AUGUST 2018
THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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Panowicz, 70 years of community, family & philanthropy
BU I LDI NG CO MMUNI TY PROSPERITY FOR OVER 140 YEARS
Getting Business Out of the Squeeze PUBLISHER Thurston County Chamber of Commerce
EDITORIAL Editor: David Schaffert Phone: (360) 357-3362
By Doug Mah, Director of Thurston Chamber's Public Policy Division David Schaffert, Thurston Chamber President/CEO
P
ublic Policy Division resources are
One unique feature of the UGA is the
available to Chamber members that find
requirement for joint planning. In general, new
themselves stuck in the middle of inter-
development inside the UGA is supposed to be
jurisdictional disputes.
built to city codes and standards. However, it is the County that is responsible for permitting
Email: dschaffert@thurstonchamber.com
A long simmering inter-jurisdictional conflict
and planning since the UGA is in the County.
David Schaffert
is growing between the City of Lacey and
In the past, the Cities and County have had
Doug Mah
Thurston County. This summer, the City was
joint-planning policies and agreements in place
the first to take formal action. This action could,
outlining shared responsibility and authority
Dinea Norell
if implemented at its most proposed extreme,
for review of growth and development in the
Christina Butcher
put private sector interests and wealth creation
UGAs. However, these policies and agreements
at great risk. The Thurston County Chamber
are now decades-old, and resource constraints,
of Commerce was there to protect our shared
jurisdictional differences in design approach
Krystal Barkus
interests and advocate for a more reasonable
and standards and differing policy and
Blake Knoblauch
approach to the problem.
tax objectives have made shared planning
CONTRIBUTORS
Doria Maselli Natasha Ashenhurst
Heather Harris
ADVERTISING Sales and Marketing:
Aaron Bernhard
more difficult for public entities, and now
Phone: (360) 357-3362 Email: info@thurstonchamber.com
Joint Planning is Good
the private sector is caught in the middle.
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Potential clashes between the cities and the
The Chamber has advocated for a return
Phone: (360) 357-3362
county have been popping up in the region’s
to a more collaborative joint-planning and
Email: info@thurstonchamber.com
Urban Growth Areas (UGAs). A critical concept
permitting process in the UGAs, which is what
DESIGN
in the State’s Growth Management Act, the UGA
is envisioned for these areas under the Growth
Mosaic Marketing Studio
are those areas not currently in a city but will
Management Act.
COVER ART
someday be annexed and included in the urban
Leslie Panowicz,
or city boundary. Until annexed by the city,
Annexation Policy in Flux
Photo by Heather Harris
the UGA is subject to county jurisdiction. Until
Most cities in Washington require that new
developed, the UGA receives services, such as
development in the UGA be connected to city
roads, law enforcement, utilities, from either
services, like utilities and roads, as part of
the county or a special taxing district such as a
the permitting process. This requirement
fire district or the public utility district.
assumes that the new development will
PRINTING Print NW
CONTACT THE CHAMBER PO Box 1427
(Continued on page 19)
809 Legion Way SE Olympia, WA 98507 Phone: (360) 357-3362 Email: info@thurstonchamber.com Website: thurstonchamber.com
COPYRIGHT All material appearing in the VOICE Magazine is copyright unless otherwise stated or it may rest with the provider of the supplied material. The VOICE Magazine takes all care to ensure information is correct at time of printing, but the publisher accepts no responsibility or liability for the accuracy of any information contained in the text or advertisements.
THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY INVESTORS DIAMOND INVESTORS: America's Credit Union - Lacey Capital Medical Center FORMA Construction Company Little Creek Casino & Resort Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel Port of Olympia Saint Martin's University TwinStar Credit Union Washington Business Bank
PLATINUM INVESTORS Greene Realty Group Heritage Bank - Olympia
L & E Bottling Company, Inc. Mills & Mills Funeral Home Morningside Olympia Federal Savings Olympia Orthopaedic Associates Phillips Burgess, PLLC Providence St. Peter Hospital Puget Sound Energy South Puget Sound Community College
GOLD INVESTORS American Workforce Group C.P.C. Landscape, LLC Cabinets by Trivonna Charter College Community Youth Services Creative Office
Elite Cleaning of Washington, Inc. GHB Insurance, Inc. Grays Harbor Fair & Tourism Great Wolf Lodge Hometown Property Management, Inc. Hooper Financial Services Loanstar Home Lending Nisqually Red Wind Casino Olympia Furniture Company Pardiman Productions Radia, Inc., PS SCJ Alliance The Rants Group Venables Pest Management Wells Fargo Community Bank
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Learn more about Award-Winning Knee, Hip and Spine Surgery capitalmedical.com
Capital Medical Center is partly owned by some of the physicians who serve our patients.
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VOTED BEST BANK IN THE SOUTH SOUND
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
thurstonchamber.com
August 2018
CONTENT & CALENDAR
Every month, the Thurston County Chamber offers several networking events, forums and workshops to the community. Here are some highlights you won't want to miss.
In This Issue...
2
Thurston Young Professionals Join the Thurston Young Professionals on Thursday, August 2 at 5:30 p.m. at Lady of the Lake Public House. Enjoy a selection of beverages and snacks. Join us and meet with other Young Professionals and expand your network.
Olympia Brew Fest 2018 The 7th Annual Olympia Brew Fest is a summer beer festival that takes place at the Port Plaza in Olympia, WA on Saturday, August 4, 1 - 8:30 p.m. It features 30+ hand-picked, northwest breweries and over 60 different beers. Proceeds from the festival benefit the Thurston County Chamber Foundation Small Business Development (Incubator) Program. Come and celebrate Olympia's fine brewing heritage!
Morning Mixxer at Ila's Foods Please join our host, Ila's Foods, on Tuesday, August 7 at 7:30 a.m. for the Thurston Chamber’s Morning Mixxer. Ila's Foods will provide breakfast treats, our sponsor L&E Bottling will host the coffee bar and you can enjoy a morning of networking. Morning Mixxer is free to attend. Where: Ila's Foods, 8036 River Dr Suite 204, Tumwater, WA 98501
August Forum: The Impact of Tourism Join Thurston Chamber’s August forum Wednesday, August 8 at 11:30 a.m. at Hotel RL Olympia as we go behind the scenes of Experience Olympia
Chamber Advocacy Resources are available to Chamber members who find themselves stuck in the middle of an interjurisdictional dispute.
6
Panowicz Jewelers A family-owned jewelry store built on the small business approach.
10
A New Leader at the Helm Get to know Derek Harris, Community Youth Services' new CEO.
14
& Beyond, Thurston County’s official destination marketing organization.
Meet Krosbie Carter
Get the insider insight on how the region is being marketed and walk
An executive profile of Thurston Thrives' new Director.
away with some fun ideas on how to spend your vacation days.
Business After Hours at Phillips Burgess Join the Thurston County Chamber on Thursday, August 16, at 5:30 p.m. for Business After Hours at Phillips Burgess. Business After Hours is a free networking event. Hosts provide light appetizers and beverages, games and raffles. This is a great chance to learn about a local organization and expand your network. When: Thursday, August 16 at 5:30 p.m. Where: Phillips Burgess, 724 Columbia St NW #320, Olympia, WA 98501
21 New Chamber Members Please join us in welcoming the newest members of the Thurston Chamber.
Thank you Sponsors! thurstonchamber.com
Thurston County Chamber VOICE l
August 2018 l 5
Leslie Panowicz inside Panowicz Jewelers, located downtown in Market Centre. Photo by Heather Harris, Elements Photography.
A Family-Owned Jewelry Store Built on the Small Business Approach By Christina Butcher
W
hen you think of philanthropy, chances are you don’t conjure images of fine jewelry or precious gemstones in your mind's eye. You probably don’t think about for-profit businesses, either. But, if you’re from Olympia, Washington, you might turn your head in the direction of Panowicz Jewelers, remembering that you’ve heard something about the jewelry store donating a little bit of money to a few local charities. If you did, you’d be right … almost. As it turns out, Panowicz Jewelers – a
“We’re just trying to do the right
in Olympia for 70 years now, although
family-run, locally owned jewelry
thing,” said Leslie Panowicz, general
the jewelry store has made an indelible
store in downtown Olympia – has been
manager at Panowicz Jewelers and
mark on the Olympia community
quietly making incredibly generous
granddaughter of the store’s founder,
more through its philanthropic work
donations to dozens of non-profits
Anton Panowicz. “It’s kind of an old-
than anything else. The jewelry store
and charities over the years. They’ve
school idea, but we’re trying to make a
makes major in-kind donations to over
also been hard at work making the
difference with what we do, and to do
a dozen organizations each year and
act of buying fine jewelry a reality for
it well.”
minor donations to at least another
community members who otherwise could not afford it.
6 • August 2018 l
30. In 2017 alone, its donations have Panowicz Jewelers has been operating
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
led to over $$75,000 in cash-earned for
thurstonchamber.com
charities, non-profits and communitycentered organizations. “We’re celebrating the community we live in,” said Leslie Panowicz. “My grandfather was a farmer from Nebraska. He and my grandmother grew up in small towns where what you did in the community really made a difference. I feel like that mentality has carried on to my father and I … We have a responsibility to do what we can to make our community a great place to live.” Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Southwest Washington, Boys & Girls Club of Thurston County, Family Support
Panowicz has been operating in Olympia for 70 years. Photo by Heather Harris.
Center, Hands on Children’s Museum,
Since joining her family at Panowicz
“We’re helping our customers – who
Safeplace, Saint Martin’s University
Jewelers, Leslie Panowicz has worked
are also our friends – by helping them
and Thurston County Food Bank are
in accounting, sales and marketing. She
celebrate intimate, beautiful occasions
just some of the organizations Panowicz
found her best fit in her current role as
like anniversaries or weddings, and
Jewelers has supported over the years.
the company’s general manager. The
honor achievements in their lives,”
position allows her to work hand in
said Leslie Panowicz. “That could mean
“Olympia is a great place because
hand with her father and owner of the
buying a new piece of jewelry, restoring
so many people are involved in the
jewelry company, Rob Panowicz. For
their grandmother’s ring or taking
community. So, for us it’s not an option to
all three generations of the family, the
jewelry they inherited and repurposing
not participate in the community,” said
core of the Panowicz business model
it to make gifts for others in the family.”
Leslie Panowicz, who left her career in
has always been, “helping friends and
social work to join the family business in
families commemorate the celebrations
The Panowicz business model also
2000. “It’s a very joyful part of my job.”
of life.”
includes maintaining a “small-business approach” to everything they do. That means keeping as many of its services as possible in-house, including appraisals, custom designs and engravings. The jewelry store even has two goldsmiths and two gemologists on hand to conduct restorative and custom work. “I think as a society, we’re shifting back to understanding the importance of a small-business mindset, of taking care of our customers and doing your best as a company,” said Leslie Panowicz. “Any locally owned business that cares about its community and its customers would do the same.”
"We get a lot of customers who come in and tell us stories of my grandfather... He made a difference in their lives by helping them celebrate occasions." -Leslie Panowicz thurstonchamber.com
(Continued on page 9)
Thurston County Chamber VOICE l
August 2018 l 7
november 3
Saint Martin’s University Lacey, Washington
Saint Martin’s University Gala 2018 presents a celebration of the Hawai`i & Pacific Islands. Featuring celebrity chef & restaurateur
Join us for a black-tie gourmet affair that includes an exquisite five-course dinner, cooking demos, and a live auction benefiting Saint Martin’s student scholarships. Reserve your table or tickets today at www.stmartin.edu/GalaHawaii2018 or call 360-438-4366.
Leslie is Panowicz's General Manager. Photo by Heather Harris. The Panowicz’s approach also means
Anton Panowicz, Leslie’s Panowicz
“While we’re known for our classic
treating employees and customers as
grandfather, founded the jewelry store
offerings, worldwide brands ... and an
family. Most staff at the jewelry store
in 1948 after he returned from fighting
amazing selection of loose diamonds,
have been working there long term,
in WWII with the U.S. Army. He opened
we’re committed to having a great
with anywhere from five to 15 years’
the business under the name The Jewel
selection of price-point fashion pieces
experience with the business. It’s not
Box, then opened a second storefront
… ranging from $50.00 and up.”
uncommon for customers to return
called Panowicz Diamond & Gem
year after year, either, because of the
several years later. The Panowicz family
The jewelry store also sells increasingly
jewelry store's generous pricing and
consolidated those stores in 1980 under
popular mixed metal and organic
payment plan policies.
the current name, Panowicz Jewelers.
jewelry lines. “We keep an eye on
The business has been at its current
bridal trends, too.”
“For me, it’s fulfilling to appreciate the
location on Market Street, near the
legacy of ‘family,’” said Leslie Panowicz.
Olympia Farmers Market, since 2001.
“We get a lot of customers who come
The company continues to look to the future while keeping its roots in
in and tell us stories of my grandfather
Over the last few years – and looking
community, family and the small-
and how he helped them establish an
to the future – Leslie Panowicz has
business mindset in mind.
account to buy something they couldn’t
been working to expand the company’s
afford or make payments on jewelry
offerings by selling more affordable,
“Customers are loyal to a business
someone they loved had admired in the
fashion-forward jewelry. “We’re always
when there’s goodwill going back and
store. He made a difference in their lives
trying to evolve to stay on the cutting
forth,” Leslie Panowicz concluded.
by helping them celebrate occasions.”
edge of fashion,” said Leslie Panowicz. Christina Butcher is a freelance writer for the VOICE Magazine.
thurstonchamber.com
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August 2018 l 9
New Community Youth Services Director, Derek Harris. Photo by Dinea dePhoto.
A New Leader at the Helm
Introducing Derek Harris, Community Youth Services' New CEO By Natasha Ashenhurst
I
n an age when the average American professional works for an organization for only 4.1 years and changes careers over five times, Derek Harris, the new Chief Executive Officer of Community Youth Services (CYS) is anything but average. Selected from a pool of over 40 candidates after a rigorous
interview process, Harris stood out, in part, because of his 23-plus-years serving youth in Thurston County and over 16 years in leadership positions at CYS in other roles. Originally from Kalispell, Montana, he
After graduating from Elma High School
time, he traveled extensively throughout
moved to Elma, Wash. in second grade
in 1989 and receiving several college
Germany, France, Belgium, Denmark,
when his family relocated because
acceptance letters, Harris decided to enter
Austria and the Netherlands. After serving
of a work opportunity on a large
the Army rather than immediately attend
a six-month tour in southwest Asia
concrete project on the notorious —
college. “I wanted to offset the cost of my
during Operation Desert Storm, the Army
and mothballed — nuclear plant. “Our
education and see the world,” he said.
honorably discharged Harris, and he returned to the Pacific Northwest.
family settled in Elma, and it was a great community to grow up in, with
His plan worked. After completing basic
sports opportunities and lots of outdoor
training in Fort Benning, Georgia, he
Harris attended South Puget Sound
recreation,” he said.
moved with his cohort to Germany, where
Community College, Saint Martin’s
they lived for three years. During that
University and The Evergreen State
10 • August 2018 l
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
thurstonchamber.com
College where he graduated with a BA with a focus in Social Work and during college landed an internship at an organization called Second Chance, working with juvenile offenders transitioning back into the community. “Being a young person, I could really relate to them — they had lost their way and needed support from caring adults. Years later, I often bump into people I worked with during this time, and many are now professionals who so appreciate that they had a second chance,” he said. From the internship, Harris worked his way up to becoming the Assistant Director of that program. In 2002, Harris accepted the position of Program Director of CYS’s Haven House after receiving encouragement from former CYS CEO, Charles Shelan. “Haven House was all gender and housed youth who needed emergency shelter for a variety of reasons. We worked to find them safe, long-term placements back home with relatives, in foster care and, in some cases, treatment facilities,” he said. While at Haven House, Harris transitioned to fully managing an $850,000 program with 24 staff. He found fulfillment training people and helping them find their spark and passion. “I was able to help staff transition into new careers, such as social workers, law enforcement and education.
New Community Youth Services CEO, Derek Harris. Photo by Dinea dePhoto. Deputy Director, first under the leadership
many staff find and keep their career
of CEO, Charles Shelan, and then Scott
throughout the many opportunities at our
their calling,” he said.
Hanauer.
agency.”
“It is also worth noting that in this type
“When I moved into the deputy director
After five and a half years as deputy
of work, turnover is fast and people often
position, it was a hard choice to step away
director working closely under Hanauers’
only last 12 months in a position, while we
from a program that I was so passionate
mentorship, Hanauer retired, and the
see people staying here well over 5 years,
about, but quickly grew excited about
board hired Harris as CEO.
on average and many transitioning into
moving into a position using my skills
other positions at CYS. Some of the staff I
and experiences to help create future
Only weeks into his new role, but with 16
started working with at Haven House are
CYS leaders and become an integrated
years of experience at the organization,
still doing exceptional work there today.”
care agency, using continuous quality
Harris is passionate about CYS’s role and
CYS is a great place for people beginning their careers to get experience and find
improvement and relationship building
future in the community.
Five years ago, after serving 11 years at
to expand our services,” he said. “CYS
Founded in 1970 by a group of individuals
CYS, Harris transitioned into the role of
today is a destination employer, where
concerned about at-risk youth, the
11 • August 2018 l
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
thurstonchamber.com
Help shape the way our Port looks, feels and functions in the future The Port has been creating economic opportunity in Thurston County for nearly a century. Over time, we’ve also developed some of our community’s most prized community spaces and places and increased our role as an environmental steward. Now we’re looking to the future once again, and we want you to help map it out.
So, WHAT’S NEXT? Share your ideas and priorities at www.portolympia2050.org
We’ll power you to a personal best. Photo by Grant Clark
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KEN PEKOLA
olyfed.com
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kpekola@olyfed.com
360.754.3400
Left to right: Charles Shelan, Derek Harris, Scott Hanauer. Photo courtesy of Community Youth Services. organization quickly grew from a team
adverse childhood experiences. Right
to help them provide integrated care while
of five and a budget of $120,000 to a staff
now, CYS is also working hard to recruit
tracking data about the effectiveness of
of 165 and a budget of over $12 million
foster parents. “The number of youth that
those services. “We are trying to develop
today. One of the larger organizations
need foster placement is higher than the
core data elements so we can create
headquartered downtown Olympia, CYS
number of foster parents available. We
dashboards of information to better track
is a nonprofit organization serving youth,
also believe we have an exceptional foster
outcomes,” he said. He and his team
ages 0 – 24 years of age, affecting close to
care program. When kids are placed in
believe the data will inform future work
6,000 individuals throughout Thurston,
our therapeutic foster care program, they
and help improve best practices.
Mason, Lewis and Pierce counties
have a 92 percent stability rating, which
annually. With a mission to provide a
is incredible,” he said. “Anyone interested
He will also continue work in the advocacy
continuum of individualized services,
in becoming a foster parent please call
realm at the local, state and federal level
from behavioral health, out-of-home care,
our foster parent recruitment number,
and will continue leading the Thurston
shelter and housing, juvenile justice,
1-888-R-FOSTER.”
Thrives Homeless Housing Hub, known as the red team and the local continuum of
education and employment and early intervention services, CYS believes that
As CEO, Harris is steering the organization
care, with over 50 community members.
every door at CYS is the right front door.
through the first year of a three-year
Harris plans to continue strengthening
strategic plan, which he lead for CYS and
partnerships with other community
Harris explains this statement, “A youth
was already in place when he stepped into
organizations and providers while sharing
can come to CYS through contact with
his new role. “I believe everyone wants us
the CYS expertise that got them where
someone doing outreach on the street, or
to continue doing consistent, quality work.
they are today. He said, “If we can build
they can go directly to CYS main office or
We consider ourselves a best-practices
that system of care throughout our entire
to our drop in center or receive a referral
organization, on the leading edge in our
community, we’ll all be better for it.”
from a case manager. No matter how they
field, and we want to continue on that
At the end of the day, what drives Harris
arrive, we use a wrap-around model to
track,” he said.
is what inspired him in the first place — hearing success stories from young people
make sure each receives support to treat Harris will lead CYS through major
who CYS served and are now thriving and
contractual changes with the Department
giving back to the community. “Or, often,”
Also, while CYS provides a cluster of
of Child, Youth and Families as they move
he said, “Participants will tell us that when
services to at-risk-youth, they also do a
to performance-based contracting, as
they grow up they want to work at CYS,
lot of early intervention work helping
well as contract changes to Managed Care
and you can’t get a better compliment
keep youth in their home. They also
Organizations. CYS is also in the midst of
than that.”
offer parent education to help reduce
implementing Electronic Health Records
the whole person.”
thurstonchamber.com
Thurston County Chamber VOICE l
August 2018 l 13
EXECUTIVE PROFILE
Krosbie Carter: Helping Thurston County Thrive
New Thurston Thrives Director, Krosbie Carter.
By Doria Maselli
B
orn and raised in Thurston County, Thurston Thrives’ new Director Krosbie Carter grew up in Rainier, graduating from Rainier High School in 2006. She attended classes at both South Puget Sound Community College and Saint Martin’s University, and later graduated with a degree in Humanities and Social Sciences
from The Evergreen State College. Much of her time at Evergreen was spent abroad, living in Florence, Italy, where she studied international politics and relations, as well as art history and photography. “One of the greatest takeaways from
desire to be involved brought Krosbie
and youth homelessness. She began
my time spent in Europe was the strong
back to Olympia, where she was an intern
learning and researching more, and
sense of connectivity in the communities
for the state Homeless survey, Point-in-
the next year was hired to work on the
in Italy; Europeans really put the “we,”
Time Count in 2013. A Point-In-Time
survey again. Here she once again helped
before the “I,” says Krosbie. In fact, it
count is an unduplicated count on a
manage the Olympia Connect event, and
reminded her a lot of Thurston County.
single night of the people in a community
also put on the first Homeless Connect
who are experiencing homelessness that
event in Yelm. Continuing to become
“We have a tremendous sense of
includes both sheltered and unsheltered
an expert in this area, Krosbie studied
community in Thurston County — people
populations. Krosbie helped coordinate
fair housing and was contracted by the
coming together. Our geography makes
the Olympia Connect event, an event that
city of Olympia as the lead researcher to
us unique, and our diversity is a major
brings together volunteers, case workers
conduct the Thurston County Assessment
strength. We are able to highlight what
and service providers who serve the
of Fair Housing for HUD (Housing
makes us different, and our differences
common goal of ending homelessness.
Urban Development). She examined the
make us a stronger community. There’s
Services available on-site during the event
issue from all sides, looking at different
a sense of inclusion here, we’re small
include emergency shelter referrals,
standards, regulations and zoning laws
enough to care about our neighbors
housing assistance, medical and dental
from both a state and local level.
but large enough to accentuate our
screenings, haircuts and other assistance.
Krosbie also spent time working at
differences,” says Krosbie.
This experience sparked Krosbie’s
United Way Thurston County, first as
This connection to her community and
interest in learning more about family
Development Coordinator, then quickly
14 • August 2018 l
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
thurstonchamber.com
moving up to Development Manager,
advancement of Thurston Thrives
managing workplace campaigns and inspiring organizations to give. “I
strategies and goals; •
enjoyed showing people the value of their gifts and giving tangible examples
Identify community needs, gaps and opportunities;
•
of their long-term investment in
Review data and measures of
MEMBER PROFILE
progress;
Thurston County,” said Krosbie.
•
Set strategic goals for system
Krosbie received her Master of Public
•
Pursue resources to support Thurston
and process improvement; Administration from Evergreen last year and is thrilled about her new position as
Thrives strategy implementation; and •
Help with engaging the broader
Director of Thurston Thrives, replacing
community and maintaining a
Liz Davis who left in early 2018 to take
high level of public awareness of
on a new job at Thurston County Public
the actions being done to further
Health & Social Services.
Thurston Thrives.
Thurston Thrives, a program of the
In her new role, Krosbie hopes to
Thurston Chamber Foundation is
increase awareness of both Thurston
a county-wide initiative designed
Thrives and its mission. “I want people
to engage the entire community in
to recognize immediately who we are
improving public health and safety.
and understand the absolute value of
This effort takes a systems approach to
the work we do and our capacity to
identifying priority health outcomes and
strengthen collaboration and collective
implementing cross-sector strategies
impact,” says Krosbie.
to achieve these targets. Community members have come together to form
She is also looking forward to helping
action teams in eight areas – Clinical &
each action team assume a sense of
Emergency Care, Community Design,
identity within Thurston Thrives as
Education & Resilience, Economy,
a whole. “Think of it like spokes on
Environment (including Climate & Clean
a wheel, if we focus on a main area
Energy), Food, Housing and Public Safety
of emphasis and a centering factor,
& Justice.
everyone involved can understand their role while we piece all the moving parts
The Thurston County Board of Health
together to work toward common goals.”
founded Thurston Thrives in 2013 and, since 2015, is now overseen by a
Krosbie lives in Olympia with her
24-member public-private Coordinating
husband and 3-year-old daughter. She
Council comprised of representatives
enjoys getting out into the community,
from funders (non-governmental),
going to the Farmers Market and being
business, action teams/hubs, local
near the water. “I always knew I’d want
government and education, as well as
to end up living in Thurston County, and
two members at large.
am so pleased for the opportunity to contribute in this new role,” she says.
The general purposes of the Coordinating Council are to measure, promote and
Thurston Thrives Community Council
sustain the Thurston Thrives initiative
meetings are open to the public. They are
to improve the health and safety of all
held on the third Monday of each month
Thurston County residents. Its core
from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at the Thurston
functions are to:
County Courthouse, Building 1, Room 280, at 2000 Lakeridge Drive in Olympia.
•
Foster continuous communication between Council, staff and Action
For additional information,
Teams/Hubs, and support the
visit http://thurstonthrives.org.
thurstonchamber.com
Elite Cleaning of Washington No one wants to waste a gorgeous Saturday cleaning when they could be enjoying endless outdoor festivals, parades and activities. What if you could (net)work while you play? Recognized a Thurston Green Business and awarded The Olympian's 'Best of South Sound' honors four years in a row, Scottiejo McNulty and her Elite Cleaning of Washington team will start their seventh year in June. They often attend city-wide networking events with detailed information, house-cleaning tips & tricks, prizes and answers to frequently asked questions. Elite Cleaning also gives back to their community by donating gift certificates to local charities and supporting events like South Sound BBQ Festival, OMB's Home and Garden Show and Raise for Rowyn. With a philosophy that no job is too big or too small, Elite Cleaning can handle whatever your schedule requires. Whether it’s regular weekly maintenance or a thorough move-out deep-clean, their in-person inspection and high quality standards mean your sunny days can once again be dedicated to family, friends and fun. To arrange a free estimate, call 360-529-2277 or visit us online at www.EliteCleaningofWA.com. Sponsored Member Profile. Copy written by ThurstonTalk for Elite Cleaning of WA.
Thurston County Chamber VOICE l
August 2018 l 15
360.456.4999
venablespestmanagement.com info@venablespest.com
TRUSTED BY THOUSANDS Venables Pest Management is a locally owned and operated company using pet-friendly, professional pest management solutions for ants, termites, mice, beetles, spiders, bed bugs, yellow jackets and rats. We also offer commercial and residential maintenance services and real estate inspections. Give us a call today.
16 • August 2018 l
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
thurstonchamber.com
RHD Enterprises Celebrates Graduation & New Office
T
hurston County-based general contractor RHD Enterprises, Inc. (RHD) will celebrate multiple milestones at an open house event scheduled for August 21, 2018. The minority and
woman-owned business recently purchased a new building that will act as the headquarters for local operations and consolidate their general construction, design and fabrication facilities into one expanded office and production shop.
Rozanne Garman, owner of RHD Enterprises.
The ribbon cutting celebration coincides
owners started Harbor Wholesale at this
the skills and experience needed to be a
with RHD Enterprises’ graduation from
location as a small, family-owned business
successful federal contractor,” noted RHD’s
the 8(a) business development program—a
and have grown into one of the region’s
President and CEO Rozanne Garman.
nine-year, small business mentorship
top foodservice providers. About RHD Enterprises, Inc.
created to help growing companies gain experience with federal government work
8(a) Business Development Program
RHD Enterprises, Inc. is a minority
procurement. The event will include local
To help provide a level playing field for
woman-owned general contractor
officials, family, friends, clients, project
small businesses owned by socially and
specializing in commercial and industrial
partners and a few planned surprises.
economically disadvantaged people
construction. RHD provides full-service
or entities, the government limits
for a variety of new construction, design-
New Office Grand Opening
competition for certain contracts to
build, remodel and tenant improvement
RHD was established in 2005 as a home-
businesses that participate in the 8(a)
projects. From their first laboratory
based residential tile company. The focus
Business Development Program. Program
renovation projects to their current energy
was changed three years later to general
participants can compete for set-aside
upgrades and structural repairs, RHD has
construction, and the RHD Enterprises
contracts, access a Business Opportunity
excelled at fostering a team atmosphere
name was born. A decade later, the
Specialist to help navigate federal
on every project. This creates projects that
company has grown to almost 30 full-
contracting, participate in the mentor-
our clients, employees and communities
time employees working on jobsites all
protégé program and receive business
are proud of. As a small business, they
over Washington State and across the
training, marketing assistance and
provide principal-level involvement on
country. As the company grew, RHD
executive development.
every project and a hands-on approach
expanded its services to include design,
to developing solutions that exceed
premanufactured metal buildings, custom
Since becoming a certified 8(a) small
their clients’ expectations. For more
welding and steel fabrication. With the
business, RHD has completed hundreds of
information, including project experience
acquisition of the new 8,750 square
federal projects for a long list of agencies
visit www.rhdenterprises.com.
foot office and shop, RHD will be able to
including the EPA, GSA, USCG and the US
consolidate production with operations
Navy. 2018 marks the end of RHD’s nine-
staff to increase customer service and
year involvement in the program. “The
efficiency in project delivery.
8(a) program has been a tremendous stepping stone for RHD, and we look
The history of RHD’s new building also
forward to transitioning into a mentor role
includes a unique aspect—the previous
to help other small businesses develop
thurstonchamber.com
For more information, contact: Rozanne Garman RHD Enterprises, Inc. 819 78th Avenue Tumwater, WA 98501 (360) 705-9459 frontdesk@rhdenterprises.com
Thurston County Chamber VOICE l
August 2018 l 17
The right fit for your business. One size never fits all. At TwinStar, you’ll have several business accounts and services to choose from, and together we’ll find the right accounts and cash management tools to improve your bottom line.
Same Great Service, Just A New Look! We are proud to announce the launch of The Rants Group’s new look as part of our ongoing update of the company’s brand. Our business has grown and evolved over the last 45 years and we felt it was time for a new look.
Call me to learn how. Alexis Miller
Business Development Officer 360.923.4450 alexis@twinstarcu.com
TwinStarCU.com/business
FULL SERVICE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LEASE AND SALES SERVICES
(360) 943-8060
18 • August 2018 l
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
|
rants-group.com
thurstonchamber.com
Getting Business Out of the Squeeze (Continued from page 2) eventually be annexed into the city. As part
alternative would require new development
of the conditions to receive services, new
adjacent to the city boundary to be annexed
development in the UGAs acknowledges that
at the time city services are provided, but only
it will be annexed at some point in the future.
require commitment to annexation for non-
Almost always, however, actual annexation
adjacent properties. The Chamber encourages
does not need to be completed prior to
the City to find a way to ensure that private
hooking up to these city services. Because of
sector investment and development can occur
ongoing issues with the County over planning
on a predictable and timely fashion. Not
and development review in the UGAs, City of
doing so will place an unnecessary burden on
Lacey has engaged in a process to change this
property owners and have a detrimental effect
requirement.
on the local economy.
At the most extreme, the City has entertained
At this time, the City is still evaluating any
a change in policy requiring any new
potential change in its annexation policies.
development in the UGA to be annexed into
The Thurston Chamber of Commerce
the city before city services are granted.
argues that is bad public policy when the
This would add time and uncertainty to the
private sector is held hostage by competing
development process. Furthermore, because
jurisdictional interests, and we ask that the
state law does not allow creation of city
City and County update and restore joint
“islands,” properties not directly adjacent
planning agreements that create a timely,
to the city boundary could not immediately
consistent and predictable permitting and
annex, making new development virtually
annexation processes, consistent with what is
impossible in areas not adjacent to existing
envisioned by the Growth Management Act.
City boundaries. This would create a defacto moratorium on new development in
Let’s Eliminate the Friction
Lacey’s UGA other than parcels immediately
The Chamber’s Public Policy Division seeks
contiguous to City boundaries.
to eliminate friction between the Cities and County. Membership support and input in this
The Chamber Calls for Moderation
area has been outstanding. We need to tell
The Chamber advocates that the most desirable
our story and provide examples where friction
outcome is no change, keeping in place the
between jurisdictions has, or will, constrain
current City policy that new development
investment and community prosperity. The
adjacent to city boundary apply for annexation
Chamber’s Public Policy Division welcomes
prior to being served by the City and that
your input and support as we protect our
development not adjacent to the boundary
shared interests and advocate for a more
commit to eventual annexation. A modest
reasonable approaches to the problems.
thurstonchamber.com
Thurston County Chamber VOICE l
August 2018 l 19
UPCOMING EVENT
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8, 2018 | 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Chamber Forum: The Impact of Tourism
In 2017, Thurston County experienced recordbreaking growth in tourism. With a 15.6 percent increase in visitor spending, Thurston County has become a destination for craft beverage enthusiasts, nature lovers and creative thinkers.
Get the insider insight on how the region is being marketed, learn about place branding and walk away with some fun ideas on how to spend your vacation days. You may even be surprised by how travel impacts the economy in unexpected ways.
Join Thurston Chamber’s August forum Wednesday, August 8 at 11:30 a.m. at Hotel RL Olympia as we go behind the scenes of Experience Olympia & Beyond, Thurston County’s official destination marketing organization.
The forum includes lunch, and the cost is $35 for general admission, $25 for prepaid Chamber members and $30 for members at the door.
Photo courtesy of Experience Olympia & Beyond. 20 • August 2018 l
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
thurstonchamber.com
Capital Medical Center celebrated the completion of their new Surgical Services Center with a Ribbon Cutting ceremony on June 28, 2018.
Welcome, New Members Farmers Insurance Agency - Patricia A. Gow Patricia Gow (360) 268-7525
Bare & Be, LLC Elizabeth Boyd (360) 259-9005 www.bareandbe.com Online Retail Barene DenAdel, CPA Alysia LaTourette (360) 533-1153 www.barenecpa.com Accountants Bloodworks Northwest Lynette Manning (206) 516-9970 Blood Banks Co-Creation Now Kirsten Sogge (360) 339-3647 www.honeylovechocolates.com Chocolate Cruz Wealth Management Angel Cruz (206) 552-9796 www.cruzwm.com Financial Planning/Services Evergreen Commercial Cleaning, Inc. CJ Jones (360) 972-2167 Commercial Cleaners
21 • August 2018 l
www.facebook.com/patriciagowfarmersagent
John L. Scott - Lacey Davina Clardy (360) 667-5100 www.olympialaceyhomes.com Real Estate - Agents & Companies
Olympia Sound Company Andrew Golden (360) 789-4035 www.olympiasoundcompany.com Audio-Visual Production Services
Fresenius Kidney Care Erin Fossen (360) 455-5026 Dialysis
L. J. Home Services Jessie Bensley (360) 791-5620 www.ljhomeservices.net Gutter/Roof Cleaning
Pints & Quarts - Olympia Ahmed Flores (360) 943-5611 www.pintsoly.com Brew Pubs, Sports Bars, Wine Bars
Grand Canyon University Emilee Oldham (360) 356-2264 www.gcu.edu/udc/emilee.oldham Schools - Private
Macarons by Mel Melinda Gagnon (360) 350-0332 www.macaronsbymel.com Bakeries
Radiant Hair & Skin, LLC Linda Fox-Rowe (360) 481-5818 www.radianthairandskinllc.com Hair Salon & Services
Holy Lamb Organics Mindy Schaefer (360) 273-9400 www.holylamborganics.com Bedding Manufacturer/Supplier
New York Life - Daniel Marsh Daniel Marsh (206) 708-5455 Insurance
John L. Scott - Dupont Davina Clardy (253) 964-7700 www.olympialaceyhomes.com Real Estate - Agents & Companies
Northwest Meats Danielle Lusk (360) 878-9350 www.northwestmeats.biz Grocers
South Sound Parent to Parent Kim Smith (360) 352-1126 www.ssp2p.org Non-Profit Organizations and Associations
John L. Scott - Lacey Davina Clardy (360) 667-5100 www.olympialaceyhomes.com Real Estate - Agents & Companies
Oly Events - Wedding & Event Design Ashley McCabe (360) 701-9350 www.oly-events.com Event Planning
Insurance
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
Well 80 Artesian Brewing Chris Knudson (360) 915-6653 www.well80.com Brew Pubs, Sports Bars, Wine Bars Williams Group Marketing & Design Mike Williams (360) 790-8803 www.wmsgroup.com Consultants - Marketing thurstonchamber.com
Caught in the Lens...
22 • August 2018 l
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
thurstonchamber.com
Save The Date Foofaraw 2018 Friday, September 7, 2018 | 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Olympia Yacht Club, Island Home
Foofaraw is free for the military service men & women* – always has been, always will be. To have such a wonderful event hosted for 200+ military, we need support of our community members. We need door prizes for military attendee drawing – due August 28th. Items of roughly $25+ value that you would want to “win” in a door prize drawing. Contact Krystal Barkus to be a door prize donor.
Presenting Sponsor
thurstonchamber.com
Call us: 360.357.3362
Visit: thurstonchamber.com
Thurston County Chamber VOICE l
August 2018 l 23
PO BOX 1427 Olympia, WA 98507-1427