May/June 2014 VOICE Magazine by Thurston County Chamber of Commerce

MAY/JUNE 2014

THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

A New Era of workforce development: Meeting labor challenges in our rapidly changing economic landscape See Page 12

B UI L D ING COMMUNITY PROSPERITY FOR 14 0 YEARS

CONTENTS

CALENDAR

Page 3 .....Incoming Chair's Column: Gateway to Engagement Page 3................................................................Save the Date! Page 4 ..........................................Chair’s Column: Thank you. Page 5................................................Health Care Champions Page 6.......................................................Chamber Advocacy Page 10...............................................Welcome New Members Page 12 ...................The New Era of Workforce Development Page 15 ........................Join the Young Professionals Network Page 16......................Leadership Thurston County Graduation Page 19 ..........................................Prime Time Business Expo Page 20.......................................................Networking Events

809 Legion Way SE P.O. Box 1427 Olympia, WA 98507 www.thurstonchamber.com info@thurstonchamber.com 360.357.3362

May 2 South Sound Classic - 9:00 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. - Salish Cliffs Golf Club. May 6 Morning Mixxer - 7:30 a.m.- 8:30 a.m. - FASTSIGNS 4609 Lacey Blvd. SE, Lacey. May 14 Thurston County Chamber Annual Meeting- 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Red Lion Hotel Olympia May 15 Business After Hours - 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Saint Martin's Fr. Richard Cebula, O.S.B. Hall. May 29 Prime Time - 5:27 p.m. Comfort Inn, 1620 74th Ave SW, Tumwater. June 3 Morning Mixxer - 7:30- 8:30 a.m. - Governor Hotel 621 Capitol Way S, Olympia. June 11 Forum - 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Red Lion Hotel Olympia Topic: Leadership Thurston County Graduation June 17 Health Care Champions - 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. - Heritage Room on Capitol Lake June 19 Business After Hours - 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. SCJ Alliance, 8730 Tallon Lane NE, Suite 200, Lacey.

Join the conversation online at facebook.com/ThurstonCountyChamber.

These events require pre-registration at www.thurstonchamber.com

BUILDING COMMUNITY PROSPERITY FOR OVER 135 YEARS Diamond Investors: Anchor Bank Capital Medical Center Heritage Bank Luck Eagle Casino & Hotel Phillips Burgess Port of Olympia Versoria

Executive Officers Ron Bruchet, Chair GHB Insurance Mariella Cummings, Vice Chair Physicians of Southwest WA Neil Woody, Treasurer McSwain & Company PS Mike Marohn, Past Chair Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

Platinum Investors The Creative Office Forma Construction • GCI Ad Agency GHB Insurance • Key Bank Mills & Mills Funeral Home & Memorial Park Morningside Physicians of Southwest Washington Puget Sound Energy TwinStar Credit Union Washington Business Bank Xerox

Gold Investors Cabinets by Trivonna • Columbia Bank D Zines • Creative Solutions First Citizens Bank Express Employment Professionals Great Wolf Lodge • Jessica Jensen Law PS LOTT Alliance • McSwain & Company, PS Nisqually Red Wind Casino Pardiman Productions Providence St. Peter Hospital Red Lion Hotel Olympia • Saint Martin’s University SCJ Alliance • Tags

CHAMBER BOARD & STAFF Board of Trustees Michael Cade, Thurston EDC Jean Carr, SCJ Alliance Jessica Coen, Xerox Dick Cvitanich, Olympia School District George Barner Port of Olympia Cheryl Fambles, PAC Mountain Workforce Development Council

Perry Hanchey, Diamond Technology Innovations George Le Masurier, The Olympian Cheryl Selby, Vivala Jerald Shaw, Anchor Bank Kevin Stormans, Stormans Inc. Sandi Wilson, Thurston First Bank

Jim Geist, Capital Medical Center Editor: David Schaffert Layout & Design: Natasha Ashenhurst Cover Photography: Heather Harris, Elements Photography Printing: Print NW

2 • May/June 2014 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

Chamber Staff David Schaffert, President/CEO Sytease Geib, VP Workforce Development Marny Bright, VP Member Services Alisha Blain, Events Coordinator Laurie Bjerke, Admin. Assistant Debbie Burk, Workforce Development Patti Grant, Leadership Thurston County Beth Johnson, Member Services Pam Singleton, Finance Officer Matthew Sult, Member Services Martha Wagner, Member Services www.thurstonchamber.com

M ESSAGE FROM 2014-15 BOARD C H A IR

The Chamber is a Gateway to Community Engagement By Ron Bruchet, President GHB Insurance Ron Bruchet

hen I first moved to Olympia in 2007, setting aside GHB Insurance’s involvement in the Chamber Benefit Services Fund, my participation in the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce mostly consisted of attending monthly forums, Business After Hours, the annual golf tournament, and the annual Chamber Foundation fundraiser — now known as A Night on the Town. Being new to the area, I was impressed with how active and organized the Chamber was and the involvement of the local business community. The forums were well attended, providing for great networking opportunities, and the guest speakers and topics were always informative. I felt the time and money I was investing was worthwhile and that I was getting the most out of my membership. It wasn’t until I participated in and graduated from Leadership Thurston County in 2010 that I began to better understand the importance of becoming even more engaged in our community. The issues that our region faces are complex and businesses, government, and non-profit organizations need to come together to find real solutions.

When I was asked to serve on the board of trustees for the Chamber, I felt it was a good opportunity as a small business owner to get more involved with an organization that — often times — is one of the only voices for our business community. The Chamber Board is comprised of leaders from education, non-profit, small and large businesses, health care, and more. Along with our partnerships with the Economic Development Council, Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council, more than 1,350 businesses, and a great staff, the Chamber has a significant voice with policymakers in advocating for businesses at all levels. Everyone’s reasons for joining the Chamber are different. Whether you joined to build your business, get more involved in the community, or support your local chamber, the Chamber is committed to creating more jobs, supporting development, advocating locally and nationally, and supporting our youth and education. If you are a current member, I encourage you to invite a new member. Help us get everyone engaged in making our community a better place to live. 

SAVE T H E DAT E !

rew, food and bands. You can help out your community by enjoying over 60 different beers from 30+ hand-picked, Northwest breweries. Come and celebrate Olympia's fine brewing heritage! Proceeds benefit the Thurston County Chamber Foundation's Small Business Incubator. Saturday, August 2, 2014 Port Plaza 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., last call 7:30 p.m. Tickets $25 (21+ only) www.olybrewfest.com

oin us in saying thank you to our military by becoming an event sponsor or by donating a raffle item. Event sponsors receive recognition on promotional material leading up to the event and are announced throughout the day. Contact the Chamber at 360.357.3362 for more information.

More information about upcoming events can be found at www.thurstonchamber.com.

www.thurstonchamber.com

September 5, 2014 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Island Home $65 Online registration open on June 20.

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  May/June 2014 3

M ES SAGE FRO M PA ST C H A I R

Thank You By Mike Marohn, Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor and part owner of 94.5 ROXY

eid Bates handed the gavel to me almost one year ago, and now I am handing it over to Ron Bruchet, incoming chair of the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce Board of Trustees. How did a year go by so quickly? Perhaps it had something to do with the depth and variety of projects I’ve had the opportunity to work on. It has also been a year filled with learning. I was not new to the Chamber. Over the past 10 years, I’ve served in a variety of capacities throughout the organization. I felt I had a good understanding of what the Chamber was about. Once I entered the role of chair, I quickly realized that I had a lot to learn, and this learning process has been a great experience.

"I am continually amazed by the depth and breadth of this organization’s efforts to ensure that our community is thriving." -Mike Marohn I’ve gained a better understanding of the Chamber’s role as an advocate for business and community. I am continually amazed by the depth and breadth of this organization’s efforts to ensure that our community is thriving. Ensuring business success is at the heart of the Chamber’s advocacy role, but it goes beyond that – advocating for private business, land use, wealth platforms, business development, community leadership, infrastructure, regulatory, social services, environmental, transportation, education, youth and workforce are all a significant part of the

Mike Marohn

Chamber’s mission over the past year. We all know and love the Chamber’s social face, and together with the board and Chamber staff, we worked hard to increase event attendance and participation by members. Together, the Chamber continues to breathe new life into monthly and annual events, all of which connect business, members and the community of Thurston County. Ultimately, this is what the Chamber is all about: Bringing people, organizations and resources together, working together and ultimately ensuring a vibrant community for us all. Thank you for allowing me to serve as your Chamber board chair. I look forward to continued service in other capacities. 

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4 May/June 2014 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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ANNUAL MEETING

Annual Meeting - Wednesday, May 14

Congressman Heck to Speak at 109th Annual Meeting Thurston County Chamber of Commerce 2014 Annual Meeting Wednesday, May 14, 11:30 a.m. Red Lion Hotel Olympia (Replaces Monthly Forum)

oin the Chamber for the 109th Annual Meeting and the beginning of the Chamber's 140th year, on Wednesday, May 14. Reservations are required for this event.

Congressman Denny Heck will provide the keynote address. Since taking office in 2012 Congressman Heck's top priorities have been creating jobs, growing our economy and keeping the American Dream alive for the middle class and those working to get into it. He has been a vocal advocate for military families and veterans as well as for the health and natural beauty of the Puget Sound’s environment. Congressman Heck serves on the House Financial Services Committee. He is the only member of the Committee from the Pacific Northwest. He

is a member of the Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit subcommittee as well as the Oversight and Investigations subcommittee. The event will also include the transferring of the gavel from Thurston County Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Mike Marohn to Chair Elect Ron Bruchet, a review of last year's successes, and an optimistic look forward to 2014-2015. There will also be special recognition awards to those who have gone above and beyond.

Congressman Denny Heck

Presenting Sponsors

Cost is $35 per Chamber member, or $245 for a table of seven. Cost for non-members is $45 per person or $315 per table. Includes a plated lunch. Register online at www.thurstonchamber.com and click on Annual Meeting

Chamber Honors Health Care Leaders

lease join us on June 17 as we honor and celebrate leaders who have made a significant impact within the health care industry.

Working with the Thurston-Mason County Medical Society, the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce brings you the eighth annual Health Care Champions event. We will recognize the heroic acts, steadfast dedication, extraordinary service and professionalism that are seen every day in our community’s medical offices, clinics, hospitals, emergency services and related organizations. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Heritage Room at Capitol Lake and will include honoree recognition, videos, hors d’oeuvres and a no host bar.

Presenting Sponsors

Program Partners

Tickets are $40 each. For tickets and information, call the Chamber at 360.357.3362 or visit www.thurstonchamber.com. 

www.thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  May/June 2014 5 

CHAMBER ADVOCACY

The Chamber Partners with the U.S. Small Business Association to offer Workshop Series

"At the loan briefing mall businesses are a powerhouse in asking around looking to get a loan. At the the economy. In fact, according to the workshops we try to get to loan briefing workshops we try to get to know U.S. Small Business Administration, know who is in the room who is in the room and then we tailor the talk they account for 63 percent of net new private and then we tailor the talk to to those small business owners present,â&#x20AC;? said sector jobs, and 48.5 percent of private-sector those small business owners Melanie Norton, SBA Economic Development employment. Specialist. present." Melanie Norton, SBA Economic After attending the loan seminar, the next step In order to encourage small business Development Specialist. generation and success, the U.S. Small for a small business owner is to put together Business Administration offers loan guarantees to financial the materials theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need when they present to a lender. Norton institutions that offer small business loans. often encourages owners to get in touch with a counselor at a small business center before the loan pitch so that another expert In order for small business owners to learn how to tap into this takes a look at it. Once the financing package is ready, the SBA great funding source, they should attend a SBA Loan Seminar, can help identify a lender that the small business owner should currently offered every other month at the Thurston County work with. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want to find a good match between the business Chamber of Commerce. owner and the lender,â&#x20AC;? said Norton. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our goal is to work with small business owners to make sure their business plan is set Representatives from the Small Business Administration and a up and ready to go, but we also work with lenders to provide partner financial institution attend the seminar. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We get people incentives and education to motivate them. We want small from all stages in the process: Someone just thinking about business to be successful.â&#x20AC;? ď Ź starting a business, or someone interested in getting more familiar with the next steps, to a small business that has started The next SBA Loan seminar is on May 20 at the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce. Register at www.thurstonchamber.com

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8 • May/June 2014 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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THANK YOU

TO THE SUPPORTERS OF THE CHAMBER FOUNDATION Night on the Town, the signature event for the Thurston County Chamber Foundation, was held in April at the Capital Events Center in Tumwater. The Foundation would like to thank our contributors, volunteers and attendees.

Presenting Sponsor

Created in 1993, the Foundation was established to house the educational programs of the Chamber. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit with four programs: Leadership Thurston County, Find Your Future, the Small Business Incubator, and Math for Life.

Patrons of the Foundation 94.5 Roxy Anonymous Basilico Cheryl Fambles Columbia Bank Diamond Technology Innovations Edward Jones - Dirk Farrar GHB Insurance Leonard’s Landing Lodge

Lucky Eagle Casino McSwain & Company, PS

Morgan Stanley Ralph's & Bayview Thriftway South Sound Magazine The Eclectics The Olympian Vivala

Supporters of the Foundation Alderbrook Resort & Spa Capital Medical Center Dillinger’s Great Wolf Lodge Olympia Orthopaedic Association SCJ Alliance The Washington Center Washington Business Bank

Contributors of the Foundation AAA Washington Account Source Inc. Boston Harbor Marina Budd Bay Café Intercity Transit Physicians of Southwest Washington Tumwater Auto Spa Tumwater Automotive

*Donors as of April 1

Anchor Bank Builds Community

or more than 100 years, Anchor Bank has been serving Northwest communities. With 11 full-service banking offices and one loan production office located within Southwest Washington, Anchor works diligently to ensure customers achieve their financial goals and objectives. Anchor offers a full range of products and services for both individuals and businesses. In Thurston County, Anchor’s West Olympia branch opened in 1979 and its Lacey branch in 1993. The convenient Lacey facility at 601 Woodland Square Loop also houses the Business Banking Center and Anchor Bancorp offices. With experienced, locally connected Business Bankers, Anchor is ready to help businesses thrive. From custom tailored checking accounts to loan and credit options to a wide array of business convenience services, Anchor is a full-service partner. Anchor Bank is committed to helping local communities grow in many ways and regionally supports over 50 local charitable organizations. South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity recently broke ground for 33 homes being built at Wood’s Glen in Lacey.

www.thurstonchamber.com

Celebrating the site of the Anchor House at Wood’s Glen are (left to right) Jerald Shaw, Lenny Halvorsen, Melissa Stone, Sam Newberry, and Terri Degner with Curt Andino, Executive Director for SPS Habitat.

Anchor is sponsoring the first home which will be called the Anchor House. For the 5th year, Anchor is pleased to sponsor the graduation of this year’s Leadership Thurston County Class. Congratulations, Graduates! 

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  May/June 2014 9

Introducing New Thurston County Chamber of Commerce Members from February & March All Insurance, Inc. Tanya Harmon www.allinsurance1.com Insurance American Pump and Electric Mike Brewer www.olypump.com Contractors - General Artistic Talents Styling Salon Gloria Zvirzdys www.artistictalentssalon.com Beauty Salons & Services

Evergreen Direct Credit Union John Ybarra www.evergreendirect.org Credit Unions Family Support Center Rachel Scharver www.familysupportcenter.org Social Service Organizations Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET) Program Jackie Ferrado www.get.wa.gov Education - Consultants & Services

Beau Legs Fish & Chips Germaine Harris www.beaulegs.com Restaurants

H3 Therapy Services, Inc. Michael Pfeifer Medical Services

Catherine Haag Catherine Haag www.catherinehaag.com Real Estate Agents

Hired Hands, LLC Ken Smith www.hiredhandsllc.com Electric Contractors

The Colonial Inn Ayn Gore www.colonialinnolympia.com Retirement Community

Inspections West, LLC Danny Baker www.inspectionswest.net Home & Building Inspection

Comfort Keepers Cindy Adkins www.comfortkeepers.com Home Health Services

Keller Williams - Saundra Sisk Saundra Sisk www.saundrasisk.kwrealty.com Real Estate Agents

Don Garcia's Mexican Restaurant Don Garcia Restaurants Employment Solutions Plus Jennifer Klika www.esplus-llc.com Employment Services & Consultants

Libby Ross Photography Libby Ross www.libbyrossphotography.com Photographers Mathnasium of Olympia The Math Learning Center Jenn Chevalier www.mathnasium.com/olympia Tutoring

Nearing Total Health Jessie Nearing Massage Therapy Nerium International - B. Cleo Thompson B.Cleo Thompson www.bcleo.nerium.com Skin Care Olympia Home Exteriors Jim Williams www.olyhomeexteriors.com Building Materials Pacific Northwest Auction Service Chastity Clark www.pnwauctioneer.com Auctioneers & Auction Houses Performance Assets Fund LLC Jake Fouts Phonemaster Clifford Hawkeswood Communications PKMM Inc. Stephanie Prosser www.pkmminc.com R B Insurance Associates Richard Bokofsky Insurance Rock Fitness David London www.rockfitness.biz Athletic Club/Fitness Training Sears Bud Putnam www.sears.com Department Stores Send Out Cards/ MJBCards.com James Jackson www.mjbcards.com Gifts

Sign-A-Rama Jeff Klingberg www.signarama-olympia.com Signs Stellar Enterprises LLC Jian Locke Contractors - Remodel & Repair The Strong Center David Ross www.TheStrongCenter.com Health & Fitness Clubs Tulip Landscaping, LLC Ben Witten Landscape Designers UCP, LLC Kelly Foster www.unioncommunityllc.com Building Contractors Valley Nut and Bolt Company, Inc. Don Conant www.valleynutandbolt.com Hardware Vantiv David Dusek www.vantiv.com Merchant Services Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Kathy Randich Mortgages & Contracts West Yelm Family Chiropractic Rebecca Robinson www.westyelmchiro.com Chiropractors, D.C. Wildtree - Katrina Ancel, Independent Rep Katrina Ancel www.mywildtree.com/KANCEL Food Products

For more information on Chamber members, visit www.thurstonchamber.com and click “Member Directory.” 10 May/June 2014 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE  May/June 2014 11

Cheryl Fambles & the New Era of Workforce Development: Meeting Labor Challenges in a Rapidly Changing Economic Landscape. By Natasha Ashenhurst

hen Cheryl Fambles moved from Hawaii to Yelm with her family in 1968, the Pacific Northwest timber industry had a major impact on the family’s success. “My dad was a logger, and logging and the benefits from the timber industry stabilized our family,” she said.

She graduated from Yelm High School and went on to the Evergreen State College and City University. She was a National Urban Fellow, a program that promotes women and people of color in leadership positions. She spent 20 years in local government, building relationships between the public and private sector.

“Workforce development is about the actions a community or system takes to promote and develop the talent and capabilities of the people in that community,” said Fambles. “Federal legislation provides oversight of this system through workforce development councils, made up of the critical stakeholders in that region.”

Today, Fambles is the chief executive officer of Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council – or PacMtn. Her work at PacMtn – especially her work with the PacMtn Board of Directors – builds on her experience creating partnerships and her keen understanding of our regional economic landscape.

The PacMtn Board is appointed by locally elected officials from a fivecounty region – Thurston, Mason, Lewis, Grays Harbor and Pacific counties – and stakeholders from the workforce development system, including a minimum of 51 percent private sector representation.

Under Fambles’ leadership, the board has become a crucial driver behind regional partnerships and workforce development. These partners are implementing a new investment model to meet business workforce needs and create a vibrant local economy.

Partnership Model: Xerox & DSHS A recent example of the partnerships built on this model is one between Xerox and the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. Economic Services Administration’s Assistant Secretary David Stillman, together with

Continued on page 15

VOICE cover photo features Cheryl Fambles. Photo courtesy of Heather Harris, Elements Photography. Photo above: Chamber President/CEO David Schaffert and Cheryl Fambles meet with U.S. Labor Secretary Perez and Governor Inslee to discuss long-term unemployment. Photo Courtesy of Governor Inslee.

12 • May/June 2014 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

www.thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  May/June 2014 13

GAME ON!

Knee Replacement Improves Quality Of Life For Jon Mould Step on a racquetball court with Jon Mould and you better bring your A game. The active 70-year-old played three times a week — until the pain in his right knee became so severe he was forced to stop. “It was an easy decision to choose Capital Medical Center for my total knee replacement when I learned that their joint surgery program uses an advanced pain management technique that helps control pain for up to 72 hours after surgery,” explained Jon. “That sounded great to me!”

He has been steadfast in his recovery routine, which includes a stationary bike workout and tackling yard work, like blowing the leaves off his driveway that’s 500-feet long with a 12 percent incline, because he is fixed on his end goal — returning to playing racquetball.

To learn more about how knee replacement surgery at Capital Medical Jon underwent his surgery late last summer. “From start to Center could improve your quality of finish, I had a great experience,” recalled Jon. Just two life, go to capitalmedical.com weeks after his surgery, Jon was walking without a cane. or call 360-956-1296. 3900 Capital Mall Dr. SW Olympia, WA 98502 360-754-5858 888-677-9757 Read more about Jon’s experience online at capitalmedical.com Capital Medical Center is partly owned by some of the physicians who serve our patients.

14 • May/June 2014 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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Continued from page 12.

Mercer. “This work gives them the skills necessary to move on to higher level jobs. We believe that it is a lot easier to get a job when you already have a job.”

Don Mercer and Eddie Rodriguez of DSHS, recognized that the two biggest challenges for the long-term unemployed were childcare and transportation. They also learned from Sytease Geib, vice president of workforce development at the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce, that Xerox has trouble retaining entry-level workers because of those same two issues. Together, DSHS and Xerox developed the Employment Pipeline, a pilot program meant to remove barriers that often lead to the loss of a job, and provide a skilled workforce for businesses in our region. “We talked to Xerox’s (Lacey) General Manager, Jessica Coen ... and she gave us a list of criteria she needed potential employees to meet,” said Don Mercer, DSHS statewide employer relations manager. “Then we worked with our clients (people on DSHS support services) looking for employment and to become more self-sufficient.” Mercer’s team pre-screened clients that were interested in working at Xerox and then put them through a training course, created in partnership with South Puget Sound Community College, designed to give clients the required customer service skills. Then, DSHS facilitated Intercity Transit providing vans for clients who needed transportation. Finally, they encouraged Tutor Time – a childcare center – to open earlier so employees

Fambles sites the partnership between Xerox and DSHS as a great example of the changing nature of workforce development.

A New Era of Workforce Development Above: Cheryl Fambles. Photo courtesy of Heather Harris, Elements Photography.

would have a place to take their children in the morning. Today, more than 33 people have gone through the Employment Pipeline at Xerox, with 31 still employed today.

“The other factor in the success of this program is our employment navigators,” said Mercer. “They work from an outstation office at Xerox in the event that DSHS clients need services. They get the support they need and they don’t miss work.” The program started with Xerox, but is working to expand to include Lucky Eagle Casino and Hotel in Rochester, State Farm and Comcast. They are looking to expand to other parts of the state. “This program starts by meeting the needs of business, and then meeting the goal of getting people into jobs so they can get their lives back,” said

“In the past, workforce development was heavily focused on the dislocated worker, establishing systems that gave them what they needed,” Fambles said. “We retrained them and put them back into the workforce. This was when jobs were plentiful and we could train them for work they wanted to do.” That model changed with the Great Recession. “The reality is that our recovery has been slow and businesses have found efficiencies to get the job done without as many employees. Many jobs will never come back. Our region has already experienced that with the timber industry,” said Fambles. “We have to be more strategic and precise in the investments we make with training. We must partner with business to assure we meet their needs for a trained workforce … getting people performing that work and earning a paycheck again.” Continued on page 23.

Introducing the Young Professionals Network

re you a young professional interested in expanding your connections in Thurston County? If so, check out the Thurston Chamber’s Young Professionals Network (YPN). The YPN will meet the first Thursday of every month at 5:30 p.m. Visit www.thurstonchamber.com for location information. There is no cost to join.

www.thurstonchamber.com

Spread the word, open your contact list and bring a friend who may or may not be a Chamber Member. Our goal is to create a fantastic environment for our Young Professionals to meet their peers and grow their network. We will have a short, professional program during the Mixer but the emphasis will be on networking so bring your cards and get

ready to grow your professional contact list and meet some new friends.●

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  May/June 2014 15

LEADERSHIP THURSTON COUNTY

Forum - Wednesday, June 11

Leadership Thurston County Celebrates Class of '14 Wednesday, June 11, 11:30 a.m. Red Lion Hotel Olympia 2300 Evergreen Park Dr. SW, Olympia Reservations are requested

www.thurstonchamber.com

eadership Thurston County (LTC) and the Thurston County Chamber Foundation are pleased to recognize members of the Class of 2014. Sponsored by ANCHOR BANK for the 5th consecutive year, the graduation program will be held June 11 during the monthly Thurston County Chamber of Commerce Forum. Patty Belmonte, executive director of the Hands of Children’s Museum, will provide the keynote address. Also on June 11, alumni and community friends are invited Graduation to a special Social celebrating 20 LTC Classes. Sponsor Presented by Capitol City Press, the event will be held from 5 - 8 p.m. at the Olympia Country & Golf Club.

During the 10-month program, participants met with community leaders, learned about issues, expanded networks and explored opportunities to get involved. Topics ranged from economic development and government budgets to environmental issues and public health. Field trips included visits to local businesses, schools and universities, public agencies and non-profit organizations. MANY THANKS to Graduation Sponsor Anchor Bank, employers who sponsored participants, local leaders who contributed to the monthly sessions, LTC Sustaining Trustees, the Board of Regents and the Thurston County Chamber. ●

20th Class Alumni and Friends Event Wednesday, June 11, 5 – 8 p.m. Olympia Country & Golf Club 3636 Country Club Dr. NW, Olympia Reservations are requested at www.thurstonchamber.com Presented by Capital City Press

Forum Sponsors

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Leadership Thurston County Class of 2014 Mike Babauta Andrea Ballard Wayne Ballew Jessie Bensley Alisha Blain Dennis Bloom Tim Braniff Jan Cahill Kim Combs Liz Davis Gayla Duerr Wade Duffy Meg Nugent Dwyer Nick Eisenmann Meghan Feuk Jessica Forsman Wayne Graham Bonnie Herrington Roger Horn Sandra Kaiser Robbi Kesler Paul Larsen Donnie Miller Kathy Pickernell Carlos Quiles Jessica Rice Karla Robertson Laurie Schindler Amber Smith Heather Stafford Smith Ann Sweeney Aram Wheeler Caleb White Kristy Wolf Ramsey Zimmerman

Boys & Girls Club of Thurston County Expecting Change Consulting Puget Sound Energy Port of Olympia Thurston County Chamber Intercity Transit Thurston County Undersheriff Port of Olympia Olympia Downtown Association Junior League of Olympia TwinStar Credit Union City of Lacey Saint Martin’s University Capitol City Press LOTT Clean Water Alliance Capital Medical Center Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office

City of Olympia

Volunteer/Planning Commissioner, City of Olympia

The Evergreen State College Chehalis Tribe Crisis Clinic of Thurston County GCI Advertising Lucky Eagle Casino City of Tumwater Express Employment Professionals Columbia Bank Morningside LOTT Clean Water Alliance Intercity Transit Red Lion Hotel Heritage Bank Habitat for Humanity City of Tumwater Thurston Economic Development Council

www.thurstonchamber.com

Saint Martin’s University & Microsoft Join Forces to Support Service Members Exiting the Military. By Meg Nugent Dwyer, Saint Martin's University

aint Martin’s University and Microsoft Corporation have joined forces to support the professional success of active-duty service members as they prepare to leave the military. The Microsoft Software & Systems Academy, based at the Saint Martin’s Extended Learning Division at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, offers a 16-week course to prepare service members for acquiring the knowledge needed for technology careers such as a software developer, applications engineer and IT project manager.

Creation of the MSSA was inspired by the “VOW to Hire Heroes Act,” which allows a service member to begin the employment process before his or her separation from the military to facilitate a seamless transition to other careers. This is especially important for those service members who are unsure about how the skills they acquired in the military will apply to private-sector jobs. Saint Martin’s University, Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Microsoft Corp. marked the achievement of 22 service members who completed the inaugural Microsoft Software & Systems The first group of academy Academy pilot program during a private ceremony in December at the Norman Worthington students completed the Conference Center, located on the Lacey campus.

Adjunct professors from Saint Martin’s are teaching the course and the curriculum, provided by the University, helps the students meet the expectations of employers like Microsoft.

“The caliber of the students is extremely high and the instructors’ commitment to help every service member succeed is truly admirable,” says Radana Dvorak, Ph.D., dean of extended learning at Saint Martin’s. Launch Consulting joins Microsoft, the University and JBLM in this collaborative effort.

PRIME TIME Business EXPO Thursday, May 29 at 5:27 p.m. Comfort Inn, Tumwater

This is a Free Networking Event! Featuring our new Chamber members and the members who recruited them during our Membership Event in January 2014. www.thurstonchamber.com

coursework last fall and was honored at a special recognition ceremony held on the Saint Martin’s campus Dec. 2, 2013. The second cohort of students completed their work at the Microsoft Software and Systems Academy in May. ●

SBA Loan Seminar Tuesday May 20, Noon-1 p.m.

No Fee, Included with Membership The Small Business Administration is the largest source of long-term small business financing in the nation. Private lenders make the loans and the SBA guarantees a percentage of the loan amount up to $3.75 million. Seminar topics include: • SBA Loan Guarantee Program • Eligibility and Credit Requirements • The Loan Process • What Lenders Look For • Financing Alternative • Business Plan or Loan Proposal Resources

Seminar held at the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce. Call 360.357.3362 or visit www.thurstonchamber.com to register.

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  May/June 2014 19

Networking Events Morning Mixxer

may 6 - 7:30 a.m.

June 3 - 7:30 a.m.

4609 Lacey Blvd. SE, Lacey

621 Capitol Way S, Olympia

FASTSIGNS Hosts May Mixxer Join the Chamber for our May Morning Mixxer at FASTSIGNS. Stop by and enjoy a hot cup of coffee and an array of breakfast treats while you tour FASTSIGNS. You’ll also have the chance to win tickets to a Harlequin production. FASTSIGNS provides visual communications solutions to solve your challenges tell your story and increase visibility. ●

Morning Mixxer Promotional Sponsors

Governor Hotel hosts June Mixxer Coffee and a delicious breakfast awaits at The Governor Hotel at our June Morning Mixxer. Situated in the heart of beautiful downtown Olympia and central to over 60 restaurants and specialty shops, The Governor Hotel offer 126 spacious guest rooms with panoramic views of the city, Sylvester Park or Capitol Lake. The hotel is six blocks north of the State Capitol and six blocks south of the Olympia Farmers Market. ●

Morning Mixxer is the first Tuesday of each month, from 7:30-8:30 a.m. Locations vary. Includes coffee and pastries. Admission is FREE.

Business After Hours

May 15 - 5:30 p.m. 5000 Abbey Way SE, Lacey

8730 Tallon Lane NE, Suite 200, Lacey

SCJ Alliance is Expanding!

Tour Award Winning Cebula Hall Our May Business After Hours will take place in Fr. Richard Cebula, O.S.B. Hall, which houses the Hal and Inge Marcus School of Engineering on the Saint Martin’s University campus. While enjoying delicious hors d’oeuvres and beverages on the third floor’s patio, check out the building’s innovative features. Having more than doubled the space of the previous engineering building, Cebula Hall has increased the University’s capacity to accept growing numbers of qualified engineering students.●

Business After Hours Promotional Sponsors

June 19 - 5:30 p.m.

SCJ Alliance celebrates their new location with a Business After Hours Open House. Enjoy food, wine and drawings. Like SCJ Alliance on Facebook to receive updates on this event. SCJ Alliance is a consulting firm specializing in engineering, design, transportation and planning. Founded in 2006 as Shea Carr Jewell, it has grown steadily in number of employees, offered services and revenue. SCJ started with three employees in Thurston County and now has more than 50 employees in five locations across three states…Washington, Idaho and Colorado.●

Business After Hours is the third Thursday of each month, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Locations vary. Admission is FREE.

20 May/June 2014 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

www.thurstonchamber.com

Office Supplies Next day delivery is available for over 40,000 items that we have in stock.

Promotional Products We offer a large selection of promotional gifts for your meetings, trade shows, product branding and events.

Office Furniture, Space Planning & Design Our Furniture Specialists draft, develop, space plan & design your furniture project to get

Quick and Simple Online Ordering www.thecreativeoffice.com

(360) 754-1732

(800) 900-1732

721 Legion Way SE, Olympia

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE  May/June 2014 21

www.thurstonchamber.com

Continued from page 15.

Business 2 Business, a PacMtn program administered by the Thurston County Chamber Commerce, assists in the attainment of this goal. “Business to Business is the voice of the employer and identifies workforce issues, such as high turnover, or a lack of necessary skills, and creates partnerships within the region to find the resources needed to assist business and job seekers, especially the long-term unemployed,” said Geib.

better job. “It is more important to jump into the job market anywhere you can, then move around, continuing to learn and gain new skills. We no longer have career ladders, we have a lattice. Just get on, then lattice your way around to get where you want to go. Don’t ever feel stuck. We find that when people stagnate and hope dies, you’re done.”

Fambles is adamant workforce has to remain an externally focused conversation rather than one focused just on case management. “We no longer have career

Michael Cade, director of the Thurston ladders, we have a lattice. Just get County Economic Development Council, sits on the PacMtn board and helps shape the on, then lattice your way around to get where you want to go." conversation. He adds that not only should -Cheryl Fambles the conversation focus on business and workforce needs today, but far beyond that. “Our role is to look downstream and make sure that business needs are being served tomorrow,” said Cade. “Businesses must be confident that our workforce will continue to meet their needs and that the people in our region are prepared to be a part of vibrant community growth. “Employment is transformational. Many times, people don’t understand what a job means until they don’t have one. When we talk about unemployment rates, when we talk about workforce development, let’s remember that we are talking about people and families.”

“We have to be engaged in the community and part of the economic landscape,” said Fambles. “The vitality of our economy is dependent on the quality of the workforce. We have to help the job seeker get the skills necessary to grow our local industries and bring economic vitality to the region. If you are in workforce development you are in economic development.”  Natasha Ashenhurst is a writer for the VOICE Magazine and can be contacted at nashenhurst@thurstonchamber.com

Identifying Resources that Benefit Business and Individuals The Business 2 Business and Camo 2 Commerce programs are working to further partnerships in the region and also identify resources that benefit both business and individuals. As an example, these programs help businesses employ someone who is eligible to receive three months subsidized wage, which helps the bottom line.

Bring Clarity, Alignment and Action to What You Do. Lets Get Started Today.

ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

“We can help businesses think about what is coming down the pike, such as the incredibly trained workforce exiting from Joint Base Lewis-McChord,” said Geib. “Businesses can benefit from having those individuals in our backyard that are ready and able. Hopefully that will inspire local businesses and industry to grow because they have the people they need.”

STRATEGIC BUSINESS PLANNING

Education is also fundamental to the development of that pipeline.

TEAM BUILDING/CONFLICT RESOLUTION

“The K-12 system is key here, and our community colleges partners are essential in retraining efforts,” said Fambles. “Furthermore, we have to think about life-long learning. In this economy, people have to keep their skills cutting-edge in order to stay competitive.”

TRAINING, MENTORING AND COMMUNICATION

Fambles agrees with Mercer that individuals should consider taking a job, getting some experience and then use it to find a www.thurstonchamber.com

PROCESS DESIGN EXECUTIVE AND LEADERSHIP COACHING BOARD DEVELOPMENT CAREER DISASTER RECOVER

BUSINESS PROCESS IMPROVEMENT

360-789-3711 VERSORIAONLINE.COM

Terry Taylor, MA, MCC

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  May/June 2014 23

PO BOX 1427 Olympia, WA 98507-1427

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