J A N U A R Y
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THE STATE OF THE COMMUNITY Elected Officials Report Successes, Priorities & Future Work
GROWING A PROSPEROUS ECONOMY & VIBRANT COMMUNITY
magazine PUBLISHER Thurston County Chamber of Commerce
EDITORIAL David Schaffert 360-357-3362 dschaffert@thurstonchamber.com
CONTRIBUTORS David Schaffert Doug Mah Natasha Ashenhurst Heather Harris Dinea Norrell
ADVERTISING Sales & Marketing: Krystal Barkus Elizabeth Bretschneider Blake Knoblauch
SUBSCRIPTIONS 360-357-3362 info@thurstonchamber.com
The State of the Community Report & Address by David Schaffert, President/CEO, Thurston Chamber
For the third year in a row, the Thurston Chamber asked elected officials from Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, Yelm and Thurston County three questions.
At the State of the Community Address Olympia Mayor Cheryl Selby, Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder, Tumwater Mayor Pete Kmet, Yelm Mayor JW Foster, and Thurston County Commissioner John Hutchings will collectively present an address and then will take part in a question and answer session moderated by Mike Marohn.
1. What is your city or jurisdiction celebrating in 2020? 2. How optimistic are you about the business environment in your city or jurisdiction? 3. What are the economic development priorities for your city or jurisdiction in 2020?
DESIGN Ben Hawkes, Mosaic Marketing Studio
COVER ART Cover story on page 14, Photo by Dinea de Photo
PRINTING Print NW
CONTACT THE CHAMBER 809 Legion Way SE Olympia, WA 98507 360-357-3362 info@thurstonchamber.com 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. ©2020 VOICE Magazine, Thurston County Chamber.
You’ll find the answers to these questions, written by the elected officials, beginning on page 14. This is our State of the Community Report. We encourage you to read their statements and then attend the State of the Community Address on Wednesday, January 8, 2020.
This is your opportunity to directly engage with our elected officials and weigh in on these important community issues. We look forward to seeing you there.
P.S. Thank you to our State of the Community Forum sponsor, Puget Sound Energy.
THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY INVESTORS
DIAMOND INVESTORS
SCJ Alliance
GHB Insurance, Inc.
Capital Medical Center
Grays Harbor Fair & Tourism
PLATINUM INVESTORS
The Evergreen State College
South Puget Sound Community College
Greene Realty Group
The Rants Group
Heritage Bank - Olympia
GOLD INVESTORS
Hometown Property Management, Inc.
L & E Bottling Company, Inc.
American Workforce Group
Hooper Financial Services
Morningside
Caliber Home Loans
Mills & Mills Funeral Home
Olympia Federal Savings Olympia
Charter College
Nisqually Red Wind Casino
Nissan Commercial Vehicle
Commerce Home Mortgage LoanStar Division
Olympia Furniture Company Pardiman Productions
TwinStar Credit Union Corporate Office
Phillips Burgess, PLLC
Community Youth Services
Radia Inc., PS
Providence St. Peter Hospital
The Creative Office
Timberland Bank
Washington Business Bank
Puget Sound Energy
Venables Pest Management
Wells Fargo Community Bank
Saint Martin's University
The Firs Senior Living Community
America's Credit Union - Lacey FORMA Construction Company Little Creek Casino & Resort Lucky Eagle Casino and Hotel Olympia Orthopaedic Associates, PLLC Port of Olympia
THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER
Great Wolf Lodge
BUILDING COMMUNITY PROSPERITY SINCE 1874
2020 AAA CRUISE SHOW EXPLORE THE WORLD OF TRAVEL The 2020 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.
CRUISE SHOW SPECIALS:*
• Earn 3% back when you • Hold the Day of Show Specials book travel with your for just $10 per person! AAA Member Rewards Visa® • Receive up to $100 per stateroom onboard spending credit • Free admission • Save 15% off Travel Store gear, accessories and luggage at the show
CAPITAL EVENT CENTER 6005 Tyee Drive SW, Tumwater Date: Saturday, February 8, 2020 Time: 8:30 am – 2:30 pm (Doors Open 8:00 am) RSVP: (360) 704-6185 or AAA.com/CruiseShows
*$10 per person hold 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 and valid on select sailings. Customer must book by 5/31/2020. Deposit or full payment (depending on penalty date) must be completed by 5/31/2020. $10 per person hold is nonrefundable and will be applied as additional onboard spending credit. Offers valid on new reservations only, not retroactive. Travel Store 15% off savings valid day of show only. All offers valid day of show only. Parking fees, when applicable, are attendees’ responsibility and not included in free admission. AAA does not charge service fees on the purchase of cruises and guided vacations. 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® card available to everyone. Restrictions and limitations apply per product and offers. Ask AAA for full details. Agency #178-018-521 #4743 10/19
“I believe in fresh perspectives – offering the organic boost a small business needs.” Carrie Whisler VP Business Banking Olympia Federal Savings NMLS #1143795
Business loans to nourish local success. Carrie understands the entrepreneurial spirit – helping Marcia Tunheim start a second career and assemble the right support team for her new Freshii franchise. Carrie reviewed her business plan, offered sound financial guidance, and assembled the right loan package to bring a healthy new dining option to West Olympia. Contact Carrie to help your business thrive.
BANKING THAT’S MUTUAL olyfed.com I 360-754-3400 I cwhisler@olyfed.com I member fdic
January 2020 THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER VOICE MAGAZINE
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.
Morning Mixxer at Right! Systems, Inc. Please join our host Right! Systems, Inc. on Tuesday, January 7 at 7:30 a.m. for the Thurston Chamber's Morning Mixxer. Right! Systems, Inc. will provide breakfast treats, and our sponsor, L&E Bottling, will host the coffee bar and you can enjoy a morning of networking. Morning Mixxer is free to attend. Where: 2600 Willamette Dr NE, Ste C, Lacey WA 98516.
THE STATE OF THE COMMUNITY
Forum: 2020 State of the Community Address Leaders from Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, Yelm and Thurston County will share their perspectives on current issues and future prospects for their communities. The event will take place on Wednesday, January 8 at 11:30 a.m. and includes a lunch buffet. Reservations are strongly encouraged. To make a reservation, register online at thurstonchamber.com or call the Chamber at (360) 357-3362. Cost is $25 for members, $30 for non-members in advance; $30 for members, $35 for non-members at the door. When: Doors open at 11:30a.m. Lunch begins at 11:45a.m. Program begins at 12:00p.m. Where: Hotel RL Olympia, 2300 Evergreen Park Dr SW, Olympia, WA 98502
Thurston Young Professionals at The Hub at Lacey Join Thurston Young Professionals on Thursday, January 9 at 5:30 p.m. at The Hub at Lacey. Enjoy a selection of beverages and snacks, meet with other Young Professionals (21-39 year olds) and expand your network. Where: 676 Woodland Square Loop SE, Lacey, WA 98503
Business After Hours at Apricot Lane Boutique Join the Thurston Chamber on Thursday, January 16, at 5:30 p.m. for Business After Hours at Apricot Lane Boutique. Business After Hours is a free networking event. Hosts provide light appetizers and beverages, games and raffles. This is a great opportunity to learn about a local business and expand your network. Where: 625 Black Lake Blvd SW Suite 269, Olympia, WA 98502.
In This Issue... Light, Beauty & Order p. 6 Uline brings their philosophy of cleanliness, organization and cheer to their new warehouse and distribution center in Lacey.
Advocacy Update p. 11 The Chamber supports and endorses all Thurston County public school replacement levies and capital facilities levies/bond measures on the February 11, 2020 ballot.
The State of the Community Report p. 14 Elected officials report on their municipalities' successes, priorities and future work.
Upcoming Events p. 25 10th Annual Math for Life and A Night on the Town: Shanghai coming in March 2020.
Caught in the Lens p. 26 A glimpse at Thurston Chamber events over the past month!
Thank You Sponsors!
thurstonchamber.com
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LIGHT, BEAUTY &ORDER:
Liz Uihlein believes that beauty in one’s surroundings is so important she has her team carefully organize colorful shipping labels on shelves to create a cheerful backdrop to the warehouse space.
How One Company's Philosophy Is Impacting Its Culture
by Natasha Ashenhurst | Photos by Heather Harris, Elements Photography
A new collection of museum-quality art is in the most unexpected place in Lacey. In fact, very few community members will have the opportunity to view the original pieces unless they take a tour of the privately owned business located off Hogum Bay Road or are one of the 230 employees who work there. Most of the pieces are from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and reflect the landscape and the wildlife of the Western United States. This incredible collection is located in Uline’s new 811,000 square-foot warehouse and distribution center — which is surrounded by a stunning campus. Uline is a family-owned business and is the leading distributor of shipping, industrial and packaging materials to businesses throughout North America with over 36,000 products in stock and ready to ship from their 11 locations throughout North America with a combined facility footprint of 12.3 million square feet. “Natural light and beauty are important to our CEO, Liz Uihlein,” said Aaron Francis, Branch Manager of the Lacey center. “She worked with architects to design the space with over 750 skylights and over 3,000 LED lights. Liz also oversees the
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interior design of all of our buildings, and her attention to detail is incredible. She believes we should all be able to work in a beautiful, clean, and well-lit space, and that is exactly what you’ll find when you visit any one of our 11 shipping locations,” he said. In addition to the framed pieces installed throughout the administrative portion of the building, the warehouse is home to several floor-to-ceiling murals that depict the natural world and bring color and vibrancy to what could be a monotonous space. Liz Uihlein believes that beauty in one’s surroundings is so important she has her team carefully organize colorful shipping labels on shelves to create a cheerful backdrop to the warehouse space. thurstonchamber.com
Uline places value on a working environment that is beautiful, clean and well-lit.
Francis believes that this philosophy is one of many at Uline that makes the company an attractive place to work and have a career creating company culture that encourages employees to stay, learn and grow with the company.
As the Lacey center continues to grow, expanding the workforce is Uline’s primary focus, and just as they have intentionally created a beautiful space, they are deliberately creating a culture designed to nurture employees to succeed.
Uline’s Washington center made a move from Auburn to Lacey in February 2019, after they outgrew their space. The leadership team did an extensive search of potential locations between Vancouver BC and Portland, Oregon. According to Francis, the Lacey location won hands-down because of the space, the attractive rural setting, and the equidistance between Seattle and Portland, which is ideal from a logistical perspective.
“Most of our warehouse employees begin in packing and generally stay in that position for six months,” said Francis. They must show attention to detail and safety while working in a fast-paced environment. After they master packing, they can move to other warehouse positions such as picking. Pickers pick products for each order while harnessed into a forklift that can climb the eight-level-high racks. Eventually, they may have the opportunity to go through Uline’s leadership development program that teaches everything from writing to improving conversations with employees—tools people need to learn to transition into management. Graduates may stay where they are or can transfer to a new location.
Many employees who worked in Auburn made a move to Lacey, but Uline has had to hire 60 people locally in the last 18 months, said Francis. A few are still commuting from Auburn to Lacey. Still, many are finding that the Olympia/Lacey/Tumwater area has more affordable home prices than King County and are delighted to discover that they can get more house for their money in Thurston. thurstonchamber.com
Uline boasts that it offers better than average starting wages as well as an annual performance bonus, sales goal Thurston County Chamber VOICE
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360.456.4999
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1. Provided $70,000 for the renovation of the Historic Oddfellows
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2. Provided $75,000 to complete the Master plan for the SW
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5. Provided $15,000 to support investment in the Lacey Yelm
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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.
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bonus, profit sharing, retirement savings plan with employer contributions, college scholarship opportunities for children of employees, highly competitive healthcare coverage, paid time off for vacation, sick and personal days, as well as additional days earned with tenure. A strong advocate of wellness, Uline employees have access to walking trails in and around the campus, two kitchens, and an impressive fitness center with beautiful locker rooms and, yes, towel service. “It’s Uline’s culture that has helped Uline land the top spot among large employers in the 2018 Top Workplaces survey,” said Francis. “We work hard to create a family atmosphere throughout our company. Today we are serving root beer floats, just for fun. Recently it was a chili cook-off at lunch. We work hard to create a culture that rewards people for excellent work, just as we have worked hard to create a beautiful space to surround us day-to-day. It all adds up to elevating our environment so that even what could be mundane is exceptional.”
thurstonchamber.com
Aaron Francis, Branch Manager of Uline's Lacey Center.
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ADVOCACY
Chamber Endorses School Levies & Bond Measures by Doug Mah, Doug Mah & Associates, Thurston Chamber Public Policy Advisor The Thurston County Chamber supports and endorses all Thurston County public school replacement levies and capital facilities levies/bond measures on the February 11, 2020 ballot. This February, voters in all the publicschool districts in Thurston County, including North Thurston, Olympia, Tumwater, and Yelm, will be asked to approve Educational Programs and Operations Replacement Levy proposals. The Thurston County Chamber’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved the endorsement (with one abstention). Several districts, including Tumwater and North Thurston, also have Capital Facilities Bond or levies on the ballot to meet their long-term plans. The Chamber endorses these items as well. The proposed levies are not new, or an additional tax. Instead, the measures will replace an expiring four-year educational programs levy approved by thurstonchamber.com
voters in 2016. All districts are proposing to renew Education and Operations levies at the statutory maximum of $2.50 per $1,000 assessed value which is less than voters have approved in the past. The local levies provide local resources for classroom and educational needs of students not funded by the State and generally account for about 12 percent of operating expenses as compared to about 23 percent in the past. Before a school district can propose a ballot measure for a $2.50 levy in 2020, it must submit expenditure plans to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and receive approval. Most Thurston County districts propose to use the resources provided by the levies to provide additional staffing not funded by the State, such as, but not limited to, additional teachers, nurses, mental health specialists and school counselors. The funding will also continue to support programs that
have never been funded by the State, such as the arts, activities and athletics. OSPI approved the expenditure plans submitted by the Thurston County Districts. The districts and Thurston Chamber recognize these positions and programs are critical to meeting the needs and success of students. The Thurston County Chamber consistently calls for a high-quality public-school system to support and help grow the region’s economy. A YES vote is the right action for voters. The replacement levies are local levies, for local programs, governed by local school boards. Successful passage of the levy and facilities bonds will help ensure the region achieves our shared goals for our children, families, and communities. The Thurston County Chamber encourages a YES vote on the levy proposals contained on the February 11, 2020 special election ballot.
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Sound Business Brokers & Its Regional Economic Impact by Doria Maselli
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efore his 20th Birthday, Wes Martin, CBI and Managing Broker, Sound Business Brokers, along with his mother, purchased one of the oldest heating companies in the state of Washington, then known as Greenwood Furnace, later to be renamed Greenwood Heating & Air Conditioning. “I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit,” says Martin. “As a kid, while everyone else was trying to increase their allowance, I started both a dog walking and lawn mowing service, quickly figuring out how to involve my friends in doing the work so I could be primarily responsible for selling the services.” What started as almost a hobby quickly turned into a career for Martin. Within 12 years of his initial purchase, Greenwood had purchased 8-9 other HVAC companies, fell into work with a Business Brokerage company and eventually purchased Sound Business Brokers in 2009. Sound Business Brokers provides the highest level of business sales and acquisition services to their clients. Their services include: • • • •
Assisting business owners to execute an exit strategy by confidentially selling their businesses Vetting qualified buyers, who have signed a non-disclosure agreement, access to quality business opportunities Providing professional business value opinions at a reasonable cost Transactional guidance throughout the acquisition process
“I think what some people don’t realize is that when a company is sold, typically the new owner wants all the current employees to stay,” says Martin. “Once a buyer is in place, Sound Business Brokers helps control the message to employees as well as takes the owner through the entire process, from assessing the value of the company to securing funding and the transactional side of the sale to the closing process.” Martin sees much economic growth opportunity in Thurston County. “I think the high costs in Seattle are driving people toward Thurston County; many see Thurston County as a great place to do business and develop. The service and specialty thurstonchamber.com
trades here are doing well and for anyone looking to sell a business, now is the time,” says Martin. “There’s a low inventory of good companies on the market, many potential buyers and capital available to lend.” Martin also enjoys the personal stories of those who benefit from his services. Recently he was approached by a veteran who was transitioning out of the army and deployment. His resources were limited, but he had a strong skillset of systems management and organizational leadership from his time in the army. Martin was able to work with him to purchase a cleaning company with a creative financing deal involving a collaborative agreement between the Buyer and Seller. “This wouldn’t have worked with just anyone, but both myself and the business owner recognized his potential and were able to work out a deal with everyone’s best interests in mind,” says Martin. Martin resides with his wife Pauline on Benson Lake in Mason County. He has two daughters in college, Claire and Grace, and enjoys canoeing, writing, and traveling with his family. For more information, visit: www.soundbusinessbrokers.com SPONSORED MEMBER PROFILE Thurston County Chamber VOICE
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From left to right: Mayor Andy Ryder, City of Lacey, Mayor JW Foster, City of Yelm, Mayor Cheryl Selby, City of Olympia, Thurston County Commissioner John Hutchings, Mayor Peter Kmet, City of Tumwater. Photo by Dinea de Photo.
THE STATE OF THE COMMUNITY Elected officials from Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, Yelm & Thurston County report to the community their successes, accomplishments and status of their ongoing work. We asked elected officials from Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, Yelm and Thurston County, three questions – What is your community celebrating? How optimistic are you about your municipality's business environment? What are the economic development priorities for your jurisdiction in 2020? What follows are answers to these questions, written by representatives from each municipality. Read this report, and then attend Forum on January 8 where we'll dive deeper into some of the successes, challenges and opportunities highlighted here. 14
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MAYOR ANDY RYDER LACEY WHAT IS YOUR CITY CELEBRATING IN 2020? We are honored to have earned a spot on Money Magazine’s 2019 “100 Best Places to Live in America” list. To compile the ranking, Money looked at nearly 160,000 data points, including economic health, cost of living, ethnic and economic diversity, public education, income, health and safety, ease of living, and amenities. As one of only two Washington cities to make the list, we would like to thank our community partners for being a vital part of this tremendous accomplishment. We’re also proud that in 2019, the Lacey Veterans Services Hub provided 7,500 client appointments to South Puget Sound Veterans. Thanks to state legislative support, the City received a $2 million Capital Budget grant to upgrade and expand the facility. The Federal Department of Veterans Affairs will also contribute $500,000 to the $2.5 million project. Following two years of development, the Lacey Makerspace opened in June 2019 and provides a collaborative environment for entrepreneurs, business owners, students, and community members to gain handson design and manufacturing skills.
Photo by Flowstate Creatives thurstonchamber.com
The project creates a bridge between education and economic development thanks to the partnership between the City, Saint Martin’s University, SPSCC, the EDC, Port of Olympia, and the business community.
HOW OPTIMISTIC ARE YOU ABOUT LACEY'S BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT? Location is an important factor in successfully attracting new, and retaining and growing existing businesses. Lacey will continue to aggressively pursue its economic development initiatives, including LocationLocationLacey.com.
This, along with the new frontage road, will provide improved access to one of the last large commercial parcels with prime I-5 access and visibility between Lacey and Seattle.
WHAT ARE THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES FOR THE CITY IN 2020?
We will continue enhancing the newly named Lacey Midtown district (formerly, the Woodland District). Branding efforts will help create an identity Lacey prides itself on being a business- and encourage further economic friendly city. In 2019, the Washington development. We would like to Utilities and Transportation Commission recognize MJR Development for their and the Uline distribution center instrumental role in the revitalization of became fully operational, bringing the area over the past several years. more than 350 new, family-wage jobs with benefits to Lacey. Whole Foods’ We will also complete the new Depot refrigerated warehouse also added Trail Amenity with its acknowledgement nearly 100 jobs. In 2020, Home Depot to Lacey’s historic past. It is being built plans to complete its 1.2 million sq. adjacent to our historic neighborhood near ft. fulfillment center in NE Lacey. It is the location of Lacey’s original train depot, slated to add 550 new jobs. post office, racetrack, hotel, and general store. As the Depot District develops, it will WSDOT plans to complete the new serve as a visual anchor and provide a place interchange at l-5 Exit 111 in late 2020. for the community to gather.
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MAYOR CHERYL SELBY OLYMPIA businesses and continue to ensure their needs are heard. The future funding and construction of the Highway 101 off ramp will help with the expansion of Olympia is serious about our commitment our growing health services sector near to sustainable growth and economic the Capital Medical Center. The City development witnessed by our staffing is also looking to market a significant of a full time professional economic commercial parcel behind Haggen development director since 2015. Having Foods in that same area. a liaison to the private sector is crucial to our success as a full-service city. Additionally, we’re hopeful that voters will support Proposition 1 and fund As we continue to grow our housing the redevelopment of the County supply downtown, there will be additional courthouse/administration campus. opportunities for service and retail This project will provide county businesses to locate there. We’re also residents with a high-functioning, safe poised to welcome small manufacturing and efficient administrative complex for and tech start up operations in our generations to come. The economy of downtown core. A work/live lifestyle is co-locating Olympia’s municipal justice now a reality in our urban center! center with the county will provide WHAT ARE THE ECONOMIC seamless and secure service to our DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES entire community. The current complex is failing in all areas and doing nothing FOR THE CITY IN 2020? is no longer an option. The longer we We must recognize the awesome wait, the more it will cost our taxpayers. contributions of our west side
HOW OPTIMISTIC ARE YOU ABOUT OLYMPIA'S BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT?
WHAT IS YOUR CITY CELEBRATING IN 2020? Olympia will be celebrating the redevelopment of the area commonly known as the “isthmus.” The “Views on 5th” mixed use block will begin leasing spaces for residents and businesses this year. What was once a blighted building will now be a bright spot on our skyline. There are also two planning processes that will wrap up in 2020 and impact the future livability of our community. The first is the Homeless Response Plan which will give us a community driven map for how to address this crisis. We will also be adopting our inaugural Transportation Master Plan. This document will codify how we’ll incorporate new technologies, multi-modal concurrency, and expanded public transit options as we grow.
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Photo by Flowstate Creatives thurstonchamber.com
MAYOR PETER KMET TUMWATER WHAT IS YOUR CITY CELEBRATING IN 2020? Thanks to Congressman Denny Heck, we are closing out our 2019 Sesquicentennial Celebration by renaming the post office in honor of Tumwater’s first female postmaster, Eva G. Hewitt. Tumwater’s Craft District, built around the South Puget Sound Community College Brewing & Distilling program, is scheduled to open in late spring. Heritage Distilling Company & Ninkasi Brewing Company are among the craft producers who will offer a unique visitor experience that blends education with industry. The Brewhouse Tower’s exterior brick restoration and new weather-tight roof is nearing completion with funding from State grants and private donors. There is a high level of community support for historic preservation of this iconic structure. Residents will see improved maintenance of our current parks with new revenue from a voter-approved Metropolitan Park District. Our community will enjoy enhanced recreational
Photo by Flowstate Creatives thurstonchamber.com
programs, new neighborhood parks, and ultimately, a community center.
HOW OPTIMISTIC ARE YOU ABOUT TUMWATER'S BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT? With many redevelopment and raw land
WHAT ARE THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES FOR THE CITY IN 2020?
opportunities, Tumwater is ready for new businesses. Tumwater offers five miles of freeway frontage with several on and off-ramps for easy access. There are numerous locations for businesses, both small and large, to thrive in Tumwater including Capitol Boulevard, along Littlerock Road, in the Mottman Industrial Park, and within the Port of Olympia’s Regional Airport and New Market Industrial Campus. The City is making several infrastructure investments to support economic development. And the increase in new single family homes and apartments in Tumwater provide much-needed housing inventory and new customers for Tumwater businesses. Just last year, nearly twice as many permits were issued for single-family homes than in the prior year.
For over a century, the City has been defined by the presence of the Olympia Brewery. Our focus remains on promoting Tumwater as the center for craft brewing, distilling, and cidermaking as we build on our history and brewing legacy. These rapidly growing industries draw investment, foster innovation, create jobs, and attract visitors. The recent re-designation of the Thurston Craft Brewing and Distilling Innovation Partnership Zone helps further our vision of economic vitality and thriving local businesses. The Craft District includes retail shops, cafés, restaurants, professional office spaces, and a small business startup space. Planned improvements in this area include a picturesque trail along the Deschutes River valley and an outdoor performance venue.
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REAL. LIVE. THEATRE.
Love and Information • Photo by Jessica Weaver
State Theatre, 202 4th Avenue East Olympia, WA 98501
MAYOR JW FOSTER YELM HOW OPTIMISTIC ARE YOU ABOUT YELM'S BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT? Entrepreneurial folk from all over the region are finding their way to Yelm. Small to medium-sized businesses are starting up and thriving here. One very Yelm just celebrated our 95th year as successful shop owner recently told an incorporated city! Although we us that a primary reason he chose to jokingly say that “All roads lead through start his business in Yelm was because Yelm”, especially when I-5 shuts down, he knew the locals would ‘show up’. we have actually become a not-soAnd we do! We like to shop and dine secret destination. As our friends at locally, and we have some unique Olympia and Beyond like to say, we shops and restaurants to choose from. are a ‘decidedly different’ community Our cumulative retail sales have been and are happy to share our uniqueness increasing by at least 5% annually for with friends from near and far. Growing the past 5 years because Yelm offers quickly over the last 20 years to become a great environment for business. the hub for business and entertainment With affordable properties, excellent in Southeast Thurston County, we infrastructure, a helpful development have maintained a small-town feel team at City Hall, an available while providing 1st class services and workforce, and a potential customer amenities to our citizens and visitors. draw of over 45,000, why not Yelm?!
WHAT IS YOUR CITY CELEBRATING IN 2020?
thurstonchamber.com
WHAT ARE THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES FOR THE CITY IN 2020? Yelm has already established itself as the economic hub of SE Thurston County and we’re encouraging more growth in the business and industrial sectors. We have great infrastructure in our water and sewer systems and a surprisingly agile transportation position, in that we’re just 20 minutes from I-5, but not dependent on that vulnerable mainline since we have alternate Highways 507 and 510 intersecting in Yelm. This allows commercial traffic to move North, South and East even when the freeway is congested. We are partnering with the Community College system and Yelm Community Schools to create a learning center that will move people into careers right here in Yelm. That creates the opportunity for folks to live, learn, work and play in their own hometown. That’s the Pride of the Prairie!
Photo credit: Pablo Creative Thurston County Chamber VOICE I January 2020 I 19
COMMISSIONER
JOHN HUTCHINGS THURSTON COUNTY HOW OPTIMISTIC ARE YOU ABOUT THURSTON COUNTY'S BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT? WHAT IS THURSTON COUNTY CELEBRATING IN 2020? Over the next 2 years, we will continue to invest $4 million of REET2 funds to pay for the design and replacement of culverts to open fish habitat. This program has been so successful that in 2019 the County received state, national and international awards for its innovated approach to aid in the movement and spawning of native fish, primarily salmon.
Homelessness continues to be a regional issue. The county and the 3 major cities have formed the Regional Housing Council (RHC), to address this complex issue from the regional perspective. Also, the County has identified a 2-acre parcel to be used as a regional transition center.
The county’s budget continues to be challenging to balance services to the citizens, fund constitutionally mandated programs, and ensuring fiscal responsibility through maintaining a In response to considerable criminal caseloads and increasing jail populations, sustainable and responsible general fund balance. We will continue to work with we have implemented programs with the State Legislature to find options to our judicial partners as part of our aid counties with funding options. innovated justice strategies. The implementation of the First Look We drafted a third version of the Habitat program addressing criminal behavior Conservation Plan (HCP) to be submitted by examining cases independently to U.S. Fish and Wildlife in early 2020. The has resulted in reducing felony case HCP outlines how the County will offset resolution times. Approximately 65% of the felony cases filed have been referred development impacts to the habitat of species protected under the Endangered to the First Look program. We have Species Act resulting from building also seen a reduction in the average jail population by almost 9% in 2019. permits issued by the County. We expect
to begin the environmental review and approval process as soon as it is accepted by U.S. Fish and Wildlife. Until approved, the County will continue to use a streamlined interim gopher review process to ease the burden on the citizens.
WHAT ARE THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES FOR THE COUNTY IN 2020? In 2019 we hired our Economic Development Manager, the first task will be to develop the County’s first Economic Development Plan, balancing economic growth with protecting our precious environment. This plan will help us make strategic policy and budget decisions in the future to meet the demands of our growing population. Thurston County hosts over 140,000 public and private sector jobs. The State of Washington, the county’s largest employer, employs a quarter of these workers. However, the county is also home to more than 7,000 private businesses. We will continue to work with the cities, towns and regional partners to diversify our local economy.
Photo by Flowstate Creatives thurstonchamber.com
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
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January 2020
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EVENTS
Adding Up 10 Years of "Math for Life"
T
en years ago, the Thurston
an opportunity for them to do that.
receive from students and businesses
County Chamber Foundation
Parents love the program because it
after participating in the program, we
founded a program that has
reinforces what their children learn in
know this is a worthwhile endeavor.
soared to success: Math for Life.
school by providing powerful, real-life
It showcases the quality businesses
Our goal is to promote real life math
examples. It also introduces students
we have in our community, while
skills through a program that directly
to potential careers that they may not
demonstrating to students the
connects businesses, students and
have been aware existed.
importance of math in our everyday
schools. The number of students
lives. Math for Life is solely funded by
enrolled in the program has more than
This year, we are limiting the number
participating businesses and sponsors.
tripled since it began. The reason for
of Math for Life businesses to 70. We
success is simple; businesses are looking anticipate that over 1,100 students,
What: 10th Annual Math for Life Event
for ways to engage with students and
plus their parents, will participate.
When: March 28 – April 12, 2020.
education, and Math for Life provides
From the letters and comments we
For more info, visit thurstonchamber.com
save the DATE! A
NIGHTON THE TOWN
Friday
March 27
BENEFITTING THE THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER FOUNDATION thurstonchamber.com
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
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January 2020
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WE’RE BUILDING SO YOU CAN TOO
PLEASE WELCOME TADEU VELLOSO, a new Associate focusing his practice on land use, real estate, and environmental law through our Olympia office. A graduate of the University of Washington School of Law and the University of Portland, Mr. Velloso recently completed a Judicial Clerkship with the Washington State Supreme Court. He holds membership in the Thurston County, Tacoma-Pierce County, and Washington State Bar Associations. tvelloso@phillipsburgesslaw.com
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Welcome New Members! The Artisans Group Jason Taellious 360-570-0626 www.artisansgroup.com Architects Mud Bay, Inc. Marisa Wulff 360-709-0074 www.mudbay.us Pet Shops & Supplies The Dapper Frog Cleaners Steve Melton 360-350-6550 Cleaners – Laundry & Dry Cleaning Academy of Aesthetic Arts Vena Villanueva 360-481-3989 www.aestheticarts.education Skin Care, Health & Fitness - Yoga, Health Products – Retail South Bay Automotive Kendra Grant 360-491-7826 www.southbayautomotive.net Auto Repair & Service Lifespan Construction Stefanee McDonald 360-584-3833 www.lifespanconstruction.com Contractors – Repair & Remodel, Construction – Retail Magic Mops Professional Cleaning Service Jason Schuyler 360-350-4805 www.magicmopscleaning.com Cleaners – Residential Link Real Estate – Robyn Link Robyn Link 360-688-7462 www.linkreal.estate Real Estate – Agents, Companies – Residential Sky Bear Media Riley Gibson 360-503-8381 www.skybearmedia.com Video Production Services Hawley's Gelato & Coffee LuWana Hawley 360-489-1801 www.hawleysgelato.com Food & Beverage Specialty – Retail Maestro Strategic Solutions Dave Maestas 360-280-1068 www.maestrostrategicsolutions.com Advertising Agencies, Direct Mail, Marketing, Marketing Programs & Services, Promotional Products Fourasoft, LLC Brian Rawlings 844-551-0674 www.fourasoft.com Business Development, Computer Systems Design & Consulting
Welcome the newest members of the Chamber!
Fleur de Lis Garden Ornaments, LLC Miguel Hernandez 360-584-9761 www.fleurdelisgardenornaments.com Specialty Gifts, Home Decor, Monuments & Signs, Online Retail
Delmonico Meats Brian McDonald 360-485-3034 www.delmonicomeats.com Food & Beverage, Retail, Grocers, Market
Penske Terrence Allain 206-348-0021 www.gopenske.com Trucking Companies, Auto Renting, Rental Service Stores, Shipping & Freight
Family First Homecare Carolyn Goldade 253-271-7725 www.familyfirsthomecarellc.com Home Health Services
Sound Options Kristin Thunderhawk 360-951-6858 www.soundoptions.com/olympia Senior Citizen Services Salt Hair Lounge Rhea Hernandez 360-764-8935 www.salthairlounge.com Hair Salon & Services Integrity Clear Braces Richard Downing 360-259-1984 www.integrityclearbraces.com Dentists & Orthodontists Rockwell Painting LLC Jeremy Johnson 360-359-2747 Painting Capital Recovery Center James Wright 360-357-2582 www.crcoly.org Non-Profit Organizations & Associations Courtney Drennon Morrison House Sotheby's Realty Courtney Drennon 360-790-0262 www.morrisonhousesir.com Commercial Real Estate – Agents Boss Auto Repair Maria Solis 360-915-9847 bossautorepair.business.site Auto Repair & Service The Stampfer Retreat Center Karin Green 206-447-1967 www.stampferretreatcenter.org Churches, Event Venues, Youth Organization Judith Son, MD Judith Son 360-528-2100 Physicians & Surgeons Pallet Services Paul Humphreys 360-755-0525 www.palletservices.com Building Materials, Industrial Equipment & Supplies, Packaging Materials & Recycling Services
KMW Photography Kimberly Witort 360-870-2222 www.KMWphotographyonline.com Photographers Frost & Company, PLLC David Coates 360-786-8080 www.frostco-cpa.com Certified Public Accountants JLO Magic & Entertainment Ana London 360-628-9928 www.jlomagic.com Entertainers, Performing Arts Ferguson Insurance Services Jennifer Ferguson 253-343-8879 www.fergusoninsuranceservices.com Insurance Garage Door MD Adam Sylva 360-742-0820 www.thegaragedoormd.com Garage Door Repair La Gitana Olympia Marian Licxandru 360-753-2929 www.pizzerialagitana.com/olympia Restaurant – Pizza Grand Slam Painting Tyler Busch 360-999-9124 Painting Aegis Business School of Philosophy April Holland 360-214-1916 Career Counseling & Coaching Homes for Heroes Mike Stover www.herosavings.org Real Estate – Agents & Companies Residential
My Senior Care Finder Mike Nelson 877-277-6333 www.myseniorcarefinder.com Senior Citizen Services, Home Health Services, Medical Consultants, Nursing Homes Dirty Deeds Cleaning Melissa Mills 360-510-5438 www.dirtydeedscleaningsvc.com Cleaners - Commercial, Residential, Cleaning/Organization Supplies & Services, Window Washing Refire Coffee Linda Coate 360-688-1199 Beverage Distributors, Coffee & Tea Retail, Coffee Roasting Bobcat of Olympia Derek Ritter 360-357-0272 www.bobcatpnw.com Industrial Equipment & Supplies, Rental Service Stores San Marcos Cleaning Services Margarita Esteban 360-292-5685 Cleaners - Commercial & Residential Sound Workplace Investigations Kari Hanson 253-686-6722 www.soundwpinvestigations.com Consultants – Employment Services All Around Towne Photo LLC Gloria Towne 360-890-4602 www.allaroundtowne.com Photographers, Advertising, Marketing, Video Production American Family Insurance Chris Boston 360-292-7303 www.christopherbostonagency.com Insurance Customalting Trent Clark 360-547-4035 www.customalting.com Manufacturing Companies
The UPS Store Matt Ruan 360-742-3399 www.theUPSstore.com/7168 Mailing Services, Public Notary, Packaging Materials & Service
Genuine Healthcare Elda Hall 360-972-0291 Health & Wellness, Fitness, Nutrition, Holistic Practitioners
Busy Bee Lawn Service, Inc. Jeff Glandon 360-426-1614 www.busybeelawnservice.com Landscape Maintenance
Bumble Bee Auto Transport Kelimaria Brigham 360-706-2075 www.bumblebeeautotransport.com Shipping & Freight
Caught In The Lens
Caught in the Lens is a place to catch up on all of the Chamber happenings over the past month - whether it's Morning Mixxer, Business After Hours, Thurston Young Professionals, Chamber Forum, an awards ceremony, fundraising event, or a Ribbon Cutting. For more photos, follow the Thurston Chamber on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThurstonCountyChamber.
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