Thurston County’s Economic Shift & the Future of Agriculture: Inside the New Innovation Park
By Michael Cade, Executive Director, Thurston EDC
Over the past two decades, Thurston County’s economy has undergone a quiet but powerful transformation. Once primarily known as a government-driven economy—thanks to Olympia’s status as the state capital and the regional impact of Joint Base Lewis-McChord—we’ve seen a steady rise in private sector leadership and economic diversification.
Following the Great Recession, private sector job growth began to outpace the public sector significantly. Between 2010 and 2020, the private sector grew at an average annual rate of 11%, compared to just 3% in the public sector. This shift reflects a broader strategy: building a resilient, opportunity-rich economy powered by local businesses and regional innovation.
Today, our economy is anchored by six major sectors:
- Life Sciences & Healthcare
- IT & Telecommunications
- Arts & Culture
- Tourism & Recreation
- Professional & Administrative Services
- Agriculture & Food Manufacturing
Each of these sectors plays a critical role in shaping our region’s future—but agriculture in particular holds deep roots in Thurston County’s identity and significant untapped potential.
That’s why we’re especially proud of the opening of the Agriculture Business & Innovation Park in Tenino this spring. This project is the result of years of intentional planning and collaboration—driven by the City of Tenino, state and county government, private partners, and our own team at the Thurston EDC and Center for Business & Innovation.
The Park was designed to serve as a catalyst for the region’s agriculture economy. It’s more than a business park—it’s a place where production, processing, agritourism, and entrepreneurship come together. Built to address critical gaps in local processing and distribution infrastructure, the Park is helping regional producers scale up and reach new markets.
The economic impact is significant. Agriculture and food manufacturing contribute approximately $223.9 million in commodity value within Thurston County, and when you include neighboring counties like Lewis, Pacific, Mason, and Grays Harbor, that number rises to more than $785 million. The Park is a key tool in helping us grow that impact even further.
Initial tenants reflect the diversity and energy of our food economy:
- Stone City Event Center
- Simply Organic Café & Catering
- Hot Babe Hot Sauce
- Gondola Ventures
- Colvin Ranch Provisions
- Dragonwheel Investment Group
- STEDI (South Thurston Economic Development Initiative) Office
Looking ahead, future development phases will focus on supporting meat processing, crop innovation, and value-added product development. These investments are designed to build regional-scale supply chains and increase the viability and sustainability of our agricultural businesses.
The Park is a physical expression of the kind of economic development we strive for at the Thurston EDC—strategic, collaborative, and built to last. It’s one of many ways we’re working to create a dynamic economy that reflects the values, talents, and potential of our community.
Want to learn more about the Agriculture Innovation Park or get involved? Contact us or learn more here →