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ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
Locally-Owned MultiCare's Growing Role in Thurston County and Monster Aid Pivots for PPE
Sky Bear Media
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THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER VOICE MAGAZINE
Visit ThurstonChamber.com and click on the Events Calendar for the latest information regarding Chamber events. Women's Sphere of Influence will bring women of our community together to share expertise and network. There is NETWORKING GROUP no cost to attend and non-Chamber members are welcome. The group will meet twice a month, on the second and fourth Thursday at noon. Visit thurstonchamber.com/events for more information. WOMEN'S
Sphere of Influence
In This Issue... Flooret brings Monster Aid to Thurston County p. 7 Flooring specialists pivot to provide PPE and continued work for their employees during COVID-19.
Farmers Market Hires New Operations Manager p. 11 Brett Warwick brings over 15 years of experience working with farmers markets to the position.
Sky Bear Media Start-Up Playbook p. 13
INNOVATE the Workplace is a series of workshops delivered by nationallysought-out speakers whose trainings will ignite employees to implement new and innovative strategies in the areas of employee care, human resources and community engagement. Visit thurstonchamber.com/events for more information.
VIRTUAL NETWORKING EVENT Join Chamber Staff, Elizabeth Bretschneider and Ashley Chandler Tuesdays @ 2 for Thurston County Chamber's Virtual Networking Event! Every Tuesday @ 2, you have the opportunity to meet, tell us about your business, what a good referral looks like, or how you value our community. See you there! Register at thurstonchamber.com/events.
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An interview with Jeff Barehand and Riley Gibson from local video production and media education company, Sky Bear Media.
Locally-Owned MultiCare Acquires Capital Medical Center p. 17 After six ownership changes in its 36 year history, Capital Medical Center is acquired by the Tacomabased MultiCare Health System.
Creating a Safe Workplace for Your Employees p. 19 The Department of Labor & Industries, in partnership with OSHA, DOSH and the CDC, share guidance for a safe return to work.
Welcome New Members p. 23 The Chamber is pleased to introduce the latest group of new Chamber Members.
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magazine PUBLISHER Thurston County Chamber of Commerce EDITORIAL David Schaffert 360-357-3362 dschaffert@thurstonchamber.com CONTRIBUTORS Natasha Ashenhurst Kathryn Millhorn David Schaffert Emily Sixta Heidi Smith ADVERTISING Sales & Marketing: Krystal Barkus Elizabeth Bretschneider Ashley Chandler SUBSCRIPTIONS 360-357-3362 info@thurstonchamber.com DESIGN Ben Hawkes Mosaic Marketing Studio COVER Sky Bear Media, photo by Michael DeLorme Photography PRINTING Print NW CONTACT THE CHAMBER 809 Legion Way SE Olympia, WA 98507 360-357-3362 info@thurstonchamber.com thurstonchamber.com
Vaccinate Widely and Swiftly by David Schaffert, Thurston County Chamber President/CEO The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized two vaccines for emergency use. Washington State Department of Health is currently distributing both vaccines throughout Washington State and is rolling out the vaccines in phases, starting with those most at risk for COVID-19 infection. Eventually, there will be enough vaccine for everyone in Washington who wants it. It is more important than ever to continue to wear masks, stay six feet apart, and avoid gatherings with people outside your household. Controlling COVID-19 is necessary for a full economic recovery, and while we appreciate Washington state's science-based approaches to reopening, we advocate for accelerating vaccination rollout. Let's support the Governor's established goal of vaccinating 45,000 people per day in Washington to get to a vaccination level to nearly 80 percent of the total population within six months. Speed is essential. Ideally, our distribution infrastructure should be running out of vaccinations and then awaiting additional doses from the federal government. The most critical aspect to fully and safely reopening our state's economy is the swift and efficient delivery of vaccines. Now is the time to gather all the resources in our community to vaccinate widely and swiftly. We recognize that even with accelerated vaccinations and an updated plan to reopen our state and region, many of our members face nearly insurmountable challenges from activity restrictions for months to come. We continue to meet regularly with officials to advocate for policy solutions and local, state, and federal resources, help businesses and their employees navigate this crisis and distribute supplies so that employers can keep workers and customers safe.
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. ©2021 VOICE Magazine, Thurston County Chamber.
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"The connections that sprung up for supplying face masks aligned with the demand of the pandemic. We knew we needed to use these connections to benefit our community," – Chesiree Katter, Flooret Outreach Coordinator
How Flooret brought Monster Aid — and PPE — to Thurston County by Kathryn Millhorn
The past year has shown how adaptable, flexible, and creative we can be…whether we wanted to or not. We've crammed home, work, and school under one roof and keep ourselves busy without leaving the house. For many local businesses, however, change wasn't much of a choice. If they wanted to keep staff busy and revenue flowing, it meant figuring out ways to pivot. Locally, flooring specialists at Flooret tackled COVID-19 with their usual blend of innovation, quality, and care. thurstonchamber.com
They opened Monster Aid to keep employees working and provide muchneeded personal protective equipment (PPE) to businesses and organizations nationwide. "Monster Aid came onto the scene as a response to COVID-19," says Outreach Coordinator Chesiree Katter. "I think the founders of Flooret had wanted to branch into a fun project for some time, but the connections that sprung up for supplying face masks aligned with the demand of the pandemic. We knew we needed to use these connections to benefit our community." But there was a definite learning curve. Did Flooret's materials and manufacturing processes overlap into the world of PPE? "They don't. At all," admits co-founder Nathanael Hartman. "We had to start from scratch. The only
advantage we had was familiarity with global distribution. Everything else was like cramming for an exam." And cram they did. "Our team worked in shifts around the clock to source, test, reject, negotiate, certify and ultimately procure critical PPE," says Hartman. "This means from source materials to packaging design and Federal approval to import and distribute medical devices." Amazingly enough, deciding to tackle the new project to airlifting and distributing the product was only 20 short (but exhausting) days. As with any new venture, connections and partnerships are essential. "Our partners abroad manufacture the masks and send them over to us to be kept in our warehouse in Lacey, so Flooret and Monster Aid share that space," says Katter. "Our team have been rock stars
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Proud to be a founding sponsor of the Thurston County Chamber Foundation’s Diversity in Business Scholarship.
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Nathanael Hartman, co-founder of Flooret and Monster Aid.
taking on the additional management of the PPE along with hundreds of flooring orders going out the door every day. Selling PPE was a huge learning curve. It's been difficult to get the word out with normal advertising methods, so we've been relying on our friends in the community and those we donate to spread the word." But the word is out. During Monster Aid's first two weeks of existence, they sold over half a million face masks and were able to re-order quickly, so everyone who needed masks received them within four days of ordering. They've even expanded staffing to keep up with both Flooret and Monster Aid's shipments. Monster Aid's PPE sales aren't intended as a money-maker. "We had the resources to help people, so we went for it," says Katter. "Transitioning isn't easy—our face masks are not sold at a profit to us, and we are lucky to be able to do that. We admire and encourage those who step up to the plate to keep trying. To us, it wasn't about making thurstonchamber.com
Ashlee Palka, Brand Manager of Flooret and Monster Aid.
money off PPE. It was about helping our community." Hartman agrees. "Every day, I marvel at the thousands of ways businesses in Thurston County are adapting to the ongoing challenges of remaining in operation. The pandemic magnifies it, but adaptation is the lifeblood of business. So, in many ways, we were doing exactly what anyone else would. Further, our decision was targeted to allow other Washington businesses to remain in operation by helping them acquire the limited supplies they were mandated to utilize to remain open or reopen. I've seen this evolution from day one of the pandemic across all types of industries from simple to sophisticated." "We are so glad to be able to make even a slight difference in the community, specifically with organizations like the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce who reach out directly to small businesses," admits Katter. "The struggle of the pandemic has hit all of us in different ways, and if there's one thing
we've learned, it is that it takes a village to revive and come back stronger than ever. Monster Aid is honored to be a part of that comeback, and we hope we can continue to aid those who need it." If you know of a business or organization in need of PPE, reach out to Monster Aid at www.MonsterAid.com. They still have plenty of masks available. "Eventually, as we get the rest of our PPE into the hands of those who need it, we'd love to focus completely on our apparel line and grow from there, helping causes close to our hearts raise funds and get support," says Katter. COVID-19 has taken so much from so many. If you made it to 2021 employed, housed, and healthy, consider yourself blessed. Then take a moment to thank— and support—the local businesses who fight hard alongside us. Adaptation and creativity have gotten us this far, here's to 2021 and a return to community togetherness soon.
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Olympia Farmers Market Hires New Operations Manager
The Olympia Farmers Market Board of Directors is pleased to announce they have selected Brett Warwick as the Market’s new Operations Manager. Brett was previously employed with the Queen Anne Farmers Market as Market Coordinator and served as Production Manager for the Seattle Marathon Association. He studied Operations Management at Western Washington University and over 15 years of experience working with farmers markets. Brett has recently relocated to the Olympia
area and is eager to share his love for the development of local businesses. “I look forward to offering new energy to the community and to further the success of this iconic market,” says Brett. The board is extremely grateful for John Nason’s dedication to the Market and his willingness to step up as the interim Operations Manager to keep the organization running smoothly throughout the hiring process. Currently, the Market operates its Winter schedule through March and is open every Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Brett Warwick, the Market's new Operations Manager, brings over 15 years experience working with farmers markets.
ABOUT THE MARKET In operation since 1975, The Olympia Farmers Market is home to over 100 vendors from the South Puget Sound area. Now open year-round, over 150 days a year, we see approximately 500,000 visitors a year and are proud to be an active component of the Olympia community. Centrally located on the waterfront of downtown Olympia, area residents and visitors can enjoy local farm fresh produce, artisan foods, wine, plant starts, cut flowers, fresh and cured meats, dairy, fresh baked goods, seafood, jams and preserves, confections, handcrafted gifts, local arts and more, with restaurants and plenty of covered seating, all set to daily live music. *Covered seating/live music not currently offered due to COVID-19 safety precautions. thurstonchamber.com
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Sky Bear Media START-UP PLAYBOOK
Interview with Jeff Barehand and Riley Gibson Written by Heidi Smith Photography by Michael DeLorme
They didn't know it yet, but after 36 straight hours of work, Jeff Barehand and Riley Gibson were about to create a video model that would become a template for future projects. It was 2014 and their business, Sky Bear Media, was just two years old. When the opportunity came to create a short highlight video of the national Race & Pedagogy conference at the University of Puget Sound, they seized it. The video they put together effectively synthesized the gathering of more than 2,000 participants from around the globe who had engaged in discussions of race and the impact of racism on education, including speakers such as legendary activist Angela Davis and Harvard Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. "We were able to create something that still makes me tear up when I see it today," says Gibson. "I'm so proud of the products we designed for that conference. The experience helped us develop the type of video we've later used for some of our bigger clients." This is an article in our Startup Playbook series, where we examine Thurston County start-ups—and the entrepreneurs behind them—to learn thurstonchamber.com
what's working and what's not and search for a pattern to success. Here is Sky Bear Media's story. Craigslist may seem an unlikely place to meet your business partner, but for Barehand and Gibson, the platform proved serendipitous. Both lived in Olympia, both had wives who wanted them to 'stop messing around making movies,' as Gibson puts it, and their skill sets were complementary. "I'd been thinking about starting a production company," says Barehand, "and once I saw Riley's abilities and professional attitude, I knew this was a guy I wanted to work with." Barehand is a former photographer and a current board member for multiple
organizations, including Red Eagle Soaring Native Youth Theater and Washington State's Film Leadership Council. From the start, helping Tribal organizations tell their stories has been an essential focus for Sky Bear Media. Barehand credits his wife with introducing him to a wide circle of her fellow Native American attorneys throughout the U.S. "In the northwest, Indian Country is fairly small, so I got to meet a lot of people fairly quickly," he says. "Now I have ties with tribal communities nationwide." Gibson taught Film Editing at South Puget Sound Community College, worked as an ESL teacher in South Korea, and did videography for Williams Group Marketing and Design
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before joining forces with Barehand. Whereas his partner excels at connecting with the public, creating storyboards, and designing projects in his mind before they're rendered, Gibson brings a film school background and a formidable set of technical skills to the team. Social justice issues tend to be a common thread among Sky Bear Media's projects, he notes. Sometimes that means filming subjects who are coping with the aftermath of trauma, so creating a safe environment in which they can share their stories is crucial. "Our goal is to let people know that they're being heard, their emotions are valid, and the project is going to be used to help other people who may have experienced the same thing," says Gibson. After eight years in business, the pair have had many memorable jobs, including a return visit to the Race & Pedagogy conference and their recent contribution to the Biden campaign's 'America the Beautiful' video now making the rounds on YouTube. Barehand's favorites tend to be those that allow for unbridled creativity. "Riley and I started as filmmakers," he says. "We have this whole creative side, and projects, where we have free rein to come up with a fun way to introduce a product or client, are always welcome." In the long term, he'd like Sky Bear Media to serve as a connecting point for Native American filmmakers across the country. "They are scattered on reservations all over the country," says Barehand. "There may be just one filmmaker in each area. How can we get them to work together to economically elevate themselves and the places where they live so that everyone benefits?"
Pictured (L to R): Riley Gibson, Co-Owner and Post-Production Supervisor; Jeff Barehand, Owner and Creative Director; Patrick Fifelski, Producer.
Sky Bear Media's Tips for Start-Ups 1. Find partners who are in alignment with your values. "It's so important when you're setting your vision and mission and deciding what kind of company you want to have," says Barehand. "It helps you to run your business in a way that's beneficial, not just to the partners but to everyone." 2. Make sure you have support at home. Having a spouse in your corner matters, especially during the challenges that inevitably arise during the start-up phase. "It's going to be difficult sometimes," says Barehand. "Having a life partner you can talk to or get advice from is just as important as choosing the right business partner." 3. Use low stakes opportunities to take risks and experiment. Gibson frequently does pro bono projects for local nonprofits and uses the chance to test out new ideas. "No one is paying, and there's nothing on the line," he says. "If I test some things out and they don't work, it's okay." 4. Reinvest extra funds in your business and your community. "Money should be put back into your company for it to survive," says Barehand. "Anyone who takes all the money and spends it is not going to be viable in a few years." 5. Follow your path, and don't compare yourself to others. "When I look at our trajectory, everything makes sense," says Gibson. "I can see the points where different things had to happen to get us where we are, but at the time, it wasn't obvious."
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As a 107-bed hospital, Capital Medical Center serves patients from throughout the South Sound and provides care in more than 20 specialties and subspecialties. Photo courtesy of MultiCare.
Locally-Owned MultiCare Acquires Capital Medical Center to Expand Quality Care to Region
by Natasha Ashenhurst
Since Capital Medical Center opened its doors in 1985 on the west side of Olympia, it has transferred ownership six times – and the majority-owners were all based in Tennessee. In December, MultiCare Health System announced it reached an agreement with LifePoint Health's affiliate — the current owner — to acquire an ownership interest in Capital Medical Center. MultiCare is based out of Tacoma, meaning that Capital Medical Center will be locally-owned for the first time in its history. MultiCare is a secular, non-profit whose roots date to the founding of Tacoma's first hospital in 1882. In the mid-1950s, Mary Bridge Children's Hospital was founded, and now part of MultiCare. In 2006, MultiCare hospitals branched out beyond Tacoma for the first time to Puyallup, and then again to Auburn in 2012, by adding Good Samaritan Hospital and Auburn Regional Medical 16 I
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Center respectively. In 2016 MultiCare started the Indigo Urgent Care platform, which stands for "Individuals On the Go." Today they are the largest urgent care provider in the state. In 2017 they moved east of the mountains and purchased two hospitals in Spokane. In the same year, they purchased a behavioral health hospital – Navos in Seattle. MultiCare now owns ten hospitals in Washington
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
State, and Capital Medical Center will be the 11th. Currently, MultiCare operates 18 clinics in Thurston County, including multispecialty clinics, Indigo Urgent Care centers and Mary Bridge Children's clinics. As a 107-bed hospital, Capital serves patients from throughout the South Sound and provides care in more than 20 specialties and subspecialties. The thurstonchamber.com
Will Callicoat is the Thurston County Market Leader for MultiCare.
Your business’s most important resources are human resources. Good employees are hard to find and even harder to keep! That's why WorkSource Washington has created a free, one-stop hiring hub to help your company find talent to fill every position. WorkSourceWA. com features Washington's largest employment database, along with tools to simplify your hiring process. medical staff works as a team along with over 700 employees caring for approximately 5,000 inpatients and 25,000 outpatients a year. Capital Medical Center fits perfectly into MultiCare's vision, explained Will Callicoat, Thurston County Market Leader for MultiCare. "Our vision is MultiCare will be the Pacific Northwest's highest value system of health. Capital Medical Center allows MultiCare to expand its population-based care, especially with Thurston County being a gateway to surrounding rural counties, including Mason, Grays and Lewis. We see the need for additional care in this community, whether that is primary, specialty or behavioral health care." Callicoat has lived in Thurston County for 23 years. His daughter was born at Capital Medical Center, and he started his career at Capital Medical Center. "We believe that decisions are better thurstonchamber.com
made locally," he said. "Right now, 80 percent of all care in this community is handled by Providence. I'd love to see that changed. It would be a failure if we didn't create more balance in this community." Callicoat gave an example, explaining that most ambulances from neighboring rural counties bypass Capital Medical Center and go to Providence. If Capital was the hospital of choice in those situations, it would substantially cut down trip time and expense. Callicoat knows that MultiCare can't improve the health and expand access to care and services in the South Sound region alone. "The list of MultiCare partners is long – including Physicians of Southwest Washington, SeaMar Health Clinic and ABC Pediatrics. There is a saying, 'If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.' Community partnerships are crucial for healing and a healthy future."
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Thurston Green Business Goes Beyond 'Reduce, Reuse, Recycle' The Thurston Green Business program connects and celebrates sustainable businesses and organizations in Thurston County and enhances our community's overall environmental and economic health. Community partners created the Thurston Green Business program over 14 years ago, and applications for the 2021 designation opened on January 1 and will remain open until March 15. There are seven sections to the application. Businesses must pass one of the seven areas to receive the Thurston Green Business designation for 2021, including:
1. Green Business Practices 2. Energy Efficiency 3. Transportation & Community Trip Reduction 4. Waste Reduction & Recycling 5. Water Conservation 6. Social Performance 7. Sustainable Product Life-Cycle THERE IS NO COST TO APPLY! Successful applicants will receive a Thurston Green window cling, a certificate, and the community will recognize successful applicants at a virtual event in April 2021. Also, Thurston Green honors a small, medium and large business with the Green Business of the Year award and an award to the Thurston Green Municipality of the year.
Visit ThurstonGreenBusiness.com to apply today.
If your business is interested in learning about resources in Thurston County that help improve efficiency and reduce waste, contact the Chamber, or contact one of the Thurston Green Business program partners that are committed to a sustainable Thurston County.
Program Partners Program Sponsors
Creating A Safe Workplace for Your Employees by Emily Sixta
With the distribution of COVID vaccines ramping up, businesses, and their employees, are looking forward to returning to the workplace. Along with this however is some hesitancy regarding continued safety measures. Creating a safe environment for your employees and providing reassurance of their health is key in moving forward from the COVID pandemic. For that reason, the Department of Labor and Industries, partnering with OSHA, DOSH and the CDC, has prepared guidance for a safe return to work.
Training A training program is required in order to remain compliant with L&I standards and employers must provide training for all newly instituted practices to all employees, in languages best understood by those employees. This education must cover the signs, symptoms and risk factors of COVID-19 as well as prevention best practices and how your business is protecting employees from the spread of the virus. Additional training recommendations include posting signs throughout the workplace (such as this Stop the Spread of Germs poster) to remind employees of proper handwashing and social distancing practices as well as providing employees with updated information from DOSH, OSHA, the CDC and local and state health organizations. thurstonchamber.com
Cleaning and Sanitation In addition to training employees on prevention techniques, proper cleaning and sanitization as well as access to proper handwashing will be required in order to mitigate the spread of the virus. Businesses must supply adequate soap and clean water for employees and, in areas where indoor plumbing is not easily accessible, portable handwashing stations will be required. Furthermore, in high-traffic areas where equipment is handled, hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies should be readily available to wipe down any objects after each use. Cleaning supplies must be provided to janitorial staff as well as general staff for instances in which areas must be spot cleaned. By adhering to these guidelines, a safe and healthy environment can be obtained. For more information on proper cleaning techniques, see the CDC’s article on Cleaning and Disinfecting for Community Facilities.
•
Reduce meeting attendees to only those necessary and provide call-in or virtual options when possible
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Provide markers to delineate appropriate distances when waiting in line as well as directions for the flow of traffic throughout your workspace
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Set up meeting and break rooms for appropriate social distancing by reducing the number of chairs and placing them strategically within the space
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Reduce in-person customer visits by utilizing phone calls and virtual meetings wherever possible
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
One question on people’s mind as we return to the “new normal” is Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE, when and how it should Safe Working Environment, be used. In most cases cloth face coverings and homemade masks can be worn to Social Distancing reduce the spread of germs though they Employers must also provide a safe working are not impenetrable, and, for this reason, environment, in which social distancing can be adhered to and, in areas where social distancing it is also recommended to continue the practice of safe social distancing, frequent is not possible, employers are required to handwashing and sanitization of surfaces. provide increased ventilation and barriers that will shield from coughs, sneezes, and the spread In instances where workers must be in close proximity, N95 masks can be used. Per L&I, of germs. L&I has released recommendations for the workplace in order to make this possible. when N95 masks are used, a Respirator Protection Program per the Respirators Rule (Chapter 296-842 WAC) must be • Position workstations at least 6’ apart or stagger schedules so active workstations established, including Medical and fit testing. (Continued on page 20) are appropriately spaced Thurston County Chamber VOICE
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Finally, employers should institute procedures to quickly identify and isolate employees showing any symptoms of COVID-19. Employees that are sick are required to stay home and any areas that they have used immediately deep cleaned. To most effectively monitor the health of anyone in the organization, L&I recommends conducting daily “COVID-19 symptom checks” for all employees, contractors, customers, or visitors to the business.
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Olympia
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2. Provided $75,000 to complete the Master plan for the SW
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Washington Innovation & Business Park.
Lacey
3. Provided $10,000 for the installation of wider sidewalks,
bulb-outs and landscaping along Binghampton Street to build downtown character and enhance the setting for local and visiting shoppers.
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Tumwater
4. Provided $20,000 to assist with the design and construction of
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the community center.
5. Provided $15,000 to support investment in the Lacey Yelm
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3 2 5
Tenino
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Rainier
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MakerSpace project.
6. In partnership with the City of Tumwater and U.S. Fish and
Wildlife, developed a Habitat Conversation Plan to provide long-term preservation and management of protected and endangered species.
7. In partnership with the Frank Family, Squaxin Island Tribe and
Salmon Defense, developed and maintains the Billy Frank Jr. Park and Trail to provide a historical and educational self-guided walking tour.
PORTOLYMPIA.COM 360.528.8000
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Bucoda
Inquiries@PortOlympia.com
EVENTS
Save the Dates A DAY OF CAREER EXPLORATION
Careers in Manufacturing
February 16, 2021 • 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Click here to join day of event: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84573436743
What is Apprenticeship?
March 16, 2021 • 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Click here to join day of event: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89365310831
Careers in Healthcare
April 20, 2021 • 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Click here to join day of event: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88132007969
Find your Future is brought to you by the Thurston Chamber Foundation in partnership with Career Connect Washington, North Thurston Public Schools, Olympia School District, Tumwater School District, Yelm Community Schools & New Market Skills Center.
Careers in the Wood and Forest Products Industry
May 18, 2021 • 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Click here to join day of event: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86328353914
Thank you to Our 2021 Find Your Future Sponsors
thurstonchamber.com
The Thurston County Chamber, in collaboration with the participating school districts, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, or disability in education programs, services and activities.
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Left: OlyKraut owner, Sash Sunday. Right: OlyKraut upskilled its workforce with the Future of Work. Photos by Heather Harris, Elements Photography.
The Thurston Chamber is currently accepting applications for the Future of Work Employee Development Program. The Pacific Mountain Workforce Development board has set aside $100,000 for their five-county region (Thurston, Lewis, Mason, Grays Harbor and Pacific) to foster public-private partnerships to upskill our workforce. Employers can apply for up to $15,000 per year to upskill their staff, helping them acquire new skills that help them move into higher skilled and higher wage jobs in the company. We do encourage organizations to partner in order to create a larger training group, if possible, which may provide greater regional impact and lower the cost of training. Employers must agree to cost-sharing requirements based on the size of their workforce, and contributions can be in-kind with the employer paying employees their wages to attend the training.
• 10% cost sharing for a company with 50 or fewer employees • 25% cost sharing for a company with 51-100 employees • 50% cost sharing for a company with more than 100 employees
Learn more at: http://thurstonchamber.com/workforce/the-future-of-work
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Welcome New Members Auto Glass Professionals (360) 701-3299 www.olyautoglass.pro Auto Repair & Service
Insta-Pipe, Inc. (360) 943-5840 www.insta-pipe.com Contractors
qsystems llc 3609186567 www.courierk.com Delivery Service
Chick Fil A (360) 481-2306 chick-fil-a.com/locations/wa/ marvin-rd-quinault Restaurant
Kozy's South Bay In & Out (360) 455-8543 www.facebook.com/ Kozys-South-Bay-InOut-407254163203676/ Restaurant
Rainbow Cloud Cafe 360-515-0451 cafĂŠ@drinkrainbowcloud.com Restaurants
Clearview Carpet Cleaning (360) 352-8657 clearviewcarpetcleaning.com Carpet Cleaning CoLab Media Co 360-229-5588 www.colabmediaco.com Advertising & Media Frauke Depetter Massage 360-508-2997 FraukeDepetter@gmail.com Massage Hampton, The 360-786-6062 www.thehamptonalz.com Assisted Living Facilities
Lush Locks (360) 349-7177 lushlockslash@gmail.com Salon & Spa Media Room (360) 529-4907 mediaroom.media Advertising & Media Michael Bartoldo | Edward Jones - Financial Advisor (360) 320-6360 michael.bartoldo@ edwardjones.com Investment Securities & Management
Tilladelse (360) 706-2565 www.tilladelse.com Marketing Programs & Services Todd M. Miller Attorney at Law 1-360-481-6608 www.tmmillerlaw.com Attorneys & Legal Services
Robin D. Lee | Keynote Speaker and Longevity Coach 360-999-1570 www.naturallivingsolutions.com Life Coach
Top Dog Daycare (360) 753-3312 www.topdogdaycare.org Pets & Veterinary
Rod Knock Burgers and Bar 360-819-4509 www.rodknockburgers.com Restaurants
Uptown Grill (360) 338-0340 www.uptowngrill514.com Restaurants
Sterling Holiday Lights 253-337-4216 www.sterlingholidaylights.com Lighting - Home & Garden
Valerie Waterland LLC, Coaching & Counsel (360) 581-6982 www.waterlandllc.com Counselors - Marriage, Family, Child & Individuals
Sterling Inspections 253-841-1128 lindsey@sterlinginspections.com Washington Health Insurance Home Inspection Agency Inc MultiCare (360) 464-1622 Harbor Heights (253) 403-1000 Take Charge Credit Consulting www.wahealthagency.com (833) 464-5035 www.multicare.org 206-971-1269 Insurance www.harborheightsliving.com Health Care www.takechargecc.com Retirement Communities Career Counseling & Coaching Yonic V-Spa Olympia Veterinary (253) 298-8914 Ideal Wellness NW Specialists (Cancer Center) The Cider Barrel www.yonicvspa.com (360)464-4434 (360) 339-3596 x1 (360) 402-1484 Personal Services & Care www.idealwellnessnw.com olympiaveterinaryspecialists.com www.hardcideroutlet.com Health & Fitness Pets & Veterinary Liquor, Beer & Wine
thurstonchamber.com
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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 SCJ Alliance Phillips Burgess, PLLC Great Wolf Lodge
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!
Comcast
PLATINUM
DIAMOND
South Sound Behavioral Hospital
Caliber Home Loans
1st Security Bank Home Lending
Hooper Financial Services
American Workforce Group
Charter College
Olympia Furniture Company
Venables Pest Management
Hometown Property Management, Inc.
Nisqually Red Wind Casino
Columbia Bank Downtown
The Creative Office
Community Youth Services
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
