Message From The President

Spring has sprung upon us and tax season is here! If you have not done your taxes as of yet, we have several tax professionals as Chamber members that would love it if you would "Think Chamber First" when it comes to doing your taxes.  Please take some time to look at our Community Resource Guide or our on-line directory for those tax professionals near you.

As you may already know, Sceni Foster is pursuing a new career. I would like to take a moment to thank Sceni for dedicating over five years to the Lacey Chamber of Commerce.  Sceni has been a cornerstone to our organization, and we appreciate all her hard work and steadfastness throughout the years.  Although we are sad to see her go, we are excited for her and her new endeavor with one of our partners and loyal members, Saint Martin’s University.  Thanks again Sceni, you will be missed.

Still on our radar, we have some advertising opportunities available in our upcoming 2012-2013 Community Resource Guide.  The guide gets great circulation in our community and into the hands of your customers.  If you have not placed your ad, please do so as space is limited.  We also have our annual golf tourney on the horizon.  Make sure to sponsor a hole and sign up your four-person team as soon as possible, as this tourney fills up quickly. For more information, please call the Chamber staff.

Don't forget, we also have our South Sound BBQ Festival coming on July 7. Last year we had over 5,000 people visit and partake all the wonderful food, experience the entertainment, and witness a hot wing eating competition. If you have not already, make sure to get your booth today and showcase your business to thousands!

As I mentioned before, tax season is here, and at our upcoming Forum we will be having several tax professionals apprising us of current changes in the tax code, and how they may apply to our businesses. There will be an opportunity to ask questions, and, who knows, you might even find a way to keep more of your hard-earned money. 

Last but not least, make sure you make your contributions to your IRAs for 2011 before the April 17 deadline.

At your SERVICE,

Felix Peguero

Chamber President

More Services, More Benefits

The list of services and benefits offered through the Lacey Chamber of Commerce continues to expand as we build on our pledge to be your Premier Business Resource. Here are a couple of services that will appeal to many of you. Your Chamber is proud to offer group insurance plans and notary service.

The Business Health Trust has been offered to our members for the past five years. The benefit provides highly competitive group rates through contracts with the largest and most respected insurance carriers in the state of Washington, including Regence BlueShield and Group Health. Along with medical, many other forms of health coverage are available for members including:

• ·         Dental
• ·         Vision
• ·         Basic and Supplemental Life & AD&D Insurance
• ·         Long-Term Disability
• ·         And others

These benefits are available to member companies with as few as two employees while giving you the buying power of a large group. More information is available through the Chamber office.

Notary service is also available to members at the Chamber office. There are a few restrictions on the types of documents to be notarized, but most business documents are acceptable. The cost is $.50 per page for members at the executive investor level and $1.00 per page for all other members.

Our members love to read the Thrive, and you have the opportunity to submit articles for our publication at no cost. Thrive articles may be about any topic of interest to our membership and should be informational or educational in nature. It cannot be an advertisement for your business, but you are certainly allowed to mention your business toward the end of the article. For example, an article that states that Acme Widgets are the highest quality and best value on the market would not be appropriate. An article on the history, use, and development of the widget that mentions that Acme Widget has been in the industry for 18 years and provides contact information for the business is very welcome.

Another feature that has been added to the Thrive is the feature “Hmmm, Didn’t know that.” This is designed to spotlight significant accomplishments, trivial statistics, or fun facts about a Chamber member. If there is something about your business that makes it stand out from your competitors and you would like it spotlighted, let me know. You could see your fact shared in a future issue of the Thrive.

Think Chamber First

Lacey Community Supports Trooper Procession

We as a community were saddened when we lost Washington State Trooper Tony Radulescu in late February.   Being a good community neighbor, Joint Base Lewis-McChord offered to host the staging area for his procession.   One of the most important components of this early morning event was to have enough food to feed approximately 2,500 people.  After sending a few calculated emails to key people in the community, you could literally feel and see the passion as business leaders pledged their support to help the installation be the perfect host to Police Officers, Firefighters, and Park Rangers from different states, cities, and Canada.   My phone rang off the hook with people volunteering their help!

One of my “calculated” emails was to Tony Salas, the Lacey Chamber Director.  He then sent an email to the Chamber members and the response was amazing.   With the help of the VFW Club, Harborstone Credit Union, WalMart, Costco, Panera Bread, Famous Dave’s, Puget Sound Energy, Panorama City, Hal and Anita Yarber from Exit Realty Boardwalk, the Lucky Eagle Casino, the Association of the United States Army, the Air Force Association, the Air Force Sergeants’ Association, and other businesses in different towns, we accumulated more than enough food to provide a continental style breakfast.   In fact, there was so much food left over, we were able to accommodate a Navy deployment the next day!

Each day, the caring attitudes and actions of our community totally amaze me.   You show your generosity to our service members, police officers, firefighters, and to each other in times of need or simply to be good neighbors.   For those of you who contributed to the procession, in honor of Trooper Tony Radulescu, thank you so much for your kindness.  You also helped your good neighbor, Joint Base Lewis-McChord pull off something very special.

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 March 2012 Forum:

Custom Security—fire extinguisher

D Zines: Creative Solutions & Graphic Designs—2 space pens

Edward Jones Investments, Jeff Kopp—Bag and insulated cup

FASTSIGNS—Pen

Greater Olympia Dixieland Jazz—One-day festival pass

Kluh Jeweler—$50 gift card, 5 watch batteries and shopping bag

Morningside—$25 Olive Garden gift card and Morningside water bottle

Native New Yorker—$20 be our guest card

Network Communications International, Tom Carroll—Bottle of wine

Paprika Catering—Ticket for tasting event

Professional Temp Staffing Agency—Potted plant

S. Stewart Ridgeway, CPA—coffee

South Bay Press—framed artwork

Visitor & Convention Bureau—Lunch

Thank You for Your Continued Support!

Lacey Chamber of Commerce 14th Annual Golf Classic

The clouds are beginning to part, the sun is beginning to shine, and there are glimmers of blue sky above—yes, the golf season is soon upon us in the northwest.  Company meetings will start taking place on the tee box rather than over a cup of tea, and clubhouses rather than coffee houses will fill with patrons for business lunches.  The Lacey Chamber of Commerce is no stranger to the game of golf, and come June 1, we will be holding our 14^th Annual Golf Classic at The Golf Club at Hawks Prairie Woodlands Course.

It all sounds so great, spending a day outdoors, getting some exercise, and socializing with friends.  But, what if you are new to the game?  As most of you have seen on television or heard through conversation, the game of golf is a serious one.  The crowd must be quiet, the dress code is strictly enforced, and upsets and celebrations must be kept to a minimum.  For most people who are novice golfers, the stringent rules and staunchness can create an uneasy feeling, which makes it hard to take on the sport.  Well, the Lacey Chamber golf tournament is here to soothe those nerves and makes it easy to pick up a club and swing away.  Did you take a bad shot?  Not a problem!  You’re on a team of four and you only need to take one player’s shot.  Did everyone miss that birdie putt?  Not a problem!  You can buy mulligans and try again.  Are you just shy of making that perfect chip shot?  Not a problem!  There is a one-time string to extend your shot.  Did you make an unbelievable eagle putt?  Celebrate away with cheers and high-fives all around!  All players of all skill levels are welcome to join us for a day filled with laughter and excitement.

The theme of our tournament this year is “team spirit.”  If you are playing in the tournament, we invite you to don attire of your favorite team, whether it is a local high school or an international soccer club, all are welcome.  Each hole will be sponsored and decked out in team spirit as well.  There will even be a prize for the most spirited hole! 

The day will begin with a continental breakfast, and after a fun day of golf, games, and spirits, we will wrap up with lunch and an awards ceremony.

If you would like to play in the tournament or sponsor a hole seen by over 100 players, please contact the Chamber office (360) 491-4141 or go to our website www.laceychamber.com.  The deadline to register is Friday, May 18, but if you register before April 15, you will receive an early registration discount!

Business Is Booming!

New Members:

Lacey Fire District Three

1231 Franz Street, SE

Lacey, WA  98503

Contact: Steve Brooks

Category: Government

Phone: 360.491.2410

Website:  www.laceyfire.com

RENEWALS – Thank You!

1-2 Years:

South Bay Press Spark! Investor

RelyLocal

Best Western Plus

O’Blarney’s

The Evergreen State College – Ignite! Investor

3-4 Years:

Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County

Olympia Vision Clinic – Spark! Investor

5-9 Years:

Networks Communications International Spark! Investor

Cutters Point

Ram Restaurant

Woodland Retirement & Assisted Living

Edward Jones Investment – Felix Peguero

10 - 14 Years

Armada Corp

Cascade Driving School

Dirty Dave’s Pizza Parlor

The Marston Center

Mayor Virgil Clarkson

South Sound Bank

FASTSIGNS Spark! Investor

15 Years +

First Citizen’s Bank

Twinstar

Panorama

City of Lacey

Puget Sound Energy Boom! Investor

Consolidated Electrical Distribution

Saint Martin’s University

Port of Olympia

Kaufman Construction & Development

Forum Registration and Prepayment

The monthly Forum for the Lacey Chamber of Commerce is a great opportunity to visit with old friends, make new business connections, and hear insightful speakers on a variety of topics that have an effect on the business climate in and around Lacey. The Chamber president makes a great effort to provide relevant subjects and the staff works hard to uncover the speakers or assemble the panels that lead to lively discussions during and after the Forum. The greatest challenge presented to the staff each month is about the quantity of lunches to order. This is Chamber simile to the three bears. If we order 100 lunches and 90 people eat lunch at the Forum, then we are still charged for the 100 lunches. If we order 100 and 120 purchase lunch, well we have a different challenge as Bon Appetite does not cook on-site. Online registration and pre-payment makes this a more educated estimate for the staff and saves you money at the same time. Best of all, it’s fast and easy!

Go to www.laceychamber.com and look for register below and to the right of the Chamber logo. On the next page, select the event month. Enter your name, e-mail address, and phone number. Click on submit at the bottom of the page and you’re registered. To pre-pay and save $7.00 on your lunch, you need to add two easy steps—simply check the number of lunches you wish to purchase and add the names of the people who are joining you. After you click on submit, you’ll be taken to the payment screen to enter your credit card information and you’re registered and paid. Everyone now loves you because you did many things with this action you took. You saved time and money, both things we can never have enough of. You now get to go through the speedy line at the registration desk because all we need to do is check off your name and hand you a ticket for lunch. That leaves you more time to network and potentially get that big business deal you’ve been waiting on. You’ve made forecasting the lunch count more accurate for the staff, and that helps us control Forum costs, which allows us to continue delivering great value for our members.

5:01 Surge - O Bee Credit Union

On Wednesday, March 21, the newest addition to the O Bee Credit Union family opened its doors to the members of the Lacey Chamber of Commerce. The branch was full of Chamber members, ambassadors, board members, guests, and many representatives from O Bee.  The branch manager, Carrie-Ann Falk, shared with the crowd the new products and services that are offered to the O Bee clientele and gave away the hot ticket door prizes of the night—a one-of-a-kind Olympia Beer inspired t-shirts.  Other door prizes included O Bee travel mugs, coffee, window repair services, and printing services.  Those in attendance snacked on menu items such as bread and artichoke dip, meatball sliders, and fantastic chocolate deserts prepared by Paprika Catering.  O Bee Credit Union hosted a grand event filled with fun, laughter, and great networking. With the addition of the west side location, O Bee, a company founded in Olympia, opened its first location within the city limits and now has a total of four branches in our area.

Message from the President

By Felix Peguero, 2012 Lacey Chamber President
Edward Jones Investments

I would like to start off by extending a BIG thank you and farewell to our wonderful event coordinator, Amanda Connolly.  She has done an excellent job for the Chamber over the past two years and we wish her and her husband the very best as they start a new life together in Texas.  Life is full of changes.  It takes us all in different directions, and, as you may already know, change is something we are familiar with here at the Lacey Chamber of Commerce.  Thanks again, Amanda, for your contributions to the Chamber.  You will be missed.

On that note, we are looking to hire a new event coordinator.  So, if you know someone with the skill set and the experience to help us manage our many events and fund-raisers, please let us know.  The position is posted on Worksource and Craigslist under “event coordinator.”  Our next major fund-raising event is the 14^th Annual Golf Classic Tournament on June 1.  If you are interested in being a part of the golf committee or procurement, please reach out to our Golf Committee Chair and Vice President Angelique Wilson.   I also want to thank Ms. Wilson for stepping up and volunteering even more of her time to chair the golf committee.  I am sure that with her at the helm this will be our best golf tournament yet.

Coming up in our March Forum we will be having new City Manager Scott Spence delivering the “State of the City” address.  Mr. Spence was appointed as the new Lacey city manager on August 9, 2011, by the Lacey City Council. Mr. Spence has been with the City of Lacey since 1999, first serving as public affairs director and then appointed as assistant city manager in 2003. Prior to coming to Lacey, he spent three years at the City of Sherwood, Oregon, as assistant to the city manager and assistant city manager. We are looking forward to hearing from Mr. Spence and learning more about our fair city.

At the end of February my family and I are taking advantage of the Lacey Chamber auction item that was donated by Grace Kendall of FASTSIGNS.  It is a week stay in Anaheim, CA, at the WorldMark resort.  While soaking up some sun, we will also be enjoying Disneyland and California Adventure Theme parks. The next time you see me I will be refreshed, relaxed, and sporting a nice tan. See you at the March Forum!

At your SERVICE,

Felix Peguero

Lacey Chamber President

Developing Relevance

By Tony Salas, Executive Director, Lacey Chamber of Commerce

The world of business is going through a quiet revolution. While large businesses continue to expand and take a greater share of the marketplace, small entrepreneurs are looking to fill the gaps that those large companies have a difficult time filling. That trend is also true in Lacey. With over 2,700 licensed businesses within her boundaries, Lacey is a strong economic force and a leader in many areas that attract new business to our community. Of that large business population, over 75% of these businesses have fewer than 10 employees.

As the Lacey Chamber of Commerce looks toward the future, we are no different than all other Chambers around the nation as we look to develop relevance to the needs of our business community. Speed networking, freestyle networking, social media, and dozens of other attempts have been, and are being, made to capture the minds, wallets, and energy of those small businesses that are looking to earn their share of the market. In short, a host of people believe that networking is the one true path to prosperity. Shop local, buy local, eat local, drink local efforts are springing up all around the nation as citizens look to save or create jobs in their communities. While I agree that we should think, act and shop locally, many who are promoting this action are forgetting that a good number of Chamber members also have a national presence. Costco, Fred Meyer, Wal-Mart and Best Western are all Chamber members with nationally known names but account for nearly 1,000 Lacey jobs. This was why we developed Think Chamber First. We all want to do business locally and supporting each other as Chamber members is a great way to keep our resources here.

With these efforts diverting niches away from the traditional Chamber models, it leaves the Chamber with few choices. Continue with a traditional Chamber of Commerce model that has been successful for dozens of years and many established business owners are comfortable with, or create a model that is relevant to the surge of new businesses that have not experienced or are unhappy with the Chamber of the past. The Lacey Chamber of Commerce is committed to remaining relevant to all our current and future members. There will be new innovations coming over the next year including technology, education, benefits, networking, marketing, and media that are all being designed to help your business develop prosperity in the coming months and years. As always, we will deliver these programs in a cost efficient manner to maintain our position of delivering great value to our members. 

Whether your business is large or small, The Lacey Chamber of Commerce, your Premier Business Resource, will continue to be innovative and relevant to the business community and the citizens of Lacey. 

7 Critical Legal Tips for Those Over 50

Submitted by John Bradburn, Independent Associate Legal Shield

The following tips will help you prepare for the legal challenges involved in growing older. 

1. Prepare a will and estate plan so that upon your death your assets will pass exactly as you intend. Do you want a state law, rather than you, to decide who inherits your estate?
2. Prepare a durable power of attorney so that someone you trust can make decisions on your behalf in the event you are unable to do so. Who do you want to handle your affairs if you are unable to?
3. Prepare an advanced medical directive (living will) so that someone is empowered to make medical decisions on your behalf and in accordance with your wishes if you cannot. Do you want life support if you become totally and permanently incapacitated?
4. Prepare retirement and disability plans so that your care upon retirement or disability is not left to chance. Is Social Security enough to sustain you?
5. Review all private and governmental benefits to which you may be entitled, including life and health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, private pension and benefit plans to insure that you receive the maximum benefits to which you are entitled. Do you know all of the military, retirement and other benefits you are entitled to?
6. Prepare a comprehensive summary of assets and benefits, including all bank accounts, savings accounts, CDs and other assets together with all benefits for which you are or may be eligible. Can your attorney in fact readily identify all of your assets and benefits?
7. Prepare an Important Papers Packet containing vital documents and your comprehensive summary of assets and benefits. The packet should include copies of your Social Security card, life insurance policies, will, military discharge papers, medical alerts, names and addresses of your physicians, immunization records, other important medical information, including allergies, deeds, and titles or bills of sale of particularly valuable property such as fine jewelry. How will your attorney in fact or executor find your important papers?

If you have questions or need assistance, Contact John Bradburn, Independent Associate Legal Shield 360-250-3548  is ready to help.

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 February 2012 Forum:

A Steve's Professional Truck Mounted Steam Cleaning-bouquet of flowers

Annie’s Unique Gifts & Gift Baskets-“A Taste of Italy” basket

Cabinets by Triovonna-coffee

COSTCO-box of gourmet truffles

Custom Security-fire extinguisher

D Zines: Creative Solutions & Graphic Designs-$25 pedometer

Edward Jones Investments-Felix Peguero-stress pig

FASTSIGNS-homemade apple butter

Paprika Catering-Super Bowl platter

Professional Temp Staffing Agency-box of Belgian chocolates

RelyLocal-set of Reward Cards

S. Stewart Ridgeway, CPA-coffee

South Bay Press-framed artwork

Thank You for Your Continued Support!

Tutoring is to Education as Coaching is to Athletics

Submitted by Angela Grant, Club Z! In Home Tutoring Services

Parents and students alike would do well to use tutors the same way that athletics use coaches: to teach fundamental skills to players of all skill levels. 

We accept, almost without question, the need for exceptional coaching. We expect professional teams to retain the very best coaches available to help world class athletes maintain the necessary edge to compete with other great athletes. An athlete without a coach invites chaos, disorganization, and a sloppy work ethic.

The parent of a promising young tennis player would immediately seek out a coach with the knowledge and experience to refine her skills and instill the virtues of hard work through organized and intense work sessions.

Yet, with regard to education, we tend to take a more laid-back approach. Education is preparation to compete in a very competitive world, and as parents, we should apply the narrative of the athletic coach to our children’s education.  If a promising tennis star would benefit from a coach, it only makes sense that a bright high school student eager to pursue a career in engineering would benefit just as much from a qualified math tutor.  And, of course, the average student would benefit from individual instruction as well.

We all benefit from individual instruction.  It is the most personal, most effective, and most proactive route to better understanding, better skill development, and better grades.

An English tutor could help a student develop writing skills far beyond his current capabilities.  An algebra tutor could help any math student hit the ground running next school year with dedicated summer tutoring.  A Spanish tutor could instill a life long love of languages. 

Great students are not born any more than great athletes are.  They are made through hard work, discipline, and efficient training. 

When we place a qualified and enthusiastic tutor with a child eager for help and open to instruction, and they spend dedicated work time, we see outstanding results.  What a great gift and advantage to give to a child.

Business is Booming

New Members

Fore Counseling
677 Woodland Square Loop SE
Suite A
Lacey, WA  98503
Contact: Laura Fore
Category: Counselor
Phone: 360.271.5858
Email: lauraforecounselingservices@yahoo.com
Website:  www.ForeCounselingServices.com

Nisqually Kennel Club
PO Box 4191
Tumwater, WA  98501
Contact: John Chinn
Category: Non-Profit
Phone:  360.870.3270
Email:  jtchinn@fairpoint.net
Website:  www.NisquallyKennelClub.com
 

F9 Networks Inc.
2590 Willamette Dr. NE, Suite 201
Lacey, WA  98503
Contact: Thien Pham
Category: Computer Programming
Phone: 360.915.9777
Email: info@F9Networks.com
Website: www.F9Networks.com

Steadman Properties
6700 Martin Way E #118B
Olympia, WA  98516
Contact: Mike Steadman
Category: Commercial Property
Phone: 360.493.1484
Email: mike-steadman@comcast.net
 

RENEWALS – Thank You!

1-2 Years:

Capitol City Press
IRC Print & Design

3-4 Years:

The Results Group
Legal Shield Spark Investor!

10 - 14 Years

TAGS Awards & Specialties
Networks Real Estate, LLC
A Steve's Professional Truck Mounted Steam Cleaning
Washington Forestry Consultants, Inc.

15 Years +

Thurston County Fair
Thurston County Auditor
Mutual of Omaha – Mike Wolfe Spark Investor! 

Exceptional Lacey Teen Named Youth of the Year

Ny’Shara Cox is a true example of an extraordinary teenager. At age 17, she has just been selected to compete against other Boys & Girls Club members from all over the state for the Washington Youth of the Year title, a $1,000 scholarship, and the chance to move on to the regional Youth of the Year competition. As the Youth of the Year for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County (BGCTC), Cox is among thousands of local youth across the country recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) for strong character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community. 

Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. The program—founded over 60 years ago— celebrates youth who have overcome enormous odds and demonstrated exceptional character and accomplishments. These deserving young people are recognized for service to their Club and community, academic performance and contributions to their family.

Cox, a junior at Timberline High School, will represent the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County at the Washington Youth of the Year competition at Seattle University on March 21. The winner will be announced by Governor Gregoire the next morning at a special reception held at the Governor’s mansion. Ny’Shara was chosen from a group of deserving peers from the three other area Clubs after a thorough selection process. The competition included giving a speech and being interviewed by the panel of judges—a mix of BGCTC supporters, board members and administrative staff. This is the second year in a row that a member of the Lacey Club has won.

Cox has been a member at the Boys & Girls Club since 2006, and is now a part time staff member working in the art room. She loves working with the younger kids and, as the oldest of six siblings, is a natural born leader. Her experience at the Club started during a very difficult time in her life. “My mom was diagnosed with cancer when I was 8 years old,” Cox said. “Soon after she died I started coming to the Club. The Club helped me get through the loss of my mom by giving me so many chances to make her proud of me.”

Ny’Shara has some big dreams for her future that blend her academic strengths with her favorite hobbies. She already has a college scholarship secured through the College Bound Scholarship program and plans to study business, fashion, and social work. Dance is also an important part of her life and she hopes to incorporate this into her professional career somehow as well.

“Ny’Shara has been a true leader in our teen programs, helping to plan activities for teens that kept them interested and hungry for me,” says Shellica Trevino, Lacey Branch Director. “We are so proud of her many accomplishments at the Club, school, and her church.

If Cox wins the state title, she will compete for Pacific Region Youth of the Year and an additional $10,000 scholarship. The five regional winners will travel to Washington, D.C. to compete for BGCA’s National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year receives up to an additional $50,000 college scholarship and is installed by the President of the United States in an Oval Office ceremony. Ny’Shara is looking to follow in the footstep of Thurston County’s own 1984 BGCA National Youth of the Year recipient, Dr. Tony Agtarap. Dr. Agtarap is an orthopedic surgeon with Olympia Orthopaedic Associates and a founding board member of BGCTC.

Schedule A Costco Recption Today

Costco invites you to schedule a reception.  A Costco reception provides information about a grea benefit for your employees - Costco Membership.  The reception is easy, it's free, and there is absolutely no administrative work for you.  Your local Costco representative will arrive prepared to treat your employees to refreshments and valuable offers!  At Costco, shopping is believing.  Our members shop for top-quality products from the brands they trust.  WE are able to offer such great values because of our enormous buying power and our efficient operating practices.  If your employees join as an Executive Member during the reception, they receive a $20 Costco Cash Card or a $10 Cash Card if they join as a new Gold Star Member.  Remember, it is risk free membership.  We will refund your membership fees in full at any time if our members are dissatisfied.  Contact Shon Brewster in the marketing dept. 412.3497 to schedule your reception today.

Kidwiler Applications Available Now

If you have or know of a high school senior in one of the North Thurston District high schools, please remind them that Kidwiler Scholarship applications are now available.  To obtain an application, they can contact their high school counselor.  At least two scholarships will be awarded, one in the amount of $1,000 and the other in the amount of $500.  The applications are due in their high school counselor's office by April 10,2012.

For students looking for available scholarships, www.TheWashBoard.org is a helpful, free web based scholarship clearinghouse that matches Washington scholarship seekers with Washington scholarship providers.  In one stop, students search and apply for multiple scholarships specific to their academic interest, college, or university.

On The Horizon

By Tony Salas, Executive Director

Each New Year brings the expectation of great accomplishments, and that is no different with the Lacey Chamber of Commerce. Looking toward 2012, the vision is bright with anticipation of the great things we will accomplish together.

We, of course, will continue developing the culture of “Think Chamber First” and look for innovative ways to make it easier to do business with other Chamber members. One thing we are developing is incorporating “Hot Deals” for Chamber members that would be promoted through our existing communication vehicles. This gives you a way to offer exclusive member pricing without using additional marketing dollars to promote that pricing. Some of the other things we are looking to bring to our members to provide additional value to your membership are expanded educational opportunities to job postings to new networking opportunities. We are continually on the hunt to make your Chamber membership as valuable and diverse as possible.

We have had great success in attracting new members and will continue to bring in members to complement your needs. Growth continues to be an ongoing mission and we are reaching out to new business, existing business, and your referrals to provide you with more opportunities to Think Chamber First. A great way to connect with these new businesses is with an ad in the Community Resource Guide.

The Community Resource Guide is being developed as you read this. The Guide offers an unprecedented opportunity to reach out to nearly 100 more businesses than last year. If you buy ad space in January, you will receive a promotional rate of 20% off. There is no better time to make sure you are advertising in the Community Resource Guide.

Here is wishing you a successful New Year and I look forward to a great 2012!

Unemployment Tax Rates Plummet in 2012

By Paul Trause, Employment Security Commissioner

In the past couple of years, the Employment Security Department didn’t have much good news to share about unemployment taxes – but that’s finally turning around.  In 2012, unemployment rates will decline in all 40 rate classes, by an estimated average of 13 percent. 

If your business had no layoffs in the past four years – putting you in rate-class 1 – your tax rate will plummet by 71 percent (from 0.49 percent in 2011 to 0.14 percent in 2012).  The most you’ll pay on an employee for the entire year is $53, compared to $182 in 2011.

Businesses whose layoff experience puts them at the top end of the rate structure also will enjoy a rate reduction in 2012 – albeit smaller. Even businesses that are moving into higher rate classes due to recent layoffs may experience lower tax rates if they move up only a few rate classes. 

Altogether, businesses will pay $207 million less in unemployment taxes in 2012.

The reductions are a result of two factors

You may recall that the state legislature and Governor Gregoire adopted a bill last February that reversed the expected tax increase in 2011 for most businesses.  Those changes remain in place and will continue to suppress tax rates in 2012.

In addition, the size of the state’s unemployment benefits fund is factored into the tax-rate calculations. We still have one of the healthiest funds in the nation, and Washington’s employers are reaping the rewards.

During the recession, about three dozen states bankrupted their benefits funds and had to borrow billions of dollars to cover unemployment benefits – some are still borrowing. Although the nation is technically in economic recovery, the states with outstanding loans are facing tax hikes, benefit cuts, and other measures to stabilize their unemployment systems. 

Here in Washington, it’s nice to know that’s one thing we don’t have to worry about right now. 

Seven Oaks Artists Honored by Lacey Chamber

When Seven Oaks art teacher Jill Giudice commissioned students in Jacquie Boginski’s fourth grade class to design a poster for the Lacey Chamber auction, she didn’t tell them there might be a party involved.

“I told them that, through their art, they could give back to help our local business community who in turn supports our schools,” said Giudice who oversaw the poster making during the students’ specialist rotation in art class. The poster ended up being chosen as a favorite by the Chamber during the event. The auction was a ‘50s theme, and the banner the students created pulled out all the stops, including a jukebox, streamers, and colorful dancers on a tile floor.

“It really helped capture what the night was all about,” said Lacey Chamber Executive Director Tony Salas, who thanked the students this week with a pizza party. “I think our members really appreciated that local students had taken the time to design art for our event.”

Students volunteered to do artwork with the help of an art specialist or their teacher.

Other student artists who contributed and received recognition by the school district included:

Timberline High School: Advanced Placement Art student Milo Moore, Art Specialist Ryan Giffen

Meadows Elementary: Student volunteers (various grades), Art Specialist Cynthia LeMere-Kelly

Olympic View Elementary: 6^th graders, Art Specialist Christine Rankin

Lacey Chamber of Commerce is a supporting partner with North Thurston Public Schools and Lacey Loves to Read. They also support the “Ray Kidwiler Scholarships,” which help students from our district who are interested in pursuing a college education in an area of business.