The OlyFed Business Team L to R: Chris Bridges, Chuck Hoeschen, Aron Dowell, Scott Gunther & Carrie Whisler.
THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER VOICE MAGAZINE
and click on the Events Calendar for the latest information regarding Chamber events.
On Thursday, July 11, 2024, at 4:00 p.m., at Port Plaza, 701 Columbia St NW, Olympia, WA 98501, the Thurston County Chamber will celebrate a significant milestone – its 150th anniversary! Join us to celebrate a century and a half of impact on our region at this Community Celebration. This free event will feature live music, refreshing beverages, and community building!
After Hours
Join our Business After Hours host Boss Auto Repair at 3200 Pacific Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98503 on Thursday, July 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, and it is proudly sponsored by ROXY 94.5.
On Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at 11:30 a.m., at Saint Martin's Norman Worthington Center, 5300 Pacific Ave SE, Lacey, WA 98503, attendees will hear from Melanie Seelig, a leading intellectual property expert and partner at Knobbe Martens, who will be the keynote speaker at the Chamber's July Forum. Join us to hear Seelig’s timely insights as businesses grapple with both the opportunities and risks posed by Generative AI technologies. Thank you to our sponsors, Cap City Law PS, Right! Systems and truit. Register at thurstonchamber.com/events.
Meet Troy Oliver, NTPS' New Superintendent p. 7
With the selection of Oliver, NTPS ensures continuity and a strong commitment to educational excellence.
A Community Staple for Over 50 Years p. 11
Capital Business Machines has excelled past expectations for longevity and long-term success by delivering the highest quality of service.
The Transformative Potential and Risks of Generative AI p. 16
Intellectual property expert, Melanie Seelig details rules for the safe, accurate and ethical use of generative AI.
Caught in the Lens p. 22
Keep up with the latest Chamber happenings and see all of the great smiles that make up our membership!
by David Schaffert, President/CEO, Thurston County Chamber
In this issue of the VOICE Magazine, we bring you a wealth of updates and insights from the Thurston County community.
First, we spotlight the significant transition in North Thurston Public Schools as they bid farewell to Dr. Deb Clemens and welcome Troy Oliver as the new Superintendent. Oliver, a Whitworth University graduate, brings a rich background in history and English education, and a career marked by leadership roles within the NTPS District Office. As he steps into this new role, Oliver is candid about the challenges ahead, particularly postCOVID-19 recovery, and is committed to updating the reading curriculum and integrating special education students with their peers. His vision blends academic rigor, inclusivity, and comprehensive support, ensuring every student has the tools and opportunities to succeed.
Next, we delve into the legacy and evolution of Capital Business Machines. Since its founding in 1952,
this family-run company has expanded its services beyond selling office equipment to include IT services, mailing solutions, and HEPA air filtration systems through their new branch, Pure Flow Global. Under the leadership of brothers Derek and Casey Lowe, the company prides itself on exceptional customer service and employee satisfaction, maintaining a quick turnaround for repairs and fostering a positive work environment.
Lastly, we explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and business with insights from Melanie Seelig, a partner at Knobbe Martens. Seelig discusses the transformative potential of Generative AI, the legal implications, and the importance of establishing clear policies for its use. Her advice emphasizes thoughtful integration of AI, understanding risks, and ensuring ethical compliance.
We hope you find this issue informative and inspiring as we navigate these dynamic changes and innovations together.
THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER
BUILDING COMMUNITY PROSPERITY SINCE 1874
NOVEMBER 2, 2024
MARTIN’S UN IVERSITY GALA
Saint Martin’s University welcomes three-time James Beard Award-winning Chef Pati Jinich as the celebrity guest host for the Gala! The Gala is the University’s annual signature fundraising event for student scholarships, raising more than $2.1 million in 2023.
Guests will be transported into the rich heart of Mexican culture while indulging in Chef Pati’s culinary masterpieces and heartwarming stories throughout the evening.
Reserve your tickets today at www.stmartin.edu/Gala or call 360-438-4366.
Dr. Jay and Carla Rudd
The True Power Of Quality Service
Demonstrating our commitment to quality, we consistently earn the highest QA cleaning scores among hotels nationwide.
Recognized and awarded globally by multiple companies, such as "Contractor of the Year 2023" and “Best Commercial and Industrial Cleaning Firm in North America," we demonstrate our unwavering dedication to excellence.
A commitment to maintaining a clean, wellorganized environment, facilitating smooth business operations.
In the words of our CEO, Danielle Vest, “We are as successful as our clients allow us to be. Because our clients have such great communication with us, we can ensure not only great service but exceptional outcomes."
OLIVER:
Get to Know North Thurston Public Schools Incoming Superintendent
by Natasha Ashenhurst
As North Thurston Public Schools says goodbye to Dr. Deb Clemens, it welcomes Troy Oliver as the new Superintendent. Oliver's move into this role marks a shift for the district, but it also ensures continuity and a strong commitment to educational excellence.
A Whitworth University graduate, Oliver's path to becoming an educational leader was carved through his passion for teaching history and English. "Playing baseball at Whitworth and my early teaching experiences in the Mead School District shaped my understanding of teamwork and leadership," he reflects. His career trajectory saw him move from assistant principal at Komachin Middle School to principal, and eventually to key roles within the NTPS District Office. Each step in his career has been a testament to his dedication and vision for education.
When asked about the challenges faced in his new role, Oliver is candid. "The aftermath of COVID-19 was particularly tough. We saw a drop in student enrollment numbers, but we're stabilizing now," he says. He acknowledges the district's slip in academic performance, a trend mirrored statewide, but is optimistic about their recovery plans. " It’s been a decade since we last updated our reading curriculum, and we are reviewing research-based curricula now that will support foundational literacy skills based in phonemic awareness. Ensuring our teachers have the tools to help students become better readers is crucial to long-term academic success."
Oliver is also excited about the district's inclusionary practices. "We've moved to a neighborhood model to integrate students receiving special education services with their grade-level peers both academically and socially. It’s the right thing to do and it's exciting for our kids," he shares. His vision for NTPS is clear: a blend of academic rigor, inclusivity, and comprehensive support for all students.
Oliver sees continuing success in two pivotal programs. "Our Envision Career Academy and Career and Technical Education (CTE) program helps students through apprenticeships, and job shadows providing a continuum of services," he explains. This initiative has been instrumental in balancing the emphasis between college readiness and vocational training.
As Oliver steps into his new role, his approach is marked by humility and a willingness to listen. "I'm embarking on a listening tour for the first six months, engaging with community groups, tribal leaders, and business leaders. I don't want to assume we know everything. It's about understanding how North Thurston Public Schools is perceived, what we do well, and what we need to change," he says.
This approach is rooted in his love for the district and a firm belief in the importance of empowering all students for success after graduation. "I wouldn't have applied for this position if I didn't love this district and have confidence in it. But there's always room for improvement, and it's my job to help shape that."
Outside the office, Oliver's life is anchored in family and boating. "We'll be boaters for as long as I can put fuel in the gas tank," he laughs. Family vacations and Father's Day are spent on the water, a tradition that includes his four children, four grandchildren, and golden doodles, Captain Jack and Buoy.
As Troy Oliver takes the helm, North Thurston Public Schools stands on the brink of a new chapter. His leadership promises a blend of innovation, inclusivity, and a deep commitment to the community. Oliver’s commitment is to a community where every student has the tools, support, and opportunities to succeed.
" " I wouldn't have applied for this position if I didn't love this district and have confidence in it.
Capital Business Machines: Products & Services Galore!
by Kathryn Millhorn
Some companies are greater than the sum of their parts. The ability to exceed expectations is often the key to a business’s longevity and long-term success. At Western Washington’s Capital Business Machines, they do more than just sell physical office equipment. Their commitment to the highest levels of service has kept them a business staple—pun intended—since 1952.
Family-run from the outset, Capital Business Machines worked its way through generations of the Hartman family from 1952 through 2020 when it was taken over by brothers Derek and Casey Lowe. But even with the new leadership, Stacey and Don Hartman remain experienced, valued relationship managers on the team. The Lowe brothers didn’t just step in from outside the industry. Casey had worked for the company for more than 25 years by the time he and brother Derek, who Casey himself hired in the early 2000s, received their SBA loan to purchase the company outright.
Casey explains that “we try to service anything we sell, and our main products sold include copiers, printers, scanners, phone systems, and IT services.” They can also help with mailing and software solutions, endpoint security and encryption, safe document and data destruction, scanners, digital presentation boards, laptops, computers, and servers.
But that’s just a fraction of the business’s expansive family tree. During the pandemic, the Lowe’s opened a new branch of the company which has now become Pure Flow Global. They sell HEPA air filtration systems and can custom-design filters for a variety of respiratory and cleanliness needs. “People know us for copier and printer services,” says Lowe, “but I always knew I wanted to diversify.”
Whether refreshed air or copier maintenance, at the end of the day, it’s their hardworking employees who make all the difference. Capital Business Machines has a staff of nearly 40, many of whom have been with the company for decades. “We try to make it an environment where people want to stay,” says Lowe, “so we offer good retirement to take care of our people with savings matches, bonuses, and profit sharing.”
And treating employees well means both customers and clients receive top-shelf service too. “Businesses we work with are some of the best in Western Washington,” says Lowe. “The schools and companies who choose us are top performing and they understand service.
Outpatient Total Joint Program:
Have you been suffering from joint pain?
Oly Ortho has your back your knee your hip your shoulder You get the idea!
“People know us for copier and printer services,” says Lowe, “but I always knew I wanted to diversify.”
Oly Ortho is the most preferred orthopaedic practice offering Outpatient Total Joint Replacement in Thurston County Eliminating multiple nights in the hospital and allowing patients to return home the same day!
"When they call, we always pick up. We take care of them, so they have no reason to go anywhere else. We take the headaches away.”
Average turnaround time from customer call to on-site repair is less than 3 ½ hours and once there, broken machinery is typically up and running in less than 2 hours. This means almost zero wasted productivity or deadline delays for the organization.
The Capital Business Machines team has long enjoyed attending and learning from civic and Chamber of Commerce events. “The Chamber plays a vital role in the community,” says Lowe, “with lots of assets small businesspeople like us can use.”
To learn more about Capital Business Machines or get a free quote for your office, visit www.cbm-wa.com or, says Lowe, “just come by! We have a local bricks and mortar and are happy to talk things through.” You’ll be surprised how far their roots go within the business community and the many ways they can help. Call 360.491.6000 or ask friends and neighbors for their review. With nearly 75 years in the community, chances are good they’ve exceeded expectations for someone you know.
The Transformative Potential and Significant Risk of Generative AI
by Natasha Ashenhurst
Imagine a world where artificial intelligence (AI) seamlessly integrates into every aspect of your business, enhancing efficiency and driving innovation. But what if this powerful tool, if misused, could also jeopardize your company's most valuable assets?
As the landscape of AI evolves, businesses face unprecedented opportunities and significant risks. We sat down with Melanie Seelig, a leading intellectual property (IP) expert and partner at Knobbe Martens, to explore the transformative potential of Generative AI and how businesses can navigate this new landscape with confidence and caution.
July Forum Speaker
Melanie Seelig
DEFINITIONS
AI: Encompasses all technologies and methods for creating systems that can perform intelligent tasks, including decision-making, learning, and automation.
Generative AI: A specific subset of AI focused on generating new content or data based on patterns learned from existing datasets. Generative AI represents a significant advancement within the AI field due to its creative capabilities, but it also raises unique challenges and risks related to the generated content's originality, accuracy, and ethical use.
"It's crucial to have a gatekeeper who monitors how the company uses AI and educates employees about its use. If someone wants to use AI in a way that could increase risk, it's important to discuss how to mitigate that risk."
Melanie Seelig joined Knobbe Martens as a partner in January 2008 and has been practicing law in the IP field for over 25 years. She has extensive experience in strategic client counseling across all aspects of intellectual property, including U.S. and international patent and trademark prosecution, trade secret matters, and enforcement and agreement work. Her expertise also covers due diligence for mergers and acquisitions, risk management, and the development of businessfocused defensive IP strategies.
With a broad background in physics and mathematics, Seelig offers intellectual property counseling across various technical areas, including mechanical, electrical, aerospace, healthcare, medical, telecommunications, and computer software domains.
Thurston Chamber: What are the key issues companies should consider when integrating AI into their operations?
Melanie Seelig: "It's hard to generalize, but the key is for businesses to be thoughtful. It's crucial to have a gatekeeper who monitors how the company
uses generative AI and educates employees about its use. If someone wants to use generative AI in a way that could increase risk, it's important to discuss how to mitigate that risk."
Seelig emphasized that the level of risk depends significantly on how a company uses AI. "In general, though there are plenty of exceptions, if you're using generative AI in a customer-facing way, you need to consider the risks more carefully than if you're using it internally. For example, if you're using generative AI to help write an employee review, it's internal, non-commercial use and generally low-risk. Generative AI can help you present information in a way that is helpful to an employee. Similarly, creating a slide deck for internal purposes carries low risk."
However, Seelig pointed out the higher risks when an organization uses AI for commercial purposes, such as to create a brand. "A generative AI tool won't check if anyone has a confusingly similar mark, and you might infringe on someone else’s trademark rights. You should run a trademark search, as the generative AI tool doesn't automatically grant rights to the
output. It's essential to understand the generative AI tool and its terms of service."
Seelig illustrated this with a current legal issue: "Getty Images is currently suing Stability AI for a number of reasons, including trademark infringement because its AI-generated images included the Getty Images watermark, also indicating Stability AI grabbed the images from the internet without permission. Issues such as this highlight the need to pay close attention to how generative AI tools are used in business. You should know about the tool, its terms of service, who owns inputs and outputs, and whether your input goes into training the tool. You don't want to input confidential information and inadvertently share proprietary information."
Thurston Chamber: What policies should businesses establish for their teams regarding the use of AI to ensure legal and ethical compliance?
Melanie Seelig: ""Policies will vary widely based on the business and employees' daily tasks. For example, if you're a technology company using generative AI to help write code,
"At a basic level, a policy for AI use should be in place, tailored to the employee classification and type of work. Include clear dos and don'ts and preferred enterprise systems. Always have a human review AI output to check for accuracy and bias."
you must be very careful. Consider the type of work, whether it's for commercial use, and implement control and oversight measures. In some cases, an enterprise version with built-in restraints and barriers might be necessary."
Seelig highlighted the need for businesses to scrutinize their specific risks. "At a conference last year, there was a strong push to use generative AI, and it's clear that everyone is embracing it. However, I advise my clients not to be the first to test new generative AI applications in ways that could potentially harm their business."
As an intellectual property lawyer, Seelig focuses on protecting innovation. "Ensure you understand how the tools you use affect the ownership and confidentiality of your data. Reduce risk by utilizing enterprise solutions that control
confidentiality and avoid publicfacing tools."
The landscape of generative AI is still new, with no established management regulations. "This area of law is brand new," Seelig
Seelig also stressed the importance of clear policies. "Clearly define which generative AI tools employees can and cannot use. Only allow tools through a company-provided interface or equipment and review the terms of service for each tool. At a basic level, a policy for generative AI use should be in place, tailored to the employee classification and type of work. Include clear dos and don'ts and preferred enterprise solutions or tools. Always have a human review generative AI output to check for accuracy and bias. Train employees about generative AI use through software modules, videos, and quizzes."
noted, "We are in the early stages of figuring out how to handle this technology, and staying on top of policy considerations is crucial. While AI has been around for a while, generative AI is new and involves using vast amounts of data to generate new content, which raises concerns. Issues like deepfakes, copying images and/or voices, are particularly alarming."
While AI has tremendous potential, Seelig advises businesses to proceed with caution. "Generative AI can be beneficial, but if used for nefarious purposes or without safeguards, it can quickly become problematic."
Attendees of the Chamber's July Forum can look forward to more insights and practical advice from Melanie Seelig, making it a must-attend event for businesses navigating the evolving AI landscape.
Hear From Keynote Speaker Melanie Seelig about Generative AI
The Thurston County Chamber is excited to announce that Melanie Seelig, a leading intellectual property expert and partner at Knobbe Martens, will be the keynote speaker at the Chamber's July Forum. The event will occur on Wednesday, July 10, at 11:30 a.m. at Saint Martin's University Norman Worthington Center.
In a world where artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming integral to business operations, Seelig's expertise offers a valuable perspective on navigating the complex landscape of AI and Generative AI. Imagine a world where artificial intelligence seamlessly integrates into every aspect of your business, enhancing efficiency and innovation. But what if this powerful tool, if misused, could also jeopardize your company's most valuable assets? Join us to hear Seelig’s timely insights as businesses grapple with both the opportunities and risks posed by Generative AI technologies.
Hear Key Insights from Melanie Seelig About:
• Thoughtful AI Integration
• Risk Levels
• Legal Considerations
• Policy Development
Thank you to Cap City Law PS, Right! Systems and truit for sponsoring this event.
SEE YOU THERE! Wednesday, July 10, 2024, 11:30 a.m. at Saint Martin's University – Norman Worthington Center, 5300 Pacific Ave SE, Lacey, WA 98503. Register online at thurstonchamber.com/events.
Celebrate with us!
July 11, 2024 • 4pm Port Plaza
Thurston County Chamber Marks 150 Years of Community Leadership
In 2024, the Thurston County Chamber proudly celebrates a significant milestone - its 150th anniversary. Since its inception, the Thurston County Chamber has been at the forefront of driving progress and innovation in our community. From the strategic formation of the Port of Olympia in 1922, unlocking vital waterway access for vessels, to the visionary establishment of the Economic Development Council in 1981, catalyzing a more diversified economy, the Chamber has consistently paved the way for growth and prosperity.
In 1994, recognizing the pivotal role of education in shaping our future workforce, the Chamber took another bold step by launching its non-profit foundation. This initiative aimed to bridge the gap between education and business, investing in the development of leaders and providing essential resources for individuals at every stage of life and learning.
As we celebrate 150 years of Chamber leadership, we reflect on our rich history of driving positive change and look ahead to the continued collaboration and innovation that will shape the next chapter of our community’s success.
Upholding a Timeless Mission
Since its inception, the Chamber has remained true to its mission: to foster, protect, and encourage commercial, mercantile, and other public interests. Upholding the objectives set forth in its first articles of incorporation, the Chamber continues to procure, preserve, and disseminate valuable statistics and information for the greater good of the community.
Integral to Community Fabric
At 150 years old, the Thurston Chamber's role is deeply ingrained in the fabric of our communities. It serves as a testament to the dedication of its members, leadership, and the community-at-
large, acting as a catalyst for innovation, growth, and business prosperity.
Join the Celebration
To commemorate this historic occasion, the Thurston County Chamber invites the community to join in the festivities.
Save the Date
Join us to celebrate a century and a half of Thurston Chamber's impact on our region, at a Community Celebration at Port Plaza on July 11, 2024. This free event, featuring live music and refreshing beverages, serves as a testament to the Chamber's enduring commitment to fostering community engagement.
What: Thurston County Chamber's 150th Anniversary Celebration
When: July 11, 2024, 4pm
Where: Port Plaza, 701 Columbia St NW, Olympia, WA 98501
A Special Day for Our Military Members
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 6
Join us for the 60th annual Foofaraw! On Friday, Sept. 6, the Thurston County Chamber and the Olympia Yacht Club will host an unforgettable day for our local military heroes.
Every year, always the first Friday after Labor Day, we gather at the Olympia Yacht Club to set sail for Island Home. Foofaraw is a special event loved by military members across the United States. Yacht club members will ferry our guests to the island, where they’ll enjoy a day filled with fun games, a delicious salmon bake, and heartfelt recognition from local leaders. This tasty feast is provided by Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel and The Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis.
The event is special, with two service members for every civilian. The Port of Olympia kicks things off with a grand send-off featuring local police, medics, and fire departments, and a giant American flag hoisted by one of their cranes.
The word "Foofaraw" means "much ado about nothing," and for one day each year, our military guests get to say "Foof" to their duties and just have fun.
Sponsor tickets are limited and only available to Chamber Members. We’re also accepting donations for the free military raffle held throughout the day.
For more information or to donate, call the Chamber at 360-357-3362. Tickets and registration information is available at thurstonchamber.com/events
Caught in the Lens
Keep up with the Thurston Chamber happenings – ribbon cuttings and the networking events. Find more at the Chamber's Facebook page – fb.com/thurstoncountychamber.
