediatethurston.org/workplaceresources. SPONSORED PROFILE.

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

I

September 2019

I

15

Protect Puget Sound...

We are committed to providing the best podiatric care for patients throughout the Puget Sound, because foot and ankle pain doesn’t have to hold you back.

OUR FOOT AND ANKLE SPECIALISTS KEEP YOU MOVING

Ride the Wave!

Dirty car got you feelin’ down? Visit the dedicated staff at any Wave location! We strive to keep your car looking new and have you leave feeling great – every day!

Visit us 7 Days a Week!

360-754-3338 | ANKLEFOOT.NET CENTRALIA | LACEY | TACOMA | TUMWATER | OLYMPIA | YELM

Also feel great knowing when you wash with us, you’re helping the environment by saving water and keeping pollutants out of our lakes, streams, & rivers!

thewavewash.com

Hawks Prairie | Lacey | Tumwater Centralia | Frederickson

G R E AT E S T H I T S O F T H E 6 0 ’ S , 7 0 ’ S . . . A N D S O M E 8 0 ’ S !

Effective. Reliable. Dedicated.

O LY M P I A | L A C E Y | T U M W A T E R

Deschutes Law Group

Olympia’s First Radio Station has a new home on your FM radio dial!

Stream online at KGYfm.com

Construction | Property | Business Landlord-Tenant | Education

360-918-7217

400 Union Ave Southeast, Suite 200, Olympia, WA 98501 info@deschuteslawgroup.com | DeschutesLawGroup.com

EVENTS

SPOTLIGHT

SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 | 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM

The Firs residents, Art & Carolyn

The Firs Senior Living

F

or the last 34 years, it has been our purpose here at The Firs, to consistently exceed the quality, service and care expectations of those we serve here in Olympia.

We are extremely grateful for the amazing residents we have.

Foofaraw – Our Annual Military Appreciation Event N

ow in its 57th 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 6.

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 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

thurstonchamber.com

Growing up in Washington and graduating from Gonzaga University, Art and Carolyn have enjoyed every bit of their time here in Washington. Before becoming residents at The Firs, both made careers as bankers in the area.

They loved to travel every year especially to Europe with a total of 26 trips. When the day came and they decided that maintaining a large yard and house was getting to be too much, they decided to come take a look here at The Firs.

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."

Having now spent nearly two years at The Firs, Art and Carolyn are very pleased with where they are at. When asked why they decided to move, Art responded with “Why sit at home and be alone? You have companionship here”. This is one of the many reasons why residents enjoy living here.

After all, Art says the biggest feature here is the staff and residents.

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.

At The Firs, part of MBK Senior Living, it is our principles and core values that set us apart. Our customer focus, our inspired staff and our dedication to financial responsibility drive our pursuit to be the senior living provider of choice in each market we serve.

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

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, State Farm – Eric Zabala.

Find more information at: www.mbkseniorliving.com/seniorliving/wa/olympia/the-firs/

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

I

September 2019

I

17

Caught In The Lens

Caught in the Lens is a place to catch up on all of the Chamber happenings over the past month - whether its Morning Mixxer, Business After Hours, Thurston Young Professionals, Chamber Forum, an awards ceremony, fundraising event, or a Ribbon Cutting. For more photos, follow the Thurston Chamber on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThurstonCountyChamber.

PO BOX 1427 Olympia, WA 98507-1427