BUILDING
WHAT’S
NEXT ANNUAL REPORT 2025/2026
The Thurston Chamber is growing a prosperous economy and vibrant community by connecting people, ideas and resources.
Dear Members and Community Partners, For more than 150 years, the Thurston County Chamber has served as a connector, bringing together people, ideas, and resources to strengthen our economy and our community. Today, that mission matters more than ever. Across Thurston County, businesses, families, educators, and community leaders are navigating rapid change. Workforce shortages, affordability, economic uncertainty, and evolving public policy continue to shape the future of our region. But through every challenge, one thing remains clear: our community moves forward when we work together.
This year’s report reflects more than programs and numbers. It tells the story of a Chamber that is helping build what’s next. Together, we supported more than 4,000 businesses, connected employers to opportunities, convened regional partnerships, strengthened leadership pipelines, and advocated for policies that support economic vitality and quality of life. We helped transitioning service members launch new careers, connected students to real-world opportunities, and brought public and private partners together around shared priorities for our region’s future. What makes this work meaningful is not any one initiative alone. It is the way these efforts connect to create something larger: a healthier business climate and a more vibrant, resilient community. That is the role of the Thurston County Chamber. We are not simply responding to the needs of today. We are helping build the systems, partnerships, and opportunities that will shape the future of Thurston County for generations to come. As you explore this report, we hope you see both the measurable outcomes and the deeper impact behind them: businesses opening their doors, students discovering career pathways, leaders stepping forward, and communities coming together to solve complex challenges. None of this happens alone. Thank you to our members, investors, volunteers, public partners, educators, and community leaders who continue to believe in the power of connection, collaboration, and shared purpose. Your support makes this work possible. Together, we are growing a prosperous economy and vibrant community by connecting people, ideas, and resources.
David Schaffert President/CEO Thurston County Chamber
Tessa Bradley Artisans Group Architecture & Planning Board Chair
Financials
Over the past year, the Chamber expanded its reach and deepened its impact— serving as a trusted partner to businesses across Thurston County and beyond. With over 1,340 members and 4,111 businesses engaged, the Chamber continues to be a central hub for connection, advocacy, and growth. From ribbon cuttings to business outreach, nearly 10,000 services were delivered—each one representing a touchpoint where businesses found support, solutions, or new opportunities.
THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER 2025-26
Products/Services 16.1%
Membership 28%
Business Promotion 15.6%
Operating 16.5%
Business Promotion 19.2%
Personnel 67.9% Contracted Services 36.7%
REVENUE $462,500 Membership Contracted Services $605,000 Business Promotions $317,500 Products/Services $265,000 $1,650,000 Total Revenue
THURSTON CHAMBER EDUCATION FOUNDATION 2025-26
Incubator Services 22.6%
EXPENSES $1,043,000 Personnel $253,000 Operating Business Promotion $239,000 Total Expenses
$1,535,000 $115,000
Events 15.3%
Events 37.5%
Operations 38.7%
Programs 39.9%
REVENUE Incubator Services $120,400 $213,000 Programs $200,000 Events $533,400
Programs 46.1%
EXPENSES $212,500 Operations $235,200 Programs $84,000 Events $531,700 $1,700
25/26 ANNUAL REPORT
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Tessa Bradley Chair Artisans Group Architecture & Planning
Will Callicoat Chair Elect MultiCare Capital Medical Center
Matt DeBord 1st Vice Chair Timberland Bank
Kevin Stormans 2nd Vice Chair Stormans, Inc.
Patricia Pich Treasurer/Secretary Patricia L. Pich, CPA, PLLC
Trenton Fluetsch Past Chair Sunset Air, Inc.
David Schaffert President/CEO Thurston County Chamber
Alexis Alverson Peak Credit Union
Michael Cade Thurston EDC
Madison Del Vigo Coldwell Banker – Evergreen Olympic Realty
Joseph Lanham Hampton Lanham Group
Darin Goss Providence Swedish
CHAMBER AMBASSADORS Charity Aleff Key Bank Kristi Beeson Our Community Credit Union Lori Bodnar Great Wolf Lodge
Kristin Brown Global Credit Union Julia Devaney Devaney Electric Co. Shayne Dresbach Edward Jones Jessica Dunson Vensure Employer Solutions Deanna East North Thurston Education Foundation
Hannah Evans State Farm Insurance – Eric Zaballa Wes Graves AAA Septic LLC Kevin Harris Print NW Michael Holden Comcast Business Shirley Jones T&S Cleaning
25/26 ANNUAL REPORT
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Kelly Green South Puget Sound Community College
Kelsey Hulse Propolis Communications, LLC
Todd Monohon Olympic Rental & Landlord Services
Troy Oliver North Thurston Public Schools
Nate Peters Saint Martin’s University
Miguel Pineda Capitol City Press, Inc.
Renee Radcliff Sinclair TVW | Washington Public Affairs Network
Alex Smith Port of Olympia
THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER
Board of Trustees & Chamber Staff John Stormans Olympic Sotheby’s International Realty
Michael White Michael White Agency – Farmers Insurance
Ted Jones T&S Cleaning Sarah Ketter Senior Helpers Corey Lopardi Pardiman Productions Gentry Mills NEXTmsp Eileen O’Malley Olympic Movers & Storage
Denise Parker Sound Credit Union Jessica Robinson Heritage Bank Jamel Sebbern Sovereignty Financial Movement LLC Jeff Seeman PC Technologies Tim Shaw ThurstonTalk.com
(Continued on page 6)
Lili Stead Lili’s Beauty Bar Rae Anne Toth REAL Broker LLC Nichole Wachtman Evergreen Financial Services Amanda Walker Movement Mortgage
25/26 ANNUAL REPORT
THURSTON CHAMBER STAFF
David Schaffert President/CEO
Andrew Garate Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives
Krystal Barkus-Franco Vice President of Operations
Alisha Blain-Warner Leadership Thurston County Director
Micah Pong Workforce Development Manager
Jessica Houchin Operations & Events Coordinator
Marianne Judd Digital Skills & Workforce Programs Lead
Malinda Johnston WorkEx Program Coordinator
Mia Claire Ong Education & Partnership Development
Elizabeth MacLean Membership & Visibility
Marquita Himes Youth Employment Navigator
Joanne Stimac Finance Officer
CONTRACTORS
Doug Mah Public Policy Division Doug Mah & Associates
Natasha Ashenhurst Marketing & Communications Mosaic Marketing Studio
Building the Future Workforce CONNECTING EDUCATION TO CAREERS The Thurston County Chamber is helping build a stronger regional economy by connecting students, educators, employers, and workforce partners through career-connected learning opportunities. Acting as a regional workforce intermediary, the Chamber serves as the hub that brings these systems together— creating clear pathways from classroom to career. This year, the Chamber launched a new regional initiative focused on building a stronger framework for collaboration between business and education partners. With more than 150 years of convening leadership, relationships with 1,300+ employers, and decades of workforce development experience, the Chamber is uniquely positioned to lead this work. The work is just beginning, and next year’s annual report will highlight the first outcomes and impact of this important effort.
THE CHAMBER FRAMEWORK The Chamber’s Career-Connected Learning Pathway focuses on supporting employer workforce needs: EXPLORE Introducing students to careers through industry tours, classroom speakers, career fairs, and business visits. PREPARE Building work-ready skills through resume workshops, interview training, and employer feedback. EXPERIENCE Creating real-world opportunities through internships, apprenticeships, job shadows, and project-based learning.
By aligning education, workforce systems, and business needs, the Chamber is helping build a stronger workforce, stronger economy, and stronger community for Thurston County’s future.
Building What’s Next Together We continue to connect people, ideas, and resources in ways that strengthen businesses and build a more vibrant regional economy. Through networking events, advocacy, educational forums, marketing opportunities, and signature programs like Find Your Future and Future of Work, we create meaningful connections that help businesses grow and communities thrive. That impact is reflected in our strong member engagement and a 90% retention rate, driven by intentional relationship-building, responsive member support, and regional partnerships that help businesses stay connected and informed. Over the past year, we served more than 1,340 members, welcomed 237 new members, hosted 216 events, delivered 9,866 member services, and celebrated 33 ribbon cuttings across Thurston County. These touchpoints create opportunities for businesses to build relationships, increase visibility, share ideas, and access valuable resources. Members also benefit from practical tools that support long-term success, including the Chamber’s Olympic Benefits Trust, which now serves 314 groups and 3,434 covered lives by providing customizable employee benefits solutions for employers across the region. Together, these programs, events, and partnerships reinforce our role as a trusted hub where businesses find visibility, support, innovation, and opportunity.
1,340
CHAMBER MEMBERS LOCATED IN:
237
new members
1,340 total members
9,866 services delivered
4,111
businesses served
216
Chamber events
33
ribbon cuttings
Olympia
508
Lacey
166
Tumwater 132
Yelm/Tenino/Rural 49 Thurston County Lewis
66
Grays Harbor 15
Snohomish 62
King
148
Remaining 67
Pierce
102
25/26 ANNUAL REPORT
PUBLIC POLICY
Public Policy & Advocacy For more than 150 years, the Thurston Chamber has championed business and community interests. The Chamber’s Public Policy Division continues to amplify the voice of local employers, strengthen regional partnerships, and advance policy priorities that support economic vitality and community well‑being. Advocating for Members Throughout the year, businesses turned to the Chamber for support in navigating unique and often situational issues involving public entities. By opening doors to city and county staff, raising awareness of specific concerns, and helping business owners advocate effectively for themselves, the Chamber helped address challenges ranging from code enforcement and trespassing to permit reviews, public works timing, and public safety. Measuring Our Quality of Life Understanding community priorities remains an important part of building a strong regional economy and vibrant quality of life. This year, the Chamber completed its second annual Quality of Life Index, surveying 500 Thurston County residents about government services, community amenities, and attitudes toward growth and development. Findings showed growing public support for growth, with nearly 70 percent expressing positive views, alongside consistently high ratings for Thurston County as “a place to raise a family.” The Index continues to inform conversations throughout the community. Tackling Policy Barriers to Housing Each year, the Chamber calls for land‑use and development reforms that improve the cost and availability of housing. In 2025, we urged municipalities to support Urban Growth Area land swaps to enable the development of Salish Landing, remove residential caps at Briggs Village, and advance cleanup of the former Hardel Mutual Plywood site to support West Bay Yards. More broadly, we continued advocating for policies that make it easier for builders and developers to meet the region’s growing demand for homes.
Creating Opportunities for Member Engagement The Chamber facilitated robust member engagement around a proposed worker bill of rights. Proposition 1, a citizen initiative on the November ballot, sought to raise the City of Olympia’s minimum wage to $20 per hour and establish new local rules on scheduling and hiring. The Chamber convened concerned businesses, shared information, created opportunities for dialogue with elected officials, and highlighted the potential impacts on private and nonprofit employers. The initiative was ultimately defeated, with more than 52 percent voting against the measure.
Bringing New Resources to the Community In 2025 and 2026, the Chamber convened the Shared Legislative Partnership, bringing together the region’s largest municipalities, area tribes, the port, the community college, and the Thurston Economic Development Council. Each year, the Partnership identifies shared priorities and seeks State support for projects that strengthen economic vitality and enhance quality of life. Recent funding successes include:
Thurston Regional Justice Center — $500K Budd Inlet Cleanup — $3M Deschutes Estuary Restoration — $14.8M Regional Animal Shelter and Control Facility — $1M Regional Meat Processing Infrastructure — $250K Sustaining Regional Homeless Actions — $4.3M I‑5 and Nisqually River Delta Improvements — $12.8M
2026 Outlook Many cities, school districts, fire districts, and other public entities are entering 2026 with heightened financial constraints. It will be essential for the Chamber and its members to stay engaged in community discussions about public services, taxes and fees, and the long‑term vision for our region.
The Public Policy Division will continue deepening engagement with policymakers, empowering members to participate in policy conversations, and advancing efforts that improve effectiveness and efficiency for the business community.
25/26 ANNUAL REPORT
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Regional Workforce Solutions The Thurston County Chamber continues to serve as a regional connector between employers, education, and workforce systems, driving measurable outcomes that support both business growth and career mobility across our region. The Chamber continued supporting regional workforce development efforts by convening partners, strengthening collaboration, and facilitating ongoing work in support of Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council (PacMtn), the WorkSource system, education providers, and industry leaders across the region.
BY THE NUMBERS (2025 – Early 2026 Impact)
387+ Clients Served 97% Interviewed Interns for Employment 312 Total Internships Placed 98% Repeat Business Hosts 278+ Active Business Hosts ~$75K Average Annual Starting Salary 95% Business Satisfaction Rate 96% Placement Rate into Full-Time Jobs or Education Workforce System Leadership & Coordination Advised on system-wide improvements, including rural outreach and employer engagement models Facilitated cross-program referrals between education and workforce systems Strengthened partnerships with education providers, CTE programs, community organizations, and regional skills centers
Employer Engagement & Business Services Facilitated direct employer referrals and workforce connections across industries, including manufacturing, IT, public utilities, and healthcare Increased flow of employer referrals into PacMtn programs Digital Literacy Through partnerships, such as the collaboration with Sensory Tool House LLC’s Bridge Assistive Technology program, the Thurston Chamber’s Digital Literacy initiative is helping to expand access to technology training across the region. Since summer 2025, participants in the Bridge program have received essential digital literacy education designed to empower Washington residents with disabilities through increased access to assistive technology, tools, and skills that support greater independence and opportunity. Future of Work The 4th Annual Future of Work convened business and education leaders to explore workforce development through collaboration and innovation. Sessions focused on labor market trends, career readiness, and building stronger talent pipelines through partnerships between K–12, higher education, and industry. Attendees learned practical strategies for connecting students with high-demand careers through scalable industry-education partnerships.
25/26 ANNUAL REPORT
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT The WorkEx Military Transition Program (WorkEx) is a workforce pipeline program that helps transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses connect to meaningful career opportunities and the next step in their civilian employment journey.
Connecting transitioning service members to high-demand careers
93% Employment Outcome Rate
AWB Institute and Washington Workforce Portal: We have partnered with the Association of Washington Business Institute to help implement a statewide plan to elevate and expand the use of the Washington Workforce Portal, which connects employers with students seeking internship opportunities. The Thurston Chamber gathered employer feedback on the barriers preventing businesses from offering internships to inform AWB’s initiative. Youth & Emerging Workforce Development Increased referrals for work-based learning (WEX), job shadows, industry tours, and youth exposure Identified and engaged new employers for youth opportunities Strengthened employer pipeline for entry-level and career pathway roles Impact: Youth participants gained early exposure to high-demand industries, helping build a futureready workforce aligned with regional needs
INDUSTRIES SERVED IT & Cybersecurity Advanced Manufacturing
Looking Ahead As workforce needs continue to evolve, the Chamber is focused on building scalable, long-term solutions that strengthen opportunity across the region. Future efforts will include expanding cohort-based and workbased learning models, strengthening data-driven decision-making, and continuing to grow high-impact programs like WorkEx. Together, these efforts will help create a more connected, resilient, and future-ready workforce for Thurston County.
Together, we are building a resilient workforce and a thriving regional economy. The Chamber continues to deliver high-impact results by aligning employers, workforce systems, and education partners through innovation, collaboration, and a strong focus on outcomes.
Aviation Healthcare
Government Public Sector
Participant Testimonials
“Transitioning out of the military can be a daunting process, but the WorkEx Internship Program made my path forward incredibly clear and stable… This program became the stepping stone I needed… leading directly — WorkEx Participant, Iron Strong to a full-time job offer.” “My experience with the WorkEx Internship Program was excellent… I developed a strong understanding of metal fabrication… This internship is leading directly into full-time employment.” Metal Fabrication (Dec 2025)
— WorkEx Participant (Jan 2026)
Employer Testimonials “Max demonstrated strong initiative, positive energy, and a willingness to learn… He showed great promise for long-term success.”
“Karen was extremely knowledgeable, professional, and responsive… She developed procedures still in use today and made a lasting impact.”
— R.E. Leggette Company (Dec 2025)
— Lacey Veterans Services Hub (Jan 2026)
25/26 ANNUAL REPORT
LEADERSHIP THURSTON COUNTY
Leadership Thurston County (LTC) DEVELOPING LEADERS WHO SHAPE OUR COMMUNITY Leadership Thurston County continues to build a network of informed, engaged leaders who are shaping the future of our region. With 924 alumni and a growing network of community leaders, the program connects individuals to the issues, systems, and relationships that drive Thurston County forward. From youth leadership to professional development, these programs create ripple effects that extend far beyond the classroom.
924
Alumni in Total
LTC BOARD OF REGENTS
Jeff Gadman, Chair Patty Belmonte Jean Carr Leonor Fuller
45
100+
Graduates in Class of 2025
Riley Gibson Christine Hoffmann Shirley Jones Matt Kennelly
Volunteers
Farra Layne Hayes Casey Rieland David Schaffert Kim Steepy
Dan Smith Jon Tunheim Rick Walk
HIGHLIGHTS FROM YOUTH LTC IN 2025:
15
Days of Skill Development and Community Immersion
1/2
CTE Credit Recieved Upon Completion
15
Students Completed the Program
Thurston Chamber Education Foundation NEW NAME, SAME GREAT WORK
In 2025/2026, we rebranded the Thurston Chamber Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, as the “Thurston Chamber Education Foundation”. The slight name change highlights the Foundation’s support for educational opportunities and programs focused on entrepreneurs, workforce development, and student skills. A NIGHT ON THE TOWN
The Thurston Chamber Education Foundation continues to support economic equity with the small business incubator and South Sound BIPOC. The Foundation provides resources that enable business and education to connect and build our community’s talent pipeline.
THANK YOU THURSTON CHAMBER
SOUTH SOUND BIPOC BUSINESS2YOUTH CONNECT FIND YOUR FUTURE LEADERSHIP THURSTON COUNTY MATH FOR LIFE SMALL BUSINESS INCUBATOR
EDUC ATION FOUNDATION B OARD
FOUNDATION BOARDMEMBERS Doug Mah, Chair
Trenton Fluetsch Malcom Miller
Denise Parker Miguel Ramirez-Gomez
David Schaffert Michelle Wickett
ANNUAL MEETING 2026
THANK YOU SPONSORS
PRESENTING SPONSOR
TABLE SPONSORS
BANNER SPONSORS