J U L Y
T H U R S T O N
2 0 2 1
C O U N T Y
Get Out & Play!
C H A M B E R
YOUR GUIDE TO SUMMER FUN IN THE SOUTH SOUND
GROWING A PROSPEROUS ECONOMY & VIBRANT COMMUNITY
FOOD TRUCK RALLY
#CAPITALMALLOLY
GET YOUR
TRUCKS IN A ROW Enjoy local food trucks and summer fun! Thursdays 5 – 8pm July 8 – August 26 Parking Lot by Century Theatres #CAPITALMALLOLY capitalmallwa
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July 2021
THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER VOICE MAGAZINE
Visit ThurstonChamber.com and click on the Events Calendar for the latest information regarding Chamber events.
Thurston
Join our host, Well 80 Brewhouse, at 514 4th Ave E, Olympia, WA 98501 on Thursday, July 1 at 5:30 p.m. for the Thurston Young YOUNG PROFESSIONALS Professionals Monthly Networking Event. Enjoy bites & beverages as you expand your network! All are welcome – make sure you invite other 20 to 30-year-olds so they can expand their networks and get to know all the fantastic Young Professionals in our community. An initiative of the Thurston Chamber
In This Issue... Reimagining Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls p. 7 Olympia Tumwater Foundation partners up to create a new community space, and honor Tumwater Falls' rich history.
Get Out & Golf! p. 11 Join our Morning Mixxer in-person host, Eric Zabala – State Farm Insurance, at 5729 Littlerock Rd SW Ste 115, Tumwater, WA 98512, on Tuesday, July 6 at 7:30 a.m. Morning Mixxer is free to attend and is held the first Tuesday of each month, from 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. These networking events are great for making new business connections within the community. MIXX 96.1 proudly sponsors Morning Mixxer. Mark your calendar for July Forum, Wednesday, July 21 at 11:30 a.m. at Hotel RL Olympia. Forum will highlight and celebrate Thurston Strong and community resilience. Learn more at thurstonchamber.com.
Business Afters Hour
What better than to play 18 holes in the beautiful Pacific Northwest? This guide will lead you to the best golf clubs in the South Sound.
Reconnect with Outdoor Art & Creative Culture p. 15 Small communities are the backbone of our region and have so many stories to share. Reconnect with your creative side on these fun, local adventures.
Local Political Campaigns Heat Up p. 21 Business After Hours in-person is back! Join our host Bank of the Pacific on Thursday July 15, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at 1800 Cooper Point Rd SW, Bldg #6, Olympia, WA 98502, for mingling with other business professionals, networking, games, beverages and appetizers.
Summer becomes a hotbed for political candidates vying to stand out on a local level. The upcoming primaries set the stage for the November general election.
Caught in the Lens p. 22 Join us for an upcoming Innovate the Workplace Workshop: July 14, Unlocking the Hidden Talent Pipeline July 22, Small Business Storytelling Series: # 1 The Imposter Syndrome July 28, Small Business Story Telling Series, #2. Marketing Campaigns and How to Leverage Social Media
Keep up with the latest Chamber happenings and all of the fun photos that result!
OLYMPIA BREWFEST SATURDAY AUGUST 7 P. 19
The VOICE is FSC Certified.
Thank You Sponsors!
thurstonchamber.com
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), is a non-profit organization that sets certain high standards to make sure that forestry is practiced in an environmentally responsible and socially beneficial manner.
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magazine PUBLISHER Thurston County Chamber of Commerce
Get Out & Play! by David Schaffert, Thurston County Chamber President/CEO
EDITORIAL David Schaffert 360-357-3362 dschaffert@thurstonchamber.com
Currently, Washington State is
Byway, a 60-mile scenic route
following CDC guidance, which
through rural Thurston County and
states that fully-vaccinated people
take in the sites as you travel
CONTRIBUTORS David Schaffert Alison Bailey Doria Maselli Doug Mah Experience Olympia & Beyond
no longer need to wear a mask
through our smaller communities—
or physically distance, except as
Yelm, Rainier, Tenino, Bucoda, Grand
required by local businesses and
Mound & Rochester. Leave the
ADVERTISING Sales & Marketing: Krystal Barkus Elizabeth Bretschneider Ashley Chandler SUBSCRIPTIONS 360-357-3362 info@thurstonchamber.com DESIGN Ben Hawkes Mosaic Marketing Studio COVER Artwork by Paul A. Langquist, Courtesy of the Olympia Tumwater Foundation. PRINTING Print NW CONTACT THE CHAMBER 809 Legion Way SE Olympia, WA 98507 360-357-3362 info@thurstonchamber.com thurstonchamber.com
workplace regulations. As restrictions cars behind and explore our ease and summer weather arrives,
region's invigorating bike trails or take
we're all eager to get out, play and
in the sites at our top attractions.
explore! Our annual Get Out and
Wherever you wander, a getaway
Play edition of the VOICE is your
to Thurston County nurtures
guide for local travel and events.
your creative side, giving you full permission to explore something new.
We are so fortunate to live in the Olympia region, home to many
Summer also has on tap Olympia Brew
thriving and unique communities
Fest in August and the new LoveOly
ready for you to visit. Journey through Summer Fest in downtown Olympia. the historic falls and brewing culture
We're also excited to welcome back
of Tumwater, relax in the sparkling
Capitol Lake Fair in July!
lakes and densely forested parklands of Lacey or stroll the boardwalk and
No matter your plans, it is guaranteed
waterfront in downtown Olympia.
to be a summer of fun—and a summer
Hop on the Thurston Bountiful
of celebration.
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.
WE UNDERSTAND THE MEANING OF
COMMUNITY.
We’re Washington Business Bank—your local friendly bank. We’re in your community, getting to know, supporting, and partnering with small businesses and vital nonprofits.
We want to see you thrive.
CALL US AT
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DISCOVER MORE AT
wabizbank.com (360) 754-1945 Thurston County Chamber VOICE I July 2021 I 5
Saturday, November 6 Saint Martin’s University Lacey, Washington Saint Martin’s University Gala 2021 welcomes celebrity chef, author, and TV personality
jacques pé pépin pin & daughter claudine Join us for a black-tie gourmet evening that includes an exquisite dinner, cooking demos, and a live auction benefiting Saint Martin’s student scholarships.
HANSON SUBARU
Reserve your spot and stay updated on event details by visiting, www.stmartin.edu/Gala www. stmartin.edu/Gala or call 360-438-4366. 360-438-4366.
REIMAGINING
Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls
The Olympia Tumwater Foundation spearheads the planning of a new community space
by Alison Bailey
Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls has been a site of significance in the southern Puget Sound region for thousands of years. The Olympia Tumwater Foundation has owned and maintained this land for nearly sixty years and has exciting plans for its preservation and celebration well under way. Citizens of native nations such as Squaxin, Nisqually and many others gathered on the land around the falls for thousands of years prior to the arrival of Europeans and their descendants. European explorers passed through in the late eighteenth century. They began to settle and fabricate some of the region’s earliest industry there in the mid-nineteenth century, including the iconic Olympia Brewing Company. The owners of the brewery, the Schmidt family, gifted the land to a newly formed nonprofit in the early 1960s: the Olympia Tumwater Foundation. “There’s more history in this park than anywhere else in Thurston County,” explains Lee Wojnar, the Foundation’s president of seven years. “As stewards of the park, it’s the Foundation’s job to tell its story. The new facility will do just that. The improved park will be an asset to the community well into the future.” The Foundation has partnered with the Squaxin Tribe, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the cities of Olympia and Tumwater, and South Puget Sound Community College to imagine a vibrant community space nestled between the mouth of the Deschutes River and I-5. Ron Thomas at Thomas Architecture Studios has designed thurstonchamber.com
a dynamic new structure in the center of the park. Where an original though unremarkable structure currently houses a small office and a large maintenance garage, the Foundation will erect a classy, functional community gathering space. Roll-away exhibits will feature history about how the land around the falls has been used over time. The space will transition easily into a 200 to 300 person event space for weddings, corporate events Thurston County Chamber VOICE
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and community gatherings. It will prominently showcase artwork from local native nations and its design, inspired by longhouses as well as old saw mill architecture, allows the falls to become part of the decor from behind large rolling doors. A small taproom will feature local beer and cider. “We want to encourage heritage tourism,” says John Freedman, the Foundation’s Executive Director. “There’s also a critical shortage of unique event space in Thurston County, and this revenue will help sustain the Foundation’s work and create new jobs.” According to a study done by the Thurston Economic Development Council, the park and the Foundation already generate over $2 million in local economic impact annually. An event space like this will only increase that number. The improvements are estimated to cost a total of $7.5 million. The Washington legislature gifted the Foundation $1.2 million in the state’s most recent capital budget. Prior to the legislature’s generous gift, Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls received no federal, state or local public funding. Maintained entirely by the Foundation, the park is a destination on a new and growing ADA-compliant trail system, and home to a recently revamped fish hatchery. Construction starts on the new exhibit and gathering space in early 2024 and will be the centerpiece of a treasured piece of land for all to enjoy starting in 2025. Sponsorship opportunities for local businesses are plentiful. Business owners and individuals alike are welcome to contact John Freedman with interest in supporting these developments by writing to jfreedman@olytumfoundation.org or calling 360-943-2550.
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The Golf Club at Hawk's Prairie
by Doria Maselli
Get Out & Golf!
It’s time to get out and play and what The Golf Club at Hawk's Prairie better way than by playing 18 holes with Hawk’s Prairie course consists of two distinct, public 18-hole stunning views of summer in the Pacific golf courses: The Woodlands and The Links. Outstanding course Northwest. We’ve put together a guide of conditions at both courses, and exceptionally friendly golf team members make it one of the best values for golf in the greater some local golf courses and clubs where Seattle area. you can go down swinging! Grab your The Woodlands course is commended for its classic Northwest clubs and we’ll see you on the course. features, which include sprawling fairways that meander through
Indian Summer Golf & Country Club Known for its superb, year-round conditioning, The Peter L. H. Thompson designed golf course is built to rigid, tournamentcaliber specifications with magnificent, old-growth forest and an abundance of water features. However, with six sets of tees, golfers of every skill level will have a challenging and enjoyable experience round after round. And hidden neighborhood restaurant gem, Embers Restaurant & Lounge, combines international and classic Northwest flavors with stunning views of the surrounding wetlands for a truly exceptional dining experience.
tall timber, idyllic ponds and wetlands and expansive multi-tiered greens. The fairways are lined by dense old-growth forest, while the course stretches from 5,600 to 7,170 yards, offering players of all levels an exciting challenge. Designed by Peter L.H. Thompson, The Links course boasts spectacular views of the Puget Sound and Mt. Rainier, creating one of the most scenic rounds you will play. Furnished with open fairways and lush rolling hills, The Links provides a stark contrast to its wooded counterpart. The Scottish-style links course stretches out to the mouth of the Puget Sound, offering something for every player, with 5 sets of tees and water on 9 of 18 holes.
“As of May 1, the club has become semi-private and is no longer member-only,” says Shane Harvey, Assistant Golf Professional. This allows non-members to also come and experience one of the Northwest’s premier golf clubs.”
“Our club truly has some of the best views of the unique Pacific Northwest landscape and separate practice facilities including several putting greens and chipping areas. Club memberships are also available with annual membership, club pass and club card options,” says Doug Barnhouse, General Manager.
5900 Troon Ln SE, Olympia, WA 98501 (360) 459-3772
8383 Vicwood Ln NE, Lacey, WA 98516 (360) 455-8383
thurstonchamber.com
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For more information about hiring a Morningside client visit our website…
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Olympia Country & Golf Club This historic private country club, established in 1926, is beautifully situated on the shores on Budd Inlet in Olympia, WA. They pride themselves on not only offering the services of a country club, but a country club where you can bring the family. “Earlier this year, a member-formed LLC took ownership of the club, bringing new, fresh eyes and ideas. We have recently recruited 140 new members, and look forward to additional growth and positive changes,” says Jason Reehm, General Manager.
Indian Summer Golf & Country Club
3636 Country Club Drive NW, Olympia, WA 98502 (360) 866-7121
Capitol City Golf Course Capitol City Golf Club offers a challenge for golfers of all abilities. Opened in 1963, their championship 18-hole golf course boasts an outstanding traditional course design with narrow, tree-lined fairways, well-positioned green-side bunkers and exceptional putting greens. And with excellent drainage, the golf course provides the driest playing conditions in western Washington year round.
Olympia Country & Golf Club
Capitol City Golf Club was voted the best golf course in The Olympian’s “Best of South Sound 2005.” 5225 Yelm Hwy SE, Olympia, WA 98513 (360) 491-5111
Tahoma Valley Golf & Country Club Long known as one of the driest courses in the Puget Sound, Tahoma Valley is a hidden gem. Perfectly manicured greens and new teeing grounds with the opportunity for undulating bump and run golf at its Northwest best. There are views of Mount Rainier from every hole. Enjoy the quiet of playing in the country, something that's hard to find anywhere else. They have golf professionals to teach you and assist you in buying your new equipment. The restaurant, Tahoma Valley Bar & Grill has fabulous golf course food. In other words, Tahoma Valley has everything you've been looking for, and at a price that's hard to believe.
Tahoma Valley Golf & Country Club
Tahoma Valley Golf & Country Club, 15425 Mosman Ave SW, Yelm, WA 98597, (360) 458-3332 Capitol City Golf Course
thurstonchamber.com
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360.456.4999
venablespestmanagement.com info@venablespest.com
TRUSTED BY THOUSANDS Venables Pest Management is a locally owned and operated company using pet-friendly, professional pest management solutions for ants, termites, mice, beetles, spiders, bed bugs, yellow jackets and rats. We also offer commercial and residential maintenance services and real estate inspections. Give us a call today.
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Pack the car with friends and family and reconnect with your creative side along the Thurston Bountiful Byway. Small communities are the backbone of our region with so many stories to share. Bring your sense of adventure and immerse yourself in all the region has to offer. Remember to plan ahead and practice safe travel. Allow an hour to explore historic downtown Tenino, WA. Tenino is famous for its sandstone; not only was it used n many buildings throughout Tenino, but it was also thurstonchamber.com
Monarch Sculpture Park
shipped to many sites around the Northwest for use in buildings, including the old Thurston County Courthouse and the Theodore Jacobson Observatory at the University of Washington. Plan for an additional hour Thurston County Chamber VOICE
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Don Juan's Mexican Kitchen
to visit the Tenino Depot Museum and learn more about Tenino’s wooden-money foray during the Great Depression. Before leaving Tenino, stop in at Don Juan’s Mexican Kitchen and pick up some Wet Burritos to go. Just minutes down the road, enjoy a picnic lunch at Sandstone Distillery, the first of its kind in Thurston County since the Prohibition. Owner, John Bourdon, takes great pride in each hand-crafted batch of spirits using locally-sourced grains. Ask him about the tools he displays on his wall! A day trip to Rainier means stopping by the Main Street Cookie Company! They are a no-compromise, finest-quality ingredient, always from scratch bakery. They are artisan cookie bakers, and their slogan is "We Bake With BUTTER," which means sweet cream butter, period. Main Street Cookies are a 100% Real Food Ingredients product, where they batch from scratch and bake their cookies fresh, in-house, every retail business day.
Morning of History, Tenino,WA
Tenino Depot Museum, Photo by Flowstate Creatives
thurstonchamber.com
Enjoy an afternoon adventure to the Monarch Sculpture Park, upholding the legacy of fine art and sculpture in nature. The park connects to the historic Chehalis Western Trail, formerly a railroad owned by the Weyerhaeuser Chehalis Western Railroad until the mid-1980’s. Take in the many different ecosystems, wetlands, forests, farmlands, prairies, rivers and lakes along the way. If you are looking for a dinner spot, head to Hearthfire Grill, a pristine waterfront setting at the edge of the Port of Olympia provides fine seafood and Northwest fare to sunset views.
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Serving All of Thurston County ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT THROUGHOUT THURSTON COUNTY
1. Provided $70,000 for the renovation of the Historic Oddfellows
101
8
Building.
7
101
Olympia
5
2. Provided $75,000 to complete the Master plan for the SW
5
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.
510
Tumwater
4. Provided $20,000 to assist with the design and construction of
6
the community center.
5. Provided $15,000 to support investment in the Lacey Yelm
121
3 2 5
Tenino
12
507
Rainier
4
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.
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Celebrate Olympia’s Brewery Heritage at Olympia Brew Fest SATURDAY, AUGUST 7 • 1-7PM • TICKETS AT OLYBREWFEST.COM The community is invited to attend the 9th Annual Olympia Brew Fest, a beer festival at the Port Plaza in Olympia, where “handcrafted” is a way of life. Meet local brewers of handcrafted ales and makers of some very fine cider. The Olympia Brew Fest gives you full permission to explore something new! Olympia Brew Fest will feature over 20 handpicked, Northwest breweries and a variety of 40 different beers. Mark your calendar for Saturday, August 7, 2021, from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door, designated drivers only $5 and get all the root beer and water they can drink.
Attendees will receive a Souvenir Mug and Taste Card with up to 6 tastes, choosing from 20 handpicked, Northwest Breweries. Additional Taste Cards are available at the event. Attendees will also enjoy exciting sponsor booths, who will provide
giveaways and fun promos, delicious food vendors and amazing live musical entertainment. Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel. Proceeds support the Thurston County Chamber Foundation Small Business Incubator.
At Fieldstone Cooper Point every day is an opportunity for joy— whether relaxing in the spa, working out in the exercise studio, or taking a stroll through the beautiful grounds. Fieldstone Memory Care communities are designed for the comfort, care, and engagement of residents with alzheimer’s and other types of demenitas. Independent & Assisted Living 810 Fieldstone Drive SW, Olympia WA 98502 (360) 915-5764
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Local Political Campaigns Heat Up Summer weather brings out visits to area parks, sunny BBQ picnics, and political candidates. by Doug Mah, Doug Mah & Associates, Public Policy Director for the Thurston Chamber Those interested in running and serving in local elected office had to register by May 21. With the races set, summer becomes prime political campaign window for candidates. Candidates will be seeking your attention and working hard to convince you that they are qualified and the best person to represent you on the many public commissions, councils, or boards. The August 3rd Primary Election will be held for the following entities: Port of Olympia, Commission District Number 3; City of Olympia City Council positions 2, 5, 6, and 7; Yelm City Council positions 3, 4, and 7; Olympia School Board District Number 3 and 5; Rochester School District, District 5; and Fire Protection District No. 6, position 2. In all these races, the top two vote getters will advance to the General Election in November. This August, voters in the Griffin Fire Protection District and SE Thurston Fire Authority will be considering Levy Lid Lifts and voters in Fire Protection District 12 will be voting on the construction of a new fire station. There are no city council races on the primary election ballot in Tumwater, Lacey or Tenino. This gives candidate in those cities more time to connect with voters. Please note that the case of the Port Commission, only voters in District 3 will be voting in the Primary Election for that office.
ballot. That is because we have a countywide vote to decide on a Levy Lid lift for Thurston County Medic One. Even with perhaps one item on your ballot, it is important that we vote. The primary election will set the stage for a healthy debate about the future of our communities. Two of three Port of Olympia Commissioner positions will be on the November General Election. In Olympia, five of seven city council members will be on the November ballot. In Lacey and Tumwater, two of seven city council position will be on the November Ballot, plus the position of Mayor in Yelm and Tumwater. As you start to meet and listen to candidates at doorsteps, public forums and online, please consider these topics: the impact of local regulations on housing affordability; the need to be fair and consistent in land use practices and zoning; the role infrastructure plays in sustaining economic development; and ensuring local government is an efficient provider of services.
Ballots will start arriving in your mailbox around July 17th. This year, the Primary Election narrows the field of candidates and has several public safety items up for consideration. The Thurston Chamber of Commerce, Public Policy Division encourages you to be an informed voter and, above all else, However, all voters across Thurston County will receive a primary thank you for remembering to vote.
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Caught in the Lens
Keep up with the latest Chamber happenings – Ribbon Cuttings, Thankful in Thurston, Tying Our Community Back Together and Thurston Strong campaigns. Find more at the Thurston Chamber's Facebook page: facebook.com/ThurstonCountyChamber
Photo courtesy of Clair Ferris.
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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. Once you've found the perfect employees, WorksourceWA.com offers training resources for your team's professional development. Find virtual job fairs, training resources, labor market information AND post job listings for free today! Sign up for your employer account at WorksourceWA.com. Worksource Washington – We work for you! The Employment Security Department and WorkSource are equal opportunity employers/programs. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. WA Relay 711
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worksourcewa.com
Great Wolf Lodge Heritage Bank Olympia L & E Bottling Company, Inc. Morningside Olympia Federal Savings Olympia Phillips Burgess, PLLC Providence St. Peter Hospital The Rants Group SCJ Alliance South Puget Sound Community College WSECU – Olympia
Comcast FORMA Construction Company Lucky Eagle Casino and Hotel Little Creek Casino & Resort Olympia Orthopaedic Associates, PLLC Port of Olympia Puget Sound Energy Saint Martin's University South Sound Behavioral Hospital TwinStar Credit Union Corporate Office Washington Business Bank Wells Fargo Community Bank
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!
PLATINUM
DIAMOND
Window Genie
Venables Pest Management
T & S Cleaning, Inc.
Timberland Bank
The Olympia Furniture Company
Nisqually Red Wind Casino
Mills & Mills Funeral Home
Hooper Financial Services
Hometown Property Management, Inc.
Great Wolf Lodge
GHB Insurance, Inc.
The Evergreen State College
The Creative Office
Columbia Bank Downtown
American Workforce Group
GOLD
TAGS Awards and Specialties
Nicholson & Associates Insurance
Morgan Stanley – Mike Marohn, Financial Advisor
Michael White Agency – Farmers Insurance
KeyBank – Martin Way
Green Realty Group
First Citizens Bank
The Firs Senior Living Community
Express Employment Professionals
Edward Jones – Dirk Farrar, Financial Advisor
Cap City Law PS
Budd Bay Café
Bakala State Farm
AAA Washington – Inland
SILVER
PO BOX 1427 Olympia, WA 98507-1427
