Unveiling the Power of Government Contracting for Business Growth

Thurston County Chamber Monthly Forum Presents Keynote Speaker, Tiffany Scroggs

The Thurston County Chamber is pleased to announce that its upcoming monthly Forum, scheduled for August 16, will feature Tiffany Scroggs, Thurston EDC’s Washington PTAC Program Director, as the keynote speaker. The event will take place at the Olympia Hotel at Capital Lake, providing an excellent opportunity for local businesses to gain valuable insights into government contracting and its potential to fuel business growth.

Government contracting has emerged as a crucial avenue for businesses to expand their operations and establish long-term success. With extensive experience and expertise in the field, Tiffany Scroggs will offer attendees valuable knowledge on how government contracts can serve as a catalyst for growth and provide guidance on the initial steps required to enter this sector.

The event will include a BIPOC Business EXPO featuring members of South Sound BIPOC (SSBIPOC), an effort supported by the Chamber Foundation to provide visibility, education, and marketing opportunities to businesses owned or run by BIPOC community members. Attendees can connect with these exceptional entrepreneurs, discover innovative products and services, and support business growth in our community.

Now in its 61st year, the Thurston County Chamber, and the Olympia Yacht Club, will partner once again to host local military personnel at Foofaraw, an event unmatched anywhere else in the world.

Always the first Friday after Labor Day, we will be shoving off from the Olympia Yacht Club main station Friday, Sept. 8.

Foofaraw has gained in popularity with every passing year and is well-known throughout the United States Armed Forces. Yacht Club members transport guests to Island Home, where the Yacht Club and the Chamber treat them to a full day of games and a traditional salmon bake, provided by Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel and The Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis. Finally, local dignitaries honor the military personnel.

The event hosts on average two service members to every one civilian.

For the last several years, the Port of Olympia has shown their gratitude of service to our military by arranging a send-off which includes representatives from local police, medic, and fire departments and always hanging a large American flag from one of their cranes.

One dictionary defines Foofaraw as "much ado about nothing" and, at one point in history the official "purpose" of the day, claimed that a "Foofarite [military attendee] has earned the right to say 'Foof' to all duties and responsibilities for one day each year."

Sponsor tickets for this year’s event are limited and available exclusively to Chamber Members. We are collecting donations for the free military raffle that takes place throughout the day.

For more information about Foofaraw or to make a donation, please call the Chamber at 360.357.3362.