VOICE Articles
2022 Legislative Session Concludes with Major Regional Investments
by Doug Mah, Doug Mah & Associates, Thurston Chamber Public Policy Director On Thursday, March 10, 2022, the Washington State Legislature conclude their 60-day session. The end of the “short” or mid-biennium session brought significant investments to address Interstate-5 and chronic homelessness – both high priority items for the Thurston Chamber of Commerce and the…
The Chehalis Tribes Bold Business Moves Create Jobs and Opportunities in South Thurston County
by Heidi Smith • Photos by Nate Burgher, courtesy of the Thurston EDC It’s March of 2022 and Chehalis Tribal Enterprises (CTE) CEO David Burnett has just heard some good news. As of this month, all Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants in Western Washington will be offering Talking Cedar beer, a product of the brewing arm…
Earth Homes: Re-Defining What We Call Home
by Jerica Pender In an event of happenstance that would profoundly alter the trajectory of his life, Aaron Sauerhoff, CEO and Founder of Earth Homes LLC, found himself in the midst of a million-person-strong climate march in the center of New York City. He says that this event was the catalyst for what would become…
Building Olympia’s Backyard at West Bay Yards
by Kathryn Millhorn Take a scenic drive through Thurston County and you’ll notice its gorgeous scenery, thriving waterfront, and new development popping up all over. With our region’s expansion and growth comes the need for additional housing and what could be better than blending all the finer things into one. Which is exactly what they’re…
A Hands-On Approach at Sensory Tool House
by Kathryn Millhorn • Photos by Heather Harris, Elements Photography Globally, it’s estimated that 30 to 40% of people are neurodiverse. Though the term itself was coined in the 1990’s, it’s not a new concept. Just as no two people are the same, we don’t all interact with the world in the same way. If…
The Nisqually Tribe’s Remarkable Journey to Economic Sovereignty
by Heidi Smith • Images courtesy of KMB Architects In the decades since the early 1990s, the Nisqually Indian Tribe has transformed itself into a robust economic presence, generating hundreds of regional jobs and contributing millions to local organizations through their charitable giving. By any standard, it’s an outstanding achievement. When you consider that Medicine…
Inspired Burgers, Frozen Custard & Regional Memorabilia …All on the Same Block!
by Jerica Pender Just 58 steps are all it takes to get from Cascadia Grill, a hip brasserie in downtown Olympia, to JuJu’s Iced Cream & Frozen Custard, a neo-vintage frozen treat shop. Both are owned by husband and wife team, Jef Dukes and Julie Guarino, restaurateurs who know a thing or two about great…
COVID Amplifies the Child Care Crisis
by Kathryn Millhorn We seem to be operating in crisis mode 24/7 these days. But even before the pandemic, there was a wave building threatening to swamp employers and employees alike: the childcare crisis. Finding safe, reliable, affordable and available childcare costs families time and money. Local civic leaders are working tirelessly to address this…