F E B R U A R Y
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C O U N T Y
C H A M B E R
Good Times Childcare's Mother Daughter Duo Overcome COVID Adversity to Keep Their Dream Alive
Vote YES on Replacement School Levies Chamber Supports and Endorses Four February 8 Levies
The Child Care Crisis
Exacerbated by COVID-19, the Costs of Child Care have Skyrocketed for Parents and Providers Alike GROWING A PROSPEROUS ECONOMY & VIBRANT COMMUNITY
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February 2022
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, 3 Points Healing, at 3435 Martin Way E Suite C, Olympia, WA 98506, on Tuesday, February 1 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. Everyone who attends is eligible to win great door prizes! MIXX 96.1 proudly sponsors Morning Mixxer.
Join our host, Pints Barn at 114 E St SW, Tumwater, WA 98501, on Thursday, February 3 at 5:30 p.m. for the Thurston Young Professionals (TYP) 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. TYP is proudly sponsored by Porcupine Media. On Wednesday, February 9, at 11:30 a.m., at Saint Martin's University, Norman Worthington Center, 5300 Pacific Ave, Lacey, WA 98503, the Thurston Chamber will present its February Forum, The Childcare Crisis. Attendees will hear from local subject matter experts, including Gary Burris from the Child Care Action Council on the state of childcare in our region and the crisis facing this industry as well as the impacts on the regional workforce and businesses. Thank you to our sponsors, Inspire Advisors CPA, Rods & Reels In Need and Veteran Security Operations. Join our Business After Hours host Great Wolf Lodge at 20500 Old Hwy 99 SW, Grand Mound, WA 98531 on Thursday, February 17 at 5:30 p.m., for mingling and networking with other business professionals, games, beverages and appetizers. Business After Hours is a great opportunity to expand your network. ROXY 94.5 and Pacific Source Health Plans proudly sponsor Business After Hours.
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We will observe Washington State Department of Health and Thurston County Public Health and Social Services' guidance at every event. Thank You Sponsors!
In This Issue... Vote YES on School Replacement Levies p. 6 The Chamber supports and endorses four Thurston County public school replacement technology and capital facilities levies on the February 8, 2022 ballot.
Good Times Childcare's Mother Daughter Duo Overcome COVID Adversity p. 11 Crystal Johnson and Ashlynn Walker kept their dream of running a child care center alive, while balancing a new business and COVID protocols.
The Child Care Crisis p. 15 COVID-19 has amplified the looming child care crisis and both providers and parents are struggling to keep up with the costs.
Upcoming Chamber Foundation Events p. 20 We're excited for the Chamber Foundation's 2022 Events – Find Your Future, Math for Life, A Night on the Town, Future of Work Summit, and the Distinguished Leader Awards!
Caught in the Lens p. 23 Keep up with the latest Chamber happenings and see all of the great smiles that make up our 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
The Child Care Crisis, COVID and Our Community by David Schaffert, President/CEO, Thurston County Chamber
PUBLISHER Thurston County Chamber of Commerce EDITORIAL David Schaffert 360-357-3362 dschaffert@thurstonchamber.com CONTRIBUTORS David Schaffert Doug Mah Jerica Pender Kathryn Millhorn ADVERTISING Sales & Marketing: Krystal Barkus Elizabeth Bretschneider Ashley Chandler SUBSCRIPTIONS 360-357-3362 info@thurstonchamber.com DESIGN Ben Hawkes Mosaic Marketing Studio COVER Photo from Dreamstime.com PRINTING Print NW CONTACT THE CHAMBER 809 Legion Way SE Olympia, WA 98507 360-357-3362 info@thurstonchamber.com thurstonchamber.com
In this month’s issue of the VOICE, we focus on the Child Care Crisis and its impacts on business, families and the entire community. The ability to develop a career and provide resources for oneself is impacted by accessible and affordable childcare. The success of young children is tied directly to early learning experiences where their minds expand and social interaction is developed. Businesses’ ability to be successful is directly correlated to human capital and the talents of their employees. If employees cannot work due to the absence of childcare, which is the current state, it is detrimental to individual businesses and the larger economy.
are contributing through childcare subsidies, flexible childcare spending accounts, backup childcare assistance, on-site childcare, and greater flexibility with schedules, including job sharing, to name a few.
There is a lot at stake when we see the current challenges of childcare. There is also great opportunity on how employers and government respond to the challenges.
The childcare challenges have been brewing for over a decade, but the impacts of COVID have amplified the issues to the point of a crisis.
Employers are starting to view childcare as a component of compensation and benefits. They
The government needs to play a more significant role in changes that provide financial support for the childcare industry. The industry has a very challenging business model and is regulated at a level that often restricts the opportunity for success. Increasing tax incentives to families and direct reimbursement to businesses and providers would support and nurture a more robust childcare ecosystem.
The Chamber will continue to convene, partner and support opportunities to work toward solutions to the childcare crises.
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. ©2022 VOICE Magazine, Thurston County Chamber.
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ADVOCACY
Vote Yes on School Replacement Levies The Thurston County Chamber supports and endorses four Thurston County public school replacement technology and capital facilities levies on the February 8, 2022 ballot.
operations and instruction when approved by the voters. In addition, the levies continue technology and communications improvements for student learning and safety.
The Thurston County Chamber's Board of Trustees reviewed the district needs and unanimously endorsed approval of the levies. This February, the voters in the The Thurston County Chamber Olympia, Tumwater, Tenino, and consistently calls for a highGriffin school districts will be asked quality public school system to to approve "replacement levies". support and help grow the region's These ballot measures are not economy. A YES vote is the right new taxes but continue actions action for voters. The replacement previously approved by voters levies are local levies for local and replace levies scheduled to programs governed by local school expire in 2023. The levies allow boards. Successful passage of each districts to continue modernizing school district replacement levy buildings and facilities that support will help ensure the region achieves 6 I
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Thurston County Chamber VOICE
by Doug Mah, Doug Mah & Associates, Thurston Chamber Public Policy Director
our shared goals for our children, families, and communities. The Chamber Board of Trustees recognizes that technology and capital facilities levies are necessary investments that ensure the community meets students' technology and learning needs. Investments in facilities will ensure that critical buildings and infrastructure is maintained, and when necessary, upgraded to provide a safe and secure environment for students and staff. If you are a registered voter in the Olympia, Tumwater, Tenino, and Griffin school districts, please remember to vote in this February's special election. thurstonchamber.com
ADVOCACY
Successful passage of each school district replacement levy will help ensure the region achieves our shared goals for our children, families, and communities.
WHAT VOTERS ARE VOTING ON THIS FEBRUARY 8, 2022 The Thurston County Chamber encourages a YES vote on the important levy proposals found on your ballot.
Olympia School District
The ballot includes a four technology and capital projects replacement levy. Approval allows the district to collect $52.4 million over four years (2023-2026). The estimated levy rates per $1,000 of assessed value would be $0.92 (2023); $0.98 (2024); $0.90 (2025); and $0.94 (2026). The replacement levy pays for new and upgraded student computers; provides up-to-date assistive technology for students with special needs; updates school video conferencing systems; continues to provide Internet access for students/families in need; trains staff; improves safe biking and walking routes to schools; adds safety vestibules and improved external safety lighting in school entries.
Tumwater School District
The ballot includes a four-year Replacement Capital Levy for Facility, Safety, and Instructional Technology Improvements. Approval allows the district to collect $24.1 million over four years (2023-2026). The estimated levy rates per $1,000 of assessed value would be $0.75 over the four years. The replacement levy pays for new technology for our students and staff, improved safety and security of facilities, facility improvements and repairs, and pre-planning costs for the next new Tumwater school. The projects include Technology/Chromebook purchase and replacement, Safety Upgrades – including camera system replacements, school intercom/safety alert systems, safety lighting improvements, Earthquake/Seismic upgrades, and Boiler/Chiller Replacements. thurstonchamber.com
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Tenino School District
The ballot includes a four-year Replacement Capital Levy for Safety, Technology and School Improvements. Approval allows the district to collect $6.9 million over four years (2023-2026). The estimated levy rates per $1,000 of assessed value would be $1.11 over the four years. The replacement levy pays to upgrade building envelopes, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, safety and security systems, make energy efficiency/site improvements, conduct pre-construction activities, and improve technology equipment and infrastructure.
ETHER
Griffin School District
R
The ballot includes a two-year Property Improvements, Capital Projects and Technology Replacement Levy. Approval allows the district to collect $1.5M in funding over two years (2023-2024). The estimated levy rates per $1,000 of assessed value would be $0.4494 (2023 collection) and $0.4342 (2024 collection). The replacement levy pays for continued modernization of facilities and infrastructure improvements for technology systems, safety, operations and instruction, and payments to Olympia School District for high school capital improvements.
Serving All of Thurston County ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT THROUGHOUT THURSTON COUNTY
1. Provided $70,000 for the renovation of the Historic Oddfellows
101
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Building.
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101
Olympia
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2. Provided $75,000 to complete the Master plan for the SW
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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
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Tenino
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Rainier
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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.
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THE BUSINESS OF CHILDCARE
Lacey's Good Times Child Care Center co-owners, Ashlynn Walker, left, and her mother, Crystal Johnson, right.
Two Years of Daily Struggle Mother and Daughter Business Owners Share Why It's Worth It by Jerica Pender Photography by Heather Harris, Elements Photography
Childcare. Perhaps the single most important cog in the wheel that makes our world turn. Without it, parents become unmoored, unable to perform their duties in meaningful ways, and sometimes even at all. In a community, childcare providers are the lifeblood—and without their tender loving care of the youngest youth, a community becomes drained of possibility, a mere shell of what it could be. thurstonchamber.com
“COVID has intensified everything that we do,” says Crystal Johnson, co-owner of Good Times Childcare in Lacey, a childcare center that she owns and operates with her daughter, Ashlynn Walker. “We live in fear that somebody is going to come in here with COVID and not realize it because they are asymptomatic. We live with the fear of being closed down and parents leaving and pulling children. We are greatly affected.” Johnson and Walker opened Good Times Childcare in January of 2020. Like most of the world at that time, Johnson said they were oblivious to what was going on, and never could have imagined that just two short months later, she’d be shuttering her doors for the next five. “We almost lost everything we had put into this,” she says, “I was—and still am—impacted mentally. We invested everything we had to get the business started and off the ground. We didn’t use grants, or loans, or anything. We did it ourselves.” Thurston County Chamber VOICE
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Johnson, like so many other small businesses in our community, has struggled through the past two years. But she never gave up. Because that’s the thing about dreams—you don’t just let them die. Johnson has held the dream of opening a childcare center for the past 15 years. Her previous experience as Director of a center in King County opened her eyes to what is possible when it comes to childcare, and she set out to create an environment that would not only meet but exceed her own high standards. As a mother of five, Johnson is no stranger to what makes up what she defines as a good childcare center. She and Walker opened a center that has a homey atmosphere, is open extended hours to fill the gap in an underserved population of parents who need that flexibility, and to be one that accepts government and organizational 12 I
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subsidies without judgments. It’s important to Johnson and Walker that all children get the care they need—regardless of their parent’s economic status. Because they accept those subsidies, Johnson and Walker received a grant from the Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF), and a mix of other funds from other organizations. “That was our saving grace,” Johnson says, “that’s the only thing that kept us afloat. We still had a mortgage. Nobody was forgiving us for that, or for utilities.”
allowed the mother-daughter duo to scale up their business at a time when the need was especially dire. “Childcare is important,'' Johnson says, “because we are instrumental in children’s lives during their formative years and the foundation that we build in them is carried over into when they start school. We’re filling them with positivity, support, understanding, patience; so they can become well-rounded individuals.”
By August of 2020, Good Times Childcare reopened and Johnson says, “As soon as we could come back—we did. And we came back strong.”
Johnson’s honesty is a reminder of what life is like for parents of young children when she continues on to say, “I just think it’s really important, because we’re the ones who have them more than their parents sometimes. Some of these kids are here 10 hours a day.”
The following month, Good Times Childcare received a Thurston Strong grant that couldn’t have come at a better time because it
Thanks to Johnson’s and Walker’s efforts, and a cadre of community partners that cheered them on financially, Good Times Childcare
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
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is here to stay. Although day-to-day operations during COVID-times have made the already incredibly hard work confoundingly more difficult, Johnson and her team persevere. A three-step sanitation process, social distancing, KN95 masks, and a whole host of other public health mandates add on another layer to Johnson and Walker’s work, but they take things a step farther with rules of their own like no parents in the classrooms, holding monthly team meetings over Zoom, and even interviewing potential employees that way too. Johnson says she doesn’t go anywhere anymore and encourages her staff to do the same because she is wholly dedicated to her work and wants to make sure the facility remains open. She said she’s struggling to get and retain employees, and with all of the health mandates, someone is always calling out sick, erring on the side of caution. “I just hope my story can help another center,” Johnson says, “that is maybe up and coming. There are trials and tribulations you will go through to get to the end of the tunnel, but it’s still worth it. No matter what, we still feel that it’s worth it. We really take pride in what we do.” Get in touch with Johnson and Walker via their website, or by phone at 253-448-3387.
"We are instrumental in children’s lives during their formative years and the foundation that we build in them is carried over into when they start school. We’re filling them with positivity, support, understanding, patience; so they can become wellrounded individuals.”
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The Child Care Crisis by Kathryn Millhorn
We seem to be operating in crisis mode 24/7 these days. But even before the pandemic, there was a wave building threatening to swamp employers and employees alike: the childcare crisis. Finding safe, reliable, affordable and available childcare costs families time and money. Local civic leaders are working tirelessly to address this growing problem right here in Thurston County.
In July 2021, the Grays Harbor, Mason, Thurston Child Care Task Force showed that "Fifty-one percent of parents stated that the cost of care was unaffordable for their families [and] the need for after-school care is a pressing concern that was echoed by 47% of respondents."
David Schaffert, President/CEO of the Thurston County Chamber, said, "The COVID-19 crisis has exacerbated conditions that existed before the pandemic. Child care was already expensive, and child care providers already operated with thin margins."
April Root operates a small child A USA TODAY analysis of new care center in Rochester. She said, "I Census data shows that "Americans have one classroom that is licensed A recent report from Columbia missed more work than ever before for 17 children. Every time a child University explains that "For over two due to child care problems in 2020, tests positive, we have to close for decades, access to childcare in the and the burden was shouldered ten days. We closed right before U.S. has been diminished by high almost exclusively by women." Christmas from a positive exposure, costs, poor quality, and burdensome told to close for 14 days, returned regulations. As a result, parents In addition, the analysis showed that for 1.5 days and had to close again are pushed out of the labor force… "the number of women with child but this time for 10 days....we just According to a study done by the care-related absences in any month re opened 3 days ago. We recently Department of Health and Human more than doubled from 2019 to had to close can't afford to close Services, childcare costs an average 2020. Women accounted for 84% of again. I've worked too hard to lose of $11,000 per year, per child, which is all workers who missed work in the this business. But when we close five more than the price of public college average month last year due to child times in 12 months, it is hard to keep in 33 states." care issues–a five-year high." going." thurstonchamber.com
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Pictured: David Schaffert, President/CEO, Thurston County Chamber (above) Gary Burris, Executive Director of the Childcare Action Council (below)
Employers are feeling the pinch as well. The Task Force also found that "Childcare issues have significantly impacted business operations across the three-county region. The top three most common issues are employee absences from work (21%), distraction at work due to childcare instability (18%), and tardiness (15%)." Then you must add COVID-19 into the mix. "Concerns with COVID have kept many parents and their children at home," says Gary Burris, Executive Director of the Childcare Action Council. "Workforce shortages are severe. Recruiting new staff is extremely difficult. Some staff have their own children they need to be home with, some were medically fragile, and some didn't want to risk illness." 16 I
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"Costs have gone up with the need to purchase more cleaning supplies and personal protective equipment, Burris continues. "Workdays have lengthened with the need to do more rigorous cleaning of toys, furniture, and rooms. When a teacher or child comes down with COVID, a room in a center will close, as will entire family childcare homes or small centers. One center in Thurston County was closed for two weeks and had just opened its doors for a day and a half when it had to close for another two weeks." David Schaffert agrees that this "is a dynamic and fluid issue of our times. I think we will be seeing the business and private sector look into how they get involved in caring for their workforce," whether that's increasing childcare benefits packages or by providing care or partnering with facilities. "COVID
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
closed some childcare facilities and is causing havoc within an already systemic challenge."This is especially true for workers who are women, underserved populations, and families of color," says Schaffert. A report in Politico shows how "Black and Latina women are suffering a double-barreled blow as coronavirusinduced shutdowns batter the industry since they dominate the ranks of child care providers and have long struggled to gain access to the services for their own kids… According to Labor Department data, ninetythree percent of child care workers are women, and 45 percent are Black, Asian or Latino. And half of childcare businesses are minority-owned." According to Coloring Outside the Lines, a child care toolkit sponsored by the Pacific Mountain thurstonchamber.com
Workforce Development Council, "In Washington, over half of the annual state budget goes toward K-12 education, yet the state spent just over one percent of those funds on childcare and early learning. The industry has been in crisis for decades, with many parents unable to afford the average $14,000 annually in daycare costs. At the same time, childcare providers typically earn minimum wage, and workforce turnover is high. Now, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced national attention on an issue too long ignored." They explain that across our region, "community leaders are looking into subsidies, vouchers for parents and a Co-op model of childcare operations, along with policy changes to provide more significant support for both parents and providers." Thankfully too, thurstonchamber.com
says Burris, "The Build Back Better legislation at the federal level has significant support for childcare." He also believes governments should step back and take stock. "If our nation, state, or community were to recognize that the childcare workforce should be paid a wage commensurate with the level of importance of their work and the level of knowledge and skill needed to do the job well, we could agree upon a true cost of childcare," says Burris. "If we were also to see early learning as important as K-12 and college and recognize the public benefit that comes from early learning both in terms of preparing children for school and life and ensuring all our other business have workers, then we would significantly underwrite the cost of operating a childcare system."
"This well-funded, quality and accessible childcare industry could be created by either providing the private sector businesses with support to cover, perhaps 40- 50% of the cost to operate a highquality program with an equitably compensated workforce or by providing parents with sufficient funds to support some or all of their childcare costs, creating a sliding scale fee based on income," he says. "A combination of the two would also achieve the cost subsidy needed." These problems won't be fixed overnight. But families should take heart knowing that organizations are working behind the scenes to find a safe, affordable, long-term solution. A happy, healthy future depends on it.
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THURSTON CHAMBER FEBRUARY FORUM
The Child Care Crisis On Wednesday, February 9, 2022, at Saint Martin’s University, Norman Worthington Center, the Thurston Chamber will present its February Forum, The Child Care Crisis. Attendees will hear from local subject matter experts, including April Root, a child care center owner in Rochester, Amy Anderson, Government Affairs Director at the Association of Washington Business, and Gary Burris from the Child Care Action Council. They will discuss the state of childcare in our region and the crisis facing this industry as well as the impacts on the regional workforce and businesses. thurstonchamber.com
WHO: Thurston County Chamber WHAT: February Forum: The Child Care Crisis WHEN: February 9, 2022 at 11:30 am. WHERE: Saint Martin’s University, Norman Worthington Center, 5300 Pacific Avenue, Lacey WA 98503. REGISTER HERE: members.thurstonchamber.com/ events/Details/february-forum-the-child-care-crisis471050?sourceTypeId=Website Thank you to our sponsors, Inspire Advisors CPA, Rods & Reels In Need and Veteran Security Operations. Thurston County Chamber VOICE
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Visit ThurstonChamber.com and click on the Events Calendar for the latest regarding Chamber events.
Upcoming Chamber Foundation Events
Foundation Events
for A DAY OF CAREER EXPLORATION
Life
Math for Life Thurston County Students Expected to Engage Explore Career Pathways more than 1,000 Students Calling all Students and Parents! The Thurston Chamber Foundation is launching Find Your Future 2022! Join us, FREE, to talk and listen to various industry professionals on all levels. Hear their stories of educational pathways, from graduation to the present day. Find out what classes you can take now to help further your future goals and ways you can gain extra credentials that you may want or need for your industry profession.
April is national “Math Awareness Month.” To celebrate and engage our students and community around real-life math applications, the Thurston County Chamber Education Committee promotes our 11th annual Math for Life event for students in Griffin, Olympia, North Thurston, Tumwater, Yelm school districts, as well as private schools in Thurston County. In 2021, we had over 250 students participate in our virtual event!
Find Your Future is a Thurston County Chamber Foundation program in partnership with Career Connect Washington, Griffin School District, North Thurston Public Schools, Olympia School District, Rainier School District, Rochester School District, Tumwater School District, Yelm Community Schools and New Market Skills Center.
Businesses who would like to participate and support our community’s youth, please visit thurstonchamber.com/mathforlife to register or call (360) 357-3362.
WHEN: March 19, 9:00am to 1:00pm WHERE: Capital High School, 2707 Conger Ave NW, Olympia, WA 98502 Find more information at: thurstonchamber.com/findyourfuture
Math for Life is a Foundation program in partnership with Griffin School District, Olympia School District, North Thurston Public Schools, Rainier School District, Rochester School District, Tumwater School District, Yelm Community Schools and New Market Skills Center. WHEN: April 3 – April 16 WHERE: Thurston County Businesses. A map of participating businesses will be available in early 2022. Learn more at thurstonchamber.com/mathforlife
For a full list of Chamber Events, visit ThurstonChamber.com/Events 20 I
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NIGHTON THE TOWN
Join Us at Future of Work Summit & EXPO Save the Date for A Night on the Town in Shanghai E V E N T D AT E C H A N G E ! On Friday, April 15, 2022, attendees of the Chamber Foundation’s signature fundraising event, A Night on the Town, will be ‘transported’ to Shanghai. The evening kicks off with live, to-beannounced entertainment, includes a one-of-a-kind live auction and finishes with the much-anticipated after-party with exceptional musical performances. WHEN: Friday, April 15, 6:00pm WHERE: The Olympia Hotel at Capitol Lake (Formerly Hotel RL Olympia) Register today at: thurstonchamber.com/anott
We will observe Washington State Department of Health and Thurston County Public Health and Social Services' guidance at every event. thurstonchamber.com
Join the conversation about informing, developing and building pathways for career seekers of all ages at the Future of Work Summit and EXPO on May 4, 2022 at Great Wolf Lodge from 8:00am - 1:00pm. Businesses Opportunities for training and reskilling within your company are necessary to create a successful pipeline of future employees to keep your business thriving. Learn how to create an on-the-job training program, plan and develop internships and apprenticeships as a recruitment strategy and develop externships for educators to provide a deeper understanding of your industry within our region. Students and Educators Learn how to find and apply for apprenticeship and internship programs, connect with business leaders and meet other students and educators interested in career pathway development. WHEN: May 4, 8:00am - 1:00pm WHERE: Great Wolf Lodge – Grand Mound, 20500 Old Hwy 99 SW, Centralia, WA 98531.
20th Annual Distinguished Leader Awards The 20th Distinguished Leaders Awards celebration will take place on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 at the Olympia Hotel at Capitol Lake. The evening begins with a champagne and sparkling cider reception at 5:30 pm followed by dinner and program at 6:30 pm.
The Distinguished Leader Awards recognize leaders who demonstrate outstanding initiative, inspire others and make a significant impact that shines through their community support and involvement. Honorees are recognized through live and multimedia presentations. Thank you to our Presenting Partner, TwinStar Credit Union for your commitment to community leadership. For partnership opportunities, please call Alisha Blain-Warner at 360.357.8515 or email LTC@ ThurstonChamber.com. WHEN: May 11, 5:30pm WHERE: The Olympia Hotel at Capitol Lake
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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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94.5 ROXY AAA Washington – Inland Budd Bay Café
American Workforce Group Chicago Title 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
Great Wolf Lodge Little Creek Casino 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
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
TAGS Awards and Specialties
Nicholson & Associates Insurance
Michael White Agency – Farmers Insurance
Greene Realty Group
First Citizens Bank
Express Employment Professionals
Edward Jones – Dirk Farrar, Financial Advisor
Cap City Law PS
SILVER
GOLD
PLATINUM
DIAMOND
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 Community Investors
PO BOX 1427 Olympia, WA 98507-1427
