May 2023 VOICE Magazine

From Incarceration to Empowerment

Ginny Burton’s life is a testament to the power of perseverance and the potential for redemption, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds

The Nom Nom Stop

From Bucharest to Venice to Lacey –Owners Gabriela ‘Ada’ Gheorghiu and husband Tiberio Serbanescu bring their unique culinary stamp to sweet treats

May 2023

THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER VOICE MAGAZINE

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Join our host, Tart Cider at 8024 River Dr SE Suite 303, Olympia, WA 98501 on Thursday, May 4 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.

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Join our Business After Hours host Harbor Heights at 500 Columbia St NW, Olympia, WA 98502 on Thursday, May 18 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 PacificSource Health Plans proudly sponsor Business After Hours.

On Friday May 5 at 5:00pm, SSBIPOC is throwing a Cinco de Mayo celebration at Olympic Rental & Landlord Services, 115 State Avenue NE Olympia WA 98501! Celebrate Mexican culture with tacos by Olympia Salsa and drinks provided at this free event. Don't forget your business cards at home – you can use them to network with BIPOC business professionals, and enter a raffle of items from local businesses! This event is open to BIPOC business owners and professionals, though anyone who supports the SSBIPOC mission of helping BIPOC businesses succeed are welcome to join. Registration is required. Learn more at ssbipoc.org

In This Issue...

Ginny Burton's Journey of Transformation p. 6

Overcoming addiction and incarceration, Ginny’s life is a testament to the power of perseverance and the potential for redemption.

The Nom Nom Stop p. 8

Owners Gabriela ‘Ada’ Gheorghiu and husband

Tiberio Serbanescu blend superior quality and skilled techniques to make a truly unique product.

Unite Against Crime p. 13

Thurston Chamber brings business leaders and law enforcement together to address pressing challenges.

Annual Meeting

MAY 17, 2023

The community is invited to attend the Thurston County Chamber's 118th Annual Meeting on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at 11:30 am at the Olympia Hotel at Capitol Lake. The program will include a report out and a glimpse at an exciting work program for the new fiscal year ahead. Ginny Burton, a former drug addict and renowned advocate for using incarceration as a tool for success, will be the keynote speaker. She will share her personal journey and her vision for a new approach to addressing addiction, crime, and homelessness. Register at thurstonchamber.com/events. Sponsored by the Port of Olympia

Thank You Sponsors!

Caught in the Lens p. 17

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

Recovery, Resilience and Empowerment

by David Schaffert, President/CEO, Thurston County Chamber

Welcome to the latest issue of the VOICE Magazine. We are thrilled to feature Ginny Burton's inspiring story of overcoming addiction, homelessness, and incarceration to achieve academic success and launch a business. We are honored to have Ginny Burton as our keynote speaker for this year's Annual Meeting on May 17.

One of the key aspects of Ginny's advocacy work is the importance of hearing directly from those with lived experience. She understands that personal experiences can shape our understanding of complex issues, and she is passionate about turning her lived experience into opportunities for change. At our Annual Meeting, you will have the chance to learn from Ginny's perspective and hear how her business is working to changes lives.

Ginny's story and vision for reform are timely and crucial in

today's society. By listening to those who have experienced the challenges of addiction, crime, and homelessness firsthand, we can gain valuable insights and develop more effective solutions.

Finally, Ginny's story is a powerful reminder that change is possible for everyone.

We hope you will join us at our Annual Meeting to hear Ginny Burton's powerful message. Let's come together to learn, share, and work toward a better future for all.

From Incarceration to Empowerment:

Ginny Burton's Journey of Transformation

by Natasha Ashenhurst

Ginny Burton’s life is a testament to the power of perseverance and the potential for redemption, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Growing up in a household where both of her parents were addicted to drugs, Burton’s own drug use began with marijuana and eventually led to heroin and crack cocaine. She and her mother would use drugs together, leading to a cycle of addiction and criminal behavior that saw Burton convicted of 17 felonies, including identity theft, assault, and armed robbery.

After serving three separate terms in prison, Burton finally found the motivation to turn her life around. In 2016, she went back to school at the University of Washington and was awarded a highly competitive $30,000 graduate school scholarship as a 2020 Truman Scholar and Martin Honor Scholar, ultimately earning a total of $74,000 in scholarships. At the age of 48, she graduated with a degree and a newfound determination to make a difference in the world.

Burton now advocates for “incarceration with intention,” which seeks to provide incarcerated individuals with the resources they need to turn their lives around and reintegrate into society. She believes that such a program would not only benefit those who are incarcerated but would also create a safety net for the broader community.

“I estimate that close to 90% of people who commit crimes are in active addiction,” Burton says. “These underlying causes would be addressed very intentionally during incarceration so that we’re making sure that we’re attacking the problems when we have people separated from the destructive path.”

Burton’s own life experience with addiction, criminal justice, and homelessness, combined with her education, has given her a unique perspective and credibility in areas that most policymakers lack. She is committed to changing policies in the prison system and in homeless systems, and to putting her lived experience to use in creating more effective, empowering solutions for those who are suffering as a result of current policies.

“After serving people in re-entry and social service settings for a decade, I realized that they needed more help than I could provide. Many continued down destructive paths because they lacked the resources to find a way out,” Burton says.

Determined to empower individuals to create their own solutions, Burton created O-UT, Overhaul-Unrelenting Transfiguration, a 10-module program that helps individuals identify challenges, leverage assets, and create comprehensive plans to transform their circumstances.

O-UT is facilitated by professionals with lived experience and models skills for overcoming personal challenges. With support from the community, O-UT aims to become a community-based program with an inpatient treatment facility addressing addiction, incarceration, homelessness, and other underlying causes. Although not a non-profit, Burton says O-UT is the missing link in changing lives and achieving outcomes such as reduced recidivism, reunited families, service engagement, abstinence from drugs and alcohol, living-wage employment, stable housing, and community involvement.

Ginny Burton’s story is a reminder that, even in the darkest moments, there is always hope for a better future. Her resilience and determination serve as an inspiration to all of us to keep pushing forward, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Burton will be the keynote speaker at the Thurston County Chamber's Annual Meeting on May 17, 2023, at the Olympia Hotel at Capitol Lake. Visit thurstonchamber.com for tickets. To learn more about O-UT, visit www.vginnyburton.com.

No Day is Complete Without a Nom Nom Stop

by Kathryn Millhorn

Our favorite treats often come with a signature happy noise. From slurping spaghetti noodles to crunching freshly popped popcorn, good food engages all five senses. Especially so with the unique, globally inspired, mouthwatering creations at The Nom Nom Stop in Lacey. Fudge, handcrafted chocolate, cake jars, skillfully painted bonbons, and even lusciously coated cheesecake on a stick all await your every craving and come with their very own nom nom nom soundtrack.

Owned by Gabriela ‘Ada’ Gheorghiu and husband Tiberio Serbanescu, The Nom Nom Stop opened in late 2021. But that’s not where their story began. Both were born in Bucharest, Romania and lived in Venice, Italy for many years before moving to the United States almost nine years ago.

They settled in Lacey and turned Ada’s passions in the kitchen— especially working with chocolate— into a true destination. “Having the privilege to live in different cultures and societies,” says Tiberio, “their culinary aspect put a stamp on her curiosity and she’s constantly looking to discover new flavors,

techniques, and practices.”

TIberio’s role leans more towards photography, videography, and drones than sweets. He oversees branding, PR, and marketing for the company. Find a photo gallery and five-star reviews of their work on Facebook, Instagram and Yelp.

-Tiberio Serbanescu

Like many businesses, The Nom Nom Stop was heavily impacted by COVID-19. Their thriving chocolate company, Grazie Chocolat, was selling artisan fudge via several stores in SeaTac Airport. When the pandemic pause hit, future plans and investments fell through. But, says Tiberio, “after many searches, in August 2021 we found this location and decided to risk it and open a chocolate shop! On December 4, 2021, we opened the doors and since day one the feedback of the community was extremely positive.”

They chose Lacey both for their home and business after falling in love with its small town, everyone-knowseveryone feel. “We wanted to leave a footprint on what we do best,” says Tiberio. “Ada’s passion for high end chocolate and her dedication made me believe in her dream. I was the first one to be surprised by her creations; the colors, the design, the shapes, and the taste.”

Their sweets use the finest Belgian chocolate and source many additional ingredients locally. Blending superior quality and skilled

techniques make a product that’s truly unique for our area. Bonbons are handcrafted, hand painted and use 100% natural colors, absolutely no synthetic or artificial dyes. All ganaches are made in-house with the finest ingredients.

Hungry yet? Swing by and try not to drool on the refrigerated display of fresh delicious products made in small batches. Things like Banana Pudding, Banatella (banana pudding with Nutella), Tiramisu (available Friday and Saturday), and cookie dough flavors served with

“Ada’s passion for high end chocolate and her dedication made me believe in her dream. I was the first one to be surprised by her creations; the colors, the design, the shapes, and the taste.”

An Elevated 55+ Waterfront Lifestyle

Welcome 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

cheesecake bites like Cookies ‘N Cream, Red Velvet, Salted Caramel, and Brownie.

Then there’s the signature showstopper: cheesecake on a stick. It sounds simple but grab extra napkins for this over-the-top experience. They start with the basics, cheesecake and a stick. It’s then covered in white, milk, or dark Belgian chocolate and customized in 15 different ways. “As we create them on the spot the possibilities are endless,” says Tiberio. “You can customize your slice exactly as you want; only your creativity is the limit. There are always over 5 signature ganaches available and seasonal ones added for limited periods of time.”

Welcome Home to Joyful & Vibrant Living!

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These treats are a love letter to their chosen community. Ada and Tiberio feel privileged to work in what they happily call “this awesome community.” And the shop is such a sweet spot that customers can’t help but return the feeling. “We were shown so much positiveness from everyone and the in-person and online feedback stimulates us so much,” says Tiberio. “We take great pride in the honest environment we proposed, the uniqueness of our products, continuous improvement in customer service, never compromising quality and practices, plus a clean and fun looking retail space.” In the future they hope to build, invest, and grow alongside Lacey and its ever-evolving community food needs.

Admit it, your mouth is watering. So head to The Nom Nom Stop at 1107 College Street SE Monday through Thursday from 12pm until 7pm and 12pm to 8pm on Friday and Saturday. Order through DoorDash, UberEats, and GrubHub or online for in-store pickup. Items can also be catered for events or shipped to loved ones. Simply call 360.292.0805 and get started today. Mouth-full-of-chocolate happy noises are always free.

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ADVOCACY

Uniting Against Crime:

Thurston Chamber Brings Business Leaders and Law Enforcement Together to Address Pressing Challenges

by Doug

On March 29, 2023, the Thurston County Chamber brought together influential business leaders and law enforcement in a powerful discussion led by Doug Mah, the director of the Chamber's Public Policy team. With representatives from the Thurston County Sheriff's office, City of Olympia Police, City of Tumwater Police, and City of Lacey Police in attendance, the conversation was nothing short of impactful.

Several business owners and board members of the Thurston Chamber shared their firsthand experiences of how crime has impacted their businesses and the community. Will Callicoat, President of MultiCare Capital Medical Center, shared sobering accounts of the devastating impact of Fentanyl use, overdoses, and property crime on their emergency room. De'Leon Brooks, owner of Cash Oasis, revealed the alarming trend of ATM thefts at nail salons and the frequency of robberies related to Fentanyl.

Joseph Lanham, Wells Fargo District Manager, expressed concerns about the lack of seriousness in addressing

these issues and the unequal justice faced by different people.

Trenton Fluetsch, incoming Board Chair and president of Sunset Air, shared a stark reality that has been plaguing his business. The theft of copper has caused significant damage as well as costs. In addition, every single one of their box trucks have been damaged due to attempted theft. As if that wasn't enough, they have also fallen victim to six stolen catalytic converters, always seeming to happen during long weekends. “My team and I set up patrols at night, knowing we are at constant risk of theft,” he said.

Law enforcement officials also highlighted the challenges they face. Tumwater Police Chief Jon Weiks acknowledged the complexities of the current situation and the need to regain the voice of law enforcement. Weiks expressed concern about having the right people at the table and not wanting to make excuses, and highlighted the multiple breakdowns in the system, exacerbated by police reform and the impact of COVID-19.

Lacey Police Chief Robert Almada emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to address addiction and praised a

Mah, Doug Mah & Associates, Thurston Chamber Public Policy Director

Joseph Lanham, expresses his concerns for communities, customers, and families.

Free Safety & Health Workshops

Washington State Department of Labor & Industries offers webinars and workshops for both business owners and their employees. Some of the topics include “Developing an Accident Prevention Plan,” and “OSHA 300 Recordkeeping.”

You can keep an eye on upcoming events here: https://lni.wa.gov/safety-health/safety-trainingmaterials/workshops-events/safety-health-workshops

Senate bill, HB5536, as a promising plan. Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders raised concerns about limitations on jail capacity and the strain on corrections deputies.

Sam Costello, Deputy Chief of Olympia Police Department, emphasized the need for people to understand the constraints law enforcement faces in terms of personnel and resources. His comments shed light on the challenges police officers face in providing effective and timely response to crime, underscoring the importance of addressing resource constraints for better public safety outcomes.

Dr. Deb Clemens, a Thurston Chamber Board Member and Superintendent of North Thurston Public Schools, commends the strong partnership between the school district, the county, and Lacey despite the constraints they face. “I appreciate their responsiveness and dedication as well as the commitment of everyone working together to overcome obstacles and create a supportive environment for the community,” she said.

The Chamber's commitment to fostering dialogue and advocating for the business community, combined with the determination and insights shared by business leaders and law enforcement officials, highlighted the urgent need to unite against crime and protect the well-being of the community. The collective expertise and insights shared during this crucial discussion shed light on the far-reaching impacts of crime on businesses, providing a platform for meaningful dialogue and action. It was a pivotal moment that showcased the Chamber's commitment to advocating for the business community and fostering collaboration between key stakeholders to address critical issues.

"Public safety is a paramount duty of local government," according to David Schaffert, Thurston Chamber President/CEO. “The Thurston Chamber recognizes that it takes many voices at the public policy table to ensure we have a balanced approach to meeting the needs of our communities.”

The Chamber board shares sobering accounts of increased criminal acts.

Moving forward, the Public Policy Division will focus on four actions:

1) Continue the productive dialog with members of the regional criminal justice system leadership;

2) Advocate that local criminal justice agencies have the resources (such as human, technology, and jail capacity) required to do their jobs;

3) Seek reasonable pursuit and drug possession reform legislation; and

4) Assist in regional workforce development efforts so we can recruit and retain tomorrow’s finest public safety professionals.

The crime and public safety challenges experienced by Chamber members need to be recognized

by policy makers at all levels of government. The Thurston Chamber is committed to building safer and more resilient communities in partnership with businesses, residents, and those that respond to our calls for help. Please reach out and share your thoughts with us.

De'Leon Brooks, reveals the alarming trend of ATM thefts.

Police chiefs from Olympia, Tumwater, and Lacey listen intently to Chamber members.

Sheriff Sanders discusses jail capacity and staff recruitment challenges.

Tumwater Police Chief Jon Weiks (middle right) acknowledged the complexities of the current situation.

Presenting Sponsor

Thurston Chamber's 118th Annual Meeting

The community is invited to attend the Thurston County Chamber's 118th Annual Meeting on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at 11:30am at the Olympia Hotel at Capitol Lake.

The program will include a report out and a glimpse at an exciting work program for the new fiscal year ahead.

Ginny Burton will be the keynote speaker. Burton's inspiring story of overcoming addiction, homelessness, and incarceration to achieve academic success has made her a sought-after speaker. She will share her personal journey and her vision for a new approach to addressing addiction, crime, and homelessness, which she believes are intertwined issues that require a comprehensive solution.

The Thurston County Chamber's Annual Meeting is a highly anticipated event that brings together business leaders, elected officials, and community members to celebrate the achievements of the past year and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the region. This year's event promises to be especially meaningful, as attendees will have the opportunity to hear from one of the country's most influential advocates for criminal justice reform. Register for the Annual Meeting and other Chamber events at thurstonchamber.com/events

A Night on the Town photography by Shanna Paxton Photography (pictured).

This photo by Miguel Pineda.

PO BOX 1427 Olympia, WA 98507-1427

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

GOLD Caliber Home Loans Chicago Title Columbia Bank The Creative Office The Evergreen State College GHB Insurance, Inc. Great Wolf Lodge Harbor Heights Hometown Property Management, Inc. The Olympia Furniture & Sleep Company Olympia Orthopaedic Associates Timberland Bank Venables Pest Management Window Genie

Thank You CommunityInvestors

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.

PLATINUM

Apella Wealth Cash Oasis/Media Drive Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, PLLC Fieldstone Communities Little Creek Casino & Resort Morningside MultiCare Capital Medical Center Olympia Federal Savings Olympic Rental & Landlord Services SCJ Alliance South Puget Sound Community College The Rants Group truit Veteran Security Operations

DIAMOND

FORMA Construction Company Lucky Eagle Casino and Hotel PacificSource Health Plans

Port of Olympia Providence Swedish Puget Sound Energy

Saint Martin's University

South Sound Behavioral Hospital

TwinStar Credit Union Washington Business Bank

Wells Fargo Community Bank