May/June 2016 VOICE Magazine

M A G A Z I N EM A G A Z I N E

T H U R S T O N C O U N T Y C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C EM AY / J U N E 2 0 1 6

BUILDING COMMUNITY PROSPERITY FOR OVER 140 YEARS

LOCAL GROUPS USE NATIONAL MODEL TONATIONAL MODEL TOHELP THE HOMELESS HELP THE HOMELESS p. 12

BUSINESS RESEARCH AND BUSINESS RESEARCH AND TRAINING CENTER TRAINING CENTER P. 8

OC G O S SLOCAL GROUPS USLOCAL GROUPS USEH O U S I N G F I R S TH O U S I N G F I R S T

Recovering from spine surgery has gotten a little easier at Capital Medical Center. Our new, state-of-the-art robotic guidance system allows surgeons to develop a computerized plan before entering the operating room. During the procedure, the system then guides the surgeon’s tools and implants to ensure accuracy to 1.5 mm, as compared to freehand spine surgery. This means that smaller incisions are made and fewer X-rays are needed, which can result in shorter hospitalizations, less pain and a faster recovery. And, Capital Medical Center is the only Washington hospital with this advanced technology for spine patients!

Learn about the Capital spine surgery advantage at capitalmedical.com

Robotic-guided surgery increases accuracy & efficiency

Capital Medical Center is partly owned by some of the physicians who serve our patients. ©2016 BCI

3900 Capital Mall Dr. SW • Olympia, WA 98502 • 360-754-5858 • 888-677-9757 • capitalmedical.com

FASTER HEALING AFTER

SPINE SURGERY

4 • May/June 2016 Thurston County Chamber VOICE www.thurstonchamber.com

May 3Morning Mixxer - 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. - T Brothers 502 Recreational, 5740 Ruddell Rd SE Ste C, Lacey.

May 5Young Professionals Network - 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Cigar Daddies, 4511 Lacey Blvd SE, Lacey.

May 6New Member Orientation - Noon - 1 p.m. Thurston County Chamber, 809 Legion Way, Olympia.

May 18 Thurston Chamber Annual Meeting, 11:30 a.m.Red Lion Hotel Olympia.

May 19Business After Hours - 5:30 p.m.- Tranquility Dental & Wellness Center. 8050 Freedom Lane NE, Lacey.

June 2Young Professionals Network - 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. g.miller, 501 Capitol Way S, Olympia .

June 7Morning Mixxer - 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. - Goldstein Law Offi ces, 1800 Cooper Point Rd. SW No. 8, Olympia.

June 8Forum - 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Red Lion Hotel Olympia,Topic: Leadership Thurston County Graduation.

June 15SBA Loan Seminar. 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.Thurston County Chamber, 809 Legion Way, Olympia.

June 16Business After hours - 5:30 p.m. - Columbia Bank303 Union Ave SE, Olympia.

Executive Offi cersMariella Cummings, Chair Results Incorporated

Jessica Coen, Chair ElectXerox Company

Drew Phillips, Vice ChairFORMA ConstructionNeil Woody, Treasurer McSwain & Company P.S.Ron Bruchet, Past ChairGHB Insurance

CHAMBER BOARD & STAFF

Page 5 .......................Issues, Stories of Success & Celebration

Page 6 .........................................................Caught in the Lens

Page 8 ................Business Research & Training at the Library

Page 10 ......................................................Networking Events

Page 12...................Ending Homelessness in Thurston County

Page 17.......................................May Forum: Annual Meeting

Page 18..........................................................Advocacy Update

Page 21.......................................June Forum: LTC Graduation

Page 23...............................................Welcome New Members

Copyright © 2016 Thurston County ChamberALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Published bimonthly by theThurston County Chamber.

809 Legion Way SE P.O. Box 1427 Olympia, WA 98507

[email protected]

360.357.3362

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

Editor: David Schaffert Layout & Design: Natasha Ashenhurst, Mosaic Marketing Studio Printing: Print NW Cover Photo: by Heather Harris, Elements Photography

Chamber StaffDavid Schaffert, President/CEO

Sytease Geib, VP Workforce DevelopmentMarny Bright, VP Member Services

Krystal Barkus, Administrative SupportLaurie Bjerke, Admin. Assistant

Alisha Blain, Events ManagerChristina Bower, Education/Youth Initiatives

Debbie Burk, Workforce DevelopmentLesona Hartman, Workforce Development

Beth Johnson, Member ServicesHelaina Kennedy, Workforce Development

Judy Reynolds, LeadershipThurston CountyJoanne Stimac, Finance Offi cer

Loretta Thomas, Workforce DevelopmentPam Volz, Workforce Development

Michele Winn, Camo2Commerce

Board of Trustees

CONTENTS

BUILDING COMMUNITY PROSPERITY FOR 142 YEARS

Michael Cade, Thurston EDCDavid Cullen, David D. CullenDick Cvitanich, Olympia School DistrictCheryl Fambles, PAC Mountain Workforce Development CouncilEric Johnston, SCJ AlliancePerry Hanchey, Diamond Technology Innovations

Platinum InvestorsAmerica's Credit Union - Lacey Lucky Eagle Casino & HotelMills & Mills Funeral Home & Memorial Park • Morningside

Olympia Federal SavingsOlympia Orthopaedic Associates

Providence Saint Peters TwinStar Credit Union

Washington Business Bank

Gold InvestorsExpress Employment Professionals

First Citizens Bank • Cabinets by TrivonnaColumbia Bank • The Creative Offi ce

FirstLight Home Care • GHB Insurance Great Wolf Lodge

Hometown Property Management Mantis Graphix • Jessica Jensen Law PS

Nisqually Red Wind Casino Olympia Furniture Company

Pardiman Productions Puget Sound Energy • RHD Enterprises

Red Lion Hotel Olympia • Saint Martin’s University SCJ Alliance • TAGS

Diamond Investors:Anchor Bank

Capital Medical CenterHeritage Bank

Phillips BurgessPhysicians of Southwest

WashingtonPort of Olympia

Xerox

Join the conversation online at facebook.com/ThurstonCountyChamber.

CALENDAR

Joseph Lanham, Wells FargoBryan McConaughy, Puget Sound EnergyKevin Stormans, Stormans Inc.Faith Trimble, The Athena GroupElyse Villanueva, Heritage BankJoanna West, Washington Business BankMike Williams, Tags Awards And Specialties

Thurston County Chamber VOICE May/June 2016 5www.thurstonchamber.com

The focus of this issue of The Voice is the state of homelessness in our community. Last issue, we

focused on the emerging cannabis industry in Thurston County. We regularly feature business stories of success and opportunity as well as small business showing amazing promise.

So, how does this eclectic range of business and community stories get chosen and why?

The answer is simple. The Voice’s stories and content are refl ective of the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce’s business and community mission: Ensuring the community is functioning at the highest and healthiest levels possible. In order to function at the highest level, there must

be the resources and wealth created by the private sector to fund community infrastructure.

The complexities of homelessness — as outlined in our cover story — are signifi cant, and the cost to the community is substantial. Our community will not function at its highest level until we

resolve the worsening homeless issue.

There are models that have been successful in virtually eliminating homelessness in other parts of the country.

How, as a community, we understand these models and then employ them to achieve outcome-based success will be critical in creating solutions to the homeless issue.

In the coming Voice issues, look for continued coverage of critical topics and opportunities facing our community, as well as the stories celebrating business success, the stories about people achieving their goals and the positive contributions of the private sector that is the economic engine of Thurston County. ●

The Voice Magazine: A Forum for Critical Issues, Stories of Success and Celebration of Contributions

David SchaffertPresident & CEOThurston County Chamber

Mariella CummingsBoard Chair, Thurston County ChamberPresident of Results Incorporated

"The complexities of homelessness — as

outlined in our cover story — are signifi cant and the cost to the community is

substantial. Our community will not function at its highest

level until we resolve the worsening homeless issue."


Caught in the Lens... A collection of photos taken at Chamber events during February, March and April 2016.


Business owners expect to pay high consulting fees for services like those Heywood offered, but in fact, she didn’t charge the accounting fi rm a dime. Heywood is the Library Director of the Timberland Regional Library (TRL), a regional network of 27 libraries, serving Thurston, Lewis, Mason, Grays Harbor and Pacifi c counties. She and her team have put a fi ve-year strategic plan into action which includes helping local businesses succeed.

Over a decade ago, libraries were a place to fi nd books, magazines and newspapers, or to fi nd a quiet nook for reading and research. Today, libraries are active community centers fi lled with both physical and digital information. Heywood states that most people—even those with an active library card—are unaware of the multitude of services that libraries offer today.

Today’s libraries have resources to help establish a new business, grow an existing business, expand employee skills

and help people land a job. “I am the fi rst Library Director appointed to the Pacifi c Mountain Workforce Development Council— due to the intersection of resources we provide and workforce development. We work with the Thurston Economic Development Council, the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Joint Base Lewis-McChord and

the Small Business Administration (SBA),” said Heywood.

Research

Someone spending fi ve minutes exploring the Timberland Regional Library website, www.TRL.org, can access powerful research databases. Reference USA, for example, offers information on U.S. businesses and households along with a tutorial for the novice user.

For someone starting a new business, the library has a database of business plans called the Business Plans Handbook. The Handbook is a collection of business plans compiled by entrepreneurs seeking small business funding throughout North America. The database

Business Research & Training CenterBy Natasha Ashenhurst

An Olympia accounting firm wanted to expand their client base, so they called in a regional business research specialist, Cheryl Heywood, who spent over two hours with the firm, teaching them research methods to expand their client base and

market share.


contains helpful examples of ways to approach, structure and compose business plans in the manufacturing, retail and service industries. Business plan examples include the type of business; statement of purpose; executive summary; business/industry description; market; product and production; management/personnel; and fi nancial specifi cs.

For those looking for business or industry specifi c research, Heywood recommends ProQuest

and MasterFILE Premier. The library also subscribes to Morningstar and Value Line.

Smart Start Workshops & Microsoft Imagine Academy

This spring, TRL teamed up with the SBA to provide a series of “Start Smart” workshops for small businesses and entrepreneurs. The two-hour workshops pull together experts from the SBA, its partners and Timberland libraries throughout the fi ve-county region. All the programs are free and open to the public.

The Microsoft Imagine Academy offers technology courses in basic digital literacy skills, Microsoft Offi ce skills and advanced

skills for IT professionals. TRL offers free access to the Microsoft Imagine Academy for all Timberland patrons through a collaboration between Washington libraries, Microsoft, the Washington State Library, Secretary of State’s Offi ce and the Washington State Legislature. There are over 400 self-paced, free classes. Heywood says those interested should visit www.TRL.org.

Books and Magazines, Paper and Digital

For those of us who still want to curl up with a good book, the library has plenty of those. In addition, most books and magazines are available for digital download, allowing readers access to thousands of titles right from their home or business. For example, NOLO is a publisher of legal and business books, and TRL has over 300 NOLO full-text titles available online.

Help Wanted!

If learning how to use the vast array of services the library offers seems overwhelming, TRL staff wants to help. You can stop by your local branch and talk to a librarian, email or call one who will walk you through the steps to fi nd the information you need.

“We want the business community to know that we are available to give presentations that are specifi c to your business or organization’s needs. We need some advance notice, but we don’t have to be experts in your industry—what we’re experts at is fi nding the data you need to grow your organization, to save money or to take the fi rst step in starting your own business.” ●

Cheryl Heywood is Executive Director of the Timberland

Regional Library.

June 28, 2016, 5:30 p.m.Olympia Country & Golf Club

SAVE THE DATE

within the health care industry. The event includes honoree recognition, videos, hors d’oeuvres and a no host bar. For sponsorship information, please call the Chamber at 360.357.3362. www.thurstonchamber.com

Honoring every day heroic acts, steadfast dedication, extraordinary service and

professionalism. Presented by:


Young Professionals NetworkOur May YPN host is Cigar Daddies.

The Thurston Chamber Young Professionals (YPN) Network is a great place to interact with new, younger business professionals in a low-pressure environment. Bring plenty of business cards and a smile, and you're set to enjoy a fantastic evening of networking! Event host varies each month. Cigar Daddies is a family owned and operated business located in Lacey, specializing in cigars, cigar accessories, humidors, pipe tobacco, hooka and sheesha.●

Morning Mixxer is sponsored by Mixx 96 FM and Anchor Bank and is the fi rst Tuesday of each month, from 7:30-8:30 a.m. Locations vary. Includes coffee and pastries. Admission is FREE. Business After Hours is sponsored by 94.5 ROXY and Heritage Bank and is the third Thursday of each month. Locations vary. Admission is free.

Morning MixxerPlease join Jay Goldstein and the staff of Goldstein Law Office PLLC for a lively June Morning Mixxer.

We are not all things to all people. Instead, we provide high quality legal counsel in our areas of expertise: real estate and land use, environmental, construction, escrow, trust and estate planning and probate, creditors in bankruptcy, tax and business law—both litigation and transactional. ●

Business After Hours

Burgers!Beer!Blue Couch!Business networking &Baseball!

It's time for Business After Hours at Columbia Bank.

Columbia Bank is a Northwest community bank in WA, OR and ID providing comprehensive solutions and expertise to businesses and individuals. ●

June 7 - 7:30 a.m.

June 16 - 5:30 p.m.

1800 Cooper Point Rd. SW No. 8, Olympia

303 Union Ave SE, Olympia

5740 Ruddell Rd SE Ste C, Lacey

Morning MixxerJoin us on May 3 for an inside look into a flourishing new industry.

Let T-Brothers introduce you to all the available products and curb your curiosity.

Swing by for tons of fun, a fabulous non-infused gift basket drawing and snack on breakfast treats provided by our own local San Francisco Bakery. ●

May 3 - 7:30 a.m.

May 5 - 5:30 p.m.4511 Lacey Blvd SE, Lacey

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

June 7 7:30 a mMay 3 7:30 a m

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

May 19 - 5:30 p.m.8050 Freedom Lane NE, Ste. C, Lacey

Business After HoursJoin the Chamber for Business After Hours at Tranquility Dental Wellness Center. They have a fun evening planned, complete with appetizers, beverages and networking.

• Enjoy the evening touring and relaxing at Tranquility Dental Wellness Center.

• We remove the fear of dentistry in a Spa like atmosphereRaffle drawings for Sonicare tooth brush, in office whitening and much more.

• Located in Hawks Prairie off exit 111 near the Ram. ●

Young Professionals NetworkOur June YPN host is g.miller olympia. The Thurston Chamber YPN is a great place to interact with new, younger business professionals in a low-pressure environment.

g.miller is Olympia's flagship men’s clothing store located in the heart of downtown. Locally owned and operated. We're in the business of making you look good. ●

June 2 - 5:30 p.m.501 Capitol Way S Olympia


Editor's Note: Homelessness is a conversation the Thurston County Chamber had with our members in January 2014. The Chamber surveyed its newsletter subscribers to gauge perceptions of downtown Olympia. Almost half of those surveyed responded with concerns about chronic issues affecting downtown, including homelessness.

The County published a Homeless Census Report in May 2015. That year was to be the last of a 10-year plan to reduce homelessness in the county by half. Rather than seeing a decrease, data showed homelessness had increased by 7.4 percent since 2006.

So, what are we doing to reduce homelessness in Thurston County? Which models are working? Who is having a positive impact?

We feel optimistic that people are fi nding homes through programs like SideWalk. Through programs like Thurston Thrives

our community is implementing solutions to prevent people from slipping into homelessness in the fi rst place.

Yes, it is a business issue. Yes, it is a public health issue. Yes, it is a community issue. Moreover, it is an issue that will take all of us working together to solve.

Utah made national news in 2015 when its homeless population went from nearly 2,000 in 2005, to fewer than 200 in 2015. States like Utah are representative of a national shift in policy to end homelessness — an approach at work right here in Thurston County.

Communities are moving away from the traditional model, which advocates treating mental health issues, drug addiction and removing employment barriers fi rst, then fi nding housing. It’s an expensive system that isn’t working. Instead, Thurston County has taken a new, research-based approach called Housing First.

The idea behind the Housing First model is simple: Move people into housing as quickly as possible, then offer services. Give people a place to live and wrap services around them to keep them in that home. First, you have to fi nd those individuals in need and connect them with housing and services. There are three steps involved in the process — identify, prioritize and offer services.

Identify

Homeless adults, families and youth might fi nd the help they need through a case manager, Washington Department of Social and Health Services, or the police. Help might also fi nd them.

This year, two facilities will open to help identify vulnerable adults, families and youth. First, a mental health triage facility — located near the Thurston County Jail — will open this month. The facility will provide a place of support for those in crisis—and who have come into contact with law enforcement—because

From left to right, Schelli Slaughter, Phil Owen and Keylee Marineau

Helping the Homeless in Thurston County with Housing First Approach

Maybe you’re at a luncheon, a book club or a board meeting, and you mention going downtown Olympia to attend a show or eat at a restaurant — chances are the subject of homelessness will come up. Homelessness is something we see,

talk about and ask “What’s being done about it?”

By Natasha Ashenhurst. Photograhy by Heather Harris.


of mental health or substance abuse issues. According to Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney Jon Tunheim, the facility will assess the needs of a client, determine the nature of the crisis, and ultimately divert the person to the appropriate system and appropriate treatment.

The Community Care Center, a project of Providence Saint Peter Hospital, is the second facility that will aid in identifying homeless populations and will open this summer. The center will house psychiatric and behavioral health experts, as well as local social service agencies to provide a full spectrum of support — including representatives from SideWalk Homeless Services, Interfaith Works, Capital Recovery Center, SeaMar, Northwest Resources and Behavioral Health Resources.

“The community response to the Center has been absolutely awesome,” said Phil Owen, SideWalk’s executive director. “One of the things that is amazing with this team is that we start with the people that are the most vulnerable and work them into the services they need.

“We are using our client’s challenges and needs as a battering ram for

system change — we have to build the system around a person rather than having a person try and navigate a very complicated system on their own.”

Prioritize

In an effort to prioritize housing and services, community partners surveyed known homeless populations to create a Vulnerability Index, which measures a person’s risk of dying on the streets. Based on a national model, the index gives each identifi ed person a score. People who have a high score go into a home fi rst. Currently, there are 400 people on the list. Once identifi ed and scored, the adult, family or youth is matched with services.

Offer Services with a Coordinated Entry Approach

Once providers identify and prioritize homeless adults, families and youth, they can receive appropriate services.

There are three different agencies in Thurston County — contracted through Thurston County — to serve as a coordinated entry process into services for those without a home, each specializing in one of three subsets of

the homeless population. SideWalk helps single adults who are homeless. Family Support Center of South Sound helps homeless families and Community Youth Services helps homeless youth, ages 18 to 24. They share a help line and have a “no wrong door” approach.

“Anyone who needs help can go to one of the three agencies, but each have a different population focus. Our goal is to help people access the housing, shelter and support services they need quickly,” said Schelli Slaughter, executive director of the Family Support Center.

Each agency advocates vulnerability-based prioritization, removing barriers, housing fi rst models and client-centered care.

SideWalk: Rapid Rehousing for Homeless Adults

Owen has worked as a homeless advocate for over 15 years. When asked if he thought Thurston County was making progress ending homelessness he said, “This is the fi rst time in my career that I feel like we have a strategy, momentum and are having an impact on homelessness.

The Vulnerability Index Team: Seated: L to R - Jill Esbeck, Grace Owen, SideWalk; Gabe Ash, Drexel House; Brenda Anderson, Olympia Police Department, Sgt. Rick Anderson, Olympia Jail; Tiesa Blankenship, Donald Bradley, SideWalk; Kathy Turner, Fleetwood/Arbor Manor Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI); Sharon Holley, Downtown Ambassadors; Brittany Stallings,Interfaith Works Emergency Overnight Shelter; Dorothy Culliton, SideWalk. Standing: Andy Cochran, DSHS Home & Community Services; Phil Owen, SideWalk; Tye Gundel, Capital Recovery Center, (CRC) PATH; Merja Kehl, Thurston County Behavioral Health Organization; Meg Martin, Interfaith Works Emergency Overnight Shelter. Not pictured: TJ LaRocque, Providence St Peter Community Care Center; Kaylee Knowles, Sea Mar Community Health Center; Mark Collins, Social Worker; Josh Black, Capital Recovery Center, PATH; Michelle McDonald-Lopez, BHR-PACT; John Nason, BHR Housing, Ruth Muuru, BHR Community Integration Outreach and Malika Lamont, Thurston Co. Public Health and Social Services Syringe Exchange Program. The group meets at SideWalk every week.

Continued on page 15


“During SideWalk’s fi rst three years, we moved 500 people into housing. This year we will move 300 people into housing. About three quarters are coming out of the woods or out of their cars.”

SideWalk’s Housing First model — referred to as Rapid Rehousing — provides a small amount of short-term rent assistance. According to Owen, the total cost to rehouse someone — including case management, administration and rental assistance — is $1,200.

SideWalk prioritizes placing homeless adults into housing using the Vulnerability Index and plans to place the top 150 candidates into Permanent Supportive Housing — with individualized, fl exible supportive services, leases without limits on length of stay and collaboration between case managers and property owners — and everyone else into Rapid Rehousing.

According to HUD, permanent supportive housing models using a Housing First approach are highly effective for ending homelessness. Their website states, “Particularly for people experiencing chronic homelessness who have higher service needs, studies have shown that Housing First permanent supportive housing models result in long-term housing stability, improved physical and behavioral health outcomes, and reduced use of crisis services such as emergency departments, hospitals, and jails.”

Family Support Center of South Sound: Housing and Services for Families

Like SideWalk, Family Support Center uses the Vulnerability Index score to prioritize services by need.

“We have families with babies, toddlers and kids sleeping in parks and cars,” said Slaughter. “Families are the fastest growing homeless population—a huge problem in Thurston County and nationwide.”

Lack of affordable housing, loss of income and domestic violence are all factors in homeless families. Slaughter notes half of the families they see at their shelter — Pear Blossom Place — are employed.

Also like SideWalk, the Family Support Center uses the Housing First model, which research indicates is most effective model for reducing family homelessness. Slaughter notes that 86 percent of families do not return to homelessness after just a little bit of help, which averages one to six months of rental assistance.

“Homeless kids are twice as likely to be absent from school. Twice as likely to not graduate. Twice as likely to suffer from chronic health conditions. And even twice as likely to commit suicide,” said Slaughter. "If we can get those kids into a safe, stable environment as quickly as possible it improves their health, education and resiliency against trauma. That benefi ts the entire community because we are investing in the future of our children.

“When we protect the kids, we’re serving the community because those kids will be able to have jobs and the opportunity for a successful life.”

However, there isn’t enough housing for families in need, so the Family Support Center offers a shelter and they have

seven permanent unit apartments on site.

“The most vulnerable families get placed there,” said Slaughter. “Then we can offer services and wrap them with support. We use best practices such as Housing First, helping families get into permanent housing quickly.”

Community Youth Services: Helping Homeless Youth Find Stable Housing

While the Housing First model is a best practice for homeless adults and families, it isn’t always the most effective solution for homeless youth. Housing models for youth require skill development, supportive services and case management. Rapid Rehousing and Transitional Housing for youth with services up to 24 months are key for this age range. Keylee Marineau, the director of services for high-risk youth at Olympia’s CYS, says that youth need more support and more time than adults do. She says most youth are homeless because their home was not a safe place, and they were courageous enough to leave.

“For a housing model to be successful you have to have stop gaps along the way,” said Marineau. “We have to think about our system as a bridge between emergency shelters and housing.”

Once youth are homeless and establish what is referred to as “street dependency,” it is challenging to place them in an apartment where they often experience a sense of isolation. They can’t have their friends over without breaking the rules, so they leave and are back on the street again.

“Planning for and understanding this we’ve created a low barrier emergency shelter for youth, ages 18-24,” said Marineau. “A step beyond homeless is getting them back on their feet. Next, we work with them to go to school or work. We offer a semi-permanent 90-day bed and a storage bin for their belongings. We know that if we take care of mitigating circumstances they are more successful.”

Above: A mother and her baby receive services at Family Support Center.

Continued from page 13

Continued on page 27


How Great Leaders Leverage the Power of Story: Evelyn Clark will Keynote Thurston Chamber's 111th Annual Meeting

Join the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce for the 111th Annual Meeting and the beginning of the Chamber’s 142nd year, on Wednesday, May 18.

Evelyn Clark, author of Around the Corporate Campfi re: How Great Leaders Use Stories to Inspire Success, will deliver the keynote address.

Designed for executives, top-fl ight sales people and savvy marketers, Evelyn Clark’s keynotes focus on real-life situations that weigh on leaders’ minds. Her audiences learn how to transform their organization’s performance by telling the right story to the right audience at the right time.

Thousands have learned to leverage the power of story, with Evelyn Clark’s help, to achieve desired results:

Keeping employees focused on corporate values and mission

• Galvanizing stakeholder support

• Maximizing teamwork

• Increasing brand recognition

• Fueling sales and profi ts

The event will also include the transferring of the gavel from Thurston County Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Mariella Cummings to Chair Jessica Coen, a review of last year’s successes and an optimistic look forward to 2016-2017.

Cost is $35 for members, $245 for a table of seven. Cost for non-members is $45 per person or $315 per table. It includes a plated lunch. Register online at www.thurstonchamber.com.

Reservations are required for this event.

Thank you to our presenting sponsors, The Port of Olympia and Heritage Bank. ●

MEMORIAL DAY IS ONLY ONCE A YEAR

but our gratitude is endless.

Please join us for a special Memorial Day event in honor and celebration of those who have proudly served our country.

For more information , please c

35th Annual Memorial Day Commemoration

Evelyn Clark, author of Around the Corporate Campfi re: How Great Leaders Use Stories to Inspire Success

Register for the Annual Meeting at www.thurstonchamber.com.Tickets include lunch and the keynote presentation.


On any given day the Thurston County Chamber is working with local government representing business

interests, is on a panel discussing the future of education and the workforce, and is meeting with community leaders advocating for a stronger economy. Here are a few of the issues we are actively engaged in. To learn more about these issues, or to fi nd out how you can become involved, email [email protected]

City of Tumwater Planned Action Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)Here’s what you need to know: The Chamber Board at its April board meeting reaffi rmed its support of the City’s efforts to redevelop the Old Brewhouse property and provided supportive comments regarding the planned action EIS. A planned action EIS outlines potential impacts for a range of development alternatives and any required mitigation to the environment. Following completion of the EIS and the City’s adoption of a planned action ordinance, a specifi c development proposal can move forward without further environmental review provided the proposed development is consistent with the EIS and impacts have been addressed

Downtown StrategiesHere’s what you need to know: The City of Olympia is undergoing a planning effort intended to implement strategies to make

downtown Olympia a safe and welcoming place. The Chamber attends advisory committees and special meetings facilitated by the City. One area of emphasis for the Chamber is how to incentivize redevelopment opportunities. The City is developing tools to address both strengths and weaknesses of investing and building in the downtown corridor.

East Bay Redevelopment Here’s what you need to know: The Chamber’s Business and Economic Development Committee (B&E) has had several briefi ngs on recently proposed activities in East Bay. The East Bay district is a result of a public partnership of the Port of Olympia, City of Olympia, LOTT Clean Water Alliance and Hands on Children's Museum. The vision for the East Bay is to be a pedestrian-friendly center focusing on mixed-use development.

Regional Transportation Plan Here’s what you need to know: The Chamber is engaged with Thurston Regional Planning Council’s Regional Transportation Plan. The plan identifi es the regional long-range vision for development of the transportation system in Thurston County. Of particular interest to the Chamber are improvements to Carpenter Road, Marvin Road, Rainier Road, Yelm Highway, Brewery District Transportation projects and interchange studies. The public has until May 9 to provide comment.

City of Lacey Woodland District/Form-Based CodeHere’s what you need to know: The Chamber’s B&E committee engaged the City of Lacey staff on the opportunities of form-based codes and how it will support the Woodland District. The code will guide development in a manner consistent with the Woodland District Strategic Plan to ensure high-quality public spaces defi ned by a variety of building types and uses including housing, retail, and mixed-use and offi ce space. The code will incorporate a regulating plan, building form standards, street standards, use regulations as needed, and other elements needed to implement the vision for the Woodland District. ●

Advocating for Community

The East Bay district is a result of a public partnership of the Port of Olympia, City of Olympia, LOTT Clean Water Alliance and Hands on Children's Museum. The vision for the East Bay is to be a pedestrian-friendly center focusing on mixed-use development.

S A V E T H E D A T E ! Olympia Brew FestSaturday, August 6, 20161 p.m. - 8 p.m.Port Plaza

www.thurstonchamber.com

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Leadership Thurston County (LTC) and the Thurston County Chamber Foundation are pleased to recognize members of the Class of 2016. Sponsored by TAGS

Awards & Specialties, the graduation program will be held June 8 during the monthly Thurston County Chamber Forum.

During the 10-month program, participants met with local, community, and statewide leaders; learned about issues surrounding South Sound communities; expanded networks and resources; and explored numerous opportunities to get involved. Topics ranged from economic development and government to environmental issues, education, and health care. Field trips included visits to local businesses, schools and universities, public agencies and non-profi t organizations.

MANY THANKS to Graduation Sponsor TAGS Awards & Specialties, all the employers who sponsored participants, local leaders who contributed to the monthly sessions, LTC Sustaining Trustees and Board of Regents and the Thurston County Chamber for all their outstanding support during the past LTC year!

Leadership Thurston County Celebrates Class of 2016By Judy Reynolds, Program Coordinator

LTC Graduation Forum – June 8, 2016, 11:30 a.m.Red Lion Hotel Olympia

2300 Evergreen Park Drive SW, OlympiaReservations for Chamber Forum are requested:

www.thurstonchamber.comGraduation Sponsor:

Shari Aldrich, Body Mechanics School of Myotherapy & MassageDwayne Boggs, Boggs Inspection ServicesSusan Bowe, Washington State Department of TransportationKelsey Browne, LOTT Clean Water AllianceAmanda Carroll, Tiburon SystemsDonovan Cathey, Tumwater Firefi ghters UnionMaria Chiechi, Washington State Residential Care CouncilSam Costello, Olympia Police DepartmentSteve Craig, City of TumwaterLeatta Dahlhoff, Washington State Department of EcologyTina Davis, TwinStar Credit Union, Olympia BranchJohn Duerr, Coldwell Banker Evergreen Olympic RealtyShawna Dutton, Habitat for HumanityLen Faucher, Port of OlympiaAnthony Ford, Capital City PressSytease Geib, Thurston County ChamberJoy Gerchak, Intercity TransitKasandra Jaquez, Thurston First BankJoshua Johnson, Brown & CaldwellKaren Johnson, Sunset AirRon Jones, City of OlympiaMatthew Klifman, US BankJim Ladd, Evergreen Christian CommunityJennifer Lamont, Olympia Lacey Tumwater Visitor & Convention BureauMeryl Lipman, The Evergreen State CollegeJennifer Lord, Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney’s Offi ceTanya Mote, South Puget Sound Community CollegeTeri O’Neal, City of LaceySonia Ramirez, Yelm Municipal CourtRyan Reynolds, Weichert Realtors Reynolds Real EstateChris Richardson, Chehalis Tribal EnterprisesScott Sawyer, SCJ AllianceTyson Schmitt, Puget Sound EnergyBarb Soule, AAA WashingtonMark Steepy, KPFF Consulting EngineersHeidi Thomsen, Thurston County Sheriff’s Offi ceBridget Vidonne, Pacifi c Mountain Workforce Development CouncilDaniel Vining, Thurston First BankKyle Wiese, Thurston Economic Development CouncilKim Young, Wolf Haven International


Abbey Realty - Jami DowningAbby's Cookies & CupcakesAccel MortgageACI Creative DesignAdvanced Drilling, LLCAHBLAiken & Sanders, Inc. PSAll Pro Screen Printing &

EmbroideryAllied Concrete ApplicatorsAllstate - Ronelle FunkAlpine Ductless, LLCAmerican Legion Post 100Anderson & Middleton Co.Andy's Automotive & Off Road Angstrom Material Processing,

Inc.Ascent Audiology & HearingAspire Family Fitness & Martial

ArtsAurora LasikBarckley ElectricBayshore ConstructionBCE Engineers, Inc.Beauty BombedBee Enterprises, LLCBen Houk, Account Exec,

NIcholson & AssocBenefi ts Academy, TheBES - Betschart Electric

ServicesBig Rock ConstructionBlack Hills GymnasticsBloom, Chamberlin, Williams

GroupBLRB Architects, PS

Bobby Jay'z CafeBoggs Inspection ServicesBon LemonBoyd's PlumbingBrookstone ServicesBuds & Blades Landscape

CompanyBurger ProfessionalsC & H ConstructionCallisonsCapital Oral & Maxillofacial

SurgeryCapital West LimousineCapitol Pacifi c ReportingCare Net Pregnancy Center of

Thurston CountyCBRECED LaceyCGI Technology and SolutionsChampion Chiropractic CenterChelsea Farms, LLCChild Care Action CouncilCigar DaddiesCLASCORP Legal & Financial

ServicesCoastal CustodialColdwell Banker - Mitch DietzCRAINS OFFICE SUPPLYCRMA InvestmentsCrosley ConstructionD.K. Boos Glass, Inc.Dahlhoff, LeattaDancing Goat- LaceyDapaul Chip, LLCDiventare Creative

DK Hair SalonDuncan & Associates InsuranceDuncan & Haley, Ltd.Eastside Big TomEnvironmental Design, LLCEnvironmental WoodsErnie'seShipgateEspresso Products DirectEvans Marine SolutionsEvergreen Christian CommunityEvergreen Christian SchoolEvolution Concrete PolishingFairway Independent Mortgage

- OlympiaFamily Education and Support

ServicesFarmers Insurance - Isaac

LornitzoFirst Church of LaceyFitness AblazeFloor Express, Inc.Forever LawnGeoEngineers, Inc.Gjurasic, Mark & BenitaGK Capital Partners, LLC dba A

Street InvestmentsGlacier Gun ClubGreene Realty - Jim HickmanGreene Realty - Sterling StockGreene Realty Group - Jeannine

RoeGreene Realty Group-Quint

NewellGundersen Dental Care

H & R Block - McSwain, LLCHagen, Bates and EdwardsHammerhead MMAHansen ConstructionHarbor WholesaleHarding GreensHomestreet Bank - Olympia

Home Loan CenterHoopla EventsHuelogicI-5 Design & ManufactureIzzy's - OlympiaJ A Morris Construction, LLCJD Pollard Construction; Jeffrey B. Glander & Associates,

PLLCJera NetworksJMG Painting, LLCJNS Restorations, LLCJocelyn McCabe Public

RelationsJohn Erwin Remodeling, Inc.Johnson & Johnson Overhead

Door, Inc.Johnson Brothers LandscapingJohnson Integrated ServicesJoseph Robert's Salon &

MassageKACS 90.5/KACW 91.3Keev Farm, LLCKiersanKiperts Korner Feed, LLCKoelsch Senior CommunitiesKolb Family Investments, LLCLacey Denture Clinic

Thurston Chamber Welcomes 240 New Members

While most Chambers of Commerce struggle through their annual membership drive, the Thurston County Chamber hosted a ‘Membership Event’ like none

other! For two and a half days, February 16, 17 and 18, over 170 community leaders worked against the clock and against each other to sign up 240 new members. The event also created greater community awareness of the important role the Thurston County Chamber plays in community development, economic development and business services. “The real success was 170 business people coming together to gain a deeper understanding of the role of the Chamber in the community and then sharing that message with their peers. And, we had a lot of fun in the process," said David Schaffert, President/CEO.

The 170 community volunteers who participated in the event were led by: Liz Davis, NW Venture Philanthropy, Jim Greene, Greene Realty, John Kaufman, Kaufman Brothers, Drew Phillips, FORMA Construction, Perry Shea, SCJ Alliance, Mike & Brenda Williams, TAGS Awards & Specialties, Dan O'Neill,

O'Neill and Sons, Tanya Jernigan, DTI, Renee Sunde, City of Olympia, Tim Shaw, ThurstonTalk.com

Those who participated in the Chamber’s Membership Event had the opportunity to hear Schaffert share the Chamber's message, garnering support of 240 new members. That message is that the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce is made up of the membership, and together, we are building community. This happens by tackling the tough issues, from transportation to education, creating opportunity and visibility for members and understanding that more members translates into more opportunity for all. The Chamber is a champion of Thurston County, working hard to bring new business and opportunity to our community.

The Thurston County Chamber is our region’s largest chamber serving over 1,350 members, and has been promoting economic prosperity across Thurston County for over 140 years. ●


Lacey Roofi ng, LLCLandau AssociatesLemier Phillips ConstructionLerch's Flooring & Tile, Inc.Lethal Limbs AcademyLew Rents EastsideLifetouch Church DivisionLossing Construction, LLCMadsen Roofi ngMaterials Testing and

Consulting, Inc.McSwain Financial - Best

Choice Health Plan Merrill LynchMike's Plum Street AutomotiveMill Pond Limited PartnershipMJR DevelopmentModa CapelliMontgomery PaintingMVP Realty GroupMykol Pump & DrillingN2 PublishingNerium International - McDonald

& PhelanNew Hope MinistriesNormandy Partners 2, LLCNorthwest Benefi ts, Inc.Northwest Family HomesNorthwest Offi cialsNorthwind Pet Care CenterNova Contracting, Inc.Oliver's Landscaping, LLCOlympia Endodontic GroupOlympia Eye Clinic, Inc., PSOlympia Kato Sister City

Association

Olympia Seafood Company, TheOlympia Transitional Care &

RehabOne Washington Financial, LLCOral Surgery AssociatesOSG Dozing, LLC.Ostrom Mushroom FarmsOutdoors By Design LLCPacifi c Medical CentersPainted Palace, ThePenrose Physical TherapyPercival FivePettit Marine, LLCPioneer Fire & Security, Inc.Pratt, Mike F.Premier Fitness and Weight

LossPrestige PoolsPrime Time PartnersPrincipal Financial GroupPrivate Sector Arms, ThePuget Western Inc.Purdy Fun Climbing CorpPureSolarPWR LawQCash Financial, LLCQuincy HomeRaymond I. Myer Construction,

Inc.RB Engineering, Inc.RE/MAX Parkside - Jim BennettREMAX Professionals - Kathy

'kt' ThompsonRestoration ChurchRhino Insurance, LLCRJ Development

RJ HomesRM Investment PropertiesRound Table of Thurston County,

TheSayre Law Offi ces, PLLCSetina Manufacturing Company

Inc.Seven Tallon, LLCShipwreck CafeSingle Handed ConsultingSite ResponseSnap On Tools - Kenny VossSound Advantage RealtySouth Sound Home LoansSouth Sound Honda Suzuki

PolarisSouth Sound Honda SuzukiSparks Northwest InsuranceSpruce Skin & Wax ShoppeSPSCC - Catering/EventsSPSCC FoundationSteamboat Tennis & Athletic

ClubStewart Title CompanyStrategy Insurance Brokers, LLCStudio West Dance AcademyStusser Electric Co.Summit Pacifi c Medical CenterSunrise AutobodySuperclean JanitorialSupply WorksSweet Life BoutiqueTanasse Chiropractic, Inc.Chiropractors, D.C.Taurus Industries, Inc.Team Hjelm Real Estate

The Eastside Barber Co., LLCThe Next Generation ServicesThurston County TitleThurston ThrivesTires, Inc.Top Rung Brewing Co.Town & Country Roofi ngTownePlace Suites/MarriottTri-Tec Communications, Inc.The Tronie FoundationTumwater Citizens For Better

EducationTundra MechanicalTutor DoctorU. S. Healthvest, LLCU. S. Marine SalesVacation Rental Cabin on Lake

St. ClairVATA Commercial Driving

School and Fleet ServicesVision HealthVisiting Angels of OlympiaW.E. Davis CoWashington EngageWashington State Correctional

IndustriesWashington State PTAWashington West Fishing

Adventures, LLCWeatherbee ConstructionWendell Bell ConstructionWilder Contractor, Inc.Wimberly TrainingWoodshed FurnitureWorkpointeYour Chamber Connection

[email protected]

WE’RE BUILDING SO YOU CAN, TOO

Meet Trevor Zandell, the newest member of the Phillips Burgess team. A summa cum laude graduate of Gonzaga University

School of Law, Trevor has been serving South Puget Sound legal clients for more than a decade. He will focus his practice on real

estate, construction, landlord-tenant, and business law.


Above, the Thurston Thrives Housing Action Team: Trudy Soucoup, Executive Director, Homes First, Bud Blake, Thurston County Commissioner; Chair of Thurston Thrives Housing Action Team, Aaron Rodriguez, ACR Consulting, Housing Action Team Consultant, Tom Stuebner, Director, Thurston County Public Health and Social Services, Keith Stahley, Director of Community Planning & Development, City of Olympia, (not pictured) Darlene Hein, Van Dorm Realty, (not pictured) Doug DeForest, Thurston Transit Oriented Development, (not pictured) Derek Harris, Deputy Director, Community Youth Services, Elisa Kaufmann, Thurston County Public Health and Social Services.

Finally, CYS creates a bridge between shelters and permanent housing.

“We need a bridge. We can’t get rid of shelters. We have to offer a continuum of support that provides various forms of housing, services and coordinated care from the streets to when they’ve graduated from college to getting their fi rst job,” said Marineau.

Next Steps

Owens, Slaughter and Marineau all agree Thurston County needs more affordable housing — both to house the homeless with the Housing First model, but also to help prevent homelessness in the fi rst place.

Liz Davis is community coordinator for Thurston Thrives, a countywide effort to involve all residents in creating a strong, healthy and safe community.

“So many people are born into rough circumstances. If someone is working a minimum wage job, they can’t afford market rate housing in our community,” said Davis. “For families, the cost of an average two-bedroom, one-bath apartment is more than someone can afford on two minimum wage jobs. Add in child care costs, and it becomes very diffi cult to make ends meet.” Data from the United Way ALICE report that shows that a basic “survival” budget for a family of 4 (two adults, one infant, one preschooler) requires an annual income of $56,136 or $28.07 per hour – the equivalent of approximately three minimum wage jobs.

Thurston County Commissioner Bud Blake and Thurston Thrives Housing Action Team chair agrees.

“We simply don’t have enough affordable housing in Thurston County — and it is a problem communities are facing across Washington State,” said Blake. “We want to get people off the street, into housing and working — our entire community benefi ts from this. The solution, however, is going to take time. It isn’t fast, but we’re making progress.”

Blake noted that the Housing Action Team is spearheading an Affordable Housing Pipeline project at the end of April, specifi cally to address this issue and involve community members in solutions to address this challenge.

The next time you are at a luncheon, a book club or a board meeting and are talking about homelessness in Thurston County — remember these words from Slaughter: “If we as a community can ensure that everyone has safe affordable housing, the services and support they need, and fi nally destigmatize the issue and understand the causes of homelessness—I believe we can end homelessness” ●

Continued from page 15

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May/June 2016 VOICE Magazine

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