J A N U A R Y
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GROWING A PROSPEROUS ECONOMY & VIBRANT COMMUNITY
magazine PUBLISHER Thurston County Chamber of Commerce EDITORIAL David Schaffert 360-357-3362 dschaffert@thurstonchamber.com CONTRIBUTORS David Schaffert Doug Mah ADVERTISING Sales & Marketing: Krystal Barkus-Franco Elizabeth MacLean Ashley Chandler SUBSCRIPTIONS 360-357-3362 info@thurstonchamber.com DESIGN Ben Hawkes Mosaic Marketing Studio COVER Thurston County Municipal Leadership. Photos by Shanna Paxton Photography PRINTING Print NW CONTACT THE CHAMBER 809 Legion Way SE Olympia, WA 98507 360-357-3362 info@thurstonchamber.com thurstonchamber.com
The State of the Community Report & Address by David Schaffert, President/CEO, Thurston County Chamber Every January, the Thurston Chamber brings together elected officials from Lacey, Olympia, Tenino, Tumwater, Yelm, and Thurston County for the State of the Community Address. It’s a chance to hear directly from our leaders about what’s happening in our communities and what’s on the horizon. We’re excited to share the State of the Community Report with you. This comprehensive report is crafted from submissions by elected officials representing Lacey, Olympia, Tenino, Tumwater, Yelm, and Thurston County. This year, we asked: Businesses and organizations across all sectors are quickly embracing new and innovative tools and approaches that includes more automation and artificial intelligence to drive efficiency, save money and improve the customer experience. Please share your thoughts on how your city will embrace innovative tools and approaches for “doing more with less” over the next five years.
You’ll find their responses starting on page 7 of this issue. We also invite you to join us for the State of the Community Address on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. You’ll hear from Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder, Tumwater Mayor Leatta Dahlhoff, Olympia Mayor Dontae Payne, Yelm Mayor Joe DePinto, Tenino Mayor David Watterson, and Thurston County Commissioner Chair Tye Menser. Together, they’ll present an address, followed by a Q&A session that I’ll be moderating. This event is a rare opportunity to engage directly with our local leaders and join the conversation about the challenges and opportunities we face as a region. With state and local government revenues struggling to keep pace with planned expenditures, these discussions are more important than ever. We look forward to seeing you there!
THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER BUILDING COMMUNITY PROSPERITY SINCE 1874 COPYRIGHT All material appearing in the VOICE Magazine is copyright unless otherwise stated or it may rest with the provider of the supplied material. The VOICE Magazine takes all care to ensure information is correct at time of printing, but the publisher accepts no responsibility or liability for the accuracy of any information contained in the text or advertisements. ©2025 VOICE Magazine, Thurston County Chamber.
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January 2026 T H E VO I C E O F T H E T H U R STO N CO U N T Y B U S I N E S S CO M MU N I T Y
Visit thurstonchamber.com/events or scan the QR code for more info about all upcoming Thurston Chamber events. Join our host, Stone City Event Center at 16404 Old Highway 99 SE Ste 100, Tenino, WA 98589 on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. for a special Thurston Young Professionals Networking Event. Enjoy bites and beverages as you expand your network! All are welcome – feel free to invite other 20 to 30-year olds so they can expand their networks! Thurston Young Professionals is sponsored by KGY Media Group and The MultiCare Foundation. Join our Business After Hours host COVE at 311 Capitol Way N, Olympia, WA 98501 on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. for mingling and networking with other business professionals, a door prize business card drawing, beverages and appetizers. Business After Hours is a great opportunity to expand your network, and it is proudly sponsored by ROXY 94.5. On Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 11:30 a.m., at The Norman Worthington Conference Center at Saint Martin's University, 5300 Pacific Ave SE, Lacey, WA 98503, Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder, Olympia Mayor Dontae Payne, Tenino Mayor David Watterson, Tumwater Mayor Leatta Dahlhoff, Yelm Mayor Joe DePinto and Thurston County Commissioner Board Chair Tye Menser will collectively present a State of the Community Address brought to the community by the Thurston Chamber. During the event, representatives will share the state of their jurisdiction and address moderated topics. Register at members.thurstonchamber.com/events. Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Puget Sound Energy.
Thank You Sponsors!
IN THIS ISSUE 2026 State of the Community Report p. 7 Elected officials from Lacey, Olympia, Tenino, Tumwater, Yelm and Thurston County report on the state of their communities in 2026. Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder p. 8 Olympia Mayor Dontae Payne p. 9 Tenino Mayor David Watterson p. 11 Tumwater Mayor Leatta Dahlhoff p. 13 Yelm Mayor Joe DePinto p. 14 Thurston County Commissioners Board Chair Tye Menser p. 15
Shared Legislative Agenda 2026 p. 17 Director Doug Mah details the Public Policy Division's agenda for the 2026 State Legislative session.
Caught in the Lens p. 22 Keep up with the latest Chamber happenings and see all of the great smiles that make up our membership!
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Creating economic opportunities and building community for all of Thurston County through responsible resource use.
Your Port
PORTOLYMPIA.COM | Inquiries@PortOlympia.com | 360.528.8000
Every year, the Thurston Chamber hosts senior elected officials from Lacey, Olympia, Tenino, Tumwater, Yelm and Thurston County at the State of the Community Address. We’re excited to share the State of the Community Report with you! This comprehensive report is crafted from submissions by elected officials representing Lacey, Olympia, Tenino, Tumwater, Yelm, and Thurston County.
This year's State of the Community prompt is:
Businesses and organizations across all sectors are quickly embracing new and innovative tools and approaches that includes more automation and artificial intelligence to drive efficiency, save money and improve the customer experience. Please share your thoughts on how your city will embrace innovative tools and approaches for “doing more with less” over the next five years.
You’ll find the answers to these questions, written by the elected officials, in the following pages. We encourage you to read their statements and then attend the State of the Community Address on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. At the State of the Community Address, Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder, Tumwater Mayor Leatta Dahlhoff, Olympia Mayor Dontae Payne, Yelm Mayor Joe DePinto, thurstonchamber.com
Tenino Mayor David Watterson, and Thurston County Commissioner's Board Chair Tye Menser will collectively present an address and then will take part in a questionand-answer session moderated by Thurston Chamber President/CEO, David Schaffert. This is a unique opportunity to engage with our elected officials and be part of the conversations on important community issues. We look forward to seeing you there. Thurston County Chamber VOICE
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Lacey M AY O R A N D Y R Y D E R The City of Lacey (City) is taking a thoughtful, responsible approach to exploring and integrating new tools — including artificial intelligence (AI) — to streamline operations and improve services. Over the next five years, we will invest in innovations that help us “do more with less” while maintaining the high-quality service our community expects. Before adopting any AI tools, the City is developing a comprehensive AI policy, now moving through the City’s approval process. This policy will guide staff on the safe and appropriate use of AI, with an emphasis on protecting City data and resident privacy. Our long-term plan includes access to two types of AI systems: external AI tools, such as ChatGPT, and a secure, in-house AI system that allows staff to use internal City data without sending information to a public platform. We’re also exploring potential AI applications to assist with permit processing. These concepts are still in development. The policy is the essential first step. To support Lacey’s continued growth, the City already uses tools that allow applicants to submit land-use and project plans electronically. This includes electronic document intake, digital plan review, and automated real-time inspection results. These tools reduce 8 I
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processing times, improve accuracy, and decrease the need for multiple site visits — saving time and taxpayer dollars. Future AI enhancements may further streamline this work. In 2026, the City will launch an online platform for B&O tax payments, replacing the current paperbased system. Businesses will be able to receive email notifications, view account history, and pay securely online. This will reduce printing and mailing costs, minimize errors, and offer a more convenient experience for business owners. LaceyWorks, our online 311 system, transforms how community members connect with City services. Community members can submit questions, concerns, and compliments through a single portal. Service requests are automatically routed to the right staff, and users receive timely communication and real-time status updates. By automating workflows and enhancing transparency, LaceyWorks reduces administrative workload and delivers a reliable, predictable customer experience. These innovations will help Lacey operate more efficiently, reduce costs, and deliver faster, more accessible services for community members and businesses. thurstonchamber.com
Olympia M AY O R D O N TA E P AY N E As Olympia looks to the future, our focus is on embracing innovative tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to strengthen city operations with efficient budget analysis and support a thriving business environment. By doing more with less, we can deliver high-quality services, streamline processes, and make it easier for employers and entrepreneurs to succeed. AI presents significant opportunities for improving how we work and how we serve. City staff are already using AI in practical ways, such as summarizing information or improving written communication. These tools help staff work more efficiently and focus on highvalue, community-facing work. We also recognize that innovation must be paired with responsibility. That is why the City recently adopted a new AI policy that emphasizes transparency, data privacy, record retention, and security. This policy ensures that people remain at the center of every decision. Staff are required to review AI outputs for accuracy, bias, and potential copyright issues. We are also committed to evaluating AI systems through an equity and legal lens to prevent discriminatory impacts. These safeguards allow us to embrace new thurstonchamber.com
tools with confidence so that businesses and residents can trust the systems we use. Innovation shapes how we support Olympia’s economic ecosystem. Strategic partnerships continue to be a powerful force multiplier, allowing us and our regional partners to share data, pool resources, and access realtime industry and occupational trends. These insights have already helped shape responsive programs, such as the Olympia Construction Boot Camp, and will continue to guide new initiatives. We’re expanding our digital tools to better serve Olympia’s business community. The City is currently evaluating online B&O tax payment platforms to improve staff efficiency and make compliance easier. Investments in data platforms like Placer.ai provide insights into commercial activity, visitor behavior, and emerging trends. These insights help shape policy and guide both public and private investment. In 2026, we will roll out our AI policy, train staff in responsible use, and evaluate new tools. By combining innovation with accountability, we are positioning ourselves for Olympia to remain competitive, resilient, and ready to partner with businesses in building a dynamic economic future. Thurston County Chamber VOICE
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Tenino M AY O R D AV I D WAT T E R S O N Hello all, It is great to be speaking to all of you again as I start my third year as Mayor of Tenino. The past two years have been a challenge and 2026 will be another year of some difficult decisions around our budget. We have been fortunate to complete our comprehensive rebuilding of our finances and are now up to date on our State fiscal audits. I am very proud to say that we went from several years of significant findings to just one management finding that is easily corrected. This is a major accomplishment for our city and was made possible with work from our financial software vendor and our new Clerk/Treasurer who comes to us from Thurston County. thurstonchamber.com
The theme for this year’s letter is how the city will embrace innovative tools and how we will be doing more with less. I spend many hours, especially around doing more with less and considering the financial strain communities face to some extent, and how, over the next 5 years Tenino will most likely face extraordinary challenges.
foundations and city community organizations. Through these partnerships, we have been able to complete major projects such as the Tenino Ag Park, the addition of 60 acres of forest land to our park, along with other improvements to our park and pool, and complete some longneeded road repairs.
From a small city perspective, we are embracing building partnerships. We have been able to partner with Federal, State and Local governments to complete projects we could not have done without their help. We also have worked with private companies, the Thurston EDC, Port of Olympia, charitable
Over the next two years of my term as Mayor, my goal is to expand our relationships with the Port and what it could look like if we entered into agreements with our Sister City that would allow us to take advantage of scale of operational efficiencies. I look forward to seeing you at the Chamber Forum on January 14th!
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Tumwater M AY O R L E AT TA D A H L H O F F Doing More With Less: Innovation in Tumwater’s Future Across every sector, innovation is reshaping how we work, connect, and serve. Cities are no exception. In Tumwater, • we recognize that embracing new tools and approachesfrom automation to artificial intelligence-is not about replacing people, but about empowering them to focus on what matters most: building community, solving • problems, and delivering excellent service. Over the next five years, Tumwater will lean into innovation with a clear purpose: doing more with less while keeping people at the center. That means: •
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complex, human-centered work. This allows us to deliver faster responses without increasing costs. AI for Insight: Artificial intelligence can help analyze trends in housing, transportation, and public health, giving leaders better information to make proactive decisions. Community Engagement Tools: Innovative communication platforms will ensure residents have a stronger voice in shaping policy, while also making it easier to share updates and celebrate progress.
Innovation is not just about technology-it’s about culture. Tumwater will foster a mindset of continuous Smart City Infrastructure: Using data-driven systems improvement, encouraging staff and community to improve traffic challenges, energy use, and public partners to experiment, learn, and adapt. By embracing safety. For example, smart sensors can help us these tools thoughtfully, we can stretch limited resources manage water resources more efficiently, saving both further, reduce costs, and enhance the experience of money and natural resources. living and working in our city. Digital Services: Expanding online platforms so residents can access city services anytime, The promise of “doing more with less” is not about anywhere. Streamlined permitting, bill payment, and cutting corners. It’s about being smarter, more agile, and community reporting tools reduce wait times and more responsive. With innovation as our ally, Tumwater improve transparency. will continue to grow as a city that values efficiency, Automation for Efficiency: Automating routine equity, and excellence-proving that when technology and administrative tasks frees up staff to focus on community work hand in hand, everyone benefits.
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Yelm M AY O R J O E D E P I N T O It's my honor to be Mayor of Yelm, my hometown. I’m proud that our city stands on a strong fiscal footing, unlike some of our neighboring jurisdictions that have faced budget shortfalls. Much of our stability comes from smart fiscal policy as well as consistent growth of residents and new businesses. New and upcoming national franchises like Wingstop, Jimmy John’s, Dutch Bros, and Chick-fil-A, along with smaller local businesses like Ecky’s Cards & Games, Quark & Odo’s Escape Room, and Vine River Bistro, have broadened our tax base and brought new opportunities for our community. We also remain committed to accessible justice and with Olympia shuttering their courts, Yelm will be the only city in Thurston County with a local municipal court, keeping vital services close to home for our residents. 14 I
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Over the next four years Yelm will embrace innovation to “do more with less” by: • Modernizing customer service: expand online permitting, payments, and mobile reporting to reduce processing times and staff workload. • Leveraging automation and responsible AI: utilizing AI for routine administrative tasks like scheduling and records searches to free staff for other work while maintaining transparency and privacy. We will also continue to utilize Flock license plate recognition cameras, which have helped solve major crimes, find missing people and recover stolen vehicles in Yelm. While our internal policy prohibits sharing our data with federal agencies, we’ll work with state partners to strengthen statewide policy so
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our cameras remain focused on reducing crime in Yelm. Data driven decision making: use analytics for budgeting, asset management, and service prioritization so limited dollars deliver measurable outcomes.
If you’re thinking of opening a business or moving, come to Yelm. You won’t have to worry about safety for yourself or your customers, we won’t burden you with higher taxes, we’ve got more affordable commercial spaces (newly constructed and historical), we’re the fastest growing city in Thurston County and among the top ten in the state. If you’re interested in coming to Yelm, please email me at JoeD@yelmwa.gov and I will personally make sure you have the information you want/need. Yelm is the bee’s knees! thurstonchamber.com
Thurston County COUNTY COMMISSIONER BOARD CHAIR TYE MENSER Thurston County’s Approach to Technology and Efficiency Like many public agencies across the state, Thurston County government is facing the dual pressures of rising costs and a reduced budget as we enter the new year. Despite these challenges, we remain focused on improving our services to the community, and we’re leaning into technology to do it.
Our Thurston County staff are key to these innovations. Their commitment to serving our community shows up in the creative ways they leverage technology to make county operations more efficient and our programs more impactful.
This allows us time to consider the impact on our community, and ensures our customers — which include older residents and those in rural areas — have the tools they need to access county services. Thurston County will continue to focus on practical, well-tested tools while taking a cautious, phased approach to innovative technologies like AI. We’ll continue to prioritize solutions that demonstrate clear improvements to operational efficiency, cost savings and data security.
Although artificial intelligence (AI) is certainly top of mind, our priority is to be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars and ensure our At Thurston County, we’re leveraging services remain accessible to all geographic information system residents. Rather than rushing into (GIS) technologies and automated early adoption, we are carefully dashboards to optimize equipment weighing concerns around access, routing for our right-of-way mowing, data security, and the impact on jobs vactoring, snow plowing, and and our local economy. We believe that this approach to sweeping operations. We’ve also technology investment — slow, improved how we handle public By choosing to adopt only proven steady and sustainable — is the way service requests for infrastructure technologies, we reduce risk and to be thoughtful stewards of public maintenance, including using mobile benefit from lower-cost investments funds while building structurally platforms that support the work in tools that are built on reliable, sound, efficient services for a being completed in the field. well-established infrastructure. thriving local economy. thurstonchamber.com
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THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER UPCOMING EVENTS
State of the Community 2026 Save the date for one of Thurston County’s most impactful events: the State of the Community Address on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 11:30 am. Join Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder, Tumwater Mayor Leatta Dahlhoff, Olympia Mayor Dontae Payne, Yelm Mayor Joe DePinto, Tenino Mayor David Watterson, and Thurston County Commissioner Board Chair Tye Menser as they come together to share insights, strategies, and a vision for the future of our region. Hosted by the Thurston Chamber, this annual event will tackle the issues that matter most to our community, including: • Affordable housing and solutions to the housing crisis. • High-wage job creation and economic growth. • Youth mental health services and stronger community connections. This dynamic and enlightening event is your opportunity to hear directly from the leaders shaping Thurston County and to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities ahead. When: Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm Where: Norman Worthington Conference Center, Saint Martin’s University, Lacey, WA
Celebrate Leadership at the 2026 Distinguished Leader Awards Join us on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts as we honor remarkable leaders making a profound impact in our community. This year’s honorees include TVW, Squaxin Island Tribe and Katie McMurray of Sensory Tool House. 5:30 pm: Celebration begins with a hosted cocktail reception featuring delectable bites from Bite Me Catering 6:45 pm: Award Presentation 7:45 pm: Dessert Social & Coffee Reception For over 20 years, the Distinguished Leader Awards have recognized individuals and organizations whose leadership inspires others and leaves a lasting impact that extends beyond their own work. Our venue and refreshed format bring a more social and dynamic atmosphere, allowing guests to connect with honorees and fellow attendees.
Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Puget Sound Energy.
Your ticket includes the hosted cocktail reception, award ceremony, and dessert social—a perfect blend of celebration and community spirit.
Reserve your spot today and be part of the conversation driving change in our community. Visit members.thurstonchamber.com/ap/Events/Register/ NaF6yNMSYCaCm
Reserve your seat today and join us in celebrating the leaders who shape and strengthen our community. For tickets, visit members.thurstonchamber.com/ap/Events/Register/ AnF0mbnHVCdCN
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Shared Legislative Agenda 2026 by Doug Mah, Doug Mah & Associates, Thurston Chamber Public Policy Director
Each year, the Public Policy Division of the Thurston County Chamber convenes the Shared Legislative Partnership. The Partnership works to advance regional priorities for the upcoming State Legislative Session. When approved, these priorities provide broad benefits to the entire region due to their significant scope and impact across and between entities. The list of regional priorities includes: Habitat Conservation Plan Resources – Tumwater Supports the acquisition of all or a portion of a 300-acre property by June 2027 for habitat preservation needed to mitigate the listing of the Mazama pocket gopher and three other species under the Federal Endangered Species Act within the City of Tumwater’s Urban Growth Area. The City of Tumwater and the Port of Olympia are jointly developing the required Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). The HCP will conserve these species by providing long-term habitat protection across a system of managed reserve areas. Budget Request: $2,000,000
radiology and surgical technicians, dental therapists, and medical assistants. SPSCC requires approximately 95,000 square feet for new classrooms, laboratories, and simulators to meet growing student and community demand for graduates with associate and bachelor’s degrees in healthcare fields. SPSCC intends to repurpose vacant state agency office building(s) and assume state lease(s) near the Olympia campus to quickly address this demand. Budget Request: $750,000
Regional Meat Processing Infrastructure (Phase 2) – Thurston EDC Health Education Center – South Puget Sound Supports Phase 2 of the development of a new regional Community College (SPSCC) meat processing facility at the Agricultural Innovation Supports pre-design, architectural, and structural Park in Tenino. Phase 2 includes grading and erosion design work for tenant improvements that support control; underground utility extensions; paved access, imaging/radiology labs, medical training simulators, and parking, hardscape, lighting; and stormwater, waste, and classrooms. Area hospitals and the medical community wastewater management. are experiencing a growing shortfall of qualified nurses, Budget Request: $500,000 18 I
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Thurston County Regional Justice Center – Thurston County Supports a project to relocate and modernize Superior and District Courts. The first phase will assess safety, security, space, and technical needs and produce designs, schematics, and required upgrades necessary for planning and staging the relocation of the courts. Thurston County operates 13 courtrooms to manage a growing municipal, county, and state judicial caseload. These courtrooms currently operate in multiple facilities that exceed their useful life and present public safety, security, and technology risks. Budget Request: $5,000,000
South Sound Basic Law Enforcement Academies (BLEA) Provides BLEA classes in Thurston County at the new, purpose-built City of Lacey Police Station and Training Facility to expedite the training of police officers once hired. As departments across the state work to fill vacant officer positions—partly due to new public safety tools (ESHB 2015)—a backlog of recruits is waiting to attend the academy. This backlog creates delays between hiring and deploying new police officers. The Criminal Justice Training Commission has successfully launched regional BLEAs in the Northeast, Southeast, and South portions of the state. This regional BLEA would serve five contiguous counties throughout the South Sound region: Pierce, Thurston, Mason, Lewis, and Grays Harbor. Budget Request: $1,000,000
ABOUT THE THURSTON REGION SHARED LEGISLATIVE PARTNERSHIP Leaders representing the business community and local government in Thurston County adopt and support shared legislative priorities for the 2026 State Legislative Session. These priorities focus on common interests to maintain the region’s economic vitality and generate opportunities that enhance the quality of life for residents throughout the Thurston County region. The Thurston Region Shared Legislative Partnership is convened by the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce and includes the cities of Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, and Yelm; Thurston County; the Port of Olympia; Thurston Regional Planning Council; the Nisqually Indian Tribe; the Squaxin Island Tribe; the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation; the Thurston County Economic Development Council; and South Puget Sound Community College. thurstonchamber.com
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Caught in the Lens
Keep up with the Thurston Chamber happenings – ribbon cuttings and the networking events. Find more at the Chamber's Facebook page – fb.com/thurstoncountychamber.
T H U R S T O N G R E E N B U S I N E S S A P P L I C AT I O N S N O W O P E N ! Making small changes like saving water, conserving energy, reducing waste, and adopting green practices can benefit both your business and the environment. Plus, businesses in Thurston County that embrace sustainability are recognized as Thurston Green Businesses—and the perks are incredible! Applications are open now through February 28, and it’s free to join. By applying, your business will receive: •
A Thurston Green Business Certificate
•
A Window Cling to show your commitment
•
A listing in the Shop Local Directory
The Thurston Green Committee will also select standout businesses (Small, Medium, Large, and Municipal categories) to be honored at the Thurston Green Forum in April 2026. Already applied? You can renew easily by selecting the Sustaining Member Option if you don’t want to be considered for an award. Apply today and show your dedication to a greener future. Any business in Thurston County can apply—membership in the Chamber is not required! https://thurstongreenbusiness.com/apply
Are you in need of office space and resources? Join the Small Business Incubator Today! • Conference Room (with video conferencing) • Use of office equipment (copier, postage, etc.) • Technical training & resources
• Networking & visibility • Access to high-speed internet • Kitchen access • Parking
Apply online!
thurstonchamber.com/chamber-foundation/small-business-incubator
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The Thurston County Chamber sends a BIG "Thank You" to ALL of our investors. With members like you, we are able to provide a sustainable business community in Thurston County as well as foster growth and positive change. Only through your support can we continue to fund important community initiatives and lead the way for business.
Thank You Community Investors
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