April 2023 VOICE Magazine

Thurston Green Business Award Winners Tell Their Stories

Thurston Green Business award winners share why they are local leaders in sustainability

THURSTON

CHAMBER

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April 2023

THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER VOICE MAGAZINE

Visit ThurstonChamber.com and click on the Events Calendar for the latest information regarding Chamber events.

Join our host, The Cider Barrel at 168 4th Ave W, Olympia, WA 98502 on Thursday, April 6 at 5:30 p.m. for the Thurston Young Professionals Monthly Networking Event. Enjoy bites and beverages as you expand your network! All are welcome –feel free to invite other 20 to 30-year-olds so they can expand their networks! Thurston Young Professionals is proudly sponsored by Cash Oasis/Media Drive and KGY 95.3 Radio.

On Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at 11:30 a.m., we will celebrate the over 100 businesses that earned the Thurston Green designation at the Thurston Green Business Forum and Expo! Attendees will also hear a keynote address from Aaron Sauerhoff, CEO and Founder of Earth Homes LLC. The event will take place at The Norman Worthington Conference Center at Saint Martin's University, 5300 Pacific Ave SE, Lacey, WA 98503. Register at thurstonchamber.com/events. Thank you to our sponsors, South Sound Solar, Veterans Security Operations, and Homes First.

After Hours

Join our Business After Hours host Rejuvenate IV Hydration and Wellness at 205 Lilly Rd NW Bldg B Suite B, Olympia, WA 98506 on Thursday, April 20 at 5:30 p.m., for mingling and networking with other business professionals, a door prize business card drawing, 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.

Join the Thurston Chamber Foundation for A Night on the Town on April 14, 2023, at the Olympia Hotel at Capitol Lake, 2300 Evergreen Park Dr SW, Olympia, WA 98502. This annual fundraiser brings together community leaders to raise funds for Foundation programs...and to party! Enjoy dinner, cocktails, a live auction and after party! This year, we are excited to welcome back Rockaroake! Sing your favorite hits with a live band behind you! Register today at: thurstonchamber.com/anott

Thank You Sponsors!

The VOICE prints on FSC® Certified paper.

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.

In This Issue...

How Will You Celebrate Earth Day? p. 5

There are many ways to get involved – participate in local clean-up events, volunteer for environmental orgs, or make small changes to reduce our carbon footprint.

Thurston Green Award

Winner Spotlights p. 6

Small Business of the Year, The Treasure Chest p.6

Medium Business of the Year, CapStone Solar p.9

Large Business of the Year, Evergreen State College p.13

Municipality of the Year, The City of Olympia p.16

CACC Mandate Headed for Overhaul p. 21

It appears the Commercial Aviation Coordination Council (CACC) and its original mandate are headed for a complete overhaul.

Caught in the Lens p. 22

Keep up with the latest Chamber happenings and see the great smiles that make up our membership!

Prioritizing Digital Literacy for a Brighter, Sustainable Future

by David Schaffert, President/CEO, Thurston County Chamber

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, digital literacy has become an essential skill for people of all ages and backgrounds. With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing many of us to work, learn, and receive medical care remotely, the importance of digital literacy has become even more apparent. That is why we, as a community, need to prioritize digital literacy to ensure that everyone can benefit from the opportunities that come with the digital age.

More and more doctors are using telehealth to serve patients, making it easier for people to access healthcare services from the comfort of their homes. Additionally, many companies have shifted to telecommuting as a sustainable option, allowing employees to work remotely and reduce their carbon footprint. Virtual classrooms have also become an increasingly popular option, enabling students to continue their education from home.

However, to take full advantage of these opportunities, it is crucial to have digital literacy skills. Digital literacy enables people to use technology efficiently and effectively, which is essential for participating in today's digital world. By improving our digital literacy, we can enhance our quality of life, stay connected with our loved ones, and access essential services conveniently.

Digital literacy is also a sustainable option as it allows us to reduce our reliance on paper-based communication, reduce the impacts of driving and reduce our carbon

footprint. By using digital tools, we can minimize our environmental impact and contribute to a greener future.

Get ready to witness a groundbreaking transformation in our community's digital landscape as the Thurston County Chamber takes the lead to pave the way toward a brighter and more inclusive digital future. Stay tuned for more exciting updates in the coming months! The shift to telehealth, telecommuting, and virtual classrooms offers sustainable options to access healthcare services, work remotely, and continue education from home. However, to fully embrace these opportunities, we need to improve our digital literacy skills. By doing so, we can use technology efficiently, reduce paper-based communication, minimize the impact of driving, and ultimately reduce our carbon footprint.

Join us in paving the way toward a brighter and more sustainable future by building our digital literacy skills. Stay tuned for more updates on how the Thurston County Chamber is leading the charge.

How Will You Celebrate Earth Day 2023?

Earth Day is a global event celebrated annually on April 22nd to raise awareness about environmental issues and to promote sustainable practices that will help protect our planet for future generations. As we approach Earth Day 2023, it is more important than ever to take action and make a positive impact on the environment. There are many ways to get involved in Earth Day 2023, whether it's by participating in local clean-up events, volunteering for environmental organizations, or making small changes in our daily lives to reduce our carbon footprint.

Earth Day Market Ride

Are you ready to celebrate Earth Day in a big way? Intercity Transit has you covered with the Earth Day Market Ride, the ultimate Kick-Off event for the 36th Annual Bicycle Community Challenge! Get your friends and neighbors together and join in on the fun Saturday, April 22 for a fun-filled bike ride to town, while supporting our local growers, makers, and bakers at the Olympia Farmers Market. Learn more at bcc.intercitytransit.com/ events/2023-4-22

Make a Difference in Your Community: Join the Olympia Downtown Cleanup on April 22nd!

Join the Olympia Downtown Alliance for a community-wide effort to keep downtown Olympia looking beautiful! Join the Spring Downtown Cleanup on Saturday,

April 22nd (Earth Day) from 9am - 11am. This is your chance to make a positive impact on your community, meet new people, and show your love for downtown Olympia. Register here: surveymonkey.com/r/R6Z2RLC

Arbor Day in Tumwater

Join in on the Earth Day Volunteer Work Party and Arbor Day Celebration at Tumwater Historical Park, hosted by the City of Tumwater Tree Board. This year's Arbor Day event will include free native plants, tree saplings, wildflower and milkweed seed packets, and activities for kids. Roll up your sleeves and learn about tree planting instructions and tree care information from knowledgeable experts. Supplies are limited, so don't miss out on your chance to take home a variety

of tree species to plant and care for in your own backyard. 10am –12pm | Saturday, April 22, 2023. For more information on the Arbor Day Celebration, please email Alyssa Jones Wood, Sustainability Coordinator, or call (360) 754-4140.

Earth Day Volunteer Event & Student Challenge

Get ready to make a real difference in your community this Earth Day! Join the PARC Foundation, along with local Lions Clubs and parks departments, for the annual Earth Day Volunteer Event & Student Challenge on April 22nd. This exciting event encourages schools to recruit student volunteers to help clean up parks and green spaces throughout our community, all while competing for a chance to win $500 for their school! Register at: parcfoundation.org/earthday

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Treasure Chest

Congratulations to Treasure Chest, the Thurston Green Small Business of the Year!

History

In 1979, Forest and MaryJo Koch started the Treasure Chest, a family business that sold unique furniture ranging from new to antique. Operating out of Olympia, WA, Frosty, as he was commonly known, used his experience running a dairy farm and leading a lumber mill to run the business with precision. The Treasure Chest grew in popularity, and a second location was opened in Lakewood. They were forced to leave their Olympia location due to a bus station construction project. Frosty spent his last years teaching his youngest son the ropes, and the

Lakewood location thrived for 31 years before losing their lease. The Treasure Chest has now returned to its roots in the Olympia-Lacey Area as of November 11, 2020.

“At our Treasure Chest, we're on a mission to keep furniture out of the landfill and preserve the environment,” said Steven Koch. “We do this by recycling used furniture and home decor items and we’re always finding ways to breathe new life into even the most damaged items. Our commitment to sustainability doesn't stop there— we've even retrofitted our lights to reduce energy use.”

With every sale they make, they're doing their part to reduce waste and promote a more eco-friendly future. It's not just a job for Treasure Chest, it's a passion. They invite the community to learn more about their business and to join them in their efforts to stay green and make a difference one piece of furniture at a time.

The Thurston Green Business designation is a coveted award, given annually to over 100 deserving businesses. And among those winners, a select few are honored as the best of the best - the small, medium, large, and municipal "business of the year." This year's winners are true champions of sustainability, and they'll be recognized at the upcoming April Thurston Green Business Forum on April 12. We're thrilled to shine a spotlight on these remarkable businesses in this issue of the VOICE.

Julia and Steven Koch, owners of the Treasure Chest.

How has COVID-19 changed your business's sustainability efforts?

The pandemic has forced many businesses to rethink their sustainability efforts, and ours was no exception. But in the face of adversity, we found new ways to promote recycling and reduce waste. With more people struggling financially, we've become a valuable resource for those looking to buy and sell furniture at affordable prices. Our commitment to sustainability has also empowered people to keep items out of the landfill by reselling and recycling them.

Where have you been the most successful in your green business practices? What have been the biggest challenges? At our company, we're proud of our commitment to green business practices. Our success has been driven by a few key initiatives that have helped us reduce our environmental impact. For instance, we've worked tirelessly to get building owners on board with water-saving toilets, and have advocated for less frequent use of sprinklers. We've also taken a hard look at our cleaning practices, and have transitioned to more eco-friendly products. And when it comes to energy use, we've retrofitted our lights to energy-saving options and keep our heaters at a lower, more sustainable setting. But despite our efforts, there have been some significant challenges along the way. For one, changing the minds of building owners and convincing them to adopt green practices hasn't always been easy. And while we've made strides in reducing energy use, we know there's always more that can be done. But we remain committed to our mission of sustainability and will continue to find innovative ways to reduce waste and promote a greener future.

An Elevated 55+ Waterfront Lifestyle

MEDIUM BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

CapStone Solar

Congratulations to CapStone Solar, the Thurston Green Medium Business of the Year!

About

CapStone is more than just another solar installer — they’re one of the top installers in the state of Washington. CapStone’s commitment to quality and value is second to none, and they've built their reputation on delivering the highest-quality solar solutions to their customers. What really sets them apart is their utility-scale backing, which gives them a unique advantage in the industry. With this backing, they are able to purchase and install more solar panels than all other residential installers in Washington and Oregon combined. That means they can offer their customers unbeatable prices and the most efficient solar solutions available.

“With our diverse background in telecommunications, utilities, and both commercial and residential solar construction, we bring a unique perspective to the solar industry,” said Tim Wachtman. “Our structure

allows us to take advantage of economies of scale, which means we can offer clients more competitive pricing than our competitors. But we don't stop there. We are committed to providing an exceptional customer experience. We put you at the center of everything we do and strive to exceed your expectations every step of the way.”

CapStone Solar believes that solar energy is more than just a product; it's a solution to a better future. CapStone is dedicated to providing sustainable, renewable energy to clients, while making it affordable and accessible for all.

How has COVID-19 changed your business's sustainability efforts?

If you're looking for a silver lining in the pandemic, look no further than our sustainability efforts here at CapStone Solar. Despite the challenges presented by COVID-19, we've managed to make great strides in reducing our environmental impact.

One major way we've done this is through the adoption of virtual meetings. By eliminating the need for in-person meetings, we've been able to drastically reduce our carbon footprint. This not only benefits the environment but also saves us time and money.

L to R: Jeff Towell, Cadence Simpson, Tim Wachtman, Christopher Canavan, Karin Williams & Chad Axtmann.

We've also made significant changes to our supply chain in order to promote conservation and reduce waste. With supply chain constraints limiting our options, we've had to become more creative and intentional in our efforts. For example, we've transitioned from bottled water to filtered water, replaced paper towel dispensers with reusable cloth towels, and installed bidets in our facilities to reduce toilet paper usage.

Please share more information about some of CapStone’s Green Business Practices.

At Capstone Solar, we're not just about providing clean energy solutions - we're committed to practicing green business at every level. And our partnership with Olympia Community Solar for the Solarize Campaign is just one example of how we're putting that commitment into action.

Now in our third year of the partnership, the Solarize Campaign is a powerful way to bring affordable, clean energy to our community. By leveraging local resources, we're able to offer discounted access to solar power, making it an accessible option for everyone. This not only benefits the environment, but it also helps to reduce energy costs for individuals and businesses alike.

Where have you been the most successful in your green business practices? What have been the biggest challenges?

At CapStone, our commitment to green business practices runs deep. And while we're proud of our success in many areas, there are two key areas that stand out: our core product and our dedication to sustainability in all aspects of our business.

By providing cleaner, renewable energy sources, we're helping to reduce the need for fossil fuel electrical generation throughout Washington. This has been a significant success for us, as we work towards a cleaner, more sustainable future. With every solar panel we install, we're making a real difference in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting a healthier planet.

However, we recognize that there have been challenges along the way. Supply chain issues and rising hard costs have made it difficult to maintain affordability and access for our clients. But we haven't let that slow us down. Instead, we've redoubled our efforts to find creative solutions, minimize waste, and reduce our environmental impact. We're always looking for ways to innovate and improve, both for the benefit of our clients and the planet as a whole.

Office Dog, Ronnie. Christopher Canavan and Tim Wachtman get to work. Tim and Christopher.

LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

The Evergreen State College

Congratulations to The Evergreen State College, the Thurston Green Large Business of the Year!

About

The Evergreen State College is creating a community of lifelong learners. Evergreen’s innovative approach to public liberal arts education emphasizes collaboration, interdisciplinary learning, and critical thinking across significant differences. Evergreen believes that diversity of thought, experience, and background is what makes learning truly transformative.

Evergreen’s academic community is committed to empowering students to define and shape their own learning experience. The staff don't just teach facts and figures – they encourage students to ask

questions, challenge assumptions, and think critically about the world around them. And by emphasizing collaboration and interdisciplinary learning, they are preparing students to tackle complex, real-world problems with creativity and resilience.

Evergreen’s commitment to social justice, diversity, environmental stewardship, and service in the public interest doesn't stop there. They believe that education should be a force for positive change in the world. And that's why they support and benefit from local and global movements for social justice, environmental sustainability, and public service.

How has COVID19 changed your business's sustainability efforts?

We are committed to sustainability - pandemic or not. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, we've maintained our high standards for environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

As a Washington State institution, we adhere to the Department of Enterprise Services' Green purchasing guidelines. This means that we make thoughtful, strategic decisions to buy goods and services that have less negative environmental and health impacts than similar products. By prioritizing environmentally

From left to right: Chief Administrative Officer William Ward, CELTC Director Dr. Tamsin Foucrier, President Dr. John Carmichael, Speedy the Geoduck, Executive Vice President, Dr. Dexter Gordon, MES Student and Sustainability Fellow Emma Wright, MES Student and Sustainability Fellow Olivia McGoldrick, Director of Sustainability Scott Morgan and CCAS Assistant Director Michael Joseph.

preferred purchasing, we're doing our part to reduce waste, conserve resources, and promote a healthier planet.

But sustainability is about more than just purchasing decisions. It's about cultivating a culture of sustainability across all aspects of our institution. That's why we've taken steps to reduce our carbon footprint, minimize waste, and promote sustainable practices throughout our campus. From using renewable energy sources to encouraging sustainable transportation options, we're committed to creating a more sustainable future for our students and the wider community.

So while COVID-19 may have presented new challenges for our sustainability efforts, we haven't let it slow us down. Instead, we've redoubled our commitment to sustainability and continued to find innovative solutions to reduce our environmental impact. Join us in our mission to create a more sustainable future - pandemic or not.

Tell us more about buying and selling Green.

Since our founding in 1972, we've been at the forefront of ecofriendly technology and practices, offering LEED-certified buildings, composting and recycling options, and support for alternative transportation. Our student-led programs, such as the Bike Share program, RAD services, and the Flaming Eggplant Café, make it easy for everyone to live, work, and play with sustainability in mind.

We also offer a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs that focus on policy, the environment, and more. Whether you're interested in studying environmental science, sustainability, or public policy, we have a program that will help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to make a positive impact on the world.

And when it comes to buying and selling green, we're committed to making sustainable choices at every step of the way. From sourcing eco-

friendly products to promoting sustainable transportation options, we're dedicated to building a more sustainable future for ourselves and future generations.

Where have you been the most successful in your green business practices? What have been the biggest challenges?

One of the areas where we've been most successful is in our efforts to replace natural gas-fired domestic hot water heaters with heat pump water heaters. By making this switch, we're not only reducing our carbon footprint but also promoting a more efficient and cost-effective solution for our campus.

We're also making significant progress in transitioning our fleet vehicles to battery-electric vehicles and building out our charging infrastructure. While this transition hasn't been without its challenges, we're committed to finding innovative solutions that promote sustainability while also meeting the needs of our campus community.

L to R: President Dr. John Carmichael, CELTC Director Dr. Tamsin Foucrier, Chief Admin. Officer William Ward.

Speedy the Geoduck. President Dr. John Carmichael

But perhaps one of the biggest challenges we face is ensuring that our sustainability efforts are comprehensive and impactful across all areas of our institution. That's why we use AASHE STARS (Sustainability, Tracking, Assessment, and Rating System), a third-party tool specifically designed for Higher Education Institutions. By leveraging this tool, we're able to assess and track our sustainability efforts across a wide range of areas, from campus operations to community engagement.

What have been your biggest successes in energy efficiency? What have been the biggest challenges?

Thanks to a $1.3 million grant from Puget Sound Energy, we were able to undertake a massive project to improve energy efficiency across nearly 50 buildings. The upgrades to our campus steam system were so successful that they reduced natural gas consumption by 10% in 2022 compared to pre-pandemic levels. By replacing steam traps, condensate receiver sumps, and installing a new surge tank and deaeration tank steam vent heat recovery unit, we were able to save over 141,000 thermsequivalent to heating 235 homes for a year.

However, it wasn't all smooth sailing. Tackling a project of this size was a significant challenge, and there will always be more work to be done as new technologies emerge. But despite the obstacles, we persevered and succeeded in creating a more energy-efficient environment.

We also completed a significant renovation in a 70,000 square-foot laboratory building, which included numerous energy-efficient HVAC elements. Plus, we have been a participant in the PSE 100% Green Power Program since 2005 and also participate in Tacoma Public Utility's Program for our Tacoma Campus.

MUNICIPALITY OF THE YEAR

City of Olympia

Congratulations to the City of Olympia, the Thurston Green Municipality of the Year!

About

As the Capitol City of Washington State, Olympia is a bustling hub that offers residents and visitors an incredible place to live, work, and play. With its beautiful parks, marinas, and festivals, as well as a mix of local and national businesses, diverse music and culture, and exciting entertainment options, there's always something new to explore and enjoy in Olympia.

But even as we celebrate our vibrant community, we also recognize and honor the indigenous people who have stewarded this land since time immemorial. The Steh-Chass Band of Indigenous people of the Squaxin Island Tribe have a rich history and culture that has shaped our community, and we are committed to working in partnership with them to create a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

How has COVID-19 changed your organization’s sustainability efforts?

As a result of COVID-19, the City's sustainability efforts have undergone significant changes. With many employees transitioning to remote work since March 2020, the number of individuals driving to work and during work has decreased substantially. This, in turn, has led to a reduction in the energy used to power City buildings and vehicles.

Fortunately, the City was able to facilitate this transition smoothly thanks to updates to our telework policy. This policy now allows every employee to work from home, provided their job duties can be completed remotely. In a post-pandemic world, the City remains committed to encouraging staff to telework whenever possible.

The City of Olympia has installed solar panels on several city buildings, including City Hall, Hands On Children's Museum, and the Timberland Library, reducing the reliance on traditional energy sources.

Where have you been the most successful in your green business practices? What have been the biggest challenges?

The City of Olympia isn't content to simply talk about sustainability - they're putting their money where their mouth is by championing sustainable procurement practices. From purchasing recycled copy paper to investing in electric vehicles, the City is taking a proactive approach to promoting a more sustainable future.

But their efforts don't stop there. The City has also been retrofitting their facilities to meet highefficiency energy standards and installing solar panels to reduce their carbon footprint even further. By doing so, they're not only promoting fiscal responsibility, but also supporting local economic growth, preserving natural resources, and meeting their social responsibilities.

As a member of the Washington State Purchasing Cooperative and other national government purchasing cooperatives, the City of Olympia is also leveraging their purchasing power to influence sustainable purchasing solutions on a larger scale.

The City of Olympia has made significant strides in its commitment to sustainability by using the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) to report on the City's commitments under the Global Covenant of Mayors

(GCOM), Cities Race to Resilience, and Cities Race to Zero. To measure our emissions community-wide and for city operations, we follow the US Community Protocol.

Despite these successes, there are still significant challenges to overcome. With a large and diverse workforce spread out across various buildings and locations, it's not always easy to get everyone on board with green business practices. While some are already committed to sustainability, others need to be taught, encouraged, and reminded to adopt these practices consistently.

Tell us more about your buying & selling green practices. As part of its ongoing sustainability efforts, the City has been steadily integrating digital signatures and electronic approvals into its various business processes. This has allowed for contracts, invoices, reports, and City Council records to be reviewed and approved electronically, greatly reducing the need for physical paper documents.

Over time, the City has made significant strides towards paperless operations, with more and more processes being conducted entirely digitally each year. These efforts have led to tangible reductions in both paper use and carbon emissions, helping the City to make significant progress towards its sustainability goals.

2023 Thurston Green Business Designees

4th Dimension

Computers & Technology

ABOVE Home Health

All City Cleaning Services, LLC

All Ways Chiropractic

Alpine Ductless Heating and Air Conditioning

Beech Tree Woodworks

Bite Me Catering, LLC

Boardwalk Senior

Affordable Apartments

Brons Automotive

Camas Coffee House

CapStone Solar

Card My Yard Lacey

Chefs for Seniors

Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar

Cheryl Heinrichs Architecture

Child Care Action Council

City of Lacey

City of Olympia

City of Tumwater

Country Financial

Covabrelli Coffee

Dancing Goats® Coffee

Earth Homes LLC

ECOS

Enlightenment Home Care LLC

Evergreen Financial Services, Inc.

Evergreen Valley Lavender Farm

Farm Home Lending LLC

First Finishers, LLC

Fish Tale Brewpub

Flying Colors Painting Co.

Fungi Perfecti

Heart and Sole Reflexology

Heritage Distilling Co.

Occasions Catering

Holy Lamb Organics

Homes First

Intercity Transit

John Erwin Remodeling

JT Painting Company LLC

Lacey Door & Millwork

Lacey MakerSpace

Lacey South Sound Chamber of Commerce

Little Bit of Grace Accounting

Little Paws Boarding

Lost & Found Crafts

LOTT Clean Water Alliance

Metro Body Piercing

Miracle Workers Cleaning Services

Moda Capelli

Mosaic Marketing Studio

Nisqually Markets (Medicine Creek Enterprise Corporation)

Nisqually Red Wind Casino

North Thurston Public Schools

Northwest Cooperative Development Center

Oly Wines

Olympia Coffee

Olympia Computer

Olympia Federal Savings

Olympia Harbor Days

Olympic Limousine

Options Pregnancy Clinic

Pacific Air Heating & Air Conditioning

Port of Olympia

Puget Sound Energy

Radiance Herbs and Massage

Revel Lacey

Rhino Linings of Olympia

Robin D. Lee, Health and Longevity Coach

SafePlace

Salt Hair Lounge

Sani-Fog, LLC

Seattle Children's Olympia Bargain Boutique

Seifert Law Offices

Senior Helpers

Sensory Tool House, LLC

Shire Homes LLC

South Puget Sound

Habitat for Humanity

South Sound Furniture

South Sound YMCA

Sprouted SLopes

Sunset Air Inc.

Swantown Inn

Teresa Marie Art and Design

The Cider Barrel, LLC

The Creative Office

The Evergreen State College

The Marie Bed & Breakfast

The Owl's Nest Coffee + Pastries

The Park Side Cafe

Three Girls Media, Inc.

Thurston Climate Action Team (TCAT)

Thurston County

Thurston County Chamber

Thurston County Food Bank

Tom Kuhlmann State Farm

Top Gun Hauling and Junk Removal LLC

Treasure Chest

Treinen Associates, Inc.

Tumwater Auto Spa

United Way of Thurston County

Venables Pest Management

Vert Chiropractic

Veterans Security Operations

Vibrant Health

VIS Group, Inc.

Whole Health Naturopathy

Yards Done Right LLC

What have been your biggest successes in energy efficiency? What have been the biggest challenges?

The City of Olympia has made significant strides in energy efficiency. One of our major successes was replacing 324 lights at the City-owned Family Support Center, reducing their wattage from 80 to 27. Additionally, we replaced the high bay lights in the Olympia City Hall Lobby with LED fixtures. These efforts have resulted in measurable reductions in energy usage and carbon emissions.

We are also proud to have achieved the SolSmart Gold designation, making it easier and more affordable for homes and businesses to go solar in Olympia. This involved creating a solar resource webpage, streamlining the solar permit process, and supporting solar group purchase programs.

To track our sustainability efforts, we use CDP to report on our commitments under the Global Covenant of Mayors, Cities Race to Resilience, and Cities Race to Zero.

We also follow the US Community Protocol to measure our emissions community-wide and for city operations.

However, we have faced challenges such as rising costs for electricity, fuel, parts, and supplies. Additionally, obtaining materials needed to make improvements in a timely manner has proven to be a challenge. Nonetheless, we remain committed to our sustainability goals and will continue to explore innovative solutions to overcome these challenges.

Our Strategic Energy Management (SEM) plan, developed in partnership with PSE, is just one of the many initiatives we have implemented over the past eight years to achieve this goal. We have installed solar panels on several city buildings, including City Hall, Hands On Children's Museum, and the Timberland Library, reducing our reliance on traditional energy sources. Additionally, we have made improvements to our HVAC systems, using the Allerton System Control to enhance efficiency. Our commitment to sustainability

extends beyond our own operations, as we purchase "Green Power" from PSE and have joined forces with neighboring cities to accept the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan as our regional framework for climate action.

We have made significant progress in our sustainability efforts, with our Climate Program Manager leading the way since 2020. Our employee-led internal Climate Action Workgroup has been instrumental in developing new ideas, opportunities, goals, and plans to support our efforts. In 2022 alone, we accomplished several milestones, including the electrification of all new construction and major renovations of city-owned buildings and projects receiving city funding of $50,000 or more, thanks to the passing of Resolution M-2289 by the City Council. We have also begun evaluating the feasibility of retrofitting existing buildings to become all-electric by 2030, developing electric vehicle parking standards, and creating a fleet electrification plan and vehicle acquisition policy.

Thurston Green Business Awards with Keynote by

Aaron Sauerhoff, CEO & Founder of Earth Homes

Get ready to be inspired and join us in celebrating the cream of the crop at the Thurston Green Designation ceremony!

Over 100 businesses went above and beyond this year to earn the prestigious designation, and we can't wait to honor them at the Chamber's April Forum on Wednesday, April 12 at 11:00 am at Saint Martin's University Norman Worthington Center.

But that's not all - the event promises to be an unforgettable experience with a captivating keynote address by Aaron Sauerhoff, CEO and Founder of Earth Homes LLC. With his team and network of natural builders and materials specialists, Sauerhoff is actively revolutionizing the construction industry with unique buildings systems respective to the bioregions for which he designs and builds.

Sauerhoff will share his insights into impactful building practices and methods, including requirements for running a successful business that contributes to climate stability and resiliency. Don't miss this exceptional opportunity to learn from one of the most innovative and inspiring entrepreneurs in the industry. Mark your calendars and join us on April 12th!

Attendees are encouraged to arrive at 11:00 for a Green Business EXPO, open to all businesses that received a Thurston Green Business Designation this year.

In addition to honoring all of this year’s businesses who received the Thurston Green Designation the committee will also honor the following organizations for their outstanding sustainability efforts.

Small Business of the Year – Treasure Chest

Medium Business of the Year – CapStone Solar

Large Business of the Year – The Evergreen State College

Municipality of the Year – City of Olympia

Thank you to the Thurston Green Business sponsors, South Sound Solar, Veterans Security Operations, and Homes First.

Register at thurstonchamber.com/events

Commercial Aviation Coordinating Commission

(CACC) Mandate Likely Headed for Overhaul

by Doug Mah, Doug Mah and Associates, Thurston Chamber Public Policy Director

the time of this

The CACC created a firestorm that it was unable to extinguish when the Commission identified three potential sites in Pierce and Thurston counties as possible preferred locations to meet Washington’s growing commercial airport needs. The Thurston Chamber was one of thousands to voice opposition to the inclusion of the “Thurston County Central” as one possible site for a new airport under consideration by the CACC.

Created in State law by unanimous votes in the State House and Senate in 2019, the CACC was charged with initiating a broad review of potential aviation facility sites, reviewing existing data, conducting research, and identifying a single preferred location for a new commercial airport facility. The legislation established a flawed process. Negative reaction from the public was fierce and lawmakers were quick to respond when the list of sites was narrowed to three.

At the end of the 2023 Legislative Session, we can expect a new commission and a better process that protects communities, broadens the scope for review of sites, and doesn’t require the selection of a single site. The entire CACC debacle contains several key lessons for Chamber members to learn from.

• Pay attention to early studies – It is common for governments at all levels to conduct “studies” or to convene special commissions to start exploring alternatives. It is important that we monitor the scope, scale, and schedule for these studies as soon as possible. They provide insight into who will be impacted and in what way.

• Participate in the process – The CACC was in existence for 3 years before “regular” folks took notice of their work. Although their “calls for participation” could have been more robust, in hindsight, the region should have engaged early and often in the process. Early and consistent participation will shape the final decisions without controversy.

• Stay connected with policy makers – The CACC did not just appear like magic. Growth in commercial aviation is very apparent and needs to be addressed with or without the CACC. Developing solutions to regional airport capacity and other pressing transportation needs, like all public policy, requires sustained relationships with policy makers so that balanced solutions can be achieved.

The Thurston region and Washington State will continue to grow. This growth will bring opportunities and challenges that can have a profound impact on the places we all call home. It is important that the Chamber, and Chamber members, stay connected with our elected officials at all levels, pay attention to early studies, and most importantly – participate in the process. In a post-pandemic world, State and local governments are using more on-line surveys to gather community input. Although on-line surveys are convenient, they are entirely dependent on who participates.

We can expect more conflict around future land use decisions, perhaps not as large as a new regional airport, but likely containing the same entrenched conflicts. We consistently observe that public policy is determined by those that participate. Please join the Public Policy Division as we work to improve our individual and collective participation in the public process.

At

writing, it appears that the Commercial Aviation Coordinating Commission (CACC) and its original mandate are headed for a complete overhaul.

Caught in the Lens

Thurston County Chamber

Forum photos by Shanna Paxton Photography. Distinguished Leader Awards photos by Heather Harris, Elements Photography and Shanna Paxton Photography.

PO BOX 1427 Olympia, WA 98507-1427

Thank You CommunityInvestors

SILVER T & S Cleaning, Inc. AAA Washington 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 & Specialties T-Mobile ULINE Shipping Supply Specialists

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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.

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DIAMOND

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PacificSource Health Plans

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Saint Martin's University

South Sound Behavioral Hospital

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