may june 2015 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 5

BUILDING COMMUNITY PROSPERITY FOR 140 YEARS

BUSINESS & Labor BUSINESS & Labor Find Strong Public Support for Port Find Strong Public Support for Port of Olympiaof Olympia See page 14See page 14

PRESERVATION & INNOVATION: PRESERVATION & INNOVATION: Olympia Country Olympia Country & Golf Club is Ready to Welcome a & Golf Club is Ready to Welcome a New GenerationNew Generation See page 25See page 25

2 • May/June 2015 Thurston County Chamber VOICE www.thurstonchamber.com

May 5Morning Mixxer - 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. - Allwest Moving and Storage, 2640 Willamette Drive NE Lacey.

May 7Young Professionals Network - 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. -The Fish Tale Brew Pub, 515 Jefferson St., Olympia.

May 13Thurston County Chamber Annual Meeting 11:30 a.m. Red Lion Hotel Olympia.

May 21Business After Hours - 5:30 p.m. Capital Events Center, 6005 Tyee Dr SW, Tumwater.

June 2 Morning Mixxer - 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. - Combined Fund Drive, 416 Sid Snyder Ave, Olympia.

June 4Young Professionals Network - 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. -River's Edge, 4611 Tumwater Valley Drive, Tumwater.

June 10Forum - 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Red Lion Hotel OlympiaTopic: Leadership Thurston County Graduation

June 16Health Care Champions - 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.Olympia Country & Golf Club.

June 18Business After Hours - 5:30 p.m. - Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St SE.

Executive Offi cersMariella Cummings, Chair Physicians of Southwest WA

Jessica Coen, Chair ElectXerox Company

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

CHAMBER BOARD & STAFF

Page 4 ...........................Outgoing Chair's Letter: Ron Bruchet

Page 5 ...............Incoming Chair's Letter: Mariella Cummings

Page 6 & 7 ..................................................Caught in the Lens

Page 9 ...........................................Chamber Advocacy Update

Page 11.....Thurston County Chamber's 110th Annual Meeting

Page 13........................................Marny Bright on Networking

Page 14 ...Chamber Finds Strong Support for Port of Olympia

1 .............................................Welcome New Members!

Page 23.......................................June Forum: LTC Graduation

Page 25..............................The Olympia Country & Golf Club

Copyright © 2007 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 of Mosaic Marketing Studio Printing: Print NW Cover Photo: Tim Knittle, left, Longshore Foreman with ILWU Local #47, Kelly Atkinson, center, Senior Vice-President, Talon Marine Services and the vessel's agent, and David Schaffert, President/CEO of the Thurston County Chamber. They are watching the loading of the Jamaica Bay.

Chamber StaffDavid Schaffert, President/CEO

Sytease Geib, VP Workforce DevelopmentMarny Bright, VP Member Services

Alisha Blain, Events CoordinatorLaurie Bjerke, Admin. Assistant

Debbie Burk, Business2BusinessKathleen Cooper, Business2Business

Beth Johnson, Member ServicesJudy Reynolds, LeadershipThurston County

Rachael Lebon, Business2BusinessPam Singleton, Finance Offi cer

Martha Wagner, Member ServicesMichele Winn, Camo2Commerce

Board of Trustees

CONTENTS

BUILDING COMMUNITY PROSPERITY FOR 140 YEARS

George Barner, Port of OlympiaMichael Cade, Thurston EDCDavid Cullen, David D. CullenDick Cvitanich, Olympia School DistrictCheryl Fambles, PAC Mountain Workforce Development CouncilPerry Hanchey, Diamond Technology InnovationsJoseph Lanham, Wells FargoBryan McConaughy, Puget Sound Energy

Platinum InvestorsCapital Medical CenterFORMA Construction

KeyBank Lucky Eagle Casino & HotelMills & Mills Funeral Home &

Memorial ParkMorningside

TwinStar Credit Union Washington Business Bank

Xerox

Gold InvestorsAmerica's Credit Union • Cabinets by Trivonna

Columbia Bank • The Creative Offi ce Express Employment ProfessionalsFirst Citizens Bank • GHB Insurance

Great Wolf Lodge • Jessica Jensen Law PS McSwain & Company PS

Nisqually Red Wind Casino Olympia Orthopaedic Associates

Pardiman Productions Providence St. Peter Hospital • Puget Sound EnergyRed Lion Hotel Olympia • Saint Martin’s University

SCJ Alliance • TAGS • The Governor Hotel

Diamond Investors:Anchor Bank

Heritage BankPhillips Burgess

Physicians of Southwest WashingtonPort of Olympia

Versoria

Join the conversation online at facebook.com/ThurstonCountyChamber.

CALENDAR

Ben Shah, Olympia OrthopaedicsKevin Stormans, Stormans Inc.Ann Sweeney, Red Lion HotelFaith Trimble, The Athena GroupElyse Villanueva, Heritage BankJoanna West, Washington Business BankMike Williams, Tags Awards And SpecialtiesSandi Wilson, Thurston First Bank

www.thurstonchamber.com


by Ron Bruchet

I can’t help but start this letter with the phrase, “time fl ies when you’re having fun!” I know it is a saying that is grossly overused, but my year as the chair of the Thurston

County Chamber of Commerce was fun and it’s hard to believe that it has already come to an end.

If truth be told, I gained a lot more out of the experience than I was able to contribute. The position was a great opportunity to learn and become more engaged in many of the important issues facing our community. Although my core values have remained the same, many of my opinions and positions have changed as I became more educated about each of the key issues.

But this letter is not about me and my year as the chair. Instead, it’s about a great organization steeped in a rich history of advocating for a thriving business community, and the exciting future ahead.

The Chamber has always focused on creating jobs, fi nding solutions for small businesses, supporting our youth and education — as well as our transitioning military personnel — and ultimately making Thurston County a better place to live and raise our families.

With that in mind, several of us from the board were able to attend a day long conference hosted by the Washington Chamber of Commerce Executives and Western Association of Chamber Executives (WACE) to learn about building an even more effective and dynamic leadership team.

One of the conference themes that resonated with me most was the idea that chambers can no longer stay complacent. Dave Kilby, president and CEO of WACE, referred to it as having “productive paranoia.” In other words, in order to stay relevant, we leaders must continue to evaluate all of the Chamber’s programs and events to determine what’s worked well and what needs to change. We must be visionaries, and we cannot be afraid of letting go of things that have gone beyond their shelf

life.

I’m sure most of us in the business community could also use a little dose of productive paranoia, but for chambers I think this can be a little more challenging. With limited staff and so many events scheduled each

month, I can understand how complacency for some chambers could simply be a result of having to exist in survival mode.

With that said, comparing our Chamber to others who shared their experiences during the conference, I believe David and the entire Chamber staff should be applauded for the work they do and for being forward thinking and continuing to fi nd innovative ways to support our membership. We really do have a great organization with dedicated staff and a visionary CEO who is always striving to get better.

In closing, I want to welcome Mariella Cummings as the new chair of the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce. We’re lucky to have someone with such experience and insight, and I look forward to remaining on the board for one more year as past chair, growing even more under her leadership and guidance. ●

Staying Relevant by Embracing Change

Ron Bruchet is the outgoing Chair of the Thurston County Chamber Board of Trustees, and President of GHB Insurance.

Ron Bruchet, right, at the Thurston Green Business Forum, with David Schaffert, middle, and Rich Hoey, City of Olympia, left.

I believe David and the entire Chamber staff should be applauded for the work they do and for being forward thinking and continuing to fi nd innovative ways

to support our membership.-Ron Bruchet

Thurston County Chamber VOICE May/June 2015 5www.thurstonchamber.com

by Mariella Cummings

What an honor and privilege it is for me greet you in the beginning of my term as chair of your Thurston County Chamber of Commerce.

In 1987, I relocated to Olympia to become the CEO of Capital Medical Center. I’ve had the pleasure of working with many of you in subsequent private sector business roles and community volunteer activities.

Like you, I understand that the Chamber’s primary mission to build community prosperity is only possible with a vibrant, successful and engaged private sector. Growing and sustaining a healthy private sector is the foundation for Chamber policies and programs. Our Chamber seeks and embraces collaboration opportunities with governmental partners, educational institutions and many volunteer organizations. Together with the other members of the Board of Trustees, our outstanding professional staff and volunteers, I pledge continued dedication to this mission.

What are the essential ingredients of a successful Chamber of Commerce? Earlier this month, I attended a leadership workshop — sponsored by the Western Association of Chamber Executives — with three other board members and Chamber President David Schaffert. Per these national experts, the essential ingredients include board leadership, professional staff and strong programs in support of member business success. A critical fourth ingredient is effective member communication about the value the chamber is providing.

Our website and social media pages, member service representative support, networking and social events, and our

bimonthly publication of The VOICE, are some of the many ways we strive to keep you informed and to learn from you about how to better meet your needs. Let us know how we can improve these communication efforts.

The leadership workshop reinforced the pride we board members and our president share about what the Chamber has accomplished in its 140 year history, and renewed enthusiasm about how we can continue to grow and improve.

We understand your Chamber’s role is not to sponsor events, but rather to provide solutions for business success. Our solutions involve hundreds of engagement opportunities, from economic development to the arts.

Through the Chamber Foundation we are investing in the county’s future and

private sector enterprise by prioritizing student success and career planning, and preparing adults for increased community engagement and leadership.

Successful chambers are those with the courage to change, who reassess programs and policies that might have outlived their value to member businesses.

Successful chambers are also courageous in identifying and facilitating discussion of complex and sometimes controversial issues. In the coming months we'll ask the members to join the conservation on several issues impacting our community.

The Board also welcomes your feedback about how to improve member services now and for the future. Please consider how you might want to become more involved with the Chamber in this ‘solutions’ business in support of ‘Community Prosperity’. ●

Essential Ingredients

Mariella Cummings is the 2015-2016 Thurston County Chamber Board Chair, CEO of Physicians of Southwest Washington, LLC, and President of Results Incorporated.

Mariella Cummings, emcee at A Night on the Town, introducing Congressman Denny Heck.

Successful chambers are also courageous in identifying and

facilitating discussion of complex and sometimes controversial issues.

-Mariella Cummings


Caught in the Lens...


Photos taken during March and April 2015 at the following events: March Forum - Best of South Sound, Morning Mixxer at Senior Services for South Sound, Business After Hours at Best Western Plus, April Forum - Thurston Green Business, Morning Mixxer at

Mantis Graphix, Business After Hours at Cross Insurance Agency, and A Night on the Town.


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]

The Business & Economic Development Committee

Here’s what you need to know: The Business and Economic Development Committee focuses on a variety of land-use, zoning, and public policy issues that impact economic development. Recently they have focused their attention on the City of Olympia’s Comprehensive Plan implementation, expansion of Olympia Architectural Design Requirements, Olympia downtown strategies, and Lacey's Woodland District zoning, specifi cally design review expansion.

Transportation

Here’s what you need to know: The Shared Legislative Partnership — that includes the Thurston Chamber, the Thurston Economic

Development Council and local governments — requested a $373 million transportation project for the South Sound. Congestion pressures on I-5 – particularly between Tumwater and Lakewood – regularly disrupt the ability for freight to move effi ciently. Puget Sound communities will attract hundreds of thousands more jobs and residents over the next 30 years, worsening an already bad situation on this vitally important corridor. As of press time, lawmakers were trying to draw closer on what the fi nal transportation budget will look like which includes local projects.

National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) Conference in Washington D.C.

Here’s what you need to know: Thurston County Chamber staff were invited to attend the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) Conference in Washington DC in April. A major theme of the conference was how workforce boards are engaging and taking care of the needs of business. Under the recently adopted Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) local workforce boards are required to view business needs as primary when developing delivery service models. The Chamber has been engaged in workforce development for over a decade, representing business needs in the public workforce system. Thank you, Pacifi c

Mountain Workforce Development Council, for extending the invitation to this event. A signifi cant takeaway was that business in our region should feel good about the approach and the types of endeavors workforce partners are doing to support our human resource needs.

Business 2 Youth Connect

Here’s what you need to know: Business 2 Youth Connect is a workplace integrated learning pilot program. This program will assist youth in the Olympia School District to fi nd future success through job coaching, business-in-class engagement, internships and job opportunities.

Here’s what you need to do: Become a program sponsor. Set up and maintain a company profi le to describe your business, highlighting your unique attributes, and communicating your areas of need to future employees.Become a career coach. By spending less than an hour per week, you can share your experience and advice with students by contributing to online discussions threads.Offer work-integrated learning activities. You can post and coordinate activities like job shadowing, company tours, internships and entry-level employment opportunities your business offers directly with students and educators. ●

Advocating for Community

Photo above: Night Image of the Capital in Washington D.C. as seen from the Washington Monument. Thurston County Chamber staff attended the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) Conference in Washington DC in April.


Young Professionals Network

The Fish Tale Brew Pub will be our host this month! Admission is FREE, Chamber Membership not required. Get ready to make awesome new connections, and be sure to bring a friend! The Thurston Chamber YPN 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! ●

Morning Mixxer 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 Mixxer

The CFD and Secretary of State Kim Wyman would love to host you for breakfast on Tuesday, June 2 at 7:30 AM for the Morning Mixxer. Enjoy a breakfast, meet some different nonprofit organizations that are involved in the program, and hear a little bit about what the CFD does for the community. ●

Business After Hours

Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the stage and new Green Room, view artwork from local artists, and be among the first to see the 2015-16 season unveiled! We present our own season of national and international touring artists from a broad spectrum of genres and styles. Our real purpose, however, is to provide the support services needed by the many local performance groups who call The Center home. ●

June 2 - 7:30 a.m.

June 18 - 5:30 p.m.

416 Sid Snyder Ave, Olympia

2745 Martin Way E Ste A, Olympia

2640 Willamette Drive NE, Lacey

Morning MixxerSwing by and enjoy a hot cup of coffee and a variety of breakfast treats while you enjoy a tour of Allwest’s facilities. Family owned and operated, Allwest has been a staple in South Puget Soundfor over 50 years. Specializing in local and long distance moving, senior communities, storage solutions, and commercial office relocation, we are truly a full-service moving company. ●

May 5 - 7:30 a.m.

May 7 - 5:30 p.m.515 Jefferson Street SE, Olympia

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

June 2 7:30 a mMay 5 7:30 a m

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

May 21 - 5:30 p.m.6005 Tyee Dr. SW, Tumwater

Business After Hours

Join the Capital Event Center in an evening of education. Learn how the Capital Region Educational Service District and Capital Event Center offer a wide variety of event and meeting services. Enjoy delicious hours d’oeuvres by Elyse’s Catering and Events while touring the beautiful and innovative space. Music by local high school students will amaze you as you enjoy an evening of education. ●

Young Professionals Network

River's Edge will be our host this month! Admission is FREE, Chamber Membership not required. Get ready to make awesome new connections, and be sure to bring a friend! The Thurston Chamber YPN 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! ●

June 4 - 5:30 p.m.4611 Tumwater Valley Road, Tumwater


Chief Executive Officer of Alaska Air Group, Brad Tilden, to Speak at Thurston County Chamber's 110th Annual Meeting

Join the Thurston County Chamber for its 110th Annual Meeting on Wednesday, May 13 at the Red Lion Hotel Olympia. Brad Tilden, named one

of the Top 50 People in Business by Fortune magazine in 2014, will deliver the keynote address.

Tilden is chairman and chief executive offi cer of Alaska Air Group and its two subsidiaries, Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air. His address will include an overview of Alaska Airlines, how Alaska employees work together to remain strong, independent and successful. He'll also discuss the role of business in joining community and government partners to meet the challenges faced by our region, e.g. education, transportation and other key priorities.

Under Tilden’s leadership, Alaska has reported record fi nancial results and one of the highest profi t margins in the airline industry. The company has been profi table for 11 consecutive years.

Tilden is a 24-year veteran of Alaska Air Group. He previously served as executive vice president of fi nance and planning,

chief fi nancial offi cer and corporate controller. Before joining Alaska, he spent eight years with the accounting fi rm Price Waterhouse. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Pacifi c Lutheran University and an executive master’s degree in business administration from the University of Washington.

Tilden has also been recognized by The Puget Sound Business Journal as its CFO of the Year, and by the Boy Scouts of America as a Distinguished Eagle Scout.

Board of Trustee Chair Ron Bruchet will introduce the Chamber’s Chair Elect, Mariella Cummings, and with

Chamber President/CEO David Schaffert will review last year’s successes, and share their outlook for 2015-2016.

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 and click on Annual Meeting. Reservations are required for this event.

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

Brad Tilden, CEO of Alaska Air Group


Pain in your hips or knees can keep you from living a full and active life. The surgeons of the Joint & Spine Center at Capital Medical Center are ready to help get you back on your feet! We are 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. This means that you can expect top-notch, high quality care with a focus on helping you return to the activities you enjoy most.

Learn more online at capitalmedical.com or call 360-956-1296.

GET THE PEP BACK IN YOUR STEP!

Capital Medical Center is partly owned by some of the physicians who serve our patients. ©2015 BCI

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


By Marny Bright

I was a shy child. It was safe and allowed me to be an observer and invisible. So, I am sympathetic when people tell me they hate networking because it fi lls them with a gut-

wrenching sense of dread every time they walk into a room full of strangers.

My path from introvert to extrovert began when a close friend inspired me with four little words. She said, “Be outrageous, Marny Bright." So, fully armed with my new mantra, I began to network…..and networking helped build my career.

Networking: What is it?

• Walking into a room full of strangers and making a positive, lasting impression in less than 60 seconds with as many people as possible without embarrassing yourself.

• Walking into a room and collecting as many business cards as you can while passing out yours as quickly as possible so that when your boss asks why you need 1000 more cards you can say, “I’ve been networking."

• Walking into a room and carefully scanning it for the one person you want to connect with because you have done your homework and they are your next client.

Networking is a very important part of our business environment. Most people who’ve never had to do it think it is something to be afraid of, but those who’ve seen it work fi nd it is a fun and stimulating way to introduce yourself to your community and make valuable personal and professional relationships.

It does no harm if you are young, vibrant and have pretty white teeth, or if your charisma illuminates the room the moment you walk in. But, what if you’re not young, beautiful and charismatic? How can you make networking work for you? Here is what the experts say:

• Be prepared. Look presentable. Know your crowd and the event. Should you dress casual or formal? Do you want to fi t in or stick out? Develop your look and own it.

• Do unto others – what would be the best way for someone to engage you? If a stranger walks up to you and extends their hand to introduce themselves what is your reaction? If you are talking to two or three people and a body appears in the shadows do you feel invaded? Please remember that you are there to meet and engage new people so some of the regular rules of personal space and assertive behavior may need a little tweaking.

• Oh those delicious hors d’oeuvres! Can you hold a plate in one hand, a glass in the other, and then eat and speak with grace? Probably not.

• Develop your 30-second elevator speech. This is part of our networking culture. We want to convey who we are, what we do and why the person we are speaking to needs us. Here is what Inc.com has to say:

When someone asks, "what do you do," start with a short statement designed to peak their curiosity. This statement should

be confusing and not lead the listener to any preconceived notion. It should not include any details about how you

do what you do. So a car dealer may say, "I get you were you need to go." A realtor may start with "I make sure you have a warm place by the fi re." An investment

counselor might begin with "I help you sleep well at night." Notice that none of these mention how they do what they do, but they will all lead the listener to ask "what do you mean," which is the beginning of your

conversation. Focus on delivery here--because you really don't want this statement to sound too contrived.

• Don’t forget to breathe. Then, ask a question and give time for a response. Listening is the most important gift you can give to another human being. It is also the best way to fi nd out how to connect to another person.

Networking is one of the most valuable tools in your marketing toolbox

If you have more time than money, as many new business owners do, it is a great way to develop professional relationships that will serve you for a lifetime. It is an excellent way to engage in your community. If you believe in the power of networking, but are not seeing results, fi nd a networking mentor. They’ll teach you how to make new connections and get results.

Today, when I walk into an event where I don’t know a single soul, I look for that person standing in the corner who is terrifi ed no one will talk to them—or that someone will—and I introduce myself. Who knows, they may become a new client, or my new best friend ●

Marny Bright is Vice President of Member Services at the Thurston County Chamber, responsible for growing the membership base and engaging the members in Chamber activities. Marny sees her primary job responsibility as connecting people. Contact Marny at 360.357.3362 or at [email protected]

"Be Outrageous, Marny Bright."

Marny Bright


The Port of Olympia is one of the most important drivers of the local economy. But it’s not always clear whether Thurston County residents really understand the many ways it benefits the local community. How does the public view the Port of

Olympia?

Chamber & Labor Find Strong Public Support for Port of Olympia

That was a question the Thurston County Chamber and leaders from the International Longshore Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 47, sought to answer when they hired Elway Research, Inc. to conduct a public opinion poll in March of this year.

“We wanted a better understanding of how the public views the Port of Olympia. What we discovered from our initial research is great news—that among people who know some things about the Port, it is viewed very positively,” says David Schaffert, President and CEO of the Thurston Chamber.

While the research confi rms that the public recognizes the Port as an economic development leader in the community, it also indicated that many people believe that the Port doesn’t really impact them personally.

“We will be working to change the perception that some people have that they don’t benefi t from the Port if they don’t work in the maritime industry,” Schaffert adds. “When someone buys green beans at the Farmers Market, or walks along Percival

Landing, or takes their children to the Hands on Children’s Museum, those are all activities that depend on the Port of Olympia.”

The Farmers Market attracts residents and visitors to the Port's Market District.


The Chamber and the ILWU Local 47 hope that sharing information gleaned from this initial research will launch a community-wide conversation about the Port’s role as an important contributor to the economic, environmental and cultural health of Thurston County.

The Port of Olympia is one of the most important economic engines in our community.

Nine in ten people surveyed named at least one benefi t of having the Port of Olympia in our community, with the most frequently named values being jobs, trade, business benefi ts and revenue generation.

Michael Cade, executive director of the Thurston Economic Development Council, believes that there are a few misconceptions about the Port’s role as an economic driver in Thurston County.

“Ports are the backbone of a strong economy. Economic drivers bring new dollars into a community, and exported goods are a driver. The Port is one of the few local economic engines that brings in new dollars into to our community, which is extremely important for job creation,” Cade explains.

Cade also cites the Port’s Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs) as an important regional competitiveness issue. While not well known or understood by the general public, FTZs administered by the Port are designated areas within a country where imported goods can be stored or processed without being subject to import duty.

Cade explains, “FTZs bring the world to your door, leveling the playing fi eld and allowing us to compete in an international market. Without FTZs, we could be priced out of that market.”

Companies operating within the Port of Olympia’s FTZ, which extends to Lewis, Mason and Kitsap counties, bring in $575 million dollars, a quarter which is directly attributable to FTZs.

“It’s one more tool local businesses can use to compete nationally and internationally. If the Port went away, there would be no Foreign Trade Zones and those businesses would leave. It’s that simple,” Cade adds.

The Port of Olympia helps make Thurston County a cleaner place to live.

In an area as committed to environmental quality as Thurston County, the Port’s contributions to cleaner water and land are important to local citizens. Seventy-one percent of people surveyed said that the Port’s clean-up efforts have a positive

Key Findings from Elway Research, Inc.

• The Port's economic impact should "carry the most weight" when making decisions about its future: Given a choice of 4 considerations, nearly half (46%) said economic impact should be considered over the Port’s “impact on the environment” (27%), return on taxpayer investment (18%) or “contributions to local culture and diversity” (4%).

• 8 in 10 said the Port as a positive impact on the county: 26% said the Port has a “signifi cant positive” impact, on Thurston County, while 55% said the impact was “mostly positive.” Only 8% said the Port’s impact was negative and 10% had no opinion.

•There was strong support for log exports. 79% of respondents agreed that log exports support important jobs in the region.

• 82% said the Port strengthens the county’s global ties; 79% agreed that the jobs it supports are a signifi cant contribution to the county economy; 71% disagreed that Olympia no longer needs a marine cargo terminal; respondents were evenly divided over whether the port has an impact on them personally: 49% said it does and 48% said it does not.

• 83% said the Port has a positive impact on culture and diversity of the county; 71% said the Port’s clean-up efforts have a positive impact on the environment; 70% said Port properties have a potentially positive impact on Downtown revitalization.

• 9 in 10 respondents could cite a benefi t of having the Port here. Only 5 in 10 could think of a single drawback.

Report Summary: The dominant fi nding of this survey is that there is broad support for the Port and its many activities. The suggestion that knowledge of port operations and functions may not be as deep as might be desired is an opportunity and challenge. The opportunity lies in the fact that the more people know about the range of Port activates, the more they value it.

Port story continued on page 16

A 9-hole golf course is among the businesses that lease Port real estate in Tumwater.

www.thurstonchamber.com16 • May/June 2015 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

360-789-3711 VERSORIAONLINE.COM

Terry Taylor,MA, MCC

ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

STRATEGIC BUSINESS PLANNING

PROCESS DESIGN

EXECUTIVE AND LEADERSHIP COACHING

BOARD DEVELOPMENT

CAREER DISASTER RECOVERY

TEAM BUILDING/CONFLICT RESOLUTION

BUSINESS PROCESS IMPROVEMENT

TRAINING, MENTORING AND COMMUNICATION

Bring Clarity, Alignment and Action to What You Do.Let’s Get Started Today.

impact on the environment.

Bill McGregor, a Port Commissioner says, “Not only does the Port improve the quality of life in the region as an economic powerhouse, but we are also working hard to clean up legacy pollution in the soil and waterways, as well as restoring local salmon runs. Just look at Mission Creek. We’ve cleaned up legacy pollution and are re-establishing the salmon runs there. We’re looking at a massive clean-up in Budd Inlet as well.”

Ed Galligan, the Port of Olympia’s executive director, comments on the Budd Inlet project, saying, “The Port is the lead agency to clean-up Budd Inlet, which has a two-fold benefi t: it removes legacy pollution created in the 1930s, 40s and 50s and provides a foundation for ongoing maritime operations. No other agency has the incentive or capability to do that.”

Galligan also notes that the Port has hauled away contaminated soils and revitalized the waterfront, including

cleaning up the land on which the Hands-On Children’s Museum and LOTT are now located. Planning is also underway to collaborate with the Black Hills Audubon Society to put up bird houses along the East Bay trail in order to attract exotic birds, Galligan adds.

The Port of Olympia adds greatly to the cultural richness and diversity of Thurston County.

The opinion survey confi rmed that local residents understand that the Port has a positive impact on the culture and diversity of the county.

Schaffert lists some of the reasons why: “The Port owns and operates the Farmers Market; community festivals like the Wooden Boat Festival take place on Port-owned property; and the Port plaza is a community gathering spot providing access to the waterfront. Finally, the active, working waterfront is an important part of the heritage of Olympia and Thurston County.”

Robert Rose, secretary-treasurer of the International Longshore Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 47 knows that legacy fi rst-hand. He feels fortunate that he can do the same kind of work that his grandfather and father did, and is even more so that his son is able to carry on

Port, continued from page 15

Local restaurants compete in the annual BoatSwap & Chowder Challenge at Swantown Marina.


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Rose says, “This is one of the last vestiges of family-wage, blue collar work. We’re proud of what we do. We have a very strong bond with our employers because we’re in it together. It’s no secret that if we aren’t doing a good job for our customers and employers, then we aren’t going to have jobs. So it’s a team effort. We take a lot of pride in being safe, productive and carefully handling cargo.”

There are currently 35 registered members of ILWU Local 47, as well as 15 additional on-call workers. They hope to add another ten people to that workforce over the coming months.

“It is crucial that the Longshoremen and businesses have a strong working partnership. We’ve gone from 32,000 hours to 73,000 hours over the last couple years, and that is creating jobs in our community,” says McGregor.

Cade says, “Union jobs mean family wage jobs. Jobs like that are considered income multipliers. While the average multiplier is around two, these types of union jobs have a multiplier around 3.5. That is a nice multiplier.”

Galligan has a long history working with ports all over the country, and he boasts that the Local 47 is one of the best group of longshoremen on the West Coast. “I don’t say that lightly,” he explains. “Not only is our union effi cient, but they are safe. Their good work makes our Port competitive.”

The Port of Olympia provides substantial benefi ts to all citizens of Thurston County.

Thurston County taxpayers pay 18.4 cents per $1000 of assessed value in property taxes to help support the Port of Olympia. Most of that money goes to environmental clean-up efforts, with Port operations sustaining themselves by generating operating revenues.

Two-thirds of those surveyed said this represents a “very good” or “pretty good” value for taxpayers.

Throughout its history, the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce has often taken on the role of convener, bringing people together to launch conversations on important community issues.

Today, one such issue is the value of the Port of Olympia. Schaffert says, “Economically, environmentally and culturally, the Port of Olympia improves the quality of life in Thurston County. Our research confi rmed that the public believes this too, but that the extent of that impact may not yet be fully recognized.

“We’re very excited about the opportunity to work with organized labor on this issue and to reach out to both decision-makers and the general public to ensure that the Port remains a healthy, contributing part of our community for decades to come.” ●

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Please join us on June 16 as we honor and celebrate leaders who have made a signifi cant impact within the health care industry. Working with the Thurston-Mason County Medical Society, the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce brings you the ninth-annual Health

Care Champions event.

We will recognize the heroic acts, steadfast dedication, extraordinary service and professionalism that are seen every day in our community’s medical offi ces, clinics, hospitals, emergency services and related organizations. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. at Olympia Country & Golf Club, and will include honoree recognition, videos, hors d’oeuvres and a no-host bar.

Presenting Sponsor:

Brewfest 2015!

Saturday, August 1Port Plaza1 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Last call, 8:00 p.m.For sponsorship information, contact the Chamber at 360.357.3362.

Brew, food and bands! Proceeds benefi t the Thurston County Chamber Foundation Small Business Incubator.

Foofaraw 2015!

Friday, September 11Island Home7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sponsorship to attend: $65 per civilianFor sponsorship information, contact the Chamber at 360.357.3362.

South Sound Showcase

Thursday, October 22

Saint Martin's Marcus Pavilion10 a.m - 4 p.m.


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The Chamber Welcomes New Members from February and MarchAnonymously Yours

Foundation Omey Nandyal 360 561-3793 Computers - Software & Services

Apogee Healthcare Professionals, LLC Claudia Fredericks Eveland 360 943-1045 www.apogeehcp.com Home Health Services

Building & Security Solutions Stephanie Prosser 360 870-8881 www.buildingsecuritysolutions.com Security Equipment & Service

Campbell & Campbell Events Mary Adams 360 259-1495 Event Facilities

Chehalis Sheet Metal Sharon Tisler 360 352-1996 Heating & Air Conditioning Companies

Copper Plumbing, Inc. Kristy Davis 360 918-3375 Plumbing & Septic Contractors

Dell Military Jessica Lugo 253 219-1592 Computers - Sales & Service

Arbonne International - Donna Hammers 360 350-9151 Skin Care

Harper’s Auto Sales Sonny Harper 360 753-0200 www.harpersauto.com Auto Dealers & Buying Services

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Jeetu Chaudhry 360 491-7985 www.hiexpress.com/laceywa Hotels & Accommodations

Isogenix - Alejandro Romero Alejandro Romero360 561-4986 Health, Fitness & Nutrition Consultants

J Lyn & Associates, LLC Legal Nurse Consulting

Jaime Erickson 360 878-1098 www.jlynandassociates.com Medical Consultants

Limeberry - Tumwater Rick Villamil 360 688-7011 www.limeberryfozenyogurt.com Restaurants

Matrix Infotech Narasimha Varakantham360 819-9719 Computers - System Designers & Consultants

O’Neill And Sons, The Barn Daniel C. O’Neill 360 352-1388 Nurseries & Garden Centers

On Q Financial Chris Johns 360 870-4253 www.thejohnsteam.com Mortgages & Contracts

Perfectly Posh with Andi Andrea Solberg 253 359-0832 www.perfectlyposh.com/AndiSolbertSkin Care

Sandstone Distillery John Bourdon 360 239-7272 www.sandstonedistillery.com Distilleries

Shellie D. Haisch Insurance, Inc.360 455-4105 [email protected] Insurance

Sidewalk Phil Owen360 515-5587 www.walkthurston.org Non-Profi t Organizations

Tea Rations Alysia Shelton 803 608-7363www.tearations.com Retail

Tenino School District Joseph Belmonte Jennifer Bourke360 264-3400 www.teninoschools.com Schools - Public

Toledo Tel Fred Rider 360 864-2008 www.toledo.com Telephone Service

Wright Runstad & Company Tim Putman360 528-4020 www.wrightrunstad.com Real Estate Developers

Ribbon Cutting to celebrate Mantis Graphix's new facilities.

22 • May/June 2015 Thurston County Chamber VOICE Www.thurstonchamber.com


Leadership Thurston County (LTC) and the Thurston County Chamber Foundation are pleased to recognize members of the Class of 2015. Sponsored by ANCHOR

BANK for the 6th consecutive year, the graduation program will be held June 10 during the monthly Thurston County Chamber Forum.

During the 10-month program, participants met with community leaders, learned about issues surrounding South Sound communities, expanded networks, and explored opportunities to get involved. Topics ranged from economic development and government budgets to environmental issues 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 Anchor Bank, employers who sponsored participants, local leaders who contributed to the monthly sessions, LTC Sustaining Trustees, the Board of Regents, and the Thurston County Chamber for all their outstanding support during the past LTC year!

Leadership Thurston County Celebrates Class of '15

Kwabena Adu-Sarkodie, Brown & CaldwellRenee Bennett, TwinStar Credit UnionJessica Brandt, Intercity TransitJessica Coen, Xerox Commercial Solutions, LLCJackie Ferrado, Washington Student Achievement Council-Guaranteed

Education Tuition Program (GET)Kelly Green, South Puget Sound Community CollegePhil Harlan, Keller Williams Realty Olympia Bob Heck, Kiley Juergens Wealth Management, LLCMonica Heuer, The Evergreen State CollegeMichele Jorgenson, Port of OlympiaMina Kiive, Morgan StanleyJennifer Kolb, City of Tumwater Police DepartmentChris Lanese, Washington State Attorney General's Offi ceSusan Leyster, Saint Martin's UniversityCarly Mattsen, Capitol City Press Rae McNally, WA State Department of Commerce and Junior League of

OlympiaKim Parks, Anchor BankHolly Paxson, Lacey Timberland LibraryDebbie Payne, Fairchild Record SearchStacey Ray, City of Olympia Community Planning & DevelopmentMark Rentfrow, Thurston Economic Development CouncilMindie Reule, Reule Consulting Justin Shahan, Puget Sound EnergyDan Shelfer, Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston CountyBill Sloane, MSGS ArchitectsTristan Steed, Morgan James, PLLCHeather Sundean, Thurston County Food BankTodd Thoma, Thurston County Sheriff's Offi ceElyse Villanueva, Heritage BankRyan Waterman, Thurston First BankHenry Williams, TAGS Awards & SpecialtiesKelly T. Wood, Phillips Burgess PLLCVanessa Youckton, Lucky Eagle Casino and Hotel

Leadership Thurston County Class of 2015

LTC Graduation Forum – June 10, 2015, 11:30 a.m.Red Lion Hotel Olympia

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

www.thurstonchamber.comGraduation Sponsor:

By Judy Reynolds, Program Coordinator


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“In 1968, the club was a loosely-knit group of mostly business people,” said Bowen. “The common interest we all had was building relationships, which is still true today.

“People grow up at the club. They attend holiday parties. They take part in long-standing traditions.”

Established in 1926 as a 9-hole golf course, the club sits on a waterfront parcel along Cooper Point Road, with clear views of Budd Inlet and Mount Rainier. In 1957, the club expanded to its current size of 100 acres, which increased the course to 18 holes. The club upgraded the grounds, added an outdoor swimming pool and deep-water dock.

Bowen thrived in Thurston County during the decades that followed. She formed and oversees two non-profi ts and three for-profi t businesses, and has an unwavering commitment to the preservation of green space.

“One of her non-profi ts is the Angela J. Bowen Conservancy Foundation, which

Green Space Preservation & Innovation: Olympia Country & Golf Club is Ready to Welcome a New Generation

I t was 1968 when Dr. Angela Bowen, a 30-something professional, left Virginia Mason Hospital to start her own practice in Olympia. This young woman with a soft Mississippi accent was new to Thurston County, and so — on the advice of one of her

mentors — she joined the Olympia Country & Golf Club to meet people in the community and develop personal and professional relationships.

By Natasha Ashenhurst

Continued on page 26Photo above: Dr. Angela Bowen and Troy McLaughlin, Superintendent of Washington Patriot Construction LLC

www.thurstonchamber.com

— together with the Olympia Tumwater Foundation — helped fund restoration of the Tumwater Falls Park as well as other projects,” said long-time friend Ron Warren, president and COO of Angela J. Bowen and Associates.

While Bowen’s career fl ourished, the club’s membership shrank and its fi nances suffered. Developers began circling, but Bowen stepped in and purchased the club in 2012.

“I purchased it primarily to preserve it for its importance in the community,” said Bowen. “But I am also a big believer in open space and I wanted to preserve the land as well.”

The purchase was made quickly without the normal process of due diligence.

“Everything needed to be fi xed: we needed to upgrade the golf course, improve the food, and install new management and equipment,” said Bowen. “We decided to approach it in three phases and so far we’ve accomplished two of them.”

Since the purchase in 2012, her team has renovated the parking, the pro shop, the restaurant and lounge, updated the swimming pool, and improved the dock — which has open moorage to members and guests. Plans for a fi tness room renovation are also underway.

The restaurant menu has changed signifi cantly and now features local and regional ingredients, Pacifi c Northwest wine pairings, as well as classic and creative house-made desserts and pastries.

Bowen believes in the tradition of the club and preservation of land, yet she believes in innovation as well. For example, parking at the club has been a long-standing problem. If there was an event cars would have

Above, historic photographs of the Olympia Country and Golf Club taken in the 1930s.

Continued from page 25


to park all along the road, so Bowen built a parking garage.

“She did that in a great way,” said Warren. “She had some of the pro-shop torn down and built a parking area in the side of the hill, then rebuilt the pro-shop and restaurant on top of that. Now, if it is raining you don’t get wet when you go to lunch.”

Both Warren and Bowen appreciated all the help that the county and state gave them throughout the extensive renovations.

“They have been a great help,” said Warren. “The permitting process is awesome, guiding our team at every step.”

Bowen and her team are working hard to attract young families to the club and rebuild its membership. The Youth Golf Program has more than doubled since Bowen instituted discounts. Students from Saint Martin’s University’s and Capital High School’s Golf Team practice there. Bowen recently approved a

$256,000 purchase of tools for golf course maintenance.

Almost 50 years after fi rst joining the club, Bowen’s view of the club as a community pillar — a place to grow and expand both personal and professional networks — is unwavering.

“I think the camaraderie and social interaction of the business leaders in the community

is facilitated with institutions like the club and that is the role I see for it,” said Bowen. “It is a place where people bring their children, families, wives and husbands and ultimately it builds a very strong community.”●

Top photo: The new clubhouse. Bottom: The restaurant has changed signifi cantly . The menu features local and regional ingredients & Pacifi c Northwest wine parings.

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may june 2015 voice magazine

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