SEPTEMBER 2017
THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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Thurston County Chamber VOICE September 2017 3
Public & Private Partnerships Creating Community Space
I
By David Schaffert, President/CEO of the Thurston County Chamber
PUBLISHER Thurston County Chamber of Commerce
EDITORIAL Editor: David Schaffert Phone: (360) 357-3362 Email: dschaffert@thurstonchamber.com
CONTRIBUTORS David Schaffert Doug Mah Natasha Ashenhurst Greg Raines
n this issue of the VOICE, we’re
to facilitate success. The strategies included
once again putting the spotlight on
setting the stage for implementation,
a community space—downtown
improving the climate for private sector
Lacey, also known as the Woodland
investment, establishing key implementation
District. (See page 12 for the
partners and recruitment, advocacy and
complete story.)
stewardship.
We believe it takes four ingredients for innovation to occur in a community space: leadership, strategic planning, good timing and investment from the public and private
Rebekah Finn Heather Harris Christina Butcher
ADVERTISING Sales and Marketing: Melanie Bell Blake Knoblauch Phone: (360) 357-3362 Email: info@thurstonchamber.com
SUBSCRIPTIONS Phone: (360) 357-3362
sectors. The leadership capacity the community invested into producing the City of Lacey’s Woodland District Strategic Plan was the first critical step toward building a vibrant community space. Leaders convened a 15-member steering committee that included the Thurston Economic Development Council
DESIGN
(EDC), South Puget Sound Community College
Mosaic Marketing Studio
(SPSCC) and MJR Development. Together, they
COVER ART
developed a strategic plan which identified
Courtesy of MJR Development.
implementation steps needed to realize the original plan, known as the 2020 plan, which was put on hold during the recession.
Print NW
CONTACT THE CHAMBER PO Box 1427 809 Legion Way SE
in providing the private investment needed to implement key elements of the plan, including renovating vacant, state owned buildings scattered around the 200-acre campus.
Email: info@thurstonchamber.com
PRINTING
Finally, MJR Development was instrumental
The reason for sharing these types of specifics is that it takes well-thought-out strategic approaches to accomplish desired outcomes. The City of Lacey’s vision of a community space/downtown district with commerce, housing, open space and amenities for its citizens is quickly being recognized. Congratulations to all the partners engaged in transforming the Woodland District from simply a good idea into a reality. Your leadership, vision and tenacity is remarkable and we all look forward to watching the
The Woodland District Plan outlined twentyfive actions organized into four strategies
ongoing transformation of Lacey’s downtown district. ●
Olympia, WA 98507 Phone: (360) 357-3362 Email: info@thurstonchamber.com Website: thurstonchamber.com
COPYRIGHT All material appearing in the VOICE Magazine is copyright unless otherwise stated or it may rest with the provider of the supplied material. The VOICE Magazine takes all care to ensure information is correct at time of printing, but the publisher accepts no responsibility or liability for the accuracy of any information contained in the text or advertisements.
THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY INVESTORS DIAMOND INVESTORS: Anchor Bank - Aberdeen Capital Medical Center Little Creek Casino & Resort Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel Phillips Burgess, PLLC Port of Olympia Providence St. Peter Hospital South Puget Sound Community College Washington Business Bank
PLATINUM INVESTORS America's Credit Union - Lacey Conduent Heritage Bank - Olympia
4 • September 2017 Thurston Thhurston County Chamber VOICE
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Creating a positive climate for business & community
T
he Public Policy Division is dedicated to growing a prosperous economy and vibrant community by connecting people, ideas, and resources. Public policy is determined by those who participate and share their experiences, ideas, and insights as decisions are made. In the coming months,
Chamber members can expect to see continued awareness and
ADVOCACY UPDATE
in our communities. We encourage you to continue participating in surveys and other opportunities to voice your opinion and provide input on public policy decisions. Please email us at Doug@DougMahassociates. com to learn how you can be more involved. Below are a few of the issues/project we are working on.
advocacy for projects and solutions that address the challenges
Issue: I-5 Corridor: Study and Planning Action: Seeking support from State Department of Transportation and Thurston Regional Planning Council to initiate long-range planning activities for I-5 between exits 166 and 99 within Thurston County in advance of state appropriated funds.
Issue: Downtown Strategies: Views on 5th Action: Provide support and public benefit awareness on the value of a transformative multi-family and commercial project that re-uses an existing building in Downtown Olympia creating a unique opportunity for downtown and the region.
Issue: Downtown Strategies: Community Care Center Action: As a member of the Community Advisory Committee, gives executive support and guidance to a community project that will provide triage support services aimed at street dependent individuals.
Issue: Woodland Square: South Sound Behavioral Hospital Action: Provide support and outreach for a new psychiatric hospital in the Lacey Woodland district that will bring 150 new jobs to the area and represents an initial $20 million investment as an anchor tenant in district.
Issue: Pocket Gopher: Habitat Conservation Planning
Action: Provide comment and input on proposed HCP development process and possible compensatory mitigation actions by Thurston County to ensure consistent and cost-effective rules.
Issue: Public Involvement; Get out the Vote Action: Provide public awareness on the importance of voting and creating opportunities and forums for candidate to connect with Chamber members. thurstonchamber.com
Thurston County Chamber VOICE September 2017 5
How to Attract and Retain Top Talent in 2017 Hear from Thurston County's workforce development expert, Sytease Geib on what you can do to hire and retain top talent at the next Thurston County Chamber Forum.
D
uring and after the Great Recession, employers could be picky about who they hired because unemployment was high and job openings were scarce. In addition, they could raise job application requirements like asking for a college degree, even if the job didn't necessarily require one.
Today, that is no longer the case. According to the Labor Department, there were 6 million open jobs in the United States in April. Unemployment is the lowest it has been since 2007. This is great news for workers. Employers are ready to hire and they may pay more to recruit top talent. However, for business owners and employers, this worker shortage environment means that skilled employees may shop around for a better job with better pay and benefits. How can employers recruit and retain their talent? Join the Thurston County Chamber for Forum on September 13 to learn how you can attract and retain the talent you need for business success. We'll share best practices from Thurston County employers who are retaining top talent. Learn about upskilling, training, mentoring and how to diversify your workforce. Finally, learn why investing in workforce development today will reap benefits in the years to come. ●
Thurston Chamber Forum Wed., Sept. 13, 11:30 a.m. Hotel RL Olympia thurstonchamber.com Thank you to our Forum sponsors, South Sound Radiology, Squaxin Island Museum and A Beautiful Face & Skin Care
6 • September 2017 Thurston County Chamber VOICE
thurstonchamber.com
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. Sept. 5
Morning Mixxer at OlySocial Thurston Chamber’s Morning Mixxer. OlySocial will provide breakfast treats and our Morning Mixxer Sponsor, L&E Bottling, will provide a coffee bar. 607 - 5th Ave. SE, #3, Olympia.
Young Professionals Network Y JJoin us for the Young Professionals Network at Uncork & Unwind on Thursday, Sept. 7 at 5:30 p.m. The Young Professionals Network is a great way to interact with younger professionals.
Sept. 8
Foofaraw On Friday, September 8 the Thurston County Chamber and the Olympia Yacht Club will host over 250 active duty military men and women at Island Home, a private island owned by the Olympia Yacht Club. Call the Chamber at 360.357.3362 for ticket & sponsorship information.
Sept. 13
Forum: Attract & Retain Talent Low unemployment is great for the workforce, but can make it hard to attract skilled employees. How do top Thurston County businesses and organizations attract and retain top talent? This is the question we are posing to workforce development experts at our September Forum. September 13, 11:30 a.m. at the Hotel RL Olympia.
BAH at Olympia Film Society Sept. 21
JJoin us for Business After Hours on Thursday, Sept. 21 at the Olympia Film Society at 5:30 p.m. Stop by and learn about this incredible arts organization while enjoying beverages, appetizers and networking. BAH is free to attend and is sponsored by Conduent and 94.5 ROXY.
For more event information, please visit thurstonchamber.com
thurstonchamber.com
5 Advocacy Update
JJoin our host OlySocial on Tuesday, September 5 at 7:30 a.m. for the
Sept. 7
In this issue...
An overview of issues and actions on six advocacy issues impacting Thurston County.
10 The Future of Public Transportation Intercity Transit is asking the community for their input in a process called "IT Road Trip."
12 Downtown Lacey Learn about Lacey's downtown, a community hub and gathering place for a growing population.
16 Emerald City Music Serving Olympia and Seattle, Emerald City Music is in the business of changing perceptions.
20 Welcome New Members The Providence Community Care Center is ready to open this month.
Thurston County Chamber VOICE September 2017 7
Caught in the Lens...
8 • September 2017 Thurston County Chamber VOICE
A collection of photos taken at Chamber events during July and August includin Orientation and Ribbon Cuttings at ACME Fuel, Flying Top Deli, HDR Engineer
thurstonchamber.com
ng: After Hours at New Traditions Fair Trade, Morning Mixxer at Wireless Revolution, August Forum, Olympia Brew Fest (Elvis Lives!) Member ing, Nearing Total Health, Salon B Social, Tipsy and Indigo Urgent Care.
thurstonchamber.com
Thurston County Chamber VOICE September 2017 9
Help Shape Public Transportation's Future in Thurston County
I
ntercity Transit (IT) is asking the community for their
will focus on identifying a funding strategy for achieving the
insights and priorities to improve public transportation
community’s preferences.
in Thurston County. Called “IT Road Trip”, the outreach begins with identifying public expectations for future
Between now and September, Intercity Transit volunteers, board
transportation services. Data compiled from community
members and staff will be conducting in-person interviews
feedback will create the foundation for both short and
at transit centers, community events and civic and business
long-range plans. ”Better transportation takes planning,” says Ann FreemanManzanares, Intercity Transit General Manager. “We’re casting a wide net to ask every person and group we can reach for their opinion on what services we should provide to meet the needs of our community.” The Thurston Regional Planning Council estimates over 100,000 people will move into Thurston County over the next 20 years. Such growth means even more congestion and an increased
meetings. Surveys also are available on the buses, at community libraries and online. To take the brief “Design a Better Transit System” survey any time, go to ITRoadTrip.net. ●
Did You Know? •
demand on existing transit services. “Our mission is to help create a community that is livable,
extremely important to our community •
like to keep or add, and how to make the system easier to use.
•
quality and efficiency of public transportation options,” says
than 100,000 students
Freeman-Manzanares. • After soliciting input—which will run through 2017 and into of service alternatives and, once again, ask people to weigh-in with their priorities and preferences. After that, IT Road Trip
10 • September 2017 Thurston County Chamber VOICE
Through youth education programs like Walk-N-Roll and Earn-A-Bike, IT has provided transit education to more
We'd also like to hear the community’s ideas for improving the
2018—Intercity Transit will return to the community with a set
IT’s vanpool program removes over 1,000 singleoccupancy vehicles from the road each year
healthy, prosperous and accessible to everyone who lives, works and plays here. We need to know what services people would
93% of survey respondents say public transit is very or
IT offers trip-reduction programming at 200 work sites and all three local colleges
•
37% of transit riders say that they do not have a vehicle available to them on most days
thurstonchamber.com
Transit Facts and Figures
MEMBER PROFILE
Here are a few additional points to consider as you share ideas for maintaining and growing our public transit system: •
Thurston County’s population is forecast to grow by nearly 100,000 people over the next 20 years, and as many as 1 out of every 3 households could have at least one out-of-county worker. How can we best keep up with demand within and outside
Richard Lamour, M.D.
our service area? •
We’re also seeing an evolution in the way people get around. Driverless cars, app-based car services and other innovations offer new challenges...and opportunities for public transportation. What services or combination of services will most efficiently take people where they need to go?
•
O
lympia Orthopaedic Associates would like to welcome Richard Lamour, M.D. to their Eastside
Clinic beginning September 5, 2017.
Any future service expansion, or new forms of transit, will require considerable investment. What are the most affordable ways to finance growth while maintaining affordable rates?
•
Olympia Orthopaedic Associates Welcomes New Physician
84% of our riders rate our service as good or excellent – how can we
Dr. Lamour is dual fellowship trained in both foot and ankle as well as sports medicine.
do even better? •
63% of our budget comes from
He is looking forward to exploring all that
local sales tax – what other funding sources should we consider? •
Thurston County has to offer with his family.
32% of our riders use IT to get to work – how can we help more
To schedule an appointment with Dr.
people get to and from their jobs? •
27% of our population will be at least 65 by 2030 – how can we better serve this group?
•
20% of our bus fleet is hybrid biodiesel-electric – how can we further reduce our carbon footprint?
Lamour, please call (360) 709-6230. ●
Olympia Orthopaedics Eastside Clinic 615 Lilly Road NE, Suites 100 & 120 Olympia, WA 98506 www.olyortho.com SPONSORED MEMBER PROFILE
thurstonchamber.com
Thurston County Chamber VOICE September 2017 11
Ricardo's, located at 676 Woodland Square Loop, is owned by Rick Nelson. The restaurant lies in the heart of the district. Photo by Greg Raines of Lionsdenpro.
Lacey's Downtown District: Work, Live & Play. By Natasha Ashenhurst
L
acey, Wash., is the relative newcomer to Thurston County, having incorporated in 1967. It grew up around the former South Sound Center, the strip malls off Sleater Kinney, and the verdant campus of Saint Martin’s University. Despite Lacey’s vibrant business community and a strong housing market, many would argue it lacks an important component of a successful city: a thriving and distinct downtown — a community hub and gathering place for its growing population.
A Downtown Reimagined — Campus Style
The city published a new
For years, the City of Lacey worked hard to move forward with a strategic plan — The 2020 Plan
Woodland District Strategic
— that included developing a downtown district, but it was put on hold with the recession. Now,
Plan July 2013, which has at its
Lacey is taking a different approach.
core the a vision to, “enhance
plan, called the City of Lacey
Lacey’s core area as a place to “We formed a 15-member steering committee that included the Thurston Economic Development
gather, interact, live, shop and
Council (EDC), South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) and MJR Development to develop a
play.”
strategic plan to identify implementation steps to realize the 2020 vision,” said Rick Walk, director of Lacey’s community development team.
Five years later, the plan is nearing completion.
12 • September 2017 Thurston County Chamber VOICE
thurstonchamber.com
US HealthVest is investing approximately $19 million to develop the South Sound Behavioral Hospital at 605 Woodland Square Loop SE, Lacey. Photo courtesy of MJR Development.
The approximately 200-acre area
plants. Businesses dot the landscape, and
The SPSCC Lacey Campus was a great
is bounded by Interstate 5 to the
some are connected with atriums, shared
addition, explained Walk, because
north, College Street SE to the east,
patios and open spaces. Nearby is the
college students create a larger window
the Woodland Trail to the south, the
Center for Business and Innovation, the
to utilize shopping and coffee shops. If
Chehalis Western Trail to the west, with
EDC and the SPSCC Lacey Campus. Across
an area has only business professionals,
Huntamer Park at its center.
College Street is Saint Martin’s University,
they tend to leave the district at 5 p.m.,
and it is all connected by bike trails and
but college students attend class in the
the newly re-routed Golf Club Road.
evening, or they choose to live close to
MJR Development had already acquired several vacant state-owned properties
campus and this extends the hours they
surrounding Sixth Avenue and College
“We use the word ‘campus’ on purpose
Street, and once they learned more
when we are talking about this project.
about Lacey’s vision for the area, they
We are trying to create an environment
purchased more properties so they could
where people like to live, work, dine,
move forward with their investment and
and walk,” said Mike McClure of MJR
help bring Lacey’s vision to fruition.
Development. “The [plan] incorporates all of these things. We don’t look at it as
Referred to as the Woodland District and
a collection of buildings. We look at it as
the Hub at Lacey, what emerged from the
a restaurant — Ricardo’s [Kitchen and
most recent strategic plan is a campus-
Bar] is the best in Lacey — a park, an
style downtown for the City of Lacey.
event center, cafes, walking trails and businesses.”
Like a college campus, the layout is a walkable area with over 15,000 trees and
Beyond the 9 to 5
frequent local businesses. Today, MJR’s renovations are complete and the leasing process is underway, including tenants like Wells Fargo, Chicago Title, Academy Mortgage, Frost & Company, H&R Block and the South Sound Behavioral Hospital. The properties add up to more than 100,000 square feet of leased space, with more on the horizon. “My pipeline is really good,” McClure explained. “You are going to see another
Continued on page 14 thurstonchamber.com
Thurston County Chamber VOICE September 2017 13
MJR Development, the City of Lacey and key strategic partners are coming to the end of a five-year process to transform the Woodland District into downtown, Lacey. The photo above is an aerial view of the Woodland District and Lacey's downtown. large chunk of space leased over the
downtown is a credit to good planning
next few months. It is a very exciting
and strategic partnerships, but the
time for the Hub.”
partners are also taking advantage of good timing and national trends.
What’s Next Both McClure and Walk are excited
“People want to live, work and play
for the next phase of the project
in an urban environment. People are
— housing.
moving into cities and suburbs from rural areas for quality of life,” said
“Parcels 5 and 6 [off College Street]
McClure. “The Sixth Avenue Place
are vacant land. These will be mixed
Apartments are doing quite well. We
use — both apartments and retail,”
are already showing this is a desirable
said McClure. The addition of housing
place to live.”
interspersed with businesses furthers the feeling of a campus. People can
McClure explained projects like the
live where they work or go to school.
Hub at Lacey are rewarding for him as a developer.
“Our goal is about 1,000 units of housing. We’d like to see a restaurant
“We all want to do cool things in
district where you can have
our lifetime and projects like this —
entertainment, especially family-
building a community — is one of
oriented entertainment. We’d like to continue to diversify employment,” said Walk. “We’re doing innovative work with the Chamber’s workforce development programs, the EDC and SPSCC. We’re currently working with community partners to create a makerspace at Saint Martin’s. We want to
those cool things,” said McClure. “As
Inside Ricardo's. Photo by Greg Raines. do all this, but we understand the three
cities go, Lacey gets a lot of credit for having the vision and having the
principles of planning: patience, patience
leadership to make a project like this
and patience.”
real.” ●
The growth and success of Lacey’s new
Natasha Ashenhurst writes for the VOICE and owns Mosaic Marketing Studio.
14 • September 2017 Thurston County Chamber VOICE
thurstonchamber.com
Above: Huntamer Park is at the center of the Woodland District. Photo by Greg Raines of Lionsdenpro.
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Thurston County Chamber VOICE September 2017 15
Andrew Goldstein is the co-founder and executive director of Emerald City Music. Prior to founding Emerald City Music with co-founder Kristen Lee, Goldstein was the artistic administrator for cellist David Finckel and pianist Wu Han. He also worked on projects such as Music@Menlo Chamber Music Festival and Institute and Chamber Music Today in Seoul South Korea. He also managed two classical music record labels: ArtistLed and Music@Menlo LIVE. Goldstein has also worked for an array of other arts institutions, including Seattle Opera, The New 42nd Street Studios, Waterbury Symphony, and others. Photo by Heather Harris of Elements Photography.
The Business of Changing Perceptions How Emerald City Music is Breathing Life Back into Classical Chamber Music By Christina Butcher
F
inding the right balance between creating meaningful art and running a business can be a delicate affair. Yet, there are organizations in any community that shine for their ability to strike that balance. Emerald City Music, a non-profit organization bringing innovative, fresh chamber music experiences to Seattle and Olympia audiences, has proven itself to be an organization that does exactly that. “We’re in the business of changing perceptions,” says Andrew Goldstein, co-founder and executive
Along with co-founder and
director of Emerald City Music. “There are a lot of preconceived notions about classical music...
artistic director Kristen Lee,
but we’re in the business of challenging that, of making music for everyone, including younger
Goldstein launched Emerald
generations, that touches the soul in a way that popular genres can’t or don’t often do.”
City Music in 2015. The organization finished its first
16 • September 2017 Thurston County Chamber VOICE
thurstonchamber.com
Emerald City Music was founded in 2015 with the conviction that classical music deserves a fresh start. Kristin Lee (above) co-founded the business with Andrew Goldstein. Named the recipient of a 2015 Avery Fisher Career Grant, Korean-American violinist Kristin Lee has been praised by The Strad for her “mastery of tone,” and “one of the most satisfying concerts in years.” A violinist of remarkable versatility and impeccable technique, Ms. Lee enjoys a vibrant career as a soloist, recitalist, chamber musician, and educator. Photo by Sophie Zhai. interesting.”
season earlier this spring, racking up an
As a part of that arts community itself,
impressive 14 performances involving
Emerald City Music relies heavily on
45 musicians. The season also earned a
donations from individual supporters.
But why start with Olympia and Seattle’s
reputation for shattering preconceived
The non-profit’s directors are both
South Lake Union district? Why bring
notions of chamber music as ‘stuffy’ or
acutely aware of the necessity of
world-class musicians and vogue
‘old’ and replacing them with dynamic
listening and adjusting to those
performances to small communities
concert experiences. “We really want
supporters as they progress each
when higher-profile locations like
people to see how lively, interactive
season. “We design things around the
Portland, Vancouver or downtown
and relevant chamber music is,” says
community because we’re building
Seattle are just around the corner? The
Goldstein. “We want to make a place in
this for them,” says Goldstein. “As
answer is simple: Goldstein and Lee
communities for that discovery.”
communities change, we try to adapt
are dedicated to uplifting emerging arts
Goldstein and Lee also focus on
to them...it’s the formula that got us
communities and growing alongside
employing lasting business practices
started and what we use to keep moving
them.
to their work at Emerald City Music.
forward.” South Lake Union was just beginning
“We’ve held a very strong line from the beginning that musicians will be paid
Goldstein and Lee also continually look
to see signs of urban revival after
what they should be paid for their time,”
to the numbers to ensure their efforts
prominent life sciences organizations
says Goldstein. “From the beginning, we
fill a true need in the arts community.
moved to the area in the early 2000’s.
came out with the absolute, full product:
“Only 9 percent of people in the U.S.
But the development of the district’s
performing in concert halls with top
attend classical music concerts once
arts community still lagged significantly.
tier musicians playing the best music
in any given year, yet 89 percent of
Emerald City Music changed all that.
in unique, innovative and community-
people hold a nostalgic connection to
“Bringing performing arts into the South
driven spaces. We have world class
it,” says Goldstein, referencing a 2012
Lake Union district has really started
performers...and we’re making sure we
National Endowment for the Arts survey.
to liven nightlife and restaurants in the
give back to them and the greater arts
“We want to bridge that gap and make
area,” says Goldstein. “We’re building
community.”
attending classical music concerts, more
community connections in places where
accessible, more affordable and more
there weren’t any before.
Continued on page 19 thurstonchamber.com
Thurston County Chamber VOICE September 2017 17
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18 • September 2017 Thurston County Chamber VOICE
thurstonchamber.com
Continued from page 17
Emerald City Music's season begins in September. The opening night show is their biggest yet, with a world premiere by Grammy and Pulitzer prizewinning composer John Luther Adams. Adams will be on stage at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts in Olympia on September 16 at 7:30 p.m. Photo by Pete Woodhead.
Brooklyn-based percussionist and composer Andy Akiho will be on stage at the Kenneth J. Minnaert Center for the Arts in Olympia on Oct 28, at 7:30 p.m. Photo by Da Ping Luo. season, which opens this September, Goldstein is determined to keep momentum high and maintain a fresh perspective. Unlike the last, this season follows a theme: the centennial celebration of composer and
Miró Quartet will perform on Dec 9 at The Evergreen State College Recital Hall, Olympia. “We fell in love with Olympia right away,
Olympia audiences also gave Goldstein
from the growth of downtown to the
and Lee insight into how their efforts
vibrant arts scene. Olympia is such a
were affecting individuals on the
wonderful and balanced community, and
periphery of the arts community.
we thought Emerald City Music would grow like wildfire there.”
“In Olympia, we were so thrilled to see an audience with many people
Despite their confidence, Goldstein and
new to classical music. Classical music
Lee were left surprised by both South
lovers and those who are new to the
Lake Union and Olympia audiences
classical genre can come together to
as Emerald City Music’s first season
form a community that experiences this
concluded last spring. “What surprised
awesome art as one,” says Goldstein.
us most was the diversity of our audiences, says Goldstein. “We had
“Sometimes people only need an
hoped to make our concert hall look
entry point (to the arts) for them to get
like the streets of Seattle: full of young
inspired to go out and experience more
and old, different ethnicities and full of
art. That’s why we’re here. That’s our
diversity; and we achieved that. I was
end goal.”
really excited to see that.” Moving into Emerald City Music’s second thurstonchamber.com
conductor Leonard Bernstein. The season includes 12 performances, 40 performers and unconventional takes on percussion, blues-style piano and voice. The season-opening shows on September 15 and 16 will even boast a world premiere by Grammy and Pulitzer prizewinning composer John Luther Adams. “We’re always looking to grow and change, but a lot of things haven’t changed with our new season,” says Goldstein. “The diversity, quality of the artists and the experience are all going to stay the same. They’re the hallmark of what we do.” ●
Christina Butcher is a freelance writer and owner of Blue Cactus Press.
Thurston County Chamber VOICE September 2017 19
The Providence Community Care Center is located on the corner of Franklin and State in the old Bayside Quilting building. At press time the project was under construction. Organizers hope to open the doors this month.
Providence Community Care Center is Hoping to Transform Downtown Olympia with Compassionate Service Written by Rebekah Finn
W
hat began as a labor of love over several years is finally coming to fruition in downtown Olympia. The Providence Community Care Center, envisioned by partners at the Providence St. Peter Foundation, Thurston Thrives action hubs, and other community forums will be opening its doors this month. With a mission to provide integrated care to vulnerable people through compassionate
need – whether that is with housing,
service in a safe environment, the center will be a one-stop-shop for those in Olympia
health insurance, immediate health
needing access to basic care. The multi-sector advisory board envisions a community
care, medication assistance, chemical
able to respond to and meet the needs of marginalized individuals.
dependency or mental health treatment. The idea is to make the process simple
What that will look like is a friendly environment where anyone is welcome to
and welcoming for those who may be
come in and have a cup of coffee, take a shower, do laundry, and get the help they
struggling to navigate a complex web of
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in crisis,” says James. “We are happy to work with any downtown businesses.” Angela Maki, Providence's Director of Communication and External Affairs addressed concerns about safety and loitering downtown: “There will be a dedicated (enclosed) outdoor space for clients. We have been meeting regularly with the City of Olympia Police Department, and plan to work with them to address illegal behavior that
First Floor Plan for the Community Care Center. Photo credits: msgs architects social services. The vision of having all these services located in one place really began with the compassionate hearts of the St. Peter’s Foundation board members and the nonprofit leaders already doing social service work separately in the community. “What we’re doing now is not enough. We have a community problem and we have to come up with a community solution,” explains Michelle James, Providence Southwest Washington
Michelle James, Providence Southwest Washington Chief Nursing Officer
may happen at the center.” The long-term hope is that the center will make a positive impact on the downtown scene by connecting people with housing and the mental health services they need to impact their lives in a positive manner. “The only way it’s going to be successful is if we listen, and hear and communicate,” explains James. Everyone involved is very hopeful that this continued communication and relationshipbuilding will result in real positive changes for Olympia’s downtown community and most vulnerable individuals." ●
Chief Nursing Officer. Community collaboration is exactly how this project has come about, and the advisory board plans to continue those relationships and open communication moving forward. “The synergy between agencies all over Olympia and Thurston County has been incredible,” says James. Building trusting
COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE Providence and partners invite everyone to attend a Community Open House Wednesday, Sept. 6, at 5 p.m. The Providence Community Care Center is located at 225 State Ave. NE, across from the Transit Center, and will be opening its doors to the community mid-September.
relationships is a key element to helping those in need. “Everyone is welcome, and we hope to build relationships to connect people to services,” says James, referring to how the center plans to welcome potential clients into the building. But those trusting relationships also apply to the center’s service providers and community partners. James recalls that the planning process hasn’t always been smooth sailing, with inevitable controversies dividing opinions at times. But those have been “overcome with trust and common purpose and common mission through partnerships and relationship building.” Moving forward, Providence plans to continue to involve local businesses and community members through ongoing
Current service partners include: • Providence St. Peter Hospital • Interfaith Works • Sidewalk • Behavioral Health Resources • Thurston County Behavioral Health Organization • NAMI • SeaMar Community Health Centers • Olympia Free Clinic • Capital Recovery Center • Community Youth Services • Home and Community Services For more information about the services provided at the center, and for updates, visit www.provccc.org
community and neighborhood meetings. “Our hope is that by having a service hub in downtown Olympia, business owners can call when they see a person
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Rebekah Finn is a freelance writer and owner of Finn Communications: finncommoly@gmail.com
Thurston County Chamber VOICE September 2017 21
Swantown Marine Fueling Station Open for Business
T
he long anticipated Swantown Marine Fueling Station is now open for business. The state-of-the-art fueling station will be open seven days a week and will accept cash and major credit cards (checks not accepted).
"The Port is committed to creating infrastructure to support and significantly expand recreational opportunities and regional visitation. This same infrastructure will also broaden the Port's support of commercial maritime activities in the area. Swantown is now a full-service marina, which will not only make access easier for local boaters, but help promote tourism in Thurston County. The fact that we will also operate the most
Marine Fueling Facility Feasibility Study. Over the past six years, the Port has undertaken a comprehensive evaluation and engagement process to determine the feasibility of constructing a financially-viable marine fueling facility. Key activities and milestones include: •
Twenty public open houses, meetings and briefings.
•
Marine Fueling Station Feasibility Study.
•
Local Boater Fuel Consumption Survey.
•
Development of alternative financial evaluation scenarios.
•
Secured permits from ten different federal, state, and local agencies.
environmentally-friendly facility in Puget Sound is a particular source of pride," said Ed Galligan, Executive Director. All safety compliance features meet, or exceed, those required by regulatory agencies as well as those identified by the Petroleum Equipment Institute for marina fueling systems. Signature features include emergency shut-off buttons, emergency shutoff valves along the delivery system, a leak detection system that provides automatic notifications of abnormalities, dedicated monitor and security cameras, and staff training that exceeds mandated requirements. Since 1999, there has been no option for marine fueling services in the downtown Olympia area. In 2008, the Port received a petition signed by about 800 citizens requesting the Port to install a fueling facility at Swantown Marina. As a result, in
The Port evaluated and developed a comprehensive project that shows the facility will, over time: •
Generate new revenue for the Port.
•
Meet or exceed the Port’s financial goals.
•
Complete the evolution of Swantown into a full-service marina.
•
Meet or exceed environmental and safety requirements.
•
Meet the needs of local and visitor boaters.
•
Help to stimulate tourism and local tax revenue.
After six years of planning, permitting, design and public involvement, the Port Commission approved the construction of a Marine Fueling Station at Swantown Marina at its September 12, 2016 Commission meeting. ●
2011, the Port Commission directed Port staff to develop a 22 • September 2017 Thurston County Chamber VOICE
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