september thrive! newsletter

Design and layout of the Thrive newsletter is performed by Peggy DeGregory of Essential Business Support.

thrive!Volume 11, Issue 9 www.laceychamber.com September 2010

Is it me or has the summer flown by? I can’t understand why the older I get time seems to go by faster. That’s a question I am sure many of us have.

I mentioned at the summer picnic that we would soon have an executive director in place. The Board has decided to fill this position on an interim basis to allow the Board time to carefully evaluate the needs of the Chamber and make a well thought-out decision. On September 15 Mike Beehler, a prior Chamber Board Member, will begin serving as interim executive director.

Before retiring in June 2009 from South Puget Sound Community College, Mike lead the college’s Hawks Prairie Center. In prior roles, he served as the chief instructional officer, director of continuing education, and coordinator of community service classes. This experience involved extensive entrepreneurial activity with community-based programming. Mike holds degrees from Seattle University, the Monterey Institute for International Studies, and University of California—Santa Cruz. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps and is a Vietnam veteran.

Mike has served on the Lacey Chamber Board of Directors, is an active Hawks Prairie Rotarian serving as the Youth Exchange Officer with international student exchange, volunteers at the Olympia-Lacey Amtrak Depot, is a former president of the Lacey Sister Cities Association, former member of the Griffin Fire Department, Board Member for the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum, and is currently a citizen representative to the Thurston Transportation Policy Board.

With a new director in place, we are looking ahead with anticipation of things to come. On that note, the auction is fast approaching and the auction committee is working hard to put on an entertaining show this year. As you will recall, we had a great time last October and, on October 16 of this year, we look forward to another great event. This year you will get to walk down the red carpet, so make sure you wear your dressiest outfit. Thanks to Tony Salas and his committee for all their hard work—we can’t wait to see the results.

Join us September 1 for our Political Forum at Saint Martin’s Worthington Center. The candidates for the Sheriff ’s Office and County Assessor’s Office have been invited. The format will be a panel discussion led by the Government Affairs Committee Chair, Dani Anderson. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. and the program begins at noon. Cost is $18 for members and $25 for guests.

The Lacey Chamber NewsletterThe Lacey Chamber Newsletter

Message from the PresidentBy Jeff Powell, President

Cabelas World’s Foremost Outfitter1600 Gateway Blvd. NE

Lacey, WA 98516(360) 252-3500

www.cabelas.com

Table of ContentsMessage from President 1NTPS Plans for Future 2 How to Find Best Employee 2Navigating Through Investment World 3Honoring Our Soldiers 47 Time Management Issues 5Shredfest 5Business is Booming! 9Roster 9Chamber/Community Events 11Kidwiler Thank Yous 11

Save the Date!2010 Auction

Spotlight on CinemaSaturday, October 16, 2010

Saint Martin’s Worthington Center

Apex Karting7960 Center St. SW, Tumwater, 98501

(360) 705-2739www.apexkarting.com

Tuesday, September 21—5:01 to 7:00 pm!

Forum Sponsor Media Sponsor 5:01 Surge

Professional Temp Staffing Agency2608 Pacific Ave, Ste AOlympia, WA 98501

(360) 786-8443www.professionaltempstaffingagency.com

2 Lacey Chamber of Commerce September 2010

Nearly 14,000 students will head back

to North Thurston Public Schools on September 8, but staff and commu-nity members are

already planning years ahead for future enrollment and growth. “Based on population projections, we could see our enrollment reach over 18,000 students by 2030,” said Courtney Schrieve, Community Relations Direc-tor for North Thurston Public Schools and Lacey Chamber member. “It’s a good problem to have, but we have to con-stantly plan ahead to ensure we have adequate space and be able to keep kids warm, safe, and dry so they can have a positive environment to learn and grow.” This month the Facilities Advisory will begin meeting to review the district’s Capital Facilities Plan. This six-year roll-ing plan outlines the facilities that will be needed to accommodate estimated stu-dent growth over the next 20 years and a more detailed schedule and finance pro-gram for capital improvements through 2016. The group will study enrollment projections, a district plan to reconfigure

middle schools to a grades 6-8 model, and preventive maintenance/repairs needed for some of the district’s build-ings, including but not limited to North Thurston High School and Evergreen Forest Elementary. The charge of the group is to make an informed recommendation to the School Board in spring 2011 that reflects future facility needs along with input from internal and external stakeholders. The Board will welcome more citizen input before taking a final vote on a long-range facilities plan and future bond and capi-tal levy initiatives to support the plan.

Voters supported necessary projects in the 2006 bond included the renova-tion of Timberline High School, the new Chambers Prairie Elementary School, modernizations to South Bay and Wood-land Elementary schools, as well as Nisqually and Chinook Middle School. “These schools not only serve students well, they serve the community through facility rental use and events,” Schrieve said, “They can be a real source of pride for a neighborhood and have a positive impact on the economy and businesses as well.”

North Thurston Public Schools Plans for Future Facility NeedsSubmittted by Courtney Shrieve, Community Relations/Communications Director

How to Find the Best Employee for the JobBy Paul Sutherland

Timbline High School after renovation.

Frankly, a lot of businesses are only as good as the workers who handle the day to day activities and actually

come in contact with the customer or client. However, finding the right person, to fill a position, can be a guessing game, unless you know the right questions to ask, in order to make an informed decision.

For example, many potential employers make the common mistake of asking hypothetical questions, to determine whether the employee can handle customers, and related duties properly.

Instead of receiving an informed answer, based upon past experiences, many applicants will simply be guessing at the response that will garner them the position.

Instead, ask the individual about a time when he/she was able to resolve customer conflict. Find out the circumstances surrounding the issue, how the worker dealt with the problem, and if he/she would do anything different, if a similar situation were to occur in the future. Now, instead of receiving a hypothetical answer

to a fictitious question, you are learning how your candidate handled a real life situation with a customer. Then, you will be able to better determine whether this person can handle any potential problems that may arise in the workplace.

Once you have visited with the potential hire, get the proper release to contact references. Many employers ask for references, yet never bother to follow up on the information. Some interviewees

See page 3 Best Employee

September 2010 Lacey Chamber of Commerce 3

You may not realize it, but July 24 is Amelia

Earhart Day. July 24 was chosen because it’s the birthday of perhaps the most famous female aviator in history. Earhart’s story ended tragically when she became lost in the Pacific Ocean in 1937 on her voyage around the world, but she is still celebrated for her bravery and pioneer spirit.

As an investor, you can learn a lot from Earhart’s career. Here are a few lessons to consider:

Plan ahead. After a lengthy analysis •of Earhart’s final flight, decades after it occurred, a noted aviation expert came to one succinct conclusion: “poor planning, worse execution.” Yet on her successful flights, Earhart was known to have produced, and followed, detailed flight plans. As an investor, you, too, must plan your journey toward your financial goals. First, you need to identify your destination, such as a comfortable retirement. Next, you must create a

“map” to reach your goal, in the form of a detailed financial strategy based on an investment portfolio tailored to your risk

tolerance and time horizon. And along the way, you must chart your progress via regular reviews of your investments’ performance.

Use the right “tools.” Some sources •have noted that, on the fateful flight, Earhart did not appear to fully understand how to use her plane’s direction-finding loop antenna, which at the time was a new technology. If you don’t fully understand the “tools” — that is, the investments — you need to help achieve your goals, you may run into difficulties. Always know exactly what you’re investing in and why you’ve chosen those specific investments. Without this information, you could end up with investments that are either too risky for your comfort or too conservative for your goals.

Follow your vision. On the day •they disappeared, Earhart and her navigator, Fred Noonan, were scheduled to land on Howland Island. Unfortunately, it was a cloudy day; some researchers speculate that the

clouds’ dark shadows on the ocean surface may have camouflaged Howland and confused the aviators. As an investor, you need a clear view of what you want to accomplish in the long term — and you need to avoid having your vision “clouded over” by short-term events such as price drops and recessions.

Put sufficient “power” in your •portfolio. Many aviation scholars and researchers believe Earhart’s plane simply ran out of gas before she could land on Howland Island. Does you portfolio have sufficient “fuel” to help you go the distance? Specifically, do you have the right mix of growth- and income-oriented vehicles to power you toward college for your kids, a comfortable retirement and your other goals? If you’re not sure, you may want to work with a professional financial advisor to get the assistance you need.

You probably will never try to circumnavigate the globe in a small plane. But if you can emulate the best features of Amelia Earhart — such as her courage, perseverance and faith in the future — while taking steps to help focus on what you can control, your investment journey may be rewarding.

Navigating Your Way through the Investment WorldSubmittted by Felix Peguero, Edward Jones

are counting on this lapse in judgment. After all, after the 100th interview, some people have many answers prepared for the questioner. In other words, they are prepared to give you the answers you want to hear.

Although some previous employers will give a good report, even if the applicant was a lousy employee, others will give an honest evaluation of how the individual worked with others and handled the customers. So, do not ask for references if you do not intend to follow through and make a few phone calls.

As an employer, your business will be only as good as the workers you hire. So, it is in your best interests to make every effort to get it right the first time. Hiring the wrong person can cost you valued customers and ultimately cause you unnecessary time and expense searching for a replacement. So, ask the right questions, know the acceptable answers, and be willing to extend your search for the best employee for the job. About The Author—Paul Sutherland is an Accelerated Business Growth Coach. His company–Daniel Thomas International–www.dti.eu.com helps corporate and SMEs to grow their businesses.

Best Employee

Ballots will be mailed September 15 for upcoming Lacey Board elections. Ballots are due back in the Chamber office no later than Monday, September 27. Complete instructions will be included with the ballot. Each business gets one vote, so make it count! The winners will be announced at the October Forum and will take office November 1.

Lacey Chamber Board Elections Coming Soon


Well, another month has passed us

by very quickly. It must be because of the busy schedule we all have. I can tell you however, in my case, it’s due to the many soldiers

who are coming home. We’ve been extremely busy gathering monetary sup-port by encouraging Lacey businesses to show the 3rd SBCT just how much we appreciate them. As you’ve heard during past articles, we’re planning a “Welcome Home Barbeque.” We also heard about the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) during the last Forum meeting. I highly recommend that you consider signing ESGR’s “Statement of Support” as an employer for Reservists and National Guardsmen.

The Lacey Chamber Military Affairs Committee is moving right along in their support to secure funding for the upcom-ing “Welcome Home Barbeque.” Today,

Honoring our SoldiersBy Carlene Joseph, Harborstone Credit Union, Military Affairs Committee Chair

5:01 SurgesNisqually Red Wind Casino hosted our August 5:01 Surge! It was an evening of great food, fun games, and networking. Guests were able to take a tour of the Casino highlighting many options and games that are offered. It is always a joy to be able to visit the Red Wind Casino!

May 2010 – Occasion’s Catering

we have approximately $17,025.00 in committed funds, but we still need approximately $11,000 more to cover the complete price of the barbeque for these 5,000 soldiers from the 3rd SBCT. Did you know that these soldiers are prohibited from asking for donations, but community leaders can? This is why we’re working diligently to ensure these fine soldiers receive a “heroes” welcome back from the community of Lacey. If twenty-two businesses stepped up to the plate today to donate $500.00 each, the barbeque will become a real-ity. Remember—these soldiers boost our local economy! They give you busi-ness, so why not give them the apprecia-tion they deserve? If you’re interested, please call me directly at (253)312-9279 or send me an email at [email protected].

Our last forum speaker, Bryon Burgess, from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) was well received. ESGR supports military Reservists and National Guardsmen who have deployed and are returning back to the civilian

workforce. They educate employers about the employment laws associated with these fine service members who fought so bravely for our country. During the presentation, Bryon commented about a “Statement of Support” that your organization can sign showing that you support your employees who are in the Guard or Reserves. If you’re interested in signing this statement, please feel free to give me a call and I’ll connect you with Bryon.

Overall, your Chamber is working very hard to support America’s heroes. We appreciate them and the value they bring to our community both on a per-sonal and commerce level. Come learn more about the Lacey Chamber Military Affairs’ activities at our next meeting on September 14. Our speaker will be the commander from the Warrior Tran-sition Battalion (WTB), Lt. Col. Danny Dudek. Lt. Col. Dudek is a very passion-ate speaker and is a true warrior in tran-sition himself. Join us at the meeting, and you’ll see what I mean.


want to reflect, take the time to develop some new systems for managing your daily work flow.

What could you do to better manage •your time each day?Do you have strategies for handling •frequent interruptions that detour you?Is your work load prioritized, or is it •“last in, first out”?How do you ensure that you never •overlook a deadline?Are there tasks and projects you •could be delegating?What can you add to, or take out of, •your office to look more in control?

In today’s job climate, anything you can do to improve your image and bolster your business presence should not be discounted. Not only will it pay back in the work world, but it will help to cut out stress and improve relationships in your personal sphere too.

7 Time Management Issues That Sabotage Credibility What professional image are you projecting?

Do you think you can sustain a busi-ness or a successful career without credibility? Lately we have all been

exposed to individuals and organizations whose credibility is irreparably damaged. Not only have they harmed themselves and their reputations, but they brought down many others along with them.

The image you project can have a more potent effect on how people perceive you than does the actual quality of your work. Even if you believe you are always honest and ethical, you may be sending little sig-nals that chip away at your credibility quotient. Of themselves they may not be important to you, but they do reflect on your ability to follow through on commit-ments. How would you react to an associ-ate or vendor who exhibited any of the following seven time management-related issues?

1. Consistently showing up late2. Breaking appointments or often

rescheduling them3. Not doing what they agreed to4. Presenting a messy or disorganized

appearance

5. Spending a lot of the work day on personal items

6. Trying to do everything and then doing the jobs poorly

7. Constantly making up excuses

Since people quickly make judgments about you solely on what they see, it is worth the time to analyze the image you are projecting to bosses and colleagues. Your personal credibility is a huge factor in your relationships and your business success.

If you can identify with any of the above items, make needed changes now. Yes, you have many demands on your time, and that is often an excuse in itself for the above results. However, would you want to do business with a person who is so busy that they do not follow through on promised work, who does a mediocre job because they weren’t focused on your project, or who simply looks overwhelmed?

In assessing your credibility factor, it could be helpful to ask a colleague or disinter-ested person what image you present. If the underlying message is not what you

In an effort to prevent identity theft, Columbia Bank is partnering with the Lacey Chamber of Commerce to hold a Shredfest event on Saturday, September 18, 2010, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Everyone is encouraged to bring their sensitive documents including bank statements, tax documents, and other documents with personal identifying information to be shredded. Shredding services are being provided by Recall who will have a shredding truck on-site during the three-hour event.

Shredfest will be held at the Columbia Bank Lacey Branch located at 655 Golf Club Place S.E. For directions or questions about the event you may call 360.459.3344 or visit www.columbiabank.com.

Shredfest!Columbia Bank and Lacey Chamber invite you to shred sensitive documents at “Shredfest”

Denise Landers is a national speaker, trainer, and consultant. As the owner of Key Organization Systems (www.keyorganization.com), she helps companies and individuals with time management and productivity issues.

Saturday, September 18, 20109:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Huntamer Park


Local Branding on a World of Products!

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Mike WolfeSales RepresentativeNorthwest Division Office

Mutual of Omaha Insurance CompanyUnited of Omaha Life Insurance Company1230 Ruddell Road SE, Suite 202Lacey, WA 98503360 459 2061 fax 360 459 4697home 360 491 [email protected]

power

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Retirement InvestmentsAuto Home Longterm Care Life Health Disabilitywww.fisherjonesfamilydentisry.com

Where Family Means Everything.

2415 Pacif ic Avenue SE u OlympiaSupporting Families and Education

(360) 943-4644

We make a donation to education for every new patient.

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8 Lacey Chamber of Commerce September 2010C M Y CM MY CY CMY K

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New MembersAflac-Megan Casto4310 6th Ave SESuite BLacey, WA 98503Contact: Megan CastoCategory: Insurance AgencyPhone: (360) 705-8885Web: www.aflac.com

Prairie Hotel700 Prairie Park Lane SEYelm, WA 98597Contact: Leslie KochCategory: HotelsPhone: (360) 458-8300 Web: www.prairiehotel.com

2010 Board of Directors & Group RosterExecutive Board

Jeff Powell, President, Prime Development Group, 528-2550Jerry Farmer, President Elect, 94.5 ROXY, 236-1010Felix Peguero, Vice President, Edward Jones Investments, 438-0341Mike Harris, Treasurer & Board Member, Columbia Bank, 459-3344Carlene Joseph, Secretary, Harborstone Credit Union, 253-983-8636

Board of DirectorsAndrew Barkis, Hometown Property Management, 456-7368Tom Carroll, Network Communications International, 701-1532Al Eckroth, Virgil Adams Real Estate, 701-3307*Lowell Gordon, The Creative Office, 754-1732Chris Lester, Chris Lester Insurance Services, 866-0610Tony Salas, Anchor Bank, 491-2250*Renée Sunde, Thurston EDC, 754-6320*Angelique Wilson, Professional Temp Staffing Agency, 786-8443*Patrick Davidson, Past President, Guild Mortgage, 412-1000 *Recently elected, serving a two year term.

CommitteeAmbassadors: Amanda Graham, Event Coordinator, 491-4141

Auction: Tony Salas, Anchor Bank, 491-2250

BBQ: Al Eckroth, Virgil Adams Real Estate, (360) 701-3307

ROXY Connector Business Roundtable: Reneé Sunde, Thurston EDC, 754-6320

Fundraising: Tony Salas, Anchor Bank, 491-2250

Government Affairs: Daniela Anderson, Hometown Prop. Mgmt, 456-7368

Golf: Joanna West, Washington Business Bank, 754-1954

Kidwiler Scholarship Foundation: Stewart Ridgeway, CPA, 459-4404

Military Affairs: Carlene Joseph, Harborstone Credit Union, (253) 983-8636

Distribution Operations Center, LLC9225 Polaris Lane NE, Suite DLacey, WA 98516Contact: Angelique AndersonCategory: Medical Supply Distribution CenterPhone: (360) 486-5620

Red Bike Dueling Piano Bar and Restaurant4441 Pacific Ave. SELacey, WA 98516Contact: Kyle MurphyCategory: RestaurantPhone: (360) 528-3226Web: www.redbikerestaurant.com

Renewals–Thank You!2-4 Years:911 Driving SchoolGoodwillKaren Brown at HALO Salon – Spark! Investor

Business is Booming!

2-4 Years (continued):Mike BeehlerProfessional Temp Staffing Agency

5-9 Years:Allstate-Bill FunkCheri Wilkins – Van Dorm Realty IKON Office SolutionsLucky Eagle Casino – Boom! InvestorWilliams Group Marketing & Design

10-14 Years: Anchor Bank-Ignite! InvestorChris Lester Insurance ServicesRed Lion Hotel – Ignite! Investor

Over 15 Years! Comfort InnLacey Park ApartmentsTwin Star Credit Union – Ignite! Investor


Linda JensenCLU ChFC LUTCF

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©2009 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.


Chamber Events (continued)

September 28, Tuesday—Ambassador Meeting 12:00 p.m. (noon) Dirty Dave’s Pizza 3939 Martin Way

Chamber EventsFor all events, please RSVP to [email protected] or call (360) 491-4141.

September 1, Wednesday—Forum

3:00 p.m. Chamber Conference Room Registration begins at 11:30, program begins at noon Saint Martin’s Worthington Center Guests: Candidates for Sheriff ’s Office and County Assessor’s Office Members $18, guests $25 Please pre-register online at laceychamber.com

Thank you to our Forum Sponsor and Media Sponsors: Cabela’s and Professional Temp Staffing Agency

September 1, Wednesday—Auction Committee Meeting 3:00 p.m. Chamber Conference Room

September 10, Friday—Government Affairs Meeting 11:30 a.m. Panorama – Chambers House Restaurant 1751 Circle Lane SE

September 14, Tuesday—Military Affairs Meeting 7:30 a.m. Hawks Prairie Restaurant 8306 Quinault Dr. NE

September 15, Wednesday—ROXY Connector Business Roundtable 8:00 a.m. Hawks Prairie Restaurant 8306 Quinault Dr. NE

September 21, Tuesday—5:01 Surge Apex Karting 7960 Center St. SW 5:01 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

September 22, Wednesday—Fundraising Committee Meeting 2:00 p.m. Chamber Conference Room

September 22, Wednesday Executive Meeting 8:30 a.m. Board Meeting 9:30 a.m. Chamber Conference Room

Kidwiler Scholarship Fund Thank Yous

The Lacey Chamber would like to thank these member businesses who donated raffle prizes to benefit the Kidwiler Scholarship at the August 2010 Forum:

94.5 ROXY Budd Bay Embroidery & Specialties, IncFASTSIGNSOccasions Catering Pardiman ProductionsProfessional Temp Staffing AgencyS. Stewart Ridgeway, CPA The Ram Restaurant & BreweryApex KartingBradburn and Associates (John Bradburn)A Steves Professional Truck Mounted Steam CleaningRely LocalKluh JewelersMutual of Omaha- Mike WolfeA Day of Empowerment- Carrie DevlinTammy RedmonThe Creative Office

Thank You for Your Continued Support!

Community EventsSeptember 11, Saturday—Lacey Community Market

10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Huntamer Park

September 11, Saturday—Military Family Support Day 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Cabela’s Parking Lot

September 18, Saturday—Shredfest 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Columbia Bank Lacey Branch

September 18, Saturday—Summer’s End 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Huntamer Park

September 24, Friday—A Day of Empowerment 8:00 a.m. Thurston County Fairgrounds


The Lacey Chamber of Commerce 8300 Quinault Dr NE, Suite ALacey, WA 98516

Phone: (360) 491-4141Fax: (360) 491-9403Email: [email protected]: www.laceychamber.com

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

PRSRT STDU.S. Postage Paid

Olympia, WAPermit No.60

Mike Wolfe

Linda Jensen, CLU ChFC [email protected]

www.acps�nancial.com

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september thrive! newsletter

Documents

board time

prior chamber board

great time

interim executive director

mike beehler

auction committee

new director

olympialacey amtrak