Thurston Economic Vitality Index – Summer 2023
Given the rapid changes to consumer demand, interest rates and inflation that the nation has experienced over the last two years, we continue to be impressed with the resiliency shown by our local economy in adapting to those changes. Thurston County continues to benefit from a diversified private sector employment base and a foundational public…
August 7, 2023
Lacey business and non-profit win “Economic Courage” award
On July 26, the Thurston Economic Development Council (EDC) held an old-fashioned BBQ & Hootenanny! That’s right – delicious food, drinks, hay bales, a Cornhole Tournament, Bluegrass music from Runaway Train, and hippity-hop races featuring local celebrities. They also gave out awards to organizations that have shown ‘Economic Courage’ including fortitude, perseverance and success in…
July 28, 2023
Lacey Announced New City Manager
The Lacey City Council officially selected Rick Walk as the new City Manager during the Regular City Council meeting on July 6, 2023. The vote was unanimous to appoint Walk as the fifth City Manager of Lacey since 1974. Walk served as Interim City Manager since December 2022. Read More
July 7, 2023
It’s Almost Grillin’ Time at the South Sound BBQ Festival
On July 8, the Lacey South Sound Chamber hosts this year’s South Sound BBQ Festival and there’s still plenty of time to sign up as participant or vendor. Read More
June 7, 2023
Small Budget Film Production Grant Now Open
Are you an emerging filmmaker looking to fund your next project? The Washington Filmworks are investing in the future of local visionaries with a new grant for projects with budgets between $20K-1M. This program is designed to support emerging Washington filmmakers with early stage funding commitments and funding assistance. Most types of motion picture content…
May 24, 2023
North Thurston High School Musicians Build Global Friendships in Mińsk Mazowiecki, Lacey’s Sister City in Poland
Mińsk Mazowiecki is located near the Polish capital of Warsaw and is to be distinguished from the Belarusian capital of Minsk. The Lacey students’ memorable trip was arranged through the cooperative efforts of many, including Johnson, the North Thurston High School Band Parent Association and the office of Mińsk Mazowiecki Mayor Marcin Jakubowski. Read More
May 23, 2023
Application Open for C-PACER Loan
Commercial Property Clean Energy & Resiliency (C-PACER) Program is a voluntary loan program that allows eligible commercial property owners in Thurston County to obtain long-term financing for energy efficiency, renewable energy, water efficiency, and building resiliency improvements. Read More
March 20, 2023
Shared Space in Lacey is Supporting Mental Health Professionals
Sharon Shadwell, LMHC, and her spouse Matt Horner, MA, co-founded The Practice NW and opened their doors in November 2022 with a goal of making all spaces “healing-centered in design.” Their office welcomes mental health and wellness practitioners of all kinds. Read More
February 9, 2023
New Minimum Wage, starting in 2023
Effective January 1st 2023, the new minimum wage has been increased to $15.74 per hour for any workers 16 and older. Link for more. They include: minimum wage and minimum salary for overtime-exempt employees are increasing; agricultural overtime eligibility is expanding; rideshare drivers are gaining access to minimum trip pay and other rights; and job-seekers…
January 9, 2023
Working WA Grants for Small Businesses
The Washington State Legislature has allocated a new round of grant funding for small businesses affected by the pandemic. $70 million was appropriated by the legislature for the next round of Working Washington Grants: Round 5. Read More
August 23, 2022