by Michael Cade, Executive Director, Thurston Economic Development Council Thurston County: A Beacon of Economic Success Supported by National Recognition In an era where economic prowess defines the trajectory of communities, Thurston County emerges as a beacon of success, validated not just by local sentiment but by esteemed national research. National economic researchers have [...]
Within the last two months, Thurston County has registered significantly high in national rankings – Chmura Economics rated our county as number 2 for economic strength & prime workforce rankings; shortly after, the Milken Institute ranked our county as number 9 for sustainable growth & resilience. These rankings are very gratifying – compared to and [...]
Celebrate National Entrepreneurship Week by immersing yourself in the inspiring story of the Pogue Family, proud owners of Offut Lake Resort and the cherished Lady of the Lake restaurant. Nestled in the serene countryside just outside Tumwater & Olympia, this hidden gem offers much more than stunning views and cozy cabins. Join Becky, Tom, and [...]
Photos courtesy of David Bulindah. Top left: Irene and David Buhlindah. Upper right: Ricky, a resident, David, and Yelm Mayor Joe DePinto. Adult family homes do more than provide medical services. As the name suggests, they are a place to call home for people who, according to the Adult Family Home Council of [...]
Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater Metropolitan Statistical Area has Secured #2 Spot for Economic Strength In a recent study by Chmura Analytics, a leading national economic research firm, the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater Metropolitan Statistical Area has secured the impressive #2 spot for economic strength in the entire United States! A Transformative Shift: Thurston County's Economic Evolution Over the last 20 [...]
Sam’s Janitorial is a True Family Legacy These days it’s rare to find true family businesses going strong, much less one with more than three decades of industry experience. For Sam’s Janitorial LLC, both are true, and the company is excited about all 2024 will bring. Thanks to help from the Thurston EDC and [...]
Healthy Diet and Nutrition that’s True For You Let’s face it: Americans love to eat. We have favorite meals, restaurants, kitchen gadgets, televised cooking shows, and even make celebrities of today’s hottest chefs. But what we don’t always have is the healthiest relationship with food. Locally, Intuitive Eating Coach and registered dietitian Cathy Visser [...]
There’s a cyclical balance to success. We face a new challenge, reach out for help and advice, succeed, and then offer our experience to the next generation. The Thurston EDC’s Center for Business & Innovation is a startup training, resources, growth, support, and expansion hub. They pair entrepreneurs with mentors, programs, and networking opportunities [...]
Celebrating 75 Years by the Campfire: The Enduring Legacy of Black Lake Bible Camp Going to camp—whether for a summer, over school holidays, or just spending weekends under the stars—is a tremendous experience. Jumping off a dock into the lake, meals around scuffed picnic tables and warm lodge bunkbeds, staying up late, singing songs, [...]
Jay’s Tactics + APEX Keep Northwest Soldiers on their Toes On the left, we have Jason Palacios, a former US Army Soldier who now offers Jiu Jitsu training to the Army Special Forces soldiers at JBLM. Photo courtesy of Jason Palacios. We’ve all seen movies where the camo-clad drill instructor barks commands [...]
