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C H A M B E R
THE HEALTH CARE ISSUE
Augmented Intelligence To Streamline Mental Health Diagnoses Medical Clinics Bounce Back from COVID-19 Impacts GROWING A PROSPEROUS ECONOMY & VIBRANT COMMUNITY
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August 2020
THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER VOICE MAGAZINE
Due to the fluid nature of the COVID-19 crisis, please visit ThurstonChamber.com and click on the Events Calendar for the latest information regarding Chamber events.
In This Issue...
The Thurston County Chamber is pleased to introduce the Paint Your Presence contest. The Chamber asks every member to submit UGC (user-generated content) or BGC (brand-generated content) to the Chamber. The Chamber will enter every member who sends UGC into a weekly drawing for a $10 Batdorf & Bronson gift card. The Chamber will choose one or two videos each week to share on our Facebook, YouTube and Instagram channels. If we didn’t choose your video you can submit again! Thank you to the Paint Your Presence sponsor, Flying Colors Painting Company! WHAT: Paint Your Presence Contest: Submit UGC WHEN: August 2020. For more information, contact Krystal Barkus at events@thurstonchamber.com.
Augmented Intelligence in Mental Health Care p. 7
The Thurston Chamber and Thurston EDC have partnered to offer a virtual talk show for small business owners and open to the general public. Thurston EDC Executive Director, Michael Cade and Thurston Chamber CEO/President, David Schaffert host various guests to provide the latest information on business resources, state, federal and local actions and the COVID-19 status and advocacy efforts for our community. This virtual talk show takes place every other Thursday at 2:15 p.m. For a registration link and topics, visit ThurstonChamber.com
Visit ThurstonChamber.com or our YouTube channel to view past episodes
Innovator Steve Ardire introduces augmented intelligence as a way to diagnose mental health symptoms.
County Commissioner Election p. 11 August 4th is this year’s election date. But County Commissioner isn’t your typical election.
Specialty Medical Clinics Are Back p. 13 Olympia Orthopaedic Associates and Olympia Pediatric Dentistry give us a glimpse into the past few months in the health care field.
Health & Dental Care Rebounding p. 16 Rebounding from the impacts of COVID-19, the health & dental care industries are as important as ever.
Caught in the Lens p. 18 Business Essentials is a Webinar series focused on providing listeners with information to help their business survive and thrive during the time of COVID-19. This webinar takes place every other Wednesday. Visit ThurstonChamber.com for time and registration links.
Chamber Businesses “Tie Our Community Back Together” in this month’s Caught in the Lens.
Health Care Champs p. 19
One Minute What's Up? VIRTUAL NETWORKING EVENT
We are grateful for our health care workers. Join us in honoring the 2020 Health Care Champions!
Join Thurston County Chamber Staff, Krystal Barkus and Elizabeth Bretschneider at the Thurston County Chamber's Virtual Networking Event! During "One Minute What's Up?!" each participant will have 60 seconds to introduce themselves. One Minute What's Up takes place every Tuesday at 2 p.m. Register and find the Zoom link at ThurstonChamber.com/Events.
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magazine PUBLISHER Thurston County Chamber of Commerce
EDITORIAL David Schaffert 360-357-3362 dschaffert@thurstonchamber.com
CONTRIBUTORS David Schaffert Doug Mah Natasha Ashenhurst Doria Maselli Alison Bailey Kathryn Milhorn Heidi Smith
ADVERTISING Sales & Marketing: Krystal Barkus Elizabeth Bretschneider Melanie Bell
SUBSCRIPTIONS 360-357-3362 info@thurstonchamber.com
DESIGN Ben Hawkes
COVER Olympia Pediatric Dentistry, Heather Harris, Elements Photography
PRINTING Print NW
CONTACT THE CHAMBER 809 Legion Way SE Olympia, WA 98507 360-357-3362 info@thurstonchamber.com thurstonchamber.com
Wear A Mask, Save A Business by David Schaffert, President/CEO, Thurston Chamber
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t is our job at the Thurston County Chamber to do all that we can to help businesses prosper and keep the economic environment healthy in our community. As we all work to restore business activity in light of the COVID-19 health and economic crisis, the recent increase in cases threatens to short-circuit the recovery and send us backward. That’s why the Chamber is asking all businesses and community members to follow the CDC and local health officials’ guidelines and wear masks to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. Doing so now can keep us all safer and can prevent the need for more stringent limitations on business activities in the future. Face masks control the spread of COVID-19. If COVID-19 spreads, it will result in more illness and deaths. An increase in illnesses will force additional stay at home restrictions and new closures.
“Another round of closures will destroy small business, eliminate jobs and significantly harm the economy,” said Kevin Stormans, owner of Bayview and Ralph’s Thriftway and member of the Chamber’s Board of Trustees. “Wearing a mask, washing your hands, and maintaining social distance when you go out will keep employees, neighbors, and family members safe and healthy,” he said. Wearing a face mask will directly ensure that businesses continue to stay open. The track record of other cities demonstrates that coronavirus spread can be mitigated – and businesses can remain open – where masks and social distancing have been widely accepted. We have every reason to expect a similar effort here would be successful, too.
THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER BUILDING COMMUNITY PROSPERITY SINCE 1874 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. ©2020 VOICE Magazine, Thurston County Chamber.
125th Anniversary Celebration Saturday, November 7 www.stmartin.edu/125event
Join us for this virtual fundraiser supporting student scholarships and celebrating our past, present and future!
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Steve Ardire: Bringing Augmented Intelligence to Mental Health Care by Kathryn Milhorn
Diagnosing mental health issues is never easy. It often requires multiple meetings between caregiver and client alongside an in-depth exploration of background, symptoms, and treatment options. But some innovators, like the Pacific Northwest’s Steve Ardire, want to streamline that process through the addition of Augmented Intelligence.
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one are the days of equating artificial intelligence with evil robot overlords. During the 21st century, Ardire acknowledges that “Companies will use AI to help knowledge workers do less of the automatable tasks and to redirect knowledge workers’ energy towards more strategic tasks. The goal is to improve the knowledge worker’s productivity. The benefits of AI are smarter decisions by knowledge workers. It’s all about augmenting intelligence.”
Ardire is active in many start-ups and cutting edge ventures including co-founding SignalActionAI, which “provides a comprehensive range of products that combine machine learning and best practices to provide the tools to help patients to improve their circumstances, overcome obstacles, and lead healthier, happier, and more productive lives.”
Which leads to the next step in business evolution: augmented intelligence. By definition, augmented intelligence is “an alternative conceptualization of artificial intelligence that focuses on AI's assistive role, emphasizing the fact that cognitive technology is designed to enhance human intelligence rather than replace it.” It’s the technology that allows our e-readers and streaming video services to suggest similar titles based on past habits. Steve Ardire, Emotion AI Advisor. Photo taken from 2019 CES YouTube video on Steve’s website, www.forcemultipliersteveardire.com.
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“I’m honored to be a hands-on partner in this landmark project.”
Ken Pekola VP Commercial Banking Olympia Federal Savings
Enabling vibrant ecosystems. Ken understands mixed-use – how the right commercial/retail and residential spaces can revitalize downtown Olympia. Ken and OlyFed are helping bring to life the visionary Laurana project, featuring space for a new restaurant, shops, apartments with terraces extending to the boardwalk – and a fresh burst of economic growth. Contact Ken to launch your next project.
BANKING THAT’S MUTUAL olyfed.com I 360-754-3400 I kpekola@olyfed.com I member fdic
SPOTLIGHT
The Firs residents, Art & Carolyn
Olga Serduikova, Neurodata Lab, and Steve Ardire, Emotion AI Advisor at 2019 CES Event in Las Vegas. Photo courtesy of Medium.com
This is vital now more than ever. Their industry research shows that before the COVID-19 outbreak, “1 in 5 adults (46.6 million) in the U.S. [are] living with mental illness. Post-COVID, 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. show signs of clinical anxiety, depression, or both.” To address this increase, products like SignalActionAI hope to fuse technology with care. “Augmented Intelligence is assistive cognitive technology that perceives and interprets explicit AND unconscious information without bias to better understand intent, emotions, and behavior to make it explainable,” says Ardire.
experienced the benefits of augmented intelligence. However, key challenges exist—but with the right strategies, those obstacles can be overcome.”
Though he advises start-ups worldwide, Ardire has lived on the Olympic Peninsula for the past twenty years. He’s passionate about building companies that blend artificial intelligence and augmented intelligence technologies with everyday jobs to radically change and improve the future of work.
Outside of this venture, Ardire strives to “see patterns to find connections across fields, continuously learning specialties, then applying that learning across disciplines as consummate start-up advisor. I’ve been intensely curious and a lifelong learner for decades!” A passionate speaker and lecturer, Ardire’s calendar has been somewhat interrupted by recent travel restrictions, but he’s making up for it with radio interviews, podcasts, videos, and safer, socially distanced options.
“AI is disrupting industries, sparking both panic and excitement, especially in the context of work,” Ardire explains. “Undoubtedly, AI will replace some jobs. Yet the potential for augmented human intelligence is immense. Healthcare is one of the major sectors that have thurstonchamber.com
In the mental health field, Ardire and his company see tremendous potential. “Until now, AI has only been used in mental healthcare to expedite data processing and analysis of patient demographics, medical history, and mental health profiles… SignalActionAI is creating a paradigm shift in the use of Explainable AI for Mental Healthcare by elevating Artificial Intelligence to Augmented Human Intelligence.”
To read more about his companies, events, presentations, and advisory work, visit www.ForceMultiplierSteveArdire.com.
The Firs Senior Living F or the last 34 years, it has been our purpose here at The Firs, to consistently exceed the quality, service and care expectations of those we serve here in Olympia. We are extremely grateful for the amazing residents we have.
Growing up in Washington and graduating from Gonzaga University, Art and Carolyn have enjoyed every bit of their time here in Washington. Before becoming residents at The Firs, both made careers as bankers in the area. They loved to travel every year especially to Europe with a total of 26 trips. When the day came and they decided that maintaining a large yard and house was getting to be too much, they decided to come take a look here at The Firs. Having now spent nearly two years at The Firs, Art and Carolyn are very pleased with where they are at. When asked why they decided to move, Art responded with “Why sit at home and be alone? You have companionship here”. This is one of the many reasons why residents enjoy living here. After all, Art says the biggest feature here is the staff and residents. At The Firs, part of MBK Senior Living, it is our principles and core values that set us apart. Our customer focus, our inspired staff and our dedication to financial responsibility drive our pursuit to be the senior living provider of choice in each market we serve. Find more information at: www.mbkseniorliving.com/senior-living/wa/ olympia/the-firs/
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during challenging times. The Dispute Resolution Center offers a variety of resources to help your organization prevent conflict and navigate conflict when it occurs: • De-escalation skills for customer service staff • Group facilitation for work teams • Mediation for co-worker, employee-supervisor, vendor and client conflict • Customized training tailored to your needs All services are now available in an online environment.
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Contact us to explore how the DRC can serve your needs: (360) 956-1155 info@mediatethurston.org MediateThurston.org
Community Youth Services is embarking on 50 years of excellent service to youth-at-risk and youth experiencing homelessness in the South Sound region. With over 20 interrelated programs and service to 6,500 youth and families each year, we are in need of some building restoration and improvements to ensure continued excellence for the next 50 years! We hope you will join us in this endeavor to change young people’s lives. To learn more, please visit:
COUNTY COMMISSIONER:
A Different Kind of Election by Doug Mah, Doug Mah & Associates and the Thurston County Chamber’s Public Policy Advisor
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ugust 4th is this year’s primary election date. In addition to the high-profile races for the U.S. Congress and statewide races for positions such as Governor, Secretary of State, and Lands Commissioner, we also have local County Commissioner races on the primary ballot. It is important to note that the elections for County Commissioners are a bit different than other races.
Image courtesy of Thurston County.
district the candidate seeks to represent. Because terms are staggered, this year voters in commissioner districts 1 and 2 have a commissioner race on their primary ballot. In addition, only voters living in district 1 will have district 1 candidates on their ballot and only voters living in district 2 will have district 2 candidates on their ballot. So far so good: voters in each district vote for their local representative to the County Commission.
Now it gets interesting… in the general election, all the voters in the county The State Constitution makes the threewill vote on all the County Commission member commission form of government races. Even voters in district 3 will vote the standard form of government unless a for commissioners representing districts county adopts a home rule charter. Thurston 1 and 2. This is different than most County, like most counties in Washington, is representative or district offices. For one of the 37 “non-charter” counties. example, voters in any given legislative district will vote for their 2 representatives, Non-charter counties are divided into out of a total of 98 representatives to three commissioner districts and each the State House of Representatives. district contains approximately one-third The voters will never vote for all 98 State of the population based on the census. Representatives from across the state. All Thurston County voters reside in one of three districts and county commission So you see… county commissioners are: candidates must live in the district they 1) nominated by voters in their district seek to represent. Now here is where the and then; 2) elected by voters in the full primary election gets tricky. county. In many ways, this reflects the commissions’ dual role as: 1) the legislative By law, county commission candidates must body and thereby representing the first be nominated by their district. This district; and 2) the executive body and nomination occurs in the primary election thereby representing the whole county. when the top two vote-getters in the This odd duality is also present in how primary election advance or are nominated we currently elect Commissioners to the to the general election. This nomination Port of Olympia and the Thurston County is conferred only by the voters within the Public Utilities District. Weird, huh? thurstonchamber.com
But this will all change when Thurston County reached 400,000 people. State laws were amended (SHB 2887 for you policy geeks) so that beginning in 2022, any non-charter county with a population of 400,000 or more, must increase the number of commissioners to five. In addition, the county shall have both district nominations and district elections. Someday Thurston County will reach a population of 400,000 and then we will no longer have countywide elections for commissioners. This assumes we don’t adopt a home rule charter – but that is a topic for another issue of the VOICE. All this is to underscore how important the primary election is for our community. The outcome of the primary election for county commission races determines who is on the ballot for the entire county to elect. Further, this year two of three County Commissioner positions are open meaning that the voters can significantly alter who is leading the single largest political jurisdiction in the County, as measured by population, budget, and authority, in the county. Traditionally, the primary election has lower voter turnout compared to the general election. This is an opportunity we cannot afford to miss, and we must improve turnout in the primary. And to be honest we need to improve turnout in general elections as well. Public policy is made by those that participate. Voting is the easiest way to participate in our system of democracy and governing. Vote!
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Specialty Medical Clinics Bounce Back from COVID-19 Impacts Olympia Orthopaedic Associates and Olympia Pediatric Dentistry are back to pre-COVID patient loads with many new safety measures in place.
by Alison Bailey
“I thought the kids would think it was kind of scary at first,” says Dr. VanCleave, “...but they just roll with it.”
thurstonchamber.com
When the COVID-19 pandemic swept the globe in mid-March, businesses across most industries shut down completely. Major medical facilities remained open, of course, but one sub-sector of this industry found itself in an interesting place. Specialty medical facilities had to cease elective procedures almost entirely but remained open to treat emergencies.
knew it was for the best in terms of the community’s health,” Ben says.
Ben and his team were able to implement a telemedicine system just one week into the shutdown. They continued to see follow up patients and even some new patients with telemedicine consultations. This ensured continuity of care and mental wellbeing for those patients “Elective surgeries represent a large part of whose conditions need regular check ins. our practice,” explains Ben Shah, CEO at Olympia Orthopaedic Associates (OOA). The governor lifted the ban on elective “Over those couple months, we were down procedures on May 18 and the team at to 20 to 25 percent of our volume.” They OOA was ready to reopen that day. They only saw trauma cases and urgent fractures had already made plans to comply with all and injuries that would cause long term of the Center for Disease Control’s new negative impacts to the patient’s health if safety guidelines. If you visit OOA today, they had waited for treatment. expect to check in for your appointment by phone and wait to be called in. All All of OOA’s staff members, including patients must wear a face covering. Upon Ben, went on standby. They were called arrival, staff will take your temperature and in to work only when they were needed. ask several questions about your current The majority of the team collected health before taking you directly to an unemployment during that time. “It was exam room. Any necessary paperwork can a very trying time financially, but we now be done online ahead of time. Thurston County Chamber VOICE
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Staff at OOA is ready to welcome you at treatment centers around the South Sound.
Even if you can’t see their smiles, the Olympia Orthopaedic Associates team is happy to be open and caring for their patients again.
Olympia Pediatric Dentistry had a similar experience. “We were closed down for ten weeks,” says the clinic’s owner, Dr. Andrea VanCleave. Like OOA, they were able to keep staff on standby for emergency dental procedures, but telemedicine visits were not an option due to the face-to-face nature of their work. Andrea and her team were also able to reopen their office in mid-May. They have implemented a number of operational changes similar to those of OOA, such as checking patients in over the phone from their vehicles to keep the waiting room closed. All staff members involved in direct patient care wear a full-body covering in addition to an N-95 mask, a surgical mask, and a face shield. “I thought the kids would think it was kind of scary at first, but they just roll with it,” Andrea explains. “They are often excited for the outing, I think, and it seems like the kids don’t even notice that we’re wearing all this extra stuff.” They don’t even seem to mind the diluted hydrogen peroxide solution they have to swish with before their exams. Andrea and Ben commend their medical professionals’ teams for being adaptable and resilient in the face of what may be the most challenging experience our community has ever faced. thurstonchamber.com
As specialty medical providers, they are in a unique position in the business and medical communities. They are both dedicated to serving the longterm health of anyone who needs their services.
“We’re doing everything we can to do our part to make sure everyone stays safe,” says Dr. Andrea VanCleave.
“We’re doing everything we can to do our part to make sure everyone stays safe. We want to continue to see our patients and take care of their dental needs,” Andrea says. Olympia Pediatric Dentistry is currently accepting new patients up to the age of 18. Visit olypd.com to schedule an appointment. “This has taken a huge toll on our community from a health perspective as well as a business and economic perspective,” Ben says. “I think we all have to do our part and I’m proud of our company and the part that we’ve played.” Olympia Orthopaedic Associates is always accepting new patients in need of musculoskeletal care. Visit olyortho.com to learn more about their offerings. Thurston County Chamber VOICE
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Health Care and Dental Industries Hit Hard by COVID-19 but Rebounding In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, non-emergent healthcare was one of the first services to go. Ironically, while medical workers were on the front lines of battling the virus, overall patient volume decreased dramatically. According to a Crowe RCA Benchmarking analysis, by May 5, hospital revenue nationwide was dropping by an average of $1.4 billion per day. by Heidi Smith In Washington State, both the medical and dental industries have felt that impact. According to Paul Wilkinson, Interim Chief Executive of Providence Southwest Washington Service Area, all Providence ministries and affiliates postponed non-emergent or elective surgeries to conserve personal protective equipment (PPE), ICU beds and ventilators as well as to protect those who are immunocompromised from the risk of exposure. “Like all healthcare systems across the U.S, we’ve faced increased costs and significant decreases in regular revenue,” says Wilkinson. Within the dental industry, volumes remain lower than average, even though nonurgent procedures are now allowed. “There
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was a definite chilling effect on patients, even those seeking urgent care during the early days,” says Washington State Dental Association Executive Director Bracken Killpack. “We had essentially two months where there was no dental care being performed. For general dentists during the shutdown, patient volume was probably five to ten percent of what they would typically do. Now volumes are somewhat closer to what they were pre-COVID, but there is a subset of the population who will not seek care at this time because they’re concerned.”
it became something that needed a crown and potentially a root canal.” The same is true of routine and even emergency medical services. “Patient volumes plummeted,” Wilkinson says. “People were not utilizing the emergency services as they had in the past. We saw patients in emergent situations delaying their care and making their emergent health situations even more serious.”
Fewer patients meant less staff were needed and layoffs followed. Nationwide, dental Unfortunately, not seeking treatment offices lost over half a million jobs in one often compounds issues that may begin as month, while physician offices lost another relatively minor. “I’ve heard several examples quarter of a million. Within Washington of patients who started with something State, dental assistants ranked high among routine and waited,” says Killpack, “and then those seeking unemployment benefits.
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
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“The impact of COVID has changed everything we traditionally thought about the infrastructure of healthcare.” says Matthews.
“Universal precautions and infection control have been a priority for dental offices for decades,” Killpack notes. “We’re always following infection control protocols and enhancements. I’m completely confident about the safety of dental offices.”
“We saw a lot of layoffs, but many of those people came back almost immediately once offices were able to open again,” says Killpack. “The dental industry is perhaps more resilient than some other sectors, but I definitely wouldn’t say things are back to normal.”
PSW’s Care Management and Utilization Management teams conducted personal calls to identified high-risk patients to ensure they had access to resources for food, medication and transportation; and making arrangements if they did not.
While many independent practices saw Melanie Matthews, Chief Executive Officer an initial drop of more than 30 percent of Physicians of SW Washington (PSW), in their practice volumes, most have a population health company based in regained their footing as patient visits Olympia, WA, said, “The impact of COVID have been increasing, said Matthews. has changed everything we traditionally Telehealth remains a reliable option and, thought about the infrastructure of in some instances, still the only choice for healthcare. It’s forcing us to escalate patients to see their health care provider. technology via telehealth options, think out-of-the-box in reaching patients to Wilkinson believes that the healthcare ensure care is not interrupted and how industry will rebound, but the way services health plans can help lead the way to a are delivered will look different than it new, altered future.” did before COVID. “The pandemic has changed the way health care organizations To support independent physicians, many operate,” he explains. “We adapted and who were unable to acquire volumes found new ways to work. Many non-clinical needed, PSW was able to serve as a caregivers were asked to work from home, resource and distributor of Personal and we found new ways to support our Protective Equipment (PPE), including bedside caregivers and the community. gowns, masks and face shields. To support We began seeing more patients via communication, PSW established telemedicine in our Providence Medical communication channels to disseminate Group Clinics.” At the Hawks Prairie Clinic, important information on telehealth, codrive-through COVID-19 sample collection pay changes and opportunities to ease began on March 20, and the site has been financial burdens. seeing approximately 200 patients per day. thurstonchamber.com
Dental offices have adapted by staggering patient visit times and having patients remain in their cars rather than sit in waiting rooms. However, the changes are minor, according to Killpack. “Universal precautions and infection control have been a priority for dental offices for decades,” he notes. “We’re always following infection control protocols and enhancements. I’m completely confident about the safety of dental offices.” That’s a message he hopes patients will hear, mainly as pandemicrelated stress manifests in increased incidences of cracked teeth and TMJ (Temporomandibular joint dysfunction). “Oral health is integral to overall health, and one of the ways you can keep your mouth healthy is routine care,” says Killpack. “Anything we can do to encourage people to stay on top of their preventative care is incredibly important at this time in particular.” Wilkinson echoes that sentiment saying, “Our doctors, emergency departments, urgent cares, and other clinics are still here, virtually and in-person, to address your medical needs. Please don’t wait to get the care you need. Maintaining your health now is just as important as ever.”
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Caught In The Lens Thurston County Businesses are back to work! Enjoy this special “Tying Our Community Back Together� edition of Caught In the Lens! For more photos, follow the Thurston County Chamber on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThurstonCountyChamber
HONORING
Health Care Champions
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et’s face it, healthcare workers are amazing. Over the last several months in particular, they’ve faced enormous challenges and have been making incredible sacrifices to keep patients and communities safe. Health care workers have shown dedication, compassion and tenacity in the face of a crisis and have provided tireless, around the clock service. Federal CDC statistics show that “Health care is the fastest-growing sector of the U.S. economy, employing over 18 million workers.” But as populations age, more and more workers are needed. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2017 alone “The healthcare industry has
by Doria Maselli
added an average of 24,000 jobs each month. That’s vigorous growth in any industry. While healthcare job growth will ebb and flow in the future, the trajectory of growth has been consistently upward.” The Thurston Chamber partnered with the non-profit Thurston-Mason County Medical Society to honor some of our region’s hardworking health care workers. “This is a way to recognize professionals in our community’s largest industry,” says Thurston County Chamber President and CEO David Schaffert, “To honor those who already work so hard and have gone above and beyond the call of duty during the current public health crisis.”
The Thurston County Chamber was created in 1874 and the Thurston-Mason Medical Society in 1889. Over their long history, they’ve focused on forging partnerships, providing leadership, and offering networking opportunities in and around the region. We all rely on healthcare. The National Center for Health Statistics reports that 85% of adults and 93% of children had contact with a health care professional in the last year alone. Take a minute to thank a caregiver in your life and honor those who have responded to recent challenging times with patience, grace and dedication to the communities they serve.
Due to restrictions on events, this year we are honoring our Champions by sharing a video interview! Please visit thurstonchamber.com to view.
This year’s 2020 Health Care Champion Honorees: INNOVATION IN RURAL MEDICINE
PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP
Beau Bakken
Dr. Stephen Snow
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
Dr. Diana Yu COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD
Sandy Adams
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
Dr. Bill Gavin Dr. Daniel Stein
Thank You Sponsors
The Rants Group Heritage Bank - Olympia L & E Bottling Company, Inc. Morningside Olympia Federal Savings - Olympia South Puget Sound Community College Providence St. Peter Hospital Pardiman Productions SCJ Alliance Phillips Burgess, PLLC
Port of Olympia
Puget Sound Energy
Saint Martin's University
FORMA Construction Company
Wells Fargo Community Bank
Lucky Eagle Casino and Hotel
Little Creek Casino & Resort
Olympia Orthopaedic Associates, PLLC
Washington Business Bank
TwinStar Credit Union - Corporate Office
The Thurston County Chamber sends a BIG THANK YOU to ALL of our investors. With members like you, we are able to provide a sustainable business community in Thurston County as well as foster growth and positive change. Only through your support can we continue to fund important community initiatives and lead the way for business.
Thank You!
South Sound Behavioral Hospital
PLATINUM
DIAMOND
Caliber Home Loans
1st Security Bank Home Lending
Hooper Financial Services
American Workforce Group
Charter College
Olympia Furniture Company
Great Wolf Lodge
Venables Pest Management
Hometown Property Management, Inc.
Nisqually Red Wind Casino
Columbia Bank - Downtown
The Creative Office
Community Youth Services
Mills & Mills Funeral Home
GHB Insurance, Inc.
GOLD
Express Employment Professionals The Firs Senior Living Community First Citizens Bank TAGS Awards and Specialties Budd Bay Cafe KeyBank - Martin Way AAA Washington - Inland Michael White Agency - Farmers Insurance Nicholson & Associates Insurance Edward Jones - Dirk Farrar, Financial Advisor Big Brothers, Big Sisters of SW WA Window Genie Jensen Milner - Cap City Law PS Greene Realty Group Charlie's Safari - The Family Fun Center RHD Enterprises, Inc. Madcap Marketing Bakala State Farm Family Education and Support Services Morgan Stanley - Mike Marohn, Financial Advisor 94.5 ROXY T & S Cleaning, Inc.
SILVER
PO BOX 1427 Olympia, WA 98507-1427
