Building a Greener Future: Ashley Stallworth and the Minority Hemp Builders Association  “Our state doesn’t lack products; it lacks inclusion." - Ashley Stallworth  Ashley Stallworth, a passionate advocate for sustainable construction and inclusion, recently shared insights into his work with the Minority Hemp Builders Association (MHBA). He provided a glimpse into the organization’s mission, [...]

Embracing Hemp Innovation for Construction The future of construction holds immense potential for driving our community forward, particularly from a perspective of innovation and economic growth. At the Thurston Economic Development Council and Center for Business & Innovation (CBI), we are committed to fostering an environment where new ideas can flourish, and nowhere is [...]

Thurston County’s economy is built upon several factors – each interconnected, resulting in a region with an inclusive, dynamic, and resilient economy. One of the critical factors is workforce. While there are any number of elements inferred by this, it is incumbent upon any economic development strategy to work to ensure that our community’s [...]

Innovation at the Core: Thriving Business Landscape in Thurston County Innovation can be defined as the process of bringing about new ideas, methods, products, services, or solutions that have a significant positive impact and value. Our Center for Business & Innovation has worked with over 2,500 businesses during the past year, assisted [...]

A Tail of Growth: Ruff Day Vet+ Pet Gym’s ScaleUp Experience In late 2019, Dr. Heather Misener and Adam Yoshida founded Ruff Day Vet + Pet Gym, a veterinary practice emphasizing holistic pet care and a comforting, home-like clinic environment. They incorporate a variety of non-traditional therapies, including exercise, shockwave therapy, and electromagnetic field [...]

Fostering an Inclusive Environment Where Everyone Can Thrive by Michael Cade As we commemorate Juneteenth, a significant milestone in our nation's history, we are reminded of the ongoing journey toward economic equity and justice. This context underlines the importance of our commitment at the Thurston EDC and [...]

Celebrating the Legacy of Fathers and Multi-Generational Businesses in Thurston County As Father's Day approaches, I reflect on the legacy of families in our region. Thurston County's economy is bolstered by multi-generational businesses that provide stability and continuity. Notable examples include Sunset Air (Fluetsch family), Harbor Foods (Erickson family), The Rants Group (Rants family), [...]

Happy INSPIRE Day! With over 200 attendees expected and 14 dynamic women speakers lined up, this event is set to be a motivating and enriching experience for all. This year we are featuring 12 silent auction items, totaling over $4,000 in value—created or donated by local businesses in Thurston County. Check them out below: [...]