JANUARY 2019
THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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The State of the community Report Elected officials report to the community our successes, challenges and future work
B U I L D I N G C OMMU N IT Y PR O S PE R IT Y F O R OV E R 1 4 0 Y E A R S
PUBLISHER Thurston County Chamber of Commerce
EDITORIAL Editor: David Schaffert Phone: (360) 357-3362 Email: dschaffert@thurstonchamber.com
The State of the Community Address
CONTRIBUTORS David Schaffert Doug Mah Dinea Norrell
ADVERTISING Sales and Marketing: Krystal Barkus Blake Knoblauch
O
n Wednesday, January 9, Tumwater Mayor Peter Kmet, Yelm Mayor JW Foster, Olympia Mayor Cheryl Selby, Lacey Mayor
Andy Ryder and Thurston County District 1 Commissioner, John Hutchings will collectively present a State of the Community Address.
Marny Bright
Every year, leaders from the community
for general admission, $25 for prepaid
share their perspectives on current
Chamber members, and $30 for
SUBSCRIPTIONS
issues and future prospects. Leaders
members at the door.
Phone: (360) 357-3362
will illustrate the important steps and
Phone: (360) 357-3362 Email: info@thurstonchamber.com
Email: info@thurstonchamber.com
investments made this past year to grow
When: Wednesday, January 9, 2019
DESIGN
our local economy and promote new
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Where:
Mosaic Marketing Studio
employment.
Hotel RL Olympia | 2300 Evergreen Park Dr SW, Olympia, WA 98502
COVER ART Photo by Dinea DePhoto, taken inside the Helen Sommers Building
This is an opportunity to engage business and community leaders in a one-on-one
Reservations for the State of the
PRINTING
networking setting.
Community Forum are strongly advised.
Print NW
CONTACT THE CHAMBER
Visit thurstonchamber.com or call the Forum includes lunch. The cost is $35
Chamber at 360.357.3362 to make yours.
PO Box 1427 809 Legion Way SE Olympia, WA 98507 Phone: (360) 357-3362 Email: info@thurstonchamber.com Website: thurstonchamber.com
COPYRIGHT All material appearing in the VOICE Magazine is copyright unless otherwise stated or it may rest with the provider of the supplied material. The VOICE Magazine takes all care to ensure information is correct at time of printing, but the publisher accepts no responsibility or liability for the accuracy of any information contained in the text or advertisements.
THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY INVESTORS DIAMOND INVESTORS: America's Credit Union - Lacey Capital Medical Center FORMA Construction Company Little Creek Casino & Resort Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel Port of Olympia Saint Martin's University TwinStar Credit Union Washington Business Bank Wells Fargo Community Bank
PLATINUM INVESTORS Greene Realty Group
Heritage Bank - Olympia L & E Bottling Company, Inc. Mills & Mills Funeral Home Morningside Olympia Federal Savings Olympia Orthopaedic Associates Phillips Burgess, PLLC Providence St. Peter Hospital Puget Sound Energy South Puget Sound Community College
GOLD INVESTORS American Workforce Group C.P.C. Landscape, LLC Cabinets by Trivonna Charter College Community Youth Services
Creative Office Elite Cleaning of Washington, Inc. GHB Insurance, Inc. Grays Harbor Fair & Tourism Great Wolf Lodge Hometown Property Management, Inc. Hooper Financial Services Loanstar Home Lending Nisqually Red Wind Casino Olympia Furniture Company Pardiman Productions Radia, Inc., PS SCJ Alliance The Rants Group Venables Pest Management
A NEW YEAR, A NEW YOU! As the season changes, so should your thinking about your family’s health. Make these habits a priority to stay well through our colder months: Drink plenty of water, even though you may not be thirsty. Continue eating a rainbow of colors with seasonal fruits and vegetables. Be active and dress in layers to stay warm PRIMARY CARE and dry. And, if you haven’t already done so, be sure to speak with your health care Capital Eastside provider about your annual flu shot. Family Practice Capital Family Medicine
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CARE FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY Including seasonal allergies, colds & flu, management of chronic conditions such as diabetes & high blood pressure, wellness exams and more!
©2018 BCI
2019 AAA CRUISE SHOW EXPLORE THE WORLD OF TRAVEL The 2019 AAA Cruise Show is one of the largest gatherings of world-class cruise providers in Washington. Come get the latest tips and trends from knowledgeable travel experts, attend insightful presentations and take advantage of special savings.
Special Offers:*
• Day of show specials with $10 per person deposit • Receive up to $100 per stateroom onboard spending credit on cruises • Save 15% off Travel Store gear, accessories and luggage at the show
• Earn 3% back when you book travel with your AAA Member Rewards Visa® card • Free admission
Capital Event Center 6005 Tyee Drive SW, Tumwater Date: Saturday, February 9, 2019 Time: 8:30 am – 2:30 pm - Doors Open 8:00 am RSVP: (360) 704-6185 or AAA.com/CruiseShows *$10 per person deposit required to secure Day of Show specials. Up to $100 per stateroom onboard spending credit applies to cruises only, first two full-fare passengers only, valid on select sailings and customer must complete purchase for the deposit to be credited toward reservation by 5/31/2019 or first penalty date. $10 per person deposit is nonrefundable. Travel Store 15% off savings valid day of show only. All offers valid day of show only. AAA does not charge service fees on the purchase of cruises and tours. Other service fees may apply for items such as airline tickets, passports, fees imposed by other companies or gov’t entities, etc. AAA Member Rewards Visa® available to everyone. Restrictions and limitations apply per product. Ask AAA for details. Agency #178-018-521 Job #4165
January 2019
CONTENT & CALENDAR
Every month, the Thurston County Chamber offers several networking events, forums and workshops to the community. Here are some highlights you won't want to miss.
Thurston Young Professionals After Hours Join Thurston Young Professionals (TYP) on Thursday, January 3 at 5:30 p.m. at Hands On Children's Museum. Enjoy a selection of beverages and snacks, meet with other Young Professionals (21-35 year olds) and expand your
In This Issue...
7 Looking to Shift Gears
network. Where: Hands On Children's Museum, 414 Jefferson St NE,
I-5 planning continues to dominate
Olympia, WA 98501.
regional public policy efforts.
Forum: State of the Community Address
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Leaders from Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, Yelm and Thurston County will share
State of the Community
their perspectives on current issues and future prospects for their communities. The event will take place on Wednesday, January 9, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and
Leaders from Lacey, Olympia,
includes a lunch buffet. Reservations are strongly encouraged. To make a
Tumwater, Yelm and Thurston
reservation, register online at thurstonchamber.com or call the Chamber at
County share updates on the status
(360) 357-3362. When: Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Buffet-style lunch begins
of the communities they serve.
at 11:45 a.m. Program begins at 12:00 p.m. Where: Hotel RL Olympia, 2300 Evergreen Park Drive SW, Olympia, WA 98502. What: Forum includes lunch. $35 for general admission, $25 for prepaid Chamber members, $30 for
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members at the door.
Nancie Payne Award
Business After Hours at First American Title
Thurston Chamber recently
Join the Thurston County Chamber on Thursday, January 17, at 5:30 p.m. for
received the Nancie Payne Award.
Hours is a free networking event. Hosts provide light appetizers and beverages,
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games and raffles. This is a great chance to learn about a local organization
Big Fun at Little Creek
Business After Hours at First American Title Insurance Company. Business After
and expand your network. Where: First American Title Insurance Company, 300 Deschutes Way Suite #210, Tumwater, WA 98501.
There's tons of BIG fun to be had at Little Creek Casino. It's easy
Save the Date! Distinguished Leaders Awards
to get to, but hard to leave!
Save the Date for the 18th annual Distinguished Leaders Awards celebration, Thursday, January 17 at 5:30 p.m., at Hotel RL in Olympia. The evening begins with a reception and dinner at 5:30 p.m. The program begins at 6:30 p.m. For further information, to make a reservation or for partnership opportunities, contact Alisha Blain at 360.357.8515 or email LTC@ThurstonChamber.com.
Thank you Sponsors!
Save the Date! A Night on the Town in Venice Save the Date for A Night on the Town in Venice, Friday, March 1, Hotel RL Olympia. The evening begins with a cocktail hour at 6 p.m. followed by dinner, auction and after party! For further information, to make a reservation or for sponsorship opportunities, please call Krystal Barkus at 360.357.3362 or email events@thurstonchamber.com
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WE HAVE A NE W LO O K & LO CAT I O N 24 2 4 HE RI TAG E COURT SW, S TE 30 2 OLYMPI A, WA 9 8 502
ADVOCACY UPDATE
Looking to Shift Gears
I-5 Planning Continues to Dominate Regional Public Policy Efforts
By Doug Mah, Doug Mah & Associates and Thurston Chamber's Public Policy Division Director
The greater Thurston County Shared
complete this summer and enables us to move to the NEPA/
Legislative Partnership is advancing
SEPA analysis.
Interstate 5 planning and analysis as a top priority for the 2019 legislative session and
Who is helping? We thank WSDOT, the Nisqually Indian Tribe, and the
seeks $4.5 million for the next planning phase.
Thurston Regional Planning Council. They leveraged the
The region requests funds for National and
initial 2018 supplemental budget investment into $2 million
State Environmental Policy Act (NEPA/SEPA) analysis of mid and long-term action on
worth of planning work and short-term congestion strategies (ramp meters at southbound I-5 on ramps). The leveraged funds resulted in greater progress than was originally
the I-5 corridor from Tumwater to Dupont.
expected and moves us closer to NEPA/SEPA analysis.
What’s been done so far?
Why now?
Last year we secured funding in the 2018 supplemental
Momentum for this critical planning work must be
transportation budget for the Washington State Department
sustained. The NEPA/SEPA analysis will help refine 10-year
of Transportation (WSDOT) to begin a corridor study for
and 20-year actions. It will evaluate potential beneficial
I-5 between Tumwater and DuPont. The study will develop
and adverse impacts to prepare the region and State for
mid- and long-term strategies and identify potential US
implementation activities. The next phase, if funded, aligns
101/I-5 interchange improvements, a strategic plan for the
with WSDOT’s broader planning for I-5 from Marysville
Nisqually River bridges, regional congestion relief options,
through Tumwater. It provides an excellent test case
and ecosystem benefits to the Nisqually River estuary for
for moving beyond planning to program and project
salmon productivity and flood control. This work will be
implementation.
thurstonchamber.com
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advocacy update
Why is this important? I-5 congestion through the Thurston region continues to worsen. The County’s population is projected to grow nearly 48 percent between 2015 and 2040. We need to begin preparing for that growth today. Also, currently 30 percent
Members of the Thurston Legislative Delegation, including Representatives Wilcox, Barkis, Orcutt, DeBolt, Dolan, Doglio, Griffey, and MacEwan and Senators Becker, Braun, Hunt, and Sheldon have taken a strong interest in this issue.
of the JBLM workforce lives in Thurston County and crosses
What’s next?
the Nisqually River estuary every day. I-5 and the Nisqually
The Shared Legislative Partnership, established by the cities
River bridges are critical to state mobility, economic vitality,
of Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm, Thurston County, Port
and national security.
of Olympia, Thurston Regional Planning Council, Thurston County Economic Development Council, South Puget Sound
What’s at stake?
Community College and the Thurston County Chamber of
When the Chehalis River flooded I-5 with 10 feet of
Commerce, will continue to work with the delegation during
water, the interstate was closed for a week. Later the
the 2019 legislative session on I-5 planning. To find out
transportation department released a report that estimated
how you can assist with this effort, please contact
the total cost of closure and delays to be in the tens of
Doug Mah, with the Chamber’s Public Policy Division
millions of dollars. We cannot afford to let a failure to plan
at Doug@DougMahAssociates.com.
have negative consequences for the region and state.
Who are our champions?
About the Shared Legislative Partnership The Partnership advocates on common interests to maintain
The $4.5 million request is crucial to address congestion
the region’s economic vitality and generate opportunities
along this corridor, minimize risk from potential floods,
that enhance the quality of life for residents in the Thurston
restore salmon habitat and support our national defense.
County Region.
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The State of The Community Elected officials from Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, Yelm and Thurston County report to the community their successes, accomplishments and status of their ongoing work. From left to right: Thurston County District 1 Commissioner, John Hutchings; Olympia Mayor Cheryl Selby; Yelm Mayor JW Foster; Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder; Tumwater Mayor Pete Kmet. Photo by Dinea DePhoto.
F
or the State of the Community Report, we asked elected officials from Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, Yelm, and Thurston County, three questions – What is your community celebrating? What challenges does your
community face? What is your community doing to encourage job growth and economic development? What follows is answers to these questions, written by representatives from each municipality. Take some time to read this report, and then attend Forum on January 9 where we'll dive deeper into some of the successes, challenges and opportunities highlighted here. thurstonchamber.com
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The City of Lacey's Report Lacey's Challenges Lacey and its urban growth area have some of the highest densities of urban septic systems in Thurston County. Studies show that these septic systems have a negative impact on local bodies of water, aquifers, and the Puget Sound. The City is committed to converting and connecting these systems; however, initial estimates City of Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder
Lacey's Celebrating The generosity of our community supporting three amazing local projects: the Lacey Food Bank, the Lacey Veteran Services Hub, and the Lacey Makerspace. Each of these projects have benefited from thousands of volunteer hours and tens of thousands of local fundraising dollars and supplies. The Lacey Food Bank will be a critical resource to many of Lacey’s residents, including thousands of underprivileged children.
put the total cost of remediation at $300 million. As a Council, we are confident we will find a manageable solution. During the last election, the Lacey City Council put forth a ballot measure for a metropolitan parks district. The proposed district would have provided a sustainable funding method for the City in developing and maintaining Lacey’s beautiful park system. Unfortunately, the measure did not pass, and now the City is faced with finding a new path forward that will provide our community with accessible and well-developed parks.
How Lacey is Encouraging Job Growth The City of Lacey prides itself with being business friendly. This is evident from the exceptional amount of growth occurring in northeast Lacey, as well as the continued development of the Woodland District. We are thrilled that employers like Uline, Ryan Properties, South Sound Behavioral Hospital, and the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission are bringing and creating hundreds of new, family-wage jobs in Lacey. These employers and many others are providing exciting and rewarding employment opportunities for our City’s residents. To ensure sustained job growth in Lacey, we continue to promote local programs like LocationLocationLacey.com, a valuable website providing potential employers with tools
The Veterans Hub began a daily
and resources; the Lacey B&O Tax
van shuttle program to the
Exemption Program, which gives
American Lake VA Medical Center
new startups a tax break during
completely staffed by volunteers.
the critical first three years of business; and the Lacey Strategic
The Lacey Makerspace broke
Investment Fund, a resource
ground in September 2018, and
providing investments into
we look forward to the modern
workforce training and technology,
resources it will provide to local
as well as fostering a local
students and entrepreneurs.
environment of entrepreneurism.
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The City of Olympia's Report once they could see that it wasn’t an “either/or” option. It became a “yes/and” outcome. Rare in politics these days!
Olympia's Challenges We continue to struggle with an effective response to homelessness. The population downtown exploded this late summer and we were hamstrung by the September ruling from the 9th Circuit
Olympia's Celebrating
Court of Appeals. That ruling makes it problematic to move encampments off city property
I would say that successfully
unless we can offer alternative
passing the Public Safety and
shelter.
City of Olympia Mayor Cheryl Selby
How Olympia is Encouraging Job Growth We continue to move ahead in this
Home Fund ballot measures within 3 months of each other was pretty
The good news is that we now
area after adding our very first
remarkable.
have a full-time homeless program
economic development director
coordinator, a full-time Home
position in 2016.
A big factor of our success was
Fund program director and staff
that even though they addressed
has been re-allocated to provide
In 2017 Mike Reid took over that
different community needs, we
an “all hands on deck” approach to
position but has had his plate full
were able to show they were
the crisis.
addressing land use issues around our homeless crisis. My hope is
complementary to each other and A continuing challenge is telling
that in 2019 he’ll be able to block
our story to constituents in a real
out more time to do outreach to
Advocates for both measures
time manner as the situation is
our business community and get
showed amazing cooperation
constantly evolving.
us back on track for job growth.
actually designed to work together.
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The City of Tumwater's Report Tumwater's Challenges As community leaders, we want Tumwater to be a city for all
How Tumwater is Encouraging Job Growth
people. We are identifying how to
Spuds Market and Tart Hard Cider
best meet the needs of those at risk
are the newest tenants at the
of or experiencing homelessness,
Tumwater Warehouse District –
preventing homelessness, and
a destination for craft beer,
expanding the availability of
spirits, cider, food and more.
affordable housing in Tumwater. The Craft District project is the
City of Tumwater Mayor Pete Kmet
Tumwater's Celebrating We are grateful Tumwater voters supported the creation of a Metropolitan Park District. Revenue from this measure will help maintain and improve our current parks and facilities, enhance recreational programs, build new neighborhood parks, and ultimately build a community center. We are celebrating completion of the Desoto Street rehabilitation project to replace the failing road
Bush Prairie is home to the
future home of SPSCC’s Craft
Olympia sub-species of the
Brewing & Distilling Center,
Mazama Pocket Gopher, a Federal
a distillery, a brewery and a
and State protected species. Work
restaurant – along with nearly
continues to protect this unique
a dozen small craft food and
prairie habitat and protected
beverage purveyors. Look for
wildlife, and support future
significant progress on this
development in the area.
project during the year.
In spite of our efforts, redevelopment
Tumwater worked closely with
of the former brewery properties
Tom Schrader, owner of the
is stagnant. Inadequate security
former Chambers Prairie Grange,
resulted in a 3-alarm fire in one
to redevelop this historic building
building last fall. We continue to
into a new Starbucks. Yea!
work to connect the owners to prospective tenants, or parties
We continue to make significant
that may be interested in
investments in infrastructure,
purchasing this huge complex.
including City-wide pavement
and improve the retaining wall. The new sidewalk and bike lane make this key east-west connector to lower Tumwater Hill a true multimodal connection to that neighborhood. Several community events are planned throughout 2019 to celebrate Tumwater’s sesquicentennial – the 150th
and sidewalk maintenance work; water, sewer and stormwater system upgrades; and a congestion relief project between Israel Road and 73rd on Capitol Boulevard. Planning continues for major reconstruction of the Trosper and Capitol Boulevard intersection, with preliminary work underway and construction beginning in 2020.
anniversary of the town’s incorporation. 14 • January 2019
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The City of Yelm's Report Yelm's Challenges Yelm has become almost too popular for its own good! Convenient location to the County seat and JBLM, combined with competitive housing costs and great schools, has resulted in considerable growth. The population of Yelm proper has tripled over a dozen years, and unincorporated Thurston and Pierce Counties contribute to a service population of more than 45,000. We have a small commercial and industrial base
Yelm's Celebrating We’re celebrating the fact that our little city out on the prairie has come into its own – Yelm has become a destination! Whether you come to bicycle on the Yelm-Tenino trail, visit the newly opened upper Deschutes River Falls park, or enjoy a quality cinema or live theater experience – Yelm is full of surprises. With a small town feel and slower pace, we’re a friendly, safe place and love to entertain visitors from around the region. We’ve become a ‘foodie’ town too, with a great variety of quality restaurants ranging from Asian fusion and classic Mexican, to solid American comfort food. thurstonchamber.com
to support community services and our growth has been limited by constrained water rights and accommodating the endangered species act.
City of Yelm Mayor JW Foster
zoning, Yelm has created a superb location for businesses to start up and thrive. Although the ‘big box’ stores have located in the more densely populated urban core of Thurston County, many mid-sized commercial enterprises are doing well here in Yelm. Our community
The good news is that by working with our legislators and regional partners, we have solutions at hand and the future is bright. We’re still challenged by the limitation of our highway system, but also know that WSDOT is dedicated to solving those issues.
development department is dedicated to working with business owners, from Mom and Pop startups, to established businesses looking to expand into a new, supportive market. We’ve laid out the welcome mat and are enthusiastically marketing our city through partnerships
How Yelm is Encouraging Job Growth
with the Economic Development Council, Experience Olympia & Beyond, and both the Yelm Area Chamber and Thurston County
We’ve always known that if we
Chamber.
build it, they will come. It’s a perfect place to live, work and By developing an excellent
play – all are welcome to become
infrastructure, and with thoughtful
part of the Pride of the Prairie!
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Thurston County's Report Thurston County's Challenges • Developing and implementing a budget that provides services to the citizens, funds constitutionally mandated programs, and ensures fiscal responsibility through maintaining a sustainable and responsible balance in the general fund. Thurston County District 1 Commissioner, John Hutchings
Thurston County is Celebrating • Culvert replacement projects opened more than seven miles of streams to aid in the movement and spawning of native fish, primarily salmon. A $4 million set-aside of REET2 funds will pay for design and replacement of ten culverts over two years, five
• Working with U.S. Fish and Wildlife to finalize a Habitat Conservation Plan spelling out how the County will offset development impacts to the habitat of species protected under the Endangered Species Act that result from building permits issued by the County. Until approved, the County will use a streamlined interim gopher review process to ease the burden on the citizens.
completed in 2018.
How Thurston County is Encouraging Job Growth • The Commissioners collaborated with elected and appointed leaders to update the County’s 2019-2020 strategic plan. The Commissioners aligned the 2019-2020 biennial budget priorities with the strategic goals and objectives, keeping the County focused on its strategic initiatives. The strategic plan includes strategic initiatives for economic growth in the County
• In response to considerable criminal caseloads and
and supports creating local, sustainable jobs.
increasing jail populations, judicial partners adopted
• Making sound policy and budget
the First Look program to
decisions to enhance the local
address criminal behavior by
economy. The 2019-2020 biennial
examining cases independently
budget increases funding for
and proactively assessing
local tourism grants and historic
prosecution goals. Each case
preservation grants to support
represents a unique individual
economic prosperity for citizens
with factors to consider when
and businesses. And in 2019
finding a path to justice. This
the County will be hiring
strengthens public safety and
an Economic Development
reduces criminal justice costs.
Manager.
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Thurston Chamber Receives Nancie Payne Award Nancie Payne was a longstanding Pacific
and this region’s businesses. The Chamber “work place” and
Mountain Workforce Development Council
David’s leadership is ensuring all our work places have a
(PacMtn) board member, business owner,
chance to become high quality.”
and advocate for workers of all abilities. On December 6, 2018, at the Thurston Economic
Whether the issue is land use, public policy, education,
Development Council's Regional Economic
employment opportunities, or finding that balance
Forecast & Innovation Expo, PacMtn awarded
between social/economic/environmental demands, the
the Thurston County Chamber and President/ CEO, David Schaffert, with the 3rd Annual Nancie Payne Workplace Excellence Award. Nancie was one of David's mentors and Nancie Payne's
Thurston Chamber is finding a way to convene people, host important conversations and make sure there is always a seat for business at the table. According to Fambles, “The Chamber’s leadership is consistent, creative and steeped in civic diplomacy. They advocate and acknowledge quality
daughter, Angie, was there to offer the award of
work places and encourage employee and organizational
acknowledgment and appreciation.
engagement that makes our region stronger.”
When presenting the award, PacMtn’s CEO, Cheryl Fambles
The Thurston County Chamber is growing a prosperous
said, “The Thurston County Chamber is one of the most
economy and vibrant community by connecting people,
revered chambers in the State of Washington. David Schaffert
ideas and resources. Our engagement in regional
has been the CEO of the organization for the past 20+ years.
planning, education, workforce development, community
During that time, he and the Chamber have taken on many
infrastructure, and environmental stewardship are integral
issues that have impacted the quality of life in our region
components of the Chamber’s mission.
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New Rules for Small New Rules forBusiness Small Business
Charitable Donations Charitable Donations With deduction, the standard deduction, With the standard manymay individuals many individuals not may not itemize, in turn losing need to itemize,need in to turn losing
$40,000 car would be set on a 19 year many changes occurring (as you have $40,000 cardepreciawould be set on a 19 year depreciaThereThere arearemany changes occurring (asnoyou have notion schedule thatschedule same $40,000but pur-in 2018 that same $40,000 purin the2018 2018 taxtax yearyear and this is especially true for tion ticed)ticed) in the and this is especially true for but in 2018 chase would be set at 6chase years depreciation. businesses. Here are some of the most would be set at 6 years depreciation. smallsmall businesses. Here are some of noteworthe most noteworthy…thy… Other importantareas Other for small important businesses include areas for small businesses include A brand new new 199A Deduction allows forallows a 20% for a the Section 179 Changes the Meals179 & Enter A brand 199A Deduction 20% theandSection Changes and the Meals & Enterdeduction ofofqualified business income forincome some for tainment can be found Guide below. which can be found below. deduction qualified business some Guide which tainment proprietorships, partnerships, and S-Corps.and S-Corps. solesoleproprietorships, partnerships,
for charitable their deduction their for deduction charitable donations. One donations. One solution issolution is “bunching” where the money “bunching” where the money donations set aside and for donations isforset aside isand donated every donated every other year allowother year allowing you to meet ing you to meet the threshold thefor threshold for itemizations. itemizations.
Section 179 Changes Section 179 Changes Transportation Transportation Fringe Benefits, which in 2017 Fringe Benefits, which in 2017 toNew wording expands wereboth both tax to employees and deductible New wording expands were taxfreefree to employees andtodeductible employers, are no no longer deductible to employers.to employers.“property” definition “property” definition employers, are longer deductible Thismeans means even business owners owners should be motiThis even business should be moti Maximum deduction expanded Maximum deduction expanded vated out those expense vatedtoto fill fill out those expense reports. reports. from $500,000 to $1 millionfrom $500,000 to $1 million
Business Vehicle Deductions larger and depreBusiness Vehicle Deductions are largerare and deprePhase-out threshold adjusted Phase-out threshold adjusted
ciate more quickly. For example, ciatemuch much more quickly. For example, in 2017 a in 2017 afrom $2 million to $2.5 million from $2 million to $2.5 million
Meals & Entertainment Guide Meals & Entertainment Guide DescriptionDescription Meals with clients prospects Mealsand with clients and prospects Entertainment with clientswith andclients prospects Entertainment and prospects Employee meals Employee for convenience of employer meals for convenience of employer Employee meals for required meeting Employee meals forbusiness required business meeting Meals while traveling awaytraveling fromaway home Meals while fromovernight home overnight
forAll All #’s will be adjusted infla-#’s will be adjusted for inflaAmount Allowed for Deduction tion during future tax yearstion during future tax years Amount Allowed for Deduction in 2018 in 2018 2018 Standard Mileage Rates Rates 100% 50% 50%Zero Zero2018 Standard Mileage 100% -cents per mile -cents per mile X X Business 54.5 Business 54.5 X Charitable 14.0 X Charitable 14.0 18.0 Medical & Moving Medical 18.0 & Moving X X Depreciation 25.0 Depreciation 25.0 X X X X
XX
Year-end party for employees and spouses Year-end party for employees and spouses Year-end party for customers Year-end party for customers
X XX X X X X
Golf outing for all employees and spouses Golf outing for all employees and spouses Meals for general public at marketing presentation Meals for general public at marketing presentation Team-building recreational event for all employees Team-building recreational event for all employees Golf, theater, or football game w/your best customer Golf, theater, or football game w/your best customer Mileage Trackers
TripLog
MileIQ
Hurdlr
Everlance QuickBooks
Mileage Trackers
TripLog
MileIQ
Hurdlr
Everlance
Gone… until 2025 Gone… until 2025 Personal Exemptions Personal Exemptions Home Equity Loan Interest Home Equity Loan Interest Moving Expenses (except Moving Expenses (except military) military)
X
X
X
Job Expenses Job Expenses Casualty & Theft Loss Casualty & Theft Loss Miscellaneous Itemized Miscellaneous Itemized Deductions Deductions
QuickBooks *This publication provides summary information regarding the subject matter at the time of printing. Please call Precisely Right Accounting at 360-352-6195 with any questions on how this information maysummary impact your specific *This publication provides information regardingsituation the subject matter at the time of printing. Please call Precisely Right Accounting at 360-352-6195 with any questions on how this information may impact your specific situation
Big Fun and Entertainment Abound at Little Creek!
A
fter a long week of work, or perhaps even as your weekday turns to evening, reward yourself and have some fun at Little Creek Casino Resort, located just 15 minutes north of Olympia on Highway 101. Little Creek is renowned for its impeccable service, incredible
food and beverage options, luxurious hotel rooms, world-class golf, a tranquil spa, and of course, the best casino in South Sound. Bring some friends or even your family, because the more, the merrier! Little Creek has five restaurants, two
Little Creek is filled with a myriad of
Cliffs Golf Club, ranked as one of the
lounges and a coffee bar to satisfy a
gaming options. The casino floor has
nation’s top 100 courses. The par-72
wide range of tastes. From the lauded
over 1,200 electrifying slot machines
championship course is designed
Creekside Buffet to an exceptional
and nine types of thrilling table
for all skill levels and covers over
experience that can only be found
games, plus other forms of great
300 awe-inspiring acres of Pacific
at the Squaxin Island Seafood Bar,
casino fun like poker, bingo, keno
Northwest majesty.
Little Creek is sure to satisfy. The
and pull tabs. And Little Creek’s
entertainment in the Starlight Lounge
huge smoke-free gaming area
Looking for a different sort of
offers the perfect escape from the
sweetens the deal even more.
gaming fun? When you step into
daily grind, and the Wine and Cigar
Little Creek's Arcade, you know
Lounge invites connoisseurs and
If you wish to spend a night or two,
you've found something special.
aficionados to a more upscale and
Little Creek’s hotel boasts newly
Kids of all ages will enjoy the huge
sophisticated experience.
renovated rooms and several levels
selection of XBOX One games
of luxurious suites. An indoor pool,
available to play in this very unique
If you’re looking for even bigger
hot tub and gym are just some of the
room. Gameplay is just $5 per hour.
entertainment, the Skookum
amenities to enjoy. And you can let
Creek Event Center at Little Creek
the world melt away at the Seven
Great food. Great fun. Great
frequently hosts exciting concerts
Inlets Spa, offering relaxing massage
getaway. Little Creek Casino Resort
and events. From great musical
sessions, organic facials and body
is easy to get to, but hard to leave.
acts like Toto and Dwight Yoakam
treatments, a sauna, steam room,
Day or night, it is truly the Kamilche
to major sporting events, revue
meditation room and more.
Valley’s shining jewel and the perfect
shows and exclusive casino events,
opportunity for you to live a little.
Skookum Creek is the perfect venue
If golf's your game, you've got to
to be perfectly entertained.
test your skill at Little Creek’s Salish
thurstonchamber.com
You deserve it!
SPONSORED MEMBER PROFILE
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
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January 2019
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PO BOX 1427 Olympia, WA 98507-1427