Upcoming Chamber Events

Annual State of the Community Address

On Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at 11:30 Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder, Tumwater Mayor Debbie Sullivan, Olympia Mayor Cheryl Selby, Yelm Mayor Joe DePinto and Thurston County Commissioner Tye Menser will collectively present a State of the Community Address brought to the community by the Thurston County Chamber.

During the event, representatives will share the state of their jurisdiction and address moderated topics, including but not limited to COVID-19 response and the economy, homelessness and Interstate 5 congestion.

Read the State of the Community Report on page 12.

WHEN: January 12, 2022, 11:30 a.m. WHERE: The Olympia Hotel at Capitol Lake, 2300 Evergreen Park Drive SW, Olympia, WA 98502.

Register at bit.ly/SOTC22

Thank you to our exclusive sponsor for this event, Puget Sound Energy.

20th Annual Distinguished Leader Awards

The 20th Distinguished Leaders Awards celebration will take place on Wednesday, February 16, 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 multi-media presentations.

We will be limiting attendance and following all Washington State Department of Health and Thurston County Public Health and Social Services guidance to host a safe event. Register at thurstonchamber.com.

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: February 16, 2022, 5:30pm WHERE: The Olympia Hotel at Capitol Lake A NIGHTON THE TOWN

Save the Date for A Night on the Town in Shanghai

On Friday, March 4, 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.

This is the event that connects the world of learning and the world of work. Join us as the education and business communities gather together to support the leaders of today who are inspiring leaders of tomorrow.

WHEN: Friday, March 4, 2022, 6:00pm WHERE: The Olympia Hotel at Capitol Lake (Formerly Hotel RL Olympia)

Register at thurstonchamber.com/anott

We will observe Washington State Department of Health and Thurston County Public Health and Social Services' guidance at every event.

forLife

A DAY OF CAREER EXPLORATION

Math for Life Expected to Engage more than 1,000 Students

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!

Students visit (in-person) participating businesses, answer fun, real-life math questions (grade appropriate), and WIN VERY COOL PRIZES! Math for Life is FREE for students and parents to participate.

Thurston County Students Explore Career Pathways

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.

Businesses who would like to participate and support our community’s youth, please visit thurstonchamber.com/mathforlife to register or call (360) 357-3362.

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, 2022 WHERE: Thurston County Businesses. A map of participating businesses will be available in early 2022. Learn more at thurstonchamber.com/mathforlife Find Your Future is an opportunity for students and parents to seek answers from industry educators, businesses, and graduates entering or new to the industry. Learn more about what it takes to become a professional in Aerospace Engineering, Video/Graphic Design, Programming, Healthcare, the Green Economy and more!

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.

WHEN: March 19, 2022, 9:00am to 1:00pm WHERE: Capital High School, 2707 Conger Ave NW, Olympia, WA 98502

Find more information at: thurstonchamber.com/findyourfuture

Join Us at Future of Work Summit & EXPO

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.

Now more than ever before, businesses, educators, and students need opportunities to influence and prioritize infrastructure and skills development for a robust talent pipeline.

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-thejob 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, 2022, 8:00am - 1:00pm WHERE: Great Wolf Lodge – Grand Mound, 20500 Old Hwy 99 SW, Centralia, WA 98531.