N O V E M B E R
T H U R S T O N
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C O U N T Y
Seldens: Making Your House Feel Like A Home for 80 Years
C H A M B E R
Dirty Dave's Makes Family Memories and Pizza from Scratch
Shur Kleen:
Lacey-Based Innovators in the Car Wash Industry
GROWING A PROSPEROUS ECONOMY & VIBRANT COMMUNITY
“ It’s a closeness we never
”
imagined having with a bank. SOFIE LANDIS & CHRIS PROCTOR
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November 2021
THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER VOICE MAGAZINE
Visit ThurstonChamber.com and click on the Events Calendar for the latest information regarding Chamber events. Join our Morning Mixxer host, Chicago Title, at 676 Woodland Square Lp SE, Suite #405, Lacey, WA 98503 on Tuesday, November 2, at 7:30 a.m. Morning Mixxer is free to attend and is held the first Tuesday of each month. These networking events are great for making new business connections within the community. MIXX 96.1 proudly sponsors Morning Mixxer.
Join our host, River's Edge at 4611 Tumwater Valley Dr, Tumwater, WA 98512 on Thursday, November 4 at 5:30 p.m. for the Thurston Young Professionals Monthly Networking Event. Enjoy bites & beverages as you expand your network! All are welcome – invite other 20 to 30-year-olds so they can expand their networks and get to know all the fantastic young professionals in our community. The Thurston Chamber invites the community to attend our November Forum on Wednesday, November 10 at 11:30 a.m. at the Olympia Hotel at Capitol Lake (formerly Hotel RL), 2300 Evergreen Park Drive SW, Olympia, WA 98502. This event will feature former Washington State Governor Chris Gregoire speaking about Challenge Seattle and how to resolve chronic homelessness to ensure our region will thrive as one of the most vibrant in the world.
After Hours
Business After Hours is back and in-person! Join our host Academy of Aesthetic Arts, in-person, at 4520 Lacey Blvd SE #9, Lacey, WA 98503, on Thursday, November 18 at 5:30 p.m., for mingling and networking with other business professionals, playing games, beverages and appetizers. ROXY 94.5 proudly sponsors Business After Hours.
We will observe Washington State Department of Health and Thurston County Public Health and Social Services' guidance at every event. Thank You Sponsors!
thurstonchamber.com
In This Issue... Shur-Kleen Car Wash p. 7 Lacey-based company is innovating the car wash industry with its green cleaning products.
Making Your House A Home for 80 Years p. 11 Seldens has served as a complete home furnishings destination in the Pacific Northwest since 1940.
Making Family Memories & Pizza from Scratch p. 15 Committed to community causes and a family-friendly environment, Dirty Dave's Pizza has been a local favorite for almost 50 years.
New Members p. 19 Join the Chamber in welcoming our newest member businesses!
LTC Class of 2022 p. 21 Congratulations are in order! Leadership Thurston County Class of 2022 has graduated!
Caught in the Lens p. 22 Keep up with the latest Chamber happenings and see all of the great smiles that make up our Chamber membership!
The VOICE is FSC® Certified. The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC), is a non-profit organization that sets certain high standards to make sure that forestry is practiced in an environmentally responsible and socially beneficial manner.
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magazine PUBLISHER Thurston County Chamber of Commerce EDITORIAL David Schaffert 360-357-3362 dschaffert@thurstonchamber.com CONTRIBUTORS Doug Mah Doria Maselli Kathryn Millhorn Heidi Smith ADVERTISING Sales & Marketing: Krystal Barkus Elizabeth Bretschneider Ashley Chandler SUBSCRIPTIONS 360-357-3362 info@thurstonchamber.com DESIGN Ben Hawkes Mosaic Marketing Studio COVER Pictured: Shur-Kleen's COO, Liberty Hetzler and CEO, Andy Ryder at the Lacey Shur-Kleen Car Wash. Photo by Natasha Ashenhurst. PRINTING Print NW CONTACT THE CHAMBER 809 Legion Way SE Olympia, WA 98507 360-357-3362 info@thurstonchamber.com thurstonchamber.com
The Power of Business by Doug Mah, Doug Mah & Associates, Thurston Chamber Director of Public Policy
Focus, efficiency, and innovation are all necessary components for a successful enterprise - especially those operating in the private sector. Imagine all that we have solved, and can solve, when we unleash the power of business on some of our most pressing community problems. This is exactly what Challenge Seattle is doing. Challenge Seattle is an alliance of CEOs from 21 of the region’s largest employers. Together, they have made organizational and personal commitments to take on the challenge of ensuring the greater Seattle area continues to thrive as one of the most vibrant, innovative, and globally competitive regions in the world. The private sector is showing up at the public policy table in a very real and tangible fashion. Specifically, Challenge Seattle has focused on two significant issues: homelessness and racial equity. Their approach and game plan are straight forward: Identify a goal. Assemble data
and research. Rapidly develop an action plan. Strengthen partnerships. Influence and compel others to join and act. As Challenge Seattle focuses on homelessness and racial equity, they successfully articulate the moral and business imperative for immediate action as a partner with Government at all levels. Challenge Seattle is demonstrating that community interests are the same as business interests. The Thurston Chamber’s Public Policy Division is carefully monitoring Challenge Seattle’s successes and actions. As the seat of State Government, we will have a front row seat and ample opportunity to join Challenge Seattle as we continue working to bring private sector interests and innovative thinking to the public policy table at the State, regional, and local levels. Members of the Thurston Chamber consistently bring focus, efficiency, and innovation to work every day. Imagine what we can solve when we unleash the power of business on our most pressing community problems.
THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER BUILDING COMMUNITY PROSPERITY SINCE 1874 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. ©2021 VOICE Magazine, Thurston County Chamber.
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Thurston County Chamber VOICE
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Shur-Kleen Car Wash HOW A LACEY-BASED COMPANY'S INNOVATIONS HAVE CHANGED THE CAR WASH INDUSTRY by Heidi Smith
Neither Andy Ryder nor Liberty Hetzler ever planned to own a car wash business. He dreamed of becoming an orthodontist and had a fascination with politics, while she had a successful career at an engineering firm before joining the industry. But as is so often the case with best-laid plans, theirs took a turn.
Shur-Kleen's COO, Liberty Hetzler and CEO, Andy Ryder, in front of the Lacey Shur Kleen Car Wash. car wash company in Lakewood. “The person selling it had been in the same location since 1951 and it had a built-in clientele,” he says. “It was in a great spot.”
One of his first innovations was the flexible wash model. The former owner offered full-service washes, which included the inside of the car. Employees had to drive the car in and out of the inside cleaning station, creating a degree of liability for the Today, the former spouses are co-owners of seven Shur-Kleen Car company which Ryder, as a new owner, couldn’t afford. But he Wash locations in three counties. Over the past two decades, they’ve developed innovations that impacted the industry, leading noticed a space near the exit of the washing station where drivers who wanted full service could pull off to have it cleaned without the charge on green cleaning products and inventing the Flex Serve Car Wash model. Ryder, who joined the Lacey City Council in ever needing a staff member to drive their vehicle. “I created two inside packages and that was the start of the flexible car wash 2010 and has been Mayor of Lacey since 2014, is CEO and Hetzler is the Chief Operating Officer in charge of daily operations. model which you now see all over the United States,” says Ryder. “A good idea spreads quickly.” Ryder initially connected with the industry through his parents. His mother Shirley was the president of the Northwest Car Wash By 2004, he had built a new car wash facility at Joint Base Lewis Association, the first female to hold that role with any car wash McChord (JBLM), the first public/private partnership to exist on association in the United States. She purchased her first car wash the base. Hetzler, his wife at the time, was only loosely involved in 1985 and named it ‘Shur-Kleen’ as a play on her first name. in the business But then tragedy struck. Ryder’s mom Shirley Ryder grew up in the family business but had no plans to join it suffered a catastrophic stroke. She had been responsible for until one day in 1998 when an opportunity arose to purchase a all the business aspects of Shur-Kleen and if the company were thurstonchamber.com
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For more information about hiring a Morningside client visit our website… 8 I
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to continue, someone would need to step in. “I resigned from my job at the engineering firm that day,” says Hetzler. “It was the most overwhelming experience because I knew nothing about the car wash business.” She leaned into the business and operations side and hasn’t looked back. In 2009, Hetzler and Ryder purchased the Shur-Kleen corporation from the family and became full owners. Their next innovation focused on developing environmentally friendly cleaning products for all their locations. Shur-Kleen had always recycled its water, but at the time, most businesses used hydrochloric acid and other caustic chemicals in the wash cycle. Ryder and his general manager flew to Atlanta to meet with representatives from Zep, the second largest provider of car wash products in the country. “They asked us how they could earn our business, and I told them, ‘We need a green line of car washing products,’” he recalls. “We’re going to have to find a better, more environmentally friendly way to do business.’ So, we helped produce one of the first lines of green products. Today, you can’t find a provider that isn’t green.” Although the company has evolved, one thing that hasn’t changed is its culture. “It October 2021
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feels like a family,” says Hetzler. “Taking care of our team and their families is our number one priority. Many of our staff start working with us when they’re in high school and come back on breaks from a traditional college or junior college. Seeing them succeed in life and knowing that we’ve had some impact and influence on these young people is an incredible feeling.” Recently, Shur-Kleen added a new option for clients: a monthly ‘Kleen Pass’ that offers unlimited washes for a flat fee. Particularly in the time of COVID-19 and all the uncertainty it generates, the pass is a way to ensure stable income. “It’s become a very popular choice for our customers,” says Ryder. “They can wash their car every day if they choose and it’s all touchless, so they don’t have to hand us a card or interact with anyone.” Shur-Kleen didn’t invent the idea, but it’s one more adaptive measure from a company that has been an innovator in the industry multiple times. “It’s just another fun project to get involved with,” says Hetzler. “There is always something new to focus on. We have a lot of exciting things coming up in the next year. We’re focusing on the monthly club plan and getting the cost of it to our customers as low as possible.”
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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
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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
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SELDENS Making Your House A Home for 80Years by Kathryn Millhorn • Photos courtesy of Seldens
They say home is where the heart is. But chairs, tables, beds, and a really comfy sofa help too. At Seldens Furniture, they’ve turned houses into homes for the past 80 years and are still going strong today. Though times, tastes, and budgets may fluctuate, their team has been a complete home furnishings destination in the Pacific Northwest since 1940. The business opened its doors in April 1940 as a much simpler version of today’s lush, expansive showrooms. “The business opened with five employees and a back room stocked with rolls of linoleum, thurstonchamber.com
window shades, and carpeting,” explains Marketing Manager Kim Fuller. “It was their window coverings that would help them weather through the tough economic times in WWII as customers were anxious to purchase blackout blinds.” As with many long-time Western Washington businesses, Seldens also participated in government projects. These included jobs at what was then Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base (now Joint Base Lewis-McChord), Bremerton Naval Station, offices in Alaska, and around the Coulee Dam. “During 1944, the company delivered and installed 96 railroad carloads of asphalt tile in government buildings, becoming the West Coast's largest floor-
Larry Stevens, Store Manager
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covering outlet by volume,” says Fuller. “As the war ended, Seldens adjusted their inventory to the needs of the post-war era and became a full-service home furnishings center in 1957.” The Olympia showroom was the first generation Seldens branch and opened downtown in 1946. Over the years their address may have changed—starting at East Fourth Street before eventually ending in its current Legion Way location—but it has been a beloved fixture throughout.
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“In May 1974, the Olympia location was sold to George Koehler,” says Fuller. “Upon George’s retirement, his son Tim stepped in and managed the showroom until his retirement. In January 2019, Tim contacted the Seldens family about purchasing the Olympia showroom, an exciting opportunity for a third location, and bringing the Olympia showroom back into the Seldens family fold. Today the third and fourth generations are working to make the dream possible beyond the Pacific Northwest with the same trust and quality service that has
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
made our name stand strong.” On Saturday, October 9 the Seldens team hosted their 81st anniversary celebration. Amongst the festivities were in-store promotions which ran through Sunday, October 17 and offered one-third off many manufacturers’ suggested retail prices (MSRP). The Seldens family also regularly gives back to the community they’ve called home for so many years. “We work closely with NW
thurstonchamber.com
Kim Fuller, Marketing Manager
Furniture Bank, Amara, and LifeSpring in Bellevue,” says Fuller. “We also partner with the Children’s Home Society every November for Annual Coat Drive. We have collection boxes at each of our showrooms to gather winter coats, gloves, and hats for children and adults in our communities.”
doing so remain a flexible, easy, and truly welcoming process. First, visit their online showrooms at www.Seldens.com for inspiration. There you can see pieces for living, dining, and bedroom as well as items for your home office, accessories and mattresses, and even outdoor designs.
What do they hope the next 80 years will bring? The answer is simple and timeless: To continue to be the designer authority in the Then stop by one of their three showrooms: Pacific Northwest by designing exceptional Olympia, Tacoma, or Bellevue. “We experiences for their clients. And by understand purchasing furniture may be
intimidating and overwhelming,” admits Fuller. “Let us help guide you through the process; making it a fun and rewarding experience.” Seldens offers interior designers to work with your unique taste or simply let the pros draft a perfect room for any home. Just book an appointment, work with their skilled team, and sit back while white glove delivery service transforms or refreshes your home. You’ll find individual designer bios on their website. You can also see sample living spaces on Instagram and Pinterest (search @SeldensDesign) or Facebook (@Seldens). In 1940 gas was $0.11 a gallon and a new home averaged $3,920. John Lennon, Richard Pryor, Bruce Lee, and Jack Nicklaus were born, and the Tacoma Narrows Suspension Bridge (Gallopin’ Gertie) collapsed. It was also the first time Washingtonians could explore Seldens for those special items which transform any house into a home. Much has changed but families still gather around the dining room table or pile onto the couch for movie night. Thanks to Seldens, we can continue to do so comfortably well into the future.
thurstonchamber.com
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Accounts, Services and Loans for your business Dividend-earning business checking and savings accounts, digital check depositing, business lending and much more.
Call Alexis Alverson TwinStarCU.com/business Federally insured by the NCUA.
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Is there an elephant in your office?
Workplace conflict, lack of communication and incivility are common in many organizations, but, too often, ignored or avoided. The Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County provides a variety of resources to help businesses and organizations resolve conflict, prevent conflict and improve communication:
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Dirty Dave’s Makes Family Memories and Pizza From Scratch THE FAMILY RECIPE FOR PIZZA, PASTA, SANDWICHES AND SALADS IN THURSTON COUNTY FOR ALMOST 50 YEARS
by Doria Maselli
“I remember when I was a kid, and I used to tell people Dave of Dirty Dave’s Pizza Parlor was my grandfather, I felt kind of like I was related to a celebrity,” jokes Stephanie Hemphill. Stephanie is the Director of Marketing at Dirty Dave’s and granddaughter of Dave Wilson, founder of the restaurant which will celebrate its 50th Anniversary next year. When Wilson passed away in 2013, Stephanie’s father, Greg became the General Manager, and the restaurant remains family owned and operated. And to this day, almost everything on the menu is made from scratch. “Staff are here from 7:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. for food prep, and at about 1:30 p.m., we start rolling out the dough for pizza,” says Hemphill. A customer favorite, Dirty Dave’s French Caesar dressing, is a recipe created by Dave Wilson himself. I remember him carrying that recipe around on a piece of paper in his wallet,” says Hemphill. Known for its pizzas, pasta, sandwiches and salads, Dirty Dave’s also provides a very relaxed and family-friendly dining experience. “I have two young kids, and I know it can be stressful taking young kids out to eat and hoping for the best behavior, but things here are laid back and welcoming,” says Hemphill. There’s an arcade for enjoyment with some of the same games that have been there for decades and posters and decor certain to keep young minds occupied. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and closures, Dirty Dave’s was lucky to utilize their already existing Pick-up Window. “We were so lucky to have had our To-Go ordering system already in place,” says Hemphill. “This was the first time our staff and customers had experienced anything like this, and we were all learning as we went. We are so thankful to our staff and customers who were so patient and accommodating as we figured out the steps to navigate through.” Founder Dave Wilson felt passionate about community causes, and Dirty Dave’s is a proud P.I.E. Partner (North Thurston Public Schools Partners in Education) to Lacey Elementary. The P.I.E. program is designed as a partnership between a school and business to cultivate positive relationships that benefit education and student thurstonchamber.com
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An Elevated 55+ Waterfront Lifestyle Welcome to luxurious comforts, an urban oasis of conveniences, and spectacular waterfront views. With modern kitchens, ample storage, and light-filled open living and dining areas, Harbor Heights is perfect for singles or couples seeking an active lifestyle within a 55+ community. For those looking for adventure and convenience, there’s no better place to call home.
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learning. All Kids Win, formerly Homeless Backpacks, is a nonprofit committed to ending homelessness by giving teens the help they need so they can focus on school, go on to graduate and become contributing citizens. All Kids Win provides food for the weekend to homeless teens in Thurston County, and Dirty Dave’s Pizza Parlor is proud to be a partner in their mission through donations, volunteer support and food drives. Dirty Dave’s also sells unique merchandise, available to purchase in the restaurant. T-shirts and hats are available with fun and seasonal options. “My grandfather was so community minded and generous, and it’s great to hear from customers and friends how similar their current experiences in the restaurant feel to the ones they had 20 or more years ago,” says Hemphill.
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Welcome New Members 1107 West Bay LLC 360-866-2000 Real Estate ADP 253-318-4917 adp.com Business and Professional Services, Human Capital Management Affordable Dentures and Implants 360-357-9919 affordabledentures.com Dental – Health Care Biotics Research NW 800-636-6913 bioticsnw.com Personal Services & Care C2 3D 360-259-4389 ctwo3d.com Manufacturing, Production and Wholesale Capital Injury Law, PS 360-209-3360 capitalinjurylaw.com Legal CSL Plasma 360-764-2385 cslplasma.com/center/ wa/517-olympia-517 Health Care Earl and Angelina Jefferson – Tumwater City Council 360-349-1878 facebook.com/ VoteAngelaJefferson Government, Education and Individuals Edward Jones Investments Jessica Vets, Financial Advisor 206-459-9786 jessica.vets@edwardjones.com Finance, Insurance and Investment Services Enlightenment Home Care 360-339-5403 enlightenmenthomecare.com Personal Services and Care
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FairVote Washington – Thurston Chapter thurstonchapter@ fairvotewa.org Community Organizations German Car Service 360-491-6443 germancarserviceolympia.com Automotive and Marine Good Times Childcare Center 253-448-3387 goodtimeschildcarecenter.com Childcare, Personal Services Great Northwest Federal Credit Union 360-533-9990 greatnwfcu.com Banks and Credit Unions Heritage Distilling Co. 253-509-0008 heritagedistilling.com Restaurants, Food and Beverage Heritage Distilling – Tumwater 360-229-7697 heritagedistilling.com Restaurants, Food and Beverage Interfaith Works 360-357-7224 interfaith-works.org Community Organizations John L. Scott – Talent Real Estate johnlscotttalent.com Real Estate Legal Shield – Jason Wells, Independent Agent 602-903-0594 Consultants Medicine Creek Cafe 360-200-7485 medicinecreekcafe.com Restaurants, Food and Beverage
Meyer's House of Travel 360-791-5843 meyershouseoftravel.com Travel Agency – Lodging
PARC (Parks, Arts, Recreation, and Cultural) Foundation of Thurston County 360-352-0980 parcfoundation.org Family, Community and Civic Organizations
Nisqually Communication Services 360-464-2893 nisquallycommunications.com Redline Communications Construction 800-513-1419 redlinecommunications.net Nisqually Construction Consultants Services 253-722-5928 nisquallyconstruction.com Construction Nisqually Markets 360-413-5892 nisquallymarkets.com Grocery Stores Nisqually Post & Print 360-338-6431 nisquallypostandprint.com Printing & Typesetting Services Olympia Community Solar 360-481-4020 olysol.org Family, Community and Civic Organizations Olympia Lamplighters 360-742-3107 olylamplighters.com Arts, Culture and Entertainment
Signarama Lacey 360-915-9207 signarama-lacey.com Advertising and Media Social Titan Marketing 360-621-0011 socialtitanmarketing.com Marketing Stress Relief Solutions 360-763-9439 massageboat.com Health Care Taildragger Coffee 360-915-9243 facebook.com/ taildraggercoffee Restaurants, Food and Beverage Targa Real Estate 253-815-0393 targarealestate.com Real Estate
Olympia Porta Potty 360-463-1615 olympicporta-potty.com Public Utilities and Environment
Teresa Marie Art & Design 360-866-1512 teresamarieartanddesign.com Arts and Crafts
Olympic Risk Consulting 253-310-6671 Consultants – Business and Professional Services
The Olympia Ballroom 360-789-6050 theolympiaballroom.com Facilities – Events and Conferences
Olympita 360-995-3323 Restaurants, Food and Beverage
Thurston County Veterans Services tcvs.us Personal Services and Care
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T-Mobile – Mobile Services 360-753-2190 t-mobile.com Consultants – Computers and Telecommunications Tony Taylor Inspires 253-267-3444 tonytaylorinspires.com Consultants TruIT 360-545-3201 TruIT.io Computer Services Truss Components of Washington, Inc. 360-753-0057 trusscomponents.com Manufacturing, Production and Wholesale Unite Us 844-786-4838 washington.uniteus.com Computers & Telecommunication Veterans Security Operations 253-722-3045 vetssec.com Security Services Vitality Renewal Centre 360-809-3766 vitalityrenewalcentre.com Beauty Salons and Spas Wellspring Cleaning Services 253-441-5358 wellspringcleaningservices.com Cleaning Services
#Thankful inThurston
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THURSTON GREEN BUSINESS NEWS
City of Olympia Receives Annual Awards for Improving Recycling
Washington State's Single-Use Plastic Bag Ban Began on October 1
The City of Olympia received two awards this year for work on improving its recycling program. First, the Washington State Recycling Association’s “2021 Public Sector Outreach of the Year Award”. The WSRA is a nonprofit membership organization that has been dedicated to supporting waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting in Washington since 1976.
Washington's Statewide single-use plastic bag ban goes into effect October 1, 2021. Initially set to go into effect on January 1, 2021, it was delayed due to compliant bag supply shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The second is from Resource Recycling for “Small City Recycler of the Year.” Resource Recycling is a national publication producing a Resource Recycling magazine and a national recycling conference. Both awards demonstrated the City of Olympia’s efforts and commitment to removing glass from its curbside collection program and improving the quality of material collected. Glass is a major contaminate in commingled recycling because it embeds into paper fibers. The City’s goals and actions were to remove glass and other nonaccepted materials from its curbside collection and improve the quality and value of the material collected. Provide its customers alternative drop-off sites to bring glass for reuse and reduce the costs of transporting and processing its recyclable material. The City used a focused approach to engage and educate its community using direct mailers, postcards, the annual collection schedule with material list, utility bill inserts, residential and commercial site visits, City website, residential Recycle Coach (a web and mobile app) and ESRI’s ARCGIS Collector App. In less than two months, the City significantly reduced the amount of glass in its comingled recycling stream. To help residents repurpose glass, the City set up three glass drop-off sites. The City sends the glass to Concrete Recyclers as an aggregate material. For more information contact: Ron Jones rjones@ci.olympia.wa.us. 20 I
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Plastic bags are a significant contaminant in Washington's recycling facilities, waterways, roadways, and environment. Washington's Plastic Bag Ban will reduce pollution by prohibiting single-use plastic carryout bags and charging a fee for acceptable bags in businesses beginning in October 2021. The bag ban applies to all retail, grocery and convenience store, restaurant or establishments offering take-out or delivery food or goods, temporary stores or vendors and any event where food or goods are sold or distributed. Banned bags include any single-use, plastic carry-out bag provided at delivery, check stand, cash register, point of sale, or other point of departure to a customer. Exceptions to the single-use plastic bag ban include consumers' use inside stores for bulk items, produce, frozen food, meat, fish, flowers, potted plants, prepared food or bakery goods, prescription drugs. Exempt bags include newspaper bags, mailing pouches, Sealed envelopes, door hanger bags, dry cleaning bags, bags sold in packages with multiple bags, like food storage, garbage, or pet waste. Allowed bags included paper bags made of at least 40% post-consumer recycled content or wheat straw. Paper bags must be labeled with their post-consumer recycled content. Thick, reusable plastic bags (at least 2.25 mil) made of at least 20% post-consumer recycled content. Must be labeled "Reusable" and have the mil thickness and post-consumer recycled content percentage printed on the bag. Businesses will charge an eight-cent per bag fee. Businesses collect and keep the entire 8 cents to recover some of the cost of providing the bags and incentivize customers to bring their own reusable bags. The charge must be shown as a taxable sale on the receipt provided to the customer. If a business elects to charge more than 8 cents, any amount over this minimum must be listed as a separate line item for tax purposes. For more info, visit Ecology.wa.gov/Bag-Ban or email bagban@ecy.wa.gov.
Visit thurstongreenbusiness.com for more information. Subscribe to the Thurston Green newsletter and keep up to date!
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Congratulations LTC CLASS OF 2022! The 31 talented public sector, private sector, and nonprofit leaders that make up the 28th class of Leadership Thurston County (LTC), began their journey in September. A 10-month community immersion learning experience, LTC is designed to develop informed, connected, and engaged community leaders. Since the first graduating class in 1994, LTC has been designed to assist participants in acquiring a broad understanding of the complex issues facing the South Puget Sound region and building relationships that will facilitate collaborative efforts to embrace opportunities and resolve challenges. Leadership Thurston County is the founding program of the Thurston County Chamber Foundation.
Join us in celebrating the Leadership Thurston County Class of 2022! Alysia Bean, Saint Martin's University
Elton James, Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council
Steven Besaw, LOTT Clean Water Alliance
Dr. Chung-Shing Lee, Saint Martin's University
Moriah Candler, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Washington Emily Madsen, Port of Olympia Shelly Carter, City of Tumwater Michael Malek, City of Yelm Ashley Chandler, Thurston County Chamber of Commerce Shawn Crimmins, City of Tumwater - Fire Department Sara Develle, MPA, Thurston County Commissioners Paul Frailey, Olympia Police Department Zoe French, TwinStar Credit Union Jessica Gould, Intercity Transit Susan Grisham, City of Olympia
Anna McBee, City of Lacey - Police Ryan Moore, Providence Erica Palkovitz, Columbia Bank Beth Schluter, South Puget Sound Community College Foundation Jason Selwitz, South Puget Sound Community College Krista Suko, O Bee Credit Union
Rip Heminway, South Puget Sound Community College
Lindsey Trakel, Thurston County PAO
Heather Hirotaka, Office of the Secretary of State
Shea Wahlstrom, Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County
Robin Houde, Thurston EDC and CB&I/WCWB
Cindy Waterhouse, Intercity Transit
Jenny Hovda, Thurston County Sheriff Office
William Westmoreland, PacMtn Workforce Development Council
Lisa Humphrey, Providence Medical Group
Crystal Wright, Centralia College
thurstonchamber.com
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
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Caught in the Lens
#Thankful inThurston
Keep up with the latest Chamber happenings – Ribbon Cuttings and our Thankful in Thurston campaign. Find more at the Thurston Chamber's Facebook page: facebook.com/ThurstonCountyChamber
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Thurston County Chamber VOICE
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Former Washington State Governor Chris Gregoire to Speak at Thurston Chamber's November Forum About Chronic Homelessness Challenge Seattle is an alliance of CEOs from 21 of the region's largest employers. Together, they are taking on the challenge of ensuring the greater Seattle area continues to thrive as one of the most vibrant, innovative, and globally competitive regions in the world. First launched in 2015, Challenge Seattle's CEO members initially made a five-year investment
to collectively tackle some of the region's most pressing civic challenges including homelessness.
innovative solutions and inspire collective action for the greater good.
In 2020, its members renewed that commitment for another five years. Led by former Washington State Governor Chris Gregoire, Challenge Seattle harnesses the committed leadership, unique resources, and world-class talent of its member companies to find
On Wednesday, November 10, 2021, Gregoire will speak at the Thurston County Chamber's Forum about Challenge Seattle, how this effort can impact Thurston county and how local leaders can use best practices that Challenge Seattle has uncovered through this initiative.
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 10 • OLYMPIA HOTEL AT CAPITOL LAKE • FORUM INCLUDES LUNCH REGISTER HERE: MEMBERS.THURSTONCHAMBER.COM/EVENTS/DETAILS/NOVEMBER-CHAMBER-FORUM-361827? thurstonchamber.com
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Budd Bay Café Cap City Law PS Edward Jones – Dirk Farrar, Financial Advisor Express Employment Professionals First Citizens Bank Green Realty Group Michael White Agency – Farmers Insurance Nicholson & Associates Insurance
Columbia Bank Downtown The Creative Office The Evergreen State College GHB Insurance, Inc. Hometown Property Management, Inc. South Sound Behavioral Hospital Timberland Bank T & S Cleaning, Inc. Venables Pest Management Window Genie
Morningside Nisqually Red Wind Casino Olympia Federal Savings Olympia Olympia Furniture Company Phillips Burgess, PLLC Providence St. Peter Hospital The Rants Group SCJ Alliance South Puget Sound Community College WSECU – Olympia
The Thurston County Chamber sends a BIG THANK YOU to ALL of our investors. With members like you, we are able to provide a sustainable business community in Thurston County as well as foster growth and positive change. Only through your support can we continue to fund important community initiatives and lead the way for business.
Thank You!
Bakala State Farm
Chicago Title
Little Creek Casino
TAGS Awards and Specialties
AAA Washington – Inland
94.5 ROXY
American Workforce Group
Great Wolf Lodge
ADP Comcast FORMA Construction Company Lucky Eagle Casino and Hotel Olympia Orthopaedic Associates, PLLC Pacific Source Health Plans Port of Olympia Puget Sound Energy Saint Martin's University TwinStar Credit Union Corporate Office Veterans Security Operations Washington Business Bank Wells Fargo Community Bank
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PO BOX 1427 Olympia, WA 98507-1427
