Thurston EDC Awards Economic Courage Medals at Hootenanny
On Thursday, July 25, the Thurston Economic Development Council (EDC) held an old-fashioned BBQ & Hootenanny! That’s right – delicious food, drinks, music from Briarfinch, and hippity-hop races featuring local celebrities. In addition to a lot of fun and games, the community honored four organizations with Economic Courage Awards.
“Since the 1980s, the Thurston EDC has recognized excellence among our region’s employers, celebrating the grit, resiliency, and innovation that drive our community forward. This year’s Economic Courage Awards honor Ember Goods, Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel, Humble Cow, and Autism Acres for their exceptional contributions to our local economy,” Michael Cade, Thurston EDC’s Executive Director.
Congrats to all the 2024 Economic Courage Award winners! Your creativity, grit, resilience, and innovation make our community thrive!
AUTISM ACRES – NONPROFIT
Autism Acres, founded by Allan and Sarah, is a sanctuary for families with autism, offering acceptance and support on their 5-acre farm. Their journey through military life and raising three boys with autism inspired this haven. Celebrating the Economic Courage Nonprofit Award, their dedication and resilience have made Autism Acres a vital community resource.
HUMBLE COW ICE CREAM – NEW BUSINESS
Humble Cow Ice Cream, founded by Meegan and supported by her friend Dyan, is a community hub in Thurston County. Transitioning from school counseling, Meegan created a welcoming ice cream shop that offers more than treats. Celebrating their New Business Economic Courage award, they provide a space for celebrations, jobs, and local partnerships.
EMBER GOODS LLC – SMALL BUSINESS
Ember Goods, co-founded by Logan & Bonita Smith and Nick & Jessica Terrel, blends a coffee shop with a retail space in Downtown Olympia. Since 2021, they have supported local organizations and fostered a sense of community. As a symbol of economic courage, Ember Goods collaborates with other businesses, including Humble Cow Ice Cream.
LUCKY EAGLE CASINO & HOTEL – LARGE BUSINESS
Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel, owned by The Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, is a community pillar. The Chehalis Tribe advances through business, education, healthcare, and outreach services. Known for their steadfast support, they lead and contribute to regional projects. Celebrating their achievements, they embody community service and economic strength.
Congratulations to the 2024 Economic Courage Award Nominees:
- All Around Towne Photography
- Autism Acres
- Capital City Pride
- CTE Creative Theater Experience
- Eastside Big Toms
- Eat Drink and See Oly
- Ember Goods LLC
- Entanglement Foundation
- Enterprise for Equity
- Equal Latin Restaurant LLC
- FAME Beauty studio
- Firefly Yoga
- Hope and Healing Clinic
- Humble Cow Ice Cream
- Kawaii Donut House
- LoveOly Painters (Olympia Downtown Alliance)
- Lucky Eagle Hotel & Casino
- Northwest Chestnuts
- Nurture Hope
- Octapas Restaurant
- Olyphant Art Supplies
- Orca Books Co-op!
- Red Lantern Asian Fusion
- Salt Hair Lounge
- Sensory Tool House, LLC
- Streets of Singapore
- Summit Farms
- The Archetype Foundation
- The Dream Hair Salon
- Thurston Community Media