When Trent and Katie Breland envisioned their own eco-friendly salon, OlyFed responded with encouragement, advice and support. “We knew we had a long-term partner because of their community commitment and positive reputation among Thurston County business leaders.” Trent and Katie understand what local entrepreneurs have known for 116 years: OlyFed is all about putting real relationships above the bottom line.
Trent and Katie Breland Salt Hair Lounge, Olympia
Join our Morning Mixxer host, Hands On Children's Museum, on Tuesday, October 4 at 7:30 a.m. at 414 Jefferson St. NE, Olympia, WA 98501, for hot coffee and delicious bites! Morning Mixxer is a free event held the first Tuesday of each month and is a great way to meet new business connections. Chamber Ambassadors help facilitate introductions and networking. All attendees are eligible to win exciting door prizes! MIXX 96.1 proudly sponsors Morning Mixxer.
Join our host, Lady of the Lake, at 4005 120th Ave SE, Tenino, WA 98589 on Thursday, October 6 at 5:30 p.m. for the Thurston Young Professionals (TYP) monthly networking event. Enjoy bites and beverages as you expand your network and get to know other young professionals in the community! All are welcome! Feel free to invite other 20-30 year-olds. Thurston Young Professionals is sponsored by Porcupine Media.
Join our Business After Hours host, Linnea's: A Unique Boutique at 6715 Martin Way East, Lacey, WA 98516 on Thursday, October 20 at 5:30 p.m., for mingling and networking with other Thurston County business professionals, games, beverages and appetizers. Business After Hours is a great opportunity to expand your network, and is proudly sponsored by ROXY 94.5 and PacificSource Health Plans.
Join us for the Future of Work Summit and EXPO on Wednesday, October 12 from 8:00a.m. to 2:00p.m. at The Olympia Hotel at Capitol Lake, at 2300 Evergreen Park Dr SW, Olympia, WA 98502. The Chamber Foundation developed the Summit to address many businesses' workforce struggles. Low unemployment means savvy business owners must find new ways to find employees. At the Summit, attendees will: Gather tools to create a talent pipeline; Learn how to develop an on-the-job training program; Understand best practices in developing an internship program; Find out how to use apprenticeships as a recruitment strategy; and Nurture community relationships with educators and other business owners. Jeffrey Connor-Naylor, Director at Business Leaders United (BLU) for Workforce Partnerships, will keynote the Summit following breakout workshop sessions. Register online today at https://thurstonchamber.com/future-of-work-summit-expo. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
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.
Lacey's Envision Career Academy is a new type of high school, offering hands-on learning and career exploration.
A&R Aviation has partnered with the Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC) to offer opportunities for youth to finish high school and start their post-secondary education at little-to-no cost.
Leadership Thurston County (LTC) and the Chamber Foundation will honor the Class of 2023 on June 7.
Caught in the Lens p. 23 Keep up with the latest Chamber happenings and see the great smiles that make up our membership!
Thurston
Visit ThurstonChamber.com and click on the Events Calendar for the latest information regarding Chamber events.
The Chamber hears from business owners daily that their number one challenge is finding skilled employees. In our current economic climate, low unemployment means savvy business owners must find new ways to find employees.
This issue of the VOICE addresses a new way to look at these issues, which we’re calling The Future of Work.
We hope you’ll enjoy two stories from two different perspectives. The first is A&R Aviation and their partnership with AJAC and Elma High School to find apprentices for their aviation shop. The second story is about Envision Career Academy and how they are re-thinking the high school model to meet the needs of both students and the community.
The Chamber has been working for years through our Business and Education Committee to bring partners together from business and education to address workforce challenges and opportunities in education.
We invite you to gather the skills, tools and relationships to develop or expand your workforce pipeline at the Future of Work Summit and EXPO on October 12, 2022. The Summit is organized to help attendees:
• Gather tools to create a talent pipeline.
• Learn how to develop an on-the-job training program.
• Understand best practices in developing an internship program.
• Find out how to use apprenticeships as a recruitment strategy.
• Nurture community relationships with educators and other business owners.
Enjoy this issue and we’ll see you at the Future of Work Summit!
Photo
by Natasha Ashenhurst • Photos by Chris Groen, NTPS Career & Technical Education Department
Imagine a high school where future farmers can take algebra while working in a greenhouse. Where aspiring entrepreneurs can take English literature while writing a business plan. Where future welders can enjoy chemistry while working at a local welding shop. Welcome to Envision Career Academy, a high school where teachers merge traditional academics and hands-on career exploration.
Career and Technical Education is also available throughout NTPS. Here a student works on repairing a circuit board with soldering tools.
• Agriculture
• Manufacturing
• Bio Medicine
• A design lab
• Discussion den
• Quiet learning nooks
• An internet café
• A greenhouse and school gardens
Photos: (Top) Students work in the school gardens; (Middle) Envision combines traditional classroom designs with real-world, problem-based projects; (Bottom) A student prepares coffee in the school's internet café.
One of Envision's four focus areas is Sustainable Agriculture - a response to a regional focus on the natural products industry.
The environment is casual and welcoming. Teachers and staff go by first names. Students are not 'freshmen', 'sophomores' and so on. They are 9s, 10s, 11s, and 12s.
"Kids can walk in and try different things," said Brad Hooper, Director of Career and Technical Education at North Thurston Public Schools (NTPS). "They don't have to worry about schedules and requirements. They can experience the pathways while going to high school.
When they take photography, for example, they'll get a fine arts and photography credit. This frees up their schedule so they can take other courses," he said.
NTPS reimagined and renamed South Sound High School as Envision Career Academy. The Academy
Students taking photography classes at Envision receive both photography and fine arts credits.
opened during COVID, so it is ramping up this year. There are close to 110 students enrolled.
"We chose the four areas of emphasis to help meet the ever-changing needs of our region. We focus on welding in our manufacturing program because there is a high need in the region. We're focusing on sustainable agriculture because this is important to our community. This year, we kicked off the health services and bio-med pathway to meet the community need," he said.
Once students find a focus area, the school works with businesses in the community to place them. Based on the student's age, it may be in a job shadow, a mentorship or an internship.
Envision Academy is part of North Thurston Public Schools and is located on College Street in Lacey, WAWelcome 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.
Schedule a tour today! 833.432.5964 harborheightsliving.com
"Envision is a new way of looking at education where, among other elements, student success and community success are deeply connected. That is why we're looking for more and more community-centric businesses to partner with. Ziegler Welding has been a great partner with our district. Batdorf and Bronson, Foot and Ankle Associates, too,” said Hooper. “As students begin job shadows and internships this year, we want to match their interests with our local businesses to deeply integrate education with the community's needs. We will be hosting various guest speakers series on Wednesdays and welcome community members and families to join our principal advisory committee. We are not working in a silo—we want partners. We want to become a hub for the community.”
River Ridge Yearbook students flew a drone to get aerial photos of the campus.
Thurston County Chamber
Capital Mall is proud to support local businesses owned by your neighbors or who source products directly from local makers. Scan for more information about how to Shop, Eat and Play LOC-OLY at Capital Mall.
Capital Mall is proud to support local businesses owned by your neighbors or who source products directly from local makers. Scan for more information about how to Shop, Eat and Play LOC-OLY at Capital Mall.
Capital Mall is proud to support local businesses owned by your neighbors or who source products directly from local makers. Scan for more information about how to Shop, Eat and Play LOC-OLY at Capital Mall.
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360.754.8098 | 625 Black Lake Boulevard, Olympia, Washington
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#COMETOGETHERJessica Wall is A&R's president. She joined the company 12 years ago as the owner's assistant and has since worked her way to the top. "I started with no experience but was able to immerse myself in the operations. We reward hard work and learning on the job," she said.
by Natasha Ashenhurst • Photos by Heather Harris, Elements Photography
A&R Aviation is no stranger to innovation and pivoting to meet a need. A Federal Aviation Administration-certified shop, A&R works on Boeing and Airbus parts. Owner Ronnie Hix started A&R by repairing classic airframes in his garage. Today, A&R works on the newer generation of Boeing planes. A&R's commitment to reliability has built a solid reputation that spans the world.
A&R employs 30 people across the organization. Jessica Wall is A&R's president. She joined the company 12 years ago as Hix's assistant and has since worked her way to the top. "I started with no experience but was able to immerse myself in the operations. We reward hard work and learning on the job," she said.
To date, A&R's most significant challenge is finding the right people to join the team. That's why they were so excited to partner with an apprenticeship program known as AJAC. Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC) partners with 15 Washington State school districts.
AJAC creates opportunities for youth apprentices to:
• Finish high school
• Start their postsecondary education at little-to-no cost
• Complete paid work experience alongside a mentor
• Start along a path that broadens their options for the future
When students complete the AJAC program, they'll have a 2,000-hour journeyman card to place them in the workforce, or they can apply it toward an 8,000-hour apprenticeship.
a natural part
lives,
and
"It is an important program," said Wall. "Especially for students who may not have the means or desire to attend a traditional college. They can make the transition to full-time work seamless. In fact, some of these kids are more advanced than applicants we get elsewhere," she said.
A&R is working with an 18-year-old high school student from Elma who is part of Elma's AJAC program. "He is an active employee and gets paid," said Wall. "Elma's AJAC program brings students out to tour A&R, then we interview the students and decide who we want to hire. Also, students choose where to work based on what's in line with their career pathway. Right now, he is working part-time, but if he chooses to stay on after he graduates, we'd love to have him permanently," she said.
Programs such as AJAC are helping meet workforce needs, said Wall. "We're also innovating our company culture. Prospective employees are interviewing us as much as we are interviewing them. They are looking for a culture that aligns with what they value in life. We understand that employees are also individuals with lives outside of work," she said. "Our time is valuable. Go pick up your kids early. Go to the soccer game. We're in this together."
Thurston County Chamber
Misael Oliveros-Faria, an 18-year-old high school student from Elma, works at A&R while part of Elma's AJAC program.
Ryan Nollan working on the lathe.
Mary Roberts serves as the Career Connected Coordinator for Elma High School. She said, "We worked with AJAC to place five students in the manufacturing pathway last May. Currently, we have three interns at Sierra Pacific, one at A&R Aviation and one at Vaughn Company. It has been a great experience so far. This is where education needs to be. We know that most kids learn best through hands-on learning. We've watched them blossom."
Christi Kershaw is the Career and Technical Education Director at Elma High School and is excited about what programs such as AJAC can provide students and employers. "I hope students realize there are multiple routes they can take in their career journey. I love that programs like this offer them a sense of the value of work and allow them to practice those essential skills they won't experience until they are in the workforce," she said.
Kershaw hopes students realize apprenticeships and trades are a valuable route to a career.
"I want students to realize that even if they want to go to university, the real-world experience they'll receive through programs like AJAC are invaluable and so much better than theory alone," said Kershaw.
"We understand that employees are also individuals with lives outside of work. Our time is valuable. Go pick up your kids early. Go to the soccer game. We're in this together."
- Jessica Wall, President of A&R Aviation
And while Kershaw is unapologetically supportive of this program, she recognizes some barriers that will take a regional effort to overcome. "Lack of reliable transportation and the cost and time it takes to get a driver's license are a barrier for many families who would otherwise jump at the chance to be part of this program. This is especially true in rural areas. We're working on creative solutions such as offering vouchers and pairing kids, so they have at least one reliable vehicle between them, but we ask that employers give these students grace as many will find it challenging to get to work."
-Christi Kershaw, Career and Technical Education Director at Elma High School
"I hope students realize there are multiple routes they can take in their career journey. I love that programs like this offer them a sense of the value of work and allow them to practice those essential skills they won't experience until they are in the workforce."
360-736-7601 VANCOUVER 360-254-2842 PACKWOOD 360-494-7126 OLYMPIA 360-352-8444
www.nicholson-insurance.com
When an employee is off work due to an on-the-job injury or illness, employers have a few strategies they can use to manage the claim. Each option has advantages and disadvantages for the worker and the employer.
• Light Duty: If the medical provider has released the worker to modified duty, the best option is to help your employee return to light-duty work
• Kept on Salary: Washington employers have the option to continue paying an injured worker the full amount of wages and benefits while they are off work. This is referred to as Kept on Salary (KOS). When an employer chooses KOS, L&I doesn’t pay the worker time-loss wages.
• Time Loss: L&I pays time-loss compensation to partially and temporarily replace the injured worker’s wages when they are unable to return to the job after a work-related injury or illness. Find out more about these options at www.lni.wa.gov
Leadership Thurston County (LTC) is a program of the Thurston County Chamber Foundation and has been developing informed, skilled and committed community leaders since 1994. LTC Class of 2023 kicked off the 10 month program in September 2022 which will culminate in June at LTC Graduation. For more information, please visit leadthurstoncounty.com.
Jennifer Barber, South Puget Sound Community College
Lori Blewett, The Evergreen State College
Debbi Boyd, Real Estate of the South Sound
Ray Brady, Thurston County Sheriff's Office
Jaime Britton, Morningside
Michael Christensen, South Puget Sound Community College
Cody Clark, Harlequin Productions
Sabryna Coler, Chick-fil-A
Christina Costelo, Legends Arcade
Lindsey Dahlquist, TwinStar Credit Union
Sue Falash, City of Lacey
Travis Fox, Multicare Capital Medical Center/Pulse Heart Institute
Ben Fransua, South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity
Meren Gadman, Kaiser Permanente
Russell Gilsdorf, Intercity Transit
Ryan Hanscom, South Puget Sound Community College
Shenna Hayden, Hands On Children's Museum
Ryan Hirotaka, Olympia Police Department
Whitney Holm, SCJ Alliance
Tim Hume, Kiley Juergens Wealth Management LLC
Yen Huỳnh, City of Olympia; WA State Dept. of Corrections
Matt Ishler, New Market Skills Center (Tumwater School District)
Brooke Ison, City of Olympia
Doug Jaquez, Mountain to Shore Realty Team
Mary Lam, Community Foundation of South Puget Sound
Robert Lane, Office of The Secretary of State
Jennifer Manning, State Farm Insurance Company
Cindy Mattingly, Fairchild Record Search
Carrie McCausland, City of Olympia
Brenda McGuigan, Olympia/West Olympia Timberland Libraries
Ally McPherson, Intercity Transit
Tami Merriman, City of Tumwater
Shanna Paxton, Shanna Paxton Photography
Christopher Pettit, Washington State Conservation Commission
Ryan Phillips, Harbor Wholesale
Cathy Purcella, Saint Martin's University
Brandon Staff, Heritage Distilling Co.
Natalie Windle, LOTT Clean Water Alliance
Spencer Zeman, Window Genie
Jenny Zenkner, Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel
Thurston CountyThe Thurston Chamber regularly asks business owners to share the challenges of doing business. "For the last two years, the most pressing concern of business owners is finding talent to fill open positions," said David Schaffert, President/CEO of the Thurston County Chamber. "We developed the Future of Work Summit to bring together business, education and policymakers to gather tools, nurture relationships and develop strategies to innovate the workplace in our region."
Workforce struggles and low unemployment means savvy business owners must find new ways to find employees. At the Summit, attendees will:
• Gather tools to create a talent pipeline.
• Learn how to develop an on-the-job training program.
• Understand best practices in developing an internship program.
• Find out how to use apprenticeships as a recruitment strategy.
• Nurture community relationships with educators and other business owners.
Jeffrey Connor-Naylor will keynote the Summit following breakout workshop sessions. Connor-Naylor is the Director at Business Leaders United (BLU) for Workforce Partnerships. BLU represents leaders from various industry sectors concerned about our nation's skills gap. BLU promotes public investments in skills training and education to prepare America's workers for jobs in the 21st Century economy.
"For years, businesses across various industry sectors faced a skills mismatch, which the pandemic only exacerbated. As we recover, there are opportunities to advance public policy and develop local initiatives that can help workers access industry-driven skills training and build the skilled workforce that employers need to grow and thrive," said Connor-Naylor.
This one-day event is open to the public. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For tickets, visit: https://thurstonchamber.com/future-of-work-summit-expo/
Director, Business Leaders United for Workforce Partnerships
Owner,
Keep up with the Thurston Chamber happenings – ribbon cuttings and the networking events. Find more at the Chamber's Facebook page –fb.com/thurstoncountychamber.
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
Photos from Foofaraw courtesy of Shanna Paxton Photography, (indicated by teal outline)
SILVER 94.5 ROXY AAA Washington –Inland Budd Bay Café Cap City Law PS Edward Jones –Dirk Farrar, Financial Advisor Express Employment Professionals First Citizens Bank Greene Realty Group Michael White Agency –Farmers Insurance Nicholson & Associates Insurance TAGS Awards and Specialties PO BOX 1427 Olympia, WA 98507-1427
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
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.
Great Wolf Lodge Little Creek Casino Morningside Olympia Federal Savings Olympia Olympia Furniture Company Olympic Rental & Landlord Services Phillips Burgess, PLLC Providence St. Peter Hospital The Rants Group SCJ Alliance South Puget Sound Community College WSECU –Olympia
FORMA Construction Company Kaiser Permanente 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