SEPTEMBER 2016
M
A
THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
G
A
Z
I
N
E
North Thurston Public Schools Welcomes a New SUPERINTENDENT p. 19
An Artisan Gathering Place at 222 Market p. 9
Handling Unique Manufacturing Challenges at Valley Nut & Bolt p. 12
B UI L DI NG CO MMUNITY PROSPERITY FOR OVER 14 0 YEARS
IT’S TIME TO
GET BACK ON TRACK Let our joint replacement experts show you the way! If you’re considering joint replacement surgery, our expert team of orthopedic surgeons and specialized nursing and physical therapy staff are committed to helping get you back on track with living a full and active life! As the only South Sound hospital to earn a Gold Seal of Approval® for hip and knee replacement surgery from The Joint Commission, the nation’s leading organization for health care accreditation, you can expect the very best in high quality care with a singular focus on helping you return to the activities you enjoy most.
For more information, visit us online at capitalmedical.com or call 360-956-1296 3900 Capital Mall Dr. SW • Olympia, WA 98502 • 360-754-5858 • 888-677-9757 • capitalmedical.com
Capital Medical Center is partly owned by some of the physicians who serve our patients.
©2016 BCI
Featuring...
CONTENT & CALENDAR
Every month, the Thurston County Chamber offers several networking events, forums & workshops to the community. Here are some highlights you won't want to miss.
In this issue...
6 Caught in the Lens
Sept. 1
Photos from Chamber events.
YPN at KGY/KAYO Radio Y The Thurston Chamber Young Professionals (YPN) Network is a great place to interact with younger business professionals in a low-pressure environment. Join us at KGY/KAYO Radio Thursday, Sept. 1 at 5:30 p.m., 1700 Marine Dr NE, Olympia.
Sept. 6
MM at Abstract Precision Exercise Enjoy delicious food and plenty of coffee when Abstract Precision Exercise hosts the September Morning Mixxer. Abstract's mission is to help clients live younger in as little at 15 minutes a week. When? Sept. 6 at 7:30 a.m. Where? 4331 Lacey Blvd., Suite B, Lacey.
Sept. 9
Foofaraw!
New Business We talk to Joy and Gray Graham of 222 Market in Olympia.
12 Valley Nut & Bolt Learn more about this family-owned manufacturer.
Olympia Yacht Club will host over 225 active duty military
15
men and women at Island Home, a private island owned by
Advocacy Update
On Friday, Sept. 9 the Thurston County Chamber and the
the Olympia Yacht Club. www.thurstonchamber.com
Sept. 14
9
Joint Base Lewis-McChord | Craft Brewing Center.
Meet the Candidates & Reception JJoin the Chamber for our September Forum at the Hotel RL Olympia Sept. 14 at 11:30 a.m. This event will feature the County Commissioner race, a pivotal race with regional significance. Doug Mah, former mayor of the City of Olympia,
17 WorkforceWa.com Learn about a smart new way to look for talent.
will moderate the debate.
Sept. 15
19
BAH at Mantis Graphix On Sept. 15 at 5:30 p.m. join us for Business After Hours at Mantis Graphix, 7920 Center St. SW, Suite C, Tumwater. BAH is a great way to meet new friends, network and enjoy great food—and learn about quality custom screen-printed, embroidered and dye sublimation products
Executive Profile Meet Dr. Debra Clemens, North Thurston Public School's New Superintendent.
For more event information, please visit www.thurstonchamber.com
www.thurstonchamber.com
Thurston County Chamber VOICE September 2016 3
team building for community
PUBLISHER Thurston County Chamber of Commerce
EDITORIAL Editor: David Schaffert Phone: (360) 357-3362 Email: dschaffert@thurstonchamber.com
CONTRIBUTORS Natasha Ashenhurst David Schaffert
By, David Schaffert, THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER PRESIDENT/CEO & Jessica Coen, THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIR
T
he Chamber’s mission is
partnership is with the Port of Olympia and
to advocate—advocate for
the Thurston Economic Development Council
community, business and
and forwards an agenda to the legislature.
individuals. Over the past year,
Partnership models work. In 2015 the state
Chamber leadership developed
transportation budget included over $120
a strategic plan to enable the
million in projects that were part of the Shared
Jessica Coen
Chamber to increase its role supporting the
Morgan Willie
community through the greater public policy
Susan Melnyk
management.
ADVERTISING
Over the past several years, the Chamber has
Sales and Marketing: Marny Bright, Beth
worked hard for positive outcomes on several
Johnson or Korey Twombly
significant public issues using two models.
However, both models take an incredible
Phone: (360) 357-3362 Email: info@thurstonchamber.com
The first model revolves around a basic
SUBSCRIPTIONS
formula which develops needed partners,
Phone: (360) 357-3362
identifies a course of action, and develops the
Email: info@thurstonchamber.com
resources to effectively manage the issue. The Mazama Pocket Gopher avoidance, Olympia
DESIGN
Comprehensive Plan, Shoreline Master
Mosaic Marketing Studio
Program, Friends of the Port, and Thurston
COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Heather Harris, Elements Photography
County Gopher Interim Permitting Litigation are examples of this model. We used technical experts including legal counsel, public relations specialists, pollsters, and a biologist
PRINTING
and geologist. Each had a specific area of
Print NW
Legislative Partnership.
expertise in relation to the issue.
GENERAL ENQUIRIES
amount of Chamber staff resources. So, for the Chamber to increase its role in public policy issue management we’re turning to a new approach—the Chamber is launching a public policy division. The public policy division will take on critical public policy issues that directly impact Thurston County. We are hiring dedicated resources to manage, coordinate and facilitate positive outcomes using the Chamber’s proven models. Our public policy team will work with community, partners and Chamber members to yield success across a wide array of issues that ultimately support our core mission— advocacy. If you would like to be part of this effort please
PO Box 1427
The second model involves community
809 Legion Way SE
partnering on strategic initiatives, such as
Olympia, WA 98507
the Shared Legislative Partnership. This
contact me.
Phone: (360) 357-3362 Email: info@thurstonchamber.com Website: www.thurstonchamber.com
THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY INVESTORS
COPYRIGHT All material appearing in the VOICE
DIAMOND INVESTORS:
printing, but the publisher accepts no
Anchor Bank Capital Medical Center Heritage Bank Phillips Burgess Physicians of Southwest Washington Port of Olympia Xerox Services
responsibility or liability for the accuracy
PLATINUM INVESTORS
of any information contained in the text
America's Credit Union - Lacey Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel
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
or advertisements.
4 • September 2016 Thurston County Chamber VOICE
Mills & Mills Funeral Home & Memorial Park Morningside Olympia Federal Savings Olympia Orthopaedic Associates Print NW Providence St. Peters Saint Martin's University TwinStar Credit Union Washington Business Bank
GOLD INVESTORS Express Employment Professionals First Citizens Bank Cabinets by Trivonna Columbia Bank The Creative Office
FirstLight Home Care GHB Insurance Great Wolf Lodge Hometown Property Management Mantis Graphix Jessica Jensen Law PS Nicholson & Associates Nisqually Red Wind Casino Olympia Furniture Company Pardiman Productions Puget Sound Energy RHD Enterprises Hotel RL Olympia Saint Martin’s University SCJ Alliance TAGS
www.thurstonchamber.com
Caught in the Lens...
6 • September 2016 Thurston County Chamber VOICE
A collection of photos taken at Chamber events during July and August.
www.thurstonchamber.com
www.thurstonchamber.com
Thurston County Chamber VOICE September 2016 7
M
eet the candidates forum will feature the County
CHAMBER FORUM
Commissioner race, a pivotal race with regional
meet the candidates & reception
significance. Forum attendees will hear from
candidates vying for this office. Doug Mah, the former City of Olympia mayor, will moderate the debate. A large contingent of candidates running for public office in Thurston County will be at Forum and the Candidates Reception to meet and mingle with community and business leaders. Candidates in all races are encouraged to arrive early and stay late for as much one-onone conversation with Chamber members as possible. Forum is on Wednesday, September 14, at the Hotel RL Olympia from 11:15 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and includes lunch.
Join the Thurston Chamber for our September Forum on Sept. 14 at 11:30 a.m. at the Hotel RL Olympia.
The cost is $35 for general admission, $25 for prepaid Chamber members, and $30 for members at the door.
Don't miss this celebration of politics, policy and people!
Visit thurstonchamber.com to make your reservation today.
PROUDLY SERVING
THURSTON COUNTY
SINCE 1922
8 • September 2016 Thurston County Chamber VOICE
www.thurstonchamber.com
NEW BUSINESS
222 Market: an Artisan Gathering Place Downtown By Morgan Willie
Since early 2015, long-time Olympia residents Joy and Gray Graham have worked tirelessly to turn their dream of developing a collaborative indoor marketplace into a reality. The couple is delighted to announce that their dream, Olympia’s 222 Market, will be wholly open and available to the public September, 2016 with a grand opening scheduled for mid-October.
Above: Joy and Gray Graham. Photo by Morgan Willie
222 Market, an “artisan gathering place,” will be home to eight
“When our current
specialty vendors in one convenient location on Capitol Way:
customers come in, I
The Bread Peddler, Fleurae Floral Design, Oly Kraut, Chelsea
just start listing off the
Farms Oyster Bar, Blind Pig Spirits, Salt Fire and Time Broth
businesses that will soon be
Bar, Pantry Artisan Grocery and Sophie’s Scoops. Joy and Gray
opening and the excitement
believe the market will successfully encourage economic and
builds as I go down the list,”
community diversification, producing exceptional foods and
Givens said. “There will be
crafts for all to enjoy year-round.
something for everyone at the new 222 Market!”
A few of the businesses involved have already met tremendous success. The Bread Peddler and Blind Pig Spirits, which have
Co-owner of Sophie’s
been open for several years, have reliable repeat-customers
Scoops, Sophia Landis,
and outstanding reputations in town. Gray is confident that
expressed similar
Olympians will take to the market with ease.
sentiments.
“Our community has certain values, and part of those values
“This is the beginning of
includes supporting our local and sustainable agricultural
hopefully a revitalization
community,” Gray noted. “Because we are supporting that
and influx of more
community, everybody’s going to give us a try. The challenge,
food establishments in
of course, will be doing a great job and keeping people coming
downtown Olympia - more
back over and over again.”
food and more reasons to hang out downtown,”
Lesa Givens, co-owner of Blind Pig Spirits, is keen to see all of
Landis said. “You can get so
the vendors operating in unison and eager to watch customers
much without ever leaving
experience the completed market.
the building. It’s like the
Continued on page 10 www.thurstonchamber.com
Thurston County Chamber VOICE September 2016 9
Continued from page 9
An artist rendering of 222 Market coolest, tiniest mall you’ve ever been to.”
farmer’s market, but with a lovely, light-
protein, 90 percent of which will come
But, 222 Market will provide a modern,
filled, comfortable, and temperature-
from within a 50 mile radius. In addition,
community-minded atmosphere unlike
controlled environment.”
Sophie’s Scoops will provide 100 percent handmade gelato, utilizing local raw milk
any other food or shopping center in Joy and Gray Graham are proud to say
Olympia.
and pasteurizing the product on site.
that nearly all of the fare available “The Market is completely different than
at the market will be locally sourced,
Many of the vendors have recognized
anything that exists in Olympia to date,”
sustainable, and handcrafted. For
the market’s originality and social
Landis remarked. It sets itself apart by
instance, Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar will
significance on a civic scale. Iana Franks
offering all the things you love about a
serve tremendously fresh, high-quality
and Carissa Dickson, co-owners of
A
Little TIME
WILL HAVE A
Big IMPACT
BE A MENTOR RESILIENT KIDS STRONG FAMILIES HEALTHY COMMUNITIES swwabigs.org | 360.943.0409
10 • September 2016 Thurston County Chamber VOICE
Networking just got smarter! Discover SPEED NETWORKING using Smart-Match Software. www.thurstonchamber.com
October 26, 2016
www.thurstonchamber.com
Boutique inside the Creperie
Sophie in front of Sophie's Scoops
Inside the Bread Peddler
Fleurae Floral Design, observed that 222
the states. This community style of
making such high quality, beautiful
Market “has been similarly designed
market is much more progressive than a
items; it will be interesting to see the
to many classic European markets,
conventional grocery and allows greater
creativity evolve in our offerings.”
featuring fine artisanal food, flowers and
transparency for the consumer. Real
goods sold by small, local businesses.”
people, real stories, real food – this is
222 Market, an artisan gathering
what I want to believe is the future of
place, welcomes you to enjoy the
food in America.”
many fresh and locally-sourced food
Tressa Yellig, owner of the Broth Bar by
selections available at this community-
Salt, Fire & Time, spoke to this notion in greater detail saying, “I invite [Olympia
Concerning 222 Market’s finalization,
minded collective. Be sure to check out
residents] to try something new. Food
Tressa expressed, “I’m most excited
www.222market.com for updates and
Halls have a long history in Europe
about working with this group of
information about the vendors involved.
and are coming into fashion here in
visionary individuals. Everyone is
www.thurstonchamber.com
Thurston County Chamber VOICE September 2016 11
Handling unique manufacturing challenges with Valley Nut & Bolt
S
By Susan Melnyk
itting down with owner
because the customer wanted things
and CEO of Valley Nut &
tweaked in some way or another. The
Construction at the new location will
Bolt, Dallas Puckett Jr. and
manufacturing really has become
begin this fall and is expected to be
Operations Director Don
a larger part of what we do,” Dallas
completed in early 2017.
Conant is like having coffee
explains. Dallas joined Valley Nut & Bolt in 1975
with old friends.
Neither are especially comfortable talking about themselves but brighten instantly when asked about their employees. The two are quick to give their staff praise and excited to talk about the manufacturing problems the company has solved for customers over the years. “We make nuts and bolts and a variety of things for industrial applications, other manufacturers, infrastructure, steel structures and agricultural applications. We began as a distributor and gradually started modifying existing products to make it something else
Opened in 1969 by Dallas Puckett Sr.,
at the request of his father. The 21 year
Valley Nut & Bolt is set to expand next
old motorcycle enthusiast had been keen
year by adding a second location off
on purchasing a motorcycle shop and
I-5 at exit 95 in Maytown, Washington.
approached his father to co-sign on the
The 85 acres will be home to a newly
loan. Instead, Dallas Sr. asked his son to
constructed 12,000 square foot building
join the company and help him grow the
that will house some of Valley’s current
business. “His rationale was ‘if you work
manufacturing machines as well as a
for me, then motorcycles can continue to
host of new ones that will expand its
be your hobby. But if you work on other
already impressive capabilities.
people’s motorcycles all day, it probably won’t be your hobby anymore.’ Needless
“We are unique in that we are probably
to say, I took the bait,” Dallas admits with
the only hot forging bolt maker in
a smile.
Washington. We can produce products that are melted and manufactured in the
The motorcycle sitting at the entrance to
U.S., which is a requirement on some
his office is a sure sign that Dallas didn’t
government jobs,” Dallas points out.
give up his hobby after all and although
12 • September 2016 Thurston County Chamber VOICE
www.thurstonchamber.com
his father has passed, his mother, Joy,
open up, the first thing we ask ourselves
20 or 30 years.”
is ‘who do we have who can do that?.’”
lives in Dallas’ childhood home beside Valley’s original location at 10111 Tilley
“A couple of families have even met
Road S. in Olympia. “My plan is to go and
and got started here” Don says. “We do
With the wealth of experience Valley
have coffee with her as soon as we’re
a little baby-sitting in the offices here,”
employees bring to each manufacturing
done,” Dallas says.
Dallas tells us, laughing, a children’s
project, it isn’t hard to see why the
wood rocker, carved into the shape of
company has become the ‘go-to’ for
Having lived in the area for more
a motorcycle, sitting behind him, at the
solving even the strangest request.
than 50 years, Dallas and his family
ready for children and grandchildren
are committed to giving back to the
alike.
“A production company for the Travel Channel show ‘Mysteries at the Museum’
community. Evergreen Christian Church has a special place in his heart, as it’s
Don Conant, the former general manager
contacted us to see if we could replicate
the church where Dallas married Cindy
and current Operations Director
the rivets that were used on the Titanic
43-years-ago and where his four children
has his doctorate from Gonzaga in
in different strengths. They were looking
attended school. Dallas currently sits on
Organizational Leadership and has been
to test a theory that a stronger rivet could
the board of directors and has served on
with Valley Nut & Bolt for 17 years. “I’m
have prevented the hull from tearing
the school board, when requested.
the relative newbie,” he says and he’s
open,” Dallas describes.
Don Conant and Dallas Puckett not kidding. With the average length of Now owner and CEO of Valley Nut
employment at Valley falling in at an
The crew came out and videotaped Dallas
& Bolt, Dallas continues to surround
amazing 18 years, it’s not hard to see why
and his team manufacturing the rivets
himself with talented people who have
the place feels like spending time with
over the course of one day and surprised
risen through the ranks of the company,
family.
Dallas with the request for him to narrate
including his oldest son, Evan. Evan
the process. The show is set to air in
has worked his way up through the
Valley Nut & Bolt is as committed to
December 2016 on the Travel Channel
company and is currently involved with
developing internal talent as it is to
and the Valley Nut & Bolt team have the
purchasing and management. With his
solving their customer’s unique requests.
t-shirts to prove it, but Dallas is keeping
current promotion to general manager
“Most of the people who work in the
mum about the results.
and with Don and Dallas’ support, Evan
upper management positions started at
will see the succession of Valley as a
the entry level and have over the years,
Whatever the outcome, the experience
family business.
worked their way up. In fact, for many of
further proves that the team at Valley Nut
our positions, that’s the way that we find
& Bolt are able to handle any challenge
But Dallas is quick to refocus the
people who are qualified to do the kind
thrown their way, no matter how out of
conversation on his employees: “I’m
of work that we do,” Don explains.
the box the request may be.
generations here,” he points out. “Others
“Over the years, we’ve developed a
Learn more about Valley Nut & Bolt at
have sons, brothers and fathers working
culture of training and developing people
www.valleynutandbolt.com ●
here and some of them have stayed for
from within so that when something does
not the only family that has multiple
www.thurstonchamber.com
Susan Melnyk is a freelance writer for the VOICE, sue.melnyk@gmail.com.
Thurston County Chamber VOICE September 2016 13
One decision... so many benefits.
Business owners face many difficult decisions, but there’s one that can simplify your banking needs. Look to TwinStar Credit Union for lower fees, dividend earning checking accounts, money saving office efficiency tools and a service approach that you’ll find to be a breath of fresh air. • Get more from your checking with a Voyager Business Checking account, where you can earn dividends as high as .35% apy* on your checking balance. • Save time with CheckMate, TwinStar’s electronic check deposit service. • Increase accuracy and speed with Genie Payroll services. • Lower your cost with TwinStar’s Merchant Card services program.
To get started contact one of our business services officers today.
Jon Brein
Alexis Miller
Jeff Robertson
Business Development Officer 360.923.4560 jbrein@twinstarcu.com
Business Development Officer 360.923.4450 alexis@twinstarcu.com
Sr. Business Relationship Officer 360.923.4505 jrobertson@twinstarcu.com
*APY = Annual Percentage Yield. Dividends are calculated by the daily balance method, which applies a daily periodic rate to the balance in the account each day. Dividends are compounded monthly and will be credited monthly. $15 minimum balance fee for balances less than $25,000 is waived for the first 90 days on new Voyager Checking accounts. All rates and programs are subject to change at the discretion of administration.
TwinStarCU.com/business
creating a positive climate for business and community
ADVOCACY UPDATE
One of the Thurston County Chamber’s primary missions is advocacy, which can take many forms—providing beneficial services and products to Chamber members; supporting nonprofit, education and government organizations; and, of course, lobbying government bodies on issues impacting business and community. Here are a few of the issues we are actively engaged in this month:
Joint Base Lewis-McChord to Develop the Entertainment Center Project The Chamber supports the continued efforts of Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) to develop the Entertainment Center Project and the Exchange’s mission to bring quality goods and services in support of JBLM’s soldiers, airmen, retirees and their families. The Entertainment Center project will provide positive economic returns to the region in the form of revenue generated during construction and on-going employment resulting from operating the center.
Craft Brewing and Distilling Center The Thurston County Chamber supports the City of Tumwater in its funding request to the Community Economic Revitalization Board for the feasibility of brewing and distilling incubators. In a letter of support, the Chamber commends the City of Tumwater for their ongoing efforts to support and create a craft brewing and distilling center that will create opportunities for job creation, education, private sector investment, and the redevelopment of underutilized properties. Having a better understanding of the feasibility of brewing and distilling incubators is important to the strategic planning and the attracting of additional partners.
PLAN AHEAD FOR
peace of mind. TELL YOUR OWN UNIQUE STORY and
provide your loved ones with true peace of mind by making your ďŹ nal plans now, before the time of need. *HW VWDUWHG ZLWK D )5(( FRS\ RI $ &HOHEUDWHG /LIH D ERRNOHW ILOOHG ZLWK LGHDV RQ SUH SODQQLQJ DV ZHOO DV D SHUVRQDO SODQQLQJ JXLGH &DOO WRGD\
Our gift to you
MILLS & MILLS funeral home & memorial park
5725 LITTLEROCK RD. SW, TUMWATER
360-357-7743
www.thurstonchamber.com
MillsandMillsFunerals.com
Thurston County Chamber VOICE ď Ź September 2016 ď Źď€ 15
360.456.4999
venablespestmanagement.com info@venablespest.com
TRUSTED BY THOUSANDS Venables Pest Management is a locally owned and operated company using pet-friendly, professional pest management solutions for ants, termites, mice, beetles, spiders, bed bugs, yellow jackets and rats. We also offer commercial and residential maintenance services and real estate inspections. Give us a call today.
REAL ESTATE LAW FROM THE GROUND UP Real estate is at the center of all that we do. With more than a century of combined legal experience, our talented attorneys provide high-quality, timely, and personalized legal advice on all matters related to real estate. We bring enthusiasm, business savvy, and a healthy dose of common sense to every case we handle. The result? First-rate legal work you can count on. Every client. Every time.
ĈăąƎ +(1) % Ǝ 0čƎ ĎƎ 1%0!ƎĄăāĎƎ (5),% ĎƎ ƎƎĊĉĆāĂƎƎēƎƎĄćāčĈąăčĄĆāā ĆāĆƎ .+ 3 5ĎƎ 1%0!ƎąāĉĎƎ +) ĎƎ ƎƎĊĉąāăƎƎēƎƎăĆĄčăĊăčććąā
WWW.PHILLIPSBURGESSLAW.COM
16 • September 2016 Thurston County Chamber VOICE
www.thurstonchamber.com
the smart way to look for talent Washington employers now have a
WORKFORCE NEWS
powerful free online tool for finding the best talent for their businesses.
W
orkSourceWA.com is Washington’s new job matching website, powered by the proven technology of Monster.com and customized by WorkSource.
At WorkSourceWA.com, you can post unlimited jobs at no cost while private-sector sites often charge up $300 per posting. WorkSourceWA.com is the largest talent database in the state, including Monster’s candidate pool for all of Washington and bordering cities – a total of 191,000 resumes. Finally, WorkSourceWA.com is an award winning talent-management software which will help you find qualified candidates faster. Most job matching websites stop at the computer. But through WorkSourceWA.com, you also can connect with WorkSource business representatives for even more help. They can help you: •
Improve your job postings.
•
Arrange space for interviews.
•
Conduct candidate assessments.
•
Help you take advantage of tax credits for hiring.
•
And that’s not all. Our WorkSource business staff can help you arrange job fairs and hiring events, provide wage rates by occupation and area and offer other labor-market data important to your business. They’ll also teach you how to save money and time with onthe-job training, apprenticeships, customized training, and internships.
Stop spending money on those other career websites, sign-up and post jobs for free on WorkSourceWA.com today. For more information, contact your Thurston County Business Services representative, Debbie Burk at (360) 704-3581 or Email: dburk@esd. wa.gov www.thurstonchamber.com
Thurston County Chamber VOICE September 2016 17
We Can Help You Finance Your
wabizbank.com
EXECUTIVE PROFILE
North Thurston Public Schools Welcomes New Leader Written by Natasha Ashenhurst. Photos by Heather Harris. She has a bachelor’s degree in Science, an MBA and doctorate
to lead the County’s largest
of Philosophy in Leadership Studies, along with principal and
school district.
superintendent credentials. She has taught middle and high
Debra Clemens, Ph.D., is a working mom, raising two active girls, ages 11 and 15, and is married to her high school sweetheart, Jeff.
www.thurstonchamber.com
school students computer applications and business courses,
Only six weeks in, Clemens
and has also served as an instructional technology specialist.
is quickly working her way
Most recently, she served four years as superintendent of
through a 9-page document
the Cheney Public Schools. To say she’s been busy is an
she drafted called the
understatement.
Superintendent’s Entry Plan. The plan contains over 100
Last year, Dr. Clemens heard former North Thurston Public
action steps and has a stated
Schools Superintendent, Raj Manhas, speak at a conference.
purpose of communicating
“I was so impressed with the district’s commitment to student
clear, measurable goals
and staff success and his stories of a working environment
that Clemens will complete
where people are committed to a culture of collaboration,” said
during her first year of
Clemens. They also shared a commitment to the whole child
service, ensuring that the
and supporting all students. So, when Manhas announced his
district’s Strategic Plan is
retirement, Clemens applied for the job of Superintendent of
responsive to the current
North Thurston Public Schools. She was hired by the Board of
conditions in the schools and
Directors and began work July 1, 2016. She is the first woman
the community.
Thurston County Chamber VOICE September 2016 19
Improvement
“The Entry Plan will help me deepen my knowledge of the district and the community,” Clemens said. “We are
Clemens believes that over time the
honoring the work that has been done
strategic plan will change by necessity.
as well as identifying things that weren’t
“Our collaborative effort is strong and
articulated in the strategic plan.”
people really want to work together which fosters the continuous cycle of improvement. Our strategic plan will
Community Stakeholders
change because it is reflective of where we are and where we want to go. Part of
The Entry Plan is the district’s road map for her first year and includes detailed action items of both internal and external work. During the summer, Clemens has been meeting nonstop with community stakeholders and educational leaders, including presidents of local universities, lawmakers, Thurston County superintendents, the Thurston County Economic Development Council, chambers of commerce, the YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, law enforcement, churches, tribes and many others. So far, what she’s heard is great news. “People are happy with the district. Pretty much everyone I’ve met with has been delighted by the work that has been happening and they want to continue to
the plan is dependent on funding, but it Clemens also got to know the district
is also about putting structures in place
administrators (including principals
to strengthen existing organizations,”
and departmental directors) in August
she said.
when they participated in a 3-day leadership academy at the new Salish Middle School (opening this fall). They looked at instructional data together, discussed student interventions and supports, and brought in two recent high school graduates to present —an effort to strengthen students’ voices in the district. “Students are the number one source of information in our district, according to community surveys,” Clemens said. “We want to hear from them (students) about their learning
community about the district’s work
outreach to students, the military
educating students, the district is not
and multicultural organizations and
without challenges.
Beyond Differentiated Instruction by Jodi
individuals. “First, we have to remember that the
She has already met with the Board of
Park,” she said.
School Change by Charles Salina and
later this fall, along with more
are your suggestions for improvement?”
hiking beautiful places like Priest Point
Powerless to Powerful: Leadership for
hear enthusiastic feedback from the
going well? What can we improve? What
so these first few weeks we’ve been
related. Currently, she is reading
public and families will be scheduled
asking staff three basic questions: What’s
also love to be out-of-doors as a family
though the titles tend to be work-
And while Clemens is encouraged to
schools and departments. “We will be
I love watching my girls compete; we
decisions.”
“Community Conversations” for the
Tour,” which includes visits to all 22
tournaments or gymnastic competitions.
Clemens also reads on her down time,
Challenges
involves what she calls a “Listening
free time is spent with my kids at soccer
perspectives that will inform future
said.
The majority of the work in the fall
I am a working mom, so most of my
and empower them to share their
strengthen services for our students,” she
The Listening Tour
On the weekend you’ll find Clemens...
district’s strategic plan is influenced by both state and national decisions,” she said. “We have to meet measures
O'Meara, but she enjoys fiction too. “The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce is a beautiful story about life, but you’ll also catch me reading Harry Potter,” she said. Usually, summertime is when Clemens catches up on her reading, but—as you can imagine—she’s been a little busy lately.
of accountability. What we desire along with those standards is to have accountability for student performance that considers student academic growth. Measuring student growth is complex, but those are the kinds of changes that all of the school districts are paying attention to right now.”
Directors and her six-member leadership team —referred to as the Cabinet.
www.thurstonchamber.com
The Continuous Cycle of Thurston County Chamber VOICE September 2016 21
Local People, Local Decisions for Flexible Loan Solutions or to Grow Your Business. Plus, Everyday Banking and Mobile Banking.
HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?
Matt DeBord M D B d
Erik Heimann
Matt Hargrave
NMLS# 539571
NMLS# 1218316
Diana D iana G Grantham ranth ham
Paull Long P L
OLYMPIA TUMWATER LACEY PANORAMA YELM
It’s EAaRsTy
ST NE! ONLI
HOME | CONSTRUCTION | BUSINESS 800.562.8761
©2014 Xerox Corporation. All rights reserved. Xerox® and Xerox and Design® are trademarks of Xerox Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
EOE M/F/Disability/Vet
Must pass background and drug screen
www.jobsatxerox.com/lacey
8535 Commerce Place Dr NE, Suite A Lacey, WA 98516
Questions? Call 360-923-8640
Apply online:
Apply in person:
Xerox Services is now hiring full-time Customer Service Representatives to work with the best brand names and have fun doing it!
Now Hiring Customer Service Representatives
PO BOX 1427 Olympia, WA 98507-1427