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THURSTON COUNTY

Voter’s Guide M E E T T H E C A N D I DAT E S R E C E P T I O N & F O R UM O N S E P T E M B E R 9

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 Franco Elizabeth MacLean SUBSCRIPTIONS 360-357-3362 info@thurstonchamber.com DESIGN Ben Hawkes Mosaic Marketing Studio COVER Photo courtesy of Canva. Thurston County "I Voted" sticker art by local artist, Alexis Trono. PRINTING Print NW CONTACT THE CHAMBER 809 Legion Way SE Olympia, WA 98507 360-357-3362 info@thurstonchamber.com thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber Announces Leadership Transition After more than 28 years of leadership, David Schaffert, President and CEO of the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce, will conclude his tenure with the organization at the end of 2026. Schaffert has led the Chamber since August 1998, guiding the organization through significant economic, community and organizational change while expanding its role throughout Thurston County and the South Sound. Under his leadership, the Chamber has grown far beyond traditional chamber functions, strengthening its position as a convener, advocate and community partner

For Schaffert, the transition is both a moment of reflection and an opportunity for the organization to build on the foundation established during his tenure.

“It’s been a privilege to have served in the capacity that I have with the Chamber,” Schaffert said. “Its legacy of 152 years of developing our community is remarkable, and to have been a small part of that history is humbling. I am proud of what we have accomplished together, and I believe the Chamber is in a strong position for its next chapter.”

supporting business, education, workforce development and regional initiatives.

The Chamber’s Board of Directors has begun planning for the recruitment and

“The Chamber could not have asked more

selection of the organization’s next President

of its CEO over the past 28 years,” said Tessa

and CEO, with the goal of completing the

Bradley, Chair of the Thurston Chamber

leadership transition by the end of the year.

Board of Directors. “David has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the

As the Chamber looks ahead, it does so

organization’s mission, along with purposeful

from a position of strength—with a strong

innovation, leadership and longevity. His

mission, sound financial foundation and

leadership has helped position the Chamber

continued commitment to serving its

as an important voice for business and a

members and building a prosperous

valued community partner.”

economy and vibrant community.

THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER BUILDING COMMUNITY PROSPERITY SINCE 1874 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. ©2026 VOICE Magazine, Thurston County Chamber.

S H O P. E A T. G A T H E R .

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“

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Dannielle Knutson needed funding for property improvements, she turned to OlyFed, valuing the opportunity to work with a locally owned bank. “I love Olympia and I feel good knowing that by banking with OlyFed, I’m helping make Olympia a thriving community.” For Dannielle, choosing OlyFed wasn’t just about financing a project. It was about working with a team that shares her values and is invested in the long-term success of her business and the broader community.

BANKING THAT’S MUTUAL

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September 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.

IN THIS ISSUE

Join our host, HOTWORX at 2515 Marvin Rd NE Ste E, Lacey, WA 98516, on Thursday, September 3, 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 Fieldstone Communities at 710 Fieldstone Dr SW, Olympia, WA 98502 on Thursday, September 17, 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. Join the Chamber on Wednesday, September 9 at 11:15 a.m., at Saint Martin’s University’s Norman Worthington Center at 5300 Pacific Ave SE, Lacey, WA 98503 for a special Meet the Candidates Forum featuring the Thurston County Commission District 5 candidates Emily Clouse and Nicolas Martinez-Dunning. Register at thurstonchamber.com/events. Thank you to our sponsors, Hometown Property Management, Morningside and Total Benefit Solutions.

Thank You Sponsors!

Thurston County Voter's Guide p. 7 Candidates in state and local races answer two questions about their plans to improve the quality of life in Thurston County, if elected. US Rep. Congressional Dist. 3 US Rep. Congressional Dist. 10 State Rep. Pos. 1, Leg. Dist. 2 State Rep. Pos. 2, Leg. Dist. 2 State Rep. Pos. 1, Leg. Dist. 20 State Rep. Pos. 2, Leg. Dist. 20 State Rep. Pos. 1, Leg. Dist. 22 State Rep. Pos. 2, Leg. Dist. 22 State Senator Leg. Dist. 35 State Rep. Pos. 1, Leg. Dist. 35 State Rep. Pos. 2, Leg. Dist. 35 Thurston County Assessor Thurston County Clerk County Commissioner Dist. 5 Thurston County Sheriff County PUD Commiss. Dist. 1 County PUD Commiss. Dist. 3

8 8 9 9 11 11 12 12 13 13 15 15 16 16 17 17 18

Chamber Events p. 20 Get the latest information about the Chamber's Meet the Candidates Forum and the Future of Work Summit.

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!

The VOICE prints on FSC® Certified paper. The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC), is a non-profit organization that sets certain high standards to make sure that forestry is practiced in an environmentally responsible and socially beneficial manner.

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September 2026

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER'S

Voter’s Guide W E LCOM E TO T H E 2026 VOT E R' S G U I D E This year, we asked candidates running in contested races for the US Congressional, State Senate, House of Representatives, Thurston County Commission, and Thurston Public Utility District to answer two questions to help you determine which candidates to vote for. Federal, State, and local governments are critical partners for ensuring and sustaining a strong local business environment. This year we focus on a finding from the Chamber’s recent Quality of Life Index that shows 74% of residents are experiencing financial hardship from rising prices. In addition, we are interested in understanding the principles that guide a candidate’s financial stewardship priorities. We hope that their short answers give you a better idea about their planned actions for addressing the region’s “affordability challenges” and their values, perspectives, and experiences toward financial stewardship. We want to thank each candidate for taking the time to submit responses and considering the needs of the business community. Read on and remember to Vote in November!

Q U E S T I O N S F O R C A N D I D AT E S

Q1: The Chamber’s recent Quality of Life Index shows 74% of residents experiencing financial hardship from rising prices, including 23% reporting “severe” hardship. If elected, what specific actions would you take to improve affordability in the Thurston region?

Q2: Financial stewardship, managing public resources responsibly and in line with community values, is a core competency for elected leaders. When resources are limited, what principles guide your financial stewardship priorities?

REMEMBER TO RETURN YOUR BALLOT BY NOVEMBER 3, 2026! Join the Chamber on Wednesday, September 9 at 11:15 a.m., at Saint Martin’s University’s Norman Worthington Center at 5300 Pacific Ave SE in Lacey, for a special Meet the Candidates Forum. This event will feature the Thurston County Commissioner's race for District 5, and will highlight candidates Emily Clouse, and Nicolas Martinez-Dunning. thurstonchamber.com

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U.S. Representative Congressional Dist. 3

Marie Gluesenkamp Perez

John Braun

(INCUMBENT)

No response.

Affordability is the top issue in Washington State and Thurston County. I’ve fought rising costs by opposing the income and gas tax and in 2017, sponsored the College Affordability Program. I’ll pursue an all-ofthe-above energy strategy, cut red tape, and bring manufacturing jobs back.

No response.

When resources are limited, elected officials must prioritize and ensure every taxpayer dollar is used effectively. My experience balancing budgets in the State Senate and running a manufacturing business taught me to make difficult choices. My approach is simple: set clear priorities, eliminate waste, measure results, and focus resources where needed.

U.S. Representative Congressional Dist. 10

Marilyn Strickland

Chris D. Chung

(INCUMBENT)

I’ve secured millions of dollars for Thurston– No response. investing in affordable housing and education, including apprenticeship and workforce development programs. I voted for the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, and support reinstating SNAP benefits, ACA and child tax credits, and Medicaid expansion.

Since 2021, I’ve returned more than $10 No response. million to over a thousand South Sound taxpayers and steered local, direct federal investment in Thurston County. People deserve housing they can afford, good schools and jobs, and safe neighborhoods. Those principles drive my work in Congress.

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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State Rep. Position 1, Legislative District 2

William Dehnel

Andrew Barkis (INCUMBENT)

First: Eliminate or reduce B&O tax burden on small businesses. Secondly: Work to expand the Working Families Tax Credit to more folk. Thirdly: Reform our broken tax structure to stop squeezing low and middle income families.

Affordability starts with lowering the cost of housing. We must reduce unnecessary regulations, speed permitting, and expand housing options. We also need fiscal discipline, better transportation, and a stronger business climate. That means protecting taxpayers, supporting small businesses, and creating more opportunities for Thurston families.

The average working individual is the backbone of society. No funds or programs should be cut to the common man if wealthy corporations are still getting their tax breaks or rebates.

My approach is to live within our means, prioritize essential services, protect taxpayers, demand measurable results. Limited resources require disciplined choices—funding public safety, education, transportation, and infrastructure first, while eliminating waste. Government must remain transparent, accountable, and focused on delivering real value for taxpayers.

State Rep. Position 2, Legislative District 2

Angela Taylor

Matt Marshall (INCUMBENT)

I would prioritize fully funding education, expanding affordable housing, protecting working families from rising costs, and supporting small businesses. I’ll advocate for targeted tax relief, accessible healthcare, and investments in infrastructure and transportation that lower household costs while strengthening Thurston County’s rural communities and economy.

People across Thurston County are getting hammered by rising costs, and I feel that pressure personally. I will work to reduce housing and utility costs, roll back unnecessary fees, and advance targeted tax relief so working families and small businesses can afford to stay.

My priorities are transparency, measurable results, and putting people before politics. I would fund essential services first—education, healthcare, public safety, infrastructure, and support for working families—while eliminating waste and evaluating programs by outcomes. Every public dollar should deliver meaningful value to our communities.

I treat every public dollar like it came from a neighbor I know by name. I prioritize core services, public safety, and infrastructure that support jobs and housing, refuse to expand bureaucracy, demand measurable results, and only support spending that truly reflects our community’s priorities.

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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

Conserve the Land. Sustain the Future. Conserving land today helps ensure future generations experience thriving wildlife habitat, healthy natural systems, and meaningful connections to the forests, shorelines, and open spaces that define our region. 10 I

Explore conservation close to home at CapitolLandTrust.org

September 2026

Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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State Rep. Position 1, Legislative District 20

Peter Abbarno

Andy Zahn

(INCUMBENT)

Affordability starts by recognizing government policies have consequences. I’ll continue to oppose tax increases that raise costs for families and seniors, reduce barriers to affordable housing and childcare, support reliable low-cost energy, and invest in infrastructure that improves our quality of life and creates jobs.

I aim to reduce the minimum cost of living by making Southwest Washington caroptional, building affordable housing in core areas of our communities, and implementing universal healthcare. This would cut the largest household expenses by roughly 75%.

Financial stewardship starts with respecting taxpayers. When resources are limited, government must prioritize core responsibilities and demand measurable results. I’ll continue to focus on affordability for both small business owners, working families, and seniors, eliminate wasteful programs, and demand accountability from state agencies.

Any cuts made to reduce spending should come from the top down. The state also wastes a lot money through contract labor, and savings could be made by moving labor in-house. We also need to look at government funding as an investment in our communities.

State Rep. Position 2, Legislative District 20

Evan Jones

Ed Orcutt (INCUMBENT)

Affordability is a web of problems, instead of trying to address each one I will focus on the source - income. I will streamline the permitting process and reform it so we ensure responsible economic development with family wage jobs, instead of killing projects off.

Repeal recent tax increases as these all get added into the cost of products and services; repeal recently passed bills that add costly regulations; and do no harm — work to prevent passage of bills that would increase costs of food, fuel, housing, insurance, health care.

Stewardship of public funds should be treated the same way in good times and bad. The goal is to deliver the most value to as many tax payers as is possible. In the Army, leaders eat last, and I apply this principle every day.

I have always advocated for fiscal responsibility: the state should live within its means — not spend more than it is projected to receive in revenue. The state must prioritize spending on schools, seniors and disabled persons (including DD), and public safety in its operating budget.

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State Rep. Position 1, Legislative District 22

Beth Doglio

Don Hewett

(INCUMBENT)

I’m laser focused on energy affordability and reliability as we transition away from fossil fuels: weatherization investments, efficiency upgrades, utility-bill assistance, and protecting ratepayers from data-center demand. I’ll also keep working to increase the housing supply, expand affordable childcare, and make our tax system fairer.

Reduce taxes to allow people and businesses to thrive. This will increase jobs and people to retain their income. Reduce government overreach which restrict business growth. Government overreach cost tax dollars to oversee these unnecessary agencies to enforce these overreaching and unnecessary government demands.

Long-term economic stability guides my stewardship: lowering costs for working families, strengthening infrastructure, growing local businesses, investing in workforce development, and helping residents afford housing, healthcare, and childcare. I’ll continue working to ensure the state remains the best employer possible while managing public resources responsibly.

Provide for the items that the government is needed for only. These are items such as providing security for the people in our communities Unnecessary government programs must be removed. Our state government has a spending problem, not an income problem. They are spending money like drunken sailors.

State Rep. Position 2, Legislative District 22

Lisa Parshley (INCUMBENT)

Jamie KeenandeVargas

As a state representative I will continue supporting any policy and budget priority that directly address key factors impacting affordability including housing, healthcare, food, and childcare costs. I will continue working to address our unfair tax system for community members and businesses alike.

Housing, insurance, and utility costs have exploded. I will streamline permitting and repeal SEPA to maximize housing development. Insurance and utility firms (including PSE) bankroll the incumbency. I would see corporate money banned from politics, replacing corporate puppets with representatives that actually serve the people.

In difficult budget years expenditures, after fulfilling constitutional, statutory, and legal mandated obligations, should be based on what provides best chance to increase affordability. Budget cuts should be weighed based on risk of life, health, education, and food production; while sustaining public safety and economy.

Effective stewardship is contingent on fairer taxes. Currently, government funds are squeezed from small businesses and the poor via regressive B&O and sales taxes. I will fight to restructure our taxes to fully fund vital needs: education, childcare, transportation, housing, healthcare, and senior services.

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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State Senator, Legislative District 35

Carolina Mejia

Drew C. MacEwen (INCUMBENT)

I will prioritize housing affordability by incentivizing multi-family development and streamlining permit processes to reduce costs. I support expanding childcare access and transit options, ensuring families can live, work, and thrive in Thurston County without sacrificing their economic stability or quality of life.

I will reintroduce bills to cap property taxes for seniors and the disabled, lower the sales tax and exempt more products, and revamp the CCA to drive down gas prices. We must also restore Medicare/ Medicaid rates that were cut in the last biennium budget.

My financial stewardship is guided by transparency, equity, and long-term planning. I prioritize investments that deliver measurable outcomes while maintaining rigorous oversight of public funds. I ensure every dollar is aligned with community values, focusing on sustainable, costeffective solutions that serve all residents.

Priorities of government should drive budget decisions, but they have not. K12 is our paramount duty, public safety, and our safety net programs. By prioritizing these programs we address our most crucial needs. Budget writers have failed to do so.

State Rep. Position 1, Legislative District 35

Dan Griffey

Jim Pierson

(INCUMBENT)

Enforce the laws on crime, streamline the permitting process and pause the gas tax. Stop giving incentives to commit crime by ignoring laws. Streamlining permitting will lower housing costs and increase inventory. Suspending the Carbon Commitment act will increase affordability on goods and services.

Keep more Washington dollars and jobs in Washington. Generate green jobs through local CCA investments. Invest in energy-efficient homes, streamline permitting, offer tax incentives for $200,000-$300,000 homes, reform healthcare, protect ratepayers from industrial costs, exempt more seniors from property taxes, and find creative childcare solutions.

The priorities of government, identified by Dino Rossi and Governor Locke, offer a bipartisan framework for finding agreement. Start by prioritizing essentials that the private sector doesn’t provide, including emergency services, water, sewer, roads and power, while streamlining services, eliminating duplication and cutting waste.

Fund essential services first. Demand measurable results. Be willing to cut or change what isn't working. Look for root causes. Compare lifecycle costs, not just today's price. Account for the broader economic impact on Washington jobs and businesses. Leverage private and federal dollars whenever possible.

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Welcome Home to Joyful & Vibrant Living!

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Call today for a tour! Independent & Assisted Living 810 Fieldstone Drive SW, Olympia WA, 98502 (360) 915 - 5764

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE

Memory Care 710 Fieldstone Drive SW, Olympia WA, 98502 (360) 915 - 5737

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State Rep. Position 2, Legislative District 35

Travis Couture

As a small business owner, I feel rising costs No response. firsthand. I’ll oppose new taxes, reduce costly regulations, and fight for responsible budgets that prioritize core services. We need to lower the cost of housing, energy, and doing business while growing our economy and creating opportunity.

Every dollar government spends first came No response. from someone who earned it. My priorities are simple: fund core services first, demand measurable results, eliminate waste, and live within our means. As a budget leader and business owner, I believe stewardship means delivering value, not simply spending more.

Thurston County Assessor

Maria Littlesun

(INCUMBENT)

JJ Olson

Lynda Nashed Zeman

Affordability pressures are real across Thurston County. The Assessor's office doesn't control affordability, but it controls fairness, ensuring accurate values and that taxpayers receive every exemption they qualify for. I'll expand exemption outreach and improve access to information with new technology, keeping assessments transparent.

Rising costs are straining families, seniors, and small businesses. As Assessor, I’ll strengthen assessment consistency, expand tax-relief outreach, and improve communication so questions can be resolved before becoming an unnecessary appeal. When people work harder to make ends meet, their time matters more than ever.

Financial stewardship starts with understanding what we have, what is working, and what needs to change. I believe in investing where it improves accuracy and service, finding efficiencies before simply spending more, and making decisions based on what helps the office do its job well.

Public dollars come from people who work hard. When resources are limited, I ask: Is it statutorily required? If not, does it serve the public well? Can we do it more efficiently? Responsible stewardship means thoughtful decisions today, planning for tomorrow, and accountability for results.

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Thurston County Clerk

Nicole Miller

Garrett Cady

Affordability includes access to justice. I will reopen the Clerk’s Office Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., restore meaningful in-person assistance, and provide forms and accurate information so those in need can receive basic procedural assistance without paying for an attorney.

Expanding self-help centers so litigants can conveniently handle routine filings without expensive counsel and streamlining fee waiver applications. Availing connections to legal resources/services, including services outside our court specific focus. Mitigating administrative friction between government offices while securing State and Federal funding grants.

When resources are limited, I will prioritize statutory duties, public access, and the staff needed to deliver both. I will use data, listen to employees, collaborate with the courts and county leadership, and pursue efficiencies before cutting essential services or closing the public counter.

Prioritizing constitutional responsibilities, protecting our workforce and ensuring the public's access to justice. In-person services mitigates confusion and prevents paperwork errors, reducing the workload for everyone involved. Retaining experienced staff prevents taxpayer expense from turnover and keeps our justice system accurate, efficient, and accountable.

Thurston County Commissioner Dist. 5

Nicolas MartinezDunning

Emily Clouse (INCUMBENT)

Leaders keep promising lower costs for families while raising taxes and fees every year. I’m committed to going line by line through the budget, cutting waste, and stopping the habit of passing financial mismanagement onto the public.

Housing is the largest burden on family budgets, so I will expand affordable housing near transit, protect natural infrastructure that keeps utility costs down, and streamline county permitting so local small businesses can grow, create goodpaying jobs, and build long-term economic stability.

The core problem is treating resources as unlimited. When we spend beyond our means or ignore future budget realities, we create hardship. We must rethink how we spend money now to prevent financial problems later.

I prioritize transparency, operational efficiency, and leading by example to uphold public trust. Limited resources demand priority-based budgeting focused on core community values, protecting essential services, and pursuing regional partnerships and grant opportunities to maximize non-county revenue and stretch every taxpayer dollar.

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Thurston County Sheriff

Kevin Burton-Crow

Derek Sanders (INCUMBENT)

The Sheriff’s Office does not directly affect affordability, except by controlling the growth of its own expenditures. I will prioritize direct service-related costs, benchmark costs against comparable counties, and publish outcome based annual reports so taxpayers see spending tied to results.

The Sheriff has a duty to support affordability by enforcing laws, delivering timely service, and improving the quality of life for residents and businesses. We will continue to keep businesses safe from rampant crime, which retains jobs and improves affordability.

Three principles guide me: cost effectiveness, prioritizing personnel and equipment that directly enable service delivery; community engaged budgeting, so priorities reflect resident needs; and transparent reporting, publishing data so taxpayers get an honest accounting of every dollar and know it is spent efficiently.

My guiding principles for budget decisions remain focused on programs that provide maximum value to our residents, retaining skilled workers, and acquiring the tools our staff need to effectively achieve the delivery of core services.

Thurston County PUD Commissioner Dist. 1

Troy Kirby, PhD

Jim Campbell (INCUMBENT)

Water costs directly drive housing costs. I will audit and cap the PUD’s $8,000 connection fee, which spiked 77% in two years. I will also freeze regressive utility rate hikes and use corporate polluter settlements, not ratepayer taxes, to fund water cleanup.

To protect affordability, I’ll propose setting 2027 rates as low as responsibly possible pending data review. I’ll lead with compassion promoting Project Help funds and proactively halt summer shut offs for non-payment. Additionally, regional expansion of water infrastructure sustains businesses and enables affordable housing.

Transparency, competitive bidding, and proactive maintenance guide my stewardship. I will end the PUD’s policy of running infrastructure “to failure,” eliminate hidden no-bid emergency contracts, and ensure every public dollar is competitively bid, publicly audited, and focused strictly on core water operations.

My guiding principles are doing more with less and planning responsibly. As Commissioner, I champion in-house construction, engineering and compliance alongside our support staff ensuring clean, safe water. Through skilled teamwork and preparedness, we conserve resources serving families and businesses throughout the County.

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Thurston County PUD Commissioner Dist. 3

Jeff Curry

Christopher Pettit

No response.

Implement the recommendations of the 2025 affordability report to the legislature, including the expansion of community assistance programs. Continue to utilize state and federal funding assistance for projects to reduce overall cost of service. Explore increased efficiencies and regionalization to lower rates across water systems.

No response.

Continue to meet established legal and regulatory requirements to ensure the provision of quality service to constituents. Emphasize essential services fundamental to effective operations while reducing or eliminating discretionary activities. Identify external resources that help leverage existing resources. Keep rates predictable and equitable.

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!

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Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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E V E N TS

Chamber to Host Thurston County Commissioner District 5 Candidates at September Forum The Thurston County Chamber of Commerce will host a Meet the Candidates forum at its September Chamber Forum on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, from 11:15a.m. to 1:15p.m. at Saint Martin’s University’s Norman Worthington Center in Lacey. The event will feature candidates running for state and local offices throughout Thurston County, with a special spotlight on the candidates for Thurston County Commissioner District 5. The program will feature Emily Clouse and Nicolas Martinez-Dunning, giving business and community leaders an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates about their priorities and perspectives on issues facing Thurston County.

“The Chamber Forum provides an opportunity for our members and the broader community to hear directly from the candidates, better understand their priorities and engage in an informed conversation about the future of Thurston County.” Doug Mah, Director of the Thurston Chamber’s Public Policy team, will moderate the discussion, guiding the conversation and giving attendees a front-row seat to the key issues and candidate perspectives that will help shape the future of Thurston County. In addition to the featured District 5 race, a number of candidates running for public office throughout Thurston County will attend the Forum and Candidates Reception. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet candidates directly and engage in one-on-one conversations about issues affecting local businesses, communities and residents. The September program is part of the Thurston County Chamber’s monthly Forum series, which brings together business and community leaders to explore issues shaping the region’s economy, workforce and quality of life.

The conversation will focus on issues that matter to the region’s employers, workforce and residents, including economic vitality, the business climate, housing, infrastructure, public services and the overall quality of life in Thurston County. “Local government decisions have a direct impact on our businesses, our workforce and the quality of life in our community,” said David Schaffert, President/CEO of the Thurston County Chamber. thurstonchamber.com

What: September Chamber Forum: Meet the Candidates — County Commissioner District 5 When: Wednesday, September 9, 11:15a.m. – 1:15p.m. Where: Saint Martin’s University, Norman Worthington Center 5300 Pacific Ave. SE Lacey, WA 98503 Visit ThurstonChamber.com for more information and to get tickets. Thank you to our Forum Sponsors: Morningside, Hometown Property Management and Total Benefits Solutions. Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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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.

Edward Jones – Dirk Farrar, Financial Advisor Express Employment Professionals Olympic Sotheby's International Realty

Columbia Bank The Evergreen State College Great Wolf Lodge

Sound Credit Union

Saint Martin's University

Puget Sound Energy

Providence Swedish

Port of Olympia

Peak Credit Union

Venables Pest Management

South Sound Behavioral Hospital

Olympia Orthopaedic Associates

TAGS Awards & Specialties

The Rants Group

Nicholson & Associates Insurance

Michael White Agency – Farmers Insurance

Dispute Resolution Center Chicago Title

Hometown Property Management, Inc.

Cap City Law, PS Acrisure

Alicia Sanders Insurance – Allstate Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, PLLC Fieldstone Communities FORMA Construction Company Little Creek Casino & Resort Morningside MultiCare Capital Medical Center Olympic Rental & Landlord Services Preferred Cleaning Services SCJ Alliance South Puget Sound Community College truit Veteran Security Operations

Lucky Eagle Casino and Hotel

Olympia Federal Savings

SILVER

GOLD

PLATINUM

DIAMOND

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

PO BOX 1427 Olympia, WA 98507-1427