MAY 2018
THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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BRINGING COMMUNITY to schools Tumwater School District and TOGETHER!
BU I LDI NG CO MMUNI TY PROSPERITY FOR OVER 140 YEARS
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Tumwater School District & Collective Impact By David Schaffert, Thurston Chamber President/CEO
PUBLISHER Thurston County Chamber of Commerce
EDITORIAL Editor: David Schaffert Phone: (360) 357-3362
I
n 2015 Tumwater School District
no single entity responsible for delivery
developed its strategic plan which
of all services, but rather a collection of
they are currently implementing.
people and organizations in alignment
A vital component of this plan is
working together toward common goals
a strategy to serve students and
and measurements. The visual would look
their families to make sure kids
something like many independent arrows —
are ready to learn. This collective impact
or efforts — pointing in the same strategic
initiative is called Community in Schools,
direction, versus many arrows — efforts
David Schaffert
and we’ve featured the story in this issue of
— not aligned and pointing in different
Doug Mah
the VOICE.
directions.
Tumwater’s plan includes six goals with
Tumwater School District deserves ongoing
corresponding strategies to achieve those
community support for their strategic plan
goals. They include Early Learning, Whole
and the high-impact innovative approaches
Blake Knoblauch
Child, Choice/Flexibility, Academic Success,
that look to the entire community as
Aaron Bernhard
Community Engagement and Operational/
partners in its implementation. Partners
Fiscal Effectiveness. A central theme in the
such as Together! and the Community
plan is the recognition that each student
Schools initiative deserve accolades for their
is unique, and numerous factors influence
innovative strategies as well as the impact
their academic and lifelong success.
they are having on our youth.
Email: dschaffert@thurstonchamber.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Natasha Ashenhurst Doria Maselli Christina Butcher
ADVERTISING Sales and Marketing:
Phone: (360) 357-3362 Email: info@thurstonchamber.com
SUBSCRIPTIONS Phone: (360) 357-3362 Email: info@thurstonchamber.com
Tumwater recognizes that to have success DESIGN Mosaic Marketing Studio
for each student, the District must build infrastructure to address these influences.
COVER ART
Note: From time to time the VOICE Magazine will highlight collective impact efforts in our community. The Thurston
Photo by Dinea Norell of Dinea de
Infrastructure-building on this scale
Chamber Foundation is the backbone
Photo of Jennifer Gould, John Bash,
is a daunting task, but when we take a
organization supporting Thurston Thrives,
closer look at the Community Schools
our community’s collective impact initiative
Lindsey Bates and Arianne Sandel from Tumwater School District.
initiative, we recognize a model in the
around the determinants of health. The
PRINTING
way to achieve infrastructure needs
Community Schools Initiative is a strategy
Print NW
when dealing with complex issues. The
within the Education and Resilience Action
CONTACT THE CHAMBER
community Schools initiative implements
Team of Thurston Thrives. ●
PO Box 1427
collective impact strategies, and there is
809 Legion Way SE Olympia, WA 98507 Phone: (360) 357-3362 Email: info@thurstonchamber.com Website: thurstonchamber.com
COPYRIGHT All material appearing in the VOICE Magazine is copyright unless otherwise stated or it may rest with the provider of the supplied material. The VOICE Magazine takes all care to ensure information is correct at time of printing, but the publisher accepts no responsibility or liability for the accuracy of any information contained in the text or advertisements.
THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY INVESTORS DIAMOND INVESTORS: Capital Medical Center Little Creek Casino & Resort Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel Phillips Burgess, PLLC Port of Olympia Providence St. Peter Hospital TwinStar Community Credit Union South Puget Sound Community College Washington Business Bank
PLATINUM INVESTORS America's Credit Union - Lacey Greene Realty Group Heritage Bank - Olympia
Mills & Mills Funeral Home Morningside Olympia Federal Savings Olympia Orthopaedic Associates Print NW Saint Martin's University TAGS Awards and Specialties
GOLD INVESTORS Bakala State Farm Boggs Inspection Services Cabinets by Trivonna Charter College C.P.C. Landscape, LLC The Creative Office Firs Senior Living Community GHB Insurance
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CONTENT & CALENDAR
Every month, the Thurston County Chamber offers several networking events, forums and workshops to the community. Here are some highlights you won't want to miss. Morning Mixxer at PrimeLending Join our host, PrimeLending, on Tuesday, May 1 at 7:30 a.m. for Morning Mixxer. PrimeLending will provide the breakfast treats, our sponsor L&E Bottling will host the coffee bar — and you can enjoy a morning of networking.
In This Issue...
7 Chelsea Farms ...a model of environmentally sustainable shellfish.
12
Thurston Young Professionals Join the Thurston Young Professionals on Thursday, May 3 at 5:30 p.m. at the Brick. And while you're having fun, eating food and enjoying refreshments, have fun meeting other Young Professionals and expand your network.
Member Orientation & Lunch!
Community in Schools Learn about Tumwater School District's community partners to wrap services around students for academic success.
Join us on Friday, May 4 at noon for Chamber Member Orientation. During the lunch hour, you'll learn about many benefits and services the Chamber provides our members
16
and the community. We have a lot of fun and then we'll serve
Advocacy Update
a delicious lunch after the tour & talk.
Thank you to our community partners.
Thurston Chamber 113th Annual Meeting Please join us for our 113th Annual Meeting on Wednesday, May 16 at 11:30 a.m. at Hotel RL Olympia. We have a fantastic program lined up! Stay tuned for our keynote speaker by checking back at thurstonchamber.com Thank you to our co-presenting sponsors, Heritage Bank and Port of Olympia.
18 Caught in the Lens Enjoy photos from our April events.
Business After Hours at Bruce Titus Automotive Group
20
Join the Thurston County Chamber on Thursday, May 17, at 5:30 p.m.
We speak with Sanjeev Batta, president of Cayzen Technologies and Gardiant about his business model and his efforts to use capitalism for good.
for our May Business After Hours at Bruce Titus Automotive. Business After Hours is a free networking event. Hosts provide light appetizers and beverages, games and raffles.
Capitalism for Good
Thank you, sponsors! thurstonchamber.com
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
May 2018 5
6 • May 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE
thurstonchamber.com
The shellfish Chelsea Farms grows — primarily in Eld and Totten Inlets — create a natural eco-system for the South Sound and provides local jobs in Thurston County. Job development is part of a set of Chelsea Farms' community ethics. Photos by Poppi Photography, courtesy of Chelsea Farms.
Chelsea Farms & A Working Model of Environmental Sustainability
Written by Doria Maselli
C
helsea Farms’ story began in Olympia in 1987, when then-owners Linda and John Lentz began their journey of sustainable shellfish farming. “Chelsea,” which means “Port of Ships,” was chosen as the name of the company and was also the name of John’s tugboat used for geoduck diving. The Lentz’s began with a commitment to
mission current owners Shina Wysocki
Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar, continuing
practice organic, sustainable farming with
and Kyle Lentz, a 2nd generation President
their parents’ mission of paying homage
an environmental obligation to the South
of Pacific Coast Shellfish Grower’s
to the indigenous shellfish while creating
Sound and Pacific Northwest as a whole.
Association, remain committed to
a genuine rapport with the community.
The continual progress seen through the
fulfilling.
Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar is located at 222 Capitol Way N. Olympia, WA in the
years from Chelsea Farms could not be more evident in the community. It’s a
In 2016, siblings Shina and Kyle opened
open marketplace of businesses called 222
Continued on page 9 thurstonchamber.com
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
May 2018 7
MEMBER PROFILE
Little Creek Casino Resort Invites You to “Live A Little”
A
quick 15-minute drive north of Olympia, Little
available in the South Sound.
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Little Creek Casino Resort’s convenient getaway also offers
For professional groups in search of off-site meeting facilities, the casino’s beautiful Kamilche Valley setting is the perfect place to host a business meeting or retreat. More than 40,000 sq. ft. of conference and meeting space can be adapted to provide privacy for small groups or room for larger organizations to spread out.
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Seven popular bars and restaurants, providing with breathtaking views to the freshest seafood and
Creek Event Center is well-equipped to host large-scale events, state-of-the-art, multi-purpose facility can seat more than 1,800
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some of the best performers, sporting events and comedy acts SPONSORED MEMBER PROFILE
8 • February 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE
thurstonchamber.com
Continued from page 7
MEMBER PROFILE
Scottiejo McNulty
Spring Cleaning Time is Here
O
Chelsea Farms has made a priority of farming the Olympia Oyster, a native oyster to Olympia that was on its way to extinction. Photos by Poppi Photography, courtesy of Chelsea Farms.
Market. Owning a restaurant had always
Chelsea Farms has made a priority of
been a dream for Shina, who has a
farming the Olympia Oyster, a native
culinary background. Since opening, she
oyster to Olympia that was on its way to
has curated each piece of the bar to be a
extinction. They are a proud member
piece of history and opportunity, from the
of Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers
decor to her staff.
Association. Sustainable farming is a crucial aspect of keeping the water
Executive chef Henri Ñol brings his
clean. Water maintenance demands vital
background of Mexican culinary heritage
attention while growing their Chelsea
to Olympia, WA by incorporating his love
Gem, Bonita and Olympia Oysters, along
of Northwest ingredients and culture to
with their fresh clams and geoduck.
the menu. Cody Goodwin, the General
Education about the local waters and
Manager, has created a bar program
where their seafood is sourced is
to be geared toward the flavor of each
essential to the experience the Farm
oyster and to be easily paired with the
offers.
local shellfish. Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar represents the heart and soul of the
They are well-known throughout the
company. The restaurant, a dream 10
United States for their “Chelsea Gem.”
years in the making, was opened in part
This petite beauty is a tide tumbled
as a tribute to Shina and Kyle’s father
Pacific oyster. The growing method
John, who passed away in 2014.
of this oyster is original; it’s grown
ur climate, while blessed with mild winters and moderate summers, isn’t perfect. The excess damp causes cobwebs and mildew, making surfaces dirty, meaning more things to clean. Scottiejo McNulty’s crew at Elite Cleaning can help! They clean windows, screens and tracks. They'll create a honey-do list for future repairs, switch out winter clothes and shoes and prep for spring garage sales by sorting outgrown items. Their work can focus on entire home (or business) deep clean or high traffic areas. They'll tidy the garage or freshen up window treatments. The team at Elite Cleaning believe that for spring cleaning to be effective, homeowners must take an organized approach. Elite Cleaning's website has downloadable sample checklists, showing the services they offer and the range of their expertise. They are always willing to talk over any request, frequency or event, be it onetime or on a regular basis. •
Elite Cleaning of Washington 325 Washington St NE #405 Olympia, WA 98501 (360) 529-2277 elitecleaningofwa@gmail.com Sponsored Member Profile. Copy written by Thurston Talk for Elite Cleaning.
Continued on page 11 thurstonchamber.com
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
May 2018 9
Continued from page 9
Kyle Lentz, pictured far left and Shina Wysocki, second from right, take pride in operating a small-scale farm with no warehouse. Photo by Poppi Photography, courtesy of Chelsea Farms. in "tumble" bags
Farm Director, Shina,
with ultimate dedication
suspended by buoys in
takes pride in operating
towards shellfish
the water. This method
a small-scale farm with
farming; Shina and Kyle
creates an entirely
no warehouse, where
continue to carry on
new flavor profile that
they treat farmers as
that legacy.
is clean, sweet and
part of the family. With
buttery, with a delicate
a small operation, the
“We are incredibly
touch of brine.
farm can refine their
thankful for the
oysters, genuinely
welcome that Olympia
The shellfish Chelsea
making it Washington’s
has given us,” said
Farms grows —
first “boutique shellfish
Shina. “We love being
primarily in Eld and
farm.”
part of the downtown community. We are
Totten Inlets — create a natural eco-system
Chelsea Farms is
also thankful for our
for the South Sound
a working model
teams both at the farm
and provide local jobs
of environmental
and the restaurant who
in Thurston County. Job
sustainability. The
are always pushing to
development belongs
foundation Chelsea
do more. It’s a great
to a set of community
Farms sits on was built
journey we are on with
ethics Chelsea Farms
by John and Linda, as
holds to high standards.
passionate individuals
thurstonchamber.com
them.” •
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
May 2018 11
From left to right: Jennifer Gould, Lead Community Schools Manager, John Bash, Tumwater School District Superintendent, Lindsey Bates, Secondary Community Schools Manager and Arianne Sandel, Elementary Community Schools Manager
Students, Resources & Community Schools
How Tumwater School District and Together! are ensuring all kids are ready to learn with the Community Schools partnership. Written by Christina Butcher. Photography by Dinea DePhoto.
I
magine a partnership that provides school-aged youth and families with access to healthcare, clothing, food, daily necessities and transportation right on school grounds, ensuring convenient access and encouraging students to continue attending school despite the odds.
If it sounds too good to be true, you’re in for a shock, because it’s anything but. The partnership is
other community
known as Community Schools, and it’s been growing and evolving into something quite beautiful
organizations” said John
since it was implemented in Tumwater School District in 2014.
Bash, superintendent at Tumwater School District.
“The Community Schools program in Tumwater is a partnership with Together! and several
12 • May 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE
“The fundamental concept is
thurstonchamber.com
that schools function as a hub for many
Schools encompasses 22 community-
“One of the challenges we face in
different services based on families’
based partners leveraging resources
implementing the model in the school
needs. Together! is our lead community
throughout the year, hundreds of
district is sustainable resources,”
agency.”
volunteers from faith-based partners
continued Darrow. “Together! believes
assisting with stocking resource
strongly – and research shows – that
Led by director Meghan Sullivan
“pantries” at schools, and multiple
if we have a sustainable funding
Goldenberger and deputy director
service groups who are highly involved
structure that pairs school money with
Meagan Darrow, Together! is a non-
in the Community Schools initiative.
community money, we’ll get the most
profit organization working to “tackle
“In addition to case management, these
bang for our buck. But we really struggle
barriers students and families face to
organizations leverage partnerships,
to maintain sustainable funding; it’s a
their health, well-being and success.”
build trust in the community and
challenge.”
The organization implements the
schools, and bring in new partners and
Community Schools model in Tumwater
fold them into our initiative so we can all
Bash, who has 30 years of experience
Photo left and center, Jennifer Gould and Arianne Sandel give a tour of available resources. Photo on left is Meagan Darrow, deputy director at TOGETHER! School District and Yelm Community
move in the same direction towards our
in public education himself and has
Schools.
goals,” said Darrow.
been serving as superintendent since
“It’s a collective impact (approach),
Darrow has been working at Together!
Schools partnership is building
not just a service,” said Darrow. “Our
for six years now. She estimates that
community ties.
kids don’t live single issue lives, so we
over 2,000 students have benefited from
need to stop trying to solve single issue
the Community Schools partnership in
“The success of this partnership lies in
problems.”
Tumwater.
growing relationships within a wide
2015, believes the key to the Community
cross-section of public and private Darrow and Bash have been working
“But collective impact is about moving
entities to support the non-academic
closely together since the Community
away from just counting the number of
needs that many of our students and
Schools partnership began four
people we serve and moving towards an
families face so they can succeed in
years ago. Initially, they’d hoped
outcome,” said Darrow. “The collective
school,” said Bash, who holds a Bachelor
it would increase graduation rates
impact approach asks us to align what
of Arts in elementary education from
in the Tumwater School District by
we’re (all) doing. That’s not to say that
Central Washington University and a
coordinating and organizing community
each program by itself isn’t worthy...
master’s in educational leadership from
resources in schools. Available resources
it’s [to say] that when we align, we start
University of Washington.
include clothing, food, bus passes, sports
seeing the underlying causes.” “The school district has been a convener.
gear, toiletries, access to sports physicals Darrow has extensive experience
We gather (organizations) and...before
working with the Community Schools
we leave we ask each other, ‘who’s
The partnership has grown over the
model, and she holds a Bachelor of
not here that we need to invite and
last four years to include seven on-
Science in public health from Western
include in this effort.’ We learn about
site community resource centers and
Washington University and a Master of
individuals and groups who have a
recently, expansion of Together! staff
Business Administration from Evergreen
similar mission and whom we didn’t
at Tumwater schools. Community
State College.
know about before.”
and immunizations and more.
Continued on page 15 thurstonchamber.com
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
May 2018 13
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Continued from page 13 to Washington D.C. later this spring in support of the project. But like any growing initiative, the Community Schools
“With the collective impact approach, we come together with a
partnership faces new challenges every day. The ever-
joint commitment to serve as many students and families as we
increasing demand for highly-capable staff and obtaining long-
can so as many kids come to school every day ready to learn -
term, sustainable funding are two of its biggest obstacles now.
not hungry, with clean clothes, a roof over their head and school supplies – so they have every opportunity to learn that other
“We’ve learned that when families find out there’s help – and
students have,” said Bash. “Community Schools is a key part of
there’s a person available to help them with the challenges and
Tumwater Schools’ strategy for achieving its strategic planning
barriers they’re facing – they share the news with each other;
goals.”
they’re part of a network. Although Tumwater School District and Together! leverage “One of the challenges we’re facing is a significant increase in
hundreds of volunteers each year in support of Community
demand for this kind of help. We don’t have enough people
Schools, they’re always looking to bring new individuals and
– people like Jennifer Gould from Black Hills High School - to
organizations into the partnership’s fold.
meet the (current) demand ...The word is out now. People are “Without exception, when I reach out to new (potential)
asking for help and we don’t turn anyone away.”
partners, they’re not only willing, they’re excited that someone Despite staff and funding obstacles, Community Schools’ over
is organizing the effort,” said Bash. “We can only accomplish
arching success in Tumwater School District has garnered
so much by ourselves. When we bring together those who
the attention of national organizations like the American
are trying to accomplish the same things, there’s a lot more
Association for School Administrators (AASA) and Communities
efficiency and effectiveness.”
in Schools (CIS). Both organizations extended an invitation to Tumwater School District to participate in the “National Project
“If people or sponsors want to get involved,” concluded Darrow,
to Promote Integrated Student Supports” in 2019. The project
“they can contact me at mdarrow@thurstontogether.org and
focuses on promoting and developing implementation strategies
we’ll discuss how they can join this effort.” •
for collective impact models on a national level. Bash will travel
Christina Butcher is a freelance writer for the VOICE.
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thurstonchamber.com
The cities of Olympia & Lacey support local businesses by providing scholarships to businesses located within city limits. See website for details
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
May 2018 15
extend our thanks and great appreciation to the following:
ADVOCACY UPDATE
•
District 2: Representatives Andrew Barkis and J.T. Wilcox and Senator Randi Becker
•
District 20: Representatives Richard DeBolt and Ed Orcutt and Senator Braun
2018 Thurston Chamber’s Public Policy Report to the Community 2018
•
District 22: Representatives Beth Doglio and Laurie Dolan and Senator Sam Hunt
•
District 35: Representatives Dan Griffey and Drew MacEwan and Senator Tim Sheldon
The legislative delegation worked hard on our behalf over the last two legislative sessions. They were responsive to our requests and helped bring new resources to our community. We encourage members to take every opportunity to thank our representatives for their ongoing support of the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce. Leaders and decision makers work best when they hear and
Thank You
understand a diversity of perspectives. Our community benefits
O
to the public policy discussion and decisions. Sharing your
By Doug Mah, Doug Mah & Associates and Director of Chamber's Public Policy Division
when the Thurston Chamber of Commerce is active and visible in the public process. Your support of the Public Policy Division helps bring business perspectives, insights and observations
n behalf of the Public Policy Division of the
perspectives helps balance competing opinions and work to
Thurston County Chamber, we’d like to say
ensure all voices are heard. Again, we thank you for your
“Thank You” to the Chamber membership
support. •
for your ongoing support, availability and interest. Starting and sustaining business in the greater
Thurston County region can be harder than other communities of similar size. Very few regions in Washington offer the perfect
Proudly providing 44 years of Commercial Sales, Leasing and Management services
storm of culture, politics, and interests that make up Thurston County. In 2016, the Chamber added resources and expertise to create a more unified and precise approach to public policy and issue management on behalf of business. With your support, the Public Policy Division has become your business and community advocate. We bring your insights, community knowledge, and expertise to the table to forge more successful relationships and stronger partnerships across public, non-profit, and private entities. It is a privilege to represent the Chamber membership’s shared interests.
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Last month we produced an annual report to the community. The report highlights some of our successes and outlines our overall approach. The report can be found at http:// thurstonchamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/PublicPolicy-Division-Report-Out-March-2018.pdf . We hope that you are pleased by what we have accomplished. The Public Policy Division Chamber would also like to thank the Thurston County State Legislative Delegation for their support and action on behalf of our community. Specifically, we want to
16 • May 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE
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Thurston County Chamber VOICE
May 2018 17
Caught in the Lens...
18 • May 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE
Photos on this page are from Morning Mixxer at Cornerstone Mortgage, YPN at Great Wolf Lodge, Thurston Green Business Awards and ribbon cuttings at Tart Hard Cider, Pellegrinos and Capital Land Trust.
thurstonchamber.com
thurstonchamber.com
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
May 2018 19
Capitalism for Good Get to know entrepreneur, Sanjeev Batta, President of Cayzen Technologies.
By Natasha Ashenhurst
I
f you’ve received a speeding ticket, hired a contractor for home or work, or used an elevator in Washington State, you’ve interacted with a Cayzen Technologies’ work — but chances are you have not heard of this Lacey-based tech company.
In addition to helping state agencies
Cayzen develops and builds custom software solutions for a large client base, but the
program, Batta launched a second
majority of their work in the past 11 years has been for the State. Cayzen helped build the software that connects courts, cities and law enforcement to seamlessly process speeding tickets. Cayzen developed the regulatory process that monitors the safety of the pet food you’ve purchased. Cayzen helped develop the software that enables safety
become more effective in delivering services to Citizens, Cayzen has been an incubator and accelerator for technology startups in the Thurston county. In 2013 as part of its incubation company, Gardiant. “I have done a lot of work with workers compensation in the State of Washington,” said Batta. “We started Gardiant when we asked how
inspections for the elevators.
we could improve the lives of injured
Cayzen works day in, day out with clients to envision a unique way to solve problems
worker compensation process with both
and in the majority of cases the solution involves the creation of custom software. “We help government operate more effectively,” said Cayzen President Sanjeev Batta. “We remove complexity by championing and enabling a customer-focused process. We are not afraid to challenge the status quo and recognize that things can be done differently.” Batta founded Cayzen in Olympia in 2007, and today it employs close to 20 people.
workers by removing the friction in the internal and external stakeholders. “We discovered employers, retrospective rating programs, vocational counselors and others involved in the claim, besides the LNI claims managers, have a role in improving the life of an injured
Continued on page 22. 20 • May 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE
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Thurston County Chamber VOICE
May 2018 21
Continued from page 20.
worker, but they didn’t have the right
refer to as “conscious capitalism.” He
set of tools, so we built the product that
prefers to call it “capitalism for good.”
the majority of RETRO programs and
Batta said communities can utilize a
vocational service providers use today.”
private company’s mindset, energy, innovation and thought processes to
“Gardiant enables stakeholder
solve larger policy issues and problems.
collaboration and removes barriers to communication and information
“The kind of innovation we’ve created
exchange,” said Batta. “Our software
is sometimes not possible in the
connects employers, retro groups,
public sector due to risks, rules and
vocational counselors, and other service
regulations, but the private sector can
providers so they can work together,
take the risk,” said Batta. “We can move
ultimately reducing the claims time and
quickly and make decisions quickly.
the likelihood that the injured worker
We make connections and listen to
can return to work.”
our customers to make decisions that are made in days and weeks instead of
Batta said Gardiant is a great example
months and years.”
of a public/private partnership, because while L&I or any state agency has not
Batta believes that — at the end of the
funded the product’s development,
day — the private sector can solve
they benefit from the impact it has on
public problems because they can move
the outcomes and impact on the whole
quickly, take risks, challenge the status
system. Gardiant is building the product
quo and innovate. This is what he’s
in Washington, but they have plans to
referring to when he states “capitalism
expand nationally.
for good” is at work.
Batta is developing as part of its
Locally, Batta and his team are working
incubation and innovation effort a
to use this approach to solve another
third company in partnership with the
problem -- getting more kids interested
University of Washington Research
in science, technology, engineering and
and Innovation Lab, to increase
math (STEM).
development screening using innovative
“We started a project with Tumwater
technology and behavioral psychology.
High School called the ‘Girls Who Code’
The goal is to make tools available to
program,” he said. “We’re trying to get
parents, healthcare providers, early
more high school kids interested in
childhood service providers and others
programming and technology. I see that
to conduct development screenings for
not enough local talent is coming into
developmental delays.
this field.
Batta said “No one had the funds
“We are also looking to bring more
to do this work, so we are going to
startups to Olympia. Thurston County is
commercialize the project to serve the
a great place to raise a family and there
greater public good while still creating
is room for companies like Gardiant to
a value for investors and stakeholders.”
come in and make a difference.” •
which he said falls under what others 22 • May 2018 Thurston County Chamber VOICE
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May 2018 23
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