CHALK LINE
Letter from the Executive Officer, Angela White
Letter from the 2024 OMB President, Chris Winters
What's New: OMB At-A-Glance
Home Builder's EXPO
TACH Endorsed Candidates Voters Guide
CHALK LINE magazine
2024 EDITION - ISSUE #5
ANGELA WHITE EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Election Day is November 5th, and it is quickly approaching. 2024 is an important election year that has the ability to affect the building industry on many levels. It is vital that we encourage our friends and family members not only to vote, but to take a close look into who and what they are voting for.
We have all seen the impacts of inflation on our daily lives and businesses, and we can help make a positive financial impact through supporting the initiatives that are on the ballot this November. Initiatives such as 2066, repealing the natural gas ban and 2117 repealing the Climate Commitment Act, are two that could help ease the burden of the high cost of building these days. After all, our mission at Olympia Master Builders is to help provide affordable housing for all segments of society.
It is also important for us to do our due diligence when it comes to the candidates we vote for. Keep in mind that those who hold the offices we vote for have a direct impact on us in the building industry, but also us as citizens. The Affordable Housing Council (TAHC) has once again done an outstanding job of evaluating and interviewing those running for office and have continued to identify candidates that are supportive of housing and development, as well as businesses and business owners. Be sure to read all about the candidates they endorsed on pages 7-11 of this issue.
Once again, voting in the upcoming election is vital to our industry. Your voice does matter, so get out and vote on November 5th!
The Olympia Master Builders is a professional trade association representing 470 member companies located in Thurston, Lewis, Grays Harbor, Mason and Pacific Counties. Our members come from all sectors of the building trades and are committed to “building strong communities, one home at a time.”
President – Chris Winters
First Vice President – Jeff Kuster
Second Vice President – Gina Carlson
Treasurer – Kim Asay
Associate Vice President – Rusty Ruiz
Second Associate Vice President – Daniel Berner
Secretary – Christina Janis
Immediate Past President – Becky Rieger
Builder Director – Daniel Doyle
Builder Director – Maddy Cantrell
Builder Director – Kai Fyrst
Associate Director – Nichole Saeger
Associate Director – Melissa Kirkeby
Builder – Chris Winters
Builder – Daniel Doyle
Associate – Linda Mosier Vaudt
Builder – Chris Winters
Builder – Ryann Blake
Builder – Andrew Spear
Builder – John Johnson
Builder – Karen McClennen
Builder – Kai Fyrst
Builder – Rob Cook
Builder – Mark Shepard
Associate – Daniel Doyle
Associate – Janine Ezzell
Associate – Debbi Boyd
Associate – Chad Pearson
Associate – Bob Kagy
Associate – Melissa Stone BUILDER AT LARGE Karen McClennen GRAYS HARBOR CHAPTER
– Ryann Blake, Chimney Techniques, Inc.
– John Johnson, Johnson Custom Homes
– Andrew Spear, Andrew Spear Construction, LLC
COUNSEL
Law Office, PLLC
ASSOCIATION STAFF
Executive Officer – Angela White
Events Director – Brianna Bedell
Communications Director – Jill Williams
Membership Director – Jenn Wasson
Government Affairs Director – Jessie Simmons
Office Administrator – Rodolfo Bonilla Franco
Business Development Associate – Sallee Turner
2024
CHRIS WINTERS BOARD PRESIDENT
Election Day is almost upon us and we all need to make sure we get out and VOTE! It’s also important to encourage employees, co-workers, friends and family members to vote. Elections have an impact on the atmosphere in which you work, and they can directly impact your personal life.
As far as the home building industry goes, people that hold local office have a serious immediate effect on how you do business. They make choices daily that impact the industry, and their leadership sets the tone for the staff you work with in your local jurisdictions.
For the last several months, TAHC has been working diligently to find the candidates that best represent a collection of professional people and their ideas that will keep our mission at the forefront of conversation in their role.
What is TAHC? The Affordable Housing Council is the Political Action Committee for the Olympia Master Builders (OMB).
TAHC offers endorsements and financial support for political candidates who understand and support the mission of OMB – to provide affordable housing for all economic segments of society.
TAHC is non-partisan. Champions of the OMB mission come from all sides of the political aisle.
Through a rigorous questionnaire and interview process, TAHC has found the following candidates on pages 7-11 to be true housing champions.
Please vote for the November 5th elections. It is more important than ever to exercise your right to participate in the process. Please see pages 7-11 for a look at candidates endorsed by The Affordable Housing Council.
WHATS NEWat-a-glance
Leave us a review!
As we rely on our happy members & customer reviews to grow our association, it would mean the world to us if you could spare a few minutes of your time to leave us a review with your thoughts on our association too! Here are ways you can help review the services we provide.
GOOGLE REVIEW
Visit our Google business profile page at Olympia Master Builders. https://g.page/r/CbbuIjLLuZNOEBM/review
Leave us a review on Facebook at @olympiamasterbuilders. https://www.facebook.com/olympiamasterbuilders/reviews
HARVEST IN DISGUISE
the BUILDERS of OMB! HOME BUILDERS EXPO
NOVEMBER
7, 2024
Indian Summer Golf & Country Club I 5pm-8pm
CALLING ALL BUILDERS!
This event was created FOR YOU! A great opportunity for you to meet our associate members and learn about their products, as well as discover new products out there. The evening includes time to peruse vendor tables, heavy appetizers, a drink ticket, and the opportunity to win great prizes!
Each builder company will receive one free event ticket! Additional tickets are $45.00. Deadline to register is NOON on Friday, November 1st!
CALLING ALL ASSOCIATES!
Now is your chance to WOW our Builders! Whether you want to showcase a new product, or inform them about your company, this event is for you!
The Homebuilders Expo is similar to our Home Show, but on a smaller scale, with Builders as the customer rather than the general public. We have limited space, so book your table today!
OMB MEMBER PRICING
Full 8’ Table $275 (includes one event ticket)
Full 6’ Table $250 (includes one event ticket)
Half 4’ Table: $175 (shared with another vendor, no event ticket included)
Event Ticket: $45
NON-MEMBER PRICING
Full 8’ Table $375 (includes one event ticket)
Full 6’ Table* $350 (includes one event ticket)
Event Ticket: $45
RSVP'S ARE REQUIRED TO GUARANTEE YOUR MEAL.
THANK YOU TO OUR MAIN EVENT SPONSOR
VOTERS TERSguide
TAHC ENDORSED
CAROLINA MEJIA
Thurston County County Commissioner, District 1
Carolina was fortunate to have not drawn an opponent in pursuit of her second term. However, that has by no means dissuaded her from putting in the work to get elected. She continues to make contact with constituents and stakeholders across the county and engage on difficult topics. In her service to the community, she has remained a fair and steady-handed commissioner. Although she does not have an opponent, TAHC saw fit to recognize her hard work, her fairness, and her common-sense approach to all issues facing the county. TAHC feels Commissioner Mejia is both reasonable and approachable, and that she will continue to keep an open-door policy with OMB and its members. TAHC recommends a vote of support for Carolina Mejia for the role of Thurston County Commissioner in District 1.
JW FOSTER
Port of Olympia Commissioner, District 2
TAHC interviewed both candidates in this race. There was no greater contrast when it came to the proposed solutions to the housing crisis than in this race. When it comes to the ability to fully grasp the problem and what is involved in a solution that includes everyone, JW Foster was clear and concise. He will undoubtedly make a valuable replacement for the retiring friend of our industry in Gary Edwards. JW is a solutions-oriented guy, but also depends heavily on a reasoned analysis of all the players involved. His military background is well-displayed in the form of professionalism and the ability to get the job done. And his experience as the Mayor of Yelm will help him carry a solid understanding of the issues facing the county to the Board of County Commissioners. TAHC is sure footed in its recommendation of JW Foster for the role of Thurston County Commissioner in District 2.
THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING COUNCIL
These candidates have been endorsed by The Affordable Housing Council (TAHC), OMB’s political action committee. TAHC focuses on endorsing candidates who understand and support issues within the building industry.
ENDORSED CANDIDATES
SEAN SWOPE
Lewis County Commissioner, District 1
Sean has served one term already on the Lewis County Commission. He is looking to return and continue to advocate for more industry priorities like streamlining permit timelines and removing burdensome regulatory barriers that stop projects from getting built. In one of the fastest growing communities in all of Washington, TAHC believes it is especially important to elect those who are familiar with the daily challenges of our industry.
TAHC recommends Sean Swope for Lewis County Commissioner, in District 2, because he has and will continue to be a true housing champion and rise to this moment.
In the political world, every year is an election year. This year we have some important races from local county commissions on up to the President of the United States. For our membership, the most impactful elections are at the local and state levels.
TAHC reviewed candidate questionnaires and interviewed candidates prior to making endorsements.
TAHC ENDORSED
GEORGIA MILLER
Grays Harbor County Commissioner,
District
1
Georgia has shown throughout this election that she is willing to do the work to get the job done. Whether it is campaigning across the county and reaching as many voters as possible or tackling the task of removing unnecessary barriers and allowing the county to grow in a positive way, TAHC is confident that Georgia is a fighter and the hardest working candidate in Grays Harbor. Georgia will likely have to replace many pairs of shoes over the next 4 years, because she is the boots on the ground for the people of her community. TAHC recommends Georgia Miller for the role of Grays Harbor County Commissioner in District 1, because the industry and the county need someone who will go to bat for them in a county that often feels left out of the conversations around housing and the crisis we’re facing.
BRIAN BLAKE
Grays Harbor County Commissioner, District 2
Brian is a seasoned public servant with almost 20 years of service in the State Legislature. Throughout his career, he has worked across the aisle on issues important to rural economies including policy action around farming, forest protection, fisheries, and wildlife management. Securing funding to upgrade and sustain infrastructure in Grays Harbor has been a significant focus of Brian’s career. TAHC believes Brian is steadfast in his focus to serve the people of Grays Harbor County, and that he will be a force for positive growth throughout his term in office. TAHC recommends Brian Blake for Grays Harbor County Commissioner in District 2.
THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING COUNCIL
These candidates have been endorsed by The Affordable Housing Council (TAHC), OMB’s political action committee. TAHC focuses on endorsing candidates who understand and support issues within the building industry.
ENDORSED CANDIDATES
Washington Affordable Housing Council (WAHC) also recommends support for the following candidates for the legislature and statewide offices that impact our members:
Governor (Statewide)
• Dave Reichert
Lt. Governor (Statewide)
• Denny Heck
Secretary of State (Statewide)
• Steve Hobbs
State Auditor (Statewide)
• Pat McCarthy
Commissioner of Public Lands (Statewide)
• Jamie Herrera-Beutler
2nd Legislative District
(Pierce and Thurston counties)
• Andrew Barkis for Representative
• John Snaza for Representative
• Jim McCune for Senator
19th Legislative District
(Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Lewis, Pacific, Wahkiakum counties)
• Jim Walsh for Representative
• Jeff Wilson for Senator
• Joel McEntire for Representative
20th Legislative District
(Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, Thurston counties)
• John Braun for Senator
• Peter Abbarno for Representative
• Ed Orcutt for Representative
22nd Legislative District (Olympia)
• Lisa Parshley for Representative
• Jessica Bateman for Senator
24th Legislative District
(Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson counties)
• Mike Chapman for Senator
• Steve Tharinger for Representative
35th Legislative District
(Kitsap, Mason, Thurston counties)
• Travis Couture for Representative
• Dan Griffey for Representative
What is TAHC (The Affordable Housing Council)
• TAHC is the Political Action Committee for the Olympia Master Builders (OMB).
• TAHC provides endorsements and financial support to political candidates who understand and support the mission of OMB – to provide affordable housing for all economic segments of society.
• Members of OMB can pay $125 to become a TAHC Trustee.
• TAHC Trustees play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the homebuilding industry in Thurston, Lewis, Mason, Grays Harbor, and Pacific Counties.
You Shape the Future!
• If you are part of the homebuilding industry in Thurston, Lewis, Mason, Grays Harbor, or Pacific County, TAHC should be an ESSENTIAL component of your business strategy.
• Your participation and support impacts REAL change in local government.
• Your local jurisdiction has the most immediate impact on the success of your business.
• TAHC is non-partisan and is focused on supporting “H” (for housing) candidates first.
• Joining TAHC instantly multiplies the power of your industry.
The Bottom Line…
If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu. Join TAHC TODAY!!! The best choice for the future of your business.
DONATE TO TAHC
Bronze Level Donor – $40
Silver Level Donor – $100
Become a Trustee – $125
Gold Level Donor – $250
Platinum Level Donor – $500
The Bottom Line… If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu. Join TAHC TODAY!!!
The best choice for the future of your business. For more information, contact Jessie at ga@omb.org.
INDUSTRY ADVOCACY
JESSIE SIMMONS OMB GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS DIRECTOR
HAVE YOU PARTICIPATED IN YOUR LOCAL COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE PROCESS?
WHY THIS MATTERS TO YOU:
Comprehensive Planning at jurisdictions will impact your ability to do business and build housing for the next 20 years. They include policies around economy, land use, zoning, housing and more. The overarching goal of the comprehensive plan is to place local control over local priorities. Make time to be part of the “locals” that are giving input! These plans are only available to update and edit every 10 years, and now is your time to determine what you want your community to look like shifting toward 2045, and to ensure that affordable housing for all economic segments of society is a priority!
Lewis County Updates
District seeks a volunteer for the Chehalis River Basin Flood Control Zone Advisory Board
The Chehalis River Basin Flood Control Zone District is seeking a volunteer to serve on the Chehalis River Basin Flood Control Zone Advisory Board, providing input and guidance on the Advisory Committee for a two-year term expiring Sept. 30, 2026. Application packets are available by visiting the “BOCC News” section at the bottom of the Board of County Commissioners’ web page at https://lewiscountywa.gov/offices/commissioners/. Residents interested in serving on the board are asked to submit an application and a letter of interest
City of Chehalis – The city would like residents to take a short survey and give input on the city’s downtown renovation project. Scan the following QR Code and help guide the future of downtown Chehalis:
City of Centralia – Just like most major jurisdictions around the state, the city of Centralia is currently asking for input on their comprehensive plan. The Comprehensive Plan describes the 20-year vision for the City of Centralia and how that vision will be accomplished. The Plan develops goals, policies, and implementation strategies that guide the community-driven vision. The Plan includes elements that discuss land use, housing, economic development, environment, historic preservation, transportation, public facilities, utilities, capital facilities, parks, recreation, and open space. Centralia's first Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 1960 and has been updated regularly. The City’s first GMA comprehensive Plan was adopted in 1998, and periodic updates have occurred since, with the last update taking place in 2018 and last amended in 2022. Information on how to get involved can be found at: https://www.cityofcentralia.com/563/2025-Comprehensive-Plan-Update
Committee Chair Spotlight:
DEBBI BOYD, REAL ESTATE OF THE SOUTH SOUND THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING COUNCIL (TAHC)
Debbi Boyd with Real Estate of the South Sound has been Chair of The Affordable Housing Council of the Olympia Master Builders (TAHC) since 2020. Despite the obstacles of the pandemic, she has helped build a committee of 15 trustees that bring a variety of ideas and background to the table. She promotes extensive research on candidates and initiatives, and thorough discussion in committee meetings. The result has been support for housing champions across the political spectrum, regardless of ideology or party, and discussions that continuously raise curiosity in candidates about the full scope of issues facing the homebuilding industry.
Debbi also brings a wealth of experience to the council including standing as a BIAW National Associate since 2020, having been founding Chair of the OMB Professional Women in Building committee from 2022 to 2023, BIAW Associate of the Year in 2021, and a trustee on BIAW’s Washington Affordable Housing Council (WAHC) since 2018. We at OMB would like to express our appreciation for Debbi and her continued commitment to the success of OMB and the entire building industry.
GOLF TOURNAMENT
Membership recruitment
As we enter into autumn and get back into our normal routines, it is a great time to refocus on our efforts to recruit new members to OMB. The benefits of membership are numerous, and while our active members understand how Olympia Master Builders can benefit their businesses, there are many company owners that continue to be hesitant about signing up.
There are many reasons companies give as to why they choose not to join OMB, and no one appreciates high pressure sales (think time share presentations!), leaving recruiters walking that fine line between educating potential members on why they should join, without being too pushy. So, what is the best way to deal with the “No’s” you may encounter when recruiting a new member?
One of the main reasons companies state as to why they don’t want to join OMB is time. As we all know, time is a hot commodity in this day and age, and no one understands this better than business owners. Often the reason given regarding a lack of time, is one of two things, “I don’t have the time to be involved” or “I’m already busy enough and don’t need the business”. While both reasons are completely understandable, it is important to illustrate how OMB is still a good investment for them. Below are some ways to navigate the conversation when someone uses the lack of time as a reason not to join:
“I don’t have the time to be involved right now”:
• You don’t have to attend every event or meeting. Prioritize what meetings and events you think will benefit your business the most.
• If you don’t have time to attend things, send an employee to make connections.
• Be involved when you do have the time
• Remember, even when you aren’t able to be involved, your membership is still working for you behind the scenes through benefits such as industry advocacy, being listed in the online directory, and the multiple advertising opportunities you can take advantage of.
“I have enough business and don’t need any more”:
• There’s more to your membership than getting more business including making connections, educational opportunities and industry advocacy at multiple levels from local to national
• OMB can help support your company involving issues like permitting times, required certifications, and changes in codes and other relevant policies
• You never know what can happen in the future. Having enough business now is a reason to celebrate, but being prepared and having several strong connections throughout the building industry is crucial for situations like future down turns in the economy, or a decline in leads due to any number of factors beyond your control.
We still have more time to grow our membership this year! So, the next time you are talking about the benefits of OMB, keep these ideas in mind. Each member we bring in helps us keep the association strong and vital for the future!
Sponsor: Karen McClennen
John Johnson
Sponsor: Kim Asay
Ryann Blake
Andrew Spear
Mark Brown
thank you to our Renewing Members!
Renewed in July-August 2024
1-4 YEARS
Inspire Homes
Madrona Pest Control
Edward Jones-Julie Randich
Devaney Electric Co.
Kaizen Custom Homes
Blue Star Gas
South Sound Towing
Baker All Phase Construction & Remodel, LLC
Pro Quality Northwest
EOS Homes, LLC
Country Custom Homes MTN@COAST
Crescent Lighting Supply
Scott Wall Construction, Inc.
Signarama-Lacey
West Pro Painting, Inc.
Extreme Excavation
Toepelt Log, Inc.
The Landall Group, LLC
5-9 YEARS
South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity
Louws Truss, Inc.
Doyle Construction, LLC
John L. Scott-Centralia
R4 Contractors, LLC
General Sheet Metal, Inc.
Family Man Remodeling
Premier Stone & Quartz, LLC
Curb Master, Inc.
American Pump & Drilling
Lifetime Granite
High Definition Homes
Water Doctor of Washington, Inc.
M & C Drywall, Inc.
10-14 YEARS
Premier Power Electric, LLC
Dunamis Interiors & Design Build
Edward Jones Investments
Trimtek, Inc.
Alderbrook Properties
Bliss & Tuttle Certified Public Accountants
15-19 YEARS
Brumfield Construction, Inc.
KC Maintenance Services
Capital Electric, Inc.
Virgil Adams Real Estate, Inc.
A-1 Roofing, Inc.
Allied Electric Service, Inc.
20-24 YEARS
Goebel Septic Tank Service, Inc.
Johnson Custom Homes, LLC
Great Floors
Heritage Restoration, Inc.
Express Employment Professionals
Hung Right Doors
Alderbrook Quarry, Inc.
Town & Country Roofing, Inc.
John J. Karnas Co.
John Erwin Remodeling, Inc.
25-29 YEARS
Andrew Spear Construction, LLC
Lacey Door & Millwork, Inc.
Ford Electric Company, Inc.
30 + 39 YEARS
McMeekin Construction, Inc.
CH20, Inc.
Rainier Valley Construction
Adroit Contractors, Inc.
Doors Unlimited, Inc.
40 + YEARS
Puget Sound Energy
First American Title Insurance
B & R Flooring America
1211 STATE AVE. NE OLYMPIA, WA 98506
$1.25 per copy
360-754-0912 800-456-6473 www.omb.org
