O C T O B E R
Bron's Automotive
Beloved local business owner shares his secrets to years of success
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Voter's Guide Twenty-six candidates answer our questions about how to create a stronger economy
GROWING A PROSPEROUS ECONOMY & VIBRANT COMMUNITY
magazine PUBLISHER Thurston County Chamber of Commerce
EDITORIAL David Schaffert 360-357-3362 dschaffert@thurstonchamber.com
CONTRIBUTORS David Schaffert Doug Mah Heidi Smith Heather Harris
ADVERTISING Sales & Marketing: Krystal Barkus Elizabeth Bretschneider Susie Greene Blake Knoblauch
SUBSCRIPTIONS 360-357-3362 info@thurstonchamber.com
DESIGN Ben Hawkes, Mosaic Marketing Studio
COVER ART
Bron Lindgren, Photo by Heather Harris, Elements Photography
PRINTING Print NW
CONTACT THE CHAMBER PO Box 1427 809 Legion Way SE Olympia, WA 98507 360-357-3362 info@thurstonchamber.com thurstonchamber.com
COPYRIGHT All material appearing in the VOICE Magazine is copyright unless otherwise stated or it may rest with the provider of the supplied material. The VOICE Magazine takes all care to ensure information is correct at time of printing, but the publisher accepts no responsibility or liability for the accuracy of any information contained in the text or advertisements. ©2019 VOICE Magazine, Thurston County Chamber.
Vote! Your Community Depends On It by David Schaffert, President/CEO, Thurston Chamber Doug Mah, Doug Mah & Associates & Thurston Chamber's Public Policy Director
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n November, voters in Thurston County and area cities and towns will be asked to select local elected leaders that will shape and guide our community for the next four years. It is important that Thurston County Chamber members vote. Local, “offyear” elections typically don’t generate public interest like elections for Presidents, Governors, Congressional or State Legislative Offices. In fact, in 2017 when the ballot contained two contested races for Port Commissioner (districts 2 and 3) voter turnout was less than 35 percent. That means less than 4 in 10 registered voters decided the make-up of the Olympia Port Commission. And if you think your vote doesn’t matter, please consider in 2015, when the margin in the Port Commission race for district 3 was only 227 votes. This is a difference of about 4/10th of a percent.
Low voter turnout is often an indicator that only the extremists at both ends of the political spectrum are engaged. We think the outcome of some races would be different if more voters from the middle of the political spectrum voted in every election. Narrow margins of victory are often an indicator of two very qualified candidates presenting a difficult choice for voters. However, if fewer than half of registered voters are voting, then it only takes the extremist to win. Either way, if we don’t vote our voice is not heard. The Thurston County Chamber and its Public Policy Division encourages all voters to gain a better understanding of the candidates and their positions concerning the local economy. Public policy is determined by those that participate. The easiest and most important step in participating is to vote. We encourage you to vote in this November’s general election. Your vote counts.
THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY INVESTORS
DIAMOND INVESTORS
SCJ Alliance
GHB Insurance, Inc.
Capital Medical Center
Grays Harbor Fair & Tourism
PLATINUM INVESTORS
The Evergreen State College
South Puget Sound Community College
Greene Realty Group
The Rants Group
Heritage Bank - Olympia
GOLD INVESTORS
Hometown Property Management, Inc.
L & E Bottling Company, Inc.
American Workforce Group
Morningside
Caliber Home Loans
Olympia Federal Savings
Charter College
Nisqually Red Wind Casino
Olympia Nissan Commercial Vehicle
Commerce Home Mortgage LoanStar Division
Olympia Furniture Company Pardiman Productions
TwinStar Credit Union Corporate Office
Phillips Burgess, PLLC
Community Youth Services
Radia Inc., PS
Providence St. Peter Hospital
Timberland Bank
Washington Business Bank
Puget Sound Energy
The Creative Office
Wells Fargo Community Bank
Saint Martin's University
America's Credit Union - Lacey FORMA Construction Company Little Creek Casino & Resort Lucky Eagle Casino and Hotel Olympia Orthopaedic Associates, PLLC Port of Olympia
The Firs Senior Living Community
Great Wolf Lodge
Hooper Financial Services Mills & Mills Funeral Home
Venables Pest Management
THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER BUILDING COMMUNITY PROSPERITY SINCE 1874
Is there an elephant in your office?
Workplace conflict, lack of communication and incivility are common in many organizations, but, too often, ignored or avoided. The Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County provides a variety of resources to help businesses and organizations resolve conflict, prevent conflict and improve communication: Workplace Mediation Group Facilitation Customized Training
Please join us for a special Breakfast Workshop
Prevent and Resolve
Civic Harmony Starts Here
Contact us to explore how the DRC can serve your needs: MediateThurston.org (360) 956-1155 • info@mediatethurston.org
Workplace Conflict Tuesday, October 22nd 8:00 – 9:30 a.m. SPSCC Lacey Campus • Cost: $35 Register: MediateThurston.org/WorkplaceConflict
“I absolutely love building communities, and seeing neighbors gather in new places and in new ways.”
Ken Pekola VP Commercial Banking Olympia Federal Savings
Local support to revitalize and restore. Ken knows lasting achievements start with a vision – and with innovative lending to support vibrant spaces. Ken worked with Alicia Elliot to revitalize her West Olympia neighborhood, creating a new Victorian-era building for the Park Side Café – a tribute to Ken’s commercial lending expertise and OlyFed’s community-first focus. Contact Ken to launch your next project.
HERE FOR YOU, HERE FOR GOOD olyfed.com I 360-754-3400 I kpekola@olyfed.com I member fdic
October 2019 THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER VOICE MAGAZINE
Every month, the Thurston County Chamber offers several networking events, forums and workshops to the community. Here are some highlights you won't want to miss.
Morning Mixxer at Great Floors Please join our host Great Floors on Tuesday, October 1 at 7:30 a.m. for the Thurston Chamber's Morning Mixxer. Great Floors will provide breakfast treats, and our sponsor, L&E Bottling, will host the coffee bar and you can enjoy a morning of networking. Morning Mixxer is free to attend. Where: Great Floors, 7800 Martin Way E., Lacey, WA 98516.
Forum: Meet the Candidates – Port Commissioner & Mayor Join the Thurston County Chamber on Wednesday, October 9 at 11:30 a.m. at Hotel RL Olympia for our monthly Forum. This event will feature a moderated discussion between the candidates in two important races, Port of Olympia Commissioner and City of Olympia Mayor. Cost is $25 for members, $30 for non-members in advance. $30 for members, $35 for non-members at the door. Where: Hotel RL Olympia, 2300 Evergreen Park Dr SW, Olympia, WA 98502.
Thurston Young Professionals at Royce Marie Bean Bar Join Thurston Young Professionals on Thursday, October 3 at 5:30 p.m. at Royce Marie Bean Bar. Enjoy a selection of beverages and snacks, meet with other Young Professionals (21-39 year olds) and expand your network. Where: 676 Woodland Sq Loop SE, Suite 105, Lacey, WA 98503.
Business After Hours at Columbia Bank Join the Thurston Chamber on Thursday, October 17, at 5:30 p.m. for Business After Hours at Columbia Bank. Business After Hours is a free networking event. Hosts provide light appetizers and beverages, games and raffles. This is a great chance to learn about a local organization and expand your network. Where: Columbia Bank, 303 Union Ave SE Olympia, WA 98501
iTYP
iTYP – Influence Thurston Young Professionals
In This Issue... The Lasting Success of Bron's Automotive p.7 A long-time Olympia business owner shares his secrets to success.
Meet the Candidates p.10 We asked the candidates two questions about our regional economy.
Special Ballot Measure: Proposition #1 p.19 Upgrading our countywide emergency communication systems and facilities.
Meet the new LTC Class! p.21 Leadership Thurston County kicks off its 26th class!
Join the Thurston Chamber on Friday, October 25, at 12 p.m. for Influence Thurston Young Professionals, a new program of Thurston Young Professionals, designed to connect TYPs with business leaders in our region. TYP is looking to help bridge the distance between entering into a professional work environment and the management and/or executive career paths. On October 25, Young Professionals will hear from Jim Greene, owner of Greene Realty Group. $15 for
Caught in the Lens p.23 A glimpse at Thurston Chamber events over the past month!
non-Chamber members and $10 for Chamber members. Lunch provided. Where: Greene Realty Group, 1722 Harrison Ave, Olympia, WA 985801.
Thank you Sponsors! thurstonchamber.com
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Serving All of Thurston County ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT THROUGHOUT THURSTON COUNTY
1. Provided $70,000 for the renovation of the Historic Oddfellows
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2. Provided $75,000 to complete the Master plan for the SW
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3. Provided $10,000 for the installation of wider sidewalks,
bulb-outs and landscaping along Binghampton Street to build downtown character and enhance the setting for local and visiting shoppers.
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5. Provided $15,000 to support investment in the Lacey Yelm
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6. In partnership with the City of Tumwater and U.S. Fish and
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7. In partnership with the Frank Family, Squaxin Island Tribe and
Salmon Defense, developed and maintains the Billy Frank Jr. Park and Trail to provide a historical and educational self-guided walking tour.
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The Ongoing Evolution of Bron's Automotive by Heidi Smith
In the early days of Bron’s Automotive, owner Bron Lindgren did everything himself. “I was the mechanic, the service writer, the parts person, the receptionist, and the cleaner,” he says. “One of the challenges was learning how to change my role as I kept hiring more people.” It’s been eight years since he worked on a car personally, but his team of mechanics and technicians maintain Bron's Automotive owner, Bron Lindgren.
Bron has spent over four decades in the automotive industry, working his way up to the dealership level and then spending ten years at Intercity Transit creating the preventative maintenance program for the auto department. When he first entered the industry in 1977, cars had no computers, only carburetors. Today, the average car has more than 50 computers, all talking with each other. “Now what you look for in a mechanic is not just somebody who enjoys working with their hands, but someone who enjoys solving puzzles and figuring things out,” says Bron.
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the integrity and level of service that are synonymous with the company’s name. “Things are changing so fast that if you don’t continuously update your training and education, you’ll get left behind pretty quickly.” He founded the company in 2002, driven by two factors. One, he wasn’t sure about withstanding the physical rigors of working on vehicles until retirement. “I already was hurting going under the dash and picking up engines and transmissions,” he says. “I didn’t know if my body could survive being a mechanic until I was 65.” The other consideration: a desire to offer a different level of service than
he was commonly seeing. As an example, in many of the places he'd worked there was no exact standard regarding when a repair or service was recommended. "The truth is, there's a whole continuum of 'How worried are we about this, and what is appropriate?''' he says. His solution was to treat each customer’s car as if it belonged to his wife - or himself. “If there’s something I would do on my wife’s car or my own, I’ll recommend it to a client,” he says. “If not, I won’t. That seems to resonate pretty strongly with people.” Bron also makes a point of keeping
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“I consider that one of my biggest successes,” he says. “It warms my heart when people tell me, ‘I hear you’ve got a really good shop.”
prices for oil changes and other common services equal to or lower than chain automotive shops. The result is a loyal clientele and one of the things he prizes most: a good reputation. “I consider that one of my biggest successes,” he says. “It warms my heart when people tell me, ‘I hear you’ve got a really good shop'."
Green Business Program, which promotes green practices. Looking ahead, Bron anticipates moving to a larger shop with a bigger parking lot that will enable the business to serve more customers. He’s also considering another sort of move at some point in the future. As he puts it, “I’m figuring out how to make retirement my next job.”
Another plus is his team. In an industry with an ongoing workforce shortage and a 27.2 percent turnover rate, Bron’s Automotive has a group that has worked together for years. “That’s a success,” he says. “Everybody’s having a good time working together. More gets done and we don’t have to be retraining people all the time.” The team can perform everything from simple tasks like oil changes to more sophisticated work on brakes, suspensions, timing belt and electronics, including reprogramming, or ‘reflashing’, computers. Bron is quick to point out that his business didn’t get where it is today without support. He credits South Puget Sound Community College for classes in auto mechanics, business and accounting. He later served on the college’s advisory board for their auto program, a role Service Manager Joey Crider has now taken over. In the early years, Bron benefitted from free consultations through the Thurston Economic Development Council, an organization he calls ‘a fabulous resource for new business'.” More recently he’s appreciated the Thurston Chamber of Commerce’s
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Meet the Candidates Get to know the candidates and their ideas for the Thurston region's future economic success.
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his year, we asked candidates running for Port Commissioner, Mayor of Olympia, and City Councilmember in Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, and Yelm to answer two questions. We hope that their short answers give you a better idea about their applicable experiences and what they see as the biggest opportunity for regional economic growth. Many people view these races as pivotal with regional significance and we recognize that our elected officials can directly shape the civic tone and reputation of our region. Read their responses on the following pages. Join the Thurston County Chamber Wednesday, Oct. 9 for the annual candidate forum and reception to meet candidates running for public office. Don't miss this celebration of politics, policy and people! This event will feature a moderated discussion with the Port of Olympia Commissioner race candidates—incumbent Joe Downing and challenger Helen Wheatley and the City of Olympia Mayoral race candidates — incumbent Cheryl Selby and challenger Nathaniel Jones. Doug Mah, Director of Thurston Chamber’s Public Policy team will moderate the discussion. “The races for Mayor and Port Commissioner are seen by many people as pivotal with regional significance,” said Mah, “these two elected positions, in particular, can directly shape the civic tone and reputation for our region.” In addition, candidates from across the region running for other public offices in Thurston County will be at the Candidates Reception beginning at 11:15 to meet and mingle with community and business leaders.
For more information, visit thurstonchamber.com and click on 'Events'.
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PORT COMMISSION, DISTRICT 1 OLYMPIA MAYOR
Q&A with the Candidates
Helen Wheatley
Cheryl Selby
Joe Downing
Nathaniel Jones
Name
Position
Q1: Summarize your Q2: Looking to the future, what do experience creating greater you see as the biggest opportunity for regional economic prosperity? regional growth in the Thurston region?
Helen Wheatley
Port Commission, As a former professor, my background is service and District 1
Joe Downing
Port Commission, South County Agricultural Hub, Swantown fuel dock, investing in District 1
Cheryl Selby
Olympia Mayor
I owned two retail stores, created first Olympia ED Director position, served on the TCEDC board and was a WCWB Business coach.
We need to coordinate regionally on redeveloping the old Tumwater Brewery properties. It would be a visible sign of local prosperity that's sorely needed.
Nathaniel Jones
Olympia Mayor
For government, economic development is about quality infrastructure - roads, schools, transit, parks, sewer, water and technology. My career has been building great infrastructure for communities.
Talent. South Sound is blessed with educated, talented people. Retain, attract, and grow more -- jobs and prosperity will follow. Our greatest opportunity is talent.
scholarship with environmental emphasis. A healthy environment sustains a healthy economy.
Regional medical care, education and government support services build jobs and community. Protecting our rural character and our most vulnerable people fosters true prosperity.
Two opportunities: Distribution hub and passenger transportation at airport. Lacey incubator space and “Maker Developing real estate on Port owned Space”, infrastructure investment in property. Both create family wage jobs Tumwater, and diversifying cargo and economic activity. at Marine Terminal.
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Meet the Candidates
OLYMPIA CITY COUNCIL POS 2
When: Candidates Reception & Meet the Candidates Forum is Wednesday, Oct. 9 at 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Where: Hotel RL Olympia What: Forum includes lunch, and the cost is $35 for general admission, $25 for prepaid Chamber members, and $30 for members at the door.
OLYMPIA CITY COUNCIL POS 3
Jessica Bateman
Dani Madrone
Phyllis Booth
Matt Goldenberg
Name
Position
Q1: Summarize your Q2: Looking to the future, what do experience creating greater you see as the biggest opportunity for regional economic prosperity? regional growth in the Thurston region?
Jessica Bateman
Olympia provides funding Olympia City Council Position 2 for the Scale Up program – a
Phyllis Booth
For decades I volunteered in Olympia Economic growth begins with educated, Olympia City encouraged minds. We must create Council Position 2 schools encouraging young minds,
Dani Madrone
Prosperity is achieved when Olympia City Council Position 3 everyone enjoys a high quality
Olympia is currently conducting a workforce analysis to survey current Olympia business, comprehensive business growth identify areas for growth, and recruitment training program, the Grow Olympia strategies for securing living wage jobs. Fund, and Enterprise for Equity.
Quixote Village, area churches, and alerted thousands to successfully stop misuse of tax monies.
of life. I have worked for housing opportunities, the environment, and an abundance of local food.
As a clinical Psychologist I have Matt Olympia City Goldenberg Council Position 3 worked to support many different
types of employees as well as business owners in their economic prosperity.
Nominate Your Boss for Boss of the Year! 12
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opportunities where everyone can succeed by gathering all residents' ideas and talents.
We can build our workforce and stimulate wage growth with employment programs that address community needs, including food production, housing construction, and climate change initiatives. Improving equity within the marketplace to progress employee retention across demographics.
Are you one of the lucky ones? Do you have a boss who inspires you to dream, learn and take action? The Thurston County Chamber and Express Employment Professionals are seeking nominations for Boss of the Year! Take some time to nominate your boss for Boss of the Year and see him/her receive well-deserved recognition. The Chamber and Express will present the Boss of the Year designation on December 11, 2019. Visit thurstonchamber.com to nominate your boss today! Nominations will be accepted through Friday, Oct. 25, 2019.
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
thurstonchamber.com
LACEY CITY COUNCIL POS 1
LACEY CITY COUNCIL POS 2
LACEY CITY COUNCIL POS 3
Malcolm Miller
Lenny Greenstein
Ed Kunkel
Sarah Jean Morris
Harald Jones
Lynda Zeman
Name
Position
Q1: Summarize your experience creating greater regional economic prosperity?
Q2: Looking to the future, what do you see as the biggest opportunity for regional growth in the Thurston region?
Malcolm Miller
Lacey City Council Position 1
No answer provided. The candidate failed to respond to the question. Candidates were given 4 days to answer the questions.
Sarah Jean Lacey City Morris Council Position 1
No answer provided. The candidate failed to respond to the question. Candidates were given 4 days to answer the questions.
Small business owner, part of Lenny Lacey City Greenstein Council Position 2 lowering the City’s portion of B&O
The Gateway project in Lacey and the continued commercial development in NE tax, changes to land use restrictions Lacey as well as the Huntamer Park area’s resulting in thousands of new jobs economic resurgence. in Lacey.
Harald Jones
As Postmaster, I worked closely Lacey City Council Position 2 with the business community,
Ed Kunkel
I am a Realtor® of 19 years whose Lacey City Council Position 3 industry contributes over 17% of
Small startup businesses are a key factor in economic growth. You can expect especially small startups to enhance my support enabling these and other and grow their opportunities using businesses to compete and grow. the Postal Service.
the GDP for Washington. Stability for our community. Read more at edforlacey.com
Lynda Zeman
Future annexation, commercial planning and economic competition among our sister cities within Thurston County will benefit us all. Read more at edforlacey.com
TCCC Business & Economic Lacey City Council Position 3 Development Committee, EDC
thurstonchamber.com
Specialty medical services, sports tourism, and expansion of our Makers district. I board. My business provides living envision Lacey booming with innovation, wages and contributes to preserving creativity and recreation drawing people to property value by maintaining home Thurston County. & business exteriors.
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HEADSTONES | MONUMENTS | CEMETERY PRODUCTS FUNERALS | URNS | VAULTS | PET MEMORIALS | PRENEEDS
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TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL POS 1
No headshot available
TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL POS 3
TUMWATER CITY COUNCIL POS 7
Leatta Dahlhoff
Joan Cathey
Charlie Schneider
Pamela Hanson
Michael Pavlich
Neil McClanahan
Q1: Summarize your experience creating greater regional economic prosperity?
Q2: Looking to the future, what do you see as the biggest opportunity for regional growth in the Thurston region?
Name
Position
Leatta Dahlhoff
I show up, stand up, and speak up for Developing the Brewery District will create Tumwater City Council Position 1 our community by working with Senior space for living and working and a vibrant
Pamela Hanson
Regional economic prosperity Tumwater City Council Position 1 experience is a predictable sales
Joan Cathey
I’ve served on the Economic Cities supporting economic growth by Tumwater City Council Position 3 Development Council and Tumwater prioritizing housing for all income levels,
Michael Pavlich
Tumwater City Council Position 3
Charlie Schneider
Although, I haven't had any Tumwater City Council Position 7 experience within the region, I've
Services for South Sound, Homes First, and Family Support Center.
pitch. Limited government spending at the consent calendar level, and preferably before, is my focus.
City Council, building regional partnerships that balance people, planet and profits, while prioritizing adequate affordable housing.
Neil Tumwater City McClanahan Council Position 7
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community. The Brewery District will spur economic prosperity for our region.
Whenever growth is projected, there needs to be equal or greater audit controls. Audit controls need to be in place before the opportunists take over.
maintaining infrastructure and keeping taxes reasonable. More opportunities include health care, technology and tourism.
No answer provided. The candidate failed to respond to the question. Candidates were given 4 days to answer the questions.
helped various organizations in developing their budgets and reaching their economic objectives.
With the anticipated rapid growth in the upcoming years for our region, there will be a greater need for creating jobs and affordable housing.
No answer provided. The candidate failed to respond to the question. Candidates were given 4 days to answer the questions.
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YELM CITY COUNCIL POS 1
YELM CITY COUNCIL POS 2
YELM CITY COUNCIL POS 3
EJ Curry
Molly Carmody
Joe DePinto
James Blair
Cameron 'Calamity' Jayne
Matthew McLellan
Name
Position
EJ Curry
Yelm City Council Position 1
No answer provided. The candidate failed to respond to the question. Candidates were given 4 days to answer the questions.
James Blair Yelm City Council Position 1
No answer provided. The candidate failed to respond to the question. Candidates were given 4 days to answer the questions.
Q1: Summarize your experience creating greater regional economic prosperity?
Q2: Looking to the future, what do you see as the biggest opportunity for regional growth in the Thurston region?
Molly Carmody
Yelm City Council Position 2
I’m an employer in the private sector, I’ve increased staff at Yelm City Hall in conjunction with Yelm’s growth, and I’ve increased Intercity Transit services.
Realistically, Thurston will probably grow as a feeder community to Seattle/ Tacoma as housing prices rise. I see us growing primarily in the service industry.
Cameron 'Calamity' Jayne
Yelm City Council Position 2
Donated 9 Years+ 2000 shows/events with service to community via my Triad Arts Theater. Generated 150,000 video views/massive nationwide exposure for Yelm as destination town.
Capitalize our greatest assets, the people and our heritage, using cutting edge promotional technology while maintaining the quaintness and charm of a destination country town.
Joe DePinto
Yelm City Council Position 3
I’ve served on many regional partnerships including the South Thurston Economic Development Initiative and I support our local business community and regional partner goals.
Keeping our competitive edge on low cost of living in juxtaposition to our neighboring northern counties and increasing freight mobility for new business development.
Matthew McLellan
Yelm City Council Position 3
My role as a financial advisor has allowed me to create literally millions in local economic prosperity through savvy investments and instilling beneficial financial habits.
We are currently on the verge of an explosion of support in shop local campaigns by the populous. This is Thurston County's greatest growth asset.
thurstonchamber.com
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Special Ballot Measure: Proposition #1 by Doug Mah, Doug Mah & Associates and Thurston County Chamber's Public Policy Director
In November, on your ballot and before the port, city, town, school district, and fire district races, you will find a county wide initiative called Proposition 1 for your consideration.
P
roposition 1 seeks voter approval to increase the sales and use tax by one-tenth of 1 percent (0.1%), or 1 cent on a $10 taxable purchase, for emergency communications systems and facilities. TCOMM, the countywide emergency communications and dispatch center for all law enforcement, fire service, and Medic One agencies, states that more revenue is needed to replace the 40-year-old analog public safety radio system. The current radio system was installed in 1978, with upgrades in 1992, 1999, and 2008. System replacement was recommended in 2008, but not acted on due to fiscal constraints. Current revenues do not meet the expected $30 million costs to replace the system. If approved by the voters, TCOMM will replace and upgrade the public safety emergency communications radio system. It will add features and
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functions specifically designed to increase first responder safety, increase radio system coverage and system capacity, and allow more and better communications between and among first responders and dispatchers. If it is rejected, TCOMM would continue to operate with the radio system first installed in 1978 and last upgraded in 2008. Funding from existing fire and law enforcement agency budgets is inadequate to replace the TCOMM radio system. Proposition 1 is an example of a measure that will impact all of us. It is important that we vote on both ballot measures such as Proposition 1 and political candidates. Look for local initiatives and propositions on your ballot. To learn more about Proposition 1, visit tcomm911.org.
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For Melanie Bakala, Giving Back is Part of Doing Business en years ago, after a 16 year career in banking, Melanie Bakala made the leap to becoming a business owner.
“When I was at the bank, my Marketing Director, Joseph Beaulieu was brilliant when it came to community-based marketing,” Bakala said. “I learned from him what being involved and giving back can do for the community, and for the business.” So when she opened her first State Farm Agency office in 2010, she quickly got involved in the Shelton Community. “Between serving on several boards, to getting involved in the local Chamber, I was able to get involved in the community very quickly.” When she opened her second office in Lacey 3 ½ years ago, she took the same approach. She joined the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound Board, both the Thurston County and Lacey Chambers of Commerce, as well as the In Team – a local networking group. “I have found that being involved in both of the communities I serve has helped us stand out from the crowd,” Bakala said. But I also discovered that when I was asked to support organizations financially, I always wished I could do more.” Bakala State Farm has supported dozens of organizations in both Mason and Thurston County over that last nine years. Inspired to find a way to give even more, she developed the Bakala State Farm Community Bucks Program. When an organization is part of the program, if someone calls or visits her office, mentions the organization and gets a quote for car, home, or life insurance, she donates $25 to that organization. “It’s a win-win,” Bakala says. “Whenever I write a check to support an organization, I wish I could do more. With our Community Bucks program, I can.” “The Thurston and Mason County Communities have been good to my business,” said Bakala. “I believe that giving back to the communities I service is an important part of doing business.”
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
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1802 Black Lake Blvd SW #301 Olympia, WA 98512 Find us in the Blue Building!
Nicholson & Associates Insurance, LLC has built a team of caring and conscientious people; the kind of people you can depend on. We sell all lines of insurance and our team is committed to a high standard of excellence in all that we do!
Phone: 360-352-8444 Fax: 360-943-9712 www.nicholson-insurance.com
www.facebook.com/ NichinsureOlympia
Kori Sirrine
Personal Lines Agent kori@nichinsure.com 360-352-8444 ext 104 LOCAL, KNOWLEDGEABLE AND EQUIPPED WITH THE TOOLS TO MAKE YOUR INSURANCE LIFE SIMPLE.
AUTO | HOME | BUSINESS | LIFE
26th Leadership Thurston County Class Begins! Since the first class in 1994, Leadership Thurston County (LTC) has been cultivating community leaders through the experience based, community immersion leadership program with an alumni pool of over 700 graduates. On September 5, the 26th LTC class began their 10-month journey of community connections, involvement exploration, and learning about current issues at the annual Opening Retreat focusing in on their strengths while exploring the diversity among their class. Curriculum included Strengths Based Leadership and Hope Based Leadership. Each month the class will gather for a Challenge Day on a different topic with various presenters, panels, site visits, & activities.
Meet the LTC Class of 2020! Hayley Aldrich, Bodymechanics School of Myotherapy & Massage Trevor Altman, Altman Audio Natalie Butler, WA State Department of Licensing Greg Burnett, Chehalis Tribal Enterprises Skyler Chaney, Lakeside Industries Hap Clemons, Harlequin Productions Carly Colgan, South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity Paula Coviello, Beechtree Coaching & Consulting John DeHan, Neil Walter Company Farah Derosier, LOTT Clean Water Alliance Scott Devlin, City of Lacey Samantha Dotson, South Puget Sound Community College Meghan Flanagan, Frost & Company, PLLC Stephen Griffith, Express Employment Stephen Hyer Jr., Child Care Action Council Katy Johansson, Olympia School District Education Foundation Kevin Karkoski, Intercity Transit Scott Kennedy, City of Tumwater Amy King, City of Olympia Jessie Knudsen, Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office
thurstonchamber.com
Sarah Krill, Port of Olympia Jeff Lathrop, Loan Depot Josefina Magana, Washington State Department of Labor and Industries Cathy McKay, SCJ Alliance Peter McNamara, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Washington Andre Muldrew, Thurston County Randi Nandyal, United Way of Thurston County Sabrena Orr, Hatton Godat Pantier, Inc. Leslie Panowicz, Panowicz Jewelers Kevin Rowe, Edward Jones Benjamin Scholl, Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel Tawni Sharp, Thurston County Clerk Aaron Shively, Batdorf & Bronson Coffee Roasters Allison Spector, Washington State Department of Transportation Brett Stark, HDR Amanda Stevens, TwinStar Credit Union Jody Suhrbier, Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County Kathleen Thomas, Saint Martin's University Tadeu Velloso, Phillips Burgess PLLC Amber Wetzel, Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County
Thurston County Chamber VOICE
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Caught In The Lens
Caught in the Lens is a place to catch up on all of the Chamber happenings over the past month - whether its Morning Mixxer, Business After Hours, Thurston Young Professionals, Chamber Forum, an awards ceremony, fundraising event, or a Ribbon Cutting. For more photos, follow the Thurston Chamber on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThurstonCountyChamber.
PO BOX 1427 Olympia, WA 98507-1427