A U G UST 2017
TH UR STON C OUN TY C H AMBE R OF C OMME R C E
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A LOOK into the future of fifth
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Thurston County Chamber VOICE ď Ź August 2017 ď Źď€ 3
Embracing the Opportunity of 'Views on 5th' By David Schaffert, President/CEO of the Thurston County Chamber
PUBLISHER Thurston County Chamber of Commerce
EDITORIAL Editor: David Schaffert Phone: (360) 357-3362 Email: dschaffert@thurstonchamber.com
CONTRIBUTORS David Schaffert Doug Mah Natasha Ashenhurst Greg Raines Rebekah Finn Heather Harris Barbara Wakefield Cheryl Heywood
ADVERTISING Sales and Marketing: Beth Johnson Blake Knoblauch Melanie Bell Phone: (360) 357-3362 Email: info@thurstonchamber.com
SUBSCRIPTIONS Phone: (360) 357-3362 Email: info@thurstonchamber.com
DESIGN Mosaic Marketing Studio
COVER ART The 'View from 5th and Simmons Looking Northeast' is the architect’s rendering of the Views on 5th project, created by Olympia architecture firm Thomas Architecture Studios.
PRINTING Print NW
CONTACT THE CHAMBER PO Box 1427 809 Legion Way SE Olympia, WA 98507 Phone: (360) 357-3362 Email: info@thurstonchamber.com Website: www.thurstonchamber.com
T
his month’s issue of the VOICE features an exciting new project called 'Views on 5th' — a transformative project for Olympia’s vacant, nine-story Capitol Center building on Fifth
Avenue.
This project—which will convert the building into 138 units of market-rate housing, a restaurant and café—is a unique opportunity for the downtown area, and one that we should celebrate and support. We are seeing significant investment in market-rate housing, commercial space and amenities in the downtown corridor — all building on the positive momentum created in part by positive policy decisions by the Olympia City Council and a renewed commitment to the private sector.
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.
Opponents argue potential “sea level rise” makes this project impractical, when the new buildings will actually be built to withstand those rises and significant resources will be invested into the tower renovation to address potential flooding, as is currently required by Olympia’s municipal code. Finally, opponents argue additional residents and cars will snarl traffic downtown, when transportation impact analysis demonstrates the intersections surrounding Views on 5th will continue to operate at “level of service A,” the highest rating possible.
This project has the potential to transform downtown Olympia by renovating an eyesore and blighted area between Capitol Lake and Budd Bay into a crown jewel worthy of its setting.
Fortunately, Brogan is committed to seeing this project through. He and Ron Thomas, chief architect for Views on 5th, have done an excellent job listening to the community and have gone the extra mile to address concerns.
There is a small but vocal opposition consisting of activists who want to turn this space into a park. However, their vision does not include a viable funding source. Without funding we end up with under-used properties and urban decay. Unfortunately, project opponents have resorted to disseminating discredited arguments to divert and delay this $30 million investment by local developer Ken Brogan.
The Chamber board voted to support this redevelopment and we urge the community to do likewise. Support it not only because of the economic benefits that will result from its completion, but for what it signifies – a game-changing project addressing blight and demonstrating that investors are more willing than ever to put substantial resources into our downtown.
Opponents argue that the existing nine-story tower can’t meet seismic standards; when in fact, seismic upgrades are underway as we go to print.
Views on 5th will continue the downtown redevelopment renaissance that will ultimately transform our region. ●
THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY INVESTORS DIAMOND INVESTORS:
COPYRIGHT
Opponents argue that “liquefaction” of soils during a major earthquake event make this project dangerous, when in fact added steel pilings will protect the tower and new buildings in the event of an earthquake of this magnitude.
Anchor Bank Capital Medical Center Heritage Bank Phillips Burgess Port of Olympia Conduit
PLATINUM INVESTORS America's Credit Union - Lacey Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel Mills & Mills Funeral Home & Memorial Park Morningside
4 • August 2017 Thurston Thurssto on County Chamber VOICE
Olympia Federal Savings Olympia Orthopaedic Associates Print NW Providence St. Peters Saint Martin's University TwinStar Credit Union Washington Business Bank
GOLD INVESTORS First Citizens Bank Cabinets by Trivonna Columbia Bank The Creative Office GHB Insurance Great Wolf Lodge Hometown Property Management 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 Wells Fargo
www.thurstonchamber.com
The Morningside Ride is a short road rally—a scavenger hunt in your car! But instead of bringing back stuff, your mission is to answer clues related to the sights you see along the way. The team with the most right answers wins!
This year we’re adding a Poker Run to the fun! Draw five cards along the route - if you have the winning hand you get a Prize!
The theme this year is Pirates! Costumes are optional, but they really add to the fun. The event concludes with brunch, raffles, program and prizes for winners and best costumes. REGISTER ONLINE AT MorningsideServices.com/events Need help? 360-596-3539 The Ride raises funds for Morningside’s programs for students with disabilities.
Road Rally/ Poker Run Start: Olympia High School 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Finish Line, Brunch & Program: Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
www.thurstonchamber.com
Thurston County Chamber VOICE August 2017 5
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. August 1
Morning Mixxer at Wireless Revolution JJoin our host Wireless Revolution on Tuesday, August 1 at 7:30 a.m. for the Thurston Chamber’s Morning Mixxer. Wireless Revolution will provide breakfast treats and our new Morning Mixxer Sponsor, L&E Bottling, will provide a coffee bar! 1520 Cooper Point RD SW, Olympia.
August A ugust 3
Young Professionals Network Y JJoin us for the Young Professionals Network at Northwest Beerwerks on Thursday, August 3 at 5:30 p.m., located at 420 Steele St SE, Olympia. The Young Professionals Network is a great way to interact with younger professional
August 9
positively impacts children, families, and our community. The panel, moderated by Liz Davis of Thurston Thrives, includes: Patty Belmonte, Executive Director, Hands On Children’s Museum Trish Gregory, Executive Director, the Family Support Center of South Sound •
Nancy Villanueva, Coordinator, the United Way’s Right from the Start program
•
Greg Williamson, Assistant Director for Partnerships & Collaboration at the Washington State Department of Early Learning.
Forum includes lunch. Register today at www.thurstonchamber.com
BAH at Nearing Total Health August 5
Nearing Total Health is our August Business After Hours host. Stop by this beautiful health center on Thursday, August 17 and enjoy appetizers and beverages as well as networking with community members. 4520 Intelco Lp SE Ste 3A in Lacey.
For more event information, please visit www.thurstonchamber.com
www.thurstonchamber.com
Executive Update Meet the Olympia School District's New Superintendent, Dr. Patrick Murphy
12 Advocacy Update We asked. You responded. Thank you, Members, for your feedback.
Views on 5th
At the August Chamber Forum, learn how high-quality early learning
•
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Chamber Forum: Early Learning
•
In this issue...
The VOICE talks to developers planning to transform a blighted property into a beautiful landmark.
20 Harbor Wholesale Harbor Wholesale may be the biggest local business you rarely hear about and it is four generations strong.
24 Welcome New Members Take a look at the newest members of the Thurston County Chamber!
Thurston County Chamber VOICE August 2017 7
Caught in the Lens...
A collection of photos taken at Chamber events during June and July.
DAYS OF CARING
09.22.17 & 09.23.17 PITCH IN. GIVE BACK. JOIN US!
VOLUNTEER www.unitedway-thurston.org/dayofcaring
360.943.2773 ext. 122 8 • August 2017 Thurston County Chamber VOICE
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EXECUTIVE PROFILE
Dr. Patrick Murphy is the new Olympia School District Superintendent.
Olympia School District Welcomes New Superintendent Written by Rebekah Finn. Photo by Heather Harris.
D
r. Patrick Murphy's path to becoming the Olympia School District superintendent was paved with encouragement from other educators and administrators. After coaching youth sports as a young man, Murphy was inspired to join his good friend and enroll in the teaching program at Whitworth University in Spokane. However, it was witnessing his own mother’s career as a teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent that influenced him most. In addition to teaching in Spokane, Murphy also taught junior high school social
Murphy’s own educational background
studies in the South Kitsap School District, before becoming a junior high school
includes a bachelor’s in history
assistant principal in Bremerton. He then served as a middle and high school assistant
from the University of Washington,
principal and a middle school principal in Issaquah. From 2008 to 2012, Murphy
a master’s degree in teaching from
served as the executive director of secondary education in the Issaquah School
Whitworth University and a doctorate
District. Murphy has been assistant superintendent in the Edmonds School District
in education from Washington State
since 2012.
University. Murphy earned his principal certification from University of
10 • August 2017 Thurston County Chamber VOICE
www.thurstonchamber.com
Washington and superintendent certification from Washington
scene, and is looking forward to enjoying some local live music
State University.
with his wife. He also loves to sail and can’t wait to explore Olympia’s waters, and other outdoor activities, while getting
When the position in Olympia opened up, Murphy didn’t
plugged into the school district community.
hesitate to apply. He had heard that Olympia was an excellent school district and after talking to many people who had lived
"I'm most looking forward to meeting the people—the students,
and gone to school here, was convinced that it was a great place
the families and the staff. I want to meet them and know what
to live, learn, work, and raise a family.
they're passionate about,” Murphy says.
"I feel very fortunate and humbled that the school board asked
Murphy is also excited to spend more time diving deeper into
me to come down and be the superintendent," Murphy said.
the early learning areas of the public school system, as he has spent most of his administrative work focused on the secondary
When asked what attracted him to this line of work, Murphy
levels. He’s excited to be able to support the development of a
explained his desire to help students reach their dreams and
solid foundation for our youngest learners, and looks forward to
realize their potential is common to most educators: "It’s
seeing a new cohort of kindergartners get started in the fall.
rewarding to be able to give them the tools they need, and then encourage their curiosity and their resiliency to go out and
As for which high school his own daughter will attend, he’s
pursue whatever they want to pursue."
heard the arguments from both Capital and Olympia loyalists. But at the end of the day, Murphy explains, everyone says
While he has yet to learn about all the details and specific
the same thing about Olympia schools: "There are high
challenges in Olympia, Murphy acknowledges that the public
performing, dedicated staff at every school, and no matter what
school system in general has not always succeeded in preparing
neighborhood you live in and which school you send your kids
every student for the opportunities of adulthood.
to, you can't go wrong." ●
"The data is there, and it's not unique to Olympia. For the most part, low-income students don't have the success in the traditional academic metrics that middle- and high-income
Rebekah Finn is a freelance writer and owner of Finn Communications: finncommoly@gmail.com
peers have. Our students of color do not graduate on time at the same rates. If you're an English language learner, there's a higher likelihood that you're not going to be present in an [Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate] classroom; there's a higher likelihood that you will not graduate on time. In most areas, Olympia is out-performing those state averages. But those gaps are still there.” Murphy knows that there is already a lot of work going on the district to address those gaps, and this first year of learning and introductions will help him figure out how he can best support and accelerate those efforts. By the time school starts in September, he’ll have completed Phases 1 and 2 of his entry plan. Phase 3 will include continued listening and learning with deeper immersion into each of the schools in the district through December 2017. The full entry plan is available at www.osd.wednet.edu. Murphy is clearly excited for his new role and his new home, and is looking forward to so many things both professionally and personally. He spends most of his time outside of work with his wife and three daughters—the youngest set to start high school in Olympia in 2018, the oldest is starting at Cal Poly in
AUGUST 16, 2017 BREAKFAST. AWARDS. CELEBRATION LACEY COMMUNITY CENTER TICKETS AVAILABLE AT www.unitedway-thurston.org
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the fall and his middle daughter finishing her senior year of high school in West Seattle. Murphy has heard about Olympia’s growing art and culture
www.thurstonchamber.com
Thurston County Chamber VOICE August 2017 11
ADVOCACY UPDATE
A walking path at the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
We asked. You responded. By Doug Mah, Doug Mah & Associates, director Thurston Chamber's Public Policy Division
I
representatives reached out to you on
private enterprises;
boards, feather flags, etc.” -MM
n July, the Chamber’s member service •
“How has the policy on downtown
2.
private sector investment in the
homelessness shaped issues
behalf of the Public Policy Division to
Will work to encourage greater community;
hear about your public policy concerns.
regarding downtown development
Many of your responses will help guide
and how has the policy on building
the upcoming work of the division.
heights affected downtown
across the region. The Chamber
Specifically, here is what some said:
residential development?” - CM
will use your questions to refine
“My primary concern for our region
our positions and seek clarity to the
is finding a permanent solution (e.g.,
difficult questions you ask.
•
“What is the position of the Chamber
•
and surrounding communities public safety and in February on how is the Chamber integrating its
•
review of these issues into support for a downtown development “The Port remains a key part of our economic development foundation in Thurston County. Are (members) aware of the critical Port Commission races coming up in the fall and would
“My second issue would be Capital Lake...'no decision’ is a ‘decision’ is my perspective. Who wins with this ongoing intergovernmental stalemate?” -MC
•
“One of the questions I get a lot is about Olympia’s Sign Code...how they are coming with it and if there is anything exciting to look forward to in regards to signage, temporary sign
can expect to see increased awareness
“Earlier this year you had a Forum
and advocacy for significant projects and
on updates from all the cities within
solutions that address the questions and
Thurston county. At that meeting I
interests you raised.
representative regarding senior
We encourage you to continue
issues and/or senior focused
participating in surveys and other
challenges. Housing is a huge issue in
opportunities to voice your opinion and
the senior community. With that said,
provide input on important public policy
are there policies that will shape the
decisions.
seniors in Thurston county?” ANON.
candidate positions in order to be •
In the months ahead, Chamber members
homeless population.” -JJ
future housing issues/challenges for
they like to get further informed of more supportive?” -DF
mental health treatment) for the
heard nothing said by any mayor/
strategy?” -BJ •
Will enable the creation of new jobs
permanent housing, drug treatment,
regarding the fall ballot issue on housing and homeless funding, and
3.
Please feel free to contact us at Doug@ DougMahassociates.com to learn more
You have great questions and they
about how you can be more involved.
provide insight into the concerns of business and private sector interest.
Public policy is determined by those who participate and share their experiences,
Heading into the elections for city council
ideas, and insights as decisions are made.
and port commissioner, the Thurston Chamber of Commerce will place a
Participation by Chamber members will
premium on candidates that:
ensure that our community reflects our
1.
Seek to understand the impact public
shared values and entrepreneurial
policy changes have on business and
ethic. ●
12 • August 2017 Thurston County Chamber VOICE
www.thurstonchamber.com
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Thurston County Chamber VOICE August 2017 13
Local developers plan on turning the vacant nine story Capitol Center Building on Fifth Avenue in Olympia into market-rate housing, a restaurant and café. The photo, 'View from 4th and Simmons Looking Southeast' is the architect’s rendering of the Views on 5th project, created by Olympia architecture firm, Thomas Architecture Studios.
Views on 5th Plans to Continue the Revitalization of Downtown By Natasha Ashenhurst
W
hen local developers Ken and Julie Brogan met with their banker about their newest market-rate housing development project, the bank tried to talk them out of investing in Thurston County real estate, arguing the scale and scope of their proposal was better suited to Seattle. The Brogans admit there are much easier ways to see a return on investment than turning
renaissance, and that
Olympia’s vacant nine-story Capitol Center Building on Fifth Avenue into market-rate housing, a
more and more people are
restaurant and café.
discovering this is a great place to live and raise a
So why take on such an enormous project?
family. When the Brogans had the opportunity to redevelop
“It’s about pride in our community. It’s about our desire to improve Olympia. It’s about watching
the Fifth Avenue property
trends and helping provide needed market rate housing downtown,” said Ken. “But, it’s also about
— which many consider
loving a challenge.”
an eyesore — into a project that will improve the heart
“We’ve done a lot of apartment and housing developments,” said Julie. “But Ken really enjoys
of downtown Olympia, they
challenging rehabs and loves making them look amazing.”
jumped at the opportunity.
The Brogans — who are residents of Olympia — believe Thurston County is undergoing a
The Brogans and their
14 • August 2017 Thurston County Chamber VOICE
www.thurstonchamber.com
Julie and Ken Brogan outside of the Capitol Center Building. When the Brogans had the opportunity to redevelop the Fifth Avenue property — which many consider an eyesore — into a project that will improve the heart of downtown Olympia, they jumped at the opportunity. Photo by Greg Raines of Lionsdenpro.
The vacant nine-story Capitol Center Building is often referred to as 'the mistake on the lake'. Photo by Greg Raines.
partners, Emil Khodorkovsky and Alex
is handling legal affairs for the project;
two new mixed use buildings.”
and Troy Nichols with Phillips Burgess
Gorban, are the developers and principal investors in Views on Fifth, LLC — the
The talent the Brogans have assembled
Government Relations is serving as the
property development group responsible
to work on the project is impressive:
point person for public outreach.
for Olympia’s newest redevelopment
Ron Thomas and Tom Rieger of Thomas
project, set to begin construction in the
Architecture Studios are the architects
This team has created a design that
fall.
and planners; Michael Szramek of MC
incorporates a mirror effect to soften the
Squared, Inc., is the structural engineer;
hard edges of the building, and are using
Plans submitted to the City of Olympia
Steve Hatton of Hatton Godat Pantier,
design elements inspired by the Pacific
state the developers will build a “multi-
Inc., is the civil engineer; Ricky Wang of
Northwest and take advantage of both
family and commercial complex
The Riley Group, Inc., is the geotechnical
lake and bay views. The building will
intended to provide 138 new residences
engineer; Jeff Glander of SCJ Alliance
feature a lobby, restaurant and café with
and a mix of ground floor restaurant and
is the landscape architect; Alistair
outdoor seating — and a fully automated
retail spaces.
Jackson of O’Brien & Company oversees
144-stall parking garage. Rather than
Leadership in Energy and Environmental
simply upgrade the existing nine-story
“The project will include demolition of
Design; and Neil Warburton of RDH
building, the tower will be integrated and
the onsite single story structure, reuse
Building Science is the energy consultant;
attached to the adjacent newly developed
of the existing tower and construction of
Heather Burgess of Phillips Burgess Law
three-story buildings.
Continued on page 17 www.thurstonchamber.com
Thurston County Chamber VOICE August 2017 15
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'The View from Simmons Looking East' is the architect’s rendering of the Views on 5th project, created by Olympia architecture firm, Thomas Architecture Studios, Ron Thomas, AIA, President, Tom Rieger, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Project Manager In July, Olympia held a neighborhood
because of moisture—to firm stable soil
certification for the project.
meeting and listening session to
or bedrock. Seismic upgrades are already
“The City of Olympia has been incredibly
give residents the opportunity to ask
underway.
helpful throughout the planning
questions about the project and voice
process,” said Ken. “The staff we’re
concerns. Among the concerns raised
To address sea level rise, the project will
working with have the ability to hold the
were rising sea levels and seismic
meet or exceed current building codes
project accountable to compliance issues
stability, both of which the team has
and regulations and feature a Flex-Wall
while maintaining a positive attitude
addressed.
— a rapidly-deployed, emergency flood
toward development. We appreciate the
barrier -- at the perimeter of the tower
support they’ve given us.
According to a presentation created
building to a level of one foot minimum
by Thomas Architecture Studios and
above the base flood elevation.
“This is the biggest project [remodel]
partners, the project will meet or exceed
we’ve ever done, period. It is hard
all current codes and regulations.
Other project features include a new
to visualize the magnitude and
Engineers will add additional supports
pedestrian pathway and access, a vertical
transformation it will have on this part
to the tower, and those supports will
green wall and energy efficient ductless
of downtown, but it will be a great thing
be continuous through the liquefaction
heating and cooling. The developer also
to see this area thrive.” ●
zone—an area where soil loses stability
plans to seek LEED Silver multi-family
Natasha Ashenhurst writes for the VOICE and owns Mosaic Marketing Studio.
www.thurstonchamber.com
Thurston County Chamber VOICE August 2017 17
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Thurston County Chamber VOICE ď Ź August 2017 ď Źď€ 19
From left to right, Justin Erickson – President & CEO, Bob Erickson – Senior Vice President, Mike Erickson – Chairman of the Board and Scott Erickson - COO. Photo courtesy of Harbor Wholesale.
Harbor Wholesale - Four Generations Strong
F
By Barbara Wakefield
ew of us go to the office, bury ourselves in daily tasks and then, every now and then, Dad pops in, sets down his coffee mug and asks: “What are you up to?” That’s what it’s like, however, for Justin Erickson, chief executive officer of Harbor Wholesale Foods. Not only that. He’s greeted every work day by larger-than-life vintage photos of his grandfather, great-grandfather and other folks from his family tree. He wouldn’t have it any other way, even though he’s well aware almost no family business survives
intricately controlled series
like his has, to the fourth generation (fewer than 3 percent, actually).
of refrigerators and freezers, where the temperature
Harbor Wholesale may be one of the biggest area businesses you’ve never heard of. They know
ranges down to minus 11.
that. “We’re a behind-the-scenes company,” Justin said.
(And yes, people do work in
What They Do Among the huge warehouse facilities in Hawks Prairie stands Harbor’s state-of-the-art headquarters, 200,000 square feet stretching from attractive offices to a warehouse stacked to the rafters with thousands of products to serve 2,500 weekly customers, primarily convenience stores and restaurants. Another Harbor distribution facility, this one 100,000 square feet, operates in Roseburg, Oregon, and serves customers in that state and Northern California.
there.) Harbor Wholesale supplies all of the food products to Subway restaurants in Western Washington. That’s more than 400 locations. Harbor also services Brewery City Pizza, Casa Mia and Taco Time restaurants.
It’s almost certain you’ve enjoyed a product that came through that warehouse, which includes an
20 • August 2017 Thurston County Chamber VOICE
www.thurstonchamber.com
Left: Harbor Wholesales trucking fleet. Middle: Katie Leonard, executive assistant says, "The sense of family values is genuine." Right: Manual "Manny" Sierra, a stocker in Harbor Wholesale's warehouse, joined the company earlier this year.
From Lettuce to Paper Towels
cream sandwich.
keep people motivated,” said Adam, who supervises about 30 people.
Harbor prides itself on satisfied
The top three items Harbor trucks to
customers.
convenience stores are cigarettes, candy
Justin, the CEO, feels strongly about
or snacks and grab-and-go items, such
employees being treated well. “If we
The company got a huge economic boost
as pizza, burritos and ready-made
have a tough year, we aren’t going to
a couple of years ago when it won the
sandwiches.
cut wages. We’ll take it on the chin,”
contract to supply all of the Subway stores in Western Washington. Jeanne Ryan, Subway’s director of
he said. “If we don’t have good people, Harbor provides work for more than 400
we don’t have anything.” He describes
people, 75 percent of whom work at its
Harbor’s management as “bottom up,” in
main offices in Lacey.
that bosses try to listen to their workers,
development for southwest Washington, has been impressed. “They do what they say,” she said. “It was huge for them to take this on,” she said of the job, which previously had been broken into two geographical areas. “But they’ve done it with class and grace. They’re always thinking ahead, about how they can help us improve our business,” said Ryan,
respect their opinions and give them
Harbor Wholesale will have more than $600 million in sales this year. Compare that to $337 million in 2012 and less than $100 million in 2000.
who is based in Gig Harbor.
micromanaging. “The sense of family values is genuine,” said Katie Leonard, executive assistant. “It helps drive the team that there is a sense of trust,” she said, adding that more than a dozen employees have been with the company for more than 25
In addition to happy customers, Harbor Harbor’s biggest client is convenience
the autonomy to do their jobs without
strives for happy employees.
years.
Rich History
stores, where they supply just about everything except alcohol. “From lettuce
Adam Lynch, assistant warehouse
Trust is a value that goes back to the
to paper towels,” we handle it, Justin
manager in Lacey, started with the
company’s beginnings in 1923. Justin’s
said. Harbor is the fastest growing
company 20 years ago as a stocker. He’s
great-grandfather, Carl V. Erickson,
convenience store distributor in the
stayed because of good pay and benefits,
immigrated from Sweden around the
United States, dealing with more than
but there’s more than that. “There’s a
turn of the last century. After working
400 vendors, from Hershey’s for the
feeling we’re in this together. I’ve always
his way across the country, he ended up
candy you crave to Tillamook for an ice
loved the family atmosphere. We try to
in Grays Harbor County.
Continued on page 23 www.thurstonchamber.com
Thurston County Chamber VOICE August 2017 21
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Continued from page 21 Logging camps dotted the landscape.
Grays Harbor County. Thurston County
Loggers have big appetites. Carl saw a
was a logical choice, particularly because
His dad Mike remembers that well: “He
niche, launched the West Coast Produce
of its spot right on Interstate 5 between
used to beg me to come to work with
Co. and began diligently supplying camps
Seattle and Portland.
me.”
In 1985, Harbor moved to a warehouse
What's Ahead
with butter, eggs, cheese and groceries. He passed the company on to his sons,
near the Olympia airport in Tumwater
Carl R. Erickson and Jim Erickson, and it
and began to meet the needs of what
began to grow.
became known as “convenience stores,” soon found on corners in every big and
It rebranded in 1954 as supermarkets
small town and at the end of interstate
started becoming popular, calling itself
exits. Business boomed.
Harbor Wholesale Grocery, operating out of Aberdeen for 45 years.
When that warehouse proved too small, it was time to find yet another new
The future, as always, is hard to predict, but Justin is confident Harbor Wholesale Foods will continue to find the niche where it’s needed and will continue to thrive. He sees strong growth potential within Harbor’s current footprint geographically, particularly into
In the 1970s, Mike Erickson (Justin’s
home. In 2011, Harbor moved into its
father and the founder’s grandson) and
current spot, a new facility allowing
his brother Steve Erickson saw another
major technological advances, an
And Justin said his 10-year-old daughter
niche for potential growth. No longer
intricately organized warehouse and a
is ready to go to work: “That’s a little
were gas stations fixing cars and filling
modern fleet of more than 70 trucks with
young, but we’ll see.”
up your tank. They were closing down
multiple temperature options. Operations
their auto repair bays and making room
go on 24 hours a day, six days a week.
Northern California.
●
for Chex Mix, Milky Ways and Icee Justin grew up watching all these
dispensers.
changes and knew from an early age it It was time to grow the business outside
was the career he wanted.
Barbara Wakefield, Wakefield Consulting LLC, is a writer and editor. Email barbwake@comcast.net
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Thurston County Chamber VOICE August 2017 23
In June, Oly Family Chiropractic celebrated their grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Welcome, New Members Academy Mortgage Corporation Kathy Randich (360) 999-5900 Banks/Mortgage Companies/ Financial Services/Financial Planners
Flying Top Deli Kyong Heyland (360) 915-8780 www.facebook.com/flyingtopdeli/ Restaurant – Delicatessens
Linneas - A Unique Boutique Linnea Grantham (360) 789-1112 www.linneasdream.com Specialty Gift Shop
Savvy Junk Removal Nick Saviers (360) 688-0737 www.savvyjunkremoval.com Garbage & Rubbish Collection
BAM Dining Guide David Spooner (425) 269-5027 Marketing Programs & Services
Fostering Together Niki Hatzenbuehler 253-219-3355 www.fosteringtogether.org Non-Profit Organizations & Associations
Better Properties Lacey Nicole Braam (360) 584-9427 www.betterpropertieslacey.org Real Estate - Agents & Companies – Residential
Grays Harbor Fair & Tourism Kelli Peterson-Lalka (360) 482-2651 www.graysharbortourism.org Event Venues
OlySocial Aly Thompson (360) 593-6022 www.olysocial.com Marketing Programs & Services
Business Pro USA Wayne Wertz (503) 348-5854 Consultants – Marketing
Green Leaf Chem-Dry James Kilty (360) 339-7577 www.greenleafchemdry.com Cleaners - Carpet & Upholstery
Prodigy Arrow Dominic Vogtli (509) 499-2282 www.prodigyarrow.com Audio-Visual Production Services
Jodesha Broadcasting, Inc. Gabby Jordan (360) 533-3000 www.jodesha.com/ Radio Stations & Broadcast Companies
Puget Sound Ground Maintenance Austin Bennett (360) 584-4738 Landscape Maintenance
Tumya Business Solutions Deb Gould (360) 269-7153 Consultants - Business & Vocational
The Rhodesleigh Legacy Club Rachel Miller (253) 797-9927 Private Club
United Roofing Solutions Jenn Presley (360) 915-9116 www.unitedroofs.com Roofing
Diana C. Studer, LMT; Alderbrook Resort & Spa Diana ''Cassie'' Studer (360) 898-5520 Health & Fitness – Massage First American Title Mia Sweeney (360) 350-6760 www.firstam.com Title Companies
24 • August 2017 Thurston County Chamber VOICE
Northwest Beerwerks Matt Smith (360) 350-2051 www.nothwestbeerwerks.com Brew Pubs, Sports Bars, & Wine Bars
Social B Salon and Spa Nicole Green (360) 489-1972 Hair Salon & Services Southwest Washington Contractors Association Darcy Altizer (360) 694-7922 Construction – Commercial Thurston County Treasurer Jeff Gadman (360) 786-5770 www.co.thurston.wa.us/treasurer/ Government Offices
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PO BOX 1427 Olympia, WA 98507-1427