Today Gov. Jay Inslee signed into law HB 2421, which fully funds state elections. The Washington State House and Senate voted almost unanimously to fully fund elections in Washington State by passing HB 2421. The bill corrects a decades-long system in which local governments paid for their own elections, but counties paid the state’s share…
by Alison Bailey Businesses and organizations of all sizes, across industries of all kinds, are changing how they operate because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing guidelines from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) now strongly recommend restrictions to the number of people who can occupy the same physical space. Countless organizations structure their operations…
Community Resilience by Natasha Ashenhurst • Photography by Heather Harris, Elements Photography In the third week of March 2020, I sat down with Michael Cade, Executive Director of the Thurston Economic Development Council, Shauna Stewart, CEO of Experience Olympia & Beyond and David Schaffert, President & CEO of the Thurston County Chamber to talk about…
Business and Community Resources Information for Workers & Employers Attention If you represent a business seeking immediate technical support, please call the Thurston Economic Development Council’s BUSINESS HOTLINE. Professional business counselors and support staff are available to help identify resources, complete forms and provide other guidance as necessary. BUSINESS HOTLINE (360) 754-6320. For additional…
The Thurston County COVID-19 Response Fund: Seniors & Low-Income Parents Are Fund’s First Recipients by Alison Bailey As our community continues to confront the COVID-19 pandemic, two organizations have come together to create the Thurston County COVID-19 Response Fund in support of vital nonprofits and vulnerable families. United Way of Thurston County (UWTC) and Community…
by Doria Maselli Right now, the demand for employment support services is increasing dramatically – with many people losing their jobs, while at the same time other industries needing to ramp up their staff to meet demand. In light of this, there is a profound need to rethink and retool how economic and employment support…