Thurston County Chamber

09/04/2026

After a seven-year absence, the beloved LoveOly Jinglebell Parade is returning to Downtown Olympia on Sunday, November 29, 2026, as part of Downtown for the Holidays, a month-long celebration of the holiday season.

After a seven-year absence, the beloved LoveOly Jinglebell Parade is returning to Downtown Olympia on Sunday, November 29, 2026, as part of Downtown for the Holidays, a month-long celebration of the holiday season.
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09/04/2026

09/04/2026

The Thurston County Chamber stands with Mayor Payne. Our community has no place for violence and vandalism.

Read Mayor Payne's statement here: https://mailchi.mp/olympiawa.gov/a-statement-from-mayor-dontae-payne?e=896b44de64

09/03/2026

What can your organization learn about workforce strategy from a burger restaurant? More than you might think.

We’re excited to welcome Jasmine Donovan, President and CEO of Dick’s Drive-In Restaurants, as closing keynote speaker at the 2026 Future of Work Summit.

Dick’s has built a reputation for investing in the people who power its success through wages, healthcare, childcare support, scholarships and advancement opportunities.

At the Summit, Jasmine will challenge employers to think beyond recruitment and ask a bigger question:

How do we become the kind of employer people want to stay with?

Join us October 14 at Saint Martin’s University.

🎟️ Register: https://members.thurstonchamber.com/ap/Events/Register/oXF9EmyT6C2CB

09/02/2026

If your business is growing but you're not sure your health benefits are keeping up, Olympic Benefits Trust (OBT) might be worth a look.

It's an association health plan open to Washington-headquartered companies with 2 or more enrolling employees, with coverage through carriers you know and trust: Kaiser Permanente, Delta Dental, and VSP.

Please contact [email protected]. Or call 360.357.3362

More information can also be found here: https://www.tbsmga.com/washington/obt

09/01/2026

After more than 28 years of extraordinary service to the Thurston County Chamber and our community, President and CEO David Schaffert will conclude his tenure with the Chamber at the end of 2026.

David has led the Chamber since August 1998, helping the organization grow and evolve while remaining focused on its mission of building a prosperous economy and vibrant community.

During his tenure, the Chamber has strengthened its role as a convener, advocate and community partner, bringing together businesses, educators, workforce leaders and organizations from across Thurston County and the South Sound.

“It’s been a privilege to have served in the capacity that I have with the Chamber,” David said. “Its legacy of 152 years of developing our community is remarkable, and to have been a small part of that history is humbling.”

The Chamber Board has begun a thoughtful process to select the organization’s next President and CEO, with the transition expected to be completed by the end of the year.

There will be much more to say—and celebrate—about David’s remarkable 28 years of leadership in the months ahead. For today, we invite you to read the full announcement on our blog.

https://thurstonchamber.com/thurston-county-chamber-announces-ceo-transition/

08/31/2026

The Quality of Life Index isn’t just about grades. It’s about starting conversations.

By tracking resident perceptions year after year, the Thurston County Chamber hopes to provide a community resource that helps employers, community leaders, policymakers and residents better understand where we are — and where greater attention may be needed.

Some findings reinforce what we already know. Others raise new questions.
Together, they give our community a shared set of data we can use to discuss priorities, measure progress and help shape Thurston County’s future.

We encourage you to explore the complete 2026 Quality of Life Index and join the conversation.

View the full report:
https://thurstonchamber.com/quality-of-life-index/

08/28/2026

Work has changed. Has your organization?

Technology is reshaping jobs. Experienced workers are retiring. Employee expectations are changing. And employers across our region are rethinking how they attract, retain and develop talent.

The 2026 Future of Work Summit will bring business, education, workforce and community leaders together to explore what’s changing—and what employers can do about it.

Work, Redefined: Building a Workforce in a World That Keeps Changing

📅 Wednesday, October 14
🕣 8:30 am–1:30 pm
📍 Saint Martin’s University
🎟️ Tickets: $85

Learn more and register: https://members.thurstonchamber.com/ap/Events/Register/oXF9EmyT6C2CB

08/28/2026

Who participated in the 2026 Quality of Life Index?

The annual survey was designed, administered and analyzed by Elway Research.
In June, 500 Thurston County residents, randomly selected from a list of registered voters, participated by telephone and online.

Respondents were asked to grade a range of local government services and community attributes using familiar letter grades — much like those used in school.

Conducting the survey annually allows us to compare results over time, identify meaningful shifts and better understand how residents experience life in Thurston County.

Learn more about the methodology and findings:
https://thurstonchamber.com/quality-of-life-index/