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THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER VOICE MAGAZINE Although we have not required registration in the past, as we begin in-person events, we ask that you please RSVP to help us prepare for the event and follow current County guidelines until we are fully open on June 30th. Visit thurstonchamber.com to register in advance of the event. Thank you. For more information, contact Krystal Barkus at events@thurstonchamber.com or 360-357-3362.
Thurston
Join our host, Fish Tale Brew Pub, at 515 Jefferson St SE, Olympia, WA 98501 on Thursday, June 3 at 5:30 p.m. for the Thurston Young YOUNG PROFESSIONALS Professionals Monthly Networking Event. Enjoy bites and 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
Our next virtual Innovate Workshop is on Wednesday, June 30, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. This is our second workshop in our Unlocking the Hidden Talent Pipeline Series, where we will highlight two regional businesses; Belco Forest Product and Sound Learning. In addition, learn how Turning Pointe Advocacy Center utilized the Future of Work Program.
Join our Morning Mixxer in-person host, Fleur de Lis Garden Ornaments, at 7636 Betti Ln NE, Lacey, WA 98516, on Tuesday, June 1 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.
Business Afters Hour
In This Issue... Get Out and Spread the KombuchaLuv! p. 5 Talia Manū, Darnell Jones and Virginia Rector brewed up some "Luv" in the South Sound with their tasty Kombuchas. Their Centralia taproom opens this summer.
Construction Bootcamp Offers Training & Job Placement for Displaced Workers p. 8 Joshua Newbill jumped at the chance for a free, month-long training offering multiple industry certifications plus forklift, flagging & OSHA safety training. You can too!
Rally for Recovery p. 12 Vaccinations are the key to saving lives, and getting our community's economy back on track and reaching herd immunity.
Congratulations LTC Class of 2021! p. 17 This year's LTC class brings the total program alumni to over 760 graduates. Graduation will take place on June 9 at Talking Cedar, live streamed at 11:30am via Facebook.
Business After Hours in-person is back! Join the Thurston Chamber on Thursday June 17, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Capital Mall, 625 Black Lake Blvd, Olympia, WA 98501.
Welcome New Members p. 21 2021
Annual Meeting
The Thurston County Chamber will hold its Annual Meeting on June 16, 2021. Read more about it on page 23.
Welcome the newest members of the Thurston County Chamber!
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magazine PUBLISHER Thurston County Chamber of Commerce EDITORIAL David Schaffert 360-357-3362 dschaffert@thurstonchamber.com CONTRIBUTORS David Schaffert Heidi Smith Natasha Ashenhurst Kathryn Millhorn ADVERTISING Sales & Marketing: Krystal Barkus Elizabeth Bretschneider Ashley Chandler SUBSCRIPTIONS 360-357-3362 info@thurstonchamber.com DESIGN Ben Hawkes Mosaic Marketing Studio COVER Photo courtesy of Dreamstime. PRINTING Print NW CONTACT THE CHAMBER 809 Legion Way SE Olympia, WA 98507 360-357-3362 info@thurstonchamber.com thurstonchamber.com
Now is Our Chance to Beat COVID, Save Lives and Get Back to Business by David Schaffert, Thurston County Chamber President/CEO Our cover story (page 12) is about Thurston We need to share our experience within our County's effort to achieve a 70% vaccination sphere of influence. rate and what it will take to get there. Trusted intermediary entities such as It is time to end this pandemic, save lives religious organizations, peer groups and and fully open our local economy. We need community-based organizations will need to beat COVID to follow a path for business to take a more significant leadership role success rather than following the latest guidance rules. We need to defeat COVID so employees can do their jobs without fear of getting ill or infecting others. We need to beat COVID, and the only way to wipe it out is to reach a 70% or more vaccination rate. Currently, one-third of Americans are fully vaccinated. In Washington State, 42% are fully vaccinated – about 3.2 million people. In Thurston County, we have 106,000 fully vaccinated citizens or roughly one-third of our population. We have significant work to do, and unfortunately, we are beginning to see vaccine hesitancy and slowing vaccination rates. Our goal is to get the country, state, and county to at least 70% vaccination rate and hopefully higher. How can we achieve this? Data show it will take talking to our sphere of influence, our employees and our families.
in supporting the vaccination effort. These trusted organizations have a constituency that looks to them for support. The Chamber will be playing an increasing role in supporting business and health officials to reach our vaccination goals. Pop-up and mobile vaccination activities at companies have begun, and the Chamber is providing direct support in coordinating these efforts. Please stand with us and lend your voice to end this pandemic. Give employees time off to get the vaccine. Incentivize employees if they want to volunteer at a clinic. Share your vaccination story with the hope that it may overcome hesitancy and misinformation. If your business is interested in holding a pop-up or mobile vaccination site, please contact the Chamber.
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.
From left to right, Darnell Jones, Brewer; Virginia Rector, CSO; and Talia Manū, Product Ambassador.
GET OUT AND SPREAD THE
KombuchaLuv
by Kathryn Millhorn
After the year we’ve had, a little pick-me-up is definitely in order. Kombucha is a growing trend that comes in many delicious flavors and contains beneficial probiotics and antioxidants to help maintain gut health and fight bacteria. Alcohol-free and delightfully fizzy, minority- and femaleowned KombuchaLuv is brewed, bottled and distributed with love—or should I say LUV?— throughout Western Washington. Kombucha, an ancient way of fermenting tea, is thought to have originated in Asia. During the fermentation process, bacteria and yeast produce acidic compounds which lightly carbonate the final product. It is then often mixed with juice blends to make a refreshing, healthy beverage enjoyed by all ages.
tangy taste overall. But she met brewer Darnell Jones at an industry trade show and was intrigued by his mellow, flavorful product. She then brought in Virginia Rector, originally from Colorado but briefly visiting the Northwest, and their product family was born.
At first, Product Ambassador Talia Manū admits she wasn’t a big fan of kombucha’s
Almost two years later, they’re starting to regain their pre-COVID footing and ready
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to expand their footprint both regionally and physically. KombuchaLuv is available through many local retailers up and down the West Coast, and their Centralia taproom opens its doors this summer. Originally brewed in Lakewood, the team has moved operations to a one-stop-shop in Centralia, where they hope to expand and grow. Adjacent to a day spa, the site
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was a former daycare, so its existing commercial kitchen means operations can proceed from day one. This summer, Manū, Rector and Jones are planning a celebratory ribbon cutting and grand opening. They hope to offer growler fills, bottled kombucha, locally crafted gifts and foods and perhaps a small café site from the taproom. KombuchaLuv’s product is unique in that they use 9.5 alkaline water and Moringa Oleifera tea. Standard drinking water typically has a neutral pH of 7. Low pH numbers translate to high acidity, so using 9.5 alkaline water means KombuchaLuv doesn’t have the vinegar-esque flavor notes present in some kombucha products. “It tastes refreshing and clean,” says Manū. “Kids and athletes are our number one fans right now.” The choice of Moringa Oleifera as their tea component also makes a difference. It is reported to contain protein, vitamins B6, C, and A and iron, magnesium, riboflavin and antioxidants. Studies show that it may also reduce inflammation, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Fermented tea and water are blended with organic juices into one of KombuchaLuv’s six current flavors. From English Lavender Lemonade to their newest—and bluest—Seahawk-themed Blue Blitz, kombucha can be enjoyed chilled on its own or as a refreshing cocktail mixer. The 21+ crowd can swing by and sample a lavender lemonade spritzer at downtown Olympia’s Well 80. Growth is always a good thing, and Manū and the team are currently looking for a distributor to help keep store shelves stocked up and down I-5. Until then, look for their product at QFC and Metropolitan Market stores, Marlene’s Market and Deli in Tacoma, L&L Hawaiian Barbeque in Tumwater, Olympia’s Headless Mumby Brewing Company and farmers markets or food co-ops throughout Olympia, Tumwater, Aberdeen and Vancouver. With just three team members, only one of whom is the hands-on brewer, it’s incredible they can keep up with demand. Manū admits that “it took a year to get the process down, but now we can do it,” and they are always looking for new shelves to stock.
Want to buy a case for yourself or sell a few more? Email kombuchaluv.virginia@gmail.com and they’ll happily deliver within the Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater area or arrange pick-up at one of their many market locations. “Markets are our bread and butter,” admits Manū, and they love to support fellow local small businesses like theirs. Follow their journey on Facebook or Instagram for upcoming events, new flavors and locations to buy a bottle or two. With its quarantine, sweatpants and sourdough, 2020 is finally behind us. Jumpstart summer by raising a glass of light, refreshing, bubbly KombuchaLuv. Healthful and fruity, it supports women- and minority-owned businesses, local craftsmen and the welcome return of the community.
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Construction Bootcamp classes were held in the Lacey MakerSpace.
Construction Bootcamp Offers Training and Job Placement for Displaced Workers by Heidi Smith
Joshua Newbill has been doing carpentry since he was ten years old, first with his dad and later for contractors. He knows construction. But in 2020, Newbill was the first to be laid off from his job at a remodeling company as one of the most recent hires. When he heard about a free, month-long training that offered multiple industry certifications plus forklift, flagging and OSHA safety training, he leaped at the chance. Along with nine other candidates, Newbill began a four-week Pre-Apprenticeship 'Construction Bootcamp' Training Program, offered through a partnership between the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce, WorkSource Thurston, Lacey Makerspace, Saint Martin's University and ANEW, with funding support from Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council. Students learned how to read blueprints, trades math, construction fitness, construction tools and decision-making concepts, and earned certifications in OSHA-10, Flagging and Forklift. Instructors also helped students complete their apprenticeship applications. For employers, the program addresses a central need within the construction 8 I
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industry: workforce development. “There is not one contractor in any trade that I know personally who is not looking for employees,” says John Erwin, President of Olympia Master Builders and owner of John Erwin Remodeling. “We have a tremendous need for construction workers, both skilled and unskilled. This program will help to fill that void.” Jacquelin Earley was one of the program’s guest speakers who shared information about the opportunities available through Sierra Pacific Industries, where she is the Human Resources Coordinator. She volunteered to mock interview many of the class members and gave constructive feedback to help them be successful in their career search. Earley believes such
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programs can have a significant impact. “ANEW is introducing trades to a whole new audience,” she says. “Even if these class participants never work for SPI, our company benefits from the increased knowledge and workforce, and the trades industry as a whole is more successful in filling vacancies with valuable candidates.” Presentations like Earley’s were helpful, according to Newbill. Both courses’ instructors were union members and shared their perspectives, but the class also heard from non-union business owners. “It showed a broad scale of the different types of work that is available,” he says. “Even though I’ve been doing carpentry for 16 years, I didn’t know about glaziers and sheet metal workers, so learning about that was great.” thurstonchamber.com
To qualify, candidates had to be displaced workers who were at least 18 years old, had a high school diploma or GED, had a driver’s license and were drug-free. The ten students who completed the program spanned a range of ages and backgrounds. Trevor Peterson is in his twenties and has a history of seasonal work in the shellfish industry. “I was working mostly on the oyster beaches,” he explains. “I didn’t have set schedules or weekly paychecks, and I’d been doing it so long that it was hard to find a place where I could get other experience.” Peterson connected with Earley after her presentation, and now he’s working at Sierra Pacific for $19.31 an hour. He’s happy to have found a stable job with growth potential within just two weeks of completing the Pre-Apprenticeship Program. “Trevor chose to take advantage of the class in hopes of expanding his skills and finding employment in a company that would invest in his future,” says Earley. “I believe he will find what he’s looking for within Sierra Pacific and I’m excited to see him grow his skills.” (continued on p. 11)
Joshua Newbill has been doing carpentry since he was ten years old. When he heard about Construction Bootcamp, he jumped at the opportunity.
Amanda Fields, left, and Jackson Mitchell, right, on graduation day. Amanda is a Project Solutions Coordinator for the Thurston County Chamber and managed the Construction Bootcamp. She said, "It was an honor to help coordinate this Program, it was amazing to see the workforce development partners and business community rally together to bring this industry training to Thurston County. To witness the determination in each student, from starting class in the early morning hours to working in the rain, was rewarding to see. I am beyond excited to coordinate more short-term training cohorts in the future!” thurstonchamber.com
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Newbill has also been hired, in his case as a carpenter with John Erwin Remodeling. Initially, Erwin planned to recruit just one candidate from the program, but he ended up with two after reviewing the resume of Phillip Rodgers. “Here was a guy around my age who had spent most of his career in IT and computers,” says Erwin. “It had only been in the last six to eight years that he’s been a handyman.” Based on personnel shifts and emerging needs at his company, Erwin ended up
designing a job tailor-made for Rodgers based on his skillset. Rodgers is the new Assistant Production Manager, a role that requires an understanding of technology, customer service skills and a background in construction. He’s also in charge of warranty work. Both Earley and Erwin say that they would be interested in participating in future programs. “I had a wonderful opportunity to come and meet the students and share an industry that many people may not even
realize provides livable wages and benefits right here in our community,” Earley explains.” Since the program’s graduation ceremony on April 28th, Erwin has heard from an industry colleague who was wondering where to find employees. “I told him, ‘I just tried a new thing, and it was great,’” he says. “I encouraged him to follow up with the Thurston County Chamber and find out when they’re doing the next Construction Industry Bootcamp.”
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Schelli Slaughter, Director of Thurston County Public Health and Social Services.
RALLY FOR
Recovery by Natasha Ashenhurst • Photography by Heather Harris, Elements Photography
Experts at the Mayo Clinic say we need 70% to 80% of the population – more than 200 million Americans – to have immunity to the novel coronavirus for us to benefit from herd immunity. While the intent to vaccinate has gone up slightly in 2021, research by Civis Analytics shows that 42-49% of the population do not plan on getting the vaccine or are unsure. Thurston County has been vaccinating residents since the end of January and, at press time, has administered over 130,000 doses. Thurston County Public Health and Social Services (TCPHSS) operates mass vaccination clinics, mobile, pop up and community-based vaccine clinics, which were at capacity early on but have recently seen demand decrease. "Right now, 54% of Thurston County residents who are 16 years old and older 12 I
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have received at least one dose. We are doing our best to reach everyone who wants a vaccine, but we are beginning to see vaccine hesitancy," said Schelli Slaughter, Director of TCPHSS. "Thurston County still has high rates of COVID. Our test positive rate is over 10%, which tells us there is a lot of community transmission. Last week five people died from COVID. Our hospitals have been full with COVID— at a 93% ICU occupancy rate. This morning there are eight people on ventilators due to COVID. It is a severe illness, and it is preventable with a vaccine," she said.
vaccinated by giving them time off to get the vaccine. "Supporting and encouraging vaccinations is critical to the health of our community and the health and vitality of our economy," said Slaughter. "People want to go to events, festivals, family reunions, travel and go back to have our businesses at full capacity, we want that to happen, and the best way to do that is to get as many people vaccinated as possible," she said.
"Employers play an important role in increasing vaccination rates as additional Slaughter explained that it is critical to research indicates they are viewed as more overcome vaccine hesitancy and ensure that trustworthy than the federal government," as many people get vaccinated as possible. said David Schaffert, Thurston Chamber Data show that while overall intent to get President/CEO. He cites research vaccinated did go up slightly across the indicating that when asked whether they nation in the last few months, there is still a trust their employers to deliver accurate lot of convincing to do. Thurston County's information about COVID-19 vaccines, goal is to vaccinate 70% of the eligible about a third of people said they strongly population—ideally reaching even more. agreed. This was lower than their trust in family/friends and medical experts, higher The County is working seven days a week to than their trust in the government and reach the 70% vaccination goal. Slaughter religious leaders and about the same as said that businesses can help by supporting their trust in drugmakers/pharmaceutical and encouraging employees to get companies.
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
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Additional research by Civis shows that the majority (59%) of people believe that employers should talk to their employees about the COVID-19 vaccine and encourage them to get vaccinated. This attitude increases with higher age, education and income. Only 43% of people, however, believe that their employers should mandate vaccination. Slaughter agrees, "Having people who
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have been vaccinated share their story and experience with others is beneficial. We are working to address the myths and misconceptions that are out there. We’ve found that employers and friends leading by example works best to encourage others to get their vaccine."
impact within his organization. "People here who have gotten vaccinated and talked about their experience seems to encourage others to get vaccinated. It is those folks around you that you care about that have a big influence on how we make these serious decisions," he said.
Ryan Betz, Vice President of Marketing at Olympia Federal Savings, said that creating circles of influence seems to have the most
And while Betz believes in sharing information within circles of influence, he says that Oly Fed also offers paid time off for employees
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Medical volunteers at the COVID vaccination clinics are staffed by the Thurston County Medical Reserve Corps.
Schelli Slaughter talks to volunteers at the Thurston County Fairgrounds at an early morning meeting.
to get vaccinated. In addition, they provide 16 hours of paid volunteer time every year and encourage their employees to volunteer at the vaccination sites as non-medical volunteers, which is another critical element in reaching the County's vaccination goals. "For us to operate our vaccine sites and our mobile clinics, we need a lot of volunteers," said Slaughter. "One of the brightest spots in this whole thing was seeing people step up and volunteer at the clinics. It is so heartwarming and gives me hope and inspiration when I see the volunteers come
here, giving up days off and getting here really early, and they do it because they want to save lives. We could not have done any of this without the help of United Way. They stepped up and have recruited over 2,600 volunteers to date, representing 13,426 hours," she said. United Way of Thurston County is contracted by Thurston County to recruit, screen, train and supervise all of the nonmedical volunteers for the mass vaccination clinics. Chris Wells, Executive Director of United Way, said that, initially, people were
so relieved that the vaccine was here. “For the first six weeks, we were overwhelmed with volunteers and were able to fill all open positions in under 20 minutes. Now that a growing number of people have been vaccinated, and there are more and more clinics, we are renewing our call to the community for volunteers,” she said. Wells explained that some volunteers have worked hundreds of volunteer hours, clinic after clinic, and need to go on vacation, spend time with their family and rest. “Our community is amazing, and these
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Volunteers wait for the first wave of people to arrive at the Thurston County Fairground vaccination clinic.
volunteers are talented, hardworking and have such community spirit it is truly inspiring," she said.
effort. We have such amazing people in this community, and I've found it is a great way to take care of yourself while caring for others. It feels really good to be able to chip in and help."
Amanda Rushton with HDR Engineering has volunteered at six clinics to date—and not only has she volunteered, but she has recruited co- Learn how your business can Rally for workers, friends and family to join her. Recovery by visiting ThurstonChamber.com "After spending so much time apart from everyone due to COVID, volunteering at the clinics was our first opportunity to be together again and do something for the community,” she said. “I've been thrilled with the experience, and it has made me more confident in the overall vaccination
Learn how you can sign up for a vaccine by visiting https://www.thurstoncountywa. gov/phss/Coronavirus/Pages/coronavirusvaccine-info.aspx Learn how you can volunteer at an upcoming clinic by visiting UnitedWay-Thurston.org
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Volunteers, Amanda Ruston and Rachel Bernhard.
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Leadership Thurston County Celebrates Class of 2021 by Alisha Blain-Warner, Program Director, Leadership Thurston County Leadership Thurston County (LTC) and the Thurston County Chamber Foundation are pleased to announce the graduation of the LTC Class of 2021, the 27th graduating class. Graduation will take place on Wednesday, June 9th at Talking Cedar for the class, Sustaining Trustees, and LTC Board of Regents due to limited capacity restrictions. The graduation ceremony will be live streamed beginning at 11:30am via Facebook. During the 9-month program, LTC class members met virtually with local, community and statewide leaders; learned about issues surrounding South Sound communities; expanded networks and resources; and explored numerous opportunities to get involved. Topics ranged from business and economic development to environmental issues, education and health and human services. This year included a new day in the line up of topics, Racial Equity Day. Many thanks to all the employers who sponsored participants, local leaders who contributed to the monthly sessions, LTC Sustaining Trustees and Board of Regents and the Thurston County Chamber for all their outstanding support during the past LTC year! This year’s LTC class brings the total program alumni to over 760 graduates. Applications are being accepted for the LTC Class of 2022. thurstonchamber.com
Congratulations LTC Graduates! Mary Heather Ames, City of Tumwater Christina Chesnut, Thurston County Chamber of Commerce Lee Childs, Pacific Mountain WDC Kenneth Clark, Thurston County Sheriff's Office Aubrey Collier, City of Lacey Cameron Crass, Intercity Transit Chris Dhuyvetter, Thurston County Sheriff's Office Dustin Dickson, Washington State Liquor & Cannabis Board Kodey Eley, Libby Environmental, Inc. Brianna Feller, City of Yelm Shannon Glenn, Puget Sound Energy Erin Hagen, Griffin School District Jedidiah Haney, Botanical Testing Solutions, LLC Patty Lemon, Saint Martin's University Kimberly Lords, TwinStar Credit Union Tara McQueen, Hands On Children's Museum Melissa Meade, South Puget Sound Community College Angel Nava, City of Olympia Tiffany Pesce, Great Wolf Lodge Mark Petrie, LOTT Clean Water Alliance Timothy Quandt, Port of Olympia Natalya Rubel, ABOVE Home Health Thomas Russell-Tutty, Capital Quest LLC Kati Sagawa, South Puget Sound Community College Megan Schoor, Office of Financial Management Evan Skytte, South Puget Sound Community College Foundation Nicky Upson, Intercity Transit Malcolm Waters, Ovation Technology LLC Thurston County Chamber VOICE
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Annette Pitts Named Chief Executive Officer AT EXPERIENCE OLYMPIA & BEYOND Experience Olympia & Beyond's Board of Directors is pleased to announce they have selected Annette Pitts as the organization's next Chief Executive Officer beginning June 7, 2021. "Annette is bringing the energy, skills and experience to kickstart our hospitality sector, and she will help Experience Olympia & Beyond continue to grow and thrive. She will be a tremendous asset to our region," said Kelly Green, Executive Community Relations Officer at South Puget Sound Community College and EOB board member.
"Annette has a clear vision of how she can help the hospitality and tourism industry respond to the COVID crisis and bounce forward and promote Thurston County as the unique destination we know it is," said Mike Reid. As CEO, Pitts will strengthen our local community via tourism and economic development, working side by side with community leaders throughout Thurston County to inspire, inform and influence travelers to visit the remarkable region we call home. Pitts has extensive tourism experience and most recently served as Executive Director of the Cascade Loop Association for ten years. Along with managing thurstonchamber.com
Annette Pitts will begin her new role on June 7. She most recently served as Executive Director of the Cascade Loop Association. Photo courtesy of Annette Pitts.
the execution of the Association's destination development plan and overseeing a comprehensive rebrand, she also spearheaded a successful effort to earn the Cascade Loops federal designation as a National Scenic Byway. She also worked with organizational stakeholders, economic development organizations and community leaders from throughout the state to promote domestic and international independent and group travel to the region. "Annette has a clear vision of how she can help the hospitality and tourism industry respond to the COVID crisis and bounce forward and promote Thurston County as the unique destination we know it is," said Mike Reid, Economic Development Director, City of Olympia. Thurston County Chamber VOICE
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Where Do You Keep Your APP? Do your workers know where you keep your Accident Prevention Plan (APP)? Did you know that all businesses in Washington are required by Labor & Industries (L&I) to have a written APP that addresses the safety and health hazards in your organization? If you don’t have one, make it a priority to write it and train your staff on it right away, ensuring you are in compliance with this crucial business requirement. It is a proactive process to help employers find and fix workplace hazards before workers are hurt and can help reduce workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities; foster an improved culture and productivity; and reduce turnover and costs. As an employer you must develop, supervise, implement and enforce training to improve the skill, awareness and competency of all your employees regarding their occupational safety and health.
A strong APP includes the following: First, a Safety Orientation that covers: • A description of the accident prevention program including basic safety rules • How and when to report injuries and where first aid supplies are located • How to report unsafe conditions and practices in the workplace (to whom and how) • What to do in an emergency, including how to exit the workplace safely • How to handle a fire emergency including how and when to use a fire extinguisher • How to protect yourself and account for employees in an earthquake emergency • Identification of any hazardous chemicals used in the workplace including solvents and cleaners • Use and care of personal protective equipment (PPE) • On the job training about what you need to know in order to perform your job safely Secondly, a Safety Committee is required if you have 11 employees or more or Employee Safety Meetings can be held instead for 10 or less employees. Information should be provided about how employees can join the safety committee or when safety meetings are held and information about required attendance, which needs to be documented. 20 I
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Thurston County Chamber VOICE
Thirdly, a process where identified hazards and unsafe conditions are fixed. For additional guidance visit Get Started With Safety & Health at https://www.lni.wa.gov/safety-health/preventinginjuries-illnesses/get-started-with-safety-health/ Your written Accident Prevention Program can only be effective if you put it into practice, so prioritize this essential safety requirement and get started on your Safety Committee or Safety Meetings. L&I has provided free trainings and templates online. For more information and examples, visit https://www.lni.wa.gov/safetyhealth/preventing-injuries-illnesses/create-a-safety-program/ accident-prevention-program Or for a no fee in person consultation by a member of the Department of Occupational Safety & Health (DOSH) Safety & Health Consultation team that can provide guidance on your APP and help you identify hazards in the workplace, contact: DOSHConsultation@lni.wa.gov thurstonchamber.com
Welcome New Members Ace Handyman Services 360-539-4800 AceHandymanServices.com Contractors - Repair & Remodel Alzheimer Association act.alz.org/southsound2021 Family, Community & Civic Organizations Archery World - Lacey 360-915-9006 archeryworld.net Sports & Recreation Black Mermaid Products 830-290-0716 yourblackmermaid.com Shopping & Specialty Retail Blue River Vintage 360-481-1413 Antiques - Shopping & Specialty Retail Boardwalk Senior Affordable Apartments 360-570-0283 lifeatboardwalkapartments.com Retirement Communities Real Estate, Moving & Storage Bridge Music Project, The 574-309-1484 bridgemusicproject.org Non-Profit Organizations & Associations Bulgogi Hustle 801-669-4689 Bulgogi-hustle.business.site Restaurants Country Financial - David Bader 360-252-2684 representatives.countryfinancial. com/david.bader Insurance - Finance & Insurance thurstonchamber.com
Department of Labor -Veterans Employment and Training Service dol.gov/agencies/vets Veterans & Military Organizations Ebony and Ivory Coffee 360-491-4722 facebook.com/ ebonyandivorycoffee Espresso & Coffee Shops Flooret 1-800-700-8122 www.flooret.com Flooring - Home & Garden FM Public Affairs 360-870-8708 fmpublicaffairs.com Public Relations - Business & Professional Services Grace Kelly Designs 425-905-0529 @gracekellydsigns Clothing - Consignment Shopping & Specialty Retail Griffin Fire Department 360-866-9000 griffinfd.org Family, Community & Civic Organizations Holistic Home Group | Keller Williams South Sound 360-508-2800 holistichomegroup.com Real Estate Holly Coe, MA, LMHCA, PLLC 360-701-8277 HollyCoeTherapy.com Counselors - Marriage, Family, Child & Individuals Personal Services & Care
Inspire Advisor CPA (360) 533-1153 inspirespas.com Accountants - Certified Public Business & Professional Services
Olympia Therapy (360) 357-2370 olympiatherapy.com Counselors - Marriage, Family, Child & Individuals - Personal Services & Care
James Matthew Commission 3603137658 jmckids.com Family, Community & Civic Organizations
People Ready - Labor Ready Northwest, Inc. (360) 441-5743 PeopleReady.com Consultants - Employment Services Business & Professional Services
Kombucha Luv (360) 819-5657 facebook.com/TaliaManū Food & Beverage Specialty Shopping & Specialty - Retail Lacey MakerSpace 360-339-4205 laceymakerspace.org Non-Profit Organizations & Associations - Family, Community & Civic Organizations Medicine Creek Enterprises Corporation 360-464-2893 mc-ec.org Business & Professional Services Moore Glass Company 360-951-6114 Glass Products Mystical, A Magickal Shoppe 360-870-8790 mysticalfamily.com Shopping & Specialty Retail Olympia Chorus (360) 349-8682 olympiachorus.org Arts, Culture & Entertainment
RJ Development (360) 528-3343 rjdevelopment.com Contractor - Senior Housing Projects - Construction Equipment & Contractors Schirm Loop Homestead Lavender Farm (360) 867-1029 facebook.com/ SchirmLoopHomesteadLavender Farmers & Produce Markets Shopping & Specialty Retail Sexton's Market, Ltd. / ImprintCentral/NSI 315-534-5651 sextonsmarket.com Advertising & Media SGT Hart's BBQ Sauce 360-556-7256 strongfamilybonds.com Food & Beverage Specialty Shopping & Specialty - Retail Sincerely, Symone LLC 360-878-0187 Terra Firma Cosmetics 360-489-1498 terrafirmacosmetics.com Cosmetics - Personal Services & Care
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
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featuring Keynote Speaker Laura Choi
Annual Meeting
JUNE 16, 2021
Presenting Sponsor
The community is invited to join the Thurston Chamber for its 116th Annual Meeting and the beginning of its 147th year on June 16, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. at the Hotel RL Olympia (Any and all logistics of in-person events are subject to change dependent upon most recent guidance from local and state health officials). The program will include a brief report out and a glimpse at an exciting program of work for 2021. Our keynote speaker is Laura Choi, and her talk is called “Racism and the Economy.” Laura is Vice President of Community Development at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. In this role, she provides overall strategic direction and leadership of the Community Development team and serves as Community Affairs Officer for the Twelfth Federal Reserve District. Laura is responsible for aligning the community development team’s research and outreach efforts with the broader strategic goals of the Bank in order to advance the economic resilience and mobility of low- and moderate-income communities and communities of color. Prior to joining the SF Fed in 2008, she worked in affordable housing development and management consulting. Laura serves on the board of the National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development. She holds a BA in Economics and a Master of Public Policy degree, both from the University of California, Berkeley. Thank you to our presenting sponsor, The Port of Olympia. For more information, contact Krystal Barkus at events@thurstonchamber.com or (360) 357-3362.
2021
Thurston Chamber Holds 116th Annual Meeting in June
Caught in the Lens
Don’t Let Your Guard Down Yet.
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
The Thurston County Chamber's Training Division has created free online trainings and materials to help Washington businesses understand the regulations in 2021 that are ongoing, how to encourage their workers to not let their guard down and to provide answers to commonly asked questions about COVID-19 in the workplace, as well as what vaccinations mean for compliance with safety and health regulations and maintaining a safe workplace. The trainings are free and optimized for a variety of devices from computers, tablets and mobile devices. They are a great resource for business owners and employees to understand the requirements and access resources to create and promote a safe and healthy workplace by wearing the right mask for the right task, cleaning and disinfecting at work, how to handle Paid Time Off for COVID-19 and industry specific guidance. Visit thurstonchamber.com/training-anddevelopment for free training resources for your business. Don’t Let Your Guard Down Yet.
t Don’t Le uard Your GYe t. n Dow
Delivery and Tru ck Driving
Employers are required
essing Food Proc Employers •
plan distancing ive social ng an effect in between workers; Implementi space es washing; six feet of ed surfac ate hand providing only touch nt nt and adequ ing of comm how to preve ing freque avirus and ng and sanitiz • Ensur sing the cleani workers about coron ; and • Increa stand tion to or go home; ing educa they under age Provid yees stay home • case. in the langu sure sick emplo cted or confirmed transmission s by making a suspe g sick worker reporting • Isolatin dures for lishing proce • Estab
Some delivery drivers travel alone most of the time. Some, local deliveries and however, make frequent come into contact with store owners few things delivery and customers. There and truck drivers are a can do to help prevent the
ining d along rubs conta ons installe possible; l-based hand • Use partiti distancing is not or alcoho and water and where social with soap rd vessels; your hands rs or onboa re/offshore • Wash by:quarte in a facility or onsho alcohol; from in COVID-19 shared living at least 60% their workers er onsite to protect of workers breaks, wheth Employers are required Limit the number • rings during gatheplan workplace, the in group social distancing • Avoid • Implementing an effective in between workers; providing six feet of space and adequate hand washing; • Ensuring frequent touched surfaces and sanitizing of commonly prevent to how • Increasing the cleaning and to workers about coronavirus • Providing education they understand; and transmission in the language stay home or go home; by making sure sick employees • Isolating sick workers or confirmed case. for reporting a suspected • Establishing procedures
Agriculture
Don’t Let Your Guard Down Yet. gs Coverin
Heat Stress and Face
is hot? a mask outside when it that filtering face Can I overheat from wearing overheat. Studies show won’t cause a person to and don’t contribute No, a face covering alone stress to most wearers do not cause physiological as restrictive. pieces (N95 respirator) masks are typically not coverings and procedural to heat stress. Cloth face Employers are required masks for outside heat-exposed workers? substitute for to protect their working alone with no expected When can a face shield workers from COVID-1 without a mask only when shield face a wear may 9 by: Workers • Implemen ting an effective with anyone else. social distancing interaction providing six feet plan in the workplace stress? of space in between heat avoid , to • Ensuring frequent is it okay to remove masks workers; an effective way of reducing At what temperature and adequate temperature it isn’t based on hand a face mask stress washing; Increasing okay to remove It• is not measures to control heat the cleaning and regular protective Instead, encouragesanitizing of commonly •bodyProviding and scheduling work temperature. in a cool area, education to taking frequent breaks touched surfaces as drinking plenty of water, workers about coronaviru suchtransmissi s and how to prevent on in the language they understan cooler parts of the day. • during Isolating d;
Childcare
•
sick workers by making sure sick employees Establishing procedure stay home or go s for reporting a suspected or confirmed home; and case.
The childcare staff must wear face coverings, and children as well, especially aged two and older when indoors or when a distance should wear them of six feet from others cannot be maintained • Introduce fresh . air as much as possible by opening windows that brings in fresh or use a thermosta air; t setting • Designate a container for toys that have been to classroom; used and disinfect them before returning • Create arrival procedures such as having parents • Keep drop wash their hands offs and pick ups and their child’s as brief as possible; • For nap time, hands; place mats six feet apart, alternating • Create a schedule children’s heads to clean and disinfect and feet from one another frequently touched handles, doorknob surfaces such as s, counters, and toilet tables; and • Implement strict handwash ing guidelines for seconds, rubbing staff and children, vigorously with singing a song for soap. 20
thurstonchamber.com
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
workers from COVID-1
Don’t Let Your Guard Down Yet.
Don’t Let Your Guard Down Yet.
: these steps rs can take distance e physical ies and worke to achiev ssing facilit ction line Food proce the produ
to protect their
9 by: • Implementing an effective social distancing plan providing six feet in the workplace of space in between , • Ensuring frequent workers; and adequate hand • Increasing the washing; cleaning • Providing education and sanitizing of commonly touched surfaces to workers about coronavirus and transmission in how to prevent the language they understand; • Isolating sick workers by making sure sick employees • Establishing stay procedures for reporting a suspected home or go home; and or confirmed case.
ID-19 by: rs from COV ct their worke red to prote lace, are requi in the workp
spread of COVID-1 • Use a radio 9: to talk to dock managers • Avoid going and other drivers into facilities whenever to create social distance; possible; instead • Maintain separation drop and go; in dispatch areas, locker rooms, fueling delivery sites, and stations, pickup when working in and places where there gathered together; is likely to be a group of people 9 by: • Wear a mask when getting in their workers from COVID-1 and out of the truck, protect to handy required keep a supply of switch them out rs areand Employe clean masks when they become the workplace , • Use hand sanitizer plan in soiled; and and wash distancing socialyour hands frequently using restroom ting an effective , especially after facilities, between workers; • Implemen getting fuel, up food, or making of space inpicking deliveries. providing six feet washing; surfaces and adequate hand of commonly touched • Ensuring frequent cleaning and sanitizing how to prevent coronavirus and • Increasing the to workers about • Providing education understand; or go home; and the language they transmission in employees stay home sick sure workers by making or confirmed case. • Isolating sick reporting a suspected procedures for • Establishing
Transportation
t Don’t Le uard Your GY et. Down
d to: providers are expecte Public transportation or mask. a face covering
to wear riders they need of the mask policy Display signs informing should inform them operators a mask, operators specific steps for If a rider is not wearing business may have violent situations. comply. The transit and ask them to potentially creating of should avoid actions cleaning and sanitizing to take, but operators given day, frequent is of riders within a transportation as Due to the volume important on public surfaces is especially by: commonly touched ID-19 provide from COV sanitizer. alone does not the use of hand workers Since a face shield , ct their masked. be also prote place must ired to Operators a cloth face covering. • requ withwork in the be paired s are , it must ncing plan Employer adequate protection social dista rs; tive worke an effec between menting ces space in washing; ed surfa • Imple six feet of adequate hand only touch to prevent providing ent and how zing of comm ring frequ avirus and and saniti • Ensu cleaning about coron d; ; and asing the workers rstan or go home • Incre ation to they unde stay home ding educ case. language employees • Provi confirmed on in the g sure sick cted or transmissi rs by makin ting a suspe ing sick worke dures for repor • Isolat proce g lishin • Estab • •
usiness Small B •
g Sanitizin rs, ning and other worke ment with ts Clea or equip there are uiremen share tools uses. Often • If you between ering Req have a limited virus them in yees sanitize g the to emplo which you Face Cov items for not passin er. e face masks immediately must provid Employers . The employer must t or if it or free of charge ’s mask upon reques damaged, worker , wet, dirty, replace a r. contaminated the manufacture becomes by mended when recom their e to wear also choos ence, and yees may a Emplo have prefer • , if they own masks home. r them at can launde while coverings s wear face their vehicle rs must ers or in • Worke for with custom in the air working can linger ts both the particles as virus This protec to hours. er. minutes the custom worker and
•
are specialty sure you to one anoth so make the tools amount, you pass forth as forms, back and complete ners of to sign in, ers use pens ts, have two contai pens If custom cted card receip and disinfe or sign credit one for clean ones are n which signs; pens. Explai pens with for used er and anoth customer. each clean to staff that ule with sched g keeping ic cleanin ish a house nt, and period • Establ r, freque used. details regula how the area is on depending
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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
