One thing I’ve always loved about the Lacey Chamber of Commerce is that things are constantly busy. Well, that’s the understatement of the year. With the recent sad announcement that our Executive Director Tony Salas has resigned, not only have things gotten busy, but they’ve gotten crazy busy. Tony has led our Chamber in remarkable ways the past few years and he’ll be greatly missed.  His hard work and dedication has amazed me. To name a few of his many accomplishments, Tony helped us create the “Think Chamber First” campaign, helped to get the South Sound BBQ Festival started, kept the 3^rd of July Fireworks alive, and brought stability back to the Chamber. His passion for the Chamber and desire to ensure its continued success never ceased. We’ve been fortunate to have him as our executive director. THANK YOU, MR. SALAS. We wish you well. Tony will be moving on to new adventures in Mount Vernon, Washington, to be with his family and we wish you all the best.

Upon receiving Tony’s resignation, I quickly assembled a search committee. As I write this, we’ve narrowed down our list of candidates to our few finalists. We hope to be announcing our new executive director soon.

While we’re busy finding our new executive director, we’re also busy planning for our upcoming  25^th Annual Golf Tournament, scheduled for June 7^th at The Golf Club at Hawks Prairie. Tee off will be at 8:00 a.m. If you haven’t put your foursome together yet, please do so right away. If you’d like to be a sponsor, it’s not too late. Contact the Chamber office and we’ll be glad to assist you.

We’re also preparing for our 3^rd annual South Sound BBQ Festival on July 6 at Huntamer Park. This is a family oriented, fun-filled event for the entire family to enjoy. I would encourage you to get involved in this event as it’s a great way to meet others and help your Chamber. It’s also a great event to promote your business through a variety of sponsorship opportunities. Please contact the Chamber office for more information.

This month’s March Forum topic is our State of the City address and our speaker is Lacey City Manager Scott Spence. Scott will bring us up to date with what’s happening in our community. You won’t want to miss his dynamic and exciting presentation!

As I head into my final month with the Lacey Chamber of Commerce, I am filled with a great deal of pride about what we have accomplished, not only during my tenure as executive director, but also as a member of this great organization. The partnerships that have been nurtured with the City of Lacey, North Thurston Public Schools, and the Timberland Regional Library show that our business community cares for the future of our city and the surrounding area very much. These partnerships give us the ability to create a better quality of life in our community and create an incentive for local residents to do business here around Lacey. Some of these were mentioned in my February letter with Lacey Loves to Read, Summer’s End Car Show, and, of course, funding the fireworks show to celebrate the birth of our nation. The leadership of the Chamber is committed to continuing the growth and development of these partnerships, which will continue to make Lacey a great place to live, work, play, and invest.

Together we have created significant events that will benefit this community for years, if not generations to come. The South Sound BBQ Festival has become a signature event for the community with thousands of people attending from near and far to taste the best the BBQ community has to offer. The competition among the Backyard Joe’s can become very heated as they impress the judges with recipes of their own invention or perhaps some that have been passed down from generation to generation. Due to the overwhelming success of the first two festivals, and the huge crowds they attracted, the BBQ Fest will have a new home. Huntamer Park at 7^th and Woodland Square Loop will serve as the venue. This will provide some huge advantages for the festival, because the city, as they have done with other events, will close the street around the park to give more room and better access to the professional vendors and trade show vendors. There is a huge amount of parking, easy access via Intercity Transit, and a comfortable festival atmosphere to make the event even greater. This year the South Sound BBQ Festival will be on Saturday, July 6. Plan on being there!

Lacey B.A.N.G. gives you an opportunity to network with and learn from some of the best networkers in the south sound. You can meet new people, learn more about some businesses you may already know, and, spread the word about your business. It’s a great place to hone your skills in public speaking and perfect your elevator speech. There are three locations for you to attend:

                Tuesdays 11:30 a.m. at Copper Creek Coffee

                Wednesday 7:15 a.m. at Best Western Lacey Inn & Suites

                Thursdays 11:30 a.m. at Round Table Pizza

The requirements to join these groups are that you must be a Chamber member (kind of goes without saying) and participate in the menu of the host. There is no additional charge to belong to one of B.A.N.G. groups and guests can check out each group a couple of times to find the best fit.

The Lacey Chamber of Commerce is your Premier Business Resource, but most of all a collection of great people who have truly embraced our culture of Think Chamber First!

To kick off our Forum, Executive Director Tony Salas shared with us about the North Thurston School District’s Lacey Loves to Read program and the opportunity we all have to help make the event a success. By donating as little as $25, we can sponsor a raffle basket for the event. The proceeds of this event buy books for the North Thurston School District students. Sounds like a great chance to support our community. Thumbs up…right, George Sharp?

This year will be the 47^th  year for the annual fireworks show in Lacey, and fundraising is starting now. We found out that if just 100 people donated $200 each, the goal would be met. This is a local tradition, so let’s all do our part and help keep this event alive. Any donation would be greatly appreciated, every little bit counts.

The Lacey Chamber of Commerce ambassadors were acknowledged for all that they do in support of the Chamber, and the Ambassador of the Quarter was announced. Drum roll please… Madelin White of Merle Norman Cosmetics, Wigs & Day Spa was a rock star this quarter. As thanks for her efforts, she was given a Dirty Dave’s gift card. Way to go Madelin!

Tony then made a big announcement that he will be leaving his position as executive director of the Lacey Chamber the end of March. Almost a year ago, his wife took a job in Mt. Vernon and, as much as he loves the Lacey area, it is time to go home every night to his wife. His commitment to the Lacey Chamber is second to none, and his passion about the importance of “Think Chamber First” is an example all of us should follow. Tony is proud of the Chamber’s increase in networking through Lacey B.A.N.G. meetings and is still planning to volunteer at the South Sound BBQ. We are going to miss you Tony!

Any golfers who love saving money have a chance to do just that. Sign up by the end of February for the Lacey Chamber golf tournament, and you can save $30! This early bird special is $100 per player or $390 a team. The Lacey Chamber golf tournament has a reputation of being the most FUN tournament of the year! Are you game?

The media sponsor Jared Persinger, DDS, owner of Ruddell Road Dental Center, is the only Lacey dentist that is a Chamber member. The Forum sponsor was the Hampton Inn and Suites in Dupont, WA. They are only a 15-minute drive north of Lacey and officially opened January 3, 2013.

Michael Brouilette from Brandman University spoke on behalf of the Lacey Chamber of Commerce Education Council. He began by asking us to answer some interesting questions by a show of hands.

Do you believe education is a vital part of society today?

Do you think having an educated workforce is very important for you conducting your business?

Do you feel that students today are receiving the education they need to be effective in your workforce?

Do you feel math is being taught to a level to support your businesses?

Do you believe students today are taught the importance of free enterprise and profit in our school system?

Do you believe that it is important that the Chambere has an education council?

These questions were followed by Michael sharing with us that there was a survey sent out last fall to all Lacey Chamber members. From this survey, the Education Council was able to choose priorities on which to focus based on the feedback.

1) Math Teams Sponsorships/Support

Did you know math team success helps build math awareness? And that the math teams help improve the skills of many more students than those that actually compete? As community members we can show support by tutoring math teams or sponsoring a team going to competitions.

2) Business Education Seminars

Free monthly seminars are offered at noon once a month at Brandman University the Friday following the Lacey Chamber Forum lunch. The seating is limited to 60 on a first-come basis, so come early. This is a great opportunity to help business owners and employees learn new skills to improve their business and network with like-minded people.

3) Junior Achievement

This organization teaches our students about the free enterprise system. They would welcome volunteers to help students of all ages make this program a success. You can be part of teaching students how businesses work in America, but also how your particular business works.

We were honored to have Dr. Gerald Pumphrey as our keynote speaker. Gerald recently retired as the president of South Puget Sound Community College and has many degrees and experiences that he brought to the table. It was truly remarkable to hear his views on education through the question and answer session conducted by Cecelia Lovelace, executive director at SPSCC Foundation Office.

Some of the highlights were:

Similarities of Business and Education

They both need to reinvest in themselves to stay on top.

Similar needs, such as staying current with technology, retaining employees, and not exceeding their bottom line.

Differences in Business and Education

The recession increased sales for the college, while sales decreased for most businesses.

Colleges can’t borrow money.

The state pays for college construction.

Colleges are not free to choose their mission.

Business and education go hand in hand. Education offers businesses a pool of trained applicants that help make their business a success, and current trends in business help identify what curriculum should be taught and skills developed.

New Members:

Robert Branscomb Insurance Agency
1401 Marvin Rd. NE #307-535
Lacey, WA 98516
Contact: Robert Branscomb
(800) 209-9277
Website: www.robertbranscomb.com
Category: Insurance Agency

Thurston County Solid Waste Educators
9605 Tilley Rd. SW
Olympia, WA 98512
Contact: Emily Orme
(360) 867-2281
Website: www.co.thurston.wa.us/solidwaste
Category: Government

United Roofing Solutions, Inc.
3703 Fuller Ln. SE
Olympia, WA 98501
Contact: Jenn Presley
(360) 915-9116
Website: www.unitedroofs.com
Category: Roof Repair? – check on this with Tony

Renewals:

1-2 Years
Maintenance by Hometown
Sign-A-Rama of Olympia
South Bay Press

3-4 Years
Business Examiner

5-9 Years
Yellowbook USA

10-14 Years
Northwest Harley Davidson

15+ Years
Vicwood Meridian Partnership

A Steve’s Professional Truck Mounted Steam Cleaning—Yellow Roses

Annie’s Unique Gifts & Gift Baskets—Dessert Cappuccino

Custom Security—Fire Extinguisher

D Zines: Creative Solutions & Graphic Designs—Space Pen

FASTSIGNS—Thermal Coffee Cup

Joanna Power, Isagenix—Sleep Support Formula

Kokua—Kokua Cookbook

Lacey’s Premier Event Center—Triple Chocolate Brownies With Mocha Frosting

Lucky Eagle Casino—$75 Steakhouse Certificate

Merle Norman Cosmetics, Wigs and Day Spa—Makeup Bag With Product and a Free Makeover

Red Wind Casino—Stylus Pen, Blanket, Mug and Sewing Kit

RelyLocal Olympia—White Wine

S. Stewart Ridgeway, CPA—Firebird Blend Coffee

Wells Fargo Mortgage, Andrea McGhee—Starbucks Gift Card and Coffee Mug

Thank You for Your Continued Support!

How long have you been an Ambassador?    

            It will be a year in August. 

Why did you choose to be an Ambassador?

After speaking with Tony Salas and my friends from D Zines, Dan and Shelley Nicholson, I decided being an ambassador would be a great opportunity for me to get more involved in the Chamber.  It gives me an opportunity to meet and get to know so many more people than I would have otherwise.  

What benefits does Funeral Alternatives get from your Ambassador participation?

            You get out of being an Ambassador what you put into it.  The more I get involved in the Chamber, the more connected I feel to its members and them to me.  Being an Ambassador, more people recognize the Funeral Alternatives name so we’re getting more exposure in the business community.  People are able to see a friendly, smiling face and are able to associate that with the business.  Funeral Alternatives is a business unlike others in the Chamber.  We want others to know who we are so, if and when our services are needed, people will know us as someone they can trust to help them in their time of need. 

What do you enjoy the most about being an Ambassador?

            I enjoy the camaraderie shared amongst the group.  I’ve made some good friends being an Ambassador.  I enjoy being a part of the two event committees I’m involved in and working with the different committee members.

What is your favorite Ambassador memory?

            I was asked to help out at the Auction last November and, although it was a lot of work, it was also a lot of fun.  I especially loved the after clean-up conversations we shared sitting around in the foyer.  I learned more about people during that time than I had known before.

Bio Stuff:

            Favorite sport:            

Cycling

            Favorite actor/actress:          

No actors really stand out to me these days.  I like some of the actors from other generations, like Cary Grant and Gregory Peck.

            Favorite movie:          

I really don’t have an absolute favorite, though there are some that I can watch over and over again.  To Kill a Mockingbird.  Miracle on 34^th Street (black and white version).  The Princess Bride.  

            Favorite vacation spot:          

My favorite spot is wherever the car takes me.  I love road trips and stopping wherever and whenever I feel like it. 

            Favorite childhood toy:          

I don’t have a specific toy.  My childhood was spent in rural Yakima with apple orchards and cow pastures around, and we played outside whenever we could. 

            The first thing you recommend to someone new to the Lacey area to do:

For businesses, I recommend they visit one of the Chamber’s BANG leads groups to begin to meet other business people.  The little groups are a great way for newcomers to meet and get to know people.  Personally, check out some of the events around the area.  There is a lot of diversity in this area and that makes for a great place to live.

1. Go on a diet, again.
2. Work out at the gym more than once.
3. Eat better food—not fast food.
4. Make more money than I spend.
5. Lead a healthier lifestyle.

I find it very interesting that four out of five of the items on the list are related to a healthier lifestyle and the fifth can be directly related to mental/emotional health.  These are the subjects that we concern ourselves with most—our health and well-being.

Finding a balance in life can be very hard.  Finding a way to be healthy at home and at work can be even more challenging. If you have what the U.S. Department of Labor would consider an ‘office/desk’ job, you spend 8-10 hours per day at your job and 5-6 days a week at that job, you also spend 85% of that time sitting down in a chair at a computer.  The past three decades have seen an ever-changing workplace in desperate need of an ever-changing atmosphere.

In the 80s, workplace ergonomics was trying to find its way into a quickly developing technological arena.  The desktop computer was just a glimmer in Bill Gates’ eye and we were just learning about the CD.

In the 90s, the Internet was born and workplace ergonomics began to gain some real traction as we saw more and more people whose jobs revolved around working at a desk, in a chair, and at a computer.  The last part is really key, because it’s the only thing that has changed. People have been sitting in chairs and at desks doing office work for many years.  The computer has changed everything, and it is the only thing that has changed.  Everything that we do, how we do it, what we see, what we touch.  Adapting our habits and movements has not been so quick to change.

The past 15 years have brought about revolutionary change in how people who sit at desks and work on computers are viewed by medical professionals when they have trouble with their bodies.  Terms have been derived and turned into medical acronyms: RSIs (Repetitive Stress Injuries), CTDs (Cumulative Trauma Disorders), RMIs (Repetitive Motion Injuries), and MSDs (Musculoskeletal Disorders). 

There are multiple treatments and prevention plans in helping deal with many of the issues listed above.  All can be treated…some with better success than others.  The problem with all of them is this, once you’ve got one of them you kind of always have them.  Ask someone who has had Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and had surgery for it.  Sure the condition is better than before the surgery, but it still hurts and doesn’t ever really go away.

Ergonomics and how it relates to the workplace should be about prevention of injury…period. 

If you work at a desk and in front of a computer all day, I hope you have a good chair that provides support, a keyboard tray that allows you to type and use a mouse in a neutral position, and that your monitor is at or slightly below your eye level.  These are the basic items one needs.

The other most important item that you need is movement.  Don’t sit still for more than 20 minutes at a time.  The U.S. Department of Labor suggests that getting out of your chair at least three times per hour is helpful in maintaining a healthy back and neck.  Stretch, move, stand, sit.  Do all of these things all week long, and you will feel better on Friday this week than you did last week, guaranteed.  If you don’t feel better, ask your supervisor for some help.  A good boss needs healthy, happy, and productive employees...they would be happy to help.

Our February Forum speaker will be Dr. Gerald Pumphrey President of South Puget Sound Community College. He will be talking about education. I would like to personally thank Dr. Pumphrey for his many years of service in education and for his wonderful contribution to our community.

Throughout the year, the Lacey Chamber of Commerce holds many events that allow you the opportunity to network with your fellow members. For example, the monthly Forum; Lacey B.A.N.G., which has become a growing opportunity to get to know other businesses; and our traditional 5:01 Surge is an exciting occasion to present your business to a host of people. These events alone give you great opportunities to learn about new areas to expand your business. Another area the Chamber is involved with that helps our member businesses connect is through our community involvement.

There are many annual or biennial events put on by several organizations along with the Chamber that help make Lacey a better place to live, work, play, and invest.

Lacey Loves to Read. This February annual event combines the resources of Lacey Parks, North Thurston School District, Lacey Timberland Library, and the Chamber to bring acclaimed authors to Lacey. This allows our students to meet with and learn from these authors to help solidify the importance of reading as a part of life. Chamber members donate $25 or more toward baskets that are given away via a free raffle during the community event on the final day of Lacey Loves to Read. Donors are recognized as the baskets are given away.

Lacey Spring Fun Fair. This free two-day family event is held in May at St. Martin’s University and brings together nearly every youth and youth-oriented organization to provide education, entertainment, and fun for families. Chamber members volunteer at the Chamber booth where we traditionally provide materials for kids to make special cards for Father’s Day.

Fireworks. Last year the City of Lacey and the Lacey Chamber of Commerce partnered to keep the fireworks display alive for the residents of Lacey. This 45-year tradition was in danger of being lost when some of the large retailers at South Sound Center had the annual 3^rd of July display removed as part of their operating agreement. This new display at Bush Park brought the celebration of our independence closer to where people live and the business community really stepped up to cover the cost of the show. The Chamber looks to raise $20,000 each year to pay for this great inspirational event. Donors are recognized in posters and radio ads.

Air Force Air Rodeo. This biennial event pits the air crews of McChord Field against the best from around the world in an international competition focusing on readiness. The competition features airdrops, aerial refueling, and other events that showcase the unique and wide-ranging capabilities of military security forces, and aerial port, maintenance and aeromedical evacuation personnel. To help the Chamber reach our goal of $4,000 to fund the kickoff event—a “home team” BBQ—Chamber members are asked to donate $200 each.

Summer’s End Car Show. This September event turns the area around Huntamer Park into the largest car show in the South Sound. Upwards of 400 cars are on display and Lacey Chamber members can sponsor the category of their choice for only $50 each. This event draws thousands of car enthusiasts every year to celebrate the skill and craftsmanship shown in these amazing automobiles.

Shredfest. This event takes place every August and allows individuals from around the region a safe and secure place to destroy their sensitive documents. Columbia Bank Lacey Branch and the Lacey Chamber of Commerce bring a mobile shredder truck to destroy those old bank statements, checks, bills, and more.

As you can see, the Lacey Chamber of Commerce is much more than great networking. We continually look for ways to help the business community give back to the community as a whole. Please keep these events in mind as you are planning this year and where your contributions and donations will be made. This is another opportunity for you to Think Chamber First!

WOW!! The WildCard Scramble – SO much fun!  Thirty-three Seahawks’ fans piled into two buses provided by Lucky Eagle.  After meeting at the Chamber office and receiving our D Zines welcome bags complete with pink and silver cowbells, we all got into a bus to our first destination—Pints & Quarts. We were served drinks of our choice, and Pints & Quarts treated us to a delicious, warm cheese-and-bacon-stuffed French roll—all while watching football.  Leaving there, we were taken to the “city of New York” at Native New Yorker.  We were given our choice of any of the chicken wings on their menu, fixed just the way we liked it, and, of course, we had more drinks and watched football.  By now, the ride to each place seemed to be getting louder and more exciting with cowbells ringing galore!  Each bus trip included football trivia, tailored to each person’s level of football knowledge, and drawings for prizes.  Every person walked away a winner!  Next, we arrived at FireCreek Grill and Ale House and, again, drinks were ordered, pizza was served to all of the scramble attendees and, oh yeah, we watched football.  Our final destination was Hawks Prairie Restaurant where they served us a variety of appetizers.  A final round of drawings and a lightening round of trivia took place with the football aficionados taking home lots of prizes.  And, as you might guess by now, there was more football to watch.

We are grateful to all of our hosts for their generosity and hope that Chamber members will continue to support them.

The Lacey Chamber of Commerce kicked off 2013 with a great luncheon with an engaging and fun speaker, Brad Worthley.  Guests gathered for the first work day of the New Year to learn how they can coach their employees to be productive and feel confident in their communication in the workplace.

The Forum began in a special way for Executive Director Tony Salas, because his son and new Marine Corps Recruit, Andy Salas, led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. Next, it was an all past-president sponsored event with Jerry Farmer of 94.5 ROXY taking the stage as the media sponsor and Andrew Barkis of Hometown Property Management as the Forum sponsor.  Jerry spoke about the power of radio and how 94.5 ROXY is an effective tool that should be in everyone’s advertising repertoire.  Each attendee even walked away with a ROXY balloon, not to inflate of course but to make noise with just as radio advertisement “makes noise.”  Andrew shared with the Forum attendees a little bit about how he became a co-owner of Hometown Property Management, with Dani Anderson, and what types of services their company provides.  He was very happy to share that the welcome packet they give to each new homeowner comes complete with the Lacey Chamber of Commerce Community Resource Guide in order to spread the Think Chamber First culture throughout the community.

When our sponsors concluded, it was time for Brad Worthley to take the lectern.  He started by talking about the difference between coaching and teaching and how coaching is continuous and consistent. So, instead of telling employees what they should do, by teaching, they self-discover why they should do it.  Coaching is also an ongoing partnership that accelerates learning, performance, and progress in a person’s personal and professional life and helps facilitate employees to get into action.  He spoke about how coaching is an ongoing effort and shared how to avoid the pitfalls that occur when coaching, some situations when coaching will not work, and how a coach’s duty is to be truthful.  Mr. Worthley wrapped up by offering the Lacey Chamber members opportunities to speak with him on a one-on-one basis after the program as well as purchase his critically acclaimed books and lecture series.  This was a very informative and valuable Forum in which members walked away empowered to have effective communication and coaching as they head into 2013.

Thank you to our sponsors and attendees for making the 1^st Annual WildCard Scramble a huge success!  Every person walked away with full bellies, multiple prizes and great memories!  We can’t wait to start planning for 2014!

Presenting Sponsor: Lucky Eagle Casino

Sponsors: D Zines: Creative Solutions & Graphic Designs and Sign-A-Rama, Olympia

Food Provided by: Pints & Quarts, Native New Yorker, FireCreek Grill & Ale House, and Hawks Prairie Restaurant

Thank you to our donors: Kluh Jewelers, Hand & Stone, Copper Creek Coffee, Imagine Real Estate, D Zines, Northwest Harley Davidson, Greater Olympia Dixieland Jazz Festival, Dirty Dave's Pizza, Stottle Winery, Madsen Cellars, Beau Legs Fish & Chips, Precision Time Direct, and Mac-N-More!