2024 2025
As we reflect on this past year, one theme rises to the top: advocating for success. At the Thurston County Chamber, that means working alongside you—our members, partners, and neighbors—to champion the policies, programs, and people that make our region thrive.
In 2024, our advocacy work was more than a voice at the table—it was a catalyst for action. We stood shoulder-to-shoulder with local, state, and federal partners to amplify issues of business climate, regulatory impediments, community infrastructure, public safety, education, land use, community health, workforce development, and community resources development. Whether advocating at the state level in support of municipal priorities, helping secure resources for parks and public spaces, or sharing your voices with policymakers, our Public Policy team ensures the business community is heard loud and clear.
However, advocacy isn’t only about legislation and public policy. It’s about community-wide partnerships. This year, we partnered with over 4,300 businesses and hosted 236 events, from ribbon cuttings to impacted business and industry focus groups. We connected students and employers through Find Your Future, Math for Life and Youth Leadership Thurston County, and supported over 2,300 businesses through workforce development services through contracted work. Our partnerships helped incubate small businesses, promote digital literacy, and grow inclusive economic opportunities across the region.
From graduating the 30th Leadership Thurston County cohort to supporting over 300 BIPOC-owned businesses through our SSBIPOC series, we invested in the people who will shape our community’s future. We also celebrated the collaborative spirit of our members, with record event attendance and increased engagement across the community.
As we look ahead, we remain focused on what matters most: empowering our members, connecting our community, and championing smart policies that support a vibrant economy. The Chamber is advocacy.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we’re not just advocating for success—we’re building it.
With appreciation,
Trenton Fluetsch 2024 Board Chair
David Schaffert President/CEO
Cover Photos by Shanna Paxton Photography
THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER
THURSTON CHAMBER FOUNDATION
LOCATION OF MEMBERS
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Trenton Fluetsch Sunset Air, Inc. Chair
Kevin Stormans Stormans, Inc. 2nd Vice Chair
Tessa Bradley Artisans Group Architecture & Planning Chair-Elect
Patricia Pich Patricia L. Pich, CPA, PLLC Treasurer
Alexis
TwinStar Credit Union
Michelle Wickett Mason Mac Past Chair
Alverson
Michael Cade Thurston EDC
Will Callicoat MultiCare Capital Medical Center
Darin Goss Providence Swedish
Kelly Green South Puget Sound Community College
Kelsey Hulse Propolis Communications, LCC
Bob Iyall
Joseph Lanham Hampton Lanham Group
Todd Monohon Olympic Rental and 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
Makayla Roberson Maks Snack Shack
Alex Smith Port of Olympia
John Stormans Olympic Sotheby's International Realty
Michael White Michael White Agency Farmers Insurance
David Schaffert Thurston County Chamber President/CEO
Public Policy & Advocacy
QUALITY OF LIFE INDEX
In 2024, the Thurston Chamber conducted a public opinion survey to gauge residents’ views on life in Thurston County and establish a baseline for future research. These insights offer a vital snapshot of public sentiment and serve as a starting point for shaping policies and partnerships that reflect our shared aspirations.
TOP SCORES:
• Fire & Emergency Services
• Grocery Store Access
• Family-Friendly Environment
LOWEST SCORES:
• Zoning & Land Use
• Housing Affordability
• Addressing Homelessness
Scan below to view the Quality of Life Index:
RESIDENTS SURVEYED: OVERALL GRADE:
RESIDENTS WHO AGREE THAT GROWTH IS POSITIVE:
LEGISLATIVE WINS & ADVOCACY WORK
Making Policy Work for People and Business
OPPOSING BAD POLICES
• Restrictive workplace regulations
• Localized minimum wage increase
• More rent controls and regulations
• Changes to gift certificate rules and definitions
• Increase to the Business and Occupation tax
• Cutting economic development organizations
SUPPORTING GOOD POLICIES
• Flexible UGA land swaps
• Innovative GMA boundary adjustments
• Better planning - Grand Mound Rezoning
• New developments – Salish Landing
• New housing – Tumwater Vista Views
• Greater housing density – Briggs Village
• Student housing - SPSCC
• Local procurement opportunities
SECURING NEW FUNDS
• Tenino - SW Agricultural and Innovation Park infrastructure
• Tumwater - Craft brewing & distilling equipment
• Olympia - Amory / Community Center
• Lacey – Huntamer Park
• I-5/ Nisqually River Delta planning and design
• SR 507 Roundabouts
• Deschutes Estuary restoration
• Budd Inlet cleanup and restoration
• Animal shelter and control facility
• Maple Court – permanent supportive housing
Amplifying the Voice of Business
PARTNERSHIPS, STRATEGY & VISION
Stronger Together: Advocacy
Partnerships
The Chamber partners with local, regional, state, and national organizations to amplify our voice and shape public policies that impact our community and region. These partnerships provide technical expertise, infrastructure, and communication channels that help inform and influence decision-makers.
• ASSOCIATION OF WASHINGTON BUSINESS
• LOVEOLY – OLYMPIA DOWNTOWN ALLIANCE
• SOUTH SOUND MILITARY & COMMUNITIES PARTNERSHIP
• THURSTON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
• U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
• WASHINGTON HOSPITALITY ASSOCIATION
• WASHINGTON RETAIL ASSOCIATION
THE SHARED LEGISLATIVE PARTNERSHIP 2025
• Annual regional collaboration to secure high-impact state investments
• Focused on economic development, transportation, housing, and community health
• Carrying forward projects with long-term regional impact
Budd Inlet Clean Up and Restoration FUNDED – $3M
Deschutes Estuary Restoration FUNDED – $14.75M
Regional Joint Animal Shelter and Control Facility FUNDED – $1M
Regional Meat Processing Infrastructure FUNDED – $250K
Sustained Regional Homeless Actions FUNDED – $4.25M (Capital) and $45M (Section 130 (15)a – Dept. of Commerce, in the operating budget)
I-5 Mounts Road to Tumwater & Nisqually River Delta FUNDED – $12.8M (A reduction but sustains the project work)
"One of the most powerful things the Thurston County Chamber does is bring people together. Whether it’s the Governor’s Ball or community forums, the Chamber creates space for connection, collaboration, and conversation around the issues and celebrations that shape our region. That kind of convening is essential to building strong, unified communities."
—
Chairman Kris Peters, Squaxin Island Tribe
LOOKING AHEAD
NEXT STEPS FOR 2025:
• Update the Quality of Life Index
• Advance regional housing solutions
• Deepen engagement with local, state, and federal lawmakers
• Empower our members to be part of the policy conversation
Our Community Credit Union
Lori Bodnar Great Wolf Lodge
Elizabeth Cooper HomeStreet Bank
Julia Devaney Devaney Electric Co.
Insperity
Hannah Evans Eric Zabala State Farm
Cecilia Felix RE/MAX Advantage
Wes Graves AAA Septic LLC
Comcast Business
Shirley Jones, Chair T&S Cleaning
Megan LaBahn Ironwood Strategies
Corey Lopardi Pardiman Productions
Olympic Moving & Storage
Denise Parker Sound Credit Union
Jessica Robinson Heritage Bank
Tim Shaw ThurstonTalk
Realty One Group Bold
Rae Toth REAL Broker LLC
Nichole Wachtman Evergreen Financial Services
Amanda Walker Movement Mortgage
THE OLYMPIC BENEFITS TRUST
Affordable Health Benefits for Washington Employers
The Chamber provides access to medical, dental, vision, and other ancillary employee benefits through its exclusive Olympic Benefits Trust. These benefits are available only to member employers, offering a valuable resource to support their teams. SERVING ALL OF WASHINGTON STATE
163 NEW MEMBERS
236 EVENTS HOSTED
4,305 BUSINESSES SERVED
91% MEMBER RETENTION RATE
9,471 SERVICES PROVIDED
The Thurston County Chamber is growing a prosperous economy and vibrant community by connecting people, ideas and resources
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RIBBON CUTTINGS May 2024 to April 2025
From upskilling employees and retaining top talent to planning for leadership transitions and building inclusive teams, strong workforce development ensures our region stays competitive by aligning business needs with workforce solutions.
Through a contract with the Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council, the Chamber supported employers across a five-county region— Thurston, Mason, Lewis, Grays Harbor, and Pacific. We also contributed to targeted initiatives at Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Naval Base Kitsap.
BUSINESS SERVICES
• Workforce Planning: Recruitment & Retention Strategies
• Targeted Recruitment Assistance
• Labor Market Data & Tax Credits
• Hiring Events
• ACT Job Profiling
• Sector Strategies
2,323 BUSINESSES SERVED BY WORKFORCE SERVICES
2,156 SERVICES DELIVERED $27.01
378 HIRING EVENT ATTENDEES
2024 Future of Work Summit & Expo
This year’s summit brought together industry leaders to explore the future of talent and technology. Keynote Debra Giordano of Equus Workforce Solutions addressed shifting demographics and rising employee expectations. Breakout sessions tackled inclusive hiring, second-chance employment, apprenticeships, and education partnerships—offering actionable strategies to attract, train, and retain today’s workforce.
Washington Workforce Portal
We also partnered with Washington Workforce Portal as a cost-effective opportunity to evaluate a potential future employee, a pipeline for candidates, access to students with unique skills and a way to gain shortterm talent. For students, it provides hands-on work experience and a chance to explore career options.
Digital Literacy
In 2024, we supported over 940 Thurston County residents through personalized digital navigation, community classes, and Tech Help Sessions. From basic skills to advanced tools, participants gained confidence in managing daily tasks, advancing careers, and staying safe online—with topics like password security, phishing prevention, cloud storage, and more.
Assisting Transitioning Military
WorkEx bridges the gap between military service and civilian careers by connecting service members and military spouses with industry employers. Through hands-on internships, participants strengthen their existing skills, gain new competencies, and build confidence for the civilian workforce. The program helps translate military experience into career-ready expertise—preparing participants for meaningful employment after service.
393
TOTAL INTERNSHIPS 94% PLACEMENT RATE
BRIDGING THE SKILLS GAP
391 EMPLOYEE HOSTS
"As a small manufacturer, we rely on the Thurston County Chamber to help us stay informed on critical community issues, and keep our eye on the future. The Chamber has been a steady partner— supporting not just our business, but the entire manufacturing sector in Thurston County."
— Perry Hanchey, Diamond Technology Innovation (DTI)
Building Stronger Communities
EDUCATION, EQUITY & ENTREPRENEURSHIP
The Chamber Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable education foundation, is committed to forging pathways to success for individuals and communities alike.
In 2024, the Thurston County Chamber Foundation continued to support economic equity by sustaining four small businesses and welcoming a new community-based organization into our incubator. This program empowers diverse entrepreneurs by providing tailored resources, mentorship, and operational support—helping businesses grow, gain independence, and build a foundation for long-term success.
Thank You Foundation Board Members
Doug Mah, Chair
Trenton Fluetsch
Malcolm Miller
Denise Parker
Miguel Ramirez-Gomez
David Schaffert
Michelle Wickett
“The Thurston County Chamber plays a vital role in bridging the gap between business and education, creating a feedback loop that informs our programs, strengthens the talent pipeline, and helps students see real-world pathways. This kind of integration is essential to our region’s future.”
—
Troy Oliver, Superintendent, North Thurston Public Schools
CHAMBER FOUNDATION INITIATIVES
Successfully sustained four small businesses and welcomed a new community based organization to the Incubator
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PARTICIPANTS GRADUATED IN 2024
Leadership Thurston County helps people become the kind of leaders our community needs—connected, informed, and ready to make a difference. A program of the Thurston County Chamber Foundation, LTC brings together emerging and established leaders to explore the big issues facing the South Sound, build lasting relationships, and gain real-world leadership skills. Since 1994, more than 879 people have graduated from the program, stepping up to lead in business, government, nonprofits, and beyond.
879
TOTAL ALUMNI IN LTC NETWORK
2024 ALSO MARKED
30th
THE CLASS OF 2024 WAS THE LTC CLASS TO GRADUATE
The Launch of Youth LTC
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NEW MARKET SKILLS CENTER
11 DAYS OF COMMUNITY & CAREER IMMERSION
18 VOLUNTEER CHAPERONES
50 ORGANIZATION & INDIVIDUAL SPONSORS
13 NEW MARKET SKILLS CENTER PROGRAMS
40 SITE VISIT LOCATIONS
314
STUDENTS IMPACTED
Students that participated in a day of career immersion that aligned with the career program they participated in at New Market Skills Center
Over the summer, I had the incredible opportunity to join a Youth Leadership Thurston County field trip at New Market. Every detail was thoughtfully planned—we visited four different locations in one day! Without this program, I wouldn’t have had the chance to explore both Thurston County and potential career paths. It truly shifted my perspective and deepened my appreciation for my future—and I know I wasn’t alone in that experience. – Zoey Diruzzo
Shanna Paxton
MAY 2024 - APRIL 2025
THANK YOU TO OUR ANNUAL MEETING SPONSORS
PRESENTING SPONSOR
MEDIA SPONSOR
EXECUTIVE SPONSORS
CORPORATE SPONSORS
