October 2011 Thrive!

Lace y Cha mber of Commerce

thrive!

October 2011 / Vol. 12, No. 10

Barbara St. John, Harborstone Credit Union; Tony Salas, Chamber Executive Director; Kyla Salas; Madelin White, Merle Norman Cosmetics, Wigs, & Day Spa; Mike Wolfe, Mutual of Omaha. See Summer’s End Car Show on page 9.

Inside this issue Calendar of Events

2

President’s Message

3

Letter from Executive Director

4

Election Time is Upon Us

5

What is Your Time Worth?

6

Business is Booming!

7

Kidwiler Scholarship Thank Yous

7

No is Not Always No!

8

Ribbon cutting ceremony at the Boys & Girls Club of Lacey, celebrating the recent renovations. See September 5:01 Surge on page 10.

September 5:01 Surge–Boys & Girls Club 10 Grand Opening–Native New Yorker

10

Military Rewards

11

Military Affairs Update

11

Lacey welcomes a new restaurant, the Native New Yorker. See Grand Opening on page 10.

Forum–—Wednesday, October 5 Topic/Speaker: 2012 Canoe Journey, Leslie Johnson from Squaxin Island Tourism Follow us on:

Design and layout of the Thrive newsletter is performed by Essential Business Support.

Where: When:

Cost:

Saint Martin’s Worthington Center Registration begins at 11:30 a.m.; program begins at noon.

Pre-pay NOW online at laceychamber.com Members $18 prepaid / $20 at the door / $25 for guests

It is important you prepay and preregister, so we are able to properly plan.

October Chamber Events 4

Tuesday—Auction Meeting

5

Wednesday—Forum Registration begins at 11:30 a.m.

Program begins at noon Saint Martin’s Worthington Center Topic: 2012 Canoe Journey; Leslie Johnson, Squaxin Island Tourism Cost: members prepaid online $18/at the door $20/guests $25 Please prepay online at laceychamber.com for $18 Thank you to our Forum and Media Sponsors:

11:30 a.m.

Chamber Conference Room

FASTSIGNS

11 11

13

Wednesday—Member Orientation 10:30 a.m.-noon or 5:30-7:00 p.m.

Chamber Conference Room RSVP to Tony Salas, 491-4141

14

Friday—Government Affairs Meeting 11:30 a.m.

Panorama—Chambers House Restaurant 1751 Circle Lane SE

25

Tuesday—Ambassador’s Meeting 12:00 p.m. (noon) Dirty Dave’s Pizza 3939 Martin Way

26

Wednesday Executive Meeting 8:30 a.m.

Board Meeting 9:30 a.m.

Chamber Conference Room

29

Saturday—Annual Auction Rockin Around the Clock Fun starts at 5 o’clock, Sock Hop begins at 9 o’clock Harmony Hall at Washington Land Yacht Harbor Club

Olympia Vision Clinic

Tuesday—Military Affairs Meeting 7:30 a.m.

Hawks Prairie Restaurant Tuesday—5:01 Surge

Adesso 109 Legion Way SW 5:01–7:00 p.m.

Sponsors Forum Sponsor FASTSIGNS 4127 Pacific Ave SE Lacey, WA 98503 360-438-3800 www.fastsigns.com/322

Media Sponsor Olympia Vision Clinic 5210 Corporate Center Court SE Suite A Lacey, WA 98503 (360) 459-2108 www.olympiavision.com

5:01 Surge – October 11 Adesso 109 Legion Way SW Olympia, WA 98501

2011 Board of Directors Executive Board Jerry Farmer, President, 94.5 ROXY, 236-1010 Felix Peguero, President Elect, Edward Jones Investments, 438-0341 Lowell Gordon, Vice President, The Creative Office, 754-1732 Mike Harris, Treasurer & Board Member, Columbia Bank, 459-3344 Karen Schade, Secretary, America’s Credit Union, 253-912-3257 Board of Directors Andrew Barkis, Hometown Property Management, 456-7368* Tom Carroll, Network Communications International, 701-1532 Al Eckroth, Virgil Adams Real Estate, 701-3307 Renée Sunde, Thurston EDC, 754-6320 Brent Walz, OBee Credit Union, 528-5361* Angelique Wilson, Professional Temp Staffing Agency, 786-8443 Jeff Powell, Past President, Prime Development Group, 528-2550 *Recently elected, serving a two year term.

Committees Ambassadors–Amanda Graham, Lacey Chamber Event Coordinator, 491-4141 Auction–Madelin White, Merle Norman Cosmetics, Wigs & Day SPA, 491-4911 BBQ–Al Eckroth, Virgil Adams Real Estate, 701-3307 Fundraising–Brent Walz, OBee Credit Union, 528-5361 Government Affairs–Daniela Anderson, Hometown Prop. Mgmt, 456-7368 Golf–Joanna West, Washington Business Bank, 754-1954 Kidwiler Scholarship Foundation–Stewart Ridgeway, CPA, 459-4404 Military Affairs–Carlene Joseph, Harborstone Credit Union, (253) 983-8636

Join us on Tuesday, October 11 for great appetizers with Mediterranean flair, drinks, and prizes!

2

October 2011

Message from the President

By Jerry Farmer, 94.5 ROXY, Chamber President

W

ow! A year goes by so quickly. It seems like just a few short months ago I was writing a Thrive article for the first time. Here it is October, the last official article of my presidency. Time flies when you’re having fun.

And it was fun! What a year it’s been. A very successful inaugural Barbecue Festival; a great golf tournament with incredible weather; and, coming up soon, a fantastic event celebrating our 50th Anniversary with a 50sthemed Sock Hop and Auction on October 29! Time to dust off my poodle skirt.

This year has also marked the beginning of Tony Salas as our executive director. He’s got great plans to make our future even better, and as he and incoming President Felix Paguero take the reins, you can be sure the Chamber will thrive more than ever.

My theme this last year was the great partnerships we have in our community, and each forum featured a different example.

From Saint Martin’s University to North Thurston Schools; from the City of Lacey to the Port of Olympia; and Thurston Energy and PSE to Joint Base Lewis McChord, we had presentations and performances highlighting all the good things our partners do and the good connections we can make to improve business. We also had our annual member picnic, a special 50th Anniversary historical presentation by the always entertaining Ken Balsley, a great talk by the Thurston County Prosecutor, and an exciting and informative political forum organized by our terrific Government Affairs Council.

present a unique opportunity for all of us to learn, to grow, and to prosper. Come to the October Forum and learn all about it.

We are lucky to have active and involved tribes in our region.

The Squaxin, the Nisqually, and the Chehalis have grown into important community partners vital to our economy, contributing thousands and thousands of dollars to local charities, organizations, and events. They have our sincere thanks.

I’d also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to my board this last year, our wonderful staff and volunteers, and the great ambassadors that make the Chamber run so well.

As I said last December, we entrepreneurs are a hopeful group, and now more then ever it’s time to redouble our efforts to achieve success. One way to do that is to continue to expand our horizons. You never know when a little nugget of knowledge from some unexpected sector may give you an idea to innovate and capture a new market. That’s why my goal this last year was to highlight the great economic partners we have in our region. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for that opportunity.

By the way, partners, please reserve your space at our October Forum and pay online at www.laceychamber.com. You get a discount if you reserve and pay early. Join us at the Forum. As I’ve said all year, bring your curiosity, your energy, and your desire to grow. You’re the best!

This month we get to hear a special presentation from Leslie Johnson of the Squaxin Island Tribe. She’ll be telling us about an extremely significant event coming next summer to the south sound—the 2012 Canoe Journey. Tribal representatives from all over the northwest will be converging on our area for a huge celebration hosted by the Squaxin Tribe. The Journey will

Where Family Means Everything.

2415 Pacif ic Avenue SE

u

Olympia

Supporting Families and Education We make a donation to education for every new patient.

www.f isherjonesfamilydentistry.com

October 2011

www.fisherjonesfamilydentisry.com

(360) 943-4644

3

Ring, Ring

By Tony Salas, Executive Director, Lacey Chamber of Commerce

P

eople join a Chamber of Commerce for a multitude of reasons. They want a unified voice to government, opportunities to network with other businesses, be kept informed on activities and events, and a host of other reasons. There is one reason at the root of all reasons people join the Chamber.

“I want my phone to ring!” This statement is true regardless of the industry your business is in. If you are not getting customers calling and/or coming to your business to spend money; the programs, events, or networking opportunities developed for you through the Chamber are not of any value to you. You want a return on your investment.

How can the Chamber help my phone start RINGING? Your Chamber membership is full of value and the most valuable asset of all is your fellow members. How you make the membership your most valuable asset is that you “THINK CHAMBER FIRST.” When there is a need to be filled, whether for your business or personally, do you “THINK CHAMBER FIRST?” Whatever your need, from accountants to writers, massages to construction, restaurants to signage, banks to grocers; the Lacey Chamber of Commerce has a member that can satisfy virtually every need. When we make the decision to “THINK CHAMBER FIRST,” more of our money stays right here where we earn it. This action alone will benefit our local economy in huge ways:

I know that this is a simplistic way of demonstrating the impact, especially if you’re the only one committed to this practice. BUT, we have nearly 300 members with hundreds, if not thousands, of employees, and that makes us a very powerful force. If we create a “THINK CHAMBER FIRST” culture in ourselves, our businesses, and our families and employees, we now make a significant impact on the future of Lacey.

What if a Chamber member doesn’t have what I need?

The easy answer is that you don’t need it—okay, I know that’s not true. The real answer is that we all “THINK CHAMBER FIRST” for the items we need. If our members can’t satisfy the need, by all means take care of your business and personal needs however you must. (Then suggest they also become a member of the Lacey Chamber of Commerce.) But the next time a need arises, rather than automatically calling your provider in Tacoma or Seattle or Los Angeles or Atlanta, the Internet or anywhere outside your Chamber family, “THINK CHAMBER FIRST.” Get your Community Resource Guide or go to www.laceychamber.com and look for a member to satisfy your need. You will be amazed at the selection, quality, service and value that you will find right here, through Your Premier Business Resource; the Lacey Chamber of Commerce.

“THINK CHAMBER FIRST.”

• Doing business with another Chamber member leads to increased sales.

• Increased sales leads to more money available to retain or increase employees.

• More employees lead to more money in our community.

• More money in the community leads to more spending.

• More spending leads to… RING, RING… Hey, your phone is ringing.

2300 Evergreen Park Dr. • Olympia, WA 98502 • (360) 943-4000

redlion.com • 800-Red Lion

4

hem in .K eep t

CONVENIENTLY LOCATED IN THE HEART OF WASHINGTON’S STATE CAPITOL • Free high-speed wireless Internet access • 16,500 square feet of meeting space • Full-service restaurant and lounge • Seasonal outdoor pool and whirlpool • Military rates available • Pet friendly

focus.

T H E R E S O R T I N Y O U R B A C K YA R D

p are s t n e Life’s mom

s iou c e r

O LYMPIA V ISION C

L

I

N

I

C

www.olympiavision.com

Olympia: 1625 Cooper Point Rd. SW • 360.357.6683 Lacey: 5210 Corporate Center Ct. SE, Ste. A • 360.459.2108

October 2011

Election Time is Upon Us

By Tony Salas, Exeuctive Director, Lacey Chamber of Commerce

T

he Government Affairs Council has completed interviewing the candidates for Lacey City Council. All of the candidates brought a strong case for earning the endorsement of the Chamber board. The quality of the interviews and their performance at the September Forum truly showed the commitment they have to the culture and history of Lacey, as well as the needs and desires of its residents. The persistence they have shown during their campaigns will be reflected by the actions of the voters come November. The Government Affairs Council has forwarded their recommendations to the Chamber board and they will have determined endorsements by the time you read this.

Good luck to all candidates and thank you for your willingness to serve our city. The Government Affairs Council meets the second Tuesday of each month at Chambers Restaurant in Panorama. Meetings begin at 11:30 a.m.

Lacey Business League

The Lacey Business League is the Political Action Committee (PAC) for the members of the Lacey Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber by-laws require that the Chamber, as an entity, remain above the politics of the day. The PAC serves Chamber members by assisting worthy candidates with financial contributions. These contributions are independent of any actions by the Chamber board. Funding for the PAC comes

in two forms. First, upon receiving your notification for the renewal of your dues, you will notice a separate line designating a contribution of $20.00 to the PAC. If your business chooses to make the contribution, simply mail in your check and the $20 will be forwarded to the PAC. If your business does not wish to contribute, then deduct the $20.00 from your payment. The second way to be involved with the PAC, and become more active, is with a $100 annual donation.

This gives you full voting rights and the ability to make the voice of the Lacey Business League even stronger. Members interested in more PAC information should contact Ken Balsley of Balsley and Associates or Dani Anderson of Hometown Property Management.

Are you “Spaced Out?” If you need space for a meeting, hold it in the Chamber conference room.

Rates: $35/hour for members $50/hour for non-members Seats up to 14 people. All amenities included.

Contact Sceni Foster at 491-4141 or sfoster@ laceychamber.com to make your reservation today.

Hmmm...

Didn’t Know That!

Turning Our Listeners into Your Customers Call 236-1010

October 2011

Since January 1, 2010, Columbia Bank has nearly doubled the number of branches.

Growing from 52 to 102 in just 20 months makes them one of the fastest growing banks on the west coast.

5

What is Your Time Worth?

By Peggy DeGregory, Owner of Essential Business Support

M

any business leaders and self-employed individuals feel the need to do it all. Are they really able to get it all done, and, if so, at what cost? This approach often leads to stress, burnout, and a lack of growth for the business—just to name a few. An article on the Internet entitled “The Bank of Time” addresses the use of time. The following paragraph is reprinted with permission from Rabbi Mark S. Miller, Senior Rabbi of Temple Bat Yahm: Imagine there is a bank that credits your account each morning with $86,400. It carries over no balance from day to day. Every evening, it deletes whatever part of the balance you failed to use during the day.

What would you do? You would draw out every cent each day, of course!

Each of us has such a bank. Its name is time.

Every morning, it credits us with 86,400 seconds of life. Every night, it writes off, as forever lost, whatever of this amount we have failed to invest to good purpose [emphasis added].

It carries over no balance. It allows no overdraft. Each day, it opens a new account for us. Each night it cancels the remains of the day. If we fail to use the day’s deposits, the loss is ours. There is no going back. There is no drawing against tomorrow.

Are you investing your time to good purpose?

Calculating Your Value

Karen Dunlap, an interior designer and business coach, says, “When we do it all, we stay small. When you try to wear all the hats in your business, you stay small and potentially miss opportunities for future growth and success.”

Your time is valuable. When you know what your time is worth, you can make better decisions on how you spend your time and your money. Have you ever calculated how much your time is worth?

To make the math easy, let’s say you make $100,000 a year. You work 40 hours a week, five days a week, and 50 weeks a year (hopefully you get at least two weeks of vacation). After you subtract all the distractions, e-mails, phone calls, etc., let’s be optimistic and say you have about four productive hours a day.

That leaves you with 1,000 hours to earn $100,000. That means your time is worth $100 an hour.

Cost vs. Value

What if you had a large document that needed to be proofread and edited, and it would take you two hours to accomplish?

The cost of doing it yourself would be $200. Is that a cost effective use of your time, or would it be worth it to pay someone $50 ($25/hr) to perform the job?

Even if you could finish the job quicker, wouldn’t it be worth it to outsource the job enabling you to focus on those tasks you enjoy and that help to grow your business?

For tasks you don’t enjoy or have the skills for, the cost in terms of hours spent, frustration, and lower quality output make outsourcing a better value. Less aggravation, quicker turn around, and higher quality results are worth spending money on.

Outsourcing costs money. But so does time. In the long run, outsourcing may prove to be the least expensive and most efficient option.

Peggy DeGregory, owner of Essential Business Support, offers administrative and creative services. With over 20 years experience, she enjoys partnering with her customers to help them meet their business goals. She can be reached at 360-464-8866 or pdegregory@ ebsupport.com. For more information, go to www.ebsupport.com.

If you want to make good use of your time, you’ve got to know what’s most important and then give it all you’ve got.

Lee Iacocca

"Discover Your Destiny" Service Times: Sunday: @ 9:45 AM Wednesday: @ 6:30 PM For Youth and Children

city life Pastors Steve & Jayne Bradley

Church

4205 Lacey, Blvd. SE - Lacey, WA 98503 - www.clc-wa.com

6

October 2011

Business is Booming!

New Members Bright Now! Dental 4210 Martin Way E. Olympia, WA 98516 Contact: Nichole Young Category: Medical-Dentists Phone: (360) 455-9544 Web: www.brightnow.com Greenview Training Solutions Inc. 10947 Stedman Road SE Olympia, WA 98513 Contact: Christopher Lee Category: Consultants Phone: (360) 539-1750 It’s Your Image PO Box 221 Hoodsport, WA 98548 Contact: Toby Parsons Category: Certified Wardrobe Consultant for Women Phone: (360) 877-5970 Web: www.iyimage.com

Jason Hearn 975 Carpenter Rd., Suite 101 Lacey, WA 98516 Contact: Jason Hearn Category: Elected Official Phone: (360) 701-3490 Web: www.jasonhearn.com Kumon Math & Reading Center of Lacey 7221 Martin Way E Olympia, WA 98516 Contact: Andrew Tabor Category: Tutoring Phone: (360) 915-6871 The Olympian 111 Bethel Street NE Olympia, WA 98506 Contact: George Le Masurier Category: Newspaper Publishing Phone: (360) 754-5400 Web: www.theolympian.com Virgil Adams Real Estate - Tammy Adams 806 State Ave. Olympia, WA 98516 Contact: Tammy Adams Category: Real Estate Phone: (360) 352-3756 Web: www.virgiladamsrealestate.com

Renewals 2-4 Years: Fisher Jones Family Dentistry—Ignite!

Investor Shur Kleen Car Wash 5-9 Years Bliss & Skeen, Certified Public Accountants Fast Transact Washington Federal Savings 10-14 Years Edward Jones Investments—Marv Kopp & Jeff Kopp Faith Lutheran Church & School Moss Orthodontics Office Depot Over 15 Years!

Adams & Schefter Ahlf Law Office G.L. Kluh Jewelers Heritage Bank Mikar- Mike’s Auto and Electric Morningside Olympia Federal Savings—Ignite! Investors S. Stewart Ridgeway CPA—Spark! Investors

Kidwiler Scholarship Fund Thank Yous The Lacey Chamber would like to thank these member businesses who donated raffle prizes to benefit the Kidwiler Scholarship at the September 2011 Forum: A Steve’s Professional Truck Mounted Steam Cleaning Best Western Plus Inn-Lacey Custom Security Day of Empowerment Edward Jones Investments-Felix Peguero FASTSIGNS Olympic Outfitter/Alpine Express Pardiman Productions S. Stewart Ridgeway, CPA Sterling Savings Bank Thank You for Your Continued Support!

Nancy Balderas Branch Manager, Anchor Bank 601 Woodland Sq Lp SE Lacey, WA 98503 (360) 491-2250 nancy.balderas@anchorsb.com

October 2011

7

NO is Not Always NO!

By Patrick Davidson, Guild Mortgage Company

Despite what you may have heard, home loans are available…and interest rates are better than ever!

A

lan and Paula were desperate. They had found a home that met their needs and they knew this was the house they were going to build their family around. They completed the mortgage application and spent the next several days looking at paint colors, furniture, and window coverings to transform their new house into their dream home. Then came the devastating news that the lenders their real estate agent had them speak with were unable to fund the loan allowing the purchase of their new home. You see, a couple of years earlier, when a personal tragedy struck Alan and Paula, they fell behind on their rent and other payments. Their credit scores had been significantly impacted by this history. Even though Alan & Paula had long since caught up on their obligations, a judgment in the favor of a past landlord was still in place and their credit scores reflected that long-ago painful chapter in their lives.

Another real estate agent referred Alan & Paula to another mortgage company that had a history of looking beyond the computer generated matrix that many lenders use to make decisions. The lender spoke with Alan and Paula immediately, evaluated their income and available assets, reviewed their credit

8

report and did an analysis of their ability to repay a new home loan. From the information provided by Alan and Paula, it was determined that by addressing that old judgment and explaining the circumstances, the company could approve Alan and Paula’s request and help them realize their dream with a home purchase loan. Because it was most convenient for Alan and Paula, they all met at a local bookstore on a Saturday to get the process started.

Just a few short weeks later, Alan and Paula moved into their new house and began transforming it into the home they had dreamt of. That same home that two other lenders told them they could not get.

This story is true, but the names are changed. Alan and Paula realized their dream because of the personal attention provided

by Patrick Davidson and Guild Mortgage Company. Patrick Davidson and Guild Mortgage were able to provide a mortgage for Alan and Paula, even with their troubled credit history, relatively low credit scores, and high debt-to-income ratios,

See “No is Not Always No!” page 9

October 2011

NO is Not Always NO! (continued from page 8) because Patrick and Guild Mortgage believed in Alan and Paula and wanted to help them realize their home-ownership dream.

For over 50 years, Guild Mortgage has been helping people realize their home-ownership dreams. We are able to help borrowers with low credit scores and histories that make other lenders uncomfortable. We recognize challenges and work to resolve them. With both conventional and government insured loan financing, and a direct lender for FannieMae, FreddieMac and GinnieMae, Guild Mortgage can get many loans done that other lenders cannot. Whether you’re purchasing your first home, downsizing into your last home, or diversifying your investment portfolio, we provide the expertise and ability to help get you there. You or someone you know could benefit by working with Patrick and Guild Mortgage Company.

Summer’s End Car Show A big thank you to the volunteers that staffed the information booth!

Mike Wolfe, Mutual of Omaha Madelin White, Merle Norman Cosmetics, Wigs, & Day Spa Barbara St. John, Harborstone Credit Union Also, another big thank you to the trophy sponsors who made it possible for participants to receive a prize for each category.

Patrick Davidson has been matching Washington homebuyers and borrowers with the program that best meets their needs and circumstances for over 16 years. Give him a call to get started today! 360.561.0339 or pdavidson@guildmortgage.net.

Guild Mortgage Company – Lacey (NMLS # 3274) and Patrick Davidson (NMLS # 114110) are an Equal Housing Lender.

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY CMY

K

Lucky Eagle 1/4 page 3.5"x 4.75" Ad for Lacey Thrive

A MORE REWARDING EXPERIENCE

The Leader in Manufacturing Award-winning Eco-friendly Cleaning Products

How to create the ÂŹperfect meeting.

Lucky Eagle Casino and Eagles Landing Hotel offer a range of amenities to make your next business meeting both enjoyable and productive. • Deluxe Meeting & Conference Facilities

Our Brand New Facility 8735 Commerce Place Dr. NE, Ste. A Lacey WA 98516-1364 1) t 'BY Our new 50,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility began production in June, 2010, hiring 20 new employees, supporting local suppliers and servicing accounts in the U.S. and Canada.

"MM /BUVSBM 1SPEVDUT t 4BGF GPS :PV t 4BGF GPS PVS &OWJSPONFOU www.ecos.com

October 2011

• Four Restaurants, Games, Live Entertainment • Luxury Accommodations & Amenities For more information call 1-800-720-1788.

EAGLES LANDING HOTEL

I-5 Exit 88. West on Hwy 12 to Anderson Road Rochester, WA • 800-720-1788 • luckyeagle.com

9

September 5:01 Surge—Boys & Girls Club

W

e joined with the Boys & Girls Club of Lacey in celebrating two renovations that will help the Club provide more fun and safety to children in the Lacey area. The first is a wall that was put up to divide the game room from the gym along with a much needed sprinkler system. The second is McGimpsey Park, a new field and outdoor play area, made possible by John and Opal McGimpsey. Special thanks to Lowes Foundation; Lacey Rotary Club of Lacey; Big Toys, Inc.; North Thurston Kiwanis Club; and Washington State Department of Commerce who all helped donate time and money for these projects.

Grand Opening at Native New Yorker

O

n September 12, 2011, we helped welcome a new restaurant, Native New Yorker, with open arms into the Lacey Community! Native New Yorker is known for their wings, but they have plenty of other things to entice your taste buds.

The Native New Yorker is decked out with flat screen TVs, including one in the men’s bathroom, so that you won’t miss a goal, homerun, or touchdown! Add that to the menu and wi-fi and you have yourself a place for everyone.

Thanks again for having us out on your opening day! We are happy to have you in the community and look forward to many wonderful dining experiences.

Enjoying the renovations at the Boys & Girls Club of Lacey.

2011 Business Awards The Lacey Chamber of Commerce is requesting business nominations from the membership for our annual business awards. Businesses nominated should demonstrate a positive impact on the local economy and be a strong advocate for the Lacey Chamber through their partnerships, contributions, and commitment. The categories are: New Business, Small Business, Medium Business, and Corporate Business. A nomination form is included in this month’s newsletter. Please fill it out and return it by October 17 via e-mail to tsalas@laceychamber.com or fax 491-9403. Thank you and we look forward to your input.

Winners will be announced at

The official ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the opening day of the Native New Yorker.

10

the November 2 Forum.

October 2011

Military Rewards

By Thane Bryenton, RelyLocal—Olympia

A

s a proud member of the Lacey Chamber Of Commerce for over a year, it has been RelyLocal’s goal to work in the same community spirit as the Chamber. Our mutual goal is to promote local businesses of Thurston County!

It has been our mission to show local business owners how to promote themselves by capitalizing on all the new technologies and social media marketing that is available today. This is a fast paced generation that we live in, and, as business people, we need to find the way our customers will, and expect to, look for us.

It is getting easier and easier for businesses, depending on legacy advertising methods, to be overlooked. This is why I launched RelyLocal.

We are currently introducing a new twist to an old idea—the “discount card.” In the past, these cards have been limited to just a few businesses in a small area. However, they can be effective fund-raisers.

Today’s RelyLocal Rewards Card is now web-based and can be used across the street, across town, and across the nation. You carry a physical card, but all discounts can be checked on a dayto-day basis with your smart phone or by simply logging on to your computer.

• As a business owner, you can even change your specials just as easily. For example, if you should want to have a lunch special that is not on the menu, with today’s discount cards you now have a way to make that change in minutes and target those people that have the card that your business is attached to.

• Card holders can save a few cents on a daily coffee to hundreds of dollars on auto or home repairs.

• RelyLocal has become one of the leaders of these cards and is actively placing 100s of Rewards Cards in the hands of local customers that you are seeking.

Not only has RelyLocal been able to open advertising on a twoway level, we have been involved in several successful fundraising efforts to help with local causes.

And now, we have chosen our next mission; as a community, we often thank our military and hold special appreciation days to show our support. RelyLocal, with your help throughout the month of October, will provide to Thurston County active duty military a free $10.00 RelyLocal Rewards Card for every card that is sold in the community.

RelyLocal is not just one company….we are the business community of Thurston County and we feel that this is just the right thing to do. As such, we wish to thank our military more than words can express. So, action is now the order of the day. It is up to all of us to express, through action, the appreciation we hold for those that protect us and our way of live.

To find out how you can help and how to purchase a Rewards Card for you, your family, or as client appreciation gifts, please contact Thane Bryenton at 360.556.9696 or John O’Callahan at 360.259.1704. Thank you!

Military Affairs Update

By Carlene Joseph, Harborstone Credit Union, Military Affairs Committee Chair

W

ell you’ve probably already heard rumors that Lacey’s Community Connector Unit, the 3-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT), is deploying in December. The rumors are true. So, we are now gearing up to plan a going away party for the Company commanders and their Adopt-A-Units so the Lacey community can wish them a safe trip to Afghanistan.

This means, when they leave, our town will have less soldiers, but their service allows us to be safe and secure right here at home.

out all the stops to raise enough money to welcome them home in December 2012. The Lacey Chamber is involved with the local Subchapter of the Association of the United States Army. If you’re interested in helping us with the planning, please contact me at 253-312-9279. Last year, we were successful with our fundraising efforts and welcomed back 5,000 soldiers. We need to do this again, but this time, we have more time to plan.

Finally, if your business is interested in adopting a unit, please contact me immediately. The amount of time and effort you spend on the program primarily depends on you and the commander you work with. No matter how much time you have available, please contact me today to participate in this wonderful opportunity

We need your help folks... We expect them to be deployed for approximately one year. This means that we need to pull

October 2011

11

The Lacey Chamber of Commerce 8300 Quinault Dr. NE, Suite A Lacey, WA 98516 Phone: (360) 491-4141 Fax: (360) 491-9403 E-mail: info@laceychamber.com Website: www.laceychamber.com

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage Paid Olympia, WA Permit No. 60

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

BOOM!

SPARK!

IGNITE!

Mike Wolfe

“Local branding on a world of products.”

ORIGINAL

October 2011

13

14

October 2011

October 2011

15

16

October 2011

October 2011

17

18

October 2011

October 2011

19