The Evergreen State College offers CELTC Business and Entrepreneurship Certificate and Undergraduate Options
Sensory Tool House Supports Neurodivergent Populations with Workplace Accessibility
Sierra Pacific Industries' Youth Apprenticeship Program Builds Youth Talent Pipeline
From natural birth to neonatal care to that first time you cradle your baby close, let Providence Swedish deliver the joy you’ve been expecting. providenceswedish.org/maternitycare
and click on the Events Calendar for the latest information regarding Chamber events.
Join our host, La Patrona Mexican Kitchen & Cantina at 5409 Capitol Blvd SE, Tumwater, WA 98501 on Thursday, October 5 at 5:30 p.m. for 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 sponsored by Cash Oasis/Media Drive and KGY Media Group.
Join our Business After Hours host Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess at 111 21st Ave SW, Olympia, WA 98501 on Thursday, October 19 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, and it is proudly sponsored by ROXY 94.5 and PacificSource Health Plans
Join the Thurston Chamber on October 24, from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Great Wolf Lodge at 20500 Old Hwy 99 SW, Centralia, WA 98531, for the Future of Work Summit. Step into a realm of innovation forged by collaborative efforts between business visionaries, educational pioneers, and workforce development champions across a five-county region. This event will feature networking, workshops, panels and a keynote by Donny Jones, EVP and Chief Workforce Officer for the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, and Executive Director for West AlabamaWorks! To register, visit ThurstonChamber.com.
Sierra Pacific Industries' Apprenticeships p. 7
Sierra Pacific Industries (SPI) offers dynamic Youth Apprenticeship programs to build staff engagement and a youth talent pipeline to craft a skilled workforce of the future.
Unlocking the Power of Neurodiversity p. 13
Katie McMurray and Lauren Howard at Sensory Tool House uncover the transformative potential of supporting neurodivergent populations with workplace accessibility.
Evergreen Takes a CELTC Approach to Sustainability p. 18
Evergreen offers Business and Entrepreneurship Certificate and Undergraduate Options through the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Transformational Change.
Caught in the Lens p. 22 Keep up with the latest Chamber happenings and see the great smiles that make up our membership!
The
EDITORIAL David Schaffert 360-357-3362 dschaffert@thurstonchamber.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Business owners face an ongoing struggle to find skilled employees, especially in today's low-unemployment economy. The VOICE magazine's latest edition tackles this issue with a fresh perspective on 'The Future of Work.'
In this issue, you'll discover compelling stories from three different angles:
1. Sierra Pacific Industries' innovative partnership with AJAC and Elma High School to cultivate Youth Apprentices.
2. The inspiring journey of Sensory Tool House, dedicated to supporting neurodivergent populations in the workplace.
3. Insights from Dr. Tamsin Foucrier, Director of the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Transformational Change at The Evergreen State College.
For years, the Chamber's Business and Education Committee has been fostering collaboration between business and education partners to tackle workforce challenges and educational opportunities.
Join us at the Future of Work Summit and EXPO on October 24, 2023, at Great Wolf Lodge.
The Summit is designed to help you:
• Build a talent pipeline with valuable tools.
• Develop effective on-the-job training programs.
• Explore best practices for creating internship opportunities.
• Harness apprenticeships as a strategic recruitment tool.
• Foster meaningful community connections with educators and fellow business owners.
Prepare to gather the skills, tools, and relationships you need to supercharge your workforce pipeline. Enjoy this issue, and we look forward to welcoming you at the Future of Work Summit!
BUILDING COMMUNITY PROSPERITY SINCE 1874
Friday, November 3, 2023
Live Virtual Conference
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM PST
Early Bird Registration (now thru Oct. 13 - $50)
Organizational rates for groups up to 10 are also available at a discounted rate. See the website for more details.
Please visit strengtheningfamiliesconference.org for more information.
*JOURNEY CHECKING DISCLOSURE: Variable interest rate account. Rates effective as of June 2, 2023, and subject to change anytime and without notice. • An interest rate of 0.05% will be paid only for that portion of your daily balance that is greater than $10,000.00. The annual percentage yield for this tier will range from 3.60% to 0.40%, depending on the balance in the account. • If your daily balance is $10,000.00 or less, the interest rate paid on the entire balance will be 3.49% with an annual percentage yield of 3.60%* • If your account does not have the required activity noted below* an interest rate of 0.05% will be paid on the entire balance. The annual percentage yield for the entire balance will be 0.05%, depending on the balance in the account. *Premium rate requires monthly direct deposit of $500 or more, debit card activation and 10 debit transactions posted per statement cycle, enrollment in retail online banking and signing up to receive eStatements, and maintaining active online banking access as outlined in the Online Banking Terms & Conditions Agreement. One account per Social Security Number. Minimum $100.00 to open an account. Fees may reduce earnings and rate may change after account opening.
by Kathryn Millhorn
In the world of careers, some jobs require more than just a resume. They demand specialized training, unique licenses, special equipment know-how, or hands-on experience. Finding the perfect fit can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. That's where visionary companies like Sierra Pacific Industries (SPI) step in, offering dynamic internship and Youth Apprenticeship programs to craft a skilled workforce of the future.
These programs are no ordinary training grounds. They're precisioncrafted, laser-focused pathways to expertise. The U.S. Department of Labor's Apprenticeship.gov sums it up beautifully: "Apprenticeship is the gold standard, where industries lead the way in molding tomorrow's workforce. It's a journey where you get paid to learn, attend specialized classes, receive mentorship from the best, and earn a prized credential that opens doors wherever you go."
Jacquelin Earley, with SPI's Workforce Development and Recruitment team, has grown alongside the company for almost ten years. Her current role includes connecting community and educational programs with SPI careers at various locations.
Earley says their Youth Apprenticeship program is a new 2,000-hour program for local youth in partnership with AJAC. AJAC, based in Kent, is Washington's first advanced manufacturing registered preapprenticeship program and was started in 2008 to skill up a muchneeded workforce.
SPI's Youth Apprenticeship program works with Elma High School students who work part-time for SPI while taking a guided high school curriculum through AJAC, which gears them toward a future in advanced manufacturing. AJAC also has the expertise to support and guide employers as they learn to navigate regulations and limitations specific to youth employment.
Youth Apprenticeship takes approximately two years. Six students have participated in two cohorts of three since they kicked things off in May 2022.
Students work for SPI full-time over the summer, part-time during the school year, and full-time after graduation.
"Participants graduate with high school, college, and accredited journey-level Youth Apprenticeship card," says Earley, "and are paid SPI employees."
We've designed these 24 months to "help grow new skillsets," says Earley, "and invest in the skills of our employees. It's been extremely successful, and we want to see this in all our local schools." She explains that SPI has had internships for decades, utilizing partnerships with local and regional high schools, community colleges and four-year universities.
And as with any project, connection is critical. "We're not doing this alone; we have the support of school districts, professionals like Vaughan Chopper Pump, and AJAC. It means a lot that we are all working together to support students and programs like these," she said.
Introducing high schoolers to the forest product industry and advanced manufacturing jobs at SPI is vitally important to our region.
"We may not retain these students forever," admits Earley, "We invest in them because we want to give kids the opportunity to experience advanced manufacturing in our industry. We want to bolster their curiosity into great, living-wage careers, especially in more rural communities."
"I honestly believe this is a real solution for many of the problems we are facing in our industry," said Darrin Moorcroft, SPI’s Washington Area Manager. "We have never had an opportunity to work so closely with schools and students; we can see the benefit. We already see added value for them as learners and for us as a business. They have successfully completed projects, and we have lots of excitement on the shop floor."
As the U.S. Chamber of Commerce aptly notes, the demand for staffing in this field is immense, with vacant jobs far outnumbering available skilled workers. Thanks to Sierra Pacific Industries, a new generation has the opportunity to forge a vibrant future.
Explore opportunities in over a dozen states through an online career portal at www.spi-ind.com/Employment. With roots firmly established in Aberdeen, Burlington, Centralia, and Shelton, SPI's influence spans the nation.
If your business is interested in learning how to start a regional apprenticeship partnership in your area, reach out to AJAC at info@ajactraining.org
The Thurston County Chamber, in partnership with the Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council, is dedicated to assisting businesses in Grays Harbor, Mason, Lewis, Pacific, and Thurston Counties with recruiting, training, and retaining top-tier talent.
For valuable tools and resources to connect your business with best practices, visit https://thurstonchamber.com/workforce-solutions/
If your business is interested in learning more about where SPI started in their journey to Youth Apprenticeship and the career pathway development opportunities with schools, Earley will be presenting at the Future of Work Summit at Great Wolf Lodge.
In an ever-evolving landscape of work, where diversity and inclusivity are paramount, two remarkable individuals are pioneering change. Meet Katie McMurray, the visionary owner of Sensory Tool House, LLC, and Lauren Howard, the driving force behind its operations.
Their groundbreaking insights are set to illuminate the Future of Work Summit on October 24, offering a fresh perspective on neurodiversity and accessibility in the contemporary workplace. Read on as we delve into their inspiring journey and uncover the transformative potential of supporting neurodivergent populations.
Lauren has a Bachelor of Science in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from UC Davis. She is a mother of three children and navigates the challenges of being an Army wife amidst active duty deployments. She’s known Katie for 20 years, so when Katie
by Natasha Ashenhurstapproached her with a vision and mission for Sensory Tool House mapped out, Lauren decided to return to the workforce after 13 years away to join a new venture, and Sensory Tool House was born.
Sensory Tool House’s mission is to provide a neurodiversity-affirming environment to explore sensorysupportive equipment and tools while building a friendly, safe, and inclusive community for all.
“At Sensory Tool House, we are redefining retail. We don't just sell tools for the neurodivergent population; we offer a 'try before you buy' experience, fostering sensory regulation. Step into our space and experience the transformative power of tools like compression garments and weighted blankets. In an era of online shopping where it's hard to gauge effectiveness, we ensure that you get the right tools the first time, saving you time and money, while swiftly providing the sensory support you need,” said Lauren.
But Sensory Tool House is more than just a retail space; it's a hub for community access and inclusion. The team
has forged partnerships within the community, hosting accessible and inclusive events. Most recently, their journey extends beyond retail, as they've ventured into consulting and training. Empowered by the community's trust, they now train staff and schools, empowering leaders to educate all members of our vibrant community.
And, the business community will have the opportunity to hear from Lauren and Katie at the Future of Work Summit on October 24 at Great Wolf Lodge.
At the Future of Work Summit, Lauren and Katie will share invaluable insights on creating inclusive workplaces for neurodiverse employees. As small business owners, they've experienced firsthand the transformative power of inclusivity.
Consider this: 10 to 20% of the population is neurodivergent, yet a staggering 85% of autistic adults remain underemployed or unemployed, despite many holding college degrees. It's time for change.
Their workshop will unveil remarkably simple and costeffective methods to foster inclusivity:
1. Revamp Job Postings: Rethink how job postings are designed to attract diverse talent.
2. Enhance Onboarding: Streamline the onboarding process with neurodiverse-friendly practices.
3. Optimize Scheduling: Tailor schedules to accommodate diverse needs.
A crucial tip they'll offer: Embrace plain language. Clarity is key, from job postings to policy manuals. Eliminate ambiguity, provide scripts and templates, and communicate expectations clearly.
They'll highlight the importance of including neurodivergent populations in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Neurodivergence encompasses various brain functions beyond the 'typical,' including autism, ADHD, and more.
Additionally, they'll shed light on conference inclusivity:
• Alternative Seating: Accommodate diverse seating preferences.
• Virtual Options: Always offer a virtual conference option.
• Sensory Recovery Areas: Provide spaces for individuals to step away and regulate.
Their presentation will delve into the eight sensory systems, emphasizing that we all experience sensory processing. By creating inclusive environments, they've attracted overqualified candidates who feel supported, honored, and free to be themselves.
Join Lauren and Katie at the Future of Work Summit on October 24 to discover actionable steps for immediate implementation and a pathway to a more inclusive and diverse workforce.
ADDRESS YOUR WORKFORCE CHALLENGES
Andrew Garate & Peter Lahmann
WorkEx & WA Dept. of Veterans Affairs
Connect with Top Talent: Veterans and Transitioning Service Members
Leon Ross & Dan Cooling
PacMtn Workforce Development Council
Unlocking the Potential of Justice-Impacted Talent
Katie McMurray & Lauren Howard
Sensory Tool House
Accessibility: The Key to Unlocking A Resilient Workforce
Christina Chesnut
Thurston County Chamber
Now you have an Internship: How do you find talent?
Christina Riley
Christina Riley Consulting Best Practices to Solve the Skills
Gap: How to Create A Structure Training Plan
Marika Bertolini
Providence Swedish
Earn to Learn
Gretchen Maliska & Dr. Nicole Eddins
Shelton School District & Mason Health
Mason County Healthcare Partnership
Donny Jones
West Alabama Chamber
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Lorie Thompson and Kathryn Santana
ESD 113/Capital STEM Alliance
Financial Incentives to Building Youth Internships
Jacquelin Earley & Stacie Vaughan
Sierra Pacific Industries & Vaughan Chopper Pumps
Building Staff Engagement and Youth Talent Pipeline Development with Apprenticeship
Educational opportunities at The Evergreen State College have always followed their own path…literally. At Evergreen, students can choose classes on a pre-built degree plan or shape their own criteria to meet goals, interests, and aspirations.
by Kathryn Millhorn • Photos by Shanna Paxton PhotographyAmong its many offerings, Evergreen offers business, entrepreneurship, and leadership undergraduate- and certificate-level offerings through their Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Transformational Change (CELTC). The CELTC is a public service center that helps develop social, sustainable, and business entrepreneurial and leadership skills with integrated, interdisciplinary support from faculty, staff, peer mentors, community, and tribal communities.
Director Dr. Tamsin Foucrier has been with Evergreen since 2020 and came to the CELTC program after completing her Ph.D. in sustainability from Arizona State University. Dr. Foucrier’s doctoral work dealt with sustainable entrepreneurship education, and she appreciates how CELTC allows her to blend her education training with Evergreen’s innovative learning environments. The CELTC’s program offerings focus on both social and environmental sustainability in business and entrepreneurship and building a strong local economy through alternative business models such as cooperatives and other partnerships.
“The job posted as I was defending my dissertation,” Foucrier says, “and I went straight through into the position. I’ve taught in big institutions, community
colleges, and small private colleges but never had students with the creativity and capacity to think so deeply and critically about the world and solutions to our modern global challenges like at Evergreen.” She also finds it refreshing that Olympia offers a strong local, sustainably oriented economy and business community that provides examples of the types of businesses and entrepreneurs the CELTC works to support.
She and the small CELTC staff work to build relationships that benefit participating businesses and organizations as much as students working in the program. “We coordinate partnerships with local businesses in the real world,” says Foucrier. The CELTC offerings include internally- and externally facing programming. This includes internships, courses and programs, lecture series, workshops, events such as public documentary screenings, certificates, and more.
Some of the certificates offered through CELTC include a Sustainable Cooperative Development certificate and a Transformational Leadership Certificate. The CELTC’s new Sustainable Cooperative Development certificate, one of the first of its kind in the United States, was developed and is taught in conjunction with Olympia’s Northwest Cooperative Development Center. This fall, the CELTC will also launch its new certificate in Strategic Sustainability Reporting geared for those in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Because of Evergreen’s pathbased approach to learning, CELTC coursework and certificates can be added in at any point. Both enrolled students and working professionals can enroll in these certificate programs.
In addition, the CELTC’s quarterly lecture series showcases such topics as the sharing/circular economy, waste management and the Pacific Northwest economy, urban farming, permaculture, social enterprises, cooperatives, community development, media production, and more.
To date, Evergreen alumni, staff, and community partners have lectured at the series. These lectures are free for public attendance and recorded and available online. The upcoming Fall 2023 lecture series will be co-sponsored by the Thurston Green Committee and will showcase entrepreneurs and working professionals in industries such as marketing, consulting, coffee production, technology accessibility, health and wellness, and more. In addition, the CELTC will be hosting a documentary screening and director/producer Q&A session for Madan Sara, a documentary exploring Haitian
women entrepreneurs and their essential role in the Haitian market economy, on November 3 on the Evergreen campus. You can find more information about these events and more on the CELTC’s website: www.sites. evergreen.edu/CELTC.
Students and the public are also welcome to use CELTC’s services to identify mentorship or needed resources for business and entrepreneurial development. Community members should email tamsin.foucrier@evergreen.edu to make an appointment before visiting campus.
Beyond classroom and lecture offerings, the CELTC also focuses on building long-term collaborations and partnerships throughout our region. Currently, the CELTC and Evergreen’s Center for Climate Action and
Sustainability sit on the committee for the Thurston County Chamber’s Green Business Committee to help support the expansion of sustainable business practices throughout the local business community. In addition, Dr. Foucrier says they’re exploring a more formal downtown Olympia presence to increase visibility of the CELTC and Evergreen and hope to get that off the ground soon. The team hopes to develop a shared downtown space welcoming community members to attend workshops, events, and more.
When reading about the Future of Work, you’ll frequently hear three key words: adaptation, partnership, and sustainability. Like Evergreen’s learning path, today’s success comes from growing to meet very real needs, working together towards a common goal, and doing so in a mindful fashion. The CELTC allows students to do all of that while earning their degree and building relationships that can last a lifetime.
Are you one of the lucky ones? Do you have a boss who inspires you to dream, to learn and take action?
honors
Boss of the Year Nominations are open until October 15. Winners will be announced at the Chamber's December Forum on December 13.
The Thurston County Chamber and Express Employment Professionals will present the tenth annual Boss of the Year designation at the Chamber's December Forum on December 13, 2023. Criteria are based on exceptional leadership in the workplace through innovation, communication, vision, execution, ethics, service and knowledge. Saint Martin's University business students will again play a key role in the selection process, interviewing finalists and gathering data for the committee. Fill out the nomination form at thurstonchamber.com/boss-of-the-year and nominate your boss today! Nominations must be submitted by October 15th.
The 40 talented public sector, private sector, and nonprofit leaders that make up the 30th class of Leadership Thurston County (LTC), began their journey in September. As a 10-month community immersion learning experience, LTC is designed to develop informed, connected, and engaged community leaders.
Since the first graduating class in 1994, LTC has been designed to assist participants in acquiring a broad understanding of the complex issues facing Thurston County and building relationships that will facilitate collaborative efforts to embrace opportunities and resolve challenges.
Leadership Thurston County is the founding program of the Thurston County Chamber Foundation. Applications for the LTC Class of 2025 will be available March 1, 2024.
JOIN US IN CELEBRATING THE LEADERSHIP THURSTON COUNTY CLASS OF 2024:
Allison Dellwo, Recreation and Conservation Office
Amanda Ybarra, South Puget Sound Community College
Amy Zurfluh, Intercity Transit
Anthony Choke, Nisqually Red Wind Casino
Anthony Cooper, Providence Swedish
Arissa De Lima, Pacific Mountain Workforce Development
Aron Dowell, Olympia Federal Savings and Loan
Ashley Stone, Express Employment Professionals
Austin Ramirez, City of Tumwater
Cari Pearson, Providence St. Peter Hospital
Casey Rieland, MultiCare Capital Medical Center
Chelsea Yarwood, City of Lacey
Corey Lopardi, Pardiman Productions
Danny Stusser, The JOLT News Organization
Elizabeth Drake, Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County
Frankie Peters, Thurston County District Court
Herschel, Camp Solomon Schechter & Stampfer Retreat Center
Jaima Kortlever, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Washington
Jarod Olsen, Medicine Creek Enterprise Corporation
Jason Hardy, City of Yelm
Jeff Johnston, Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA)
Karen Hall, South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity
Katie McMurray, Sensory Tool House, LLC
Kelly Von Holtz, The Evergreen State College
Lee Lord, AMCOR Rigid Plastics Tumwater
Maija Glasier-Lawson, Family Support Center of South Sound
Mark Crocker, TwinStar Credit Union
Michelle Gipson, South Sound YMCA
Miguel Pineda, Ultimano Comms+
Olivia Hickerson, EmpowerTactics
Riley Gibson, Sky Bear Media
Robin Spencer, LOTT Clean Water Alliance
Sara Black, Olympic Rental & Landlord Services
Sara Wattenberg, Puget Sound Energy
Scott Tompkins, Coldwell Banker Evergreen Olympic Realty
Shad Hanselman, Saint Martin's University
Shantelle “Shay” Owens, Fairchild Record Search Ltd.
Shelby Parker, City of Olympia
Steve Schmitz, KPFF Consulting Engineers
Zach Davis-Price, United Way of Thurston County
Keep up with the Thurston Chamber happenings – ribbon cuttings and the networking events. Find more at the Chamber's Facebook page – fb.com/thurstoncountychamber.
Foofaraw and Forum
Photos by Shanna Paxton Photography.
PO BOX 1427 Olympia, WA 98507-1427
SILVER
AAA Washington Cap City
Law, PS Edward Jones –Dirk Farrar, Financial Advisor Express Employment Professionals Olympic Sotheby's International Realty
Michael White Agency –Farmers Insurance
GOLD Chicago Title Umpqua Bank The Creative Office The Evergreen State College
GHB Insurance, Inc. Great Wolf Lodge
Nicholson & Associates Insurance
Hometown Property Management, Inc. The Olympia Furniture & Sleep Company
TAGS Awards & Specialties
T-Mobile ULINE Shipping Supply Specialists
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
Olympia Orthopaedic Associates
Timberland Bank Venables Pest Management Window Genie
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