AUGUST 2016
THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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Family owned Valley Freightliner, Inc. p. 12 Forrey's Forza p. 9 & Port of Olympia Hires new director of environmental programs B UI L DI NG CO MMUNITY PROSPERITY FOR OVER 14 0 YEARS
CALM YOUR NERVES Advanced treatment options for the brain and spine You’ll rest a little easier in the care of Capital Medical Center’s expert team of highly skilled neurosurgeons and orthopedic spine surgeons. Our board-certified physicians provide the highest quality care to patients with advanced conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord and central nervous system. We’re proud to be the first in Washington to utilize a robotic-guidance system for spine surgery procedures. And, we’re the only South Sound hospital to earn a Gold Seal of Approval® from The Joint Commission, the nation’s leading organization for health care accreditation.
For more information, visit us online at capitalmedical.com or call 360-754-5858 3900 Capital Mall Dr. SW • Olympia, WA 98502 • 360-754-5858 • 888-677-9757 • capitalmedical.com
Capital Medical Center is partly owned by some of the physicians who serve our patients.
©2016 BCI
driving the economy
PUBLISHER Thurston County Chamber of Commerce
EDITORIAL Editor: David Schaffert Phone: (360) 357-3362 Email: dschaffert@thurstonchamber.com
CONTRIBUTORS Natasha Ashenhurst David Schaffert Jessica Coen Amy Georgeson Tamika Pearman
ADVERTISING Sales and Marketing: Marny Bright, Beth Johnson or Korey Twombly Phone: (360) 357-3362 Email: info@thurstonchamber.com
SUBSCRIPTIONS Phone: (360) 357-3362
By, David Schaffert, THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER PRESIDENT/CEO & Jessica Coen, THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIR
T
his issue of the VOICE includes three stories about seemingly different people and organizations. The Startup Playbook features a small café chain of two stores that hopes to grow to 10. Our cover story highlights a local Freightliner dealership that sells and services trucks that range in price from $80 to $100 thousand. Finally, we profile the Port of Olympia’s new director of environmental programs. However, when we dig a little deeper we realize that each story has one overriding similarity—they all contribute to the economic well-being of our community.
Email: info@thurstonchamber.com
DESIGN Mosaic Marketing Studio
PHOTOGRAPHY Heather Harris, Elements Photography
PRINTING Print NW
GENERAL ENQUIRIES PO Box 1427 809 Legion Way SE Olympia, WA 98507
Forrey’s Forza is a small, family-owned, business with exciting plans for future growth. According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), small businesses are incubators for innovation and employment and play a vital role in our economy—accounting for 63 percent of net new jobs created between 1993 and 2013. In fact, small firms in the 20-499 employee category led job creation. Valley Freightliner, Inc., also a familyowned business, sells and services
diesel trucks, representing a robust segment of our local economy. Sales at new-car dealerships, for example, account for 15% of all retail sales in the U.S. and new-car dealerships generate 15% of all U.S. sales tax revenue, according to research by the National Automobile Dealers Association. Additionally, the franchised dealership network is one of countless small businesses that are often family-owned and operated; 92% of them are privately owned, according to NADA as is Valley Freightliner. Finally, ports are the backbone of a strong economy while at the same time are committed to environmental sustainability. The Port of Olympia’s contributions to clean water and land are crucial for our sustainable future. Having Rachael Jamison lead the Port’s environmental programs is exciting for the economic development and sustainability efforts of our entire community—she is committed to building a path forward that is both economically vibrant and environmentally sound.
Phone: (360) 357-3362 Email: info@thurstonchamber.com Website: www.thurstonchamber.com
THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY INVESTORS
COPYRIGHT All material appearing in the VOICE
DIAMOND INVESTORS:
printing, but the publisher accepts no
Anchor Bank Capital Medical Center Heritage Bank Phillips Burgess Physicians of Southwest Washington Port of Olympia Xerox Services
responsibility or liability for the accuracy
PLATINUM INVESTORS
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
of any information contained in the text or advertisements.
America's Credit Union - Lacey Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel Mills & Mills Funeral Home &
4 • August 2016 Thurston County Chamber VOICE
Memorial Park Morningside Olympia Federal Savings Olympia Orthopaedic Associates Print NW Providence St. Peters Saint Martin's University TwinStar Credit Union Washington Business Bank
GOLD INVESTORS Express Employment Professionals First Citizens Bank Cabinets by Trivonna Columbia Bank The Creative Office FirstLight Home Care
GHB Insurance Great Wolf Lodge Hometown Property Management Mantis Graphix Jessica Jensen Law PS Nicholson & Associates Nisqually Red Wind Casino Olympia Furniture Company Pardiman Productions Puget Sound Energy RHD Enterprises Hotel RL Olympia Saint Martin’s University SCJ Alliance TAGS
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Featuring...
CONTENT & CALENDAR
Every month, the Thurston County Chamber offers several networking events, forums & workshops to the community. Here are some highlights you won't want to miss.
In this issue...
6 Caught in the Lens
August 2
Photos from Chamber events.
Morning Mixxer at Anchor Bank Enjoy delicious food and plenty of coffee when Anchor Bank hosts the August Morning Mixxer. You won’t want to miss the Anchor Bank Money Machine for some cold, hard cash! When? August 2 at 7:30 a.m. Where? 601 Woodland Square Loop, Lacey.
August 4
YPN Will Uncork & Unwind! Y The Thurston Chamber Young Professionals (YPN) Network is a great place to interact with new, younger business professionals in a low-pressure environment. Join us at Uncork & Unwind on Thursday, August 4 at 7:30 p.m., 324 Custer Way SE, Tumwater.
August 6
5th Annual Olympia Brew Fest Come and celebrate Olympia’s fine brewing heritage and
12 Valley Freightliner, Inc. Learn more about this family-owned dealership and service center.
The first in a new series takes a look at Hot Jobs in Thurston County.
p.m.- 8:30 p.m. www.olybrewfest.com
The Business of Cannabis JJoin the Chamber for our August Forum at the Hotel RL Olympia on August 10 at 11:30 a.m. Our panel of experts will discuss the cannabis business model, the impact on real estate and the licensing requirements for expansion and industry growth.
BAH at Bay Mercantile On August 18 at 5:30 p.m. join us for Business After Hours at Bay Mercantile, 5025 Mudd Bay Rd NW, Olympia. BAH is a great way to meet new friends, network and enjoy great food—oysters anyone?
For more event information, please visit www.thurstonchamber.com
www.thurstonchamber.com
We talk to Christine and Tom Forrey of Forrey's Forza in Lacey.
By the Numbers
support the Chamber Foundation. Port Plaza, August 6, 1
August 18
Startup Playbook
14
Enjoy beers from 30+ hand-picked, Northwest breweries.
August 10
9
19 Curb Water Use Learn how your business can save money by curbing water use and taking advantage of rebates!
22 Executive Profile Meet Rachael Jamison of the Port of Olympia.
Thurston County Chamber VOICE August 2016 5
Caught in the Lens...
6 • August 2016 Thurston County Chamber VOICE
A collection of photos taken at Chamber events during June and July.
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FOOFARAW
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Learn more at www.thurstonchamber.com
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Presented by:
Thurston County Chamber VOICE ď Ź August 2016 ď Źď&#x20AC; 7
FORUM
the business of cannabis
Join the Thurston Chamber for our August Forum on 8/10 at 11:30 a.m. at the Hotel RL Olympia. Hear from a panel of business owners about this emerging industry & its economic impacts on Thurston County. The conversation has changed—we’re no longer talking about the legalization of cannabis. Instead, we’re talking about the business model and the industry’s impact on the economy. Join the Thurston Chamber’s August Forum on Wednesday, August 10 at 11:30 a.m. at the Hotel RL to hear from producers/ manufacturers in the industry and from those whose businesses are directly impacted by the business of cannabis—real estate in particular. The panelists will also discuss the impact on workforce and we’ll get a glimpse of what this industry may look like in the years to come. Visit www.thurstonchamber.com for ticket information.
8 • August 2016 Thurston County Chamber VOICE
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STARTUP PLAYBOOK
Forrey's Forza: A Journey From Press to Pies
T
Above: Christine and Tom Forrey at Forrey's Forza in Lacey. Photo by Heather Harris.
By Natasha Ashenhurst
This is the eighth article in our Startup Playbook series, where we examine Thurston County startups—and the entrepreneurs behind them—in order to learn what's working and what's not, and search for a pattern to success. Here's the Forrey's story.
om Forrey was a pressman in the newspaper
2015. Tom and Christine
industry throughout the Pacific Northwest, from
were able keep their
Idaho to Seattle, for more than 30 years. When
Lacey café open, and they
the Seattle Post-Intelligencer began publishing
purchased the Forza in
exclusively online in 2009, Tom lost his job. It
Dupont in December. The
was two weeks before Christmas.
cafe celebrated its grand
Tom, 53 at the time, decided to go back to school to study wastewater management, but he was continuously passed over
“Both locations are doing
for jobs. Tom’s wife, Christine, explained what happened next.
great,” Christine said. “We
“We talked about options, about what he does well and what he
are no longer part of a
enjoys doing,” said Christine. “At the top of the list was pie —
franchise, but we continue
Tom makes really good pies. He started making pies for family
to work with Dillanos Coffee
gatherings years ago and has perfected it.”
Roasters out of Sumner, who
Tom and Christine decided to start TC Pies, but knew the pies alone would not bring in the volume they needed to thrive, so they partnered with Forza Coffee and opened Forrey’s Forza in Lacey. Christine was the regional vice president of PartyLite
purchased the Forza name. Dillanos lets us use the name and they supply us with cups, napkins, logos and beans.”
at the time, but once the Forrey’s Forza was running she no
When you walk into the
longer had time to do both. She gave up her leadership role to
Lacey café these days, you’ll
devote her energy to her and Tom’s new business. That was
see the pie case filled and
three years ago.
smell the coffee brewing, but
Since opening the café, the business has changed rapidly. The Forza franchise, which included 27 stores, went bankrupt in
www.thurstonchamber.com
opening on Jan. 2.
you’ll also notice the beers on tap, wine bottles on the shelves and a menu for every
Thurston County Chamber VOICE August 2016 9
SPEED NETWORKING!
Wednesday, October 26, 2:30 p.m. - 4 p.m. South Puget Sound Community College, Lacey Speed Networking takes the traditional values of face-to-face networking and combines it with smart-matching software that enables participants to pre-select the types of people they are interested in meeting using customized matching parameters. Each participant receives a customized schedule of meetings based on their interests. We’re Presented by: taking the guess-work out of networking events and determine the best possible connections for each person to make. Visit www.thurstonchamber.com for more information.
10 • August 2016 Thurston County Chamber VOICE
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demand for meeting space. We’ve had
meal in the day.
see someone you know.
“We started out just making pies, but
“People come here to network and
we’ve expanded,” said Christine. “My
do business,” said Christine. “If our
mother, Maureen McLemore, retired from
community didn’t support us, we wouldn’t
Community Youth Services in 2013, and
be here. We are filled with gratitude for
Expanding the Lacey location is just the
offered to make cakes, muffins, biscotti
the support they’ve given us.”
beginning. Now that the Dupont location
and cookies in her free time. Now she
to expand our staff to accommodate the catering need — we just hired a prep cook and a kitchen manager.”
is doing well, the Forreys have further
bakes for us every week.
It recently became apparent to the
“Tom expanded from pies to quiche. We
order to accommodate the community, so
“Our goal is to have 10 stores, and
have a full kitchen and we put a lot of
they added a 96-person conference room
eventually have our son and daughter
time into our food. We believe in giving a
and a 18-person board room. Both are
take over the business,” said Christine.
really good product.”
available for a set fee, or they waive the
“We are building something to leave our
fee if the event is catered by their kitchen.
family. We’re building a legacy.”
As the Forrey’s menu expanded, so did
Forreys that they needed to expand in
the patronage. Forrey’s Forza feels like
“A lot of groups meet here on a regular
the de facto hub of the Lacey business
basis,” said Christine. “The conference
community. Stop in and you’re bound to
plans.
and board room will help meet the
Christine Forrey's Startup PLAYBOOK 1. Find a mentor. 2. Know your audience. For example, “We tried hosting an open mic night,” wrote the Forreys. “It attracted high school students and at one point we were putting out fights in the hallway. Now we know better.” 3. It is better to be great at one thing than mediocre at a bunch of things. 4. Don’t give up your day job until your new business is profitable. 5. Know your numbers. Look at your profit and loss statement, know your labor costs, know your food costs. These numbers can be hard to look at, but don’t fool yourself into thinking you are doing better than you are. 6. Read. Every successful business person I know spends time reading every day. This habit, more than any other, has kept us on track.
www.thurstonchamber.com
Thurston County Chamber VOICE August 2016 11
Valley Freightliner, Inc. By Natasha Ashenhurst
WE COUNT ON THEM TO PICK-UP
Maytown.
company’s president. There were three branches at the time; Mount Vernon,
GARBAGE, TRANSPORT FRESHLY
Valley Freightliner is a dealership and
Olympia and the company headquarters
service center, and truck fleets around
in Pacific. In the last few years, they
HARVESTED OYSTERS AND PLOW THE
the county depend on VFI day in and day
grew that number to 11 full-service
out to move goods and services.
dealerships. In addition, VFI acquired
T
ROADS AFTER A RARE WINTER STORM.
Pacific Power Group’s Detroit Diesel in
These trucks transport
We had a chance to sit down and talk
Ridgefield -- and with it the distribution
our food, medical supplies
to Branch Manager Sean Bolan, who
rights for Washington, Oregon, Alaska,
and fuel. Their customers
oversees VFI’s day-to-day operations
Hawaii and the Idaho panhandle.
include LeMay, Taylor
in Olympia — including parts, service,
Shellfish and Washington
truck sales, property dealings,
As a part of the transaction, VFI became
State. They are the
certifications and safety. We learned
a full-service Western Star dealer in
workhorse of modern commerce and an
about the history of VFI, the business
Olympia and maintains that status
often overlooked sector of the business
model and the challenges they face in an
in Coburg, Oregon. The company has
community.
ever-changing landscape.
also acquired Pacific’s four FUSO truck
We’re talking about trucks, more specifically trucks sold and serviced at Valley Freightliner, Inc. off Interstate 5 in Olympia, an area often confused as
franchises in Oregon and Hawaii. This The Gordon family, who had owned and
acquisition further expanded VFI’s
operated Gordon Trucking since in 1946,
position as the largest Freightliner,
sold the company in order to focus on
Detroit Diesel and aftermarket sales and
dealerships. Scott Gordon serves as the
service provider in the Pacific Northwest
12 • August 2016 Thurston County Chamber VOICE
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— including new and used commercial
service and quality work. We are always
parts and diagnose any issues that may
truck and trailer sales, service, parts,
looking for ways to improve, and this
result from the innovations,” said Bolan.
maintenance and equipment financing.
attention to quality differentiates us in
“Several years ago, when oil prices were
the marketplace.”
high, there was a push for alternative
Bolan said VFI does not see a lot of foot traffic for new and used trucks at their Olympia branch, rather, their sales associates go out and visit with customers at their offices, or they reach
There are 40 full-time employees at the Olympia branch. They represent a mix of managers, sales associates, technicians and parts department employees.
another works with the city governments of Tumwater and Aberdeen. Along with local contracts, their customers include large trucking fleets and owner-operator truckers from Washington, Oregon and California.
to work on that equipment. “We have to have the necessary tools to do the work. This goes along with our core value of continuous improvement. A week doesn’t go by when we don’t have
customers online. One associate works directly with the State of Washington,
fuels. Our technicians have to know how
a technician out getting trained on new
Challenges
tools or new software so they can work
“One challenge we’re seeing in the trucking industry is a driver shortage. For us, we are facing a technician
on the equipment. “Not only do we have to have great technicians, we have to have computer
shortage. It is very difficult to find technicians who have the qualifications
literate technicians.”
we are looking for,” said Bolan. “Right
From left to right: Valley Freightliner, Inc. off I-5 in Olympia, Sean Bolan, technicians working in the service department. Bolan said they do get a lot of customers
now, we are working with technical
in the parts and service department for
schools to bring graduates into the
RVs, coaches and motorhomes with the
dealership, but just like hiring anyone
same large diesel engines as the trucks.
right out of school, there is a lot of on-
They also deliver parts to school districts,
the-job training that we’ll have to invest
trucking companies and local repair
in.
shops. Bolan said the only thing they don’t sell for trucks are tires.
Company Culture
“It is very difficult to find skilled people to work in this industry.”
relationships and exceeding expectations. It might start with a cold call, but that will eventually transform into a lasting relationship,” said Bolan.
much a family-owned and -run company at its core. “I’ve worked for the Gordon family for 14 years. Whether I’m at an annual meeting part of the family,” said Bolan. “They’ve established a great company to work for.”
Emerging Trends
And while VFI focuses on continuous
Technicians must stay up-to-date on changing industry regulations, like EPA emission standards.
improvement, emerging trends and challenges, at its core, it is still very much a family-owned, family-run company.
“The same system works for parts and
“As a dealership, we have to be able to
service. We deliver outstanding customer
support the new innovations, supply the
www.thurstonchamber.com
trends and challenges, it is still very
or a company picnic, I’ve always felt like
Core Values “A lot of our work is about cultivating
While VFI focuses on improvement,
Thurston County Chamber VOICE August 2016 13
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creating a positive climate for business and community
ADVOCACY UPDATE
One of the Thurston County Chamber’s primary missions is advocacy, which can take many forms—providing beneficial services and products to Chamber members; supporting nonprofit, education and government organizations; and, of course, lobbying government bodies on issues impacting business and community. On any given day the Thurston County Chamber is working with local government representing business interests, is on a panel discussing the future of education or workforce and is meeting with community leaders advocating for a stronger economy. Here are a few of the issues we are actively engaged in this month:
Gopher Interim Permitting Process In November 2015, Olympia Master Builders, the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce and Hinkle Homes filed a lawsuit against Thurston County in Lewis County Superior Court and concurrently filed a related petition with the Western Washington Growth Management Hearings Board (GMHB), requesting that the Board reject the County’s interim gopher habitat review process because it implicitly modifies Thurston County’s Critical Area Ordinance (CAO) without motion, resolution, or public participation, all in direct violation of Washington state’s Growth Management Act (GMA). In May, the GMHB issued its Final Decision and Order stating that Thurston County’s 2015 Interim Process for reviewing permits in Mazama Pocket Gopher soils violated the state’s Growth Management Act (GMA). The Chamber, the OMB and Hinkle Homes remain open to reaching a reasonable agreement with Thurston County, but so far efforts to do so have not been successful. The complaint now turns to Lewis County Superior Court.
Chamber to Launch Public Policy Division It is time to increase the Chamber’s capacity to advocate for complex public policy initiatives that impact Thurston County. Over the past five years the Chamber has taken on significant public policies with a resource development model for professional and technical support. The public policy staff will support public policy initiatives, such as the Shared Legislative Partnership as well as ongoing issue management. In addition, it will facilitate legal and technical support for other actions.
www.thurstonchamber.com
Thurston County Chamber VOICE August 2016 15
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REAL ESTATE LAW FROM THE GROUND UP Real estate is at the center of all that we do. With more than a century of combined legal experience, our talented attorneys provide high-quality, timely, and personalized legal advice on all matters related to real estate. We bring enthusiasm, business savvy, and a healthy dose of common sense to every case we handle. The result? First-rate legal work you can count on. Every client. Every time.
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WWW.PHILLIPSBURGESSLAW.COM
16 • August 2016 Thurston County Chamber VOICE
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The Thurston Chamber Welcomes New Members from April, May & June Papa Bear's Small Engine Repair Brian Montague 360-350- 0489 Power Tools
Hans-On Technology Solutions John Hansman 360-545- 3201 www.hans-ontechnology.com Computer Training
Gibbs & Olson Vicki Wiggins (360) 352-1120 www.gibbs-olson.com Engineers – Civil
WarrenMicro Jacob Warren (360) 474-5542 www.warrenmicro.com Computer Software
MJL Marketing, Inc. Robbin Lopeman (360) 858-4940 Consultants
Serenity Home Care Victoria Campbell (360) 918-7223 Home Health Services
Advance Auto Parts Colin Christiansen (360) 357-3347 Auto Parts; Supplies
Curves - Tumwater Talia Manu-Pati (360) 528-3422 www.curves.com Health &; Fitness - Clubs/Gyms
www.Papabearsrepair.com
MobileOne, LLC Revel Stark (858) 208-9817 www.MobileOnellc.com Telecommunication Equipment, Repair, & Services
Curves - Lacey Talia Manu-Pati (360) 918-8449 www.curves.com Health &; Fitness - Clubs/Gyms
Evergreen Financial Services Joshua Logan (509) 452-6574 www.efscollects.com Collection Agencies
Harrington Investigations - Shane Harrington, PhD Shane Harrington (360) 918-7333 www.harringtonpi.com Investigators
Abstract Precision Exercise - Tumwater Jeff Turner (360) 754-7544 www.abstractbodyworks.com Health; Fitness - Clubs/Gyms
Northwest Collectives Joe McConkey (360) 464-0256 www.northwestcollectives.com Marijuana Products
Communication by Design Lee Doyle (360) 709-9028 www.leecomdesign.com Graphic Designers
Vadis Jen Carroll (360) 701-7177 www.vadis.org Consultants - Employment Services
Ascent Internet Marketing Jason Nelson (360) 451-0072 www.ascentinternet.com Internet Marketing
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Advocare - Tina Taylor, Independent Distributor Tina Taylor (360) 915-3938 Consultants – Nutrition
NEW MEMBERS
Olympia Estate Law Richelle Little (206) 234-9349 www.olympiaestatelaw.com Attorneys; Legal Services Derma Medical Spa Amanda Berg (360) 350-5321 www.dermamedispa.com Day Spas Clear Choice Mortgage, LLC Jessica Wells (360) 529-3905 www.ccm.loans Banks/Mortgage Companies Victoria S. Byerly, P.S. Victoria Byerly (360) 616-1749 www.victoriasbyerlyps.com Attorneys; Legal Services Kenzie Property Management Julie Brannberg (360) 539-1226 www.kenziepm.com Real Estate - Property Management
Gypsy Greens - Chehalis Jenna Rodriguez (360) 996-4030 www.gypsygreens.org Marijuana Products Olympic Body Works Holly Franco 719 502-9620 olympicbodyworks.com Health Maintenance Organizations Mint Landscapes, LLC Josh McCarty (360) 507-8616 www.mintlandscapes.com Landscape Designers
Rachael Cook (360) 701-1418 www.newdaymidwifery.com
Midwives; Doulas
RooLan Health Care Center Christopher Kistner (360) 491-1765 www.roolan.com Rehabilitation Service
Metamorphic Wellness Michelle Herron (360) 520-3011 www.matamassageinc.com Health; Fitness – Massage
Firehouse Subs Lane Tittle (360) 878-9180 www.firehousesubs.com Restaurant - Sandwich Shops
Gypsy Greens - Olympia Jenna Rodriguez (360) 943-9338 www.gypsygreens.org Marijuana Products
Northwestern Mutual Misha Davis (360) 970-2388 www.mishamdavis.nm.com Banks/Mortgage Companies
New Day Midwifery
Candlewood Suites Annie Choi (360) 491-1698 Hotels & Accomodations
Thurston County Chamber VOICE August 2016 17
Curb your outdoor water waste and green your business
O
THURSTON GREEN
By Amy Georgeson | Water Resource Specialist | City of Tumwater ne way to green your
how they ensure that your landscaping
business is to identify
is efficiently using water when you hire
ways to be more
them. Learn what questions to ask to
efficient with your
select a qualified landscape professional
outdoor water use.
in How to Choose a Landscape Company.
Some steps that
business owners can take include efficient landscape design, efficient outdoor maintenance, minimizing turf areas and evaluating your sprinkler system. Your business may also want to hire a water efficient landscaping professional. Don’t forget to check out the business rebates available in your area.
As the rains decrease and temperatures rise, water use increases and irrigation can be expensive. Water utilities see a dramatic increase in water use during the summer; normally due to an increase in outdoor irrigation. To keep your summer water bills in check, learn how to make your landscape water efficient. Excessive irrigation increases our water’s cost, depletes our water supply, increases pollution run-off from lawn and landscape chemicals, wastes energy and requires additional time and labor. As our communities grow, we can either build costly facilities or we can conserve water to reduce the demand on our existing limited supply.
Hiring the Right Landscaping Professional Often it makes sense for businesses to hire a landscaping professional. Look for certified landscapers or ask landscapers
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Thurston County participates in the relatively new ecoPro landscaping certification program. Check out their website to find a certified landscaper in your area or learn more about what to ask your landscaper to ensure that they are using sustainable landscape practices.
Landscape Planning Water conservation starts with a smart landscape design. •
addition, watering lawns is inefficient; up to 50% of water is lost to evaporation,
Plan ahead for a water-smart
runoff, over spray and over watering.
landscape •
Recognize site conditions and plant appropriately
•
Group plants according to water needs
•
Use regionally appropriate, drought-
If you want to include lawn in your landscape, consider how much lawn your business needs. Then try to pick a cool season grass and implement natural lawn care practices.
tolerant and native plants •
Spruce up Your Sprinklers
Minimize and place lawns strategically
• •
Use organic slow release fertilizers,
The main
compost and mulch
sources
Install new plants and turf during
of wasted
the fall when the rain will irrigate
irrigation
for you
water include poor irrigation scheduling,
Lawns are Thirsty Lawns can use 2 to 3 times as much water as other plants in
inefficient irrigation systems and poor maintenance. Here are four tips from the EPA on efficient sprinkler care.
the landscape. In
Continued on page 20 Thurston County Chamber VOICE August 2016 19
Continued from page 19 •
Inspect – Check for clogged, broken
Tumwater
each year.
or missing sprinkler heads. Use the right kind of sprinkler nozzles for the area being watered. Move or raise blocked sprinkler heads. •
Connect – Examine where the sprinkler heads connect to pipes or hoses. If water pools in your landscape or you have large wet areas, you could have a leak in your system.
•
Direct – Keep water off of sidewalks and driveways, and direct water only to landscaped areas. Turn off sprinkler heads that are not needed.
•
Select – An improperly scheduled irrigation controller can waste water and money. Update your system’s water schedule to align with the seasons, or select a WaterSense
Tumwater also has irrigation rebates
Outdoor Rebates within Thurston County
available. This program provides a
Lacey
availability.
Lacey has a Commercial Irrigation Upgrade Rebate. This program provides a rebate for up to 50% of the cost of upgrading irrigation system components to more water efficient components. size and number of water meters used by the commercial irrigation account. ¾-inch meters are eligible for rebates of
Technology Rebates. These rebates cover up to 75% of the cost for indoor waterefficient upgrades. Some of the projects
information, Benedict at (360) 438-2687.
leak
•
Do not install or use water features, unless they recycle the water
•
Fix leaking hose connections with hose gaskets and Teflon tape.
Mandatory Watering Schedules Some jurisdictions use mandatory watering schedules to reduce peak demand during the summer and encourage water conservation. Check to see if your water service provider has an irrigation schedule. Lacey has a mandatory irrigation schedule that is enforced June 1st thru September 30th of
machines, washing machines, sink faucets, spray nozzles and other watersaving equipment. Contact your City representative listed above for additional
FURNITURE
may help you identify a
shut-off nozzle
of high-efficiency toilets/urinals, ice
Manufactured Outdoor
Monitor your water bill -
Control hose flow with automatic
that maybe eligible include installation
information.
unusually high water use
•
In addition, to the rebates above, all
installation.
rebates and other water conservation
of hosing off
Rebates for Businesses Connected to LOTT system are also eligible for WaterSmart
controller to take the guesswork out
Sweep or blow paved areas instead
4144.
projects must be approved prior to
For more information about Lacey
water goes and where it is wasted
contact Amy Georgeson at (360) 754-
businesses served by the LOTT sewer
Other Landscape Practices for Efficient Water Use
•
rebates and water conservation ideas
rebates of up to $10,000. To be eligible,
labeled weather based irrigation
Perform a water audit - see where
For more information about Tumwater
up to $250; 6-inch meters are eligible for
contact Kim
•
based irrigation device. Call to check on
The maximum rebate depends on the
of scheduling.
•
rebate of up to $200 to install a weather-
Olympia
ADIRONDACK CHAIRS Ɣ OUTDOOR SWINGS BUNK BEDS Ɣ BIRD HOUSES
Olympia offers irrigation rebates of up to $2,500 to upgrade irrigation systems. Apply for the rebate prior to purchase. Once you receive an approval letter, purchase and install the equipment then submit the invoice for rebate. For more information about Olympia rebates and other water conservation information, contact Erin Conine at (360) 753-8271.
20 • August 2016 Thurston County Chamber VOICE
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EXECUTIVE MOVES
Meet the Port's New Environmental Director: Rachael Jamison “I've worked for some amazing organizations, but the people at the Port are the best in class. They are truly and authentically committed to doing our work in the most sustainable and thoughtful way possible. ”
T
he job was the perfect mix of policy and on-the-ground work, but it was meeting the staff that finally convinced Rachael Jamison to accept the position of director of environmental programs at the Port of Olympia. “I’ve worked for some amazing organizations, but the people at the Port are the best in class,” said Jamison. “They are truly and authentically committed to doing our work in the most sustainable and thoughtful way possible.” An Olympia resident for the past 20 years, Jamison started working at the Port in April 2016, and her path here was a long one, giving her the wealth of experience the Port was looking for. Both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the Evergreen State College are environmental science-based, and her previous work -- the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Ecology, the Department of Natural Resources,
22 • August 2016 Thurston County Chamber VOICE
and Weyerhaeuser Company -- gives her a firm foundation of policy, compliance, sustainability and innovation from which to continue the sustainability work of the Port and to launch new initiatives.
What’s on Jamison’s desk? A lot of Jamison’s work is related to compliance, which is on-going. “I manage the Port’s environment program,”
www.thurstonchamber.com
Jamison said. “Our first priority is to
determine if one might be a good fit
that is both economically vibrant and
ensure that the Port of Olympia is in
for the Port Jamison said Thurston
environmentally sound, and that also
compliance with all federal, state and
County is supportive of environmentally
has community understanding and buy-
local environmental laws.”
sustainable initiatives and getting third-
in.”
party certified is one way to demonstrate The Port is collaborating with the State
the Port’s commitment to this end.
Department of Ecology on two clean-up
On the weekend you’ll find Jamison
projects in Budd Inlet. Jamison’s team
Finally, Jamison is working to strengthen
also manages the marine terminal’s
relationships between the Port of
stormwater treatment system, which is a
Olympia and the people of Thurston
major element of the Port’s commitment
County.
meetings, Rachael hits the trails.
the discharge of pollutants into Puget
“One of our challenges is to educate the
ultramarathons,” she said. “I’ll take any
Sound. Jamison and her team do this by
public about the role of the Port in our
working closely with port tenants and
community,” said Jamison. “Ports are
Ecology.
one of the environment’s strongest allies
managing teams and spearheading “I enjoy endurance trail running,
to preventing, reducing and eliminating
and a window into the world economy. I want to be part of effectively telling the
At the Olympia Regional Airport,
After a week of intensive policy work,
opportunity I have to spend time in the mountains.” She has a 21-year-old daughter and when her daughter is home from college the two love to travel.
Rachael Jamison, above, enjoys endurance trail running, ultramarathons and travel.
good story of the Port of Olympia.
“We’ve been traveling together since my
of Tumwater on the development of a
“Ports are an incredible vehicle for
Italy, Costa Rica, and China ... all over,”
habitat conservation plan and is leading
actualizing community goals, creating
several new initiatives for the Port.
jobs and helping repair the environment
First, she is in the process of initiating
from historical mis-use. They bring
a greenhouse gas assessment with the
together environmental sustainability
intent of understanding the relative
and economic development efforts, two
impact the Port has on Washington’s
seemingly disparate ideas, in ways that
overall greenhouse gas emissions and
are absolutely compatible.
“My position at the Port is an
can be reduced. Next, she is assessing
“My hope is that I’ll be a bridge builder
my area of passion,” said Jamison. “I am
Port-specific certifications systems to
in this role, building a path forward
Jamison has initiated work with U.S.
daughter was young — we’ve been to
Fish & Wildlife Service and the City
As passionate as she is about being outdoors and travel, her work remains a passion too.
opportunity for me to work deeply in
identifying ways the Port’s footprint
www.thurstonchamber.com
she said.
delighted to be here.”
Thurston County Chamber VOICE August 2016 23
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